I I THE SMALL SYSTEMS JOURNAL MULTIPROCESSING MAY 1985 VOL.10, NO. 5 $3.50 IN UNITED STATES $4.25 IN CANADA / £2.10 IN U.K. A McGRAW-HILL PUBLICATION 0360-5280 THE AT&T UNIX PC These are some oi inTheMac Microsoft -Word Word Processing Program Fot Allele* Macintosh* MICROSOFT Murnsnfi' Win/ hilljealure word processor hr memos /lersoiuilized/irm letters. Mies npnris or anvprrifi ssit tnal dt k umenl PROGRAM DISK APPLE MACINTOSH Thii\kTai\k_ *j£± The First V ▼ Idea Processor Copyright 1984 Living Videoiexi. Inc All nghit remvcd H'uihTiiiih SI 2. Aii Hai processor to nrgaiia "" mimage details, outline ideas andsupport decisions Dow Jones Straight Talk " - Mai intoshC imputei CBAI374^ I itui lima Straight Talk" Get up In Ik' minute iHJiimiatioii jor informed business decisions on stocks, Ixmiis iiiiil oiiiiiiim/ities. ■r ■■ uaoso ^^M Vit*«P. Inc ^^^ An MSA Cofiurn Ifeaiitree Software 'Macintosh™ Ve'Mon Number 1 .00 'Macintosh is a trademark Ik enter) lo Apple Computer, Inc ■ 1 Hack to Basks' Manage \our hooks uilhaftdl feature general ledger system fir small business MacProject \1acProfect~ Create complex 'critical patb flat 'charts for production schedules, timelines ami managing prr/jeds Microsoft. File '. I'liilli ■ in. iiiliiv i inl Fo' ADClfsWacimoshi, MICROSOFT Eft* report r. vjii.i .. •■ ... rp ■' ,)■ rODlMa I'h" Report Prepare irnvntory reports, price lists, salary mid payroll analyses mill ■xdes r, pt irts Microsoft. Multiplan. Electronic Worksheet Program For Ajjple; Macintosh. MICROSOFT Microsoft ' Multiplan' Electronic spreadsheet hr budget fiirecasting. business planning mid what i) analysis. I (iiir\ I /:" iihih :t tales truck imvntory. update customer lists mid monitor accounts receivable. he hairiest workers ltosh Office MaeTerminal -L. m ! 1 ■l'<. laaermmar Talk. In mainframes via 'SITU emulation, as well its information services and other computers. Lotus~jazzr~ Integrated word processing, business graphics, database management, data communications and worksheet Microsoft Chart MICROSOFT* PFX': File. Store and retrieve mailing MS client records, collections, schedules and inventories Microsoft*' Chart -i2 different charts and graphs fir presentations, sales reports and transparencies. tgajj^ff Helix Program Disk for Macintosh 12SK.512 Lisa with MacWorks Theyre fast. They're dependable. And they seldom, if ever, complain. We're talking, of course, about all the powerful business software that works in The Macintosh™Office. Our family of integrated office products that, we believe, will revolutionize the way business does business. And apparently, more than a few people agree with us. Leading software devel- opers have already written more than 350 programs for The Macintosh Q~~ Office. And Ulcie ale IlUIl" just as Macintosh milk's individuals HrpHs of nthprs mamprvductive, The uicuo ui uuigib Macintosh Office increases productivity on the way f* myrk s ri)u P s °fs *> & But more impressive than the sheer number of programs for The Macintosh Office, is the sheer ease with which you can use them. Thanks to Macintosh's windows, icons, pull-down menus and mouse tech- nology, every Macintosh program works the same way. Learn one, and you've learned them all. Which means you'll have a lot more time to do the one thing you've probably been too busy to do: Your job. Filet isioti \ murine market trends, organize and track sales and present data in pictures. Odesta Helix" A relational database and decision support system for tracking information, resources and ideas. 'Available Spring 1985. © 1985 Apple Computer, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo. Macl'rojecl and MaeTerminal are trademarks ofApple Com puter, Inc. Macintosh is a trademark licensed to Apple Computer. Inc. For an authorized Apple dealer nearest you call (800) 538-9696. In Canada, call (800) 268-7796 or (800)268-7637. CONTENT 96 JL BB %*. 168 FEATURES llNTRODUCTION 96 The AT&T UNIX PC by Gregg Williams 98 AT&T integrates computer and telephone and civilizes UNIX for under S6000. Ciarcias Circuit Cellar: Build the Home Run Control System, Part 2: The Hardware by Steve Ciarcia 108 Steve gets into the nuts and bolts of his new control system. Set Extensions with Apple Pascal bg Alfred L. Schumer 128 Expand your set capabilities with the Supersets program. Build a Talking Clock Speech Synthesizer by Ernest H Piette 143 Have your Commodore 64. VIC-20. or TRS-80 audibly announce the time. Smalltalk Comes to the Microcomputer World by Bruce Webster 151 Three articles focus on this object-oriented language. Methods: A Preliminary Look by Bruce Webster and lorn Yonkman 152 Methods attempts to recreate the Smalltalk development environment on the IBM PC and compatibles. Smalltalk-PC bg Christopher Made 155 You can run Smalltalk on such systems as the Apple II and the IBM PC. The Smalltalk Programming Language by \im Anderson and Bang Fishman 160 This article presents a brief introduction to object-oriented programming. THEMES Introduction 168 Multiprocessing: An Overview by Rich Krajewski 171 One word covers a variety of techniques for increasing computing speed. Extending Microprocessor Architectures by Gary D. Beak 185 Extended-processing units can significantly broaden instruction sets. Applying Data Flow in the Real World by William Gerhard Paseman 201 This model for parallel processing is finding its way into commercial applications. The Transputer by Paul Walker 219 A small computer can serve as a building block for parallel processing. Data-Movement Primitives by J. Eric Roskos and Ching-Dong Hsieh 239 The authors describe a low-cost, innovative technique for sharing memory. REVIEWS Introduction 256 Reviewers Notebook by Glenn Hartwig 259 The Compaq Deskpro by \erry Grady 260 Four models offer "99.9 percent" IBM PC compatibility. IBM PC AT by Man Finger 270 This PC is geared toward business applications. True BASIC by G. Michael Vose 279 BASIC'S originators try to bring structure to the realm of "spaghetti code." BYTE I ISSN 0360-52001 Is published monthly with one extra issue per year by McGraw-Hill Inc Founder lames H McCraw [1860-1948) Executive, editorial, circulation, and advertising offices 70 Main St. Peterborough. NH 03458. phone |603| 924-9281 Office hours Mon-Thur 8 30 AM - 4.30 PM. Friday 8 30 AM - 1:00 PM, Eastern Time Address subscriptions to BYTE Subscriptions. POB 590. Martinsville. Nl 08836 Postmaster: send address changes. USPS Form 3579 undeliverable copies, and fulfillment questions to BYTE Subscriptions. POB 596. Martinsville. 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Review Feedback 299 Readers respond to previous reviews. KERNEL Introduction 305 Computing at Chaos Manor: In Search of the Perfect Product by \erry Pournelle 307 Chaos Manor awards are handed out. and lerry discusses a new type of micro. Chaos Manor Mail conducted by lerry Pournelle 347 lerry's readers write, and he replies. BYTE Japan: Megabits and Gigaflops by William M Raike 355 This month Bill looks at IBM lapan's 1-megabit RAM chips and new personal computers from NEC and Fujitsu. BYTE West Coast: Homebrew Chips by lohn Markoff. Phillip Robinson, and Donna Osgood 363 Our West Coast editors describe MOSIS and much more. BYTE U.K.: Parallel Processing by Dick Pountain 385 From London. Dick introduces a machine called ALICE that uses parallel processors and executes a higher-order applicative language called Hope. Computers and Law: The Sale of Computer Products by Robert Greene Sterne and Perry |. Saidman 399 Two attorneys look at the legal aspects of buying and selling computers. Mathematical Recreations: An Exercise in BASIC Bitwise Logic Operation by Robert T Kurosaka 417 The ancient game of Nim helps teach the use of logical operators. Circuit Cellar Feedback conducted by Steve Ciarcia 424 Steve answers project-related queries from readers. Programming Insight: 0.8660254 = vf/2 by Dan Sandberg 429 This program lets you easily find the fractional equivalent of a decimal Programming Insight: Computing Pi by David I. Crawford 433 Approximate the decimal value of irrational numbers. Editorial. BYTE's Reader Poll Microbytes Letters Fixes and Updates 6 9 14 33 Whats New 39. 464 Ask BYTE 48 Clubs & Newsletters 58 Book Reviews 65 Event Queue 83 Books Received 442 Unclassified Ads 525 BYTE's Ongoing Monitor Box. 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Of course, we also offer a complete line of 8-bit and interface/controller products as well as the sophisticated TurboDOS™multiuser operating system. For complete networking solutions and years of experience call Inter- continental Micro today. CPZ-186- 8MHZ 80186, 2 sync or async serial I/O channels 20 parallel I/O lines, 256K RAM expandable to 1 megabyte, onboard floppy disk controller. CPS-186- 10MHZ 80186, 4 sync or async serial I/O channels, 20 parallel I/O lines, 256K RAM expandable to 1 megabyte. CPS-1BX 8MHZ 8086, 256K RAM expandable to 1 megabyte, 2 sync or async serial I/O channels, 20 parallel I/O lines. LANPC- Allows IBM PC/XTs,™ PCs or compat- ibles to integrate into TurboLAN, ARCnet™ and S-100 BUS networks. LANjr-™ Provides cost effective true multiuser PCjr™ networks with simple installation. _/ PTr„ Intercontinental Micro Systems 4015 leaverton Ct, Anaheim, Ca 92807, (714)630 0964. TELEX 821375 SUPPORT UD TurboDOS is a Trademark of Software 2,000 Inc. IBM PC, XT S PC|r are Trademarks of International Business Machines. TurboLan is a Trademark of Intercontinental Micro Systems. ARCnet is a Trademark of Datapotnt BYTE- MAY 1985 BYTE editor in chief Philip Lemmons managing editor Gene Smarte consulting editors Steve Ciarcia Ierry Pournelle senior technical editors C Michael Vose Themes Gregg Williams technical editors Thomas R Clune Ion R. Edwards Richard Grehan Glenn Hartwig. Reviews Richard Kraiewski Ken Sheldon Richard S. Shuford Jane Morrill Tazelaar Eva White Stanley Wszola Margaret Cook Gurney, Associate Alan Easton, Drafting WEST COAST EDITORS Ezra Shapiro, Bureau Chief, San Francisco Iohn Markoff, Senior Technical Editor. Palo Alto Phillip Robinson. Senior Technical Editor. Palo Alto Donna Osgood, Associate Editor San Francisco Brenda McLaughlin. Editorial Assistant, San Erancisco NEW YORK EDITOR Richard Malloy. Senior Technical Editor managing editor. electronic publishing and communications George Bond user news editor, east coast Anthony I Lockwood. What's New USER NEWS EDITOR WEST COAST Mark Welch, Micropu.es CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Dennis Allison, at large Mark Dahmke. video, operating systems Mark Haas, at large Rik Iadrnicek, CAD. graphics, spreadsheets Mark Klein, communications Alan Miller languages and engineering John C Nash, scientific computing Dick Pountain. U K William M Raike. Japan Perry Saidman, computers and law Robert Sterne, computers and law Bruce Webster, software COPY EDITORS Bud Sadler. Chief Dennis Barker Elizabeth Cooper Anne L. Fischer Nancy Hayes Lynne M. Nadeau Paula Noonan Ioan Vigneau Roy Warren Williamson assistants Peggy Dunham Martha Hicks Beverly Iackson Lisa |o Steiner ART Rosslyn A Frick. Art Director Nancy Rice. Assistant Art Director PRODUCTION David R. Anderson. Production Director Denise Chartrand Michael ). 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Credit Marie Caggiani Marilyn Haigh Diane Henry Vern Rockwell IoAnn Walter typography Sherry McCarthy, Chief Typographer Nan Fornal Len Lorette Kathy Quist Donna Sweeney building services/traffic Anthony Bennett Building Services Manager Brian Higgins Mark Monkton receptionists L Ryan McCombs Cheryl Castro Assistant Editorial and Business Office: 70 Main Street Peterborough New Hampshire 034 58 (603) 924-9281 West Coast Offices: McGraw-Hill 42 5 Battery St . San Francisco. CA 94 11 I (415) 362-4600. McGraw-Hill 1000 Elwell Court Palo Alto, CA 94303. (41 5) 964-0624 New York Office: 1221 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 |2I2| 512-2000 Officers of McGraw-Hill Information Systems Company President Richard B Miller Executive Vice Presidents Frederick P lannott. Con- struction Information Group. Russell C White, Computers and Communications Information Group: I Thomas Ryan. Marketing and Interna- tional Senior Vice Presidents Francis A Shinal, Controller. Robert C Violette, Manufacturing and Technology Senior Vice Presidents and Publishers Harry L Brown. Computers and Communications David I McGrath. Construction Group Vice President Peter B McCuen. Com- lunications Vice Presidents Fred O lensen. Planning and Development: Margaret L Dagner. Human Resources Officers of McGraw-Hill. Inc Harold W McGraw. |r . Chairman, loseph L Dionne. President and Chief Executive Officer. Robert N Landes. Executive Vice President and Secretary Ralph I Webb Vice President and Treasurer Donald L Fruehling. Executive Vice President. Publishing Operations Group: Ralph R Schulz Senior Vice President Editorial Walter D Serwatka Senior Vice President Manufacturing and Circulation Services Vice Presidents Shel F Asen Manufacturing. George R Elsinger. Circulation m 0UIUPIB0 I W ITT UNIX System V, the new standard in mui r i- user microcomputer operating systems, gives you high performance features along with the portability and flexibility of a standard. Cromemcd computers can make UNIX Syst i pi V even better. Because our systems are designed with UNIX in mind First of all, we offer UNIX System V with Berkeley enhancements. Then, our hardware uses advanced features like 64K of onboard cache memory and our high speed STDC controller to speed up disk operations-very important with UNIX Mora capability and expandability We have a high-speed, 68000-based CPU that runs at 10 MHz, coupled with a memory manager that uses demand-paging and scatter loading to work uritk UNIX, not for it. We provide room for expanding RAM to 16 megabytes -with error detection and correction-!' -r running even the most sophisticated and advanced microcomputer programs. And the power to accom- modate up to 16 users -all with plenty of memory. But we give you even more. A complete eolation We give you a choice in systems: the System 100 series, expandable up to 4 megabytes of RAM, and the System 300 series, expandable to 16 mega- bytes. A high speed 50 megabyte hard disk drive is standard on the sys- tems. And you can ex- pand the hard disk capacity up to 1200 megabytes using stan- dard SMD drives. You can add floating point processing. High resolution graphics. Video digitizing and imaging. Communications through standard protocols. Mainframe interface. And software support is here to meet your needs We off® major programming languages, data- base management systems, communications software, including SNA architecture, X25 protocol, and Ethernet; even a program to interface to an IBM PC if you need to. And, of course, access to the broad range of standar UNIX applications programs that, is growing drama ieally every day. losytooM. We also make our systems easier to use, because wt install the operating system before we ship your computer. No complicated installation pro- cedures. And the Berkeley enhancements give you the st andard UNIX System V operating system, but with the added convenience of these widely [ improvements. lemco's System 100 and System 300 be the highest performance ble anywhere, caii or visit one of our UNIX System V em Centers to see for yourself. They'll also give you a copy of our new publication, "What you should know before you buy a UNIX system." I It contact us directly We'll be glad to show you how to get a better UNIX system. Corporate Headquarters: Cromemeo, Inc., 280 Bernardo Avenue, P.O. Box 7400* Mountain View, CA 94039. (415) 969-4710. In Europe: ■.^^Sszaewasapf&HiemsSSaS^!,. Cromemeo GmbH, 6236 Eschborn 1, Frankfurter Str. 33-35, P.O. 5267, Frankfurt Main, Germany. UNIX is a trademark of Bell Laboratories. IBM is a trademark of International Business Machines Corp. Cromemeo 9 Inquiry 112 MAY 1985 'BYTE EDITORIAL BYTE'S Reader Poll Each month, several hundred BYTE readers vote in the reader poll called the BOMB (BYTE's Ongoing Monitor Box). We've done little to call atten- tion to the poll but wish to do so now to urge increased participation. We take the BOMB results seriously. Besides awarding modest prizes to the writers whose articles win the most votes, we try to interpret the BOMB results in a way that will help us develop and choose articles that win the applause of BYTE readers. Admittedly, several hundred votes from a circulation of 400.000 are neither a random sample nor a large one. We want to encourage you to vote on this month's articles to in- crease both the size and the signifi- cance of the BOMB results and to help us keep BYTE attuned to your needs. The great majority of you have never voted in the BOMB and prob- ably have never noticed the num- bered list of articles published at the back of the magazine between the Unclassified Ads and the Reader Service index. The numbers on the list identify the articles for voting purposes. The ballot itself is one page further along, on the Reader Service card. Beneath the area where you circle Reader Service numbers to obtain information about advertised products, a smaller set of numbers lets you circle numbers to rate this month's articles. The ballot asks you to rate each article as excellent, good, fair, or poor. We assign weights to all these ratings to identify the best-liked articles. Steve Ciarcia and lerry Pournelle are. of course, frequent winners of the BOMB, as are articles about major new personal computers. We do sometimes have surprises. A survey of statistical software scored very well, as did two articles examining the state of Soviet computers and electronics- Ruth Heuertz's look at Soviet micro- processors (April 1984) and Leo Bores's account of the Soviet Apple clone. AGAT (November 1984). We didn't realize how broad the appeal of statistics would be or how power- ful people's curiosity about Soviet products, topics which lack the most important criterion of interest turned up in our reader research— emphasis on new technology. Results that surprise us might not surprise you. Voting in the BOMB is the best way to keep us abreast of your interests and needs. We urge you to take a minute each month to make your opinion heard. We'll be listening when you do. The Long-Awaited BYTE Index Finally. An index to the 1983 and 1984 issues of BYTE is now available. For a hard copy of this 48-page document, please send us $1 and we'll send you a copy postpaid. The index will also be available electronically. We'll re- lease the details as soon as possible. —Phil Lemmons Editor in Chief 6 BVTt • MAY 1985 ILLUSTRATED BY MACiEK ALBRECHT maxell RJOPPYDISK Maxell Gold The floppy disk that lets PC AT speed ahead, makes PC/XT Xtraordinary and helps IBM.PC capitalize on its powers. For your Big Blue, only the Gold Standard will do. Maxell. The floppy disk chosen by many disk drive manufac- turers to test their new equipment. Each Gold Standard is backed by a lifetime warranty. And each is a perfect match for your IBM. In fact, there's a Gold Standard for virtually any computer made. Even if it's the new IBM PC AT! maxell IT'S WORTH IT PC AT. PC/XT and PC are trademarks of IBM Corp Maxell Corporation of America, 60 Oxford Drive, Moonachie, N.J. 07074 Inquiry 256 MAY 1985 -BYTE 7 R NUMERICAL CONCEPT NO OTHER MONITOR CAN COMPREHEND. As sophisticated as they are, you'd think monitor companies could solve a simple problem: keeping ^^^^™ customers happy Fortunately Amdek can. With the longest warranty m the industry. Namely two years on all parts and labor. And three years on the CRT Even simpler, our warranty applies to every monitor we make, from our new Color Senes to our amazingly popular Video Series. And Amdek's own trained technicians make repairs quick and professional. So when you're shopping for a monitor, look at the quality Amdek guarantees you, years after you leave the store. According to our figures, it really adds up. mn. MONITORS Amdek Corp. 2201 hvely Blvd. Elk Grove Village. 2. 60007 312/595-6890. Telex 280803 1985 Amdek Corp B YTE • MAY 1985 Inquiry 24 MICRO-BYTES Staff-written highlights of late developments in the microcomputer industry. New Laser Printers May Outperform Canon's Engine TWo new printers from Konica and NEC may offer some advantages over the Canon LBP-CX engine used in Apple's and Hewlett-Packard's laser printers. The TMC Co., Wayne, PA, the U.S. distributor for Konica's LP-3010, says the newer laser printer is faster, will cost less to operate, and lasts longer than Canon's LBP-CX, but it is priced the same and offers the same 300-dot-per-inch (dpi) resolution. While Canon suggests that the LBP-CX be used to print up to 3000 pages per month at a speed of 8 pages per minute, TMC says the LP-3010 can handle 10,000 copies per month at 10 pages per minute. The LP-3010 uses a $200 drum/toner cartridge the company says will last for 15,000 pages, while the LBP-CX's $99 cartridge must be replaced after 3000 copies. And while Canon suggests that the LBP-CX be "overhauled" at 100,000 pages, TMC says the LP-3010 will last for 600,000 pages. TMC says that several OEMs have placed orders for the LP-3010 and will announce prod- ucts early this summer; pricing for a low-end printer based on Konica's engine should start at about $3500. With more advanced capabilities, including full-page bit-mapped graphics, a Konica-based laser printer would be priced competitively with Apple's $6995 LaserWriter, TMC claims. NEC Information Systems plans to begin shipping its own 8-page-per-minute, 300-dpi laser-class printer in late summer. NEC's printer uses an LED array rather than a laser. Because it is not based on copier technology, NEC claims the printer will last longer and re- quire less service than laser printers. NEC's offering will feature three built-in fonts: two car- tridges can add up to eight more fonts. NEC's 55-pound printer occupies only half the foot- print of the heavier Canon-based printers. With a 64K-byte printer buffer and both serial and parallel ports, NEC's LED-array printer will sell for less than $3000. NEC is also con- sidering unveiling one or more laser printers in the fall or winter. A 300-dpi laser printer from Fujitsu is the basis of an even more advanced combination printer/scanner/copier that Corporate Data Sciences planned to unveil in April. Eight pages per minute can be digitized at 300 dpi. The image can then be stored or manipulated by a personal computer and printed. The unit will also work as a standard copying machine. The printer/scanner/copier will be priced at about $24,000; the 1 6-page-per-minute laser printer alone will sell for about $15,000. CDS says its laser-printer controller can also address higher-resolution laser printers, up to 1000 dpi, and it plans to offer a printer engine using a 480-dpi laser printer expected next year from Fujitsu. DEC Revamps Rainbow to Match New PC Strategy Stating that "stand-alone personal computing in the office is a thing of the past," Digital Equipment Corp. announced the Rainbow 190, designed to operate as a workstation for other DEC computers. With a 10-megabyte hard-disk drive, 640K bytes of memory, MS- DOS, and Rainbow Office Workstation software, the Rainbow 190 costs $6495. Also newly available for the Rainbow is the $595 WPS-PLUS word-processing program, already available on the VAX and ALL-1N-1 systems. DEC also announced a $295 DECnet interface for the Rainbow. Fairchild Unveils First Single-Chip 2 12 A 1200-bps Modem Fairchild announced a single-chip 1200-bps modem that supports the Bell 212A standard. The Fairchild uA212A modem includes all signal-processing functions on a single chip, unlike previous applications that required several chips. To build a working modem, however, several other devices are required: A general-purpose microprocessor must handle dialing, handshaking protocols, and control functions, while other circuitry must handle RS-232C and telephone interfaces and ring detection. The chip should be available by June for $82.67 in quantities of 100. (continued) MAY 1985 -BYTE 9 Firms Show Chinese-Language Word Processors T\vo companies are developing Chinese-language word processors for the 512K-byte IBM PC using a standard American keyboard. Chinese Computer Communications, Lansing, MI, is showing PC 2001, which uses the company's own Pinxxiee input method; the company hasn't yet set a shipping date but hopes to price the software at about $795. Asiagraphics Corp., Port lefferson, NY, expected to begin shipping its Asiagraphics System in April for $995. This product employs a "descriptor" input method, using one of three Chinese phonetic systems (pinyin, Wade-Giles, or Bopomofo). Asiagraphics also plans Korean and Japanese versions and hopes to allow use of the IBM graphics adapter as well as the Hercules graphics card now supported. IBM Puts Series/ 1 on a Chip, in an IBM PC Box IBM has put its Series/1 computer architecture onto a single proprietary 16-bit micropro- cessor and announced versions of the IBM PC XT and AT that include the Series/1 chip and related circuits on two IBM PC expansion cards. The Series/1 5170 Model 495 is an IBM PC AT with the Series/1 expansion cards, a monochrome adapter and monitor, a 20-megabyte hard disk, and a 1.2-megabyte floppy-disk drive. It is priced at $9420. The Model 4950, based on the IBM PC XT, includes a 10-megabyte hard disk and one 320K-byte floppy-disk drive for $8130. IBM will stress the new system's usefulness as a file server in a network environment. Morrow Upgrades Pivot: Fully IBM-Compatible Morrow Designs has redesigned its Pivot portable computer to add a 25-line display and to make it more compatible with the IBM PC. The new Pivot, which Morrow hoped to begin shipping this month, will feature a backlit 25-line by 80-character liquid-crystal display, serial and parallel ports, two 5'/4-inch disk drives, 256K bytes of RAM (expandable to 640K), rechargeable batteries, MS-DOS, and NewWord. Optional internal expansions will include an RGB/composite video output adapter and a 300/1200-bps modem. An optional expansion chassis is also planned. Morrow plans to price the two-drive machine at about $2995; it had already dropped the price of the 16-line Pivot to $1995 in March. NANOBYTES Opt ion ware Inc. introduced OptionWord + , a $100 word-processing template for Lotus 1-2-3 .... AT&T introduced its long-expected UNIX personal computer. For details, see page 98 ... . Intel has sued NEC, charging that NEC's V20 and V30 microprocessors violate Intel's copyright for the microcode used in the 8088 and 8086 .... Apple has developed a version of Smalltalk that runs on the Macintosh XL. Because it doesn't run on a standard Macintosh, Apple is selling it only on a limited basis, mostly to universities. . . . Microsoft has released a new version of Multiplan for the IBM PC. Multiplan 2.0 supports keyboard macros and has faster recalculation and a larger virtual spreadsheet (256- by 4096-cell). . . . For the Macintosh, Microsoft announced a run-time Microsoft BASIC interpreter, which software developers can distribute with programs they sell .... Microsoft also announced Excel, a sophisticated spreadsheet for the Macintosh (see page 44) ... . Summa Tech- nologies announced a site license-fee program under which buyers can make unlimited copies of a program for use by company employees— including personal use— for as little as $9800. . . . Prometheus, Fremont, CA. now offers a version of its ProModem 300/1200-bps modem for the Macintosh. With ProCom-M telecommunications software and a cable, it's $549. . . . Prometheus also planned to introduce a compact 300-bps modem for the Apple lie for less than $200. The modem will provide an extra serial port and uses the lie's power signal. . . . Manzana, Isla Vista, CA, is selling a double-sided 3 '/2-inch disk drive for the IBM PC. The external 720K-byte drive is $625 .... Advanced Micro Devices expected to begin shipping samples of the 20-MHz 29PL141 microcode-programmable controller this month .... Nestar Systems Inc. announced a six-port HUB for its baseband LAN system that allows it to interface to a broadband network .... Roger Wagner Publishing, San Diego, CA. is developing a MacWrite-like word processor for the Apple lie and lie. MouseWrite takes advantage of the MouseText ROM included in the He and newer lie models. . . . Intel announced OpenNET. a local-area-network (LAN) product line that incorporates Microsoft's Networks (MS-NET) software. 10 BYTE' MAY 1985 Both letter-quality and draft hard copy Fastest document throughput in its class Industry standard serial and parallel I interfaces. Mt for a pi.... fm, wi* Both friction and tractor paper feed Mtgpgrtl 1 t>» WWW liee Breezy tot«. i ism- cverJ«rt:,To SaMHi Better, more versatile operator controls Tl reliability Compatibility with third-party and proprietary software Better, more durable easy-access font modules TheTI 855 microprinter. No other printer says better so many ways. Feature for feature, no other microprinter can match the versatility, compatibility, reliability and productivity of the OMNI 800* Model 855 microprinter. Here's why. Two Printers In One. With the TI 855 you get the speed of dot matrix draft copy. Plus the precise clarity of the most advanced matrix technology for letter- quality print. It's two printers in one — at one low price. A Great Family Name. Texas Instru- ments is known for providing the world with the industry standard for printers — the TI 810. TI builds the same reliability into every 800 series microprinter. Both the 855 and the data processing Model 850 are part of the expanding TI line of high-performance, low-cost microprinters. Hardware Compatible. The TI 855 microprinter is compatible with all major PC hardware. And it provides both serial RS232C subset and "Centronics-type" parallel as standard interfaces. Software Compatible. The TI 855 uses industry standard escape sequences for compatibility with virtually all third-party software. And for those with proprietary software needs, a model is available with ANSI standard escape sequences. Tough Font Modules For Quick Char- acter Change. Three font modules can be inserted into the front of the printer at one time, and are accessed individually. Each contains both draft- and letter- quality character sets. They're easier to use, more reliable and more durable than traditional metal or plastic daisy wheels. More Productivity Than Any Other Microprinter. The 855 offers both fric- tion and tractor paper feed, to handle all types of word and data processing applica- tions. A quick-change snap-in cartridge ribbon. Raster and mosaic graphics. And intelligent printing which maximizes doc- ument throughput — regardless of format. Get the printer that makes for better information systems. Ror more information visit your nearest TI authorized dealer or write Texas Instruments Incorporated, P.O. Box 402430, Dept. DPF-082BY, ■ . Dallas, TX 75380-9063. Or call J|3L toll-free: 1-800-527-3500. ^C Texas Instruments Copyright © 1984 Texas Instruments * Trademark of Texas Instruments Creating useful products and services for you. 291380-R2 MAY 1985 -BYTE © 1985, Apricot, Inc. V@m aboutto d business views the cc A computer revolution of enormous magnitude is about to take place. Because Europe's most successful business computer company is now doing business in America. Introducing Apricot. A full line of computers specifically designed for business. Not adapted to it. In fact, the facts speak for themselves. Apricots are elegant and compact 16-bit computers. They employ the MS-DOS operating sys- tem, and a minimum of 256K memory. One of our models, the Apricot Xi, boasts an incredible one Megabyte of memory, and fea- tures a Winchester hard disk with 20 Megabytes of storage. We also have models that feature speech recognition, full-size LCD, and icon driven menus. In addition, you also have a choice between 9" or 12" b/w or 10" color monitors. All of which 12 BYTE • MAY 1985 ange how American mputer industry have a higher screen resolution than Apple. And as if that weren't enough , all of our models can be networked from the moment you take them out of the box. They're also capable of running thousands of business software programs specially writ- ten for Apricot on 3'/2 inch disks. So, if you still think that Apple is a better business com- puter, look at it from a different perspective. It's not. Apricot, Inc., 3375 Scott Boulevard, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Call 800-227-6703, or in California 800-632-7979. TheApncocXi IMbR 20Mbharddisk720K floppy diskette MS-DOS. $4495(excluding monitor) apricot AWeYe changing how American business does business. Inquiry 37 MAY 1985 -BYTE LETTERS Cryptographic Message Sending Thank you for Charles Kluepfel's article, "Implementing Cryptographic Algorithms on Microcomputers" (October 1984, page 126). This is an area in which I have an in- terest and would like to see more articles in the future, especially on the practical aspects of making and using a large-scale (widely used) public-key cryptography (PKC) system. An assumption that some people make is that the telephone system is a perfect "channel." that is. that all information put into one end will reach its destination and come out the other end. This is not nec- essarily true. It is definitely not true when a store-and-forward system such as an electronic-mail or electronic bulletin-board system is used. Since many messages sent in a PKC system will be longer than the maximum number of digits that can be en- coded, the message will have to be broken into segments, each segment being en- coded and sent separately. This raises the possibility of a third party (with or without the telephone company's approval) inter- cepting and preventing one or more segments from reaching the intended reci- pient, while letting other segments pass through. Even without the ability to decode the intercepted segments, a third party could do great damage to both the sender and recipient due to the recipient's assuming that the entire message was received, when in fact it was not. Under some conditions, damage could also be done by rearranging the order of the seg- ments, if the recipient was to assume that they were sent in the same order as re- ceived. (Admittedly, such situations would be rare.) The telephone company should not be thought of as a channel." but rather as a third party that can usually be trusted to deliver some of the segments of the message. It is up to the sender and reci- pient to ensure that all segments arrive and are put into their proper order before taking action on the basis of a message received. A possible method of achieving this would be to include in each segment a four- or five-character (or more) code, ran- domly chosen and different for each seg- ment within a message. These random characters would be inserted into the plain text before the segment was encoded with the recipient's public key. Then the last segment sent would contain a repetition of all of these codes in their correct order. The recipient could check to make sure each segment had arrived and was in its proper order. Any segments containing codes not repeated in the final segment would be discarded. Briefly covered in the article was the topic of a sender using his own private key to provide a "signature" to a message. For ordinary messages, only the last segment (containing the repeated random codes from all the other segments) need be signed. However, if an electronic contract is desired, all segments of the message should be encoded with both the sender's private key and the recipient's public one. This is to prevent the recipient from alter- ing a segment (while keeping the same random code) and then claiming his copy to be the true contract. This means that in order to prove a contract, the recipient would have to provide a copy of each seg- ment exactly as it was received from the modem and a copy of each segment after it was completely decoded into plain text. The arbitrator of a contract dispute need only encode the plain-text segment with the recipient's public key and "decode" the "segment as received" with the sender's public key. Comparing the two resulting segments should show them to be exactly alike, thus proving that the seg- ment came from the sender that the reci- pient claims sent it. The recipient need not disclose his private key to the arbitrator. Actually, the first segment of every mes- sage, ordinary or contract, should be en- coded only with the recipient's public key and should contain information of who the sender is. so that the recipient can apply the right key to decode any signed segments. Otherwise, that information would have to be sent in plain text (hor- ror!). Also, in order to prevent the recipient from reusing the sender's signed last seg- ment (containing the repeated random codes) to send a falsely signed message to someone else, the sender should in- clude identification of the intended recip- ient in the plain text of all signed segments. It wouldn't hurt to include the date and time as well. Paul S. Burney Portland. OR Charles Kluepfel replies: To protect against nonreception of seg- ments of the message, the scheme need not be as complex as Mr. Burney sug- gests. The sequence code that he sug- gests at the beginning of each segment can be merely 00001. 00002. etc.. without the need for a key as the last seg- ment. This insertion is, as he states, before encryption, and the nature of this code prevents the presence of these or any known message contents from mak- ing the code breakable. Indeed, as the code used for message sending las op- posed to signature formingl is public, anyone trying to intercept code can himself encode 00001, etc. It does not aid the interceptor and thus can be safely used by the legitimate parties. As for the portion regarding electronic signatures, encoding by the sender's private key is sufficient so that the reci- pient cannot alter the message. The use of the recipient's public key would not be of any further benefit. The recipient can- not produce a new message that is en- coded by the sender's private key, that is, one that is decodable by the sender's public key. What must be guarded against, rather, is that the sender might claim to have sent further segments, modifying the intent of the message. The only way to guard against any disagree- ment is to have the entire document signed by both parties. Since signing is {continued) LETTERS POLICY: To be considered for pub- lication, a letter must be typed double-spaced on one side of the paper and must include your name and address. Comments and ideas should be ex- pressed as clearly and concisely as possible. Listings and tables may be printed along with a letter if they are short and legible. Because BYTE receives hundreds of letters each month, not all of them can be published. Letters will not be returned to authors. Generally, it takes four months from the time BYTE receives a let- ter until it is published. BYTE- MAY 1985 LEAVE THE COMPUTE THE DRIVE! With Maynard's Transport™— the Original Portable Hard Drive! Now you can leave that heavy "portable" com- puter on the desk where it belongs and carry up to 20MB of data be- tween home and office. Transport™ comes with easy-release cable and convenient carrying han- dle. Call or write today for product specifics. Your Assurance of Quality: plated media, double shock-mounted drive extensively tested against rigorous performance standards backed by industry- leading 1 -year warranty Available in 10MB or 20MB. Purchase your Transport"' and receive a carrying case at no cost (limited time offer). Maynard Elect Shaping Tomorrow'! ronics s Technology 430 E SEMORAN BLVD., CASSELBERRY, FL 32707 305/331 -6402 Inquiry 257 M m &f FREE OPUS DISKETTE HEAD CLEANER With Purchase of OPUS "Onfloppable" Floppies OPCJS has a money saving offer to get you to try our floppies, the most reliable on the market today. Purchase 20 OPGS 5-1/4" diskettes and you can receive a Free UNIVERSAL HEAD CLEANER ($9.95 value), for use on single or dual-side drives. Purchase OPGS diskettes at your local computer store, send two box tops, a dated sales receipt and coupon and we will send your Free Head Cleaner. Or — order by mail and receive Head Cleaner with your shipment Or - Call, Toll Free: 1-800-692-6905, Dept. "M," to charge on your VISA or MasterCard. Now you have a money saving reason to try OPGS diskettes. You will have "NO BAD MEMORIES!" r Jft* NO BAD MEMORIES SEND TO: OPGS Computer Products '85 HEAD CLEANER OFFER DepLBYT 585, 150 Chicago Street Cary, IL 60013 Name Address City "I . State _ .Zip. Phone ( ) □ Proof of Purchase Enclosed OR SHIP ME Boxes of OPUS 5-1/4" Diskettes: CHECK ONE: □ $19.95 Single-Side 10-pack [ ] $29.95 Dual-Side 10-pack Add $1.50 for shipping & handling (Illinois residents add 6% sales tax.) TOTAL ENCLOSED: $ (Check or Money Order Only) Charge to my: Lj VISA □ MasterCard Account Number: Expiration Date: L Signature: OFFER EXPIRES AUGUST II, 1985 .J 16 MAY 1985 -BYTE Inquiry 104 LETTERS encoding by the private key. each party must do encoding by private key of all segments. It can be by each separately encoding the plain text, or by the plain text being encoded by one. and the re- sulting text further encoded by the reci- pient's private code. Of course the sender must then get a copy of this further-encoded text to later prove the recipient agreed to it. The sender's private and recipient's public encoding does not assure a contract, only that the sender sent it. To assure any segment came from the sender, it would have to be encoded in the sender's private key. Including the recipient's name in the one (or fewl signed segmentlsl in no way prevents forgery of unsigned segments. More on Binary Trees I quite agree with John Snyder's remark, in his response to Lawrence Leinweber's letter ( 'Binary Trees Explained." September 1984. page 22), that there is no "proper solution"' in software to a given problem. On the other hand, with regard to his A-trees." I'm sure that he finds them sim- ple. After all. he wrote the article ( "Index- ing Open-Ended Tree Structures."' May 1984. page 406) Algorithms by definition are simple, once you've successfully im- plemented them. Otherwise, you would never have gotten that far. Any given data structure is as simple as its presentation, which brings me to my next point. Mr. Leinweber's C routine for tree searching managed to obscure what ought to be an obvious data structure. It would have been far more effective to pre- sent one of D. E. Knuth's diagrams from section 2.3 of The Art of Computer Program- ming. Volume I: Fundamental Algorithms (Reading. MA: Addison-Wesley 1974). Frankly, I'm still not sure whether Mr. Leinweber's routines were meant to search a generalized tree implemented as a binary tree or simply a binary tree. I refuse to spend more than five minutes decipher- ing a five-line text in any language that I supposedly understand. Finally. Dr. Snyder, since when are binary trees sometimes called B-trees? Binary- tree nodes have at most two children (and possibly none) and by no means fulfill the well-defined properties of a B-tree (see the section on trees in Niklaus Wirth's Algo- rithms Plus Data Structures Equals Programs: Englewood Cliffs, N): Prentice-Hall, 1976). I've always assumed that the "B" stands [continued) ProModem 1200... HOT- LI H t Our ProModem 1200 Makes Smart Modems Look Dumb ProModem 1200 (RS-232) Send Or Receive 50 Pages Of Text Without Tying Up Your Computer COMPUTER BUSY COMPUTER TURNED OFF No wonder Smart Modems, Cats, and Maxwells cringe when compared to our $495 ProModem 1200, an expandable 1200/300 baud modem for use with all personal computers. It costs less, but is smarter than the rest. And when you add our $99 Communica- tions Buffer and Alphanumeric Display options, ProModem 1200 becomes a veritable genius! Imagine, you unplug your computer, take it home for the weekend, and while you're gone, ProModem 1200 answers the phone, collects messages up to 50 pages long, sends out electronic mail, and displays all events with the exact time of each. Thanks to ProModem 1200, expensive, hard-to-use communications soft- ware isn't needed. The communications is in the modem, and electronic mail becomes a back- ground function, where it belongs. 7%£j//o£/mL. •a*"** ProModem 1200M (Macintosh) Simple To Install And Use Our Communications Buffer is a 4 by 6 card that plugs into the ProModem 1200 motherboard. It comes with 2K of CMOS battery backed-up memory, expandable to 64K. Part of the mem- ory is used as a dialing directory with the balance reserved for storage. For $99 more, a front panel Alphanumeric Display can be added to show time, date, and 24 status and help messages. These two powerful options can be included at time of purchase, or can be added later. Hayes Compatible ProModem 1200 is Hayes compatible but that's where the resemblance ends. Our standard $495 modem includes a real-time clock/ calendar. Hayes charges hundreds more for a Smart Modem with a time-base. Nor do they have electronic mail capability at any price. ProModem 1200 contains a battery backed-up real-time clock/calendar, a large dialing directory and can send or receive messages up to 50 pages long without tying up the computer. Send for complete details and the name of the Prometheus dealer nearest you. See us at Comdex, Booth #5046 West Hall PRODUCTS INCORPORATED 4545 Cushing Pkwy. • Fremont CA 94538 2370 Inquiry 33! MAY I985 -BYTE RUN/C": The C Interpreter Only $ 149.9S! i For both the beginner and the C professional. RUN/C: The C Interpretei makes program development easier and faster. With RUN/C all those C programs you've been writing — or have been wanting to write — can be up and running in a fraction of the time. The beauty of RUN /C is that it provides a BASIC-like user interface for C: it allows the user to edit and debug code immediately and interactively. RUN/C i s the first program to make C a user-friendly language. Although C is structured, compact and FAST, the writing and testing of C programs is often a tedious process. RUN /C helps bring up to speed both your programs and your C programming skills. C programming has never been so fast and enjoyable! When running under RUN /C yourC program performs exactly as it would if it were compiled (although slower since RUN/C is a true interpreter). If your program does have an error. RUN/C finds it. gives you a comprehensive error message and allows you to correct the error on the spot. Once you are completely satisfied with your C program it can be SAVEd. then compiled and linked using your favorite C compiler. offers easy and familiar commands such as LOAD. LIST. SAVE. RUN. etc. A powerful line editor is built right in. RUIM/Cs SHELL command will also allow you to use your own editor for extensive full-screen editing, and then return your newly edited program to RUN /C — all within a single, unified environment. J N /C offers: • A robust implementation of standard Kernighan and Ritchie C. • Full floating point. 8087 math chip support, structures, unions, initializers, casts and more than 100 built-in standard C library functions. • An easy-to-read 475-page manual filled with useful examples to help you master the C language. • TRON. TRACE and DUMP diagnostics PLUS a program profiler. For immediate delivery • Printer and asynchronous communications support. • A full set of buffered and unbuffered file I/O functions. • Nearly 100 sample C programs on disk illustrating the most important C functions and concepts. • System Requirements: IBM® PC or compatible with PC-DOS 2.0 or MS™-DOS 2.0 CALL for information on non-IBM compatible MS-DOS systems. or more information: Call 1-800-847-7078 In NY, 1-212-860-0300 Lifeboat" Lifeboat ™ Associates 1651 Third Ave. New York. NY 10128 LETTERS RUN/C is a trademark of Age of Reason Co for "balanced," which is what makes them so popular. They never degenerate into a linear linked list, which is what a binary tree is prone to do under certain input conditions (keys arriving in a well-ordered sequence). C is a horrible language for clarifying ideas. What's wrong with English or. better still, pictures? I. Caron Kibbutz Caash Israel 60950 The Macintosh Debate Goes On For years I have wanted a computer of my own; the type of work I do literally demands one. What had kept me from buying one had been a growing awareness of the fact that, while I was previously a slave to the thousands of bits of data I was entering into my file cabinet manually, none of the personal computers I had been considering would do more than put me hopelessly behind because I would be spending all of my time learning how to use the machine. Seven months ago I bought the Apple Macintosh, and my methods for using the information I col- lect in my work have changed dramatically. Indeed, for the past few months I have been imagining countless ways of using this data in ways I could have never hoped to use it if I did not have the Macintosh. Which brings me to the essence of this letter So much has been written about the Macintosh in various parts of your January issue that I find it difficult to address just one of the points that have been made. The three letters appearing on pages 26 to 32 seem befitting testimonials to the positivism most Macintosh owners ex- press; Bill Benzon's article on MacPaint as a thought-process tool is, clearly, the most provocative piece I have seen written on any computer/application; and Steve Woz- niak's description of his experiences at the University of California at Berkeley, coupled with the naive comments of Jerry Pournelle, serve to solidify my disdain for the conventional wisdom of the computer world. What is even more amusing is that I work for a company that perpetuates this conventional wisdom by choosing to ig- nore completely the existence of the technology embodied in the Macintosh and deciding to introduce a line of soft- ware only for IBM PCs. I am not saying here that the Macintosh is the perfect machine. Surely, what we have in it is only a promise of what could {continued) 18 BYTE- MAY 198^ Inquiry 239 4 Out Of 5 PC-AT Expansion Board Buyers Own Advantage! The overwhelming choice of IBM® PC-AT users, Advantage! from AST sets the standard in high-powered multifunction enhancement. Advantage! was the first multifunc- tion board for the PC-AT. And it remains the leader by providing mil- lions of characters of memory capac- ity, two serial ports, a parallel port and a game port. All in a single expan- sion slot. First In Memory. All it takes is Advantage! There's no need to add other cards or hard-to-find chips on your system board. Whether you have an 256K, 512K or 640K AT, our unique memory addressing tech- nique lets you add up to 3 Megabytes of parity checked user memory efficiently and economically. For flexibility, Advantage! can use either 64K or 256K memory chips. And of course, it supports your AT's high performance 16-bit bus and faster program processing speed. Now you can have the extra memory to run integrated business software such as Symphony™ and Framework™ To make full use of new concept windowing software such as DESQ™To utilize multitasking pro- grams such as IBM's TopView™ or multiuser operating systems such as XENIX™ To handle larger amounts of data, faster. Or for RAM disks. First In I/O. Here's all the I/O capa- bility you need now, even if you're starting with a base model AT. Every Advantage! card includes an AT compatible serial port and a parallel port so you can connect printers, plotters, mice and modems. Or with the appropriate software, you can connect other terminals to create multiuser environments. With our optional second serial port you can attach even more peri- pherals, while our optional game port lets you plug in joysticks and other cursor-control devices for business or just for fun. First In Quality. AST's reputation is built on quality products, qual- ity support and quality service. Our complete documentation means Advantage! is exceptionally easy to install and use, but if it's not enough we're always here to help. Four out of five buyers agree, the choice is Advantage! -only from AST. Ask your dealer, or call our Customer Information Center (714) 863-1333 for more information. AST Research, Inc., 2121 Alton Avenue, Irvine, CA 92714 TWX: 753699ASTR UR FEATURES Memory Expansion I/O Expansion • 128Kb to 3.0Mb in • Up to 2 Serial a single slot Ports (1 optional) • User Upgradeable with • Parallel Printer either 64K or 256K Port memory chips • Optional Game • Split Memory Address- Port ing rounds out AT's Advantage! system memory to 640K Supports AX s Full and continues memory Program Process- expansion at 1Mb ing Speed Advantage! trademark of AST Research, Inc. IBM PC-AT and TopView trademarks of International Business Machines Corp. Framework trademark of Ashton-Tate. Symphony trademark of Lotus Development Corp. DESQ trademark of Quarterdeck Office Systems. XENIX trademark of Microsoft Corp. RCSCARCH INC. Inquiry 4 for Dealers. Inquiry 5 for End-Users. \rz A \ Discover what 50,000 9UBIE' delivers the finest peripheral available in terms of features, reli- y and price/performance. That's why corporations like IBM, GM and Exxon buy peripheral equipment from Qubie . and have for years. Check some of your old back issues of PC — we've been satisfying PC owners since 1982. Select products at low prices, with service and support un- paralleled in the microcomputer industry. Our 30 day No Risk Guarantee and 48 Hour Repair Service during the 12 month warranty period is proof our products are first rate. We stand behind what we sell. No "call the manufacturer" responses when you have a question. We also offer our exclusive Pre- ferred Customer Plan* 1 with 24 hour repairs and 24 months of coverage. Our low, money-saving prices are the total prices. No small print telling you to add up for credit card charges or shipping and handling. Our prices include surface UPS charges and insurance. In a hurry? 2-day air UPS service is available.* 2 At Qubie', customer satisfaction is one of the cornerstones of our philosophy. Ask your friends, business associates and colleagues about Qubie'. Chances are they are one of our fifty thousand satis- fied customers. 5=tti O ' nan «M *s fe C ^jjr - **»OSO 1 •«AfV Vo dflK 3s i — "*"'*""•-— t . s * -7 ' roy 91* ^- ' 7!?^ INTERNAL MODEM PC212A 1200 $299 Auto-dial, Auto-Answer • 300/ 1200 Baud Operation • Runs Hayes Compatible Software Like Crosstalk, Smartcom II, and Sidekick • Two Phone Jacks Allow You To Hook Up Desk Phone • Includes PC- TALK III Software (Complete Communications Package), Modular Phone Cord, User's Manual / Installation Instruc- tions • Optional Serial Port ($40) Allows You To Use Port For Other Peripherals When Modem Is Not Being Used. STANDBY POWER SUPPLY SB200 $329 XT300 $429 and BTSpool (Print Spooling Software) • Optional Game Port — Chips, Noise Filtering /Surge Suppres- sion • Powers Your Computer For Up To 30 Minutes In The Event Of A Blackout Or Brown- out • SB200 (200 Watt) For Floppy-Based Systems, XT300 (300 Watt) For Hard Disk Based Systems HIGH RESOLUTION MONOCHROME MONITORS HR39S149 HR 134 $159 Plugs Into The IBM Mono- chrome or Compatible Adapter Card • 720 x 350 Resolution • 12 Diagonal Screen • Super Crisp Text Capability • High Resolution TTL • Includes Tilt /Swivel Base and Inter- face Cable • HR 134 (Amber) HR 39 (Green) \ MULTIFUNCTION CARD BT6Plas(0K)$195 ' Memory Sockets For Adding Up To 384K • Parallel Print- er Port • Asynchronous Seri- al Communications Port • Battery-powered Clock /Calen- dar • BTPak Software - BT- Drive (Electronic Disk Emulation) 20 BYTE- MAY 1985 PC owners now know. Dual Mounting Bracket and Cable ($20) • 64K Mem- ory — Installed and Tested ($25) • Includes Cable. 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I- 1 I I I I - I I- I- I- K EEDB) G I- 1= 1= I- 1, l- 1- 1- 1- 1. 1 • l^t fnFifF-g i XXW, *,* .i ,» .','iJ ■ W.WiW . f i i flOD KEYROARD ff5151 $159 Solid State Capacitive Key Switches • 3-Position Height Inquiry 339 Adjustment • Keys In Standard Typewriter Positions • Sepa- rate Cursor Control and Numeric Keypads • Easy-To- Read Key Legends • LED Indicators On All Lock Keys • Extra-Wide Left-Hand Control Key Adjacent To "A" • Control/ Reset Replaces Awkward Contol/Alt/Delete • Plugs Into IBM PC, PC/XT and Compaq Deskpro EXTERNAL MODEM 212A 1200ES329 Auto-dial, Auto-Answer • 300/ 1200 Baud Operation • Runs Hayes Compatible Software \ Like Crosstalk, Smartcom II, And Sidekick • Two Phone lacks Allow You To Hook Up I Desk Phone • RS-232C Com- patible • Includes 8' Shield- ed Cable (Specify Male Or Female) • Eight Status Indica- tor Lamps • External Volume Control Knob HIGH RESOLUTION COLOR MONITOR HR31 200S439 14" Diagonal Screen • Black Matrix Picture Tube Reduces Glare And Enhances RGB Color • Plugs Into IBM Color/ Graphics Or Compatible Adapter Card • 640 x 200 Reso- lution • Includes Interface Cable And Tilt /Swivel Base *1 *2 PREFERRED DPS CUSTOMER BLUE FLAN LAREL Hard Disks $150.00 $12.00 Modems 50.00 5.00 H5151 35.00 7.50 BT6Plus 50.00 5.00 HR 39 and HR 134.... 50.00 NA HR31200 95.00 NA No Risk Guarantee If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days lor a full refund, in- cluding the cost to send it back. The Acid Test If you can get any dealer or competi- tor to give you the same No Risk Guarantee, buy both products and return the one you don't like. For fastest delivery, send cashier's check, money order, or order by Mastercard/Visa.. Personal checks, allow 18 days to clear. Company purchase orders accepted, call for prior authorization. California resi- dents, add 6% sales tax. Hours: M - F 8 am - 6 pm PTZ Sat 9 am 1 pm PTZ London (01) 223-4569 Paris (01)321-5316 Sydney (02) 579-3322 VISA Outside California 1-800-821-4479 Inside California 1-805-987-9741 4809 Calle Alto Camarillo, California 93010 QUBIE' Order Today, Shipped Tomorrow!™ MAY 1985 'BYTE LETTERS be done with the computer if only all of those "me. too" marketers who want a financial ride on IBM's coattails could understand that the merry-go-round has to stop some time. It is, futhermore, an in- dictment of American business at large of its failure to identify and satisfy its customers' changing needs— a phenom- enon that is known in marketing as "Harley-Davidson Syndrome." There isn't a month that goes by that someone some- where doesn't introduce another word processor for the IBM machine, while over here in the Macintosh world. Microsoft is about to introduce the only alternative to MacWrite. History has shown us many times what happens to those "madmen" who intro- duce new concepts. Invariably they were either burned at the stake as heretics or at least exiled to some uncivilized land where their unconventional wisdom could do no detriment. Strangely enough, their tenets have, somehow, managed to per- vade our everyday lives. In some senses I often wonder why we don't continue to think of the world as flat. Steven G. Baird Baton Rouge, LA Both detractors and defenders of the Macintosh have been surprisingly un- discerning regarding the performance of the Sony microfloppies. Clearly one spends considerable time listening to the Sony play tunes. So Jerry Pournelle con- cludes the drives are "painfully slow" (August 1984 BYTE, page 316). A guy con- fesses anonymously to John Dvorak [\nfo- WorM. November 26, 1984) that he has changed his mind about the Mac: "The big flaw is clearly the slow, small Sonys and the big overhead on starting and ending use of any serious programs." A Mac defender in your Letters section, Selden Deemer, concedes that the Mac is not without its faults: "Among the worst of these is the perpetuation of a disk-drive controller that lacks direct memory ac- cess. . . .The drives are maddeningly slow" (November 1984. page 18). Indeed, the Mac would be fatally crippled if this were true. In fact, it ain't so. From MBAS1C, the stan- dard BYTE disk benchmark shows the Mac writing the standard 64K-byte sequential file in 25.2 seconds, reading same in 23. In both cases this is twice as quickly as the IBM PC under MS-DOS. By using the FIELD statement to PUT and GET four 16K-byte strings to a relative file, reduc- ing BASIC overhead, one gets even closer to the hardware potential of the Mac/ Sonys: 64 K bytes of data are written in 6 seconds, read in 5 seconds. That is faster than the IBM PC XT runs the standard benchmark using the fixed drive (about 8 seconds each way). Finally, using the DiskCopy utility included with the Finder update, one reads 100K bytes in 4 to 5 seconds, writes 100K bytes in 7 to 8 seconds. That is not slow. Hasn't anyone noticed? Clearly, it is software overhead, not hard- ware limitations, that accounts for the long waits while the Mac sings. William Miller Cleveland Hts.. OH The many arguments in the Macintosh debate, which has become a leitmotiv on your pages, seem to focus not on the nif- tiness of the Macintosh's special features but rather on their significance. Bill Ben- zon's article. "The Visual Mind and the Macintosh" (January, page 113), eloquently related the importance of the Macintosh to the role of visual images in creative thinking and persuasive communication. But why should visual thinking and visual communication suddenly seem so important in the first place? Another perspective on the significance of the Mac is to see it in relation to the increasingly visual nature of all communication in re- cent history A middle-class burgher in, say, 17th- century Amsterdam probably saw three or four hundred artificial images (paint- ings, drawings, engravings, and so on) in a lifetime. In this world of television, adver- tising, and personalized T-shirts, we pro- cess that many images in a day! The phrase "Age of Information" usually con- notes the invention and spread of the computer since World War II, but this period also witnessed the emergence of today's huge graphics and advertising in- dustries. In 1971 (when Alan Kay was de- signing Smalltalk), there were 697.000 ar- tists in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Ten years later, there were 1,055.000 artists, including 223.000 designers and 106.000 photographers. To- day even the smallest company has a graphic logo and a "corporate identifica- tion" program— a practice almost unheard of 30 years ago. Articles and books whose subject is the "information age" often make the point that the ever-increasing volume of infor- mation generated in the world is inevit- able: the real issue, though, is how to give it useful shape and dimension. Visual communications does precisely that: It shapes information, gives it character, and streamlines it for faster travel to its target audience. Design is the art of taking a mes- sage and giving it impact through typo- graphy, composition, and both abstract as well as representational drawing and coloring. As the information environment be- comes ever fuller and noisier, the stakes are continually raised for those who want their message to carry above the din, which means new tools and techniques are needed to communicate effectively. In treating all information as visual informa- tion and greatly simplifying methods of combining verbal and visual information, the Macintosh is in harmony with the broad lines of evolution in human com- munication. (I've had mine for two weeks, and already my mouse finger is getting stronger.) Jim Hoekema Salt Lake City, UT Support Is Where You Find It I would like to comment on the letters con- cerning lack of Apple support ("No Sup- port from Apple." February, page 18) and how I dealt with this problem since pur- chasing a lie in lune 1984. The Apple He is being marketed as the somewhat portable version of the lie with over 95 percent of Me software running on the lie. Therefore, any manual covering Applesoft as implemented on the lie should be about 95 percent applicable to the lie. This I quickly found to be true. For assembly-language programming, ad- vanced BASIC programming, and a de- scription of the Apple II family firmware (up to the He), Paul Irwin's Apple Program- mer's Handbook (Indianapolis, IN: Howard W, Sams & Co., 1984) is exceptional. Major computer publications have described Apple's ProDOS, summarizing its many DOS 3.3 similarities and new features such as its UNIX-like nested hierarchical direc- tory structure, RAM-disk support for the extra 64 K bytes of memory, etc. The best summaries (nearly 100 percent coverage of features and commands) have ap- peared in BYTE ("ProDOS" by Rob Moore. February 1984. page 2 52) and Apple Orchard ("Introducing ProDOS" by Morgan P. Caffrey, January 1984. page 12). The former mentions all ProDOS-related pub- lications by Apple. A thorough non-Apple description of ProDOS, combining the best segments of BASIC Programming with ProDOS and the ProDOS Technical Reference Manual, is given in lohn Campbell's Inside Apples ProDOS (Reston, VA: Reston Pub- 22 BYTE MAY 1985 LETTERS lishing Co., 1984). Although the text is in- formative, the book has several typo- graphical errors. A small paperback en- titled An \ntroduction to the Apple lie documents the serial-port and mouse-port pin outputs, among others, in its appendixes. All the substitute texts mentioned above served very well until late October 1984. when several New York dealers received the entire complement of Apple documen- tation. A one-stop source for documen- tation has been the McGraw-Hill Book- store, 1221 Avenue of the Americas. New York, NY 10020. Here 1 purchased the Apple \k Reference Manual, ProDOS Technical Reference Manual, and BASIC Programming with ProDOS. Note that the ProDOS Technical Ref- erence Manual is part of the "WorkBench" series of documents in loose-leaf format that can only be purchased separately and whose unusual page size fits best in Apple's "WorkBench" binder ($8). All the substitute texts purchased originally con- tinue to be useful except Mr. Campbell's book, now completely redundant. Thus, it would seem that the availability of Apple documentation continues to be a problem, but however late, the docu- mentation did appear. The lie Reference and the ProDOS Technical manuals have a few typographical errors that must not be con- sidered lightly, since the text deals most- ly with system software. I have pro- grammed in BASIC quite extensively on an IBM PC XT using PC-DOS 2.1 quite fre- quently. Although IBM manuals have been much more available, they have been con- sistently difficult to read, and as a physician-in-training with severe time con- straints. 1 find that the clarity of Apple's presentation and the structure of ProDOS still puts Apple on top on my list. Its dif- ficulties have mainly been eased by the availability of excellent documentation by third parties, a condition which has always been part of Apple's continued success. Marvin E. Gozum, M.D. Brooklyn, NY After reading of some problems en- countered by your readers in obtaining Apple technical manuals, 1 thought my own experience might be of interest. After purchasing my lie I wanted to pur- chase the technical reference manual but was surprised to learn that it was not available from my dealer. I checked around and learned that most dealers in this area did not stock the manual. After some digging, I learned that the dealers do not stock the manuals because they (continued) More terminals without more computer The advantages are clear. A Bay Tech port contender adds more users to your computer and does it at a price that's far less than expensive hardware or software modifications. A Model 5218B, for example, doubles your users by allowing 1 2 terminals to contend for 6 ports. Simple to set up and use, with easy-to-understand messages, the port contenders feature protocol conversion; user queue; disconnect by operator, computer or time-out; hardware or X-ON/X-OFF handshaking; and more. io/\/\i c»o i^f\-% Seven models, $629 to $1,750. (BOO) 523-2702 BayTech DATA COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS Bay Technical Associates, Hwy. 603, P.O. Box 387, Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi 39520 (601)467-8231 Telex: 9103331618 (BAYTECH) Share printers easily and automatically Instead of adding more printers, get maximum use of the printers you have by adding a BayTech multiport controller. A versatile D-series multiport allows several RS-232C devices to share printers or plotters. No cable-switching, knobs to turn, or software to add. These printer sharers work automatically; just hook them up and they're ready to use. Features include custom power-up default configuration, protocol conversion, buffer, and your choice of hardware or X-ON/X-OFF handshaking. ._... f»-a ~%-tr\-> Seven models, $319 to $629. (800) 523-2702 •► BayTech DATA COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS Bay Technical Associates, Hwy. 603, P.O. Box 387, Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi 39520 (601)467-8231 Telex: 9103331618 (BAYTECH) Inquiry 49 MAY 1985 -BYTE 23 LETTERS are considered very low dollar items that are "not worth the bother.' Apple under- standably requires dealers to purchase the manuals in lots of five. Evidently, the prevalent feeling among dealers is that the manuals will not be hot-selling items, and they do not want to deal with them. Two dealers told me this directly. Fortunately. I was able to locate a store that regularly stocks all manuals but oc- casionally runs out due to demand. Ac- cording to them, they have had no prob- lems or unusual delays in getting the manuals from Apple. I now have BASIC Programming with ProDOS. ProDOS Users Kit. and the Apple We Reference Manual, all sup- posedly rare books but obtained with very little effort. Right after I purchased BASIC Programming with ProDOS. two dealers told me it was not yet available from Apple, If you can't share files on PC Network, you're using the wrong file manager. Be connected. Btrieve." Networks can solve problems. But running a single-user file manager can create new ones: Lost updates. Garbled data. Trashed files. Btrieve™/N offers safe multi-user file management that protects your data when sharing files. And eliminates the need to rewrite your application for LANs. Btrieve/N set the file management standard for the industry's most popular networks: Netware, Davong MultiLink, Omni- net, PC Net, EtherSeries, Nestar, and NetOne. And now IBM's PC Network. Fast. Btrieve/N is fast, too. It's writ- ten in assembly language especially for the IBM PC. And based on b-tree file indexing, for access speed that won't degrade as your database grows. Automatic file recovery. Btrieve/N provides automatic file recovery after Suggested retail prices: Btrieiv, $245; Btrieve/N. S595, Rtrievt/N, $175. Requires PC-DOS or MS -DOS I.X. a system crash. Your Btrieve data al- ways comes back intact. Fully-relational data management. SoftCraft's entire family of products gives you a complete, fully-relational database management system. Rtrieve™/N adds report writing capa- bilities. Xtrieve™/N speeds users through database queries with inter- active menus. For professional programmers. Btrieve/N is the fast, reliable answer for all vour application development in BASIC Pascal, COBOL, C, FORTRAN, and APL. With Btrieve/N, you can de- velop better network applications. And solve problems, not create new ones. SoftCraftlnc. P. O. Box #917 Austin, Texas 78766 (512) 346-8380 Telex 358 200 Xtrieve, $195; Xtrieve/N, $395; Rtrieve, $85; 2.X, or 3.X. and one dealer told me it was too much trouble to order. I have found the manuals to be excel- lent—among the best I have seen It may not be the same in all areas, but I believe that the problem lies more in the failure of dealers to provide for customer needs rather than insufficient support from Apple Steve A. Muncy Dallas, TX I read with interest the three letters under the heading "No Support from Apple" in your February Letters section. Although 1 missed the letter to which they referred, 1 felt 1 had to tell my experience with get- ting manuals. The manuals named in the three letters are all manuals that I've wanted, with the exception of the Apple Ik Reference Manual because I have a lie. Anyway. I no more than asked if my local dealer could get these for me and I had them. I waited one week for both the ProDOS Users Kit and the Applesoft manuals, both volumes. I had to wait three weeks for the ProDOS Technical Reference Manual, and it didn't bother me a bit. I'm sure that when the time comes that I want another manual I'll have it in short order. I have had no problem at all with get- ting information on the Apple. In fact, when I found out that there was an up- date for ProDOS. I asked my dealer if he had it. He said he didn't even know there was one, but two days later he called and said he had it. I stopped by and picked up a copy and was on my way in a total time expenditure of 10 minutes. Maybe I'm lucky to have this dealer, but I wanted your readers to know that not everyone has problems getting the information they want. Brad W. Hansen Apple Valley. MN A RAM Disk for the Mac In his letter (under the heading Take Back Your Mac." February, page 22). Don Slaughter pleads for RAM-disk software for the 5 1 2 K-byte Macintosh and hopes for a "reasonable price ($50 or less)." A public-domain RAM disk is available and can be downloaded from Compu- Serve's MAUG area (you need to be knowl- edgeable in the use of "BinHex.Hex" to download it and "Rmover" to install it). Assimilation Process (20833 Stevens Creek Blvd.. Suite 101. Cupertino. CA 95014) has been advertising the {continued) 24 BYTE- MAY 1985 Inquiry 361 If you don't have a Hercules Graphics Card, you could end up looking like this: "I know, because one day it hap- pened to me . . . "I was running some routine tests on a non-Hercules mono- chrome graphics card when I was struck by a severe case of lowresolutionitis. I'm the president of Hercules and that's me exhibiting the symptoms of the disease in its advanced stages. Not a pretty sight, is it? "What causes low res- olutionitis? Experts point to ordinary monochrome graphics cards with coarse, hard-to-read graphics. A bad case of eyestrain may develop if action is not taken immediately. "Fortunately for me, a Hercules Graphics Card was nearby. A quick change brought soothing 720 x 348 graphics. That's twice the resolution of ordinary 640 x 200 graph- ics cards. "Which means better graphics for Lotus™ 1-2-3" Symphony™ Framework" pfs:Graph* Microsoft" Chart and Word, SuperCalc3* AutoCad™ and dozens of other programs. "Including Microsoft Flight Simulator, now Hercules compatible! "Oh, and don't forget that a parallel printer port is standard on the Hercules Graphics Card, not an extra cost option. "Now, if you're worried about buying a new product that hasn't had all the bugs worked out, relax. Hercules has sold more monochrome graphics cards for the IBM* PC,XT" and AT™ than anyone else in the world. "So . . . you're convinced that you should buy a Hercules Graphics Card. Now, steer clear of cheap imitations. You may save a few bucks, but you won't get all of these five essential features which only Hercules has: "1) A safety switch that helps prevent damage to your monitor, 2) the ability to keep a Hercules Color Card in your system, 3) the ability to use the PC's BASIC to do graphics, 4) a Hercules designed chip that eliminates 30% of the parts that can go wrong, and 5) a two year warranty, because we think reliability is something you should deliver and not just talk about." "Call 1-800-532-0600 Ext 408 for the name of the Hercules dealer nearest you and we'll rush you our free info kit. Hercules. We're strong on graphics. Address: 2550 Ninth St.. Berkeley, CA 94710 Ph: 540-6000 Telex: 754063 Trademark/Owners: Hercules/Hercules Computer Tech; IBM. XT, AT/IBM; Lotus 1-2-3, Symphony /Lotus Development; Framework/Ashton-Tate; Microsoft/Microsoft; pfs:Graph/Software Publishing; SuperCalc3/Sorcim-IUS; AutoCad/AutoDesk. Inquiry 187 MAY 1985 'BYTE 25 LETTERS Mac. Memory. Disk for several months in both Ma&Norld and A + . This product sells for $29. I had no trouble getting copies through a local dealer, and it does every- thing Mr. Slaughter wants and more. The RAM disk can be set anywhere from about 30K to 300K. and any set of files can be automatically copied into it as part of the boot process. Network Consulting Inc. (110-3700 Gil- more Way. Burnaby. BC V5G 4M1. Canada) has a $29.95 RAM-disk product in the beta-test stage that does a bit more than Mac.Memory.Disk. Daniel P. B. Smith Norwood. MA Shortly after mailing my letter I learned that Assimilation Process of Cupertino. California, was planning to release RAM- disk software. The Mac.Memory.Disk (as it is called) will only open a maximum of a 3 1 5K RAM disk on a 512K Mac, though it will open a RAM disk in excess of 700K on a Lisa running MacWorks with 1 megabyte of memory. My experience in testing the speed of operation quickly showed that to obtain substantial speed gains in loading and exiting applications software on the Mac. the operating system of the Mac must be loaded into the RAM disk. It seems that most applications, on being double- clicked, must then do extensive accessing of the operating system to load. But if the operating system is loaded into the RAM disk, this effectively leaves only about 100K left in the RAM disk (using the 512K Mac with 316K RAM disk) for the ap- plication software. MacPaint, when copied into such an environment, won't even open a disk file because there isn't enough room left on the disk for one. MacWrite will create very small data files in that environment. Clearly, such an en- vironment is adequate neither for busi- ness nor for software development. But Apple will not offer 1 -megabyte caches for its products from now on except in the $4000-plus Macintosh XL (Lisa 2/10 with hard disk) or the $6995 laser printer. The evidence suggests that a relatively inex- pensive 1-megabyte Mac (below $3 500) will not be offered before January of 1986 (perhaps in the guise of using 1-megabit chips on a new main circuit board), if ever. My summary of these facts is that 1 am dis- appointed, and I think Apple has goofed. Don Slaughter Seattle, WA Modula-2 Revisited I would like to correct some readers' mis- understandings and possibly add some fuel to the fire of the Pascal versus Modula-2 debate. In my article on Modula-2 (An Introduc- tion to Modula-2' 1 August 1984. BYTE page 195), 1 use the following example: IF (oregano IN recipe[1]) THEN IF (thyme IN recipe[1]) THEN WriteString('Use oregano and thyme') END ELSE WriteString('No oregano'); END {continued) SLICER-THE SYSTEM THAT GROWS TO FIT YOUR NEEDS THE SLICER Real 16 Bit Power on a Single Board — Featuring the Intel 80186 ■ Complete 8 MHz 16-bit micro- processor on a 6" « 1 2" board ■ 256K RAM, plus up to 64K EPROM ■ SASI port for hard disk controller ■ Two full function RS232C serial ports with individually programmed transmission rates— 50 to 38.4K baud ■ Software compatibility with the 8086 and 8088. ■ 8K of EPROM contains drivers for peripherals, commands for hardware checkout and software testing ■ Software supports most types and sizes of disk drives ■ Source for monitor included on disk ■ Bios supports Xebec 1410 and Western Digital WD 1002 SHD controller for hard disks Fully assembled and tested only $995 Also available in several kit forms THE SLICER SYSTEM EXPANSION BOARD For expanded memory, additional porta, and real time clock ■ Up to 256K additional dynamic RAM ■ 2 RS232C asychronous ports with baud rates to 38.4K for serial communication ■ 2 additional serial ports for asynchronous RS232C or synchronous communication (Zilog 8530 SCC) ■ Real Time Clock with battery backup for continuous timekeeping ■ Centronics type parallel printer port Fully assembled and tested only $750 Available in several kit forms also THE SLICER PC EXPANSION BOARD Gives your Sllcer high performance video capability ■ IBM compatible monochrome video ■ Video memory provides 8 pages of text or special graphics capability ■ 2 IBM type card slots for color video, I/O expansion, etc. ■ IBM type keyboard port Fully assembled and tested only $600 Available in several kit forms also Alto available: The ^SLICER 188 $700; 8087 Math Co-Processor Bd. (call); 10 MB Hard Disk $700; W.D. 1002-SHD H.D.C. Bd. $200; Enclosures, Power Supply, and Support Hardware. Operating systems are CP/M 86 by Digital Research, Inc. ($85), and MS DOS by Microsoft Corporation ($175). MasterCard, Visa, Check, Money Order, or C.O.D. Allow four weeks for delivery. Prices subject to change without notice. The SLICER Bulletin Board at 300/1200 Baud 612/788-5909 SLICER Slicer Computers, Inc. 2543 Marshall St. N.E., Minneapolis, MN 55418 612/788-9481 • Telex 501357 SLICER UD 26 B YTE • MAY I985 Inquiry 3 57 A few smart reasons to buy our smart modem : Features Ven-Tel 1200 PLUS Hayes 1200 and 300 baud, auto-dial, auto-answer Compatible with "AT" command set Can be used with CROSSTALK-XVI or Smartcom II software Regulated DC power pack for cool, reliable operation Eight indicator lights to display modem status Speaker to monitor call progress Attractive, compact aluminum case Two built-in phone connectors Compatible with The Source and Dow Jones News Retrieval Unattended remote test capability Phone cable included Availability Price Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Now $499 $6 The Ven-Tel 1200 PLUS offers high speed, reliable telecommunications for your per- sonal computer or terminal. Whether you use information services or transfer data from computer to computer, the Ven-Tel 1200 PLUS is the best product around. Available at leading computer dealers and distribu- tors nationwide. Also from Ven-Tel: internal modems for the IBM and HP-150 Personal Computers with all of the features of the 1200 PLUS. You choose. The Ven-Tel 1200 PLUS- the smartest choice in modems. Ven-Tel Inc. 2342 Walsh Avenue Santa Clara, CA 95051 (408) 727-5721 Crosstalk is a trademark of Microstuf; Hayes and Smartcom II are trademarks of Hayes Microcomputer Products. Inquiry 406 MAY I985 -BYTE 27 PRINTOUTS T> Take a close look at Canon's line ot printers. The first thing you'll notice is how good they make you look. That's because Canon's experience in high-tech optics really shows. For instance, Canon was among the first to make a desktop Laser Beam Printer. At a price that's within any business's reach, the Canon Laser Printer can produce eight pages a minute with a quality that's more in common with a professional print shop than a personal computer. Canon also developed the ingenious Bubble-Jet Printer technology, finally making it possible for a printer to not only work extremely quickly but also incredibly quietly. Our Ink-Jet Printer can produce exceptionally sharp, high-resolution graphics in seven colors, even on transparencies. While the Thermal Transfer Printer has three kinds of print modes, including letter quality, at a very competitive price. And the Canon Impact Matrix Series, for regular and extra-wide column paper, makes printing very fast, very economical. . saw 1985 Canon US A . Inc LASER BEAM IMPACT MATRIX tf STAHD OUT. Visit your local computer store and judge the complete line of Canon printers firsthand. You'll find the print quality is absolutely crisp. The graphics are remarkably clean. And the reasons for buying one are perfectly clear. For more information, call 1-800-323-1717, ext. 300 (in Illinois, 1-800-942-8881. ext. 300). Or write Canon U.S.A., Inc., Printer ^> ^% ^m £\-+W' V Division, P.O. Box CN 11250, Trenton, NJ 08650. PRINTERS Inquiry 63 •M-M <* *<* H BUBBLE-JET THERMAL TRANSFER Inquiry 294 Powerful in circuit emulation, priced well within your grasp. That's NICE. esting . . ,*it in inn-. i and versatilnv fur only ic market, hands down. ^ Nicolet NICE may be only 3" square and '.•" thick, but it hands you full sp^cd, real-time emulation— over SO emulation functions, software breakpoints.', all memory addresses and all l'O ports. lust plug NICE directly into the target MP socket and any RS2.32 terminal for system development, troubleshooting, debugging or testing . at home, in the lab or in the field. And NICE hands you all this performance, portability and versatility for 01 S »98 "... the best emulator price /performance ratio on the market, hands dow Call in your order today using your VISA or Mastercard num- ber: (800) NICOLET outside CA. or (4lS) 490-8300 in CA. Or send your check or money order M - to NICE, m Nicolet Paratronics Corporation, 201 Fourier Avenue, Fre- mont, CA 9453' Nl< I i»alra" Paratronio, ' '/Hit is a trademark of /ilog I PC CARD HEADSET PROTECTS IBM PC/XT/AT«AND PERIPHERALS FOR JUST S89! FREE BOTH HANDS FOR EASY DATA PROCESSING! QUADRUPLE PROTECTIONS: ■ LOCKS POWER SWITCH, STOP UNAU- THORIZED USERS. ■ MOTION DETECTION CIRCUIT BLASTS 90dB SIREN ON EXTREME MOVEMENT. ■ LOCKS PERIPHERAL CABLE INTO RIGID METAL ENCLOSURE. ■ BLOCKS FROM REMOVAL OF ADD ON BOARDS. ■ SLIDES IN INSTALLATION, NO TOOLS NEED. UNIQUE FEATURES: ■ LIGHT WEIGHT. ONLY 35 GRAMS ENABLE COMFORTABLE TO WEAR A DAY LONG. ■ SENSITIVE MIKE AND EARPHONE PROVIDE NON DISTORTION COMMUNI- CATION. ■ ADJUSTABLE HEADBAND AND MIKE FITS EVERY USER. ■ INSTALL IN STANDARD TELEPHONE EQUIPPED WITH MODULAR JACK. NO TOOLS REQUIRED. COUllllTsll ELECTRIC, INC. 14741 Carmenita Rd. Norwalk. CA 90650 TO ORDER CALL (800) 423 1066. CA (213) 9210933. Telex: 532 427 I NAMF AMOUNT: (CA 6.5% TAX) ADDRESS: AMOUNT: (CA 6.5% TAX) PAYMENT: DVISA DMASTER CARDDCHECK CITY: STATE/ZIP TELEPHONE CARD EXPIRED DATE: NAME ON CARD: CARD': 11111 I TtLEPHONE: I SEND ME FULL LINE CATALOGUE *l PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE SHIPPING CHARGE | LETTERS Edmund Ramm offers this Pascal alter- native in his recent letter ( 'Modula-2: Overrated?" February, page 30): IF (oregano IN recipe[1]) AND (thyme IN recipe[1]) THEN WRITELN('Use oregano & thyme') ELSE WRITELN('Use only thyme); These two program fragments are not. in fact, equivalent: a point I was trying to make. The Modula-2 version is completely unambiguous and requires that one string be printed if both are included, a different string be printed if only thyme is included, and no action whatsoever if oregano is in- cluded but thyme is not. This three-case action requires a nested IF statement and can easily be misstated in Pascal, as I dem- onstrated on page 198 of my article. I hope that this clears up the misunder- standing. Robert J. Paul Watertown, MA Icons Are Okay In her letter regarding icons and the Macintosh. Ann Marchant states that the superiority of an alphabetic system to a pictographic system is "readily apparent" ( "Icons Are Arcane," February, page 24), but she provides no evidence. We have recently done some experiments that bear on this issue (Muter and Johns. "Learning Logographies and Alphabetic Codes," Human learning, in press) and we found that, under a reasonably wide range of conditions, pictographic writing systems were easier to learn to read than alpha- betic writing systems. Paul Muter Psychology Department University of Toronto Toronto. Ontario M5S IAI Canada An Alternative to Piracy In a recent issue, one anonymous letter to the editor was attributed to a software pirate ("A Pirate Confesses." February, page 16). The pirate admitted displeasure with pirating software but stated it was necessary to do so. The writer's central thesis was that soft- ware should be tried before it is pur- chased, since in no other way can the pur- chaser be sure that the software will per- form as advertised or that it will work on [continued) 30 BYTE- MAY 1985 Inquiry 80 Inquiry 369 — ► HOW TO CONTROL THE RISE AND FALL Your small business compu- ter can give you the power to raise your productivity. But first you have to control the power you give it. Because even the slightest dip or surge of elec- tricity can result in a shocking surprise. An instant loss of important data or misinformation. Even worse, a total power line failure can create department devastation ... a total system crash. You can't afford errors, delays and other problems. After all, you've invested in a computer to increase efficiency. But now there's a solution you can af- ford The Sola SPS. This economical, UL listed Standby Power System is designed to protect personal, micro and mini computers from AC line disturb- OWER. Ill r~ Ir ances and failures. Sola SPS »~ ■■■^B provides clean, regulated AC power to your computer when your power line experiences irregular voltage. Line dips or line surges are immediately converted to proper voltage. When the AC line is present, the SPS filters power to eliminate electrical noise. And when the AC line fails, the SPS goes into full action, providing precise AC power to the load from its internal battery. So the only noise you'll hear is the sound of performance. There's no maint- nance. No installation. No kidding. Just ^\ plug it in and turn it on. Why let your productivity rise and fall with your power? The solution is as simple as SPS. The standby system that Sola stands behind. A UNIT OF GENERAL SIGNAL STANDBY POWER SOURCE Write for free literature. 1 71 7 Busse Hwy., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 (31 2) 439-2800 SOLA LETTERS a particular hardware configuration. The pirate then stated that no software vendors offered a guarantee that allowed return of software simply because the customer was dissatisfied. Therefore, such piracy is necessary. We at TNT Software sell all our software with a 30-day, money-back guarantee. We have done this for nearly two years. Customers can freely open our packaging. run our programs (not just demo versions), test all functions, and determine if our pro- grams are suitable for their intended use. If the customer is dissatisfied for any reason— even if the program performs as advertised— the entire package may be returned within 30 days for a full refund of the purchase price. Moreover, our dealers must give anyone who buys one of TNT. Software's pro- Since 1918 we've been quietly design- ing, manufacturing, and distributing a broad range of products for industry, business, and consumers all over the world. And so we've quietly grown to be a multi-national company with almost a billion in sales from the world's toughest markets. Markets that demand quality, performance, and reliability. Which is why Tatung terminals and monitors have become the choice of important systems designers. O Tatung monitors are compatible with virtually all popular computer systems. Each model offers superior resolution and CRT color imagery, along with controls for precise picture "tuning". Tatung terminals offer operational flexibility, compatibility with all popular systems, and day-in- day-out reliability. But, no matter which model you choose, no other terminal or monitor offers as much. ..for so little. U.C.M. COMPUTER PRODUCTS CANADA LIMITED 7225 Woodbine Ave., Unit 119 Markham, Ontario L3R 1A3 (Canada only) 1-800-387-9678/ 1-416-475-1209 Telex: 06-986222 TATUNG WESTERN MICRO SYSTEMS A Quality Distributor Serving the 13 Western States Western States 1-800-544-0020 In California 1-800-338-1600 For complete information call toll free: 1-800-421-2929. In California, call (213) 979-7055. TATUNG COMPANY OF AMERICA, INC., 2850 El Presidio, Long Beach, California 90810. grams the same or a better guarantee. That's part of our contract for all our dealers and distributors. We find it hard to believe the pirate's statement that there are no other software companies or distributors with a policy equivalent to ours. Yes, we do get some returns. Some types of programs are more prone to returns than others. Overall, our return rate is far less than I percent of sales. We think our customers are far better served with our liberal return and non- restrictive licensing policy than by services such as a toll-free phone number. We hope that the pirate and others will buy our software in the future. Further, our prices are uncommonly low. Our company's success in the software market amply proves that copy protection, restrictive licensing arrangements, and other barbed-wire tactics are both un- necessary and counterproductive. We'd rather give the customer a break and treat the customer like a presumably honest person. Frankly, we wish other companies would adopt our stand, instead of wasting the customer's money by developing ever more tricky and "foolproof" protection schemes. Bruce W Tonkin President TNT. Software Inc. Round Lake, IL What Makes Software Expensive I'm writing on a topic of deep interest to me and many of your readers: software prices. One thing we've seen in the last year is a tremendous explosion of good software. We've also seen a number of companies go belly-up. Is the market so bad? No. it's never been better. Why are all these out- fits in trouble? It's easy to blame it on piracy, interest rates, or investor con- fidence. It's appropriate to blame it on greed, poor planning, and an inadequate understanding of free-market theory. When the first application programs for personal computers hit the streets, what were the projected sales? Five thousand? Ten thousand? Who would have expected them to be 2000 percent higher? The original pricing was set with development and promotion costs to be spread over a much smaller number of units than in fact were being sold. Did we see prices being slashed to account for the new economies of production? Or did we see them at- [continued on page 458) }2 BYTE- MAY I9KS Inquiry 389 FIXES AND UPDATES Busy, Busy BYTEnet Listings PDATI The popularity of BYTEnet Listings has ex- ceeded our wildest expectations. It has been busy virtually all day, every day, with calls to download listings of programs mentioned in BYTE. We have added two more telephone lines to BYTEnet Listings to ease the con- gestion. The new number to call is (617) 861-9774. You should find it easier to get through to BYTEnet Listings. If you find that BYTEnet Listings is busy, please don't call us at the BYTE offices to find out if the line is bad or if the system is down. It isn't bad or down, it's just busy. (Incidentally. BYTEnet Listings is closed to the public from 4 to 5 a.m. east-coast time every day; it is doing private network busi- ness and will reject your calls.) Sola Makes Uninterruptible Power Supplies In our lanuary survey of uninterruptible power supplies, we inadvertently neglected to mention the many products available from Sola Electric. (See "Uninter- ruptible Power Supplies" by William Rynone. page 183.) Sola Electric offers a full line of uninter- ruptible power supplies and power-con- ditioning equipment for microcomputers and minicomputers. A 20-page illustrated brochure details the electrical and perfor- mance specifications of the products. It describes the systems offered, contrasts power-protection alternatives, and ex- plains the operation, design, and selection of uninterruptible power supplies. Request catalog number 696 from Sola Electric. 1717 Busse Rd., Elk Grove Village. IL 60007. (312) 439-2800 (marketing). (312) 228-1393 (technical services), or (312) 228-12 50 (customer service). Modifications to Printer Buffer A few modifications to lohn Bonos printer-buffer project recently arrived from Dr. H. A. Tasman of Karlsruhe, West Germany. (See "Build a Printer Buffer." June 1984 BYTE, page 142.) In figure 3b (page 4 52). the input BUSY flip-flop, IClOa, is set on the leading edge of the input STB, but the input byte is not clocked into the input register until the trailing edge of the input STB. However, in line 60 of listing 1 (page 4 53), OKAY:IN A, (STATUS) places BUSY in bit of the A register and proceeds to IN A.(BYTEIN) if not 0. "This procedure may work satisfactori- ly," writes Tasman, "if the host computer's parallel-port driver always produces an STB pulse that is shorter than the time needed for the instructions AND 01 H and JPZ.NOCHAR, which, for a l-MHz clock frequency, amounts to 17 microseconds." Dr. Tasman found this condition to be unsatisfactory when he tried to use the printer buffer with a software parallel-port driver on his 4-MHz Z80 computer. In par- ticular, he found that the STB pulse could surpass the clock-frequency limit when an interrupt occurs. If, for example, a char- acter is read in before the STB is ter- minated, the input register will still be holding the previous character. If the STB extends beyond the input ACK pulse, the BUSY flip-flop will not reset and the char- acter can be read in repeatedly. Dr. Tasman suggests that you check the input STB before processing the character. Also, since the tri-state buffer, IC14, can put two more lines on the data bus with the STATUS command, you can connect the input STB (IC9 pin 1 1 through 1C10 pin 1) to IC14 pin 10 and hook 1C14 pin 9 to D3. To eliminate the STB problem, modify the software around line 60 to OKAY: IN A.(STATUS) BIT 0.A JR Z.NOCHAR BIT 3, A JR Z.OKAY ; GET CHARACTER IN A,(BYTE1N) FreeSoft Address A Bit Too Wide Additional information about some prod- ucts mentioned in "Public-Domain Gems" by |ohn Markoff and Ezra Shapiro has come to light. (See the March BYTE, page 207.) In the discussion about Red Ryder 3.0, a communications program for the Macin- tosh, the name and address of the author/ distributor was inadvertently omitted. Earlier in the article, during the presenta- tion on the Ultra utilities, the author was duly credited, but the address was incor- rect. Both Red Ryder 3.0 and the Ultra utili- ty programs are available from The Free- Soft Co., 10828 Lacklink, St. Louis, MO 63114. Also mentioned in the article was Newkey. a program that lets you redefine the IBM PC keyboard. Newkey can be ob- tained for $39 from FAB Software, POB 12363, Birmingham, Ml 48012. We regret these errors. An editing error in the February BYTE U.K. resulted in our creating a dream product rather than describing the real McCoy. (See "Realizing a Dream" by Dick Poun- tain. page 379.) In the first and second columns on page 382. we say that "... a 32K-bit processor is necessary to efficiently manipulate ob- jects ..." and that "by employing some tricky design techniques, including a 64K- {continued) MAY 1985 IYTE 33 Inquiry 278 MidWcst Micro-Peripherals Gigc Epson - PRICE GUARANTEE We at MidWesl Micro guarantee that we can save you up to 49% of more on your purchase ot new fully warranteed equipment and supplies And we will still give you friendly. courteous service. Call today and Save With Confidence 1 LIST $349 Don't spend a fortune to own the world's most popular printer . , EPSON l*- 80 3X5 $269 The new EPSON LX-80 prints smoothly and quietly at a speed of 1 00 cps. With the superb near letter quality mode and full graphic capabilities as standard, your correspondence will be letter perfect. The LX-80 comes complete with a parallel interface to quickly connect it to virtually all computers. There are 1 60 typestyles that are switch selectable and the LX-80 comes with EPSON'S full 1 year warranty- Friction feed is standard and an optional tractor feed is available. Let the EPSON LX-80 print your next business letter or report. Complete EPSON Line . . . L ist price Homewriter 10 (100 cps.NLQ Mode 80 Col). . $288 . $CALL$ LX-80 (100 cps. NQL Mode, 80 Col.) 349 269 RX-100 (100 cps. 136 Col.) 895 399 FX-80-H160 cps. 80 Col. 2k Buffer) 699 389 FX-100-H160 cps, 136 Col. 2k Buffer) 999 589 LQ-1500 (200 cps. NLQ Mode. 136 Col.) 1395. . . SCALLS brother printer's give you all the features of a letter quality and more with . . . ^HR-15XL $379 Tlie H R- 1 5 gives you Oaisywtieel printing and added attractions such as text reprinting, red priming, attachable cut sheet feeder and the exclusive Brother keyboard attachment. Complete BROTHER Line ... y st HR-15XL (17 cos. 13.5" carriage, 3k Buffer) $599 HR-15 S HR-15XL Keyboard Attachment 200 HR-25 (23 cps. 16.5" carriage. 3k Buffer) 695 HR-35 (32 cps. 16.5" carriage. 7k Buffer 1245 Brother 2024 (160 cps, 24 pin head, NLQ Mode) 1495 Your Price $379 . 169 649 . 899 999 Complete 1.6 Mb SUPER SYSTEM $1399 JUST Includes: •Sanyo computer with 2-800k quad-density floppy disk drives '1 6 Megabytes ot storage '256k Random Access Memory 'Green of Amber Monitor (Your Choee) •Fast, efficient 16 bit 8088 processor 'Convenient, full function, detachable keyboard 'Centronics parallel printer port "High quality color graphics capabilities 'Flexible MS-DOS Operating System 'Flexible MW OuadDOS 4 Operating System for SS/DD. DS/DD, DS/QD 'Business Management Software Both Wordstar and Easywnter word processing software packages Calcstar Software for spreadsheets Filebase database software And others' 'Completely set-up and run tested FREE BONUS 6-Plug surge protected power strip 2 Boxes of 10 brand name Quad-Density Diskettes Prices subject to change and type errors — ~ FREE CARD USE Call Today! Information - Ordering 1-800-423-8215 In Ohio 1-800-321-7731 C USTOMER SERVICE (513) 663-499 2 CASH PRICES Cert Check, Money Orders. VISA or MC CODs (Add $5) AMEX (Add 4%) P.O s (Add 5%) MidWvit Mkro-Pvriphvrali (Division of infolel. Inc ] 135 South Springfield St St Pans, Ohio 43072 FIXES AND UPDATES bit-wide memory bus ..." We ask you to ignore the capital Ks as you read those sentences. Mathematics Mistake A pair of bugs appeared in listing 1 of Peter Rice's article Arithmetic on Your PC (See March, page 119.) The superscript ones (Is) in lines 13370 and 13380 on page 124 should have been minus signs. We apologize for this error. Caption in Error A photo caption appearing in Jon Ed- wards's review. Atari 800XL." misidentifies the screen display. (See March, page 268.) The photo actually shows a scene from Electronic Arts' Seven Cities of Gold. Poke the lie's Drive Delays in the Sixth Slot Corrections for EPROM Programmer In figure 2 (page 107) of the February Ciar- cia Circuit Cellar, four corrections are necessary. (See "Build a Serial EPROM Programmer.' page 104.) Make a connection between the RESET line (pin 4) of IC8 and the line between pin 1 1 of IC7 and pin 2 of IC9. On the lower right-hand corner. IC12 is a 74LS04, not a 74LS02. The input to IC7. inverter b. should be labeled pin 3, not pin 13 as it was presented. Finally, Q3 should be a 2N2905 and not a 2N905. Also, when using 24-pin EPROMs. insert them into the ZIF socket so that the socket's pins 1 and 2 are empty Owen Sargent from Chicago. Illinois, has come up with a programming solution to the Apple lie's drive shutoff and start-up delay. For the drive controller in slot 6: POKE 49386,0 POKE 49387.0 POKE 48385.0 POKE 49384.0 assigns drive 1 assigns drive 2 turns assigned motor on turns assigned motor off Please note that any DOS command that causes the motor to switch on will Computer Art Contest for Kids shut it down after execution. If you wish to keep your motor running, insert POKE 49385 immediately after the DOS command. Mr. Sargent came across this solution in Don Worth and Pieter Lechner's Beneath Apple DOS (Quality Software. Chatsworth. CA: 1981. page 6-2) and Apples Reference Manual for the We Only (Cupertino. CA: 1982, page 128). I have tested this in a read-print loop," says Sargent, and keeping the motor on increases speeds by 2 5 percent." West Publishing seeks entries for its First Annual Computer Art Contest for Kids, The theme is "Computers and the Im- agination, It is hoped that children will use computers both as subjects and tools. Both computer graphics and traditional art forms are acceptable. Computer graph- ics can be programmed by a child or created with a graphics tablet. The con- test is open to students in kindergarten through high school. Winners will be an- nounced at the World Conference on Computers for Education. July 29 through August 2. in Norfolk. Virginia. Winners will receive prizes from S50 to $300. The Grand and First Prize winners' schools will receive prizes of $300 and $100. The first 500 entrants and the winners will receive a commemorative T-shirt Contest entries must be postmarked no later than |une 1. 1985, and mailed to Ann Kellogg, West Publishing Co.. 4th floor. 201 Castro St.. Mountain View. CA 94041. For further information, complete rules, and an official entry blank, call (800) 532-9378: in California. (41 51 969-1283 Alternative Address In the November 1984 Fixes and Updates, we mentioned the services offered by Video Vision Associates, makers of laser- disc software. (See "Laserdiscs Here To- day and With Us Tomorrow," page 33.) We supplied a Huntington Beach, California, address for the firm. While this address is correct, interested readers have had some difficulty reaching the office. If you have encountered such problems, try contacting Video Vision Associates at its home office: 7 Waverly Place. Madison. NJ 07940, (201) 377-0302. ■ 34 BY MAY 1985 Give Us 3 Months, And We'll Change Your Company's Way Of Doing Business Forever. Presenting a superior communications and information delivery system, CompuServe Interchange. Finally, there's a way for all those com- puters out there to really increase your company's productivity. The breakthrough is Interchange, a superior electronic communications and information delivery system from CompuServe — the premier supplier of business information, electronic mail and network services to major financial institutions, government agencies and FORTUNE 500 companies. Interchange lets you build and maintain your company's information sources and then disseminate this information to any audience: office staff, sales representatives, customers, distributors, suppliers, purchasing agents— in any combination that is right for your business. Many corporations and associations in a wide range of industries are already profiting from Interchange and our electronic mail system, InfoPlex? Borg- Warner Chemicals has increased sales significantly with an Interchange sys- tem that (1) supplies technical information, (2) updates changing trade news, and (3) allows customers to run interactive, industry-oriented programs. Heinz U.S A uses CompuServe's elec- tronic mail to communicate sales and promotional information to the company's sales personnel. The speed and accuracy of InfoPlex have resulted in improved cus- tomer service and effectiveness. CompuServe Interchange also allows access to a variety of useful information including stock quotes, the AP newswires, USA TODAY Update, and market research databases. You can organize and disseminate infor- mation, provide electronic mail and much more. And we can help you put it together quickly and efficiently. And in just 3 months, that can change your company's way of doing business forever. Inquiry 89 CompuServe Interchange □ Please send me additional information. |'J Please have a CompuServe representative call me. Name Title Company City State Zip Business Phone . CompuServe CompuServe Interchange P.O. 20212 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd. Columbus, Ohio 43220 800-848-8199 In Ohio call 614-457-0802 705 An H&R Block Company ■ Three oft •i« y's most popular computer accessories, Tylenoi mil gut fei"*' "Jp cmIiwsm W'" —- Sftj Tylenol* is a registered trademark of McNEILAB, INC. Visine* and Ben-Gay* are registered trademarks of Lemming Division, Pfizer Inc. Do you ever get the feeling that computers are treated with more respect than people? Everyone talks about technology. But what about the people who have to use it? Quite clearly, they're having problems. Industry publications like PC Magazine have written about those problems. And now, more than twenty states are currently preparing special computer legislation to force some changes. You are not a machine. Computers are designed by engineers. They usually know a lot about technology but very little about people. Which is why so many com- puters often are technically im- pressive yet strangely unnatural to use. I Computer-induced I The result ] problems (%) | has been a whole range of com- puter-induced problems rang- ing from stress and fatigue to blurred vision. In Sweden, they have an attitude the Eye strain Back pain Headaches Shoulder Hand/ wrist Neck pain (Source: "Ergonomic Principles in Office Automation" Pub. 1983 by E.I.S. AB, Sweden.) 55% 43% 30% 25% 18% 15% world is just catching up with. It's this: That the machine is the servant of man. Not the other way around. That excellent ergonomic design isn't a privilege. It's a right. That ergonomics isn't just a noble gesture. It's good business. Because computers are only as fast and as accurate as the people who operate them. If they suffer, so does business. This attitude has made Ericsson No. 1 in Europe twice over: First, as the giant of European telecommunications. Then again as Europe's biggest workstation company by far. (You couldn't ask for a better marriage of technology for the future.) Here is one example of how Ericsson got there. It's the first of a range of computers being introduced in the U.S.A. The Ericsson P C. It's Ergo-Intelligent.™ Ericsson has spent $300 million finding ways to make people and computers work better together. Here are some of the results. Ergo-Screen.™ Aspirin gets rid of a headache. Ergonomics gets rid of the cause. The Ericsson PC has a non- glare screen with restful amber characters on a specially devel- oped, low-fatigue background color. Even the shape of the charac- ters was specially developed to allow easier recognition of difficult letters like O and Q. On the monochrome monitor, the resolution is double that of IBM's, so clarity is remarkable. You can even have text and graphics on the same screen. Ergo- Arm.™ Thousands of people get neck and back pain from inadequate screen height and angle adjustment. The Ericsson Ergo- Arm lets you move your screen exactly where you want it. Ergo-Touch.™ Ericsson keys are full-size, and the layout is ergonomically planned for greater speed and accuracy. Yet the keyboard is 20% more compact and less than half the weight of IBM's. Even the cord is adjustable to suit left- or right-handers. Ergo-Color.™ Even the color of the case is ergonomically selected to be restful on the eye over many hours. Ergo-Space.™ The system unit is one-third smaller than IBM's. It even fits under your desk in a special verti- cal rack. So your desktop is your own again. IBM Compatible. Many companies claim to be compatible. Some are. Some are stretching the truth. The Ericsson PC boasts the highest compatibility rating there is. It's operationally compatible. You can take advantage of thousands of PC-compatible pro- grams already available. In fact, with the best-selling software, program and data disks are interchangeable with those of the IBM PC. Service. Not excuses. Ericsson wouldn't give you anything less than on-site or carry- in service. The choice is yours. 3 Free Offers. Ericsson will send you reveal- ing literature on ergonomics. Also a detailed brochure on the Ericsson PC. And arrange a hands-on test if you ask for it. Call toll-free 1-800-FOR-ERGO. ERICSSON ^ IBM is a trademark of International Business Machines Corp. Inquiry 159 MAY 1985 'BYTE 37 Ours INTRODUCING NEAR iemR QUALITY ANP THROUGH PUT SPeWS cmea mmtfis cant COME NEAR. The new C.ltoh ProWriter 8510S-LQ Near Letter Quality printer is a whole new field of one. It's priced at just $549. But it gives you near letter quality printing for beautifully sharp characters like printers costing hundreds of dollars more. And in a text and graphics speed test against its closest competition, namely the Epson* FX-80 and the Okidata Microline 92, the new and faster C.ltoh 8510S-LQ out printed them all. The stopwatch proved that the 8510S-LQ, at throughput speeds of 100 full lines per minute, printed text up to 35% faster than the competition. And it created bar graphs and pie charts up to 54% faster. Of course, speed in itself does not keep a printer in a class by itself. Reli- ability does. That's something no C.ltoh printer has ever lacked. No other printers are more thoroughly tested or proven on the job. Which is why C.ltoh printers continue to be the world's best sellers, with 1.7 million sold last year alone. For more information on the new and faster C.ltoh 8510S-LQ or wider carriage 1550S-LQ Near Letter Quality printers just see your C.ltoh dealer. Or call us toll free at 1-800-423-0300. Or write C.ltoh Digital Products, Inc., 19750 South Vermont Avenue, Suite 220, Torrance, CA 90502. " ProWriter is a Trademark of C (ton Digital Products, Inc ^Epson is a Registered Trademark of Epson, America. Inc. & 1985 C Itoh Digital Products, Inc. A> Theirs O 1984 News Group Chicago. Inc C.IT0H Printers 38 BYTE • MAY 1985 Inquiry 60 for Dealers. Inquiry 61 for End-Users. WHAT'S NEW Kaypro 2000 Features Detachable Keyboard The Kaypro 2000 is an 11 -pound battery- powered portable computer with a detachable 75-key keyboard. Standard are a single 720K-byte floppy-disk drive, one RS-232C serial port, a real-time clock/ calendar, an 80-character by 2 5-line liquid-crystal display (LCD), bundled software, and 2 56K bytes of memory (ex- pandable to 640K bytes using standard NMOS chips). Optionally, you can add an 8087 chip on the main board. An internal 300/ 1200-bps modem is also available. Kaypro says that the unit's batteries will last approxi- mately four hours in normal use. Tb conserve power, the unit automatically powers down when no activity oc- curs in one minute or when the cover is closed (without losing data or programs in RAM), and the disk drives are turned off when not ac- tually reading or writing data. The Kaypro 2000 uses Phoenix's IBM PC-compat- ible ROM BIOS and can run virtually any program for the IBM Personal Computer. Graphics images are dis- played with a resolution of 640 by 200 pixels. The Kaypro 2000 mea- sures about 12'/2 by 2% by 1 1 inches when closed. An optional "base unit" for the Kaypro 2000 is planned. The base unit will allow use of additional floppy- and/or hard-disk drives, an external monitor, a parallel printer, wii^sSBBisimmmmmmmiiii^ The Kaypro 2000s keyboard is detachable. and other IBM-compatible peripherals. The Kaypro 2000 should be available in June for SI 99 5. Contact Kaypro Corp., POB N, Del Mar, CA 92014, (619) 481-4300. Inquiry 600. Mac COBOL Has ANSI 74, Allows Access to Mac ROM Micro Focus's Mac COBOL is the first ver- sion of COBOL for Apple's Macintosh. Mac COBOL in- cludes an editor, a full ANSI 74 compiler, a 68000 object- code generator, and access to 386 of the Macintosh ROM routines. Any COBOL program written for Micro Focus's IBM PC compiler will run on the Macintosh with- out modification, although programmers can add fea- tures to take advantage of the Macintosh's user interface. Micro Focus also plans to give Mac COBOL a debug- ging tool, a forms generator, a help facility, and access to all 512 of the Macintosh ROM routines. Buyers of Mac COBOL version 1.0 will receive an upgrade to the next version free of charge. Mac COBOL is priced at $2000. Contact Micro Focus Inc., 2465 East Bayshore Rd.. Palo Alto. CA 94303. (415) 856-4161. Inquiry 601. Graphics Software for HP Touchscreen and IBM PC Hewlett-Packard has an- nounced two families of software: one for its Touchscreen Personal Com- puter (formerly the HP 1 50) and the other for the IBM PC. A majority of the pro- grams for the Touchscreen Personal Computer are centered around business graphics and are designed to work with HP's line of plotters, and the InkJet and the Laserlet printers. The Charting Gallery ($265) lets you make various charts. The Drawing Gallery ($345) is a MacDraw-type drawing program that can use the HP Mouse ($210). The Executive MemoMaker ($24 5) is supplied with a spelling checker, and it lets you incorporate graphics from the Charting and Draw- ing Galleries into text documents. Most of the programs unveiled for the IBM PC are versions of programs al- ready available for the Touchscreen PC. Among the releases are the Memo- Maker word processor ($160) and the Personal Card File database ($160). Also offered is TextCharts ($200), which lets you create presentation-quality signs and transparencies on HP's plotters and printers. For further information, contact your local Hewlett- Packard sales office. Inquiry 602. {continued) MAY 1985 'BYTE 39 WHAT'S NEW Business-Pro Runs AT Software Texas Instruments' Business-Pro can be configured to run IBM PC AT and TI's Professional Computer software. This 80286-based tool has 5I2K bytes of RAM expandable to 3.5 megabytes without consuming any of its eight full- or six half-size card slots or to 15 megabytes using card slots. Memory speed is 150 nanoseconds. Storage options are 360K- byte or 1.2-megabyte floppy drives, a 60-megabyte tape backup, or 21-. 40-. or 72-megabyte hard disks. The DOS is MS-DOS 3.0 for one person or XENIX for up to eight users. Lan- guages supported are MS- BASIC MS-Pascal. MS-FOR- TRAN. MS- and RM/COBOL. LISP, C, and assembly. Networking is provided by EtherLink hardware, sup- ported by NetWare/E-Tl soft- ware. As a workstation, it'll serve up to 50 micros shar- ing 144 megabytes of stor- age, a tape backup, and three printers. An 80287 coprocessor, a mouse, speech technology, and communications hard- ware and software are optional. With a serial/parallel inter- face and a 1.2-megabyte floppy-disk drive, the base unit is $3995. A 2i-mega- byte Winchester drive in- creases the price to $5795. Other configurations will range from $4440 to $10,785. Network servers will be offered. Contact Texas Instruments Inc.. Data Systems Group. POB 809063. Dallas, TX 75380- 9063, (800) 527-3 500 Inquiry 603 1 ^■■HRHIUSI ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^j «m»° 1 r — -— 88 ■ 1 s- 5if *** ;■■ ■■■ 1 - - - ■■ » ,J The H0TMS 3000 series is a system solution for test engineers. Systems Solution for Test, Measurement, Analysis Honeywell's HOTMS 3000 Series, a systems solution for the test and measurement environment, is said to be easy to operate, capable of a wide variety of measurements, and able to produce on-site test results with its high- performance architecture and powerful data-analysis software. With an HoTMS 3000, a test engineer works with a complete data-ac- quisition system designed to manage all aspects of test- ing, such as the initial design, measurement, data analysis, and communica- tions. The price for a fully configured HOTMS 3000 begins at $20,000: cost varies depending upon your application. HoTMS 3000 is a modular series built around a multi- processor-based microcom- puter. The computer has a distributed bus architecture that uses four Motorola MC68000 microprocessors. It runs under Regulus, a UNIX-like operating system with real-time extensions. Regulus supports BASIC, Pascal, FORTRAN, and C The six system cards com- municate across a VME bus in a multitasking environ- ment. Three card slots are available for a communica- tions card or for up to 8 megabytes of RAM. Each HoTMS has a so- called mechanical support structure with a rack- mountable, tabletop en- closure and a 17-slot card cage. The card cage has a 9-slot computer card rack and an 8-slot signal- conditioning card rack. The signal-conditioning front end can handle a continuous system throughput of up to 160,000 samples per sec- ond. A series of analog and digital signal-conditioning cards offering a range of in- put and output options complements the data-col- lection bus. Other features of the main housing are a 9-inch amber monitor and a built-in multi- function keypad. Each comes standard with a 5!4-inch floppy-disk drive and a choice of a second floppy drive and a 36- or 86-megabyte hard-disk drive. The power for all devices in the main unit is supplied by a 640-watt power supply that comes in a variety of voltages and frequencies. An external VT-200-style key- board and a 13-inch external color monitor are optional. Major system functionality is provided by Operator In- terface Devices, which are supported by several user- interface programs. These programs provide a consis- tent set of menu interfaces to the system and a plug-in structure for software modules. The modules are offered as either integral parts of each HOTMS or as upgrade options. For information on hard- ware and software options and system configurations, contact Honeywell Inc.. Test Instruments Division, POB 5227, Denver. CO 80217- 5227. Inquiry 604. GRiDCase Family of Portables GRiD Systems has intro- duced three IBM PC- compatible portables: the GRiDCase I. II. and III. Members of this family are nearly identical, differing mainly in display-screen ap- paratus. The GRiDCase III, for example, has a high- clarity gas-plasma display, while the low-end GRiDCase I uses an LCD. The GRiD- Case II features an en- hanced LCD screen, accord- ing to the manufacturer. GRiD claims that, unlike the Compass, the new GRiD- Case models are highly compatible with the IBM PC. The company cites the new line's ability to run Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft's Flight Simulator as proof of com- patibility. Each GRiDCase comes with a 720K-byte floppy-disk drive, an interface for an RGB monitor, and a standard-size typewriter keyboard. Options include [continued) 40 BYTE- MAY 1985 % «•/, **>% •*^> They said it couldn't be Borland Did It. Turbo Pascal 3J0 The industry standard With more than 250,000 users worldwide Turbo Pascal is the industry's de facto standard. Turbo Pascal is praised by more engineers, hobbyists, students and professional programmers than any other development environment in the history of microcomputing. And yet. Turbo Pascal is simple and fun to use! TURBO 3.0 TURBO 2.0 MS PASCAL COMPILATION SPEED EXECUTION SPEED CODE SIZE BUILT-IN INTERACTIVE EDITOR ONE STEP COMPILE (NO LINKING NECESSARY) COMPILER SIZE TURTLE GRAPHICS BCD OPTION PRICE Portability. Turbo Pascal is available today for most com- puters running PC DOS, MS DOS, CP/M 80 or CP/M 86. A XENIX version of Turbo Pascal will soon be announced, and before the end of the year, Turbo Pascal will be running on most 68000 based microcomputers. An Offer You Can't Refuse. Until June 1st, 1985, you can get Turbo Pascal 3.0 for only $69.95. Turbo Pascal 3.0, equipped with either the BCD or 8087 options, is available for an additional $39.95 or Turbo Pascal 3.0 with both options for only $124.95. As a matter of fact, if you own a 16- Bit computer and are serious about programming, you might as well get both options right away and save almost $25. O Benchmark run on an IBM PC using MS Pascal version 3.2 and the DOS linker version 2.6. The 179 line program used is the "Gauss Seidel" program out ot Alan R. Miller's book: Pascal programs for scientists and engineers {Sybex. page 128) with a 3 dimensional non-singular matrix and a relaxation coefficient ol 1.0. The best just got better: Introducing Turbo Pascal 3.0 We just added a whole range of exciting new features to Turbo Pascal: • First, the world's fastest Pascal compiler just got faster. Turbo Pascal 3.0 (16 bit version) compiles twice as fast as Turbo Pascal 2.0! No kidding. • Then, we totally rewrote the file I/O system, and we also now support I/O redirection. • For the IBM PC versions, we've even added "turtle graphics" and full tree directory support. • For all 16 Bit versions, we now offer two addi- tional options: 8087 math coprocessor support for intensive calculations and Binary Coded Decimals (BCD) for business applications. • And much much more. The Critics' Choice. Jeff Duntemann, PC Magazine: "Language deal of the century . . . Turbo Pascal: It introduces a new programming environment and runs like magic." Dave Garland, Popular Computing: "Most Pascal compilers barely fit on a disk, but Turbo Pascal packs an editor, compiler, linker, and run- time library into just 39K bytes of random- access memory" Jerry Poumelle, BYTE: "What I think the computer industry is headed for: well documented, standard, plenty of good features, and a reasonable price." Update policy. As always, our first commitment is to our customers. You built Borland and we will always honor your support. So, to make your upgrade to the exciting new version of Turbo Pascal 3.0 easy, we will accept your original Turbo Pascal disk (in a bend-proof container) for a trade-in credit of $39.95 and your Turbo87 original disk for $59.95. This trade-in credit may only be applied toward the purchase of Turbo Pascal 3.0 and its additional BCD and 8087 options (trade-in offer is only valid directly through Borland and until June 1st. 1985). V t \ Aval lable n eai rest you *&&&' >•»' .luHv ° e sys' ef,,! put* Com ^, ^ ,6D "msdos I Use <- cP/MWjjSdeie jters My ' omP"' .■ na" 11 e/moc' orde' ,nt th e ;end $ 6995 - $10990 SUM*!! ( c ,edit Cla""* 1 ' yesi i Please 5 Pa scal3° Pascal"' 1 .,24 96f smpP™' orders ed \ 1 B BORlPnD INTERNATIONAL Softwares Newest Direction 4585 Scotts Valley Drive Scotts Valley. CA 95066 TELEX 172373 Turbo Pascal is a reQisteieo Oa&maiK ol Borland International, inc. PC Week is a trademark ot Ziff-Davis Pub. Co. Inquiry 455 for Dealers. Inquiry 456 for End-Users. WHAT'S NEW an external 5!4-inch floppy- disk drive, an internal 1200-bps modem, and a battery pack that lasts from one to five hours, depend- ing on which model is being used. Prices range from approx- imately $3000 for the GRiD- Case I to about $4500 for the GRiDCase III. Contact GRiD Systems Corp.. 2535 Garcia Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043. (415) 961-4800. Inquiry 605. Integrated CAD System for IBM CADKey. a two- and three-dimensional design and drafting tool for 512K-byte IBM PCs. PC XTs. and PC ATs, is said to be the only IBM PC-based sys- tem with true three-dimen- sional capabilities fully in- tegrated with two-dimen- sional drafting abilities. You can use CADKey to draw in three dimensions and to convert those images into two-dimensional draw- ings that conform to ANSI and ISO standards. Once you create a three-dimen- sional image, you can auto- matically view it from any angle. If you modify a design. CADKey automatical- ly updates all views. CADKey drawings appear as wireframe representa- tions. For a solid ap- pearance, hidden lines can be trimmed. All parts, families of parts, and draw- ings can be stored, auto- matically scaled to size, and retrieved from disk within the program. All entities making up an image can be manipulated individually or as a group, and any entity or group of entities can be altered at will. Entities to be transformed may be Sample screen produced by CADKey. selected by cursor position, last created, type, level, and windowing, and you can use geometric relationships be- tween entities for selection, construction, transformation, editing, and dimensioning. Any part, section of a part, or group of parts can be rotated, scaled, or moved along any of three coordinate axes by user- selected angle, distance, or factor. Both numerical and interactive methods are sup- ported, and zoom and pan features are provided. CADKey uses English-lan- guage menus. Commands can be tailored to suit your needs. The program sup- ports 640- by 420-dot reso- lution. 2 56 levels, and 16 colors and accepts input from a digitizer, mouse, function keys, and keyboard. Among its other features are quick selection and repaint, the ability to use disk space as virtual memory, and the ability to accommodate parts exceeding 10.000 entities. CADKey is $1895. Contact Micro Control Systems Inc., 27 Hartford Turnpike. Ver- non. CT 06066, (203) 647-0220. Inquiry 606. Laser Printer Produces Full-Page, High-Resolution Graphics Corporate Data Sciences' CDS 2300. a $5695 laser printer, can store and print a full 8'/2- by 11-inch image with a resolution of 90.000 dots per square inch. It uses Canon's LBP-CX stan- dard laser-printer engine, augmented with an 8-MHz 80186 processor, 1.28 mega- bytes of bit-mapped RAM for images. 128K bytes of system RAM. and I28K bytes of ROM. In addition to several CDS fonts provided for use in the bit-mapped image mode, the CDS 2300 can emulate a Diablo 630 daisy-wheel printer, a Tektronix 4014 graphics terminal, and the ANSI X3.64 protocol. Once a bit-mapped image is loaded into the printer, copies can be produced at a rate of eight per minute. Both RS-232C serial and Centronics parallel interfaces are supplied. CDS also sells a Graphics Display/Processor (GD/P). an intelligent graphics terminal for the IBM PC. The GD/P workstation costs $4995. Also newly available from CDS is a graphics terminal called Whizzie (an ab- breviated form of "what you see is what you get"). This $1995 terminal has a 17-inch display and an interface card for the IBM PC XT or AT, but it does not have the intelligence or the advanced capabilities of the GD/P. Like the GD/R Whizzie displays a 1024- by 1024- pixel image exactly as the laser printer will produce it. Contact Corporate Data Sciences Inc.. Suite 102. 2 560 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054, (408) 980-9747. Inquiry 607 Cermetek Unveils 3-line. 1200-bps Multiplexer Cermetek Microelec- tronics' 3X1200 Multi- plexer lets three users com- municate at 1200 bps over a single telephone line, reduc- ing phone bills by as much as two-thirds. This statistical multiplexer uses the Hayes AT command set and can serve as a single-user 1200-bps modem. When two 3X1 200s are connected by a phone line, users at any of the six RS-232C serial ports can communicate with any other port and share peripherals. The 3X1200 supports switched multiplexing: Users can opt to communicate with any port at any time in- stead of being tied to a {continued} 42 B YTE • MAY 1985 Borland's SideKick Software Product of theYear SideKick is InfoWorld Software Product of the Year. It won over Symphony. Over Framework. Over ALL the programs advertised in this magazine. Including, of course, all the "fly-by-night" SideKick imitations. SideKick .... Simply the best. Here's SideKick running over Lotus 1-2-3. In the SideKick Notepad you'll notice data that's been imported directly from the Lotus screen. In the upper right you can see the SideKick Calculator. All the SideKick windows stacked up over Lotus 1-2-3. From bottom to top: SideKick s "Menu Window", ASCII table, Notepad, Calculator, Appointment Scheduler/Calendar, and Phone Dialer. Whether you're running WordStar, Lotus, dBase, or any other program, SideKick puts all these desktop accessories instantly at your fingertips. InfoWorld Report Card 19S4 by Popular Computing, htr.. a subsidiary ofCW Cnniniuniratious hie. Reprinted from InfoWnrld. lOBO Marsh Road, Menio Park. CA 94025. Jerry Pournelle, BYTE: "If you use a PC, get SideKick. You'll soon become dependent on it." Garry Ray, PC Week: "SideKick deserves a place in every PC." Charles Petzold, PC Magazine: "In a simple, beautiful implementation of Word- Star's block copy commands, SideKick can transport all or any part of the display screen (even an area overlaid by the notepad display) to the notepad." Dan Robinson, InfoWorld: "SideKick is a time-saving, frustration-saving bargain . . BDADIAAT\ Software's Newest Direction ■ MV/KUll IU 4S8S s «* ts W* "rive ■ INTERNATIONAL telex mh Symphony, Lotus & Lotus 1-2-3 are trademarks ol Lotus Development Corp. dBase & Framework are trademarks of Ashton-Tate. WordStar is a trademark of Mtcropro International Corp. SideKick is a trademark of Borland International. 'Selected by InfoWorld as the most significant software product of the year. Inquiry 457 for Dealers. Inquiry 458 for End-Users. WHAT'S NEW single channel. Its system software provides error checking and retransmission of garbled data. System parameters can be reset remotely, even though they are password-protected. The 3X1200 also keeps activity statistics on all ports. The Cermetek 3X1200 is priced at $1395. Contact Cermetek Microelectronics Inc.. 1308 Borregas Ave. POB 3565. Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3 565, (408) 752-5000. Inquiry 608. Integrated Software for Macintosh Microsoft's first inte- grated package. Excel for the Macintosh, has spreadsheet and graphics capabilities, a spreadsheet- oriented database, and a macro facility for storing and recalling commonly used keystrokes. It supports the AppleTalk network and provides two-way file com- patibility with Multiplan and Chart for the Macintosh, Lotus 1-2-3 for the IBM PC. and applications that sup- port Microsoft's SYLK format. The Excel spreadsheet provides you with a 2 56- column by 16.384-row work area. You can view and reference multiple spread- sheets, consolidate work- sheets, enter multiple- variable problems or situa- tions, and vary the borders, number formats, and font styles and size. You can assign names to cell refer- ences, numbers, and mathe- matical expressions and call four windows into a work- sheet. You can produce instant "what if' graphics with Excels charting abilities, which are functionally iden- Excel is Microsoft's first integrated package. tical to Microsoft's Chart for the Mac. Excel files can be read directly into Chart, and Excel can read Chart files When you alter numbers in a spreadsheet window, charts in separate windows are instantly updated. For data comparisons, you can open more than one chart window for the same or dif- ferent data. The charting facility also has 42 pre- designed charts, the ability to relocate objects on screen, and your choice of font, range, scale, and patterns. The database is an an- cillary function of Excels spreadsheet. With it, you can sort, extract, and display information in a variety of ways. The database lacks form- and report-design capabilities: however. Excels formatting capabilities let you create reports. It does let you remove data for analysis in a different sec- tion of your work area. Excels suggested retail price is $395. It requires 512K bytes of memory and will work with the Macintosh XL. Contact Microsoft. 10700 Northrup Way. Bellevue WA 98009. (206) 828-8080. Inquiry 609. Test, Measurement Tools Hewlett-Packard's PC In- struments are periph- eral devices that give you the ability to run test or measurement applications from the same computer you use to write reports. Modular tools that work with the HP Touchscreen and IBM's PC, PC XT. and PC AT computers, the PC In- struments line consists of eight units, several software packages, and accessories. A typical micro can support up to eight modules, and additional modules can be engaged with more interface cards. Current members of the line are a digitizing oscillo- scope, a digital multimeter, a function generator, a univer- sal counter, a 16-channel digital I/O. a relay multi- plexer, a dual-voltage D/A converter, and a relay ac- tuator. Each is housed in a stackable plastic box with its own external power supply Key to PC Instruments, says Hewlett-Packard, is its system software. The soft- ware operates with a single HP PC1B interface card in- side the computer, provides the user interface and instru- ment I/O drivers, and gives you control over instrument modules. It has data- conversion utilities and sup- ports three data-conversion formats (BASIC, DIE and stripped ASCII) that order acquired data for use with such programs as Lotus 1-2-3 and Statpak. In its manual mode, the software displays an instru- ment's control panel on screen along with multiple windows. The windows let you monitor the status of several instruments, fiddle with instrument settings, and oversee the entire operation. The software supports the Touchscreen, an IBM PC mouse, and cursor keys. In- strument initialization parameters can be stored and recalled The progam mode lets you exercise control over each instrument through calls to the BASIC subrou- tine library. A pair of generic commands. Output and Measure, are used to program all the instruments. Optional data-acquisition software lets you start log- ging and plotting data im- mediately. This menu-driven BASIC package has an engi- neering-graphics utility. Soft- ware libraries that permit the Touchscreen and IBMs to control up to 15 PC In- struments in a BASIC en- vironment are available. PC Instruments are priced between $650 and $1500. The PCIB interface and sys- tem software are $500. The optional I/O library is $300 for the Touchscreen and $400 for the IBM PC. Con- tact your local Hewlett- Packard dealer. Inquiry 610. [continued on page 464) 44 BYTE MAY 1985 , Power, Price. 3or land's Turbo Pascal Family. The industry Standard. With more than 250,000 users worldwide Turbo Pascal is the industry's de facto standard Turbo Pascal is praised by more engineers, hobbyists, students and protessional programmers than any other development environment in the history of microcomputing. And yet. Turbo Pascal is simple and fun to use! Jeff Duntemann, PC Magazine: "Language deal of the century . . . Turbo Pascal: It introduces a new programming environment and runs like magic. " Dave Garland, Popular Computing: "Most Pascal compilers barely fit on a disk, but Turbo Pascal packs an editor, compiler, linker, and run-time library into just 29K bytes of random-access memory" Jerry Pourneile BYTE: "What I think the computer industry is headed for: well documented, standard, plenty of good features, and a reasonable price. " Portability Turbo Pascal is available today for most computers running PC DOS. MS DOS. CP/M 80 or CP/M 86. A XENIX verison of Turbo Pascal will soon be announced, and before the end of the year. Turbo Pascal will be running on most 68000 based microcomputers. High resolution monochrome graphics for the IBM PC and the Zenith 100 computers Dazzling graphics and painless WindOWS. The Turbo Graphix Toolbox will give even a beginning programmer the expert's edge. It's a complete library of Pascal procedures that include: Full graphics window management. —Tools that will allow you to draw and hatch pie charts, bar charts, circles, rectangles and a full range of geometric shapes Procedures that will save and restore graphic images to and from disk. —Functions that will allow you to precisely plot curves. —Tools that will allow you to create animation or solve those difficult curve fitting problems and much, much more NO Sweat and no royalties. You may incorporate part, or all of these tools in your programs, and yet, we won't charge you any royalties. Best of all, these functions and procedures come complete with commented source code on disk ready to compile! Searching and sorting made simple The perfect Complement tO TurbO Pascal. It contains: Turbo-Access, a powerful implementation of the state-of-the-art B+tree ISAM technique; Turbo-Sort, a super efficient implementation of the fastest data sorting algorithm. "Quicksort on disk". And much more Jeny Pourneile, BYTE: The tools include a B+tree search and a sorting system; I've seen stuff like this, but not as well thought out, sell for hundreds of dollars " Get Started right away: free database! Included on every Toolbox disk is the source code to a working data base which demonstrates how powerful and easy to use the Turbo-Access system really is. Modify it to suit your individual needs or just compile it and run. Remember, no royalties! From Start to Finish in 300 pages. Turbo Tutor is for everyone, from novice to expert. Even if you've never programmed before. Turbo Tutor will get you started right away. If you already have some experience with Pascal or another programming language, Turbo Tutor will take you step by step through topics like data structures and pointers. If you're an expert. you'll lovejhe sections detailing subjects such as "how to use assem- bly language routines with your Turbo Pascal programs" A must. You'll find the source code for all the examples in the book on the accompanying disk ready to compile. Turbo Tutor might be the only reference on Pascal and pro- gramming you'll ever need ^' ab !! al T rorderW Credlt Tall (80°) 5 S 28 CA( 800) $6995 $10990 $34.95 Pa scal ***>*%£* $ 54 95 WW^^ $34.95 Tu* oTO, °^es^ lude fn orders i 1 K: RORIQftr^ Software's Newest Direction ■* V^n WM ■■» 4585 Scotts Valley Drive INTERNATIONAL %l?xw%3 A95C66 Inquiry 459 for Dealers. Inquiry 460 for End-Users Turbo Pascal is a registered trademark of Borland Internationa). Inc Borland Does It Again: SuperKey $69.95 Sure, ProKey™ is a nice little Turbo Pascal and SideKick expect the program. But when the people who brought you get serious about keyboard enhancers, you can impossible ... and we deliver. SuperKey ProKey ALL FEATURES RESIDENT IN RAM AT ALL TIMES RESIDENT PULL-DOWN MACRO EDITOR RESIDENT FILE ENCRYPTION PROKEY COMPATIBILITY DISPLAY PROTECTION ABILITY TO IMPORT DATA FROM SCREEN PULL-DOWN MENU USER INTERFACE CONTEXT-SENSITIVE ON-LINE HELP SYSTEM DISPLAY-ONLY MACRO CREATION ENTRY AND FORMAT CONTROL IN DATA FIELDS COMMAND KEYS REDEFINABLE "ON THE FLY" Total ProKey compatibility. Every Prokey Macro file may be used by SuperKey without change so that you may capitalize on all the precious time you've invested. Now your PC can keep a secret! SuperKey includes a resident file encryption system that uses your password to encrypt and decrypt files, even while running other programs. Two different encryption modes are offered: 1. Direct overwrite encryption (which leaves the file size un- changed) for complete protection. At no point is a second file that could be reconstructed by an intruder generated. Without your secret password, no one will ever be able to type out your confidential letters again! 2. COM or EXE file encryption which allows you to encrypt a binary file into an ASCII file, transmit it through a phone line as a text file and turn it back again into an executable file on the target machine (only of course if your correspondent knows the secret password!). Now, you will even be able to secretly ex- change programs through Public Bulletin Board Systems or services such as CompuServe. Totally memory resident at all times, gives SuperKey the ability to create, edit, save and even recall new or existing macro files anytime, even while running another program. Pull down macro editor. Finally, a sensible way to create, edit, change and alter existing macro definitions. Even while using another application, a simple keystroke instantly opens a wordprocessor-like window where you're allowed to see, edit, delete, save and even attach names to an indi- vidual macro or file of macros, and much more. PRICE Sony ProKey! Superb software at reasonable prices! There is much more to SuperKey. Maybe the best reason to buy SuperKey is that it is a Borland International Product. Each one of our products is the best in its category. We only believe in absolutely superb software at reasonable prices! An offer you can't refuse. Whether you are a ProKey user or you've never used a keyboard enhancer before, your boat has come in. You can get your copy of SuperKey at this irresistible price. Get your PC a SuperKey today! SuperKey is available now for your IBM PC, XT, AT, jr. and truly compatible microcomputers. t BORIAOD INTERNATIONAL Software's Newest Direction 4585 Scons Valley Drive Scotts Valley, CA 95066 TELEX 172th IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Macnine Corporation. ProKey is a trademark ol RoseSoft. SuperKey and SdeKlck are trademarks of Borland international. Inc. CompuServe is a trademark ot CompuServe Corp. Inquiry 461 for Deafens. Inquiry 462 for End-Users. ASK BYTE Conducted by Steve Garcia Intelligent Disk Drive Dear Steve, How about an intelligent disk drive that will interface through an RS-232C port? It might be useful in solving format incom- patibilities. Russ Shall Key West, FL An intelligent disk drive with an RS-232C serial port is a good idea, and I will consider it for a future article Such products are already on the market. One such device, the SEED I from Mariachi Oy (Puutarhakatu 17. SF-20100 Turku 10, Finland), interfaces an RS-232C serial port with an Apple II disk drive. It allows data to be taken or trans- ferred without the need for the computer itself. The disk can then be put into an Apple II system and booted to retrieve the data. Another unit is the FDS-200 Minifile from Greco Systems (372 Coogan Way El Cajon, CA 92020). It. too, can be in- terfaced to an RS-232C port and will store data directly on a 5'A-inch floppy disk. It is an intelligent minifloppy-disk system that can store up to 1 79K bytes per disk. —Steve Computers and the Disabled Dear Steve. I am a student at the University of South Alabama who is working on a project to help a quadriplegic communicate. Here is the nature of the problem. We are hop- ing to translate jaw pressures to menu- selection responses. The menu could con- sist of words that could be sent to a speech synthesizer. I am using an IBM PC clone (a Columbia) and need suggestions as to what interface and other peripheral devices to acquire for a speech syn- thesizer. Your help in this matter is greatly appreciated Ron Lindquist Mobile. AL Helping the disabled is one of the most rewarding areas for microcomputer ex- perimenters. I wish you success. You can acquire two basic types of speech synthesizers for the Columbia: a plug-in board or one that is connected through a serial or parallel port. The plug- in type ties up a slot, so this may be a consideration in your choice. Tecmar makes a speech board for PCs, as does MSI. Add-on types include two models from Votrax Identical units are available assembled from Intex and in kit form from Micromint. Some of these units have speakers built in: others would re- quire you to add your own. Although you did not mention it specifically in your letter. I assume that your input device will be interfaced through the game adapter port. This would probably be the simplest and cheapest way to go. Simple micro- switches could be used to initiate the selection process. I hope that this is of some help. A lot of planning beforehand is much better than a lot of kludges later! I have listed the addresses of the referenced manu- facturers for your convenience Micromint Inc. 561 Willow Ave. Cedarhurst. NY 1 1516 (800) 645-3479 Street Electronics 1140 Mark Ave. Carpinteria. CA 93013 (805) 684-4593 Tecmar 6225 Cochran Rd . Solon. OH 44139 1216) 349-0600 —Steve Stereoscopic Graphics Dear Steve, Can you refer me to a source of mathe- matical formulas for generating true- perspective proportions from elevations and for reducing right-eye images to left- eye offsets for three-dimensional imagery? I have never seen a discussion of the mathematical relationships. I can take a lead pencil and produce drawings that merge beautifully into three- dimensional images, even without a viewer, but 1 can't explain to my computer how to do it without the mathematical base, and it is crucial to a project I'm work- ing on. Unfortunately, I'm more of an ar- tist than I am a theoretical mathematician. B. R. Pocue Thatcher. AZ Creative Computing magazine ran a two-part article. "Stereo Graphics," by John D Fowler in the January and Feb- ruary 1983 issues. It seems to be exactly what you are looking for. The article describes the math briefly and gives a program in TRS-80 Color Computer BASIC to produce some stereo pictures. Another article, which gets into the math of perspective drawing and rota- tion, is "Three Dimensional Apple Graph- ics" by Mark Pelczarski. in the February 1982 issue of Creative Computing.— Steve Transorbs Better Dear Steve, In your article on power-line condition- ing (December 1983), you recommended the use of MOVs (metal-oxide varistors) for transient voltage suppression. I believe I have located a better device for this— the Transorb by General Semiconductor. I learned about this device while design- ing a burglar alarm, which my company sells, I tried zeners, then MOVs, to elimi- nate power glitches caused by the cycling of refrigerator motors, incandescent lamps, and the like. The zeners were use- less because they didn't clamp with the high-voltage values. The MOVs were a lit- tle better, but the clamping voltage for a 1 5-V-rated device might still rise to 30 or 40 V under actual clamping currents. 1 tried the Transorbs. and they worked perfectly. I now use them exclusively in all my products. They cost about 50 cents apiece, so they're less expensive than MOVs. Logan Cresap Square Roots Dear Steve. Recently, one of your readers com- plained that his computer could not deter- {continued) 48 BYTE- MAY 1985 COPYRIGHT © 1985 STEVEN A CIARCIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORD PROCESSORS AT THE LEADING EDGE Ah, the great ones . . . They organized their ideas, their intui- tions, their idioms They set them down, sorted them out, arranged them and re-arranged them till they came out right. They used small scraps of paper to record huge hunks of Truth; primitive tools to produce profound prose. But when the words finally went forth, they made indelible marks on all who read them. The amazing thing is that these mon- umental processors of words, did it without the benefit of monumental help. Like Leading Edge Word Processing: the easiest to use, yet most potent piece of software ever created to take full advantage of all the power inherent, but until now un-tapped, in today's most sophisticated personal computer (Like the IBM" PC and the even faster and more powerful Leading Edge" PC.) The heart and soul of it is a 5 1/4" floppy disk, elegantly logical instruction manual and documentation . . every- thing. And what you end up with is word processing at the leading edge LEADING EDGE WORD PROCESSING FROM $100 IBM IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF INTERNATIONAL. BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION LEADING EDGE IS A TRADEMARK OF LEADING EDGE PRODUCTS. INCORPORATED Inquiry 236 MAY 1985 -BYTE 49 The Silver Fox Trors through Lotus like 1,2,0 The Silver Fox is not IBM-PC DOS compatible yet it runs hundreds of MS-DOS programs including Lotus 1,2,3, dBASE II, Multiplan, and even Flight Simulator. The Silver Fox does not have IBM compatible expansion slots but you can add printers, serial ports, modems, 10-40 Mb. hard disks, clock calendar cards, RAM, joysticks, an 8087 co- processor, and more. MORE HARDWARE What makes the Silver Fox unique, however, isn't what you can add to it, but what comes with it. Each Silver Fox comes with an 8088 CPU, 2nGK of RAM, four video ports, and a printer port. Plus you get more than twice the storage of a standard PC, 1.6 Megabytes on a dual bVt" floppys, and the Fox will read and write to standard 160K, 320K, and 360K IBM-PC formats. Standard equipment also includes a better keyboard, and a 12" high-resolution, green monochrome monitor, with a full 25x80 column display. Because the Silver Fox is born on Sanyo's totally automated line in Japan it is simply more reliable than PC's that are assembled by hand. So we back each Silver Fox with a one year limited warranty, four times the industry standard. FREE SILVERWARE Were this not enough, each Fox comes with the best free software bundle in the business including: MS-DOS 2.11 Wordstar 3.3 FILEBASE HAGEN-DOS Easy Writer PC File III Color BASIC Mail Track PD Disk GW BASIC Spell Datemate OS Tutor Games & Graphics CalcStar If you didn't think your $1397 could buy this much computer, call our machine at 1-800-FOPAFOX leave your name and address, at the beep, and we'll rush you a booklet that will tell you how it can. To order call Scottsdole Systems, Lr d 617 N Scorrsdole M #0. Scorrsdole Az 85257 EH(602) 941 -5856 S CoIorFox $1647 Thf Silver Fox is sold exclusively by Scottsdale Systems Ltd., 617 N. Scottsdale Road #11, Scottsdale. AZ 85257. Trademarks: Silver Fox, HAC.KN-DOS. and Datemate, Scottsdale Systems Ltd.; WordStar and CalcStar, Micropro International; MS-DOS, and Multiplan. Micro- soft Corporation: FILEBASK, KWDP Software. Inc.; dBASE II. AshtonTate; IBM-PC, and IBM-PC DOS; International Business Machines Corporation. Ordering: Telemarketing only. Silver Fox price is for cash, F.O.B. Scottsdale. prices subject to change, product suhject to limited supply. We accept purchase orders from Fortune 1000 companies and major universities with good credit - add 2% Visa. Mastercard add 3%, AZ residents add 6%. Returned merchandise subject to a 20% restocking fee. Personal or company checks take up to 'i weeks to clear. No COD's or APO's. ASK BYTE mine square roots accurately, even for arguments that were perfect squares. You solved his problem by testing each result to see if it was very nearly an integer: IF ABS(R-INT(R+0.5) ) < (small value) THEN (something). This worked more or less well, depending upon (small value) and a particular computer. It seems I am spoiled because the com- puter 1 use most, the TI-99/4A. always takes the square roots of perfect squares perfectly. Actually I stopped the test after 1 = 500000 for: IFSQR(1*I)<> I THEN (we are in trouble). Your solution was slightly bothersome because of the judgment required in selecting the small value. If it is too small, it rejects legitimate square roots: if it is too large, it accepts erroneous roots. Naturally. I could not test any new ideas on the T1-99/4A. but I also have a Com- modore 64 and other family members have other computers. On all of them, the square-root function could be made perfect with B = SQR(a) B = (B + A/B)/2 The tested domain was small as compared to my test of the TI-99/4A (to a half million). Later, 1 found a way to cause the T1-99/4A to take poor square roots with B = EXP(LOG(A)/2) These could be made perfect with adding B = (B + A/B)/2 Oddly. B = AT(l/2) gives slightly different results from B - EXP(LOG(A)/2) when one would guess them to be identical. I did discover a cute way to cure the symptom for any computer with guard digits. The TI-99/4A has 3 guard digits (it shows 10 digits out of 13 or 14), and the C64 has a single guard digit (it shows 9 digits out of 10): B = SQR(A) B = VAL(STR$(B)) This scheme is nice because it adjusts itself for a particular computer and for the relative magnitude of A and B. Webb Simmons San Diego. CA AIM-65 Peripherals Dear Steve. To avoid the expense of a disk drive. I wish to connect a cassette recorder to my AIM-65 computer. Is there a BYTE article that shows how to accomplish this? Also, is there a circuit that can interface my AIM-65 to a video monitor? KWAME A|ANAKU Grand Prairie, TX A simple means of modifying a stan- dard audio cassette recorder for direct digital recording appeared in the Oc- tober 1978 BYTE. A Simpler Digital Cassette Tape Interface." by Ralph W. Burhans, describes a simple circuit that should meet your requirements. The output of a basic AIM-65 cannot be directly interfaced to a video moni- tor because it doesn't have a video generator. This is a circuit that takes ASCII data from the system bus and converts it to a string of bits to produce the dots that make up the characters on the screen. It also produces the horizontal and vertical sweep sync pulses to syn- chronize the character bits. Rockwell sells a CRT controller module for the AIM-65. part /RM65-5I02, but if you'd rather build one yourself, read my Circuit Cellar article "Build the Term-Mite ST Smart Terminal" in the January 1984 BYTE. This circuit uses the National Semiconductor NS455A Terminal Management Proces- sor, which provides all the signals necessary to drive a video monitor and produces an 80-column by 25-line dis- play—Steve VIC-20 Bar-Code Readers Dear Steve. Do you know of any bar-code readers for the VIC-20? If not. do you know of any books or magazine articles that explain how to build one? Colin C Kelley )r. Piedmont, CA I am not aware of any bar-code readers specifically designed for the VIC-20, but several readers on the market interface with an RS-232C serial port. Such a port can be added to the VIC-20, either through a commercial accessory or via an article in the May 1983 BYTE, "The Enhanced VIC-20, Part 4: Connecting Serial RS-232C Peripherals to the VICs TTL Port" by Joel Swank. Two bar-code readers that interface to an RS-232C serial port are The D2 Series Mini Bar Code Reader Skan-a-Matic Corp. POB S, Route 5 West Elbridge, NY 13060 (3151 689-3961 {continued) 50 BVTt • MAY 1985 OU'VE GOT THE BEST PASCAL COMPILER! NOW — GET THE BEST UTILITY! j* - M *Ai *n* *A* mjy- 0 150 425 105 95 185 219 199 65 Footnote ROSESOFT Prokey SAMNA Word III SORCIM SuperCalc 2 Super Project 189 99 123 130 79 550 295 295 395 154 219 349 145 99 99 55 250 199 CALL CALL 495 259 150 109 250 135 195 139 125 99 250 179 SOFTWARE PRODUCTS INT L Open Access 695 SOFTWARE PUBLISHING PFS File or Write 140 85 SSI Word Perlect 495 249 TELOS Filevision (Mac) 195 125 TYLOG dBase Window 249 155 WARNER SOFTWARE INC. The Desk Organizer 195 129 WOOLF SYSTEMS Move It 150 85 Free UPS shipping on orders over $1,000.00 CALL FOR PRODUCTS YOU DON'T SEE HERE! CALL FOR OUR FREE CATALOG TERMS: • Call lor shipping charges and support policies • Full guarantee against manufacturers defects • Allow 3 weeks for checks to clear • Prices may change • Call for availability • No cash refunds! Due to our low prices, all sales final. TO ORDER CALL TOLL-FREE: (800) 235-3020 (USA) (800) 235-3021 (CA) (415) 382-9085 BUSINESS SOFTWARE 448 IGNACIO BLVD., STE. 332 NOVATO, CA 94947 SAME DAY SHIPMENT ON MOST ORDERS Prompt UPS service Authorized purchase orders accepted Dealer, institutional and quantity discounts available No surcharge for credit card purchases ' VISA & Mastercard accepted COD ASK BYTE SRD Corporation Model BCR-1 70 SRD USA Liaison Office 999 North Sepulveda Blvd. Suite 314 El Segundo. CA 90245 1213) 417-5114 —Steve 32-bit Computer Design Dear Steve, I want to design a 32-bit computer using the 32032 processor. 1 am in need of in- formation on high-resolution graphics- board design, bit-slice and array micropro- cessors, interfacing 32- and 8-bit buses, high-resolution monitor design, and some good test equipment. Any information would be appreciated. R. |. ILING Port Coquitlam. British Columbia. Canada Data on the 32032 can be obtained from National Semiconductor Corpora- tion. POB 70818. Sunnyvale. CA 94086. This processor is quite new, but the com- pany probably has application notes that will help in designing your system. Texas Instruments Inc. (POB 401560. Dallas. TX 75240) features a line of bit- slice processors, and it also publishes the book Fundamentals of Microcomputer Design. Contact Tl at the above address for information on data sheets and ap- plication notes. Two Motorola application notes. AN-843: "Using the MC68000 and the MC6845 for a Color Graphics System" and AN-851: "Motorola MC6845 CRTC Simplifies Video Display Controllers' (available from Motorola Semiconductor Products Inc.. POB 20912. Phoenix. AZ 850361. provide design details for a graphics-display system. Other video- display-controller chips are made by Texas Instruments and several other semiconductor manufacturers. (See my article "High-Resolution Sprite-Oriented Color Graphics" in the August 1982 BYTE.) Test equipment can be obtained from a number of advertisers in BYTE. You will need at least a digital multimeter, a digital-signal generator, and a good os- cilloscope to start— Steve What Means Compatible? Dear Steve. Would you please explain the term IBM-compatible"? IBM clones are sprout- [tontinued) 52 BYTE- MAY 1985 Inquiry 165 Aztec The Most Powerful C for the IBM AT • MACINTOSH • MS DOS • CP/M-80 • ROM APPLICATIONS IBM PC/XT • APPLE // • CP/M-86 • TRSDOS • CROSS DEVELOPMENT Why Professionals Choose Aztec C AZTEC C compilers generate fast, compact code. AZTEC C is a sophisticated development system with assemblers, debuggers, linkers, editors, utilities and extensive run time libraries. AZTEC C is documented in detail. AZTEC C is the most accurate and portable implementation of C for microcomputers. AZTEC C supports specialized professional needs such as cross development and ROM code development. MANX provides qualified technical support. AZTEC C86/PRO — for the IBM AT and PC/XT AZTEC C86/PRO provides the power, portabili- ty, and professional features you need to develop sophisticated software for PC DOS, MS DOS AND CP/M-86 based microsystems. The system also supports the generation of ROM based software for 8088/8086, 80186, and 80286 processors. Options exist to cross develop ROM code for 65xx, 8080, 8085, and Z80 processors. Cross development systems are also available that target most micro computers. Call for infor- mation on AZTEC C86/PRO support for XENIX and TOPVIEW. POWERFUL - AZTEC C86/PRO 3.2 outper- forms Lattice 2.1 on the DHRYSTONE benchmark 2 to 1 for speed (17.8 sees vs 37.1) while using 65% less memory (5.8k vs 14k). The AZTEC C86/PRO system also compiles in 10% to 60% less time and supports fast, high volume I/O. PORTABLE — MANX Software Systems pro- vides real portability with a family of compatible AZTEC C software development systems for PC DOS, MS DOS, CP/M-86, Macintosh, CP/M-80, APPLE // + , lie, and He (NIBBLE - 4 apple rating), TRSDOS (80-MICRO - 5 star rating), and Commo- dore C64 (the C64 system is only available as a cross compiler - call for details). AZTEC C86/PRO is compatible with UNIX and XENIX. PROFESSIONAL — For professional features AZTEC C86/PRO is unparalleled. • Full C Compiler (8088/8086 - 80186 ■ 80286| • Macro Assembler for 8088/8086/80186/80286 • Linkage Editor with ROM support and overlays • Run Time Libraries - object libraries + source DOS 1.x; DOS 2.x; DOS 3.x; screen I/O; Graphics; UNIX I/O; STRING; simulated float. 8087 support; MATH; ROM; CP/M-86 • Selection of 8088/8086, 80186, or 80286 code genera- tion to guarantee best choice for performance and compatibility • Utility to convert AZTEC object code or libraries to Microsoft format. (Assembly + conversion takes less than half the time as Microsoft's MASM to pro- duce MS object) • Large memory models and sophisticated memory management • Support products for graphics, DB, Screen, & ... • ROMablecode + ROM support + separate code and data + INTEL Hex Converter • Symbolic Debugger & Other Utilities • Full Screen Editor (like Vi) • CROSS Compilers are available to APPLE //, Macin- tosh, CP/M-80, TRSDOS, COMMODORE C64, and ROM based 6Sxx, and 8080/8085/Z80 • Detailed Documentation AZTEC C86/PRO-AT $500 (configured for IBM AT - options for 8088/8086) AZTEC C86/PRO-PC/XT $500 (configured for IBM PC/XT - options for 80186/80286) AZTEC C86/BAS includes C compiler (small model only), 8086 MACRO assembler, overlay linker, UNIX, MATH, SCREEN, and GRAPHICS libraries, debugger, and editor. AZTEC C86/BAS $199 AZTEC C86/BAS (CP/M-86) $199 AZTEC C86/BAS (DOS + CP/M-86) $299 UPGRADE to AZTEC C86/PRO $310 C-TREE Database with source $399 CTREE Database (object) $149 CROSS COMPILERS Cross Compilers for ROM, MS DOS, PC DOS, or CP/M-86 applications. VAX ->8086/80xxx cross $5000 PDP-11 ->8086/80xxx cross $2000 Cross Compilers with PC DOS or CP/M-86 hosts are $750 for the first target and $500 for each additional target. Targets: 65xx; CP/M-80; C64; 8080/8085/Z80; Macintosh: TRSDOS; 8086/8088/80186/80286; APPLE //. AZTEC C68K — tor the Macintosh For power, portability, and professional features AZTEC C68K-C is the finest C software development system available for the Macintosh. The AZTEC C68K-C system includes a 68000 macro assembler, a linkage editor, a source editor, a mouse based editor, a SHELL development environment, a library of UNIX I/O and utility routines, full access and support of the Macintosh TOOLBOX routines, debug- ging aides, utilities, make, diff, grep, TTY simulator with upload & download (source supplied), a RAM disk (for 512K Mac), a resource maker, and a no royalty license agreement. Programming examples are included. (Over 600 pages of documentation). AZTEC C68K-C requires a 128K Macintosh, and two disk drives (frugal developers can make do with one drive). AZTEC C68K supports the 512K Macintosh and hard disks. AZTEC C68K-C (commercial system) $500 AZTEC C68K-p (personal system) $199 AZTEC C68K-p to AZTEC C68K-C upgrade $310 Mac C-tree database $149 Mac C-tree database with source $399 Lisa Kit (Pascal to AZTEC C68k object converter) . .$ 99 AZTEC C65 — for the APPLE // "...The AZTEC C-system is one of the finest software packages I have seen..." NIBBLE review, July 1984. The only commercial C development system available that runs native on the APPLE II + , lie, and lie, the AZTEC C65 development system includes a full floating point C compiler compatible with UNIX C and other MANX AZTEC C compilers, a 6502 relocating assem- bler, a linkage editor, a library utility, a SHELL develop- ment environment, a full screen editor, UNIX I/O and utility subroutines, simple graphics, and screen func- tions. AZTEC C65 (Apple DOS 3.3) $199 AZTEC C65/PRO (Apple DOS + ProDos) $350 (call for availability) AZTEC C ll/PRO — for CP/MB0 The first member of the AZTEC C family was the CP/M-80 AZTEC C compiler. It is "the standard" com- piler for development on CP/M-80. The system includes the AZTEC CMC compiler, an 8080 assembler, a linkage editor, an object librarian, a full library of UNIX I/O and utility routines, CP/M-80 run time routines, the SMALL library (creates modules less than 3K in size), the fast linker for reduced development times, the ROM library, RMAC and M80 support, library source, support for DRI's SID/ZSID symbolic debugger, and more. AZTEC C ll/PRO $349 AZTEC CII/BAS $199 C-TREE Database with source $399 CTREE Database in AZTEC object form $149 AZTEC C80 — for TRSDOS (Radio Shack Model III & 4) "I've had a lot of experience with different C compilers, but the Aztec C80 Compiler and Professional Develop- ment System is the best I've seen." 80-Micro, Decem- ber, 1984, John B. Harrell III This sytem has most of the features of AZTEC C II for CP/M. It is perhaps the best software development system for the Radio Shack Model III and IV. AZTEC C80 model 3 (no floating point) $149 AZTEC C80 model 4 (full) $199 AZTEC C80/PRO (full for model 3 and 4) $299 To order or for information call: .11 1-221-0440 (201) 530-7997 (NJ and outside U.S.A.). Or write: MANX SOFTWARE SYSTEMS. P.O. Box 55, Shrewsbury, N.J. 07701. MANX TRS 80 RADIO SHACK TRS DOS is a trademark of TANDY APPLE DOS MACINTOSH is a trademark of APPLE SHIPPING INFORMATION - Standard U.S. shipment is UPS ground (no fee). In the U.S. one day shipment is $20, two days is $10. Canadian shipment is $10. Two days ship- ment outside the U.S. is by courier and is freight collect. For Technical Support (Bug Busters) call: 201-530-6557 Inquiry 252 MAY I98S -BYTE 53 Inquiry 150 $4995 The Ecosoft Eto-C88 compiler for the 8088 and MS00S is going to set a new standard for price and performance. Consider the evidence: A FULL C COMPILER FOR Compiler Eco C88 Urtk.tl) cum Setve 13 11 13 Fib 44 58 46 Oeref 13 13 - Motrix 21 29 27 Price M9.95 '500.00 >3?5.0Q (1 1 Computer Language, Feb., 1985, pp. 73-102. Reprinted by permission. The Eco-C88 compiler is a full K&R C compiler that supports all data types and operators (except bit fields]. Now look at the other features we offer: * 8087 co-processor support using a single library. If you install an 8087 later, the software will use it without having to recompile. * A robust standard library with over 150 functions, including trans- cendental, color, and others. * OBJ output for linking with the MSD0S linker (LINK). * Error messages in English - no cryptic numbers to look up. A real plus especially if you're just getting started with C. * Easy-to-read and complete user's manual, * Works with all IBM and compatibles running MSD0S 2.0 (or loter). * Plus many other features. For $10,00 more, we will include the source code for the C library functions (excluding transcendentals). For an additional S 15.00, we will include our ISAM file handler in OBJ format (as published in the C Programmer's Library, Que Publishing). The discount prices for the library source and ISAM only apply ot the time the compiler is purchased. Please add $4.00 to cover postage and handling. To order, call or write: Ecosoft Inc. 6413 N. College Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46220 (317) 255-6476 \^m ^S |~ v ; j v>. "' Eco-C Ecosoft.. MS0OS (Microsoft). UNIX (Bell Lab-. CP/M (Digital Research IHC (Zloaj. 8086, 8087. 8088 'Intel i * With P, define and use up to W24 characters' m a single document With rf complex expressions appear on the screen as they will be printed You enter them m a simple, direct manner which won't interfere with your train of thought You can compose scientific manuscripts directly at the keyboard THE SCIENTIFIC WORD PROCESSING SYSTEM THAT'S EASY TO USE! TCI SOFTWARE RESEARCH INC With T^, format text directly on the screen, with line spacing, underline, boldface and italics alt visible FOB THE IBM PC XT AT AND MANY COMPATIBLES SUPP0BTS DOT MATRIX DAISY WHEEL AND LASEB PBINTEBS. SUPPORTS HEBCULES GBAPHICS CABD cau us Fori none m r oRHUTxm I ■SOOS74-23S3 IN NEW MEXICO (505)522^1600 TELEX 3)7629 t 190-b fostbi mue us otucBS mw tmuco smi ASK BYTE jng up like weeds, and every manufacturer claims that his product is IBM-compatible. Some, though, qualify this statement and state that it does not run all the IBM soft- ware. Even you designed a 16-bit machine, and you also claim that it is IBM- compatible. There is a considerable price difference between the real IBM and the clones, and I am contemplating whether 1 should go IBM or compatible. Harry Riesbeck Nepean. Ontario. Canada IBM compatibility is indeed an often misused term. In a general sense, any computer that can run Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft's Flight Simulator is said to be IBM-compatible.'' since these programs make extensive use of keyboard, mem- ory, and graphics features. Any machine capable of running MS-DOS is con- sidered compatible, since MS-DOS and PC-DOS are compatible. However, to be 100 percent compatible, the ROM BIOS tread-only memory basic input/output system) routines must be identical. Since these routines, which oversee the opera- tion of the hardware, are copyrighted by IBM. the only legal way to get them is to license them or develop them indepen- dently. Many computers are bus-compatible with the IBM PC and will handle most of the accessory boards now on the market. Others have some minor quirks in the graphics routines, keyboard control func- tions, and use of interrupts. Some PC clones on the market are 100 percent compatible with the IBM PC, and they do represent a better value. Check product reviews in the major computer magazines— Steve ■ IN ASK BYTE. Steve Garcia answers questions on any area of microcomputing. The most rep- resentative questions received each month will be answered and published. Do you have a nag- ging problem? Send your inquiry to Ask BYTE do Steve Ciarcia POB 582 Glastonbury. CT 06033 Due to the high volume of inquiries, personal replies cannot be given. All letters and photo- graphs become the property of Steve Ciarcia and cannot be returned Be sure to include Ask BYTE" in the address. The Ask BYTE staff includes manager Harv Weiner and researchers Bill Curlew. Larry Bregoli. Dick Sawyer. Robert Stefe, and \ean- nette Dojan. 54 BYTE- MAY I98S Inquiry 392 From your fingerprint to your monogram, you are unique. You wear a business suit tailored just for you; now you can get business news tailored just for you. With NewsNet you get vital, in-depth business news. You get expert information on your industry or profession. Through your computer and telephone, you get news on a vast range of subjects from the world's largest retrieval service of business newsletter information. 3,000 New Articles Screened Each Day You'll get access to more than 250 busi- ness newsletters, plus wire services like UPI and PR Newswire. There's news on everything from computers to investments, from taxes to telecommu- nications. 3000 new articles are added every day and each one is screened specially for you. Fast, Versatile, Simple You enter key words, names or phrases. NewsNet stores them and saves every article containing those words. Check in daily, even hourly; scan the headlines or read entire arti- cles, and print out what you want to keep. Change key words when you like. You're free from the worry that you've missed something important— and your topics may turn up in publi- cations you'd never have time to read. If you're onto a new topic, the entire NewsNet database is available for your search. Get special reports on your competition, the inside story on an industry, or press coverage of a company's new product. Start Saving Now The average newsletter carried by NewsNet costs $200 per year in print form. That's $50,000 worth of newslet- ters. Yet with NewsNet you pay as little as $15 per month for access. And NewsNet has no initiation fee. It's a tremendous value. So call today. We'll send everything you need to start saving now. Welcome NewsNet Your Custom News Report is Ready 800-345-1301 (In PA 215-527-8030) 945 Haverford Rd. Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 Inquiry 293 H ■ i i Alloy Computer And AT&T, Columbia, Compaq, Corona, Eagle, TI Professional, ai QICSTOR-PLUS, PC-DISC, PC-BACKUP PC-CARD, and PC-9 TRAC Products, Inc.. 100 Pennsylvania Ave., Framingham, Mass. 01701 (617) 875-6100, TWX: 710-346-0394 Eurc '■"iv^B mith. With PC-QICTAPE, PC-STOR, PC-SLAVE/16, PC-QICSTOR, it Alloy's full line of innovative products in action at your local dealer, inquiry 21 oy Computer Products (Europe) Ltd., Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England. Tel: 0285-68709. Tlx: 43340 Computer Products, Inc. CLUBS & NEWSLETTERS • BBS FOR MEMBERS Uploading and downloading are features of the 300-bps BBS called ABACUS-COM. operating 24 hours, 7 days a week at (805) 871-2725. It is for members of A Bakersfield Area Com- modore User Society (ABACUS). The group meets on the second Wednesday of every month in Bakers- field. California. Contact Gene Smith. ABACUS. 2316 Sandy Lane. Bakersfield, CA 93306. • FARMER'S CHOICE Descriptions of agricultural software packages, elec- tronic information services, and university contact infor- mation for farmers is avail- able in a capsule form in the newsletter Agricultural Computing. Contact Doane Publishing. 11701 Borman Dr.. St. Louis. MO 63146. (314) 569-2700. • TECHNICAL SCHOLASTICS An independent newsletter from a nonprofit organiza- tion about educational com- puting, Academically Speak- ing. . . is produced bi- monthly for the benefit of computerists, teachers, and manufacturers. Contributions concerning hardware and software developments that affect curriculum and ad- ministration in postsecond- ary education are welcome. Contact William Buchholz, Academically Speaking .... Scholastech Inc., POB 1545. Cambridge, MA 02238. • A HUNDREDFOLD A newsletter for the TRS-80 Model 100, Century, contains hardware and software news and reviews, programs, and information that is also ap- plicable to the NEC and Olivetti computers. It is published eight times a year; a subscription is $3 5. Contact Century. Peregrine International. Suite P-22 5. 323 South Franklin. Chicago. IL 60606-7095. • ENGINEERS REVIEW Engineering Software Exchange (ESE) is a monthly newslet- ter that promotes high stan- dards in engineering-applica- tions software. Reviewers critique programs based on the quality of documenta- tion, degree of user-friendli- ness, interactive features, and the completeness of the software. A subscription is $60 annually. Contact Lidia LoPinto, CAE Consultants Inc., 41 Travers Ave., Yonkers, NY 10705. • A WELCOMING ASSEMBLY-The Milwaukee Area IBM Personal Com- puter Users Group meets at 7 p.m. twice a month. Members who use IBM PC and compatible computers can benefit from product demonstrations, instructional sessions, a monthly newslet- ter, and access to a library of public-domain software. Contact the IBM PC Users Group, POB 2121, Mil- waukee, Wl 53203-2121, (414) 679-9075. • COMPUTERS FOR HOOSIERS-The BBS of the Hoosier Users Group (HUG) is on line 24 hours a day at (317) 631-994A to serve users of the Texas Instru- ments 99/4A computer. The monthly newsletter, which is exchanged with other users groups, supplements monthly meetings. The group sponsors classes in BASIC and Extended BASIC. Special-interest groups and a library of public-domain software meet members' specific needs. Contact HUG. POB 2222, In- dianapolis, IN 46206-2222. • TELEWORKS The Telecommuting Report. a monthly newsletter pub- lished by Electronic Services Unlimited, tracks develop- ments in the field of location-independent work. Because corporations are presently running pilot pro- grams and researching the use of computers in homes or at satellite offices, reports of their results can aid small businesses as well as manu- facturers. A subscription is $14 5. Contact Electronic Ser- vices Unlimited. 142 West 24th St.. New York, NY 10011, (212) 206-8272. • MAC STREET (OURNAL The newsmagazine of the New York MacUsers' Group. The Mac Street \ournal. is published monthly by and for the benefit of Mac users. Articles, reviews, and graphics are included as well as an order form for public-domain software and members' evaluations of software. Monthly meetings feature lectures, demonstra- CLUBS & NEWSLETTERS is a forum for letting BYTE readers know what is happening in the microcomputing community. Emphasis is given to elec- tronic bulletin-board services, club-sponsored classes, community-help projects, and other activities. We will continue to list new clubs and newsletters. Allow at least four months for your club's mention to appear. Send information to BYTE, Clubs & Newsletters. POB 372, Hancock. NH 03449. tions, and special-interest group discussions. A bulletin board is maintained. Annual dues are $32. Contact New York MacUsers' Group, POB 6686. Yorkville Station, New York, NY 10128. • BUG PREMIERS The First Basis Users Group (1st BUG) meets on line and in New York City every month. Members maintain a BBS and produce a monthly newsletter and a semiannual directory of users of Basis 108. a 6502/Z80-based microcomputer. Contact John Flory 1st BUG, 4 Tower Lane, Morristown, N| 07960. • FOR AGRICULTURALISTS Farmers and agri-business- people who use computers in their operations can share ideas and public-domain software via a monthly newsletter called The Com- puter Farmer. Contact Kelly Klaas, Route 1, Box 4133, Twin Falls, ID 83301, (208) 733-4251. • INDEPENDENT EXPANSION-The Phoenix Chapter of the Independent Computer Consultants Association (ICCA) meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in Phoenix, Arizona. A newsletter is pro- duced monthly; annual subscriptions are $10. ICCA is a nonprofit club for com- puter consultants and con- tract programmmers. Con- tact Mike Diross. ICCA, Phoenix Chapter, POB 32115, Phoenix, AZ 85064, (602) 892-3270. • THE PUBLICS DOMAIN A newsletter covering public- domain and user-supported [continued) 58 I YT E • MAY 1985 PERSONALITY PROBLEM? UNIX™ and DOS™ At the Same Time! DOS UNIX Looking at an IBM PC/AT? Happy with DOS but want UNIX? Happy with UNIX but want DOS? Want them working together? Get The Connector!™ The Connector is a revolutionary product that allows DOS applications to run on the IBM PC/AT or XT under VENEX/86 ( the first licensed AT&T UNIX operating system for the IBM PCs) or PC/IX That means you can add one or more terminals to your AT which run programs using multi-user VENLX/86 to share the disk and printer. Switch between UNIX and DOS at the console with a single command. And run more than one task simultaneously. Like running a spelling check in the background while you print a report and run Lotus 1-2-3™ or dBasell™ Get yourself an AT and load it with VENLX. Collect your DOS and/or UNIX applications. We'll supply The Connector. The right solution to your software per- sonality problems. Call for complete details. Unisource Software Corp., Department 4 109, 7 1 Bent Street, Cambridge, MA 02 14 1 . Telex 92- 1 40 1/COMPUMART CAM. 617-49M264 Also available on the PC/XT and compatibles. UNIX is a trademark of AT&T Tfevhnologie*. Inc. DOS is a trademark of Microsoft, Inc. PC/AT and PC/XT arc trademarks at IBM. The Connector is a trademark of Uniform Software System*. Inc. VENIX/86 implementation by WnturCom. Inc 1-2-3 and LOTUS are trademark* of Lotus Development Corp. dBasell rs a trademark of Ashton-Tatc. Inquiry 403 Getting UNIX Software Down to Business MAY 1985 -BYTE 59 Inquiry 430 for Dealers. Inquiry 431 for End-Users T£NiTH data systems THE QUALITY GOES IN BEFORE THE NAME GOES ON PROFIT FROM ZENITH DATA SYSTEMS Z-150 PC DESKTOP OR Z-160 PC PORTABLE IBM COMPATIBLES! OWN TOTAL PERFORMANCE USE ZENITH'S PERSONAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS! ■ 4 Open Expansion Slots ■ Full Color*, Green*, or Amber Video ■ Clearly Labeled, Easy to-Use Keyboard ■ Excellent Price/Performance Ratio ■ Zenith Total Service, Technical and Training Support •Z 150 PC ONLY MONITOR NOT INCLUDED ZENITH DATA SYSTEMS Z-150 PC DESKTOP SYSTEM W/ 2 DRVS, 320K RAM. 2P, S. CCB, RAM DISK & PRT SPOOLER. MS DOS, MS WORD*. MSMULTIPLAN* S/W $1,929 SAME AS ABOVE W; 576K RAM $2,058 WITH 320K. 1 FLPY, 10.6Mb H.D. $2,669 WITH 576K, 1 FLPY. 10.6Mb H.D. $2,798 •WHILE SPECIAL OFFER LASTS! (S00) 52S-313S ZENITH DATA SYSTEMS Z-160 PC PORTABLE SYSTEM SAME AS Z150PC W 2 DRVS. 320K RAM, S. P. MS DOS. WORD*, AND MULTI PLAN* SOFTWARE $2,239 SAME AS ABOVE W 10.6Mb H.D. $2,849 •WHILE SPECIAL OFFER LASTS! SEE PAGE 501 FOR OTHER PRODUCTS BLANK DISKS Major Brands • Low Prices Call ALF first 1-800-321-4668 If you need 50 or more top quality disks, bulk-packed (without expensive labels or fancy packaging), call the toll-free number above for the latest price on your favorite brand. ALF copies thousands of disks each day — so we know which disks will perform best with your system! Inside Colorado call 234-0871. ALF ALF Products • Denver, CO CLUBS & NEWSLETTERS software for the IBM PC is devoted entirely to new disks, their reviews, and questions and answers con- cerning their exchange. PC- SIC News is produced by the PC Software Interest Group, which has also published Directory of Public Domain [and User-Supported) Software for the IBM Personal Computer. Con- tact the PC Software Interest Group, Suite 130. 15 56 Halford Ave.. Santa Clara. CA 95051. • LOGO FOR THE TEACHER— Microquests. a monthly publication available from September through May for teachers of Logo, contains mathematical, scientific, and linguistic problems for children to solve. A subscription is $2 5 a year. Contact Martin- Bearden Inc., POB 337, Grapevine, TX 76051. • MEDICS ON LINE The Atlanta Medical Forum is available at (404) 3 51- 9757 every hour of the day at 300 and 1200 bps. It is a user-supported private BBS for people interested in areas of health care that in- volve computers. The Bread Board System software allows message exchange and file transfer. A $15 an- nual donation is requested. Contact Dr. Floyd Garrett, Suite 424, 315 Boulevard NE, Atlanta. GA 30312. • LONE TEXAN EAGLE The East Texas Eagle Users meet the second Thursday of every month. Interested persons can contact R 1. Dodson. 1809 Bell. Long- view. TX 75602, (214) 758-2994. • A NEW ADDITION The Adam Users Group (AUG), though independent, benefits from Coleco's input on new products in the bi- monthly newsletter, AUC- ment. The international group has scheduled an AUG BBS for telecommunications linkups using the Adam. A public-domain library is available to members. An- nual dues are $12, Contact AUG. POB P. Lyhbrook. NY 11563. • GROUP FOR THE VALLEY-The Los Angeles area Valley PC Users Group meets on the second Thurs- day of each month in North Hollywood. It is a forum for sharing information among users of IBM PCs and com- patible computers and pro- vides a public-domain soft- ware library. Contact Carlo di Giovanni, 6161 Whitsett, North Hollywood, CA 91606, (818) 762-7566. or Robin Kaplan, The Information Group, 3414 Troy Dr.. Los Angeles. CA 90068, (213) 851-2480. • MINDSETTERS The First Mindset Users Group welcomes members across the nation who share an interest in this MS-DOS micro with advanced graph- ics capabilities. Send an SASE to receive a sample newsletter. An annual sub- scription costs $15. Local members meet in the Bay Area on the second Monday of each month. Contact David Duberman, 3 55 15th Ave. #5. San Francisco, CA 94118, (415) 668-83 52. • ATTENTION CANADIANS RAM (Regroupement des Amateurs de Micro- ordinateurs) contains five user subgroups for the IBM. Apple. TRS-80 Color Com- puter, Commodore 64, and CP/M-based computers. General and subgroup meetings are held each month. A BBS is maintained. and a newsletter written in French, Organigramme , is pro- duced bimonthly. A public- domain and freeware library exists for each subgroup. Contact Ronald Leger. RAM. POB 21. St. lean. Quebec 13B 6Z1, Canada. ■ O0 BYTE- MAY I98i AFTER YOUR DAYS OF BUYING TERMINALS ARE OVER! Now there's SmarTerm terminal emulation software for your IBM* PC, XT, AT or compatible system. All SmarTerm products offer com- prehensive and exact terminal emulation, powerful ASCII and binary file transfer facilities, and include TTY mode to link you to The Source, CompuServe, Dow Jones, Easylink, Tymnet or other popular services. We've included features such as multiple setup configurations, XMODEM and PDIP* protocol sup- port, "smart" soft- keys, plus European DOS support. NEW SmarTerm 220 supports A-to-Z and other software requiring DEC* VT220 terminals. It includes the full capabilities of SmarTerm 100: DEC VT102, VT100, and VT52 emulation. If you need VT125 ReGIS graphics support, choose SmarTerm 125. For Data General Dasher* D100, D200, or D400 emulation you need SmarTerm 400. Don't "scurry" around buying more obsolete terminals. Join the 20,000 users that have chosen SmarTerm. Try it for 30 days, with full refund privileges. Persoft, Inc. - Madison, Wl (608) 273-6000 - TELEX 759491 smarwrffi soiarterm it stnarterm smarlerm persajf YOU DO WITH YOUR BSOLETE TERMINAL? IDEA CREDIT: Anne Hillebrand of Ada, Oklahoma. See your name in print! The best ideas for uses of obsolete terminals replaced by SmarTerm will be used in future ads. Write Persoft, Dept. GERBIL, 2740 Ski Lane, Madison, Wl 53713. ".MAHUHM and PDIP are trademarks ol Person. Inc ' IBM is a registered trademark ol International Business Machines Corp ' DEC, VT and ReGIS are trademarks ol Drgnal Equipment Corp * DASHER rs a registered trademark ol Data General Corp « Person. Inc 1985 All rights reserved perso/r Inquiry 319 SPEAK SOFTLY AND CARRY A BIG SCHTICK. To lead an audience to your conclusions, you need more than strong words. You've got to show them your line of reasoning, and help them follow it. You Jo that with strong, clear graphics. The kind you get from just one graphics package. Graphwriter. It's built to allow you to speak softly, while you hammer your message home. Point by point. It's got more easy-to-use, easy-to-customize charts than Lotus 1-2-3 or any other software on the market. And with Graphwriter. you can turn out your first chart in 15 minutes. So. before your next presentation, get your hands on Graphwriter. Speak softly to the people at your local computer store. Or call 617-890-8778. EVER FOR EXCELLENCE II ifl 1 1 ■ H ■ g LOTUS 1-2-3 132 COLUMNS PC PAINTBRUSH 720x348 SYMPHONY HIGH RESOLUTION 16 COLORS. 320x200 The Edge :RS; The Plain Facts: EVEREX THE EDGE H =■ m a. (o io X 9 Paradise Modular Graphics Tecmar Graphics Master 1st O oi cr>< % Hercules Graphics Card • IBM Monochrome Compatible, 720x348, High Resolution iS S 1/* s • Runs Lotus 1-2-3™ and Symphony™ in high resolution monochrome: iS S s -132 columnsx25 rows S ^ — 132 columnsx44 rows s ^ • PC Paintbrush in monochrome S \S X \S • 16 shades of green on the IBM monochrome monitor S \s • Runs color software on the IBM monochrome monitor, full screen: s s — Flight Simulator s V* -PC Paintbrush S V* -PC Paint S \S -PC Tutor s S -Pinball \S -Without software patch needed V* • Automatic Boot-up without software patch needed \S \S \S \S \S • Runs Lotus 1 -2-3™ and Symphony™ in high resolution color: s s -16 colors, 320x200 V* S -4 colors, 640x200 V* S • Printer port (standard) \S V* V* S S • Software switchable among color, monochrome and 132 columns mode \S • Price $399 $395 $695 $680 $595 $499 Excellence is the standard at Everex— it's in our name, our products, in everything we do. When you look for the best for your computer— you'll find Everex products. Visit your local Everex dealer today and ask to see Everex products in action. For the name of your nearest Everex dealer, please call (415) 498-1111. Registered Trademarks: Paradise Modular Graphics Card— Paradise Systems. Inc.; Hercules Graphics Card— Hercules Computer Technology; Lotus 1-2-3 -Lotus Development Corporation; PC Paint- Mouse Systems Corporation; Tecmar Graphics Master-Tecmar Inc . Persyst Bob— Persyst Products. Ultra Pak- Tseng Lab., The Edge -Everex Systems Inc . IBM, PC Tutorial— International Business Machines Corporation; Flight Simulator-Microsoft Corporation. Inquiry lb! Dealer Hotline: (800) 821-0806. In CA (800) 821-0807 Imagineering Ultimo, Australia TLX: 74349 IMAGIN AA Microage Distribution Ltd. London, England TLX: 881 3241 WONGS G Feeder Paris, France TLX: 4413241 FEEDER Automated Office Systems Hout Bay. South Africa 2721-70-8091 Survex. 1027 Speers Road, Oakville. Ontario Canada L6L-2X5. 416-842-6093 Pride Computers, 102-8167 Main Street, Vancouver, British Columbia. V5X 3L2. 604-321 -5690 EVER tor Excellence Address: 47777 Warm Springs Blvd., Fremont. CA 94539 (415) 498-1111 . BOOK REVIEWS THE APPLE MACINTOSH BOOK Cary Lu Microsoft Press Bellevue. WA: 1984 383 pages. $18.95 FIRE IN THE VALLEY: THE MAKING OF THE PERSONAL COMPUTER Paul Freiberger and Michael Swaine Osborne/McGraw-Hill Berkeley. CA: 1984 288 pages. $9.95 BENEATH APPLE PRODOS Don Worth and Pieter Lechner Quality Software Chatsworth. CA: 1984 295 pages. $19.95 PRODUCTIVE SOFTWARE TEST MANAGEMENT Michael W Evans John Wiley & Sons New York: 1984 232 pages. $32.95 THE APPLE MACINTOSH BOOK Reviewed by Scott L. Norman Cary Lu. in writing The Apple Macintosh Book, did not fall into the trap of creating an extended version of the Macintosh manuals. Instead, he produced a book that should be of broad interest to present and prospective owners of the Mac. To a lesser extent, it may also appeal to people who are generally interested in the improve- ment of the personal computer. Although the depth of coverage is occasionally shallow, the book lives up to the author's intention: to anticipate major questions and to furnish the tools for finding solutions rather than attempt- ing to provide up-to-the-minute information on all rele- vant topics. Because Lu's book was one of several commis- sioned by Microsoft Press while the Macintosh was still under development, it emphasizes the initial Microsoft programs: Mac- Write. MacPaint, Multiplan. and Chart. The book shares another, and more pleasing, charac- teristic with its competitors: the heavy use of graphics, in keeping with the com- puter's own style. The text is confined to half the width of a page, leaving plenty of room for screen printouts, sketches, and other margin- alia. These are generally helpful, especially to peo- ple with little exposure to the Mac. The Apple Macintosh Book is divided into four sections. Two chapters cover the philosophy of the visual in- terface, some of the strong points and limitations of the Mac, and the process of setting up the machine. Nine chapters emphasize basic machine operations. The chapter "Fundamental Operations'' is where Lu in- troduces the Mac desktop and the use of the mouse to manipulate windows and icons. It's well done, with plenty of illustrations of screens and menus and a liberal use of color to distinguish instructions to the user from a run- ning commentary on what is happening. Dealing with Disks In the 1 1th chapter, Lu describes the details of dealing with disks: initializing and erasing, copying, moving, renaming files, and so on. Although he is careful to describe how to go about things with a single-drive system. Lu empha- sizes that two drives are almost mandatory for serious work. 1 think he's right, and prospective purchasers of the [continued] ILLUSTRATED BY IOHN S DYKES MAY 1985 I YT E 65 Inquiry 59 When Vour Chips Are Down, 'tat' Bank on BVT€H's (€)PROM MultiProgrammer System SI 5-G With Less Restrictions & a FR€€ KeVBOflfiD For Only $1150. Stand Alone or Hook Up to your Terminal, 3 Voltage Devices, Simulation Module, Supports Bipolar, PALs, 40 Pin Chips. Also Available: S5 Basic ©PROM Programmer, $690. UV Erasers from $67. 0003(3 1 COMPUT€R SVST€MS CORPORATION 1021 South Rogers Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33431 CALL TO ORDER (305) 994-3520, Telex 431 0073 M6VI3TC Distributor Inquiries Welcome COMPETITIVE EDGE P.O. Box 556 — Plymouth, Ml 48170 — 313-451-0665 Compupro\ LOMAS. EARTH, TELETEK, Macrotech SYSTEMS CompuPro 286, SSl, I O 4. Disk 1A, Disk 3, 20MB HD. 512K, 15 Slot 5" CCPM Lomas 286, Hazitall. LDP 72, 1024K, 20MB, 1-5" Flp, 4 port, 15 Slot, CCPM Lomas Thunder 186 51 2K. 4 Slot, 10 MB HD, 4 Serial. CCPM. 1-5" Floppy CompuPro 8085 88, IO 4, Disk 1A, Ram 23. 10 Slot, 2-8' Drives CP M 2.2 CompuPro CPU Z, I/O 4, Disk 1A. Ram 23, 10 Slot, 2-8" Drs, CP'M 2 2 Teletek Systemaster II, 8HMz Z80. 128K, 10 Sloi 2-8" Single Turbodos Teletek Systemaster. 4MHz Z60, 64K, 10 Slot, 2-8" CP/M 2.2 Syslemaster II. 10MB HD. 1-8", 10 Slot, 4 Hi Speed 128K Slaves S-100 CIRCUIT BOARDS CompuPro 286 CPU " $695 CompuPro SPU Z "8MHZ 261 CompuPro 8085. 88'" 327 CompuPro Disk 1 A " 459 CompuProDisk3' - 525 CompuPro Ram 22'" 995 CompuPro Ram 23 " 308 CompuPro Ram23 1 28 555 CompuProCPUZ ■ 215. CompuProCPU M<816 1 250 System Support One " 297. Teletek HD CTC 525 Teletek Systemaster* 557. Earth Comput Lomas 286 Lomas 8086 Lomas Octaport " Lomas LDP " Lomas 256K Dram Lomas 51 2K Dram Lomas Ram 67 " Lomas Hazilall" Thunder 186" Lomas CCP M'86' CompuPro I/O 4 Teletek SBC i Syslemaster IT $821. 420 320 206. 446. 821 725. 244. 1095 280. 297 525 899. Macrotech 286. Z80H Lomas 10MHz 8086 Lomas 4 serial Macrotech 256K Dram Macrotech 5 1 2K Dram Macrotech 51 2K static Macrotech 256K sialic Lomas Color Magic " 16K LomasMSDOS"2 11 CompuPro MDrive H*512K CompuPro I 03 8 port Telelek SBC 1 6MHz 1 28 Turbodos" for Teletek 4995 4995 3995 2895 2795 2695 2095 4995 $995 520 200. 499 799 1699 995- 476 225 495 459, 699 650 er TURBO SLAVE I 8MHz 128K $395. Turbo Slave I runs with Teletek, North Star Horizon, Advanced Digital and Others CABINETS Para Dynamics 20 Slot Pronto Para Dynamics Mini Pronto CompuPro Enclosure 2 Desk Cab $1195. 795 611. Para Dynamics 2300D Flpy HD CAB Para Dynamics 2200 Rack Drive CAB CompuPro Enclosure 2 Rack $395. 495 645. ALL PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND STOCK ON HAND CompuPro is a Registered Trademark or Viasyn. CPU Z, Disk 1A. Disk 3. Interface' 3 imertacer 4,. CPU 266 CPU 6085 86. System Support 1 MDRIVE-H. Ram 22, Ram 23 are trademarks or registered trademarks ol Viasyn CP M 2.2, CCPM. are registered trademarks of Digital Research Inc MSDOS is a registered trademark oi Microsoft Systemaster & Systemaster II are registered trademarks of Teletek Enterprises TurDodos is register BOOK REVIEWS Mac would do well to keep this in mind. Lu dispenses reasonable advice on how to distribute sys- tem files, application programs, and data files among disks. The goal, as all Mac users soon learn, is to maximize usable storage space while minimizing the amount of time spent preparing disks for use. The trick is in learning which files must go where. The chapter on disk handling closes with a discussion of how information can be moved between programs by means of the Mac's Clipboard and Scrapbook files. This discussion is pretty brief, however; at its conclusion the author advises interested readers to jump ahead to the 20th chapter, "Macintosh Software Issues." This interesting section describes a bit of the philosophy behind the design of operating systems and user interfaces and then gets into how Mac application programs store and ex- change data. Lu also briefly discusses the use of alternative operating systems to alleviate the Mac software shortage— a rather desperate measure at the moment. It seems unlikely that the people for whom the book is primarily intended would have much interest in pursuing this topic right away. The ability to direct files with the mouse. Clipboard, and other tools is one of the Mac's most appealing features, and the consistency of the machine's operation certainly encourages users to move data from one application to another. Lu does a good job of describing the three forms in which the Clipboard and Scrapbook can store informa- tion: formatted data files. ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) text files, and picture files for the QuickDraw routine in ROM (read-only memory). He goes on to discuss some of the limitations on data shar- ing and editing that are likely to arise. Readers seeking a more general idea of what the Mac is all about should read the chapter on MacPaint. The author devotes subsequent chapters to specific types of software: word processors, spreadsheets, business graph- ics, and so on. This applications material is followed by 14 brief chapters on how things work. This is where you will find the material on software issues that I have already described. Lu provides some details about the video dis- play, keyboard, mouse, and I/O (input/output) ports, and he offers advice about printers and modems. In three rather philosophical chapters. Lu speculates about future Mac products and the future development of microcomputers. He provides a comparison of the Mac and the IBM Personal Computer that will make few con- verts. This section is uneven. The chapters on the screen, keyboard, and mouse contain little material that most readers would care to refer to more than once. The chapter on disks and drives has more substance, and the one on printers contains at least a suggestion of what is needed to use printers other than the lmagewriter. The final section consists of five chapters, containing material that didn't fit anywhere else. They are as much fun to read as anything in the book: the potpourri includes [continued) 66 BYTE • MAY 1985 Inquiry 84 IHanai THE BEST MODEM THE MARKET Other people make modems for telecommunications. But our new Courier 2400™ modem is made for busi- ness. This modern modem transmits, over the phone, 240 characters a second, enabling you to upload or download data at twice the speed of a 1200 bps modem. You'll cut phone costs, save precious hours and increase productivity. iS IMPORTANT. The Courier 2400 features auto-dial and auto-answer ...and is fully CCITT and Bell compatible. It responds to the full AT command set, allowing you to use any of the popular telecom software packages, including Telpac™ by U.S. Robotics, Crosstalk™, PC Talk™, Smartcom™ and many others. And the entire AT command set and S-register functions are displayed on "help screens" and again summarized for you on the underside of the unit. aaB "' Courier 2400 is accom- Heip screens modating in other ways too. It lets you know the length of each call, tells you (on screen) the status of a call in progress, and even fea- tures an adjustable speaker to provide audio phone line monitoring. Courier can test itself in both answer and originate modes, and automatically adjusts from 2400 bps to 1200 or 300 bps. And a powerful automatic equalizer assures nearly perfect performance on every call. Microlink 2400" At $699, you'll not find more modem for the money. If you prefer an internal slot modem for IBM-PC and compatible computers, our new Microlink 2400™ will deliver the same superior performance at the same affordable price. And to get the most out of either Courier or Microlink, ask for new, improved Telpac telecommunications software with easy to use windows. We Set OUt tO build Bottom of Courier the best modem on the market. Now, it's ready. Once you try Courier or Microlink, we think you'll agree — we're not exaggerating one bit. inquiry 402 courier by U.S. Robotics, Inc. 8100McCormickBlvd. Skokie.IL 60076 Phone:(312)733-0497 Telex: 650-186-3130 Outside Illinois: 1-800-Dlal USR PP^^^""* -'^^^Ute, ■^ *0& I'cov^f \ ^^^\ CO 0*J^ so ^^g i^l 1^^^ '"*?■;■■■•■ - ' *sPfilS " ■ \$&y ■ 100% FLAWLESS COPIES . . . . . . FAST! No need to tie up your valuable computer to duplicate diskettes . . . when VICTORY can provide you with a duplicator that will do the job flawlessly, and much faster. One button operation automatically formats. duplicates and verifies up to 8 diskette copies at the same time. VICTORY can supply you with literally dozens of standardized formats to match the protocol of virtually any current computer. In addi- tion, built-in utilities enable you to read or devise any for- mat you may require. If that's not enough, VICTORY can help you with unusual or unique formatting, serializing or copy-protecting problems. VICTORY duplicators are designed to be reliable. Each of the copy drives has a separate controller to increase copying throughput and ensure maximum uptime. VICTORY Duplicators use industry proven drives com- bined with 100% digital tech- nology . . . there are no analog circuits to slowly drift out of tolerance. Let us help free you from your disk-duplicating bottle- neck at a surprisingly attractive price. Write or call: VICTORY ENTERPRISES TECHNOLOGY, INC., 8910 Research Blvd., Suite B2, Austin, Texas 78758— (512)450-0801. ..■." ;:; £ \fM/ VICTORY yy ENTERPRISES ^y Technology, Inc. BOOK REVIEWS thoughts on graphics, illustrations of the basic Macintosh fonts along with the names of their closest standard equiv- alents, and hints on moving specific types of files back and forth to popular application programs running on other machines. A 1 5-page glossary wraps things up. Cary Lu, currently an editor at High Technology magazine, customarily takes a critical, level-headed approach to com- puters in his magazine writings; he maintains that ap- proach in this book. It must have been difficult. The Macin- tosh is one of those high-tech objects that inspires high passions in its devotees and detractors, but Lu manages to keep things in perspective. Scott L. Norman (8 Doris Rd., Framingham. MA 01701) is depart- ment manager of solid-state science at GTE laboratories in VJaltham. Massachusetts. FIRE IN THE VALLEY: THE MAKING OF THE PERSONAL COMPUTER Reviewed by loel Pitt It's easy to forget that in the not-too-distant past the con- cept of a personal computer seemed fantastic. Fire in the Valley, by Paul Freiberger and Michael Swaine, is a history of the brief revolutionary period during which per- sonal computers became a reality. Changes in the direction of the computer revolution and in the image of the computer— from remote behemoth to tool of humanity— have been shaped by the personalities and motivations of the people who first dreamed of, and then built, personal computers. "The newborn industry," the authors write, was a movement of "hobbyists fully con- scious that they were bringing on a social, not just a tech- nological, revolution." Freiberger and Swaine have lived in the valley south of San Francisco and watched the industry grow from that vantage point. Both men served as editors at \nfcWorld: Freiberger is now West Coast editor of Popular Computing: Swaine is editor in chief of Dr. Dobb's journal. They don't ignore the contributions of hobbyists and professionals from other parts of the country, however, so their picture of the origin and development of the industry seems balanced and fair. The chapter entitled "Tinder for the Fire" is a brief, general history of the computer and the transistor tech- nology that permitted its miniaturization. The obligatory recitation of the evolution of the idea of the computer, starting with Charles Babbage's analytical engine, includes much that is old hat: however, the authors also discuss Intel's development of the first CPU (central processing unit) chip, the 4004, which is less well known. A brief ac- count of David Ahl's failed attempt to interest Digital Equipment Corporation in selling computers for personal use underlines the conflict between the individual vision that drove the personal computer movement and the cor- porate computer world that "passed up the chance to 68 BYTE" MAY 1 985 Inquiry 413 Inquiry 50 BOOK REVIEWS bring computers into the home and onto the desk." The birth and development of the MITS Altair computer is described in "The Voyage to Altair." We learn that the flashy cover photo on the January 1975 issue of Popular Electronics, which served to announce this first successful hobbyist computer kit to the world, was just a "photo of an empty metal box masquerading as a computer." The frantic race to bring the Altair into reality was a cliff-hanger. (What has come to be known as "vaporware— products announced well before they're available— has an ancient and honorable role in the history of the microcomputer movement.) Fortunately. MITS was able to fill those metal boxes quickly enough so that the revolution was not brought to a halt just as it was getting off the ground. But "The Voyage to Altair" is not only the story of the Altair computer. Many of the people who worked with the Altair went on to play major roles in the future of the per- sonal computer. Freiberger and Swaine let us learn about them as we follow the history of MITS. The next four chapters focus on the people, personali- ties, and est-inspired vision that drove IMSAI, the second major microcomputer manufacturer; the hobbyists and visionaries who flocked to and formed the Homebrew and other microcomputer clubs; the software developers who helped to make the microcomputer a usable tool: and the entrepreneurs who brought microcomputers and software to us in retail stores, computer shows, and magazines. We learn about the social vision that drove some people, the marketing vision that drove others, and the sense of discovery, play, and adventure that pervaded the move- ment. (The book is illustrated with 32 pages of photo- graphs that help to put flesh on the players mentioned.) The penultimate chapter, "American Pie," is devoted to Apple Computer and its founders, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs. And though the first six chapters of Fire in the Valley help refute Apple's occasional claim to have invented the personal computer, this chapter documents Apple's legitimate claim to a unique and critical role in bringing it to the people. The last chapter of the book, "Big Com- panies," covers the significant, though belated, entry of the major computer companies (which had passed up the opportunity to invent the personal computer) into the microcomputer business. The story that Freiberger and Swaine have attempted to recount is rich with the excitement of discovery, seren- dipity, accidental association, businesses made and lost, and remarkable people. Because it is contemporary history, the authors were able to draw much of their in- formation from interviews with many of the people in- volved. They have relied to a lesser degree on written sources. In the preface there's a long list of acknowledg- ments of the people they interviewed, but there is no bibliography. Freiberger and Swaine's reliance on oral sources helps give their book a personal vitality; however, because of their dependence on interviews, the accuracy of their [continued) Ldffl^ THE UPS B^ THAT TALKS TO YOUR COMPUTER. TOTALLY EFFECTIVE POWER PROTECTION Protects against blackouts, brownouts, spikes, sags, surges, glitches, noise and frequency shifts. Provides computer grade sine wave power. TRUE NO-BREAK UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER MICRO-FERRUPS provides true no-break uninterruptible power. (Many UPS on market are really standby systems that break power from 2-10 milliseconds when transfer- ring to battery backup. That's an eternity to your computer and disk drive.) BATTERY INCLUDED Sealed no-maintenance, long life battery included. An auxil- iary 12 volt battery can be added for longer backup time. 250VA $945 500VA $1345 TALKS TO COMPUTERS The on-board microprocessor and RS232 port allows MICRO-FERRUPS to inter- face with computers. Your power can be monitored by the computer so you know what is happening and an orderly shutdown can be made. AC input and output voltages, output current, load VA, Tine frequency, battery voltage and backup time remaining can be displayed on terminal 300 or 1200 selectable baud rate. ASCII. 'Xf&SZ BEST POWER TECHNOLOGY, INC. 800-356-5794 Wis. 608-565-7200 ;P.O. BOX 280. NECEDAH. WISCONSIN 546461 The ! ingle Source Q&r. for Sockets, Alcoswitches, Knobs, Ribbon Cable Products, RDI Terminal Blocks, D-Subs, Edge Cards, Telecon, RS-232 & Co-Axial Cables, Gender Changers, UHF & BNC, Flat Cable, Accessories 19»5 >^«m 1985 Catalogs Available XM 1985 Catalog features Sockets, Switches, Knobs, Ribbon Cable Products Data Cable Products Catalog features D-Subs, Edge Cards, Telecon, RS-232 Cables, UHF & BNC, Flat Cable, Accessories 1985 Supplement features RDI Terminal Blocks RIPER m ^ Call these TOLL FREE numbers for the name of the distributor or sales rep nearest you. Nationwide (800) 336-3613 / In Mass. (800) 428-5700 P.O. Box 659, 40 Perry Avenue, Attleboro, MA 02703 Service Is Our Business No Order Too Small Inquiry 43 MAY 1 985 • BYTE 69 GUARANTEE Undeniable. Deluxe Computer Forms means undeniable quality. Your order must match your requirements — or you won't pay 1 That's quality, undeniably. Guaranteed. Unquestionable. Our unquestionable guarantee means the forms you select are 100% compatible with your software. Forms Consultants can answer your questions and we'll pay for the call. Tough questions about forms or compatibility — easy answers. Unbelievable. Unbelievable 3-day turn around means . . . fast service. You save money and time. Most custom forms orders 5-10 day turn around. Believe us, that's service. Fast. FREE CATALOG! Call Toll Free to receive your FREE 32 page, color catalog. 1-800-328-5727 Ext 513 In Minnesota 1-800-742-5685 DELUXE COMPUTER FORMS A DIVISION OF DELUXE CHECK PRINTERS INC 70 BVTh • MAY I985 7760 BOOK REVIEWS historical material may be open to question. It's not sur- prising to find that the intensely creative people who shaped the personal computer movement often had their own ideas about how things should be done and about their own rights and responsibilities. There were, of course, many disputes and. not surprisingly, differing accounts of what happened and why. It seems that the authors have made every attempt to be fair. It's not at all unlikely, however, that some of the many volatile personalities in- volved in the making of the microcomputer will take ex- ception to a statement here or a date there. Freiberger and Swaine have pulled together consider- able information for Fire in the Valley and given it a sense of human vitality. }oel Pitt (28 Cedar Ridge Rd.. New Paltz. NY 12561) is a senior consultant with Woodbury Computer Associates and writes about microcomputer applications. BENEATH APPLE PRODOS Reviewed by Martin Kalman From lune 1978 to early 1984, the primary disk oper- ating system (DOS) for the Apple II family was Apple DOS. Although early documentation was meager, this operating system was used to create the large body of software that has been an important factor in the popu- larity of these computers. Early in 1984. Apple Computer Inc. introduced a new operating system called ProDOS (Professional Disk Operating System) to rectify Apple DOS's shortcomings. As with their earlier book, Beneath Apple DOS, Don Worth and Pieter Lechner attempt to document an operating sys- tem, with a particular emphasis on those topics that have been omitted or covered superficially in the Apple manuals. In the beginning, the authors state that Beneath Apple ProDOS is intended to serve as a companion to the manuals provided by Apple. They go on to enumerate the deficiencies of Apple DOS and point out how ProDOS has addressed these and made improvements. The technical portion of the book begins with a chapter describing how data is stored on a floppy disk using the Apple II drive (or equivalent). The authors point out that this chapter should not be considered a prerequisite for understanding succeeding chapters. For this reason. I think it may have been more appropriate to place this chapter at the end of the book, perhaps as an appendix. The material, much of which is applicable to other Apple oper- ating systems (DOS. Pascal. CP/M), would be of interest only to the advanced programmer who wants to access the disk at the lowest levels. Hierarchy One of the most significant improvements provided by ProDOS is its hierarchically organized disk volume. In ad- [conlinued) Inquiry 127 IT'S ALL IN THE NAME THE LEADING EDGE PERSONAL COMPUTER THE BEST PRODUCT: THE BEST PRICE: The Leading Edge" PC is the only personal computer in the world that can run all the big name software packages 50% faster than an IBM PC, while maintaining the highest level of reliability in the entire industry. And nobody can beat the list of stan- dard features, or the twelve month warranty on all parts and labor. $2095. Complete with Leading Edge "Word Processing with Spelling Correction A L [ A D I NO f DC E« SUPPORTED BY THE BEST PEOPLE: For as long as you own your Leading Edge PC, there will be a Technical Support Hotline— a staff of highly skilled, very friendly, hardware and software specialists, available toll free, at the other end of your telephone. No charge, no limits, no kidding. Inquiry 237 Leading Edge Products, Inc. Systems and Software Division 225 Turnpike Street, Canton, MA 02021 800-343-6833,(617)828-8150 Leading Edge is a trademark of Leading Edge Products, inc. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines, Corp. MAY I985 -BYTE 71 THE MAINFRAME When one of twenty Micro Mart Sales Pros answers a call, he's ready at his PC. Micro Mart's Ten Million Dollar Inventory is on-line with our IBM Mainframe, so answers are fast and accurate. With PC to Mainframe Inven- tory, this Micro Mart Salesman verifies his stock, quotes his best price and makes the sale. HELLO. THIS IS MICRO MART MAY I HELP YOU? Y£SS\R'. yOU WANT 85 OF THEM? I'M CHECKING- OUR INVENTORY. ONE MOMENT PLEASE... THEY'RE IN STOCK'. CAN I LOCKTHEM IN FOR YOU? THANK yOU, SlR\ WOULD YOU LIKE THEM TOMORROW? Computers CANON Athena PC. Color or Monochrome Systems. AT INTRODUCTORY LOW PRICES LEADING EDGE Complete systems. FROM $1495 IKE COMPUTE R SPECIAL Or THE MONTH! CALL FOR DETAILS ! Networking / Protocol Conversion SNA & BISYNC 3780, 5251 Mod 12 & Mod 11, 3274, 3278 PC TURBO 1B6 by ORCHID. 80186 coprocessor board $799 IBMA Complete line FROM $799 FORTE GRAPH for TRMA, upgrades TRMA to 3279 S3G graphics IRMAPRINT Enhances TRMA graphics PC Net ORCHID'S, new complete line FROM $899 TECHLAND SYSTEMS Blue Lynx 5251 Mod 12 & 3276 Emulators and 3270 Keyboards SANTA CLARA PC Partner & PC Terminal CALL pooDL £ ooOLfc Printers & Plotters We have thousands in stock . THE PRINTER SPECIAL OF THE MONTH! CALL FOR DETAILS! HOUSTON INSTRUMENTS Plotters & Digitizers Dot Matrix EPSON FX80 Plus/ 100 Plus EPSON 1X80/ 100 EPSON LQ1S00. _ Hard Discs EPSON JX80, color printer COMREX 4S0. 400 cps. Epson compatible. $1798 OKTD ATA 92 ."s CWfrgm 'MKOMWEMMC »" »<(ni ' ™ " «* mm* BOOK REVIEWS dition to the main directory on each volume, ProDOS allows subdirectories within the main directory. Each sub- directory can hold files of any type, including further sub- directories. In this manner, a nested structure is created that allows easy file organization and access through in- dividual pathnames. The chapter that follows discusses how ProDOS organizes information on a disk to provide the directory structure just described. Although this discussion assumes the medium is a standard Apple 3 5-track floppy disk, all of the information presented is applicable to other disk sizes and even to a hard disk. Worth and Lechner then embark on a detailed descrip- tion of how individual blocks of data (512 bytes) are allocated on the disk, beginning with the initial format- ting that creates the volume directory and volume bit-map blocks. They describe the internal layout of different types of files, complete with numerous examples and excellent diagrams that show data organization and storage. These include directory files as well as typical file types such as BASIC programs, binary files, and text files. At this point we are introduced to the ProDOS assem- bly-language program itself, which is loaded into RAM (random-access read/write memory) when the disk is booted. It consists of two parts: the ProDOS kernel and the BASIC interpreter. The kernel is made up of subrou- tines that can be called by any assembly-language pro- gram to access the disk, either block by block or file by file. The BASIC interpreter acts as a translator between a BASIC program (or a user's immediate commands) and the kernel. A short chapter shows the memory usage of these two components and explains how they are loaded into the computer during the booting process. The remaining three chapters, which occupy more than half the book, are intended to aid the assembly-language programmer who wants access to the routines within the ProDOS program. In contrast to Apple DOS, ProDOS pro- vides a set of 20 externally callable subroutines in the kernel. These subroutines, referred to as the machine- language interface (MLI), provide a simple method for ac- cessing the operating system's disk, time and date, and interrupt-handling functions. Entry points are well docu- mented, with detailed descriptions of all the required in- put parameters. A list of MLI error messages includes ex- planations that would be valuable when debugging. One of the most interesting and potentially useful aspects of ProDOS is the provision for adding extra user- written commands to the BASIC interpreter. The chapter entitled "Customizing ProDOS" examines this feature. The authors even include a program in the appendix that in- stalls a "Type" command. You can use this command to display the contents of an input text file on the screen. In the final chapter of the book, Worth and Lechner describe the ProDOS global pages. These two pages always occupy a fixed position in memory and contain sys- tem-status and device-configuration information. Ad- dresses in these pages are of use to the programmer for [continued) BYTE- MAY 1985 Inquiry 105 What C did for Programming Mark Williams has done for C Programming ■ The C Programming System from Mark Williams K I MWC86 gets your C programs run- ning faster and uses less memory space than any other compiler on the market. Then csd, Mark Williams' revolutionary C Source Debugger, helps you debug faster. That's The C Programming S tern from Mark Williams Company. "Of all the compilers reviewed, MWC86 would be my first choice for product development. It compiles quickly, duces superior error messages, and^ ] iaenerates quick, compact object a The library is small and fast and d ly follows the industry standard for C libraries." MWC86 MWC86 is the most highly optimized C compiler available anywhere for the DOS and 8086 environment. The bench marks prove it! They show MWC86 is unmatched in speed and code density. MWC86 supports large and small models of compilation, the 8087 math coprocessor and DOS 2.0 pathnames. The compiler features common code elimination, peephole optimization and register variables. It includes the most complete libraries. Unlike its competi- tion, MWC86 supports the full C lan- guage including recent extensions such as the Berkeley structure rules, voids, enumerated data types, UNIX* I/O calls and structure assignments. Quality is why Intel, DEC and Wang chose to distribute MWC86. These in- dustry leaders looked and compared and found Mark Williams to be best. User Friendly MWC86 is the easiest to use of all compilers. One command runs all phases from pre-processor to assembler and linker. MWC86 eliminates the need to search for error messages in the back of a manual. All error messages appear on the screen in English. A recent review of MWC86 in PC World, June, 1984, summed it up: 'Unix is a Trademark of Bell Laboratories. I writi zed ket. le , I softv lch- csd C Source Debugger ark Williams was not content to write the best C compiler on the mar- To advance the state of the art in software development, Mark Williams wrote csd. csd C Source Debugger serves as a microscope on the program. Any C expression can be entered and evalu- ated. With csd a programmer can set tracepoints on variables and expressions with full history capability and can single step a program to find bugs. The debugger does not affect either code size or execution time, csd features online help instructions; the ability to walk through the stack; the debugging of graphics programs without disturb- SIEVE Time in Seconds B Large Model ■ Small Model Size in Bytes □ Large Model H Small Model 1.29 ■ I ill MWC86 DRI ing the program under test; and evalu- ation, source, program and history indows. csd eases the most difficult part of development — debugging. Because csd debugs in C, not assembler, a pro- grammer no longer has to rely on old- fashioned assembler tools, but can work as if using a C interpreter — in real time. The C Programming System from Mark Williams now supports the following libraries: Library Company Windows for C Creative Solutions Halo Media Cybernetics PHACT PHACT Associates The Greenleaf Functions Greenteaf Software Btrieve SoftCraft The C Programming System from Mark Williams The C Programming System from Mark Williams delivers not only the best C compiler for the 8086 but also the only C source level debugger. That's why it does for C programming what C did for programming. The Mark Wil- liams C Programming System gives the programmer the MWC86 C compiler and the csd C Source Debugger for only $495. Order today by calling 1-800-MWC-1700. Major credit cards accepted. Technical support for The Mark Wil- liams C Programming System is pro- vided free of charge by the team that developed it. Mark Williams Company 1430 W. Wrightwood Ave. Chicago, IL 60614 Inquiry 253 MAY 1985 iYTE 75 64K S100 STATIC RAM $ 139°? NEW! LOW POWER! 150 NS ADO $10 BLANK PC BOARD WITH DOCUMENTATION $49.95 PRICE CUT! SUPPORT ICs + CAPS $17.50 FULL SOCKET SET $14.50 FULLY SUPPORTS THE NEW IEEE 696 S100 STANDARD (AS PROPOSED) FOR 56K KIT $125 ASSEMBLED AND TESTED ADD $50 FEATURES: • U>e> new 2K « 8 (TMM 2016 or MM 6116) RAMa. • Fully aupporti IEEE 696 24 BIT Extended Addressing. • 64K draws only approximately 500 MA. • 200 NS RAMs are standard. (TOSHIBA makes TMM 2016s as last as 100 NS. FOR VOUR HIGH SPEED APPLICATIONS.) • SUPPORTS PHANTOM (BOTH LOWER 32K AND ENTIRE BOARD). • 2716 EPROMs may be installed in any ol top 48K. • Any of the top 8K (E000 H ANO ABOVE) may be disabled to provide windows to eliminate any possible conflicts with your system monitor, disk controller, etc. • Perfect lor small systems since BOTH RAM and EPROM may co-exist on the same board. • BOARD may be partially populated as 56K. PRICE CUT! 256K S-100 SOLID STATE DISK SIMULATOR! WE CALL THISBOARD THE "LIGHT -SPEED-1 00" BECAUSE IT OFFERS AN ASTOUNDING INCREASE IN YOUR COMPUTERS PERFORMANCE WHEN COMPARED TO A MECHANICAL FLOPPY DISK DRIVE. FEATURES: * 256K on board, using + 5V 64K DRAMS. * Uses new Intel 8203-1 LSI Memory Controller Requires only 4 Dip Switch Selectable I/O Ports. Runs on 8080 or Z80 S100 machines. Up to 8 LS-100 boards can be run together for 2 Meg. of On Line Solid State Disk Storage. Provisions for Battery back-up. Software to mate the LS-100 to your CP/M* 2.2 DOS is supplied. The LS-100 provides an increase in speed of up to 7 to 10 times on Disk Intensive Software. Compare our price! You could pay up to 3 times as mucn for similar boards. BLANK PCB (WITH CP/M* 2.2 PATCHES AND INSTALL PROGRAM ON DISKETTE) $5995 (8203-1 INTEL $29.95) $ 199 00 KLS-100 (FULL 256K KIT) if - -ji • THE NEW ZRT-80 CRT TERMINAL BOARD! A LOW COST Z-80 BASED SINGLE BOARD THAT ONLY NEEDS AN ASCII KEYBOARD, POWER SUPPL Y, AND VIDEO MONITOR TO MAKE A COMPLETE CRT TERMINAL. USE AS A COMPUTER CONSOLE, OR WITH A MODEM FOR USE WITH ANY OF THE PHONE-LINE COMPUTER SERVICES. FEATURES: * Uses a Z80A and 6845 CRT Controller for powerful video capabilities. * RS232 at 16 BAUD Rates from 75 to 19,200. * 24 x 80 standard format (60 Hz). * Optional formats from 24 x 80 (50 Hz) to 64 lines x 96 characters (60 Hz). * Higher density formats require up to 3 additional 2K x 8 6116 RAMS. * Uses NS. INS 8250 BAUD Rate Gen. and USART combo IC. * 3 Terminal Emulation Modes which are Dip Switch selectable. These include the LSI-ADM3A. the Heath H 19 and the Beehive. * Composite or Split Video. * Any polarity of video or sync. * Inverse Video Capability. * Small Size: 6.5 x 9 inches. * Upper & lower case with descenders. * 7 x 9 Character Matrix. * Requires Par. ASCII keyboard. i.i' , . » f *;1 ® I i iifi BLANK PCB WITH 2716 CHAR. ROM, 2732 MON. ROM $4995 SOURC E DISKE TT E - ADD $10 SET OF 2 CRYSTALS - ADD $7.50 WITH 8 IN. SOURCE DISK! (CP/M COMPATIBLE) $ 99 95 # ZRT-80 (COMPLETE KIT, 2K VIDEO RAM) Digital Research Computers P.O. BOX 461565 • GARLAND, TEXAS 75046 * (214) 225-2309 Call or write for a free catalog on Z-80 or 6809 Single Board Computers, SS-50 Boards, and other S-100 products. TERMS: Add $3.00 postage. We pay balance. Orders under $15 add 75* handling. No C.O.D. We accept Visa and MasterCard. Texas Res. add 5-1/8% Tax. Foreign orders (except Canada) add 20% P & H. Orders over $50 add 85c for Insurance. BOOK REVIEWS such tasks as calling the MLI via the BASIC interpreter or setting vectors to point to user-supplied command rou- tines. The current ProDOS code occupies more than 22K bytes of memory. The authors expect that this code will change in the near future. Consequently, they have de- cided to describe only the BASIC-interpreter global page and the ProDOS global page. A special supplement is available from the publisher for those readers who wish to obtain a complete description of every piece of code and data within the ProDOS components. Have the authors achieved their objective of improving upon the documentation provided by Apple? Yes, but I wish they had included even more information. Martin Kalman (POB 243, Friday Harbor, WA 982 50) has an M.S. from MIT and works as a freelance computer programmer and writer. PRODUCTIVE SOFTWARE TEST MANAGEMENT Reviewed by Douglas L. Freeman Very little has been written about the testing of soft- ware. Since even the simplest program requires testing, clear-cut guidance is valuable to anyone who develops software. Michael W. Evans has missed the op- portunity to provide this guidance because he has writ- ten a very complex book that will not appeal to a wide audience. He attempts to reduce most concepts to charts, some of which are fairly complicated, and he has a tenden- cy to use acronyms excessively. Though Productive Software Test Management gets bogged down in details about organization, testing committees, definitions, and phases, some of the topics it raises are worth reviewing. The Planning Process Thorough software testing is often overlooked and under- valued. Testing can be easily overshadowed by the other complexities of software development. Evans correctly emphasizes the importance of planning. He begins his book with a story about a failed project and then tells how the disaster could have been avoided. The author points out that developers have a better chance of getting the resources needed for adequate testing if they've planned well for it at the beginning of a project. Creating a detailed plan of how a system will be devel- oped is a difficult task. In the early stages of a project, information and technical requirements are often vague. Precision is difficult to attain. The prudent systems man- ager will work hard to produce a strong software-devel- opment plan. According to Evans, planning should be done in a hierarchical fashion by first defining the top levels of development requirements (what is to be done) and structure (management and control). The develop- ment plan should contain a software test and integration segment. This segment describes the testing structure, {continued) 76 BYTE Inquiry 1 30 THE FORTH SOURCE TM $20 $10 $15 $25 $15 MVP-FORTH Stable - Transportable - Public Domain - Tools You need two primary features in a software development package a stable operating system and the ability to move programs easily and quickly to a variety of computers. MVP-FORTH gives you both these features and many extras. This public domain product includes an editor, FORTH assem- bler, tools, utilities and the vocabulary for the best selling book "Starting FORTH". The Programmer's Kit provides a complete FORTH for a variety of computers. Other MVP-FORTH products will simplify the development of your applications. MVP Books - A Series D Vol. 1, All about FORTH by Haydon. MVP-FORTH glossary with cross references to fig-FORTH, Starting FORTH, and FORTH-79 Standard. 2"« Ed. $25 D Vol. 2, MVP-FORTH Assembly Source Code. Includes IBM-PC® , CP/M® , and APPLE® listing for kernel D Vol. 3, Floating Point Glossary by Springer □ Vol. 4, Expert System with source code by Park □ Vol. 5, File Management System with interrupt security by Moreton □ Vol. 6, Expert Tutorial lor Volume 4 by M & L Derick MVP-FORTH Software - A Transportable FORTH □ MVP-FORTH Programmer's Kit including disk, documentation, Vol- umes 1 & 2 of MVP-FORTH Series (All About FORTH, 2"" Ed. & Assem- bly Source Code), and Starting FORTH. D CP/M, □ CP/M 86, D Z100, □ APPLE, D STM PC, □ IBM PC/XT/AT, □ PC/MS-DOS, D Osborne, D Kaypro, □ MicroDecisions. □ DEC Rainbow, □ TI-PC, □ NEC 8201 , □ TRS-80/1 00 $1 50 D MVP-FORTH Enhancement Package for IBM-PC/XT/AT Program- j£* mer's Kit. Includes full screen editor. MS-DOS file interface, disk, display and assembler operators. $1 1 □ MVP-FORTH Floating Point & Matrix Math for IBM PC/XT/AT with 8087 or Apple with Applesoft $85 □ MVP-FORTH Graphics Extension for IBM PC/XT/AT or Apple $65 □ MVP-FORTH Programming Aids for CP/M, IBM or APPLE Program- mer's Kit. Extremely useful tool for decompiling, callfinding, translat- ing, and debugging. $200 □ MVP-FORTH Cross Compiler for CP/M Programmer's Kit. Gener- ates headerless code for ROM or target CPU $300 D MVP-FORTH Meta Compiler for CP/M Programmer's kit. Use for applications on CP/M based computer. Includes public domain source. $1 50 D MVP-FORTH PADS (Professional Application Development System) for IBM PC/XT/ AT or PCjr or Apple II, II + or He. An integrated system for customizing your FORTH programs and applications. The editor in- cludes a bi-directional string search and is a word processor specially designed for fast development. PADS has almost triple the compile speed of most FORTH's and provides fast debugging techniques. Minimum size target systems are easy with or without heads. Virtual overlays can be compiled in object code. PADS is a true professional development system. Specify Computer, $500 □ MVP-FORTH MS-DOS file interface for IBM PC PADS $80 $85 $65 □ MVP-FORTH EXPERT-2 System for learning and developing ^ji knowledge based programs. Both IF-THEN procedures and analytical W subroutines are available. Source code is provided. Specify □ Apple, D IBM. or □ CP/M. Includes MVP Books, Vol. 4 &6 $100 D MVP-FORTH Floating Point & Matrix Math see above D MVP-FORTH Graphics Extension see above FORTH DISKS FORTH with editor, assembler, and manual. □ APPLE by MM, 83 $100 £*D Macintosh by MM, 83 $125 * □ ATARI® valFORTH $60 D CP/M by MM, 83 $100 □ HP-85 by Lange $90 D HP-75 by Cassady $1 50 □ IBM-PC by LM, 83 $100 £*C IBM-PC by MM, 83 $125 * D ZBOby LM. 83 $100 □ 8086/88 by LM, 83 D 68000 by LM. 83 D VIC FORTH by HES. VIC20 cartridge □ C64 by HES Commodore 64 cartridge □ Timex by HW. cassette D T/S 1 000/ZX-81 □ 2068 $100 $250 $20 $40 $25 $30 Enhanced FORTH with: F-Floating Point. G-Graphics. T-Tutorial, S-Stand Alone, M-Math Chip Support, MT-Multi-Tasking, X-Other Extras, 79-FORTH-79. 83-FORTH-83. □ APPLE by MM, F, G, &83 $180 □ ATARI by PNS, F,G, & X. $90 D CP/M by MM, F & 83 $140 □ TRS-80/1 or III by MMS F, X, &79 $130 D C64 by PS MVP, F, G & X $96 Key to vendors: HW Hawg Wild Software LM Laboratory Microsystems MM MIcroMollon MMS Miller Microcomputer Services PNS Pink Noise Studio PS ParSec □ C64 with EXPERT-2 by PS □ Extensions for LM Specify IBM, Z80. or 8086 D Software Floating Point □ 8087 Support (IBM-PC or 8086) □ 951 1 Support (Z80 or 8086) □ Color Graphics (IBM-PC) □ Data Base Management $99 $100 $100 $100 $100 $200 FORTH MANUALS, GUIDES & DOCUMENTS □ FORTH-Wrlter, A Word Processor for the IBM PC/XT/AT with 256K. ^ MVP-FORTH compatible kernel with Files, Edit and Print systems. * Includes Disk and Calculator systems and ability to compile additional FORTH words. $150 D MVP-FORTH Fast Floating Point Includes 951 1 math chip on board with disks, documentation and enhanced virtual MVP-FORTH for Apple II, II + , and He. $450 Ordering Information: Check. Money Order (payable to MOUNTAIN VIEW PRESS, INC.), VISA, MasterCard, American Express COD'S $5 extra. Minimum order $15. No billing or unpaid PO's. Californ'a residents add sales tax. Shipping costs in US included in price. Foreign orders, pay in US funds on US bank, include for handling and shipping £»»□ Thinking FORTH by Leo ' Brodie, author of best selling "Starting FORTH" $16 □ ALL ABOUT FORTH by Haydon. MVP Glossary $25 O FORTH Encyclopedia by Derick & Baker $25 ^D FYS FORTH from the •&' Netherlands □ User Manual $25 □ Source Listing $25 jiL! FORTH Tools and Applic. by * Feierbach $1 9 □ The Complete FORTH byWinfield $16 ^D Learning FORTH by Armstrong $17 D Understanding FORTH by Reymann $3 □ FORTH Fundamentals, D Vol. I by McCabe $16 □ Vol. II Glossary $14 ^D Mastering FORTH by Anderson & Tracy $1 8 Q Beginning FORTH by Chirlian $1 7 □ FORTH Encycl. Pocket Guide $7 □ And So FORTH by Huang. A college level text. $25 □ FORTH Programming by Scanlon $1 7 Lj Starting FORTH by Brodie. Best instructional manual $20 $25 D □ available, (soft cover) □ 68000 fig-Forth with assembler D FORML Proceedings □ 1 980 □ 1 981 Vol 1 ^D 1981 Vol 2 □ 1982 **• Q1983 □ 1984 each $25 D 1981 Rochester Proceedings D1981 LJ1982 D1983 D1984 each $25 Bibliography of FORTH $1 7 The Journal of FORTH Application & Research □ Vol. 1/1 □ Vol. 1/2 ^D Vol. 2/1 □ Vol. 2/2 ** D Vol. 2/3 each $1 7 □ METAFORTH by Cassady $30 [] Threaded Interpretive Languages $25 D Systems Guide to fig-FORTH by Ting $25 □ Inside F83 Manual by j0* Ting $25 □ FORTH Notebook by Ting $25 D Invitation to FORTH $20 D PDP-11 User Man. $20 D 6502 User's Manual by Rockwell Intl. $10 □ FORTH-83 Standard $1 5 D FORTH-79 Standard $1 5 D Installation Manual for fig-FORTH □ Source Listings of fig-FORTH, Specify CPU $15 $15 by Air: $5 for each item under $25. $1 for each item between $25 and $99 and $20 for each item over $100 Atl prices and products subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Single system and/or single user license agreement required on some products. MOUNTAIN VIEW PRESS, INC. PO BOX 4656 MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94040 (415)961-4103 Inquiry 280 MAY 1 985 • BYT E 77 Inquiry 120 COMPUPRO USERS SMD Acceleration Options now for Concurrent DOS SMD SUBSYSTEMS Controller— Drive— Power Supply — Cables Desktop Cabinet /Concurrent DOS XIOS BOO MbMll Concurrent DOS XIOS 84 MBYTE 168 MBYTE 300 MBYTE $3,895.00 $10,98500 $12,9 95.00 «:ested frst i -trig DATABANK ACCELERATED COMPUPROS Ail systems with 5" fi 8" floppy Concurrent DOS XIOS 130 MBYTE Internal SMD Disk Drive & Controller Standard Compupro System Specs and Enclosures SUPER 816CH130 SMD SUPER 816FH130 SMD $15,985.00 $16,885.00 call for quote — any compupro system WHY SMD? 1.2 MB /SEC x controller-disk transfer rate 20 MSEC -:k:-special-::--::- 130 MYBTE = $7,485.00 Internal retrofit on your lower enclosure Prebooking Required Only 48 hrs. at our site WHY DATABANK? Authorized Compupro System Center Ounn S Bradstreet 05-204-9640 average disk access time DMABAN< (805) 962-8489 2Z8 A WEST CARRILLO SANTA BARBARA. CALIFORNIA 93101 HARMONY VIDEO & COMPUTERS 2357 CONEY ISLAND AVE.. BROOKLYN. NY 11223 800 VIDE084 OR 800-441. 1144 OR 7186271000 IW COMMODORE 64 $149.95 APPLE 2Ew/DRIVE $819.95 APPLE 2C $889.95 STAR SG 10 $210.95 PRINTER SPECIALS" Brother HR15 XL Brolher HR35 Brother Keyboard Citizen MSP 10 Cm/cn MSP 15 Coror.a Laser Daisywnler Diablo 620 API DynaxDX 15 XL Epson RX 80 FT * Epson RX 80 Epson RX 100 Epson FX 80 Epson JX80 Epson FX 100 * EpsonLQ 1500 HP Laser jei 219 374 369 546 583 998 2678 Juki6100 T.>ipv„i ( o Juki 6300 Mannesman Sp" >' 80 Mannesman 160L Mannesman 1BPL NEC 2050 NEC 3550 NEC 7730 NEC 8850 Ne< p3 or n2 Okidata92 Ohidata93 Okimate 10 Olympai Compacl 2 Olympai ro Panasonic KXP 1091 Panasonic KXP 1090 459 629 629 1218 1629 1679 839 349 Panasonic KXP 1092 Panasonic KXP 1093 Panasonic XKP3151 Powertype Guadiei Rileman Blue * SlarSGIO SlarSG15 SlarSDlO SlarSD15 Star 5010 StarSR15 StarSBIO Silver Reed Exp 550 Silver Reed Exp 500 Silver Reed Exp770 Toshiba 1340 379 562 450 278 352 352 WOW! WOW! WOW! IBM APPLE MONITORS PC vWDnve CALL 2E w/Disk Drive 819 Amdek 300 Green 114 PC XT CALL Macintosh 1365 Amdek 300 Amber 121 PC Portable vwDnve CALL Apple 2C 687 310 Amber 142 AST Six Pack 209 Imagewnter 473 Color 300 221 Tallgrass 20 Meg 2274 Addl Drives from 224 Color 500 324 Quad Board 221 Modem 12 429 Color 600 384 Keytronics 129 ATARI Color 700 441 Hercules Colot 142 800 XL 96 Color 710 509 Hercules Monochrome 294 1027 Printer 224 Taxan210 199 Paradise Graphics 252 1050 Drive 148 PrmctonHX12 419 Paradise Mulli Display 273 Indus. Drive 234 Tax an 122 A 139 STB Graphics + 2 246 1025 Printer 156 Taxan 420 394 STB R1 0-2 Tecmar Graphics 236 439 Rana 1000 Koala Pad 167 SANYO Tecmar Captain 169 Printer i(F 49 S50D.S 645 Persyst Color Card PersySt Monocard 148 162 MODEMS 535 DS CRT 70 947 509 Bernouli Box 1953 Hayes 1200 378 MBC 775 1799 10 Meg Onve 659 Haves 1200B 314 Joystick 34 Hayes 300 ■ rg COMMODORE Tandon 100-2 119 Micromodem 2E 206 Commodore64 149 ZENITH Zenith PC 2150 Access 123 359 1541 Disk Drive 177 1619 Novation j-cal 89 1702 Monitor 189 Zenith PC 15152 Zenith PC 161 52 2057 2204 800-441-1144 M PS 802 Indus Drive 188 259 Items reflec cashdiscr unt For your protection we check fo stolen credit cards 78 BYTE* MAY I98 5 Inqu ry 1 84 BOOK REVIEWS phases, levels, and organization, it lays the foundation for the entire software-testing process. Test planning is the central theme throughout the first five chapters. Though Evans almost wears out the subject, he does make several good related points. He cautions the software manager against trading short-term project demands for long-term planning requirements. As a proj- ect proceeds, the demands on the manager increase. Time that was intended to be spent on planning disappears. The obvious result is a poorly developed software prod- uct and sometimes a failed project. The author also observes that managers often try to apply techniques that worked for large projects to the development of small projects and vice versa. He advises that the software-development controls must be scaled to the technical and administrative requirements of the individual project. Readers should keep this point clear as they try to implement concepts from this book. Evans devotes a chapter to the subject of motivating a software-test staff. This chapter is one of the best in the book. It gives the reader good advice about management direction and responsibility. The author counsels the software-test manager to "look and act like a leader" and "present a positive image to staff, customer, and manage- ment personnel." He also tells how to motivate three types of personnel: fast trackers, average performers, and poor performers. This advice is useful to managers of all disciplines. The Real Work of Testing You have to read more than half of the book before you come to the two chapters that cover test specification and testing methodology. Evans warns that "personnel easily bog down in the morass of technical detail," but he does not follow his own warning. He proceeds to describe soft- ware testing in a style that is dense with terminology and definitions. In spite of this, a dedicated reader can still gain an insight into proper testing methods from these chapters. A Word of Caution Perhaps the most worthwhile part of the book's second half deals with satisfying the customer requirements of the project. Here Evans stresses the importance of cus- tomer participation throughout the software development. He states that customers will be more willing to accept a system if they have participated in the testing process. Productive Software Test Management is not a book for every computer user. It would be of most interest to people in- volved in managing major software projects at very large development organizations. To other software developers the book would probably be fairly dull, and to casual users of microcomputers it would be close to useless. ■ Douglas L. Freeman (3 78 19 Valley Rd.. Oconomowoc, WI 53066). formerly a software-development consultant, is currently president of Color Corporation of America, Milwaukee. c^vM^- Sperry introduces Usernet. Because PCs that talk only to themselves are a luxury few businesses can afford. Stand alones shouldn't. Not in an office environment. Alone, PC's are simply under- utilized. But join them in the right kind of network, and their value as business tools increases exponen- tially. Your PC's can share fewer printers, share common data files, function independently or collec- tively. Just like people. The question, then, is which system to choose. Ours is not the only such system. But it may well be the most intelligently conceived. It will accept any IBM-compat- ible PC's you already own. Eagle, Corona, Columbia, Compaq and so on. Even a Sperry. Usernet begins with as few as four PC's, linked in a common bus with the industry-standard Inquiry 445 "twisted pair" wiring. Simple and economical to install, service or expand. And expand you can, to as many as 64 PC's, merely by adding them on, without disrupting or replacing any part of the system. As your Usernet grows, you'll appreciate a security system Stanford University rates as the best in the industry. It keeps your business yours. But ultimately, any system such as Usernet stands or falls on speed. An information path, like a high- way, can choke on its own traffic. So, the faster information moves, the less chance of developing a nasty form of gridlock. It may surprise you to learn that Usernet speeds information along. In many cases, faster by a factor of 10 than our competition. Or yours. For a demonstration at a Sperry Productivity Center near you, tele- phone 1-800-547-8362, or write: Sperry Corporation, P.O. Box 500, Blue Bell, PA 19424-0024. i Sperry Corporation 19*4 MAY 1985 • BYTE 79 Lotus*'* 3 asell Words*** Symphony k\Sj| How do you get your PC to wear many different hats at the same time? E-z-DOS-n: Introducing E-Z-DOS-IT Concurrent Processing — for IBM PCs and PC compatibles. Before today, your IBM PC (or PC compatible) could wear only one processing hat at a time. Now, with E-Z-DOS-IT Concurrent Processing, your PC can be an editor, financial analyst, and artist all at the same time. And you can be a writer. Or a programmer. In fact, E-Z-DOS-IT is the only concurrent processing system that can run effectively on machines with 256K and up. Switch from one program to another at the drop of a hat. With your current system, each time you need to access information on a different disk, you have to save your files, unload and load a pro- gram. E-Z-DOS-IT enables you to switch con- veniently from one applica- tion to another instandy With this easy referencing capa- bility, you can quickly respond to questions, and finish proj- ects significantly faster. E-Z to use, E-Z to afford. ^fou'll find it takes only ten minutes to master E-Z-DOS-IT Concurrent Processing. And the suggested retail price is only $199.95— improved productivity was never this affordable. Improved personal productivity at your fingertips. E-Z-DOS-IT is the one system software package you can't afford to be without. For more information and the name of the dealer nearest you, call toll-free: 800/228-9602 (in California, call 800/423-5592), ask for Operator 1. SHAMMER Redefining Your PC Productivity. E-Z-DOS-IT is a trademark of Hammer Computer Systems, Inc., 700 Larkspur Landing Circle. Suite 285, Larkspur, CA 94939 acknowledged: IBM and IBM PC, Internal). Software Publishing, Crosstalk, Microsruff. Inc ; Multi-Plan, Microsoft Corporation. Inquiry 182 The following registered trademarks are acknowledged IBM and IBM PC, international Business Machines, Lotus 1-2-3 and Symphony. Lotus Development Corporation; dBase 11 and Framework, Ashton-Tate; Wordstar, MicroPro International, PFS:File, ; Multi-Plan, Microsoft Corporation. MAY 1985 -BYTE 81 Super Sperry Our new Super Sperry system is mode by Mirsubishi. jusr like rhe Leading Edge PC Like rhe Leading Edge it runs 50% fasrer than rhe IBM-PC gives you 5 comporible stors for expansion dual 5V drives serial and parallel porTs. M5-DOS 2 1 1 GW BASIC ond an auromanc clock/calendar card Unlike rhe Leading Edge our Super Sperry has a berrer keyboard with LED s on rhe lock keys and a racrile feedback, o more powerful power supply a rock solid green phosphor display and ATI tutorials What makes our Super Sperrys really super, however is that rhey come with a massive 640K of RAM installed and rested I as standard equipment We urge you to buy rhe best even if ir s the less expensive Super Sperry for: $1949 .»■> * .-.. IT * More Free Software * I went to look or the MBC-550 next day 1 ivhar I found mode me an owner rhe Dill Sudbnnk Byre Magazine Along with all rhe ftee great software you ger with a Sanyo MBC 550 Scorrsdole Systems includes extra disks with CD OS Tutot- Teaches you everything you need to know about rhe operating system right on your system (2)15 games for rhe Sanyo 550 - a S>29 (retail) value CO) Daremare - an appointment keeper with a perperuol calendar [43 IS Manager Allows you ro change rhe srrucrure of existing InfoSrar files (5) PC File (6j 10 public domom gomes (7) diognosrics ond utilities and (6) Sketch - A graphics/ drawing program Tirten in Sanyo Color Graphics BASIC ©Sanyo 555-2's If you plan ropurchosea5onyo MDC 555-2 or a single drive MDC 550-2 you ve made an excellent choice The Sanyo MBC 550 series is rhe lowest priced 8086 MS-DOS system bor none Plus with rhe smgle-dtive 550-2 systems you receive MS-DOS 2 11 Sanyo Color Graphics BASIC Wordsror 3 3 CokSror ond Easy Writer I. Wirh the 555-2 systems you also receive yout choice of DoroStar ReporrStar SpellStar and MailMerge: or Easy Writer II Easy Mailer Easy Plonner and Eosy Filer We hove sold more Sanyo microcomputers than any orher dealer m rhe United Stares Our prices have also been rhe lowest or among rhe lowest m the country ond ore presently too low ro advertise But we wouldn't hove become the largest 5onyo dealer in rhe country 'f oil we offered was low prices We include more free software than other dealers we can install boards or extra memory for a modest charge ond we srock reference manuals for our customers Our soles staff knows rhe Sanyo system because rhey use Sanyo computers themselves, and unlike others who sell the Sanyo system we re on authorized Sanyo service center with techs on staff If you plon to buy a Sanyo give us a call we'll offer you a great price and a great deal more Altos High-performance Xenix-based mulri- user systems from Alros-world leaders in muln-user sysrems and applications sofrware As parr of TRWs morkering supporr group we can hove your Alros sysrem nsrolled on your sire (oddirional charge). Alros sysrems are easy to expand and wirh shared pnnrers ond fiord disks are cosr compenrive wirh multiple single user systems Call for addlnonal pricing ond availability 466-20 -- $4539 566-40 $7249 966-40 .... . . $8829 Alros Acer $2779 PRINTERS EpsonFX-80+ J5*g"$160off PX80FT 5*?$100off Okidoro92 JWi§$125off Okidaro 93 £X $2 1 off Okidoro 84 Coll 5rarSG-10 $239 5rorSR-15 $599 Panasonic 1091 $298 Toshiba 1340 $579 LETTER QUALITY Powerrype $299 Juki 6100 $399 Juki 6300 $719 Silver Reed 400 $249 Silver Reed 500 .. $299 Silver Reed 550 $409 I Silver Reed 770 $724 Dioblo Coll NEC Call Doisywrirer 2000 . . $824 HOUSTON INSTRUMENTS DMP-29 $1795 DMP-40 $745 DMP-41 . ... $2340 [ , orher models Coll Columbia's If you re looking for maximum compatibility I minimum prices and norionwide service you I should consider buying a Columbia from I Scorrsdole Sysrems Each sysrem comes with a I huge software bundle including MS-DOS 2 1 I Bosico Perfect Wtitet Perfect Cole Perfect I Filer Perfect Speller Fosr Graphs Home I Accountant Plus Spoce Commanders. ATI ] Tutorials and T I M IV We have the lowest f prices on all Columbia computers including rhe new 4220 desktop with 256K 2220 I portable with a built-in 9" monitor Your I choice $1698 The Silver Fox Trots Through Lotus Like 1 ,2,3 The Silver Fox is not IBM-PC DOS compatible yet it runs hundreds of MS-DOS programs including Lotus 1 2 3 d BASE II Multiplan. and even Flight Simulator The Stlvet Fox does not hove IBM comporible expansion slors but you con odd pnnrers serial pons modems 10-40 Mb hard disks, clock/calendar cards RAM. joysricks on 6067 co-processor ond more Whot makes rhe Silver Fox unique however isn't what you con odd to it but what comes wirh ir Each Silver Fox comes with on 8066 CPU. 256K of RAM. four video pom. ond a prinrer port Plus you ger more rhon twice the storage of a standard PC 1 6 Megabytes on dual 5 1 /4" floppys ond rhe Fox will read ond wrire ro standotd 1 60K. 320K and 360K IBM-PC formats Srondord equipment also includes a better keyboard ond o 1 2" high resolution green monochrome monitor wirh a full 25x60 display Plus we back each Silver Fox wirh o one year limited warranty If you didn r rhmk your $1397 could buy you this much computed call our machine or 1-800-FOIWOX I leave your name ond address ot the beep and we'll send I you a booklet that will tell you how it con ^^^M. ■■.■ ijAju^gU^jr: Free 5ilverware MS-DOS 2.11 WordStar 3.3 HAGEN-DOS Eosy Writer Color BASIC Spell GW BASIC Moll Track OS TUTOR FILEBASE 1 5 Gomes PC FILE III Cole Star PD Disk Sanyo 11 OO's/1 200's Scorrsdole Sysrems uo 617 N. Scorrsdole Rood, Suite B, Scorrsdole, Arizono 85257 ~ (602)941-585615: Coll 8-5 Mon.-Fri. A JP^^ We participate tn arbitration for business and customers through rhe Derrer Business Bureau of Maricopa County. SINCE 1980 TELEMARKETING ONLY If you plan ro visir please call first for an appomrment Prices listed are for cosh and include o 3% discount We sell on a Net 30 basis to Fortune 1200 | companies and universities NoC.O.D sor A.P O s. P O sadd 2%. Visa Mastercard odd 3%. Az residents odd 6% Prices subject to change product subject to avoilabiliry Personal/company checks rake 3 weeks to clear All items lisred are new with monufocturers warranty. 0-20% restocking fee for returned merchandise. Shipping exrro- produas are F O B point of shipment Software is nor worranned for suitability Regisrered [ , trademarks Televideo-Televideo Systems. Inc ; Silver FoxTM HAGEN-DOS- Scorrsdole Sysrems. Ltd.; Commuter-Visual Computer Incorporated " WYSE 50's 75's $499 $575 1200 BPS Modems Volksmodem . $199 Password . . . $249 Promerheus $024 l Hayes 000/1200 . . .. $444 A OLYMPIA To LQ or NLO That is the Question Whether tis nobler to zip along at 165 CPS in draft mode ond use an incredible 1 7x1 7 NLQ mode for letters, or produce letter perfect ourput Olympia gives you a choice Compare rhe Olympic NPro rhe popular Epson FX-60 or rhe Okidoro 92 The NP is slightly fastet. noticeably guierer, ond incfudes push-type tractors (ond friction feed) as standotd eguipment Bur the NP's really big feature is its fine script mode which is much superior ro rhe Okidata °2 and even better than an FX-80+ with a $199 NLQ oprion TaguorePC magazine The (NP) printer is o sure thing if it falls into yout price range -and even if it doesn't, it may be worth considering If you're looking for rhe besr buy in a ttue lerrer-guaiiry printer dike rhe Silver Reed 550 or rhe Juki 6 1 00) rhe Olympia RO is for you The RO is o 14 CPS. wide- comage that comes with both friction and rracror feed serial and parallel porrs ond quality rhor has made Olympio a world leader in typewriters Before you spend 51 00-S200 too much for anorher brand coll us or Scorrsdole Sysrems and ask for additional informonon on these exceptionol values from Olympia To LQ or NLQ is up to you rhe ptice for either the Olympia NP ot the RO with a 1 shielded coble to yout computer is only $344 EVENT QUEUE May 1985 • BUSINESS RESEARCH Applications Seminars, various sites throughout the U.S. and Montreal. Quebec. Canada. A seminar series for those researching busi- ness topics. Contact Data Courier, 620 South Fifth St., Louisville. KY 40202, (800) 626-2823: in Kentucky, (502] 582-4111: in Canada, (800) 626-0307. May-lune • C STUDIED C-Language Workshops, various sites throughout the U.S. Workshops and seminars on C programming and issues. Contact Plum Hall Inc., 1 Spruce Ave., Car- diff, NJ 08232, (609) 927-3770. May-]une • CLASSES IN UNIX. C UNIX and C Classes, City University, Bellevue, WA. Four-hour to five-day courses. Fees range from $100 to $750, depending upon course length. Contact Kathy Howard, Specialized Systems Consultants. POB 7. Northgate Station. Seattle, WA 98125, (206) 367-8649. May-]une • CONFERENCES FOR MANUFACTURERS, USERS Conferences for Manufac- turers and Users, various sites throughout the U.S. Planned are Document Pro- cessing in Tomorrow's Of- fice'' and "Document-based Optical Memories'' Contact Richard D. Murray, Institute for Graphic Communication Inc., 375 Commonwealth Ave.. Boston, MA 02115, (617) 267-9425. May-\une • FIX-IT WORKSHOP Computer Repair User Workshops, various sites throughout the U.S. A one- day seminar on repairing computers. The fee ranges from $140 to $175, depend- ing upon location. Contact Cascio School of Computer Technology. Suite BI09-Q. 2 580 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon, CA 94583. (415) 829-5140. May-lune • HOME, OFFICE COMPUTING-New Olden Spring and Summer Com- puter Workshops. New York City. Introductory and ad- vanced workshops on per- sonal, executive, and secretarial computing. Fees range from $4 5 to $400, depending upon duration. Contact The Olden Com- puter Workshops. 1265 Broadway. New York, NY 10001, (212) 685-1234. May-lune • MICRO WORKSHOPS Microcomputer Workshops, various sites throughout the U.S. and Canada. More than 20 workshops for all levels of expertise. Contact Rhonda Carney. Intel Corp.. Customer Training, 27 In- dustrial Ave., Chelmsford, MA 01824-3688, 1617) 2 56-1374. May-lune • NETWORK PROTOCOLS Network Communication Protocols, various sites throughout the U.S Major topic areas include elements of data communications, data-link control concepts, and bit-oriented protocols. The fee is $695. Contact Center for Advanced Profes- sional Education, Suite 110, 1820 East Garry St.. Santa Ana. CA 92705. (714) 261-0240. May-lune • SEMINARS AND SYMPOSIA-EDP Seminars and Symposia, various sites throughout the U.S. "Data- base Management Systems and Fourth Generation Languages for Personal Computers" and "Introduc- tion to the UNIX System" are among the offerings. Fees range from $395 to $895. Calendar available. Contact Software Institute of America Inc., 8 Windsor St.. Andover, MA 01810, (617) 470-3880. May-lune • SUMMER SEMINARS Summer Seminar Series, Rochester Institute of Tech- nology, NY. A series of one- week seminars. Titles include "Introduction to Linear Sys- tems and Digital Signal Pro- cessing," "Basic 6800/6809," and "Advanced Digital Logic." For details, contact Yvonne Fish. School of Engineering Technology, Rochester Institute of Tech- nology, One Lomb Memorial Dr., POB 9887. Rochester, NY 14623, (716) 475-2915. May-lune • Al, EXPERT SYSTEMS BRIEFING-Artificial In- telligence and Expert Sys- tems: What Users and Sup- pliers Must Know Today to Deploy These Technologies as Profitable Strategic Cor- porate Resources Tomorrow. Boston and Framingham, MA. A one-day executive briefing. The fee is $790. IF YOU WANT your organization's public activities listed in BYTE's Event Queue, we need to know about them at least four months in advance Send information about computer conferences, seminars, workshops, and courses to BYTE. Event Queue, POB 372, Hancock. NH 03449. Contact Ms. Lee Burgess, Professional Development Programs, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy Building. Troy NY 12180- 3 590, (518) 266-6589. May-luly • CONSULTANT TRAINING Learn How to Be a Suc- cessful Independent Com- puter Consultant, various sites throughout the U.S. The risks and rewards of consulting, planning and marketing, legal considera- tions, and resources are covered. Contact Education Technology Center Inc.. Suite 1042, 485 Fifth Ave.. New York. NY 10017. (212) 505-6148. May-luly • DATA SWITCHING Distributed Data Switching Seminar, various sites throughout the U.S. A one- day seminar on the tech- nology and application of distributed data switching in telecommunications. The fee is $395. Contact Timeplex Seminars, 400 Chestnut Ridge Rd.. Woodcliff Lake. NI 07675, (201) 930-4600. May-luly • SOFTWARE COURSES Software Short Courses, various sites through out the U.S. Among the courses are "UNIX: A Hands-on Intro- duction," "Programming in C: A Hands-on Workshop," and "Software Requirements, Specifications, and Tests." Contact Integrated Computer Systems, 6305 Arizona Place, POB 45405, Los Angeles. CA 90045, (800) 421-8166: in California, (800) 352-8251 or (213) 417-8888: in Canada. (800) 228-6799. May-August {continued) MAY 1985 -BYTE 83 Inquiry 19 QUALITY PARTS AT DISCOUNT PRICES! SUB-MINIATURE DTYPE CONNECTOR SOLDER TYPE SUB MINIATURE CONNECTORS USED FOR COMPUTER HOOK UPS DB-15PLUG $2 75 DB 15 SOCKET $4.00 DB-15HOOD $1.50 DB-25PLUG $2.75 DB 25 SOCKET $3.50 DB-25H00D $1.25 'PARALLEL" PRINTER CONNECTOR SOLDER STVLE 36 PIN MALE USED ON ■PARALLEL" $5.50EACH_ DAT " ABLtS L.E.D.'S STANDARD JUMBO DIFFUSED RED 10 FOR $1.50 GREEN 10 FOR $2.00 1EU.OW 10 FOR $2.00 m fy FLASHER LED ft5 VOLT OPERATION RED JUMBO SIZE $1 00 EACH Bl POLAR LED 2 FOR $1.70 O^ CRYSTAL CASE STYLE HC33/U n uu7 I COLORBURST * **"* I 3579 545 KC S3. 50 EA I $1.00 EACH 2 AMP SOLID STATE RELAY SIZE- W W HIGH CONTROL 36-6VDC TTL compatible LOAD l20Vac@2amp $2.50 each !0for $23 00 13 VDC RELAY | CONTACT; SPNC | 10 AMP @ 120 VAC "energize COIL TO OPEN CONTACT COIL 13 VDC 650 OHMS SPECIAL $100 EACH SEND FOR, NE\ 1985 48 PAGE CATALOG FREE! MINIATURE TOGGLE SWITCHES ALL ARE RATED S.P.D.T (on-on) P C STYLE, | non-threaded! BUSHING Cf 7M EACH I 10 FOR $7 00 JTJ S.P.D.T. (on-off-on) I NON-THREADED^ BUSHING Cii P C STYLE ■'* 7S« EACH fy 10 FOR S7 00 * 5 AMPS @ 125 S.P.D.T VAr (on-on) SOLDER LUG TERMINALS .11 00 EACH 110 FOR $9 00 J 100 FOR $80 S.P.D.T (on-on) PC LUGS THREADED , BUSHING J SIM EACH ' 10 FOR $9 00' 100 FOR $60 00 SOLID STATE BUZZER STAR *SMB-06L 6 VDC TTL COMPATIBLE $1.00 EACH 10 FOR $9.00 120V INDICATOR NEON INDICATOR RATED 120 V 1/3 W MOUNTS IN 5/16" HOLE 75« EACH RED LENS. 10 FOR $7 00 100 FOR $65 00 FOR $65 00 ram ALL CLCCTROfUCS 90S S VERMONT • P.O. BOX 20408 • LOS ANGELES. CA 90006 | TOLL FREE ORDERS «1 -800-826-5432 (IN CALIFORNIA: 1-800-258-6666) AK, HI, OR INFORMATION • (213)380-8000 EDGE CONNECTORS minimi 22/44 22/44 GOLD F CONTACTS 156 CONTACT SPACING $2.00 EACH 10 FOR $18.00 SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY INPUT 14Vac-25.5Vac OUTPUT: - 12Vdc@350ma * 5 Vdc @ 1 2 amp - 5 Vdc @ 200 ma SIZE -,4V * «'> IV." high $5.00 each 9-TRACK V> " MAINFRAME TAPE SUBSYSTEM FOR THE IBM PC/XT/AT WITH FREE BACK-UP EVENT QUEUE • DEVELOPMENT SEMINARS-Professional Development Seminars, various sites around Boston. MA. One- and two-day seminars on computer com- petence, management, sales, marketing, and finance. Contact Boston Univer- sity Metropolitan College, 755 Commonwealth Ave.. Boston. MA 02215. (800) 2 5 5-1080: in Massachusetts, |617| 738-5020. May-September • SME CONFERENCES, EXPOS— Conferences and Expositions from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, various sites throughout the U.S. For a calendar, contact the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Public Relations Department, One SME Dr., POB 930, Dearborn, MI 48121. (313) 271-0777. May-November • MEDICAL GRAPHICS Computer Graphics in Medicine and Surgery, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Contact Linda Orgel, Virginia Mason Medical Center, 1100 9th Ave., Seattle, WA 98111. (206) 223-6898. May 10 • C CONVOCATION C85: The First International Conference on the C Pro- gramming Language, Ramada Renaissance Hotel, San Francisco, CA. A forum for programmers and devel- opers using or considering the use of the C language Sessions on ANSI X3)ll standard, portability, pro- gramming tools, and applica- tions. Contact Lifeboat Associates. 1651 Third Ave. New York. NY 10128. (800) 847-7078; in New York. (212) 860-0300. May 13-15 • EDUCATION IN THE INFORMATION AGE Delivering Education in the Information Age, Radisson- St, Paul, MN, A focus on the planning and use of alter- native and information-age systems as an educational medium. Contact Conference Coordinator, Minnesota Cur- riculum Services Center. 3 5 54 White Bear Ave., White Bear Lake. MN 55110. (800) 652-9024; in Minnesota. (612) 770-3943. May 13-15 • ENGINEERING, DRAFT- ING GRAPHICS-Computer Graphics for Engineering/ Drafting Practice and Com- puter Graphics Workshop, University of Texas, Austin. Short courses stressing the principles of computer graphics and developing the ability to prescribe graphics equipment for engineering applications. Contact College of Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, (512) 471-3506. May 13-17 • PROFESSIONAL TUTORIALS— Tutorials for Professional Development. Hyatt Hotel, Los Angeles, CA. A series of all-day seminars on software, logic programming, and communi- cations. Contact Gerry Segal, Association for Computing Machinery, 11 West 42nd St., New York, NY 10036, (212) 869-7440. May 13-17 • COMPUTERS IN GOLDEN STATE-California Computer Show, Hyatt Hotel, Palo Alto, CA. Com- puters, software, engineering workstations, peripherals, and CAD/CAM systems. Con- tact Norm DeNardi Enter- prises, Suite 204, 289 South San Antonio Rd.. Los Altos, CA 94022. (415) 941-8440. May 14-15 • TEST. MEASUREMENT EXPO-The 1985 Test & Measurement World Expo. Convention Center. San lose, CA, Conferences and tech- nology exhibits. Contact Meg Bowen, Test & Measure- ment World Expo, 2 1 5 Brighton Ave, Boston. MA 02134, (617) 254-1445. May 14-16 84 BYTE- MAY 198^ Inquiry 394 EVENT QUEUE • INTERACTIVE VIDEODISCS— Interactive Videodisc-West. Airport Hilton, Los Angeles, CA. Contact Raymond G. Fox, Society for Applied Learning Technology 50 Culpeper St., Warrenton, VA 22186, (703) 347-005 5. May 15-17 • MODULA-2 ENGI- NEERING— Software Engi- neering with Modula-2. Atlanta, GA. A course em- phasizing methods for building large-scale software systems in Modula-2. Prereq- uisite: knowledge of Ada or Pascal. The fee is $495. Contact Elaine Hadden Nicholas, Department of Continuing Education, Georgia Institute of Tech- nology, Atlanta, GA 30332- 0385, (404) 894-2 547. May 15-17 • SOUTHERN CAL SHOW The Southern California Computer Faire, Convention Center, Los Angeles. CA. Hardware, software, periph- erals, and services for the home, office, and develop- ment site. Conference pro- gram. Contact Computer Faire Inc.. 181 Wells Ave., Newton, MA 02159, (617) 965-8350. May 16-18 • OK SHOW The Eighth Annual Show & Tell Microcomputer Con- ference. University of Oklahoma, Norman. Micro- computer fans of all ages and levels of expertise come together to share ideas and to demonstrate applications and hardware. Contact Richard V. Andree, Show & Tell Microcomputer Con- ference. Mathematics Department, University of Oklahoma. 601 Elm St., Nor- man, OK 73019. May 18 • TELECOMM SYMPOSIUM— NTT Interna- tional Symposium '85. Tokyo, Japan. Discussions on worldwide telecommunica- tions policy, management, and societal and tech- nological changes. Contact Ms. Yuko Ishida, Nippon Telegraph & Telephone, 200 Park Ave.. New York, NY 10166, (212) 867-1511, or Ms. Shizu Munekata, Nippon Telegraph & Telephone. Suite 230, 4962 El Camino Real. Los Altos. CA 94022. (415) 940-1414. May 20-21 • COMPUTERS AND MEDICINE-AAMSI Con- gress 1985, Hilton Hotel, San Francisco, CA. Papers, sessions, and demonstra- tions. Contact American Association for Medical Systems and Informatics. Suite 402, 4405 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 657-4142. May 20-22 • MANAGEMENT CONGRESS-Update '85, Sheraton Hotel, Brussels, Belgium. A briefing covering technological developments for those in the information- management and micro- graphic industries. Contact Update '85, International In- formation Management Con- gress, POB 34404, Bethesda, MD 20817, (301) 983-0604. May 20-22 • MICROS FOR ENGINEERS-Microcom- puters for Engineers, Washington, DC Two 2-day seminars on the use of microcomputers in engineer- ing applications with a focus on hardware and software evaluation and selection. The fees are $42 5 (govern- ment) and $500 (industry). Contact Conference Manager, U.S. Professional Development Institute, 1620 Elton Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20903. (301) 445-4400. May 20-23 • GRAPHICS FOR PRODUCTIVITY-The 1985 Trends and Applications Conference, Sheraton North- west Washington, Silver (continued) High performance to cost ratio... Programming Chips? Projects develop profitably with development hardware /software from GTKK. MODEL 7228 - $599 This model has all the features of Model 7128, plus Intelligent Programming Algorithims. It supports the newest devices available through 512Kbits; pro- grams 6x as fast as standard algorithims. Programs the 2764 in one minute! Supports Intel 2764A & 27 128 A chips. Supports Tektronics, Intel, Motorola and other formats. MODEL 7956 (with RS232 option) .... $1099. MODEL 7956 (stand alone) $ 979. GTEK's outstanding Gang Pro- grammer with intelligent algorithm can copy 8 EPROMS at a time! This unit is used in a pro- duction environment when pro- gramming a large number of chips is required. It will program all popular chips on the market through the 27512 EPROMS. It also supports the Intel 2764A & 27 128 A chips. It will also program single chip processors. EPROM 4 PAL PROGRAMMERS -These features are standard from GTEK— Compatible with all RS232 serial interface ports • Auto select baud rate • With or without hand- shaking • Bidirectional XorVXaff • CTS/DTR supported • Read pin caiipatible ROMS • No per- sonality modules • Intel, Motorola, MCS86 Hex formats • Split facility for 16 fait date paths • Read, program, formatted hst commands • Interrupt driven — program and verify real time whue sending data * Program single byte, block, or whole EPROM * Intelligent diagnostics discern bad anoVar erasable EPROM • Verify erasure and compare commands • Busy right • Complete with Textool zero insertion force socket and integral 120 VAC power 1240 VAC/SOHz available) • MODEL 7324 - $1199 This unit has a built-in compiler. The Model 7324 programs all MMI. National and TI 20 and 24 pin PALs. Has non-volatile memory. It operates stand alone or via RS232. MODEL 7316 Pal Programmer $ 599 Programs Series 20 PALs. Built-in PALASM compiler. DEVICES SUPPORTED % MODEL 7128 - $429 This model has the highest performance-to-price-ratio of any unit. This is GTEK's most popular unit! It supports the newest devices available through 256Kbits. by GTEK's EPROM Programmers NMOS NMOS CMOS EEPROM MPU'S 27C16 5213 I2816A 8748 874 1H 27C16H 5213H I2817A 8748H 8744 27C32H 52B13 8749H 8751 27C64 X2816 8741 68705 27C256 48016 8742H 2758 2764A 2508 68764 2716 27128 2516 8755 2732 27128A 2532 5133 2732A 27256 2564 5143 2764 27512 68766 UTILITY PACKAGES GTEK's PGX Utility Packages will allow you to specify a range of addresses to send to the programmer, verify erasure and/or set the EPROM type. The PGX Utili- ty Package includes GHEX, a utility used to generate an Intel HEX file. PALX Utility Package — for use with GTEK's Pal Programmers — allows transfer of PALASM® source file or ASCII HEX object code file. Both utility packages are available for CPM,® MSDOS,® PCDOS,® ISIS® and TRSDOS® operating systems. Call for pricing. AVOCET CROSS ASSEMBLERS These assemblers are available to handle the 8748. 8751, Z8, 6502, 68X and other microprocessors. They are available for CPM and MSDOS computers. When order- ing, please specify processor and computer types. ACCESSORIES Model 7128-L1, L2. L2A (OEM Quantity) S259. Model 7128-24 $329. Cross Assemblers $200. PGX Utilities Call for pricing PALX Call for pricing Gtek XASM (for MSDOS) $250. U/V Eraser DE-4 $ 80. RS232 Cables $ 30. 8751 Adapter $174. 8755 Adapter $135. 48 Family Adapter $ 98. 68706 Programmer $299. Development Hardware/Software P.O. Box 289, Waveland, MS 39576 601/467-8048 .INC. GTEK, PALASM, CPM, MSDOS, PCDOS. ISIS, and TRSDOS are all registered trademarks. Inquiry 180 85 Inquiry 288 ONLY PUBLIC DOMAIN SOFTWARE is uncopynghted, so no license fees to pay to anyone!. Thousands of useful dbase. spreadsheet, word processors, games, utilities and business programs you can copy yourself from our User Group rental libraries. Join hundreds of companies and users enjoying a wealth of inexpensive software! RENTAL LIBRARIES FOR CP/M SIG/M UG (New Jersey Area Computer Club) 216 Disk Sides $125 00 CP/M UG (New York Area Computer Club) 92 Disk Sides $45 00 PICONET (Bay Area User Group) 34 Disk Sides $25 00 KUG (Charlottesville Kaypro User Group) 25 Disk Sides $25 00 NATIONAL EPSON UG 32 Disk Sides $35 00 PD DIRECTORY CATALOG DISK SPECIAL SALE— includes CP/M, SIG/M UG & PNET .. $5.00 pp RENTAL LIBRARIES FOR IBM PC DOS PC-BLUE (NYACC) 82 Disk Sides $85 00 IBM-PC SIG (Santa Clara Group, others) 230 Disk Sides $250 00 RENTAL LIBRARIES FOR COMMODORE 64 28 Disk Sides $25 00 PD DIRECTORY BOOKLET $12.00 pp Rental is for 7 days after receipt 3 more days grace for return. Use your credit card — NO DISK DEPOSIT 1 Most formats available —even Apple! Specifiy. Software also available lor sale, $6.00 per disk full 24 hr., 3 minute info, recording (619)727-1015 NATIONAL PUBLIC DOMAIN RENTAL CENTER 1533 Avohill Dr., Vista, CA 92083 T&Ecr] (619)941-0925 Orders in OEM quantities 64K SBCs.. m .$99. •Sgye^deyejopment time and costs with Megatel Quark' single board computers • Select onjy the features you require • We deliver your first unit in two w eek s or less •6MHzZ80B- > 8088 Co-Processor • 64K, 128K or 256K RAM « Alpha/Graphics Video Controller • Floppy Disk Control (8", 5V or 3V P ) ' Winchester Hard Disk Control 1 Up to 2 Full Duplex Serial Ports • Up to 128K EPROM • E ! PROM Support • Time of Day Clock • Up to 4 Parallel HO Ports • Peripheral Expansion Interface • CP/M' 2.2 or CP/M' 3.0 Operating Systems • Fully configured board less than 5800.' Special Packages: Entry Level Quark 10 with Z80B « , 64K RAM, EPROM, Video, Serial and Parallel I/O only $295.* 64K SBC Package with CP/M" 2.2 on disk. . only $375.* Custom designs and layouts available To order your first unit call our Toronto sales office today. (416) 745-7214 Or write us: Megatel 1051 Clinton St., Buffalo, NY. 14206 CP/M is o registered trademark ol Digital Research -Quantity one price Z80B is a registered trademark ot Zilog Inc. 80 BYTE • MAY I985 megatel EVENT QUEUE Spring. MD. Contact Trends and Applications '85, IEEE Computer Society, POB 639, Silver Spring, MD 2090 1. May 21-22 • PARISIAN CONGRESS Intelligencia. Pare des Ex- positions. Porte de Ver- sailles, France. An exhibition and congress on expert sys- tems, simulation, graphics, courseware, and services. Contact Society for Com- puter Simulation, POB 2228. La lolla. CA 92038-2228. (619) 459-3888: in France. AFIAS: Association Francaise d'lntelligence Artificielle et des Systemes de Simulation, 211, Rue St- Honore, 75001. Paris, France; tel: (1) 260 3 5 16; Telex: 214 456 F. May 21-24 • CAD TECHNOLOGY CAD 2001: The Countdown. Dallas, TX. Presentations on the future of computer-aided design. The fee is S900. Contact CAD Seminars inc.. Suite 400. 150 East River- side. Austin. TX 78704. (512) 445-7342. May 22-24 • SOFTWARE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Computer Software and Human Development Con- ference, Royal York Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Held in conjunction with the Third Annual Software Panorama, this conference will examine the impact of software development on business, education, health, and agriculture. Contact Reuben Lando. The Software Developers Association, Suite 500, 185 Bloor St. E. Toronto, Ontario M4W 1C8. Canada, (416) 922-1153. May 22-24 • SYSTEM INTEGRATION FOR USERS— Managers, Micros, and Mainframes: The 1985 NYU Symposium on Integrating Systems for End Users, New York Univer- sity. New York City. Contact Matthias larke, Graduate School of Business Adminis- tration, New York University, 7th Floor Merrill, 90 Trinity Place, New York. NY 10006. (212) 285-6120. May 22-24 • DISK-STORAGE EXPO The 1985 International Videodisc. Optical Disk, and CD-ROM Conference and Exhibition, London West Hotel, London. England. Workshops, presentations, and exhibitions. Contact Angela Suter. Meckler Com- munications. 11 Ferry Lane W, Westport, CT 06880, (203) 226-6967; in England, Alice Taylor. Meckler Com- munications, c/o Eurospan, 3 Henrietta St., London WC2E 8LU, England; tel: 01 240-0856. May 29-31 • MANAGE PROGRAMS Configuration Management of Software Programs, Washington, DC. Methods for controlling the costs of development, maintenance, and operation of software. Contact Stod Cortelyou. Continuing Engineering Education. George Washing- ton University. Washington. DC 20052, (800) 424-9773; in the District of Columbia, (202) 676-8520. May 29-31 • READYING FOR THE AUTOMATED OFFICE-De- veloping a Workable Plan for Office Automation, Washing- ton, DC. Methods of plan- ning for office automation and how to analyze tech- nological developments. The fee is S730. Contact Chip Blouin, Continuing Engineer- ing Education, George Wash- ington University, Washing- ton DC 20052, (800) 424- 9773; in the District of Co- lumbia, (202) 676-8527, May 29-31 • COMPUTER INTER- FACING— Personal Computer and STD Computer Interfac- ing for Scientific Instrument Automation. Virginia (continued) Inquiry 238 THE PROFESSIONAL'S CHOICE Lotus 1-2-3 $299 Lotus Symphony $419 dBase III I FrameWork MultiMate $339 $339 $259 WordStar 2000+ $309 Software $199 (139 $189 $239 $289 S2S9 $ 95 (289 $279 Word Processing Editors EASYWRITEH II SYSTEM FANCY FONT FINAL WORD MICROSOFT WORD MICROSOFT WORD W/MOUSE MULTIMATE PFS: WRITE SAMNA WORD III VOLKSWRITER DELUXE $159 VOLKSWRITER SCIENTIFIC THE WORD PLUS (OASIS) $105 WORD PERFECT $239 WORDSTAR $199 WORDSTAR 2000 $269 WORDSTAR 2000* $309 WORDSTAR PRO $259 XYWRITEII- $229 Spreadsheets/ Integrated Packages ELECTRIC DESK ENABLE FRAMEWORK LOTUS 1-2-3 MULTIPLAN OPEN ACCESS SMART SYSTEM SPREADSHEET AUDITOR SUPERCALC 3 SYMPHONY TK! SOLVER Communications/ Productivity Tools CROSSTALK PROKEY RELAY SMARTCOM II Project Management HARVARD PROJECT MANAGER HARVARD TOTAL PROJECT MANAGER MICROSOFT PROJECT SCITOR PROJECT 5000 W/GRAPHICS SUPERPROJECT-NEW TIME LINE Database Systems ALPHA DATA BASE MANAGER II $179 CLIPPER SCall CLOUT V 2.0 $139 CONDOR III $299 CORNERSTONE $329 DBASE II $269 DBASE III $339 INFOSTAR* $319 KNOWLEDGEMAN $269 PFS: FILE/PFS: REPORT $169 POWERBASE $219 OUICKCODE III $169 OUICKREPORT $169 R BASE 4000 $259 Languages/Utilities CONCURRENT DOS $189 C86 C COMPILER $299 DIGITAL RESEARCH C COMPILER $219 DR FORTRAN 77 $219 LATTICE C COMPILER $299 MICROSOFT C COMPILER $309 MS BASIC COMPILER $249 Graphics/Statistics ABSTAT AUTOCAD BPS BUSINESS GRAPHICS CHARTMASTER CHARTSTAR DR DRAW ENERGRAPHICS W/ PLOTTER EXECUVISION GRAPHWRITER COMBO MS CHART OVERHEAD EXPRESS PC DRAW PC PAINTBRUSH PFS: GRAPH SIGNMASTER STATPRO STATPAK-NWA STATPAC- WALONICK $279 $1475 $229 $239 $209 $199 $279 $259 $389 $159 $139 $259 $ 89 $ 95 $179 $499 $329 $349 $209 MS FORTRAN $239 $459 NORTON UTILITIES $69 $339 TURBO PASCAL $45 $299 $135 Accounting Modules BPI $329 GREAT PLAINS $479 IUSEASYBUSINESS $279 MBA $369 OPEN SYSTEMS $399 PEACHTREE $299 $269 REAL WORLD $469 STATE OF THE ART $389 STAR ACCOUNTING PARTNER $249 $105 STAR ACCOUNTING $ 89 PARTNER II $549 $ 99 $109 Professional Development MANAGEMENT EDGE $159 SALES EDGE $159 THINK TANK $119 Desktop Environments DESK ORGANIZER $129 GET ORGANIZED $159 SIDEKICK $ 45 SPOTLIGHT $109 Hardware* Multifunction Boards AST ADVANTAGE $399 AST 6 PAK PLUS (64K) $259 AST 6 PAK PLUS (384K) $384 AST MEGAPLUS II (64K) $269 OUADBOARD EXP. (OK) $229 OUADBOARD EXP. (384K) $384 ORCHID BLOSSOM (64K) $289 ORCHID PC TURBO $739 PERSYST TIME SPECTRUM (64K) $259 STB SUPER RIO (64K) $299 TECMAR CAPTAIN (64K) $279 TECMAR JR CAPTAIN (128K) $329 TECMAR JR WAVE (64K) $259 TECMAR WAVE (64K) $209 Displays AMDEK 310A $179 AMDEK COLOR II • $459 PRINCETON HX-12 $469 PRINCETON MAX- 12 $179 PRINCETON SR-12 $619 OUADRAM AMBERCHROME $179 TAXAN 122 AMBER $159 TAXAN 420/440 $399/599 ZENITH 124 AMBER $145 ZENITH 135 COLOR SCall $159 $289 $199 $269 Home/Personal Finance DOLLARS AND SENSE $119 HOWARD TAX PREPARER 85 $195 MICROTAX Scull MANAGING YOUR MONEY $129 Display Boards EVEREX GRAPHICS EDGE HERCULES GRAPHICS CARD HERCULES COLOR CARD PARAOISE MODULAR GRAPHICS PARADISE MULTIDISPLAY CARD PERSYST BOB PLANTRONICS COLORPLUS PRINCETON SCAN DOUBLER SIGMA COLOR 400 STB GRAPHICS PLUS II TECMAR GRAPHICS MASTER TSENG ULTRA PAK TSENG ULTRA PAK - S $359 $329 $179 $285 $295 $449 SCall $559 S489 $429 $359 Modems AST REACH 1200 HAYES 1200 HAYES 1200B HAYES 2400 VENTEL 1200 HALF CARD Input Devices KEYTRONIC 5151 KOALA MICROSOFT MOUSE PC MOUSE W PAINT Mass Storage ALLOY PC-BACKUP 20MB ALLOY PC-DISC 20MB IOMEGA 10-10 MB MAYNARD WS-1 10MB SIGMA SYSGEN IMAGE TALLGRASS SCall $429 $389 SCall $399 $189 SCall $139 $159 Printers/Plotters C. ITOH COMWRITER II 420 DIABLO 620/630 EPSON FX-100- EPSON LQ-1500 EPSON JX-80 HP 7475A PLOTTER JUKI 6100 NECP3 NEC 2050 NEC 3550 OKIDATA84P/93P PANASONIC OUME SPRINT 1155 SWEET P 6 PEN PLOTTER TOSHIBA PI340 TOSHIBA P1351 Emulation Boards ASTPCOX AST 3780 AST SNA/BSC BLUE LYNX CXI 3278/9 IRMA IRMALINE IRMAPRINT QUAD 3278 Networks AST PC NET CORVUS NET ORCHID PC NET 3COM OUADNET IX SCall SCall SCall SCall SCall SCall SCall $419 $899 $769 $1399 $729/619 SCall $1569 $899 $779 $1279 $949 $609 $689/529 SCall $950 $869 $999 SCall $949 SCall SCall SCall SCall SCall Accessories CURTIS SURGE PROTECTORS $Call EPD SURGE PROTECTORS SCall DATASHIELD BACKUP POWER SCall GILTRONIX A/B SWITCH SCall MICROBUFFER INLINE (64K) $264 MICROFAZER INLINE (64K) $219 64K RAM SET $25 256K RAM SET SCall 8087 MATH CHIP $150 Samna Word III $289 Chart-Master $239 AST6Pak Plus $259 Tseng Ultra Pak $429 LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE!! We will match current nationally advertised prices on most products. Call and compare. Diskette Library Case with your order ' 1-B00-221-1260 In New York State call (718) 438-6057 TERMS: Checks— allow 14 days to clear Credit processing — add 3%. COD orders— cash, MO or certified check— add $3.00 Shipping and handling UPS surface— add $3.00 per item (UPS Blue $6.00 per item). NY State Residents— add applicable sales tax. All prices subject to change MON.-THURS. 9:00AM-8:00PM SUN. & FRI. 9:00AM-4:00PM Softline Corporation P.O. Box 729, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11230 TELEX: 421047 ATLN Ul MAY 1985 -BYTE 87 'J&V^* Hard to carry MB mmm Hard to read COMPAQ* is a registered trademark and COMPAQ PLUS" is a trademark of COMPAQ Computer Corporation. IBM* is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp. © 1985 COMPAQ Computer Corporation 88 BYTE* MAY 1985 Hard to expand Hard to beat Feature for feature, it's hard to beat the COMPAQ" Portable and COMPAQ PLUS™. For one simple reason. While others make compromises, COMPAQ makes portable personal computers that can do everything a desktop can. And more. Compared to the IBM* PC, for instance, COMPAQ Portables run all the same popular business programs, all the same printers, and can expand to more than 30 times the storage. Plus they have a handle. Compared to briefcase models, COMPAQ offers more again. More memory. More storage. A standard keyboard. Standard diskette drives so you can use industry-standard pro- grams—as they are, without modifica- tion. And a brilliant, high-resolution screen that displays text and graphics at one time. Not one you have to play peekaboo with. Compared to the Mac, COMPAQ lets you add a second diskette drive or even a 10-megabyte fixed disk drive. Inside, not out. Not to mention that we speak the Mother Tongue of Business Computers and Mac doesn't. With a rugged, full-function COMPAQ, you don't have to compro- mise capability, compatibility or read- ability for portability. comma It simply works better. For a free brochure or the location of your nearest Authorized COMPAQ Computer Dealer, call toll-free 1-800-231-0900 and ask for Operator 1. MAY 1985 -BYTE 89 EVENT QUEUE Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg. A hands-on workshop with participants wiring and testing interfaces. The fee is S450. Contact Dr. Linda Leffel. C.E.C. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Blacksburg. VA 24061. 17031 961-4848. May 30-Imw 1 \une 1985 • ENGINEERING CON- FERENCES— Engineering Summer Conferences. Chrysler Center for Continu- ing Engineering Education, University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Conferences in such areas as biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, and environmental engineering. Contact Engi- neering Summer Con- ferences. 200 Chrysler Center. North Campus Uni- versity of Michigan. Ann Arbor. Ml 48109. (313) 764-8490. \une-August • INFO MANAGEMENT SEMINARS-NYU Seminars on Information Manage- ment, various sites through- out the U.S. On the agenda are Legal Issues in Acquir- ing and Using Computers" and "Networking Personal Computers" Contact School of Continuing Education. Seminar Center. New York University. 575 Madison Ave.. New York. NY 10022 |2I2| 580-5200. )une-October • COMPUTER/HAMFEST The Fifth Annual Columbus Computerfest'Hamfest. Col- umbus. OH. A flea market featuring computers and electronic and amateur radio equipment highlights this event Admission is S2 in advance or $3 at the door. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Bill Welch. W8LLU. 396 Brevoort Rd„ Columbus. OH 43214. \une 2 • LEARN TO BUILD PROGRAMS— First North American Summer School on Program Construction. Newport. Rl. Methods for the effective construction of software will be taught. Con- tact Teleprocessing Inc.. 60 State St.. Boston. MA 02109. (617) 367-6227. ]une 3-12 • INTERFACES FOR SCHOOL LABS-lnterfacing for School Laboratories, Miami University. Oxford. OH. A workshop for sec- ondary school and college teachers on the construction and use of interfaces for laboratory instrumentation. Contact Bill Rouse. 301 McGuffey Hall. Miami Uni- versity. Oxford, OH 45056. (513) 529-2141. ]une 3-14 • COMPUTER MAINTE- NANCE— Independent Com- puter Maintenance. Halloran House. New York. NY. Con- tact Carol Every, Frost & Sullivan Inc.. 106 Fulton St.. New York. NY 10038. (212) 2 3 3-1080. \une 5-6 • OPTICAL STORAGE First Annual Conference on Optical Storage for Small Systems. Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles. CA. Contact Tech- nology Opportunity Con- ference. POB 14817, San Francisco, CA 94114-0817 1415) 626-1133, lune 5-7 • COMPUTERS FOR SALE Computer Supermarket Show and Sale. San Mateo County Fairgrounds. San Mateo. CA. Retailers, manu- facturers, and distributors will be selling hardware and software. Admission is $7; children. $3. Contact Micro- shows. Suite 203. 1209 Don- nelly Ave.. Burlingame. CA 94010. (415) 340-9113. )une 8-9 • COMPUTER VISION Computer Vision and Pat- tern Recognition Conference. Cathedral Hill Hotel. San Francisco. CA. Submitted and invited technical papers. Contact Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition. POB 639. Silver Spring. MD 20901. 1301) 589-8142. lune 9-13 • MUMPS MEETING The Fourteenth Annual Meeting of the MUMPS Users Group. McCormick Center Hotel, Chicago, IL, Tutorials, workshops, site visits, discussions, and ex- hibits. Contact MUMPS Users Group, Suite 510. 4 321 Hartwick Rd.. College Park, MD 20740, (301) 779-6555. lune 10-14 • UNIX C CONFERENCE USENIX Conference and Vendor Exhibition. Marriott Hotel. Portland OR USENIX is a nonprofit organization promoting UNIX. UNIX-like systems, and C-Ianguage programming. Contact USENIX Conference Office. POB 385. Sunset Beach. CA 90742. (2131 592-3243. lime 11-14 • NETWORK CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT-Net- work Management/Technical Control. Santa Clara Mar- riott, Santa Clara, CA, Diagnostic and test instru- ments will be displayed. Contact Louise Myerow, CW Conference Management Group, 37 5 Cochituate Rd,, POB 880. Framingham, MA 01701. (8001 225-4698: in Massachusetts. (617) 879-0700. lune 12-13 • CLINICAL COMPUTING Computing in Clinical Laboratories; The Fifth Inter- national Conference. Stutt- gart, Federal Republic of Germany. Topics include databases, data presenta- tion, and expected developments. Demon- strations and exhibits. Con- tact PD Dr. Chr. Trendelen- burg. Katharinenhospital KG. Kriegsbergstrasse 60, D-7000 Stuttgart I. Federal Republic of Germany: tel: (07 11) 20 34-4 82. lune 12-14 • COMPUTERS IN CLINICAL LABS-Ginical Laboratory Computers: Sym- posium 1985. The Towsley Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Con- tact Dove Margenau. Office of Continuing Medical Education, The Towsley Center. Box 057, The Univer- sity of Michigan Medical School. Ann Arbor, Ml 48109-0010, (313) 763-1400. lune 12-14 • FORTH CONFERENCE The 1985 Rochester FORTH Conference. University of Rochester. Rochester. NY. The focus will be on soft- ware engineering and man- agement. Contact Ms. Maria Cress. Institute for Applied FORTH Research. 70 Elm- wood Ave.. Rochester, NY 14611. (716) 235-0168. lune 12-15 • LOGICAL MACHINES The Second Annual Con- ference on Logic. Logic Machines, and Public Educa- tion. University of Houston- Clear Lake. Houston, TX Formal and informal ses- sions, symposia, and work- shops. Contact the Institute for Logic and Cognitive Studies. University of Houston-Clear Lake. Box 269. Houston, TX 77058. 1713) 488-9274. lune 13-15 • INTERNATIONAL SHOW The International Computer Show. Trade Fair Center. Col- ogne. West Germany. More than 3 50 manufacturers from more than 18 countries are expected to display their wares. Contact Messe- und Ausstellungs-Ges. m . b. H . Koln. Messeplatz. Postfach 210760, D-5000 Koln 21. West Germany; tel: 10221) 821-1 Telex: 8 873 426 mua d, \une 13-16 • BIO RESEARCH RESOURCE— Introduction to 90 B Y T E • MAY IWS EVENT QUEUE BIONET A National Com- puter Resource for Molecular Biology. Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ. Workshops on using com- puters for molecular biology research. Contact Selma Git- terman. Continuing Profes- sional Education, Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers Uni- versity. POB 759. Piscataway. N) 08854-0759. (201) 932-4258. ]une 17-19 • PC IN BIG APPLE PC Expo, Coliseum, New York, NY. Seminars and product displays. Contact PC Expo. 333 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs. NJ 07632, (800) 922-0324; in New Jersey, (201) 569-8542. \me 17-19 • ENGINEERING SOFTWARE-Engineering Software: Engsoft 85. The Fourth International Con- ference and Exhibition, Ken- sington Exhibition Centre, London. England. Exhibits and sessions. Contact Elaine Taylor, Computational Mechanics Centre, Ashurst Lodge, Ashurst, Southamp- ton S04 2AA, England; tel: (042 129) 3223; Telex: 47388 Attn. COMPMECH. lune 18-20 • DATA COMMUNICA- TIONS UPDATE-Data Com- munications: A Complete Overview and Update, Newport Beach, CA. The managerial, operational, and technical aspects of data communications and facili- ties are covered. Contact Data-Tech Institute, Lakeview Plaza, POB 2429, Clifton, N| 07015, (201) 478-5400. lime 19-21 • TIPS FOR NET MANAGERS— Network Man- agement/Technical Control. Convention Center. San Jose, CA. A conference and ex- position. Contact CW Con- ference Management Group. 375 Cochituate Rd., POB 880, Framingham, MA 01701, (800) 225-4698; in Massachusetts, (617) 879-0700. )une 24-27 • WORK WITH A COMPUTER-Using a Per- sonal Computer. Brecken- ridge Concourse Hotel, St. Louis. MO. A hands-on course for those who want to use integrated software packages. The fee is $965. Contact The Center for Pro- fessional Advancement. POB H. East Brunswick. NJ 08816, (201) 238-1600, )une 24-27 • GRAPHICS IN SUNSHINE Computer Graphics '85 West. Los Angeles, CA. Con- tact National Computer Graphics Association, 8401 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax. VA 22031. (703) 698-9600. ]une 25-27 • CAD TECHNOLOGY CAD 2001: The Countdown, Boston, MA. See May 22-24 for details, lune 26-28 • DATA COMMUNICA- TIONS UPDATE-Data Com- munications: A Complete Overview and Update. Philadelphia, PA. See June 19-21 for details. \une 26-28 )uly 1985 • COMPUTER TRAINING Computer Training Pro- grams, Wintergreen Learning Institute, Wintergreen, VA. Hands-on training in word processing, information management, spreadsheets, and graphics. Contact Dr. M. D, Corcoran, Wintergreen Learning Institute, POB 7, Wintergreen, VA 22958. (804) 325-1107. }uly-September • ADVANCED AUTOMATION-Robot Manipulators, Computer Vi- sion, and Automated Assembly. Cambridge, MA. Contact Director of the [continued] "Switch boxes are sold by many suppliers, but by far the two best values are from MFJ Enterprises. n "The MFJ RS 232 Transfer Switch. Buy it before the manu- facturer comes to his senses!" Joe Campbell, The R12.U Soli Sybex Computer Books Now you tan have reliable and aJJ'ordahle and unplugging cables. You can easily switi letter-quality printer, modem, terminal - any Transfer Switches includes one to fit Look at these choices; then look at any price! Then ask them for show you, call MFJ . - port expaasion. Don't keep plugging )ur computer to your high-speed printer, RS-232 peripheral doice. MFJ's range of your needs at a price you can afford. these prices Compare others at their re\icws. When they won't When you need to switch between two peripherals or you need to have two computers sharing the same peripheral... Model 1240/S79-95 Never unplug a cable again Now. with the push of a button you can go from dot matrix to letter uuality printing, or go from your printer to your modem. MFJ's Model 1240 Transfer Switch features a built-in transmit receive switch allowing you two way information flow. LEDs moni- tor important data lines while a built-in surge protector guards them. The I 240 a also acts as a null modem All this for *•£»■ Her' |USt P9.95.No wonder its MFJ's . 1 : When you need 1 to 4 computers to share one peripheral or 1 to 4 peripherals to share a common computer... Model 1243/$ 119-9$ The perfect office Transfer Switch. Don't buy multiple printers or modems Just buy MFJ's Model (243. Then you can connect one or all your computers to a single printer or modem. Or let your one computer share up to Jour peri pherals. Think of the money you'll save. LEDs monitor important data lines while a built-in surge protector guards them. Two-way communication is allowed with no complicated software to learn: just push a button! Seven additional models to choose from Each unit's casing is constructed from high-quality aluminum. Printed circuit boards assure maximum reliability by eliminating crosstalk, line interference and any need tor wiring All MFJ switches baiv LEDs ti> monitor data lines and MOV surge protectors. Enhance the investment you've already made in your computer by choosing from the Finest line of Transfer Switches' on the market, including MFJ's IBM & Centronics Parallel Snitches. You've got a lot of money tied up in your computer. Dont blow it! Your valuable computer and peripheral equipment can be damaged by electrical surges much smaller than you've been kit to believe. Far more likely to happen is having your impor- tant data wijx-d out. These disasters, and others, can be prevented with MFJ's Power Centers. ReUiy latches power off during power dropouts ( Model 1 1 OH ). Multifilters isolate equipment, eliminate interaction, noise and hash. MOVs suppress spikes and surges. MKJ's Power Centers also have 3 isolated, switched socketpairs, with at least one unswitched socket (so you can add a clock, etc), lighted power switch, fast-acting fuse, 3-wire, 6-foot cords; ISA, 125V, and 1875 watts. Although each model is attractively housed in a protective aluminum casing, these are fwuy-duty, commercial-quality power centers. Watch out for fancy names that cost twice as much, last half as long, and have half the features of MFfs Power Centers Model 1 107 8 sockets, 2 unswitched; $79.95 Model 1 108 7 sockets. 1 unswitched: with dropout relay; $99-95 110»9 is like 1107 but intelligent (switch device that's plugged into the control socket ery thing else comes on ). $ 1 29-95 There are other RS-232 Switches, Power Centers, and Computer Peripheral Pro- ducts available from MFJ. Call and talk with us about all vour computing needs, and when vou do, ask for out latest catalog. Both the call and the catalog are free. 1 -800-647-1800 For technical/ repair information, or in Mississippi, or outside the Continental t ! nited States, please telephone . . . 1(601)323-5869 r 1- All MFJ products come with a double guarantee we think is unmatched. Order from MFJ and try any product for 30 days. If it doesn't satisfy your needs, just return it for a full refund, less shipping If you keep it you can be assured of continued service with our One Year Unconditional Guarantee. Oil toll-free 1-800-647-1800 and charge the products you need to your VISA or Master- Card, or send a check or money order, plus $5.00 shipping, and our shipping department will promptly have your computer peripheral on its way to you. 53-4590 MIJSTKV MFJ Enterprises Inc. 92 1 Louisville Road Starkville, MS 39759 Inquiry 261 MAY 1985 91 Inquiry 275 MICROTIME CRflNT RD, TUCSON. RZ 05705 MSD0S2.11 I28K RAM (2J360K DRIVES PARALLEL PORT ZENITH MONITOR WORDSTAR EASYWRITER CALCSTAR EPSON RX-80 WITH CABLE KITS YOUR CHOICE: KIT OR ASSEMBLED CALL FOR PRICES SANYO COLOR PORTABLE PORTABLE OPTIONAL 10 MEGABYTE HARD DISK CALL FOR PRICES 320K RAM (2J360K DRIVES GRAPHICS CARD PARALLEL PORT ZENITH MONITOR THE WORD MULTIPLAN BROTHER HR-1S WITH CABLE $5499 320K RAM 360K DRIVE GRAPHICS CARD PARALLEL PORT Z133 COLOR MONITOR MS DOS 2.11 THE WORD MULTIPLAN 20M BERNOULLI BROTHER 2024/CABLE IBM-PC "5 256K RAM (2) 360K DRIVES AST SIX-PACK WITH 64K HERCULES CARD ZENITH Z 124 MONITOR EPSON FX-80+ OR BROTHER HR-15 800 642 7684 ST. LOUIS 773-6951 TUCSON 79 I - 9030 Now Available — A Complete Payroll Service Bureau In One Small Package. (Not A Franchise) I Banking Relations ■ Sales Aids I Customer Relations ■ Advertising Program I Complete Software Package for Your Equipment Everything you need to start your independent payroll service bureau. . . software, manuals, a complete how to package. For more information write /%fa to: WK'FK PAYROLL SVSTCMS, INC. V* kL 17280 Newhope Street, Suite Fountain Valley, CA 92708 DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED ■ 13 EVENT QUEUE Summer Session. Room El 9-3 56. MIT. Cambridge. MA 02 l 39 ]uly 8-12 • COMPUTATIONAL LINGUISTICS-The Twenty- Third Annual Meeting of the Association for Computa- tional Linguistics, University of Chicago, IL, Papers, demonstrations, and tutorials. Contact Don Walker (ACL). Bell Com- munications Research, 44 5 South St., Morristown. N| 07960, (201) 829-4312. July 8-12 • AWC CONFERENCE The Fourth Annual National Conference of the Associa- tion for Women in Comput- ing, Allerton Hotel, Chicago, IL. Workshops and sessions on technical and career- enhancement topics. Con- tact Joan Wallbaum. AWCC '85, 407 Hillmore Dr., Silver Spring. MD 20901. July 13-14 • THE NCC The 1985 National Com- puter Conference— NCC '85, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL. Exhibits, technical ses- sions, and development seminars. This year's theme is Technology's Expanding Horizons." Contact Helen Mugnier, AF1PS, 1899 Preston White Dr., Reston, VA 22091. (703) 620-8926. lulu 15-18 • COMPUTER WORKSHOPS-Personal Computer Workshops, Aspen and Colorado Springs, CO. Tutorials, in- cluding an introduction to personal computers, word processing, spreadsheets, and database management. Contact Rocky Mountain In- stitute of Software Engineer- ing, 1670 Bear Mountain Dr.. POB 3 521. Boulder. CO 80303. (303) 499-4782. July 22-26 • SIGGRAPH S1GGRAPH '85: The Twelfth Annual Conference on Com- puter Graphics and Interac- tive Techniques. Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA. Contact SIGGRAPH '85. Conference Services Office. Smith, Bucklin and Asso- ciates Inc.. 1 1 1 East Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60601, (312) 644-6610, July 22-26 • SIMULATION The 1985 Summer Com- puter Simulation Con- ference-SCSC '85, Westin Hotel, Chicago, IL. Contact Charles Pratt. Society for Computer Simulation, POB 2228, La Jolla. CA 92038, (619) 459-3888. July 22-26 • INTELLIGENT MACHINES Logic Programming & Ex- pert Systems, The Turing In- stitute, Edinburgh, Scotland. Lectures, demonstrations, and sessions on program- ming techniques, system structure, and PROLOG. Contact The Turing Institute, 2 Hope Park Square. Edin- burgh, EH8 9NW, Scotland; tel: 031-668-1737. July 24-2 5 • PUBLIC COMPUTING The Twenty-Third Annual Conference of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association, Westin Hotel, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The conference theme is "Computers in Public Agencies, Sharing Solutions." Contact URISA Secretariat, Suite 300, 1340 Old Chain Bridge Rd„ McLean, VA 22101, (703) 790-174 5. July 28-Auyust 1 • COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION-The 1985 World Conference on Com- puters in Education, SCOPE Convention Center, Norfolk, VA. Exhibits, papers, panel sessions, tutorials, and preconference workshops. Contact WCCE/85, AFIPS, 1899 Preston White Dr.. Reston. VA 22091, (800) 622-1985; in Virginia, (703) 620-8900, July 29-Auyust 2 ■ 92 BYTE • MAY 198^ Inquiry 311 for Dealers. Inquiry 312 for End-Users r 80 132-Column Printer Because they're already built-in. The 80/132- column printer. The 9-inch, high-resolution display. There's even a built-in 360K disk drive. Which all make the Sr. Partner a com- " plete computer as is. The Sr. Partner is IBM hardware and software compatible so you can run popular business pro- grams immediately. The software bundle currently offered with the Sr. Partner is WordStar, VisiCalc, ^ pfs: Graph, File, Report, MS-DOS 2.1 1 ) and GW BASIC* r And with its 256K internal memory m expandable to 51 2K, the Sr. Partner can J run the new integrated software. Built-ins also include expansion slots and parallel and serial I/O ports. There's even a built-in RGB monitor port so you can take advantage of the Sr. Partner's color and graphics capability. If you want 10 megabytes of storage, choose the new hard disk Sr. Partner. Both the Sr Partner and the hard disk Sr. Partner come with an exceptional Panasonic warranty.* * For the dealers nearest you, call: 1-800-PIC-8086. The Panasonic Sr. Partner. No peripherals needed It makes the competition look like Jr. Executives. Panasonic Industrial Company Inquiry 3I4 9-Inch High-Resolution Display Optional 10-Megabyte Hard Disk or Optional Second 360K Disk Drive* —- 360K Disk Drive Built-in S(?am 256K RAM IBM Compatibility - Software bundle offer subject to change or withdrawal at any time without notice and is not available with Hard Disk Sr. Partner. **One-year limited warranty, 9 months on thermal printer head. Carry-in or mail-in service. Sr. Partner is a trademark of Matsushita Electric Industrial Company Ltd; WordStar is the trademark of MicroPro International Corporation; VisiCalc is the registered trademark of VisiCorp; pfs:Graph, File, Report are the registered trademarks of Software Publishing Corporation; GW BASIC, MS-DOS are the trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. FDR THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORYOFTHE UNIVERSE, YOU CAN DEVELOPAN INTEGRATED APPLICATION THAT REALLY SINGS. HERE'S HOW: FRAMEWORK SOFTWARE Framework™ is the only integrated software that contains a program- ming language.This means that you can use the language to create special applications which use all the fea- tures of Framework. For the first time, you'll find it easy to de- sign custom programs which let users outline, write, work with data and create graphs for their own special re- quirements, and use all Framework functions with a single set of easily- learned commands. Let's say your cus- tomer is using a sales analysis program you've written using Framework. He loves the ability to draw graphs and use all the other standard Framework features.To his surprise, when the Sales Analysis graph reveals the Southern region is leading, his PC starts playing "Dixie'.' If you use the Framework program- ming language, you'll discover the @BEEP command, which lets you select both fre- quency and duration : @BEEP (440,300) plays a pure "A" for 3 seconds. Not quite long enough to tune an orches- tra, but it's the start of a melody. Ashton-Tate™has cre- ated a whole industry of vertical-market applica- tions with its dBASE IP and dBASE Hint's doing the same with Framework. Climb aboard the bandwagon. Make your programs take on the beauty of the varied capa- bilities of Framework. For a dealer near you call (800) 437-4329, ext. 222. In Colorado (303) 799-4900, ext. 222. Framework, dBASE III andAshton-Tate are trademarks of AshtonTate dBASE II is a registered trademark of AshtonTate. ©Ashton-Tate 1985. All rights reserved. Software from Inquiry 41 /SHTON -TATE' Wfell put you in control. MAY 1985 IYTE 95 BYTE Features The AT&T UNIX PC THIS MONTH'S FEATURES lead off with a product description of the AT&T by Gregg Williams 98 UNIX PC a new machine from AT&T Information Systems. As Gregg Williams, Ciarcias Circuit Cellar: senior technical editor, points out, with the UNIX PC, AT&T hopes to establish Build the Home Run Control System, UNIX as a standard in the business world and challenge IBM. Gregg wasn't Part 2: The Hardware a b] e to spend all the time he wanted with the machine, but he has some by Steve Clarcia 108 defjnite impressions of its pros and cons Set Extensions with Apple Pascal Steve ciarcia continues with Part 2 of his Circuit Cellar Home Run Control by Alfred L. Schumer 128 s ystem explaining more of the details of his home and the system and how Build a Talking Clock Speech { ne y CO me together Synthesizer Next. A\ Schumer discusses "Set Extensions with Apple Pascal." He describes y ' sets, operators, and logical machine equivalents and presents a fast exten- Smalltalk Comes to the sjon p rogram to Apple Pascal that increases the size of available sets and Microcomputer World jj ^ ... by Bruce Webster 151 adds more Set operations. While "Build a Talking Clock Speech Synthesizer" might sound like a proj- by Br^Wbster and Tom Yonknrn 152 ect that ' s been done before ' this one adds the interesting capability of exper- imenting with unlimited-vocabulary speech processing. A couple of inexpen- by Christopher Made 155 s ' ve cn 'P s ' a few components, and your Commodore 64 or VIC-20 will keep time and also announce it. bylm Anderson and Barry Fishman..... 160 Peo P Ie remember the August 1981 BYTE because of its Smalltalk theme. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ They also remember that Smalltalk wasn't available for microcomputers then " and wondered when they would get a chance to experiment with this intrigu- ing environment. This month we present a follow-up, what we call our Smalltalk trilogy. First, contributing editor Bruce Webster and Tom Yonkman evaluate Methods, from Digitalk Inc., a Smalltalk version for the IBM PC and those machines that emulate it. Christopher Macie then describes his restricted version of Smalltalk, Smalltalk-PC for the Apple II and others. And, finally, for those who would like a refresher on Smalltalk-80, Jim Anderson and Barry Fishman of Digitalk give us a brief review and an application that runs under Methods. —Gene Smarte, Managing Editor MAY 1985 'BYTE 97 by Gregg Williams THE AT&T UNIX PC Editor's note: The following is a BYTE product description. \t is not a review. We provide an advance look at this new product because we feel it is significant. THE UNIX OPERATING SYSTEM has been heralded as the answer to many of the problems that face computer users, especially those who need multiuser programs or who need to move a large software system from, say, a microcomputer to a mainframe. But. despite its good features, one fault of UNIX makes many people doubt that it can succeed in a commercial environment: UNIX contains many cryptic commands that must be mastered and remembered to make use of its power (for example, mv renames a file, cat prints it out. and Is gives a catalog of files in your cur- rent areal. The AT&T UNIX PC is AT&T Information Systems' attempt to establish UNIX as a standard for the business environment and to challenge IBM's dominance in the office. Its extensive use of windows and a menu-driven "front-end' program called the Of- fice bring most of the power of UNIX to the unskilled user. Its Motorola 68010 processor gives the machine virtual memory capa- bilities—the system appears to software as if it has 4 megabytes of memory even when it actually has as little as 512K bytes. Its telephone subsystem integrates the computer and the telephone, allowing such functions as computerized logging of phone calls, dialing from a customized directory, and saved, on-screen note taking during calls. The UNIX PC comes with either a 10- or a 20-megabyte inter- nal hard disk, can support up to two additional users (but without telephone services or multiple windows), and can read IBM PC- DOS data and source-code files. Although the machine has both good design features (it can be used equally well with or without its mouse, for examplel and bad ones (windows respond slug- gishly to mouse-initiated moves and change-size commands), its base price of $5590 for the 10-megabyte model (and $6590 for the 20-megabyte model) makes it a serious candidate for office use or UNIX program development. Buying the unit, however, forces you to cast your lot with the AT&T/UNIX world— AT&T says it has no plans to offer an add-on board that would allow the UNIX PC to run IBM PC programs. System Description The UNIX PC was designed to AT&T specifications by Convergent Technologies of Santa Clara, California: its characteristics are sum- marized in the In Brief section on page 100. The AT&T mouse (see photo 1) has three buttons. These mimic the Enter, Cmd, Photo l: and Mark keys on the keyboard (see photo 2): you can perform [continued) The AT&T Gregg Williams is a senior technical editor at BYTE. He can be contacted at POB 372. Hancock. NH 03449. UNIX PC. 98 B Y T h PHOTOGRAPHED BY AARON RLZNY PRODUCT DESCRIPTION '"""illlM^ liliiliiiiliiiilliill r - - '- h \. *, ■■ < * IN BRIEF Name AT&T UNIX PC Price $5095 with 10-megabyte hard disk and 512K bytes of memory (UNIX $495 extra, for a total of $5590); $6590 with UNIX, 20-megabyte hard disk, and 1 megabyte of memory (includes 512K-byte expansion card) Microprocessor Motorola 68010, a 32-/16-bit microprocessor (32-bit internal data path and registers, 16-bit external data bus), 24-bit address line (maximum address space of 16 megabytes), support for virtual memory Clock Speed 10 MHz Main Memory 512K bytes of dynamic RAM with parity bit on motherboard, currently expandable to 2 megabytes via expansion boards; machine's design allows for a maximum of 4 megabytes Virtual Memory Custom memory-management hardware and the Winchester disk allow a virtual memory space of 4 megabytes; page size is 4K bytes ROM 16K bytes of EPROM used as initialization program when power or reset applied Floppy Disk Double-sided 5 1 /i-inch floppy-disk drive using 48 tracks per inch; capable of reading IBM PC data and source-code disks; stores 320K bytes per disk AT&T format, 360K bytes per disk MS-DOS format Hard Disk 10- or 20-megabyte Winchester disk Mouse Three-button optomechanical mouse (needs no special surface) Video Display 12-inch green-on-black display; displays bit-mapped graphics at resolution of 348 by 720 pixels Keyboard Detachable 103-key keyboard Serial Port Standard RS-232C port configured as DTE (data terminal equipment); maximum transfer rate of 9600 bps (bits per second) Parallel Port Centronics-compatible Telephone Subsystem Built-in 300/1200-bps 2l2A-compatible modem, modular jacks for two incoming phone lines (one voice, one data), one outgoing line connects voice line to external telephone Miscellaneous Three expansion slots, battery-powered clock/calendar Operating System Custom version of UNIX System V, revision 2; extensions include demand-paging virtual memory, windows, shared function and source libraries, record locking at the character level; software provides for multiple users (up to three, with limitations) and multiple processes executing simultaneously for each user; only selected "core" functions provided with standard product; the rest of UNIX is available in optional AT&T UNIX Utilities package ($495) The UNIX PC Office Program A window- and menu-driven software environment that allows the non-UNIX user access to computer-assisted telephone functions, UNIX functions, and optional application programs Optional Hardware 512K-byte expansion card, $1195 most operations with either the mouse or the keyboard. The video display is a bit-mapped display of 348 rows of 720 dots each— or 24 rows of 80 characters each (plus five lines of status information). The top line is a status line for the two phone lines, the time and date, and icons for window management and (if present) pending error messages and mail. The bottom two lines show the current functions of the eight function keys on the keyboard. The UNIX PC is shipped with all its software already on the hard disk. The floppy-disk drive's odd placement (behind the ledge in which the keyboard fits) reflects the designers UNIX orientation: Everything you need is on the hard disk. Still, you will use the floppy-disk drive to back up the contents of the hard disk. to install commercial software onto the hard disk, to format a floppy disk for later use, or to read data or source code from an IBM PC disk for use in the UNIX environment. This system makes considerable use of win- dows but only occasional use of icons. Win- dows represent folders (which can contain files and other folders), but the UNIX PC represents an item inside a folder as a single line of text- its name, type, and optionally some other information. The Office Program The Office program is the mechanism through which most users will interact with the UNIX PC. It is a menu-driven "front-end" program that translates your selection to the proper UNIX commands and executes them. Once the Office window has been made active, you can execute an item by highlighting it with the cur- sor keys and hitting the Return key. by point- ing to it with the mouse cursor (which high- lights it) and pressing the left mouse button (or, equivalently, the Return key), or by typing enough of the item's name for the software to recognize it (this highlights the item) and hit- ting Return. When the software needs more information, it opens up another window that contains the additional choices. The Administration item leads, through ad- ditional menus, to 24 operations that must be performed to keep the computer and the part of it you control in order. This includes every- thing from changing your password, to con- figuring the parallel and serial ports, to back- ing up the hard disk (see table 1 for a full list). Normally, you would need considerable knowl- edge about UNIX and the file structure of the machine to perform these functions; for exam- ple, it takes four pages of C code to implement the add/change/delete user log-on menu. The Administration item is at the heart of AT&T's attempt to make UNIX palatable to the average user. The Clipboard item is rarely opened; it stores files and parts of files that are being trans- 100 MAN 1985 ferred to a new location. The Filecabinet item opens to a window that contains all your files and folders; the File- cabinet window is open in photo 1. The File- cabinet window can also contain modem data and RS-232C profiles. A profile contains the in- formation needed to set up the internal modem or the serial port for a given use. The Floppydisk item expands into a window that displays the contents of the disk current- ly in the floppy-disk drive. By copying files and folders into the Floppydisk window, you copy them onto the disk itself. The Preferences item expands into several menus that allow you to change the order and manner of displaying items within windows, change the default window size, and turn on or off the availability of the UNIX window and certain Administration items. The system automatically puts all material to be printed into a print queue and prints it as a background task. The Printer Queue item ex- pands into a window that lists all items awaiting printing; you can examine the list and, op- tionally, cancel one or more items. The UNIX System item expands to a window that acts like a standard UNIX terminal. This item defaults to the Bourne shell (this is a UNIX term that denotes the user interface between you and UNIX); you can access other shells (when they become available) by specifying a shell's name in the Office Preferences window. When files and folders are deleted, they move to the Wastebasket. Only when they are removed from this window are the files and folders physically deleted from the hard disk. Windows Windows in the AT&T UNIX PC behave dif- ferently from other windowing systems on per- sonal computers. Different programs control their windows in different ways, and windows often adjust their dimensions to what they think best. The windowing system (called the user agent in the AT&T literature) automatically positions windows so that, if possible, all win- dows are at least partly visible from the screen. When that is not the case, you can cycle through all the windows by using "next win- dow" and "previous window" function keys, or by opening and choosing from a window that lists all the windows currently open. A window always has four icons (the ones in the corners) and may have pairs of arrows on the right edge (for up/down scrolling) and the bottom edge (for left/right scrolling); these arrows appear only if the window cannot display its complete contents. The corner icons are. clockwise from upper left, the move- window, help, grow-window, and close-window icons. The help icon, when clicked on. always gives a window— sometimes several— of ex- planatory information. The close-window icon, Photo 2: The UNIX PC keyboard. Many of the dedicated keys allow the computer to be controlled without using the mouse. when clicked, causes the window to vanish; if it represents a program, closing it exits the program. The move-window and grow-window icons must be dragged— place pointer on icon, hold down the left button, move the mouse (which drags the icon with it), then release the but- ton. When you press the left button, a "W" in a box appears with a ghost outline of the win- dow: both follow the mouse movement until you release the left button. The UNIX PC dis- plays inferior behavior to its competitors when moving or resizing a window: see the "Prob- lems" section for details. System V UNIX The UNIX PC contains a complete implemen- tation of UNIX System V. revision 2. AT&T has added some enhancements including: demand-paging virtual memory, windows im- plemented as character devices, multiple pro- cesses in different windows executing simul- taneously. Bass-style record locking at the character level (needed for multiuser business software), shared function libraries (saves space by using only one copy of a routine used by multiple processes), and shared source libraries (has a similar effect on simultaneous compilations). AT&T will not offer the source code for the enhancements to the standard release of System V UNIX. To execute UNIX functions, you can either open a UNIX window (see photo 3) or, from any window, you can execute any single UNIX command by preceding it with the customary •I" sign. Although the basic system contains the full UNIX operating system, it does not contain many of the utilities associated with a UNIX software developer's workstation. Instead, AT&T has divided the software into the Foun- dation Set ($495), the UNIX Utilities package ($495), and a UNIX Development Tools pack- [continued] MAY 1985 -BYTE 101 Table I: Functions handled through the menu-oriented Administration window. • Change password • Set date and time • Run diagnostics from floppy disk • View system configuration • User log-ins (add, change, delete) • Disk backup and restore (full, incremental, single user, by filename) • Floppy-disk operations (copy disk, format, read MS-DOS disk) • Hardware setup (RS-232C. serial printer, parallel printer, telephone, drivers) • Software setup (install, remove, show installed software) • Mail setup (name this machine, identify other machine) Table 2: Software announced for the AT&T UNIX PC at the machine's introduction. SOFTWARE FROM AT&T • AT&T UNIX PC Word Processor • AT&T UNIX PC Business Graphics • AT&T UNIX PC Electronic Mail • AT&T UNIX PC BASIC Interpreter • AT&T UNIX PC BASIC Compiler • AT&T UNIX PC UNIX Utilities (includes C and assembler) • AT&T UNIX PC Development Tools • AT&T UNIX PC Business Accounting System General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Order Entry/Inventory, and Payroll (five packages) SOFTWARE FROM THIRD-PARTY VENDORS • Language Processors Inc. Debugger, COBOL, Pascal, C • Silicon Valley Software Pascal and FORTRAN • SUPERcomp 20 (spreadsheet) • Graphic Software Systems Inc. Chart • CDI Sound Presentations • Microsoft Word, BASIC, and Multiplan • AshtonTate dBASE III • Ryan-McFarland Inc. RM/COBOL and RM/Run Time Figure I: Mapping logical addresses to physical addresses. 21 BITS = 2 MEGAWORDS |:l MEGABYTES) c LOGICAL ADDRESS (VA1-VA21) VA10-VA21. SELECTS ONE OF 2 I0 =1024 VIRTUAL PAGES PDR (PAGE DESCRIPTOR REGISTER! TABLE PA10-PA21. PAGE ADDRESS. LOOKED UP FROM PDR TABLE PHYSICAL ADDRESS IPA1-PA21) Al-All ACCESS WITHIN 2 K - WORD (= 4K -BYTE) PAGE age (which includes ISAM-file and sort/merge routines. $395). For example, the Foundation Set contains the standard ed line editor, but the Utilities package contains things like the vi screen editor, the nroff text formatter, and the yacc compiler tool. Telephone Functions Though AT&T's adaptation of UNIX is more im- portant, the telephone functions (called tele- phony in the AT&T literature) most visibly distinguish the UNIX PC from other personal computers. These functions are available by opening the Telephone item in the Office win- dow, which becomes a window of names and phone numbers titled Call Screen. Conve- nience features include dialing both people and computers by selecting a telephone direc- tory entry, timing a call, redialing the last number, single-keystroke speed dialing, and putting a call on hold. Other telephone functions go beyond sim- ple convenience and will prove invaluable to people who use telephones a lot. The UNIX PC automatically maintains a log of all incom- ing and outgoing calls, including the time and duration of the call (plus name and number for outgoing calls). In addition, it gives you a chance to open a "Current Notes" window to take notes in: if you have taken notes during previous calls to the same person, the com- puter shows them to you (annotated with date, time, and number called) in a separate window. If you have installed the optional Electronic Mail program, you can also send UNIX-style electronic mail through either the Call Screen or the Electronic Mail windows. Inside the UNIX PC The UNIX PC consists of removable modules that can be replaced by the user. Once the cover is off, you can see a pan assembly (which houses the floppy-disk drive, the hard disk, and the power supply) and. under it, the mother- board. (The three expansion boards each slide underneath the motherboard from the rear of the machine and connect to each other through a narrow backplane that runs along the front of the machine. The slots have a 2 1 -bit address bus and a 16-bit data bus.) Photo 4 shows details of the motherboard; photo 5 shows the pan assembly and the motherboard. The on-board memory area con- tains 512K bytes (with parity) in 4864 64K by 1-bit dynamic RAM (random-access read/write memory) chips; the chips have an access time of 150 nanoseconds and run with no wait states. These chips are pin-compatible with 2 56K by 1-bit dynamic RAM chips; at some later time. AT&T will start using them to get 2 megabytes of RAM on the motherboard. (The system can add up to 2 megabytes of mem- ory via expansion cards, for a maximum of 4 102 megabytes of memory. AT&T plans to use one slot to connect to an external expansion-card box. but expansion memory must be in the in- ternal slots.) The bit-mapped video display re- quires 32 K bytes of the memory. The system contains only 16K bytes of EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory)— two 8K by 8-bit 2764s. These con- tain bootstrap and diagnostic code for power- up. as well as code executed on shutdown that ensures that the attached telephone works when the computer is off. The 10- and 20-megabyte Winchester hard disks are built by MiniScribe. The 10-megabyte drive, which comes in the basic system, has an 85-millisecond access time and a transfer rate of 5 megabits per second. The UNIX PC uses a novel form of DMA (direct memory access) to move data from the hard disk to memory. Most computers transfer control of the ad- dress and data buses to specialized hardware that first moves data from the hard disk to a buffer area: the processor regains control of the buses and moves the data from the buffer to its final destination. The UNIX PC speeds this process by capturing the buses many times, each time only long enough to move a word of data directly to its final destination. By not holding the buses while the hard disk is forming the next word to be transferred, this method also decreases the time the DMA transfer prevents the 68010 processor from doing its work. Finally, three custom gate arrays (see photo 4) perform complex functions in much less space than they would have taken using dis- crete logic chips. Memory Management One of the main differences between the 68010 processor, used here, and the 68000 processor, used in the Apple Macintosh and other computers, is the former's virtual-mem- ory capability. In a virtual machine, dedicated hardware looks at the memory address being asked for by the processor (the logical address) and translates it to a physical address that the pro- cessor can access if the data is currently in physical memory. If it is not (meaning that it is stored instead on the hard disk), the hard- ware generates a page fault that eventually causes the needed data to be swapped into physical memory before allowing the memory to be accessed. In a 68010-based computer, the page fault is fed to the BERR* (Bus Error) pin on the 68010; the 68010, in turn, suspends the current instruction in midexecution, runs a routine that swaps the needed data into physical memory, performs related housekeep- ing tasks, and completes the suspended instruction. Most computers use a dedicated integrated circuit called an MMU (memory-management HHK Hed Hay 1, 4:24 pa [w] 1 ps ef U1D PIO HMD C ST1HE TTY HHt ClINMAttl) root 8 B 8 15:23:45 ? 2/: 18 snapper root 1 B 3 15:23:45 ? 8:81 init root 7 B 3 15:23:45 ? B:BH ,>.,.|(-d.u-.im root 3 8 17 15:23:45 ? B:13 Miodaeaon byte 58 1 3 15:48:42 xl 8:19 uj byte 59 58 3 16:12:38 m3 8:82 sh byte 6/ 59 48 16:16:84 m3 8:B1 ps root 36 13 15:48:23 ? 8:88 update lp 34 13 15:48:23 ? 8:88 lpsched root 38 1 3 15:48:21 nl 8:81 cron root 38 1 3 15:48:2? *4 8:81 ph root 48 13 15:48:38 u* 8:81 aaf? root 42 1 4 15:48:31 u5 8:29 Mir 1 | piecnart i,nart |\,' ® B >re«i Ctrl D to exit \ Photo 3: A UNIX window. This window is running the Bourne shell and behaves like a conventional UNIX system. unit) to translate logical addresses into physical ones and declare page faults. Instead, the designers of the UNIX PC use discrete logic and a table of high-speed static RAM called the PDR (page-descriptor register) table to do the translation (see figure 1). The lower 1 1 bits of the address are left alone; this gives a page size of 2K words or 4K bytes. (The 68010 does not have an address line A0 as such, but it uses the UDS | upper data strobe| and LDS power data strobe| lines to access byte-sized data.) The PDR table contains 1024 16-bit entries, one for each logical page. Six bits in each en- try give status information about the page (in- cluding whether or not the page is in memory). If it is. the remaining 10 bits give its physical page number; if not. the logic generates a page fault and the 68010 interrupts itself to run a routine that puts the page into physical memory and updates the PDR table. Software AT&T recognizes the need for as much applica- tion and system software as possible. Table 2 lists the software announced (at the time that this article was written) as immediately available. Included are several languages and popular application programs like Microsoft Multiplan, BASIC. Word, and AshtonTate's dBASE III. AT&T representatives said Lotus 1-2-3 will not be available; they also denied reports that they were developing an expan- sion card that would give their machine IBM PC compatibility. Problems Although the machine seemed to perform ac- ceptably fast in the short time I had access to it (see "Caveats "), its behavior was definitely inferior to other 8086- and 68000-based win- dowing computers in its move-window and grow-window operations. In all cases. I mea- sured a delay of between 1 and 1 % seconds [continued] MAY 1985 • BVTt 103 Telephone-on-a-chip 512K RAM hybrid IC T f 2764 EPROMs Connector to backplane ■wwkw. . iMwwLj.fi ^•Address gate i 797 . y-disk controller n-n-run-r Telephone line control £ ;*»> c — st^rryi " r tus 9: .">?;'•>; 55* Photo 4: The UNIX PC motherboard; the front of the board is at the bottom of this photograph. Photo 5: The pan assembly and motherboard. Here, the pan assembly (which holds, left to right, the floppy- disk drive, the 10 megabyte hard disk, and the power supply) is hinged upward to allow access to the motherboard. between the time the left mouse button was pressed and the move or grow operation (indicated by the "W" icon) started. The ghost outline of the window's new dimensions begins at the win- dow's current outline when the "W" icon appears. If the mouse pointer has been dragged to a new location before the "W" ap- pears, the ghost outline may lag the mouse pointer's position by over three-quarters the length and width of the screen, thus limiting the amount the window can change before the pointer reaches the edge of the screen. (The ghost outline of a Macin- tosh window, in contrast, always stays with the mouse pointer.) Though this does not prevent the use of the UNIX PC, it definite- ly interrupts the flow of work and mars one's perception of a machine that otherwise seems to be quite fast. Another thing that disturbs me at first impression is the designers' positioning of the floppy-disk drive, which, given the necessity of periodically using it for hard-disk backups, seems awkward to me. However, the final vote on that should come from the first people who actually use the machine for several months. Caveats I wrote this report after two days of conferences with AT&T engi- neers and officials, a few hours of demonstrations and hands-on experience, and considerable study of six user- and repair- oriented manuals. The machine I used was a preproduction model that used discrete logic chips to emulate the three gate arrays. The machine had the 10-megabyte hard disk and ran the finished version of the software: 1 did not see the machine supporting more than one user. Commentary Although I would have liked to have had more time to study the machine. I feel confident in describing it as "quietly impressive." No one feature— menu-driven UNIX, true multiprocessing in a win- dowed environment, telephone functions, virtual memory— really excites me, although each one is an important "first" in the micro- computer world. Its success as a UNIX software-development workstation is assured (although it really needs a megabyte of memory for this), but its fate in the business community is prom- ising but uncertain. Further details will be available in the full prod- uct review of this machine, which will appear in a future issue of BYTE. ■ MAY 1985 -BYTE 105 COMBINE POWER AND ENHANCE YOUR PC-AT Quadram introduces the smart way to enhance your IBM PC-AT. Quadmeg-AT and Quadport-AT. Smart because Quadmeg-AT and Quadport-AT make the most of your AT system today and expand to meet your system's growing needs in the future. Quadmeg-AT comes socketed for memory expansion from 128K to 2 Megabytes. Harness this power to create megabyte- sized RAM drives, access QUADMEG-AT" Advance to 4 Megabytes When you need more than 2 Mbytes, Quadmeg-AT adapts with two Quadmeg-AT Expansion Cards. Each packs 512K or 1 Mbyte extra RAM. Both cards filled give Quadmeg-AT a powerful 4Mbyte capacity. Quadmeg-AT delivers the power you need to take full advantage of the AT's capabilities. Maximum Performance in Minimum Space Quadmeg-AT and Quadport-AT fit snugly side by side to deliver a powerful 4Mb RAM and multiple I/O expan- sion in just two AT expansion slots. greater amounts of informa- tion, and process data faster and more efficiently than ever before. Plus, with "split memory mapping" Quadmeg-AT lets you expand the AT's base system memory to 640K without buying a space-wasting 12 8K card. Add a Second Quadport Two Quadport-ATs gj'i your AT system a total of 2 parallel ports and 10 serial ports. Add peripheral devices or workstations for the ultimate in PC-AT, performan m Look for this seal. It's the mark of dependability and performance from the ^J v leader in microcomputer ;: B enhancements. IBM PC-AT is a i International Bum istered trademark of ss Machines Corporal 106 BYTE- MAY 1985 EXPANDABILITY TO THE SMART W\Y. QLADPORTAT Quadport-AT combines a parallel printer port and a serial port to give your AT the features found on IBM's Serial/ Parallel Adapter^ But at a lower cost and with built-in expandability. Connect printers, plotters, modems, and other devices for increased productivity. Advanced Port Expansion As your AT becomes the center of a high-performance LAN or growing multi- user, multi-tasking system, snap on the optional Quadport-AT Expansion Kit and add 4 more serial ports to your system. The Quadport-AT Expansion Kit comes with software to access these ports, making it easy to add shared peripherals or workstations. Enhance the smart way with Quadram. For basic AT expansion, Quadmeg-AT and Quadport-AT work together to provide 128K memory expansion, a serial port, and a parallel port. Then, as your system grows, Quadmeg-AT and Quadport-AT give you up to 4MB RAM, 1 parallel port, and up to 5 serial ports in just two PC AT expansion slots. Only Quadram combines so much power and expandability. That's PC AT enhancement the smart way. Featu res Quadmeg-AT: RAM expansion from 128K to 2Mbytes. Expandable in 512K increments. Split memory mapping assigns 128K or 384K to base memory. Total RAM Capacity: 4Mbytes. Expansion Cards: Two cards available. Each comes ivith 5 12K or 1Mbyte RAM installed. QuadMaster-AT Software: RAM Drives and Spooling for extended memory. Quadport-AT: Port expansion with 1 Centronics parallel port and 1 RS-232C serial port. Quadport-AT Expansion Kit: (optional) 4 RS-2 32C serial ports. Software to access ports. 1 mr~ i * / For a free demonstration visit the Quadram dealer nearest you. Or, for information, write us at 4355 International Blvd., Norcross, Georgia 30093 (404)923-6666. QUADRAM "^^* An [nieilKjeni J^siems Company Inquiry 334 MAY 1985 -BYTE 107 108 » YT E • MAY 198S PHOTOGRAPHED BY PAUL AVIS CIARCIAS CIRCUIT CELLAR BUILD THE HOME RUN CONTROL SYSTEM PART 2: THE HARDWARE by Steve Garcia Energy management, convenience, and security in one package I live in a large house with irregularly shaped rooms. The center section of the house is hexagonal, with a sunken living room in front of a fireplace. The kitchen is also hexagonal- ly shaped and opens into a greenhouse. From the living room or the kitchen, you can descend to the "control center." The Cir- cuit Cellar is also not your standard-shaped room. Defining a corner as the point at which two walls meet, you will find 1 3 cor- ners in the Circuit Cellar. My reason for describing this is not to elicit sympathy but instead to outline one of the reasons I designed the Home Run Control System (HCS). Visitors often com- ment on how wonderful it must be to live in a contemporary-styled home. Of course, they come from traditional houses with rec- tangular walls and light switches near the doors. There is no pattern of organization to the lighting in this house, and more than one light must be turned on in the Circuit Cellar and adjacent storage areas just to see around obstacles. If you try to walk around in the dark through some areas in this house, you can find yourself somersaulting over shin-high railings into pits, impaled on glass table corners, stunned on dark-painted Lally columns, or entangled forever in the masses of wires strung between groupings of electronic equipment. Walking around this house in the dark can be hazardous to your health. Over the years I've designed control systems that involved automatic lighting in- cluding the BSR. Unfortunately, the hand- held controller was always some place I wasn't, or the command console was pointed in another direction (and rooms with 13 corners have lots of directions). While ! could have bought out the local Radio Shack and put controllers and modules everywhere, the problem was one of greater dimension. 1 ultimately wanted a control system that followed prescribed security and environmental procedures when I wasn't there but that could redirect its control functions to provide simple, auto- matic convenient living when 1 was. Bumping into things in the dark was mere- ly an inconvenience. I solved it in the interim by just leaving lots of lights on at night. In the long run, however, I've been directing my efforts to building the true home-control system: one that senses presence in rooms and automatically turns lights on, raises the [continued) Steve Garcia [pronounced "see-ARE-see-ah") is an electronics engineer and computer consuttant with ex- perience in process control, digital design, nuclear in- strumentation, and product development. He is the author of several books about electronics. You can write to him at POB 582. Glastonbury, CT 06033. COPYRIGHT © 1985 STEVEN A CIARCIA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED MAY 1985 -BYTE 109 CIRCUIT CELLAR heat or lowers the air conditioning, and follows a variety of prescribed control sequences (as opposed to one) defined by the real-time assess- ment of the activities of the house's occupants. Finally, it is a reality, and photos 1-3 show some aspects of the system installation at my home. The BSR by itself does not have the logical decision power to provide this capability. These functions require a computer and a program dedicated to analyzing and reacting to the en- vironment. Home Run is such a dedi- cated home-control system. It uses BSR X-10 (Sears Home Control. Leviton, and Radio Shack Plug-N- Power. among others) remote-con- trolled receivers as many commercial timer/controllers do, but its concept and capabilities greatly exceed those systems. The Circuit Cellar HCS is a video-based closed-loop control sys- tem. The text box on page 112 out- lines Home Run's basic functions. This month, I will continue the description of the HCS with an in- depth analysis of the hardware design. First, since much of the hard- ware function deals with the BSR remote controllers, I'll start by review- ing their function and the communica- tion codes they use. BSR X-10 System Components When I first wrote about the X-10 in lanuary 1980, the system consisted of five modules: command controller, cordless controller, lamp module, ap- pliance module, and wall-switch module. The line has now been ex- panded to include a programmable timer, wall-receptacle modules, auto- matic setback thermostats, and a tele- phone auto-answer controller. The HCS can use and control any BSR receivers. The command controller (or any unit that functions as a command transmitter) is the central element in the system. It sends commands to the receiver modules by coded messages sent through the AC power lines. The cordless controller is a remote exten- sion of the command controller and has a matching keyboard. When pointed at the command controller from up to 30 feet away, any com- mand that is selected on it will be transmitted ultrasonically to the com- mand controller and carried out. Lamp and wall-switch modules are essentially the same. They are triac- controlled on/off switches, rated at 300 watts (W), that include dimmers. The lamp module is plugged into a wall outlet in series with the light to be controlled while the wall-switch Photo I: I'm getting very serious about using the HCS in my home. I installed a 3- by 4-foot piece of plywood next to the breaker box and started stringing wires everywhere for closed-loop input control. The HCS board is mounted in the bottom center. Directly above it in the silver box is a Hayes 300-bps auto-answer modem. To the right of that are the rechargeable battery backup and 12-V power supply for the motion detectors and interface boards. Directly above the modem is a custom optoisolated level shifter and AC-to-DC converter interface that connects the Touch Plate, a low- voltage relay system, and commercially installed alarm-system sensors to the HCS. By the time this series of articles is finished, the rest of the board should be filled. Photo 2: Much of my application for the HCS deals with its use for security and automatic lighting. Shown is the installation of a typical passive infrared motion detector. Costing in the neighbor- hood of $140 each, these units detect the movement of objects {like people) that have a different temperature than the surround- ings. The units require a 12-V power source. Output is a contact closure: closed is no motion and open is motion detected. 110 BYTE" MAY 1985 CIRCUIT CELLAR module replaces a conventional wall switch. For heavier or nonresistive loads, a contact-closure-output ap- pliance module or wall-receptacle module is used. These are rated at 1 5 amperes (A) (about 1700 W). At the heart of a BSR command module, as well as of the other system components, are custom LSI lCs (large-scale-integration integrated cir- cuits) manufactured for BSR by General Instrument Corporation. Fully expanded, the BSR system can ac- commodate 2 56 independently ad- dressable receivers. That is accom- plished using 16 sets of addresses called house codes and 1 6 device codes for each house code. The separate house codes allow next-door neighbors to use X-lOs without interfering with each other. A thumbwheel switch on the bottom of the command con- troller and the receiver modules sets the 4-bit house code. In normal operation, the 22-button keypad, which is wired as a 3 by 8 matrix, is scanned at a rate of 3.8 kHz. When a button is pressed, its desig- nated function and the house code (see tables 1 and 2) are combined into a single message. The digital message is directed to the transmitter section, where it generates 120-kHz signals that are used to modulate the AC line with pulse-width modulation. To synchronize the digitally en- coded serial output with the 60-Hz AC line, the circuit includes a zero- crossing detector. The transmitted message is clocked a bit at a time on zero crossing. A command message contains 9 bits of information, con- sisting of the 4-bit house code and the 5-bit matrix (keyboard -function) code. Each message is transmitted in true and inverted format on successive half cycles of the AC waveform. This is illustrated in figures 1 and 2. A logic 1 bit consists of three 1 -millisecond (ms) bursts of 120-kHz signal com- mencing approximately 200 micro- seconds (jts) after the zero crossing of the AC line. A logic bit is repre- sented by no signal for that half cycle. To synchronize the receivers with the transmitter, a trigger code consisting of 3 successive logic 1 bits followed by a logic bit is used. The complete message takes 1 1 full AC cycles (183 ms) to complete. Actual attachment to the AC line is accomplished by means of a trans- former and capacitor coupler. That combination is necessary both for protection and economics. The effec- tive range of this system is generally all the wiring from the controller to the nearest power company step- down transformer. Usually, five or six houses are on each transformer; some coordination with respect to the choice of house codes may be nec- essary. Also, since the version of the X-10 sold in the U.S. is a 117-volt (V) unit, and because most homes derive their 1 17-V power from both sides of a 220-V line, problems can sometimes occur in obtaining consistent opera- tion when receiver modules are used on both 1 1 7-V lines and relatively few 220-V appliances are in operation to act as a communication bridge. Place- ment of the receivers could require some experimentation, or a capacitor jumper could be added between the sides of the 220-V line. The receivers are quite sophisti- cated, considering that each one usually costs less than $17. All re- ceivers (lamp modules, appliance modules, wall-receptacle modules, and wall-switch modules) are essen- tially the same. Also incorporating a custom LSI IC the receiver section monitors the AC line, waiting for a coded message corresponding to its unique house code (A through P) and unit device code (1 through 16). To turn on channel 10, you simply press 10 and ON. one after the other. When an appliance or wall-receptacle module activates, it energizes a relay. {continued) Photo 3: Much of the outside lighting and some of the outlets in my home are already remotely controlled through the Touch Plate. An absolute rat's nest of expensive electrician-installed wire controls 12 specific circuits. The highly reliable latching relays are controlled at various points in the house by illuminated push buttons. Their operation is push-on/push-off single-button control. When the circuit is on. the button is illuminated by a second low-voltage signal. Given the closed-loop nature of Touch Plate. 1 decided to connect some of the circuits to the HCS. The six relays wired in at present required a separate interface board to convert the low-voltage AC Touch Plate to TTL levels and an \8-condudor cable to route the signals. The HCS can now control as well as ascertain the present on/off state of the outside lighting. MAY 1985 IYTE III CIRCUIT CELLAR Home Run Control System: Overview The Home Run Control System is a single-board computer with the hardware and software needed to con- trol lights and appliances in a home or a specific production process in a small business. The system uses BSR home- control modules that are activated by signals superimposed on the house wiring. The system can also directly control processes through hard-wired outputs. The following outline itemizes the features of the computer. 1. Versatility. The HCS can accom- modate 48 BSR modules. 16 digital in- puts. 8 TTL-compatible outputs, and 16 messages. 2. Self-containment The HCS can use any terminal (or personal computer emulating a terminal) at 75-4800 bps. The HCS also incorporates an integral video-display generator to provide a 24-line by 40-character display either directly to a composite video monitor or television set. A keyboard encoder allows connection of either an Apple ll-compatible parallel-encoded key- board or an unencoded scanned- matrix keyboard. An additional serial port has been provided to which an auto-answer modem can be attached isuch as the Hayes 300 or 1200). When the modem answers, the HCS allows the remote calling terminal to access and control the HCS. 3. Flexibility. The HCS can schedule to turn outputs on or off based on com- binations of the following conditions: a. time of the week (e.g., Tuesday at 4:32) b. time of the month (e.g.. 22nd at 11:20) c. input line going high d. input line going low e. turn off after time delay (e.g.. re- main on for 15 minutes) f. one-time action triggered by specific input or time When you want to create an event, various combinations of inputs and time can be specified. They are as follows: 1 ON at specified time OFF at specified time 2 ON at specified time OFF when specified input occurs 3 ON when specified input occurs OFF at specified time 4 ON when specified input occurs OFF when specified input occurs or ON while specified input occurs 5 ON when specified input occurs OFF after period of time 4. Superkeys. The HCS has 16 function- key inputs called superkeys. which cause a user-defined list of actions to be performed when the appropriate key is entered. This allows a complete sequence of events to be transmitted. The number of commands defined by a superkey is limited only by available RAM. 5. Light dimming. Lights can be dimmed to one of 16 levels. This allows mood control, a night light, or power- conservation operation, 6. Display messages. Text messages of variable size can be scheduled as an- nouncements or reminders. 7. Low power. The HCS can be used to control energy consumption of a house, thus it is designed to be effi- cient. Power requirements are under 5 watts. 8. Battery backup. The processor and clock will continue to operate during a power failure: scheduled events will still be noted in memory. When AC power is restored, the HCS will restore all modules to the state they would be in if power weren't interrupted. 9. Sunset adjustment. The on time of desired modules, usually lights, will track the sunset. This alleviates having to adjust the schedule many times per year as the sunset changes. There is a command to compensate sunset times for daylight saving. 10. Automatic restore. The HCS can optionally restore the status of all modules every 4 minutes. This is useful in commercial applications where a module may be turned off by a tran- sient or non-HCSgenerated command. Restore can also be triggered by an in- put line. The HCS always restores all modules after a power loss. 1 1 . Schedule bypass. Modules can be bypassed for a selected interval (up to 44 days). This can be used for vaca- tions or holidays. 12. Hold on input. This allows an in- put occurrence to lock out specified modules. 13. Accurate clock. The clock accuracy can be adjusted by software to within 1 second per day. 14. List events. The entire event sched- ule can be listed to the serial port. The speed of the listing can be controlled to allow for printing of the schedule. The lamp and wall-switch modules use a triac instead and have the capa- bility to brighten or dim in response to control commands. Home Run Hardware The Home Run Control System is a complete microcomputer. Functional- ly block-diagramed in figure 3. it con- tains RAM (random-access read/write memory) and ROM (read-only mem- ory), serial and parallel I/O (input/out- put) ports, a keyboard, and a video display. In its fully expanded form, it can communicate with an external ter- minal or a modem and display the events and status on its own display simultaneously. The HCS is based on the 6802 processor and runs entirely on interrupt. These interrupts update the real-time clock, scan the event tables, read the input lines, set the outputs, refresh the video display, transmit the BSR codes, and service the communication ports. Home Run was designed to work in a variety of home and industrial ap- plications. As such, it accommodates both encoded and unencoded key- boards, terminal and integral video display, and BSR and direct I/O. Its software is flexible enough to work [continued] 112 BYTE' MAY 1985 CIRCUIT CELLAR Table 1: Security house codes. STATE H8 H4 H2 H1 A 1 1 B 1 1 1 C 1 D 1 1 E F 1 G 1 H 1 1 1 ! 1 J 1 1 1 K 1 L 1 1 M N 1 1 P 1 1 Table 2: AC-line matrix key codes. KEY D8 D4 D2 D1 D16 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 4 1 1 5 6 1 7 1 8 1 1 9 1 1 10 1 1 1 11 1 12 1 1 13 14 1 15 1 16 1 1 CLEAR ALL 1 ON 1 OFF 1 1 BR 1 DIM 1 1 PHASE 1 DATA OUT ENABLE (GO C/S) l_|i m , I SERIAL DATA —'//, DATA- The transmitted message is synchronous with the AC line, and each bit is clocked on zero crossing. Each message contains 9 bits of information: 4 bits of security code and 5 bits of matrix code. Each message is transmitted in true and inverse form on successive half cycles of the AC-line signal. A 1 bit is 3 x 1-ms bursts of 120 kHz, commencing approximately 200 /xs after the zero crossing of each phase. A bit is no signal for that half cycle. To synchronize the receivers with the transmitter, a Start Code consisting of 3 successive 1 bits followed by a bit is used. Thus, a complete message takes 1 1 full cycles of the AC line to complete. Figure I: BSR transmission protocol and timing. CIRCUIT CELLAR -TRIG 3 GENERATED AT EACH ZERO CROSSING Tpl ; p2 C<#>3 MESSAGE REPEATED AT LEAST ONCE SERIAL DATA STATE OF 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 TRANSMISSION TIMER (1)(1)(1)(0)(1) (1) (0) (0) (0) (1) (0) (1) (1) DDDDDDD D START HOUSE CODE H4 H 3 H 2 H] OPERATION CODE 4 2 1 16 Figure 2: BSR transmission protocol and timing continued. with any combination or all of these subsystem peripherals. If you don't have a terminal or an auto-answer modem, you can configure a video- based-only HCS and leave the serial components out. (Because some users may not initially need or be able to afford all the functions supported by the HCS, it is available as a partially populated board. You can add the ad- ditional support chips at any time.) Figure 4 is the complete schematic of the Home Run Control System. I will explain it in five sections: processor and memory, timing, serial and paral- lel I/O (see photo 4), video display, and power supply. Processor and Memory Section At the center of the HCS is a Motorola 6802, IC1 (block-diagramed in figure 5). The 6802 is an 8-bit processor that is software-compatible with the stan- dard 6800. It contains the same reg- isters and accumulators as the 6800 plus an internal clock oscillator and driver. In addition, it has 128 bytes of on-chip RAM addressed at hexadeci- mal locations 0000 through 007F. A 4-MHz crystal is used with 1C1 and results in a 1-MHz system-clock out- put on pin 37. This clock is divided by counters in the timing section to provide the various interrupt clocks and pulse-signal sources. The pro- cessor is reset by pressing PBI, at- tached to pin 37. The 16-bit address bus is decoded through a 74LSI 38 (IC5) into eight 8K- byte blocks designated by chip-enable lines Y0 through Y7. RAM occupies the space from 0000 to 3FFF. ROM occupies the range from A000 through FFFF. The HCS has two 28-pin RAM sockets that can accommodate either 61 16 (2K by 8-bit) or 6264 (8K by 8-bit) 3 50-nanosecond (ns) CMOS (comple- mentary metal-oxide semiconductor) RAM chips. The HCS requires a mini- mum of 4K bytes of RAM to function. A jumper that selects/deselects ad- dress line Al 1 sets, whether a 2K-byte or 8K-byte RAM is inserted. The soft- ware auto-sizes and allocates avail- able memory on power-up (be sure to remove the battery backup when changing or adding any chips). Table 3 designates the various legal RAM configurations. Three program ROM sockets are de- signed for 2764-type 8K by 8-bit EPROMs (erasable programmable read-only memories). The HCS pro- gram presently resides in 16K bytes and uses 1C11 and IC12. IC19 is an empty socket intended for future pro- gram expansion and enhancements. (Eventually. I hope to design an analog I/O expansion board for the HCS. and I decided that it would be a good idea to put in the hooks now. Direct temperature monitoring and HVAC [heating, ventilating, and air conditioning] motor control are a possible consideration.) Portions of [continued) 114 BYTE- MAY I98S c "3 n o a. S' 2 3 73 n is 8-BIT PARALLEL OUTPUT 16-BIT PARALLEL INPUT TERMINAL BUFFERED OUTPUTS U23. U24 4MHz 4K-16K RAM U9 -U10 Ul 6802 CPU ADDRESS ■1MHz C_ INPUT PROTECTION RS-232C U17. U23 PARALLEL INPUT /OUTPUT U14, U15 16K PROGRAM ROM Ull, U12 RS-232C U17. U23 SERIAL INPUT/OUTPUT U2, U4. U16 8K EXPANSION ROM U19 10.738MHz HOH VIDEO- DISPLAY PROCESSOR U22 PARALLEL INPUT/OUTPUT U21 BATTERY + 5V 12V A AC POWER- LINE POWER TRANSFORMER BSR TRANSMITTER COIL POWER SUPPLY BSR POWER DRIVER -60Hz -12V - TRANSMIT SCANNED-MATRIX KEYBOARD ENCODER U18 TTT CTL VIDEO OUT TO MONITOR FUTURE EXPASION I/O SOCKET 16K KB VIDEO MEMORY U25. U26 RF MODULATOR VIDEO OUT TO TV SET CHANNEL 2. 3 _^ 24-LINE BY 40- CHARACTER VIDEO DISPLAY PARALLEL ASCII ENCODED KEYBOARD CIRCUIT CELLAR PIEZOELECTRIC BEEPER f G2A Y7 Y6 Y5 Yd Y3 Y2 Y] YO ""p 27pF_ OUTPUT ©-MODU 470.il r- WV *■ COMPOSITE (07- VIDEO ^ OUTPUT -& /77 ? CHANNEL SELECT 4.7K — ^V^- 1Z A IC23 A 7407 ^ IOjuF 330X1 — ^A/^ — 33.fl IC1 6B02 36 =3 :|i £ SIS ■ Iz t/i > lor '47K i[lN4148 + 1 o I PI J 10 M F U CHIP ENABLE : : IC26 TMS4416 fl 3 200nsec A2 RAS X IC25 TMS4416 fl3 200nsec A2 04 D3 D2 Dl RAS CAS 10 ADO 6 ADl 1 aj? a AD3 :; ADA 12 ADS 13 AD6 la AO? A CLOCK 1MHz 4LS04 .- /~. — £ COMV| R/W RAS CAS IC22 9118 r 1' 27pF 60Hz )— TRANSMIT ^- D I> F^ CRYSTAL 10.738MHz XTAL <£ IN4148^ A 1N4 4.7K (4) Wv E 1MHz 1 u IC3 4024 T_T IC6 4024 T 4-4 1C4 4024 T DATE RATE SELECT JP4 Figure 4: The schematic of the home Run Control System. 116 BYTE- MAY 1985 I f f » f » f .!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i_iT" : ■ PAO ■ Ml ■ PA? ■ PA 3 - PAd ■ PA5 . PA6 - PA 7 ■ CA1 PBO PB1 PB2 P83 - .ROA g RST R/W CSO A2 CS1 A3 BSO AO RSI Al i oo '•• ••• — ••• #♦• — • • • f - **? — > o o m w 1 1 3 »; 33 o o S » » cr "3 7F 7? rr n n c H n m i— r- > 72 h CIRCUIT CELLAR Fifliirc 4 continued 16- PIN DIP PARALLEL ENCODED KEYBOARD INPUT ^L ADDRESS _ U14-9 1 r> _w0um_ -fj> TRANSMIT ZERO-CROSSING DETECTOR 60 H:[>- 7.5 K -wv- J1N4148 ▼ r- > PA4 ' — ^U14-6 Figure 6: The timing-generator circuit. MAY 1985 -BYTE 121 CIRCUIT CELLAR ever, both the internal display and the terminal refresh at the same data- transmission rate, and status updates appear only once a minute. Physical control operations still occur as ser- viced by the interrupts, but. because a terminal could be communicating at 75 bps. the status display is rewritten + 5V A ffi 47fl _vw— OPEN COLLECTOR -O OUTPUT BIT 30 V @ 30mA 1N4148 6821 PIA 220 SI — wv- -<3] INPUT BIT ZlN4148 LOGIC TO -9V LOGIC 1 +2 TO +9V Figure 7: The input/output circuit. Substituting a \k-ohm resistor for the 220-ohm resistor expands the voltage range to +15 V. Photo 5: The power supply for the Home Run Control System contains both the transformer and the high-voltage section of the BSR transmitter. The sealed transformer module with BSR PC board effectively isolates the user from the AC power line. Connection to the circuit board is through a 1 -pin DIN connector. only once per minute. (A status up- date can be forced at any time on the terminal by entering a carriage return.) When using the internal video display (IP1 installed or a shorting wire con- nected between pins 7 and 8 of J2), the screen refreshes at full processor speed (it appears to be about 9600 bps), and the status display is updated upon occurrence of any programmed event. There is an effective compromise when using a modem, with |P1 not in- stalled. With an auto-answer modem such as the Hayes 300 or 1200 at- tached to the modem input, the HCS will automatically switch communica- tion rates. Using the internal video display and IP1 removed, the HCS updates the screen at high speed Upon sensing a CTS (clear to send) signal from the auto-answer modem, the HCS switches its screen speed to the modem's data rate (set on the data-rate selection switches at IC4) and communicates with the remote terminal or computer. After the modem hangs up. the screen resumes its normal speed. I must mention, however, that screen refresh rate is in no way related to the speed of con- trol operations. Real-time screen up- dates are necessary only if you re- quire notice of an event in less than the once-per-minute terminal refresh and in fact need to see every output event as it occurs. Home Run Video Display Besides accommodating terminal or modem communication, the HCS has its own video-display generator. The display is 24 lines by 40 characters produced with three chips: IC22. IC2 5. and IC26. Some of you will remember an arti- cle I did in the August 1982 BYTE about building a 10-chip E-Z Color graphics display. The TMS9918 video- display processor used in that article has been replaced in this design with a TMS9I18 chip. IC22. Functionally the same, the 91 18 uses 5-V 64K-byte DRAMs (dynamic RAMs) instead of the older three-supply 4116 types. By using TMS4416 16K by 4-bit DRAMs, [continued] 122 BYTE- MAY 1985 org c 00 s ENCAPSULATED WALL MODULE STYLE TRANSFORMER/TRANSMITTING COIL ASSEMBLY r Tl o AC POWER LINE 115VAC GRN BLK 12VAC RED *• T2 0.22 M F 400V ^^ BLUE f 1600pF*l ■^■6307 >15K X 5% •polystyrene ♦•metalized polyester Tl 14VCT @ 1A 12VAC® 100mA T2 120KHZ TUNED COUPLING TRANSFORMER WHT AC BRIDGE RECTIFIER AC 1N5402 + 12V 5402 ™« j PJ • • • WV— • • ■ ' 1N5402 W 1N5402 iooa 1/2W JP7 7.5V ;± NiCd T il * -J-4700/iF "^16V O.l^F tL 2200uF " 16V vw— • • 1N4742A^ 111 L^F 12V A <" )l 1— I io^f^L- GND IN OUT 79 05 EXT. NiCd 1N4002 RED *M 1 tl_1000/iF ,^1N4742A ^p25V A 12V 100JI J ■ 'W ■ ORG .10 M F ;io m f |;15£ J220SI 2.2K 1N4148 (4) BLUE 220 a -wv MPSU60 (MOTOROLA) NTE288 3.3K /77 T lOfl -12V -C>60Hj ;io m f 2N3904 - 7* CIRCUIT CELLAR the 16K-byte video memory requires only two chips. (The primary reason for choosing the 9118 was board space and single-supply operation. The HCS is battery-operated on power outages, and 41 16s would have been difficult to accommodate. A TMS9918 will not run with 4416s; however, it can still be used in this design if you replace the 4116s with 4164s. It's expensive, but it's 5 V only.) I will not belabor the point describ- ing how the screens are entered into display memory or what commands are necessary to control the video- display processor. Instead, I refer you to the August 1982 Circuit Cellar arti- cle. One final note for mad program- mers. The video-display memory is I6K bytes, but only about 1 500 bytes is currently being used for the alpha- numeric-mode status and menu dis- plays. The TMS9 118/9918 is capable of producing a 16-color 2 56- by 192-pixel graphics display in three operating modes. Given a few more man-years of software, 1 could pos- sibly have provided the same pretty graphics as those presented on GE's HomeMinder, but the present em- phasis is on control capabilities. Perhaps such features will be included in future peripheral expansion. If you are interested in the graphics poten- tial, look at any ColecoVision or Adam computer. They also use the Tl graph- ics chip. The output of the TMS91 18 is NTSC (National Television System Commit- tee) composite video that is buffered and available for direct connection to a video monitor. Optionally, an RF (radio frequency) modulator can be installed that will allow a standard television set to be used concurrent- ly or in place of a monitor. In my opin- ion, displays are much sharper on a video monitor than on a television set. Power Supply and BSR Driver The power-supply section of Home Run posed a particular problem and almost scuttled its development. Cir- cuit Cellar projects are designed to be built, not just read. Unfortunately, I cannot always count on everyone tak- ing the same care and precaution in assembly that I do. The BSR trans- mitter is connected directly to the AC line through a slug-tuned transmitter coil. While isolated after the trans- former coil, most manufacturers take the economical approach and mount this coil and associated components on the same PC (printed circuit) board with the processor. Since the AC line must then be brought to the board and a number of components, it presents a serious hazard. While I could instruct you to pot or otherwise insulate these areas, this was deemed unsatisfactory. I needed to feel that anyone building Home Run either from a kit or scratch would not get electrocuted. The solution was to combine all the high-voltage components into one sealed module and have only isolated low-voltage wiring exit from it (see photo 5 and figure 8). The hot com- ponents in the HCS are the AC-line connected sides of the power trans- former and the BSR transmitter coil and series capacitor. Using a wall- module transformer with an addi- tional circuit board containing the transmitter coil and components, these circuit elements can be isolated. A 7-wire cable exits from the wall module and ends in a 7-pin DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm) connector. Two wires go to the transmitter coil, and five wires come from the power- transformer secondary windings. This transmitter/power module is more ex- pensive than conventional approach- es, but it is much safer. Figure 8 shows the HCS's regulator circuit. It uses a rather novel approach to produce +5 V, + 12 V, and - 12 V. The + 5-V and +12-V outputs are produced from a 14-V CT (center tap) transformer output. The three 14-V CT output windings are connected to a full-wave bridge and capacitor filter in the traditional manner. Each output, referenced to the center tap, will be about 9.5 V peak. Using a 7905 regulator connected to the negative filter side, - 5 V is easily produced. In this design, however, the output of the 7905 is reversed and connected to the HCS power ground. The transformer center tap, now referenced to the HCS power ground, will read +5 V! A zener regulator with a series- blocking diode is connected to the positive filter output. The ground pin of the circuit, normally connected to the center tap in conventional de- signs, is connected to the new HCS power ground at the output of the zener. The effect is a -5-V reference applied to the ground lead of the zener. Instead of requiring 14.5 V at its input to produce 12 V it now needs only 9.5 V above the center tap. The - 12-V supply is a conventional half-wave rectifier configuration. Since it is required only by the RS-232C and BSR drivers, regulation does not have to be precise and a zener diode is adequate. I chose this particular power-supply configuration to reduce power dis- sipation. The HCS takes about 0.9 A at 5 V. Conventional linear designs would have suggested using a 22- to 24-V CT transformer winding, result- ing in about 8.5 W of power dissipa- tion. In a sealed enclosure, this can make things very warm. With this de- sign, dissipation is reduced to about 4 W. The only alternative would have been to use expensive switching sup- plies. Battery Backup The last area of the power supply is the battery backup. It consists mere- ly of six C-cell nickel-cadmium bat- teries in series to produce 7.5 V (6 x 1.2 5 V). They are connected between the transformer center tap and the in- put of the 7905 (note polarity). A 3-A IN 5402 diode is inserted in series so that the batteries supply power to the regulator only when none is being provided from the transformer. An- other resistor and diode supply a trickle charge to the battery. This trickle charging rate should be about 20-30 mA. A IN 5402 blocking diode at the input of the positive regulator prevents the battery from backflow- ing through the transformer to other components. During a power outage, only the + 5-V supply is maintained. If you 124 BY 1 E • MAY luxi Inquiry 289 CIRCUIT CELLAR have a battery-operated monitor, it will continue to receive status dis- plays, but RS-232C modem, terminal, and BSR functions will be suspended. (When the power returns, the HCS automatically restores all I/O to the proper state.) Direct outputs continue to occur on schedule. In my experi- ence, power outages are either under a few minutes or for many hours. Ex- periments show that C-cell nickel- cadmium batteries last for about 90 minutes. Experimenters and OEM Users As always, I try to support the com- puter experimenter by providing sources for many of the components. The Circuit Cellar Home Run Control System is a single-board design suit- able for OEM applications as well. It is available in various configurations that are all ultimately upgradable to the same potential. If you plan on building the unit from scratch, good luck and take heart. Send me a picture of your board, and I'll send you a 16K-byte hexadecimal dump of the control software, pro- vided it is for noncommercial private use. If you're a bit more well-heeled. I'll supply the code on two 2764 EPROMs and a manual for $32, post- paid in the U.S., $5 extra overseas. (No picture is required.) Circuit Cellar feedback This month's feedback begins on page 424. Next Month I'll describe how the HCS software works specifically, explain each of the menu functions listed in the first arti- cle, and demonstrate a simple control application. ■ Special thanks to Bill Summers and Leo Taylor for their software expertise The following items are available from The Micromint Inc. 2 5 Terrace Dr. Vernon. CT 06066 (800) 63 5-335 5 for orders (203) 871-6170 for information 1. Home Run HCS— Complete assembled sys- tem with enclosure and parallel-encoded keyboard HCS01. $589 2. Home Run HCS-Populated PC board. Assembled and tested PC board. No enclosure or keyboard HCS02, S429 3. Home Run HCS— Video-based kit. Includes PC board and all components except enclosure, keyboard, and serial-interface components (IC16. IC17. IC20, and two DB-2 5 connectors) HCSV05, $329 4. Home Run HCS— Terminal-based kit. Includes PC board and all components ex- cept video-display processor (IC22, IC2 5. and IC26). No keyboard, enclosure, or RF modulator HCST06, $289 5. 8K-byte static-RAM upgrade. Increases RAM to 16K bytes HCS20. $3 5 6. Apple ll-compatible ASCII-encoded key- board HCS21, $79 7. Wall transformer/transmitter module (available separately) HCS22. $40 8. IBM PC Upload/Download event-schedule- storage software with terminal emulator, writ- ten in C provided on IBM PC-DOS 2.0 disk HCS2 5, $49 All kits and assembled units include operators manual, power supply with wall transformer/transmitter module, and 8K bytes of RAM. All units are supplied without keyboard-encoder chip (not necessary when using encoded keyboard, ICI8— optionally available). All item numbers that list enclosures also include backup battery holder (six C cells), less batteries. Serial-port and video-display-processor upgrades for items 3 and 4 and various other components are also available. Please include $8 for shipping and handling in the continental United States, $12 else- where. New York residents please include 8 percent sales tax. Connecticut residents please include 7.5 percent sales tax. Editor's Note: Steve often refers to previous Circuit Cellar articles. Most of these past ar- ticles are available in book form from BYTE Books, McGraw-Hill Book Company, POB 400. Hightstown. N) 08250. Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Volume I covers articles in BYTE from September 1977 through November 1978. Volume II covers December 1978 through lune 1980. Volume III covers July 1980 through December 1981. Volume IV covers lanuary 1982 through lune 1983. To receive a complete list of Ciarcia's Cir- cuit Cellar project kits, circle 100 on the reader-service inquiry card at the back of the magazine. IEEE-488 Interfaces and Bus Extenders For: IBM PC, PCjr & COMPATIBLES DEC UNIBUS, Q-BUS & RAINBOW 100 MULTIBUS, VMEbus STD & S-100 Full IEEE-488 functionality, with the most com- prehensive language and operating system cover- age in the industry. It takes experience to make IEEE-488 systems work with nearly 4000 devices available from more than 500 different manufac- turers, and experience is what enables National Instruments to take the GPIB to the second power and beyond. Q P Your personal guarantee of unsurpassed customer support and satisfaction. CALL 1-800-531-GPIB for instant access to 100 + man-years of GPIB experience. <7 NATIONAL "INSTRUMENTS 12109 Technology Blvd. Austin, TX 78727 1-800-531-5066 512/250-9119 Telex: 756737 NAT INST AUS IBM and PCjr are trademarks ot International Business Machines, MULTI- BUS is a trademark of Intel, DEC. UNIBUS, Q-BUS, and Rainbow 100 are trademarks ot Digital Equipment Corporation MAY 1985 -BYTE 125 rT ^ , Find the 1 hen draw your Microsoft" Multiplan" and Microsoft Chart. They're crackerjack programs working on their own. But you should see this pair in action together on the Macintosh™ The one, a spreadsheet of dazzling analytical power and graceful simplicity. The other, a picture perfect charting program that makes rows and columns of numbers graphi- cally clear. And the beauty is, they were literally made for each other. And for Macintosh. Multiplan accepts you as you are. Multiplan takes full advantage of Macs simple, intuitive operating style. So you can work in a way that will come natural to you. You don't have to memorize any arcane commands. Just point and click the mouse to move mountains of figures and for- mulas quickly and painlessly. In addition, Multiplan gives you features that make hard copies gratify- .^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ingly readable. For instance, the enviable ' ability to print sideways. ^ mmmmmmm ^ a ^ mmm ^^^ mmmm ^^ mmmmmmmmmmimmm So you can't run out of column room. No matter how wide your spreadsheet gets. Chart makes people see what you mean* Microsoft Chart gives you lots of ammunition for your arguments: Pie charts, bar charts, line, column, area and scatter charts. Or combinations. l ^||^^D^^C^^CT ^ c k me one mat b est iH ustrates your point. I VII V^li^^w^^r I® Then translate your numbers into pictures and The High Performance Software™ have them on paper in a matter of moments. Using the mouse, it's a cinch to fine tune the graphs to get exactly what you want. Move any section. Change its size, shape, or highlight it. Chart can even be linked with Multiplan. So any change on your spreadsheet will show up automatically on the charts. 126 BYTE- MAY 1985 answer, * . own conclusions. We get the max out of Mac, It figures that we'd be the ones to make Mac work so well with figures. We've written more Macintosh programs than any other software company. Includ- ing Microsoft Word, Microsoft File. And Microsoft BASIC, Mac's first language. That experience shows in programs which not only exploit all of Mac's unique features, but^make it extraordinarily capable and productive. In addition, all of Microsoft's Macintosh products can exchange data with each other. And because our programs work alike, if you learn one, you're well on your way to learning the rest. To find the name of your nearest Microsoft dealer, call (800) 426-9400. In Washington State, Alaska, Hawaii and Canada, call (206) 828-8088. Then check out Multiplan and Microsoft Chart. And watch them perform some nice little numbers. Microsoft and Multiplan are registered trademarks and The High Performance Software is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh is a trademark licensed to Apple Computer, Inc. MAY 1985 'BYTE 127 128 BYTE- MAY 1985 ILLUSTRATED BY MACIEK ALBRECHT by Alfred L. Schumer Add useful set operations to your programs Sets offer a powerful and logical construction in Pascal. In conjunction with user-defined types, they can significantly enhance program design, maintenance, speed, and readability. Unfortunately, many pro- grammers shy away from using sets because of their high level of abstrac- tion and a lack of understanding of how to implement sets at the machine level. In order to promote a greater understanding of set constructions in Pascal. I will describe sets, their operators, and the logical machine equivalents used in relational set operations. Second. I will present a fast extension to Apple Pascal. The maximum set size and the number of set operations vary from implemen- tation to implementation. This Supersets program increases the size of Apple Pascal sets (from 512 to 65.536 elements per set) and adds more set operations. The program is written in 6502 assembly language and is, therefore, reasonably fast. Pascal Sets To test for membership of characters in a set you might be tempted to use nested IF. . THEN . . .ELSE state- Set Extensions with Apple Pascal ments. such as IF ch = "a" THEN {execute code inserted here} ELSE IF ch = "b" THEN {execute code} ELSE if ch = "c" THEN {execute code} ELSE {insert code for ch not in set}. A more elegant method uses the set operator IN to test for membership. With it you can reduce these statements to IF ch IN ['a'.'b'.'c'] THEN {insert code for ch in set} ELSE {insert code for ch not in set}. A set in Pascal is a collection of ob- jects of the same type (called the "base type" of the set). It may be any scalar type; it may not be a structured type. Size limitations on sets are de- fined by the particular implementa- tion and generally range from 64 to 512 elements. Apple Pascal sets can have up to 512 elements and occupy memory according to the following formula: ((n-1) DIV 16) + 1 words, where n equals the number of elements. Conversely, UCSD Pascal sets may have (at most) 4080 ele- ments and are limited in size to 2 55 words. With set operators you can perform relational operations on sets of the same base type, such as testing for the inclusion of one set in another or for equality. In addition to the special membership operator IN, four rela- tional operators are typically sup- ported: set equality ( = ), set inequali- ty (<>), inclusion/contains (>=) and inclusion/contained in (< =). Al- though these relational operators yield a Boolean result, you can also form sets logically from the union, dif- ference, or intersection of two sets. The union (A + B) results in a set that contains all members of A and all members of B. The difference (A - B) results in a set that contains all members of A that are not members of B. And the intersection (A*B) results in a set of all members of A that are also members of B. Machine-Level Structure To illustrate the machine-level struc- ture of sets. I will first define a set (such as TYPE charset = set of char- acters) and define the variables Set A and Set B as that type. In- ternally, Apple Pascal allocates an ar- ray of 2 56 bits (16 words, each con- taining 16 bits) representing the 2 56 possible ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) values for characters. Individual elements occupy I bit, indexed by the scalar value of the character into the set. An element is considered to be in the set when its bit is turned on (has a binary value of 1). To locate the word offset into the ar- ray containing a particular element's bit, the scalar value of the element is divided by 16 (or divided by 8 to locate the byte offset). The bit posi- [continued] Alfred L. Schumer (17 Pearl St., Wakefield, MA 01880) is assistant vice president of Bank of America in Boston. He is responsi- ble for lending activities with newly formed high-technology companies in Hew England. He graduated from Hew York University's Graduate School of Business Administration in 1980. MAY 1985 -BYTE 129 SET EXTENSIONS Supersets increases the size of Apple Pascal sets and adds more set operations. tion within the word is merely the scalar value modulo 16, or the re- mainder from the division. You can add an element to a set by indexing into a set's array of words and turn- ing the appropriate bit on. Similarly, to remove an element, turn the bit off. To test for an element's membership in a set, you use the same indexing technique to determine the state (off or on) of the appropriate bit. Logical Operators The logical operators on sets are somewhat tricky. While they don't re- quire indexing individual elements- entire sets are operands— the Boolean logic of unions, differences, and inter- sections requires some explaining. Testing for set equality ( = ) involves comparing all the words of one set against the other. If any two corre- sponding words differ (their bit pat- terns do not match), the sets are not equal. This follows from the logic that different bit patterns within a word in- dicate either Set A contains a character not contained in Set B, or Set A does not contain a particular character that Set B does. You can test for the inclusion (< = or > = ) of, for example, Set A in Set B at the word level by determin- ing if for each bit turned on in Set A, the equivalent bit (in the equivalent word) in Set B is also turned on. However, the converse might not be true; Set B may contain elements that are not in Set A. In other words. Set B may contain Set A while Set A does not contain Set B unless the two are equal. The union, difference, and intersec- tion set operators differ from equali- ty and inclusion in that they do not test bits but set or clear them. The resulting word is stored into the set assigned as the result. The union ( + ) of two sets, word for word, produces a new set with the bits turned on if either or both bits in the operand sets are turned on. If both bits are off, the resultant bit in the new set is also off. The intersection (*) of two sets resembles the union except that both corresponding bits must be on for the resultant word's bit to be turned on. If either bit is off, the resultant bit is also off. Taking the difference ( - ) between two sets is the opposite of finding their union. However, unlike intersec- tion and union, the order in which the sets are specified is important. (Set A - Set B is not the same as Set B - Set A unless the sets are equal.) An element common to both sets is removed— the appropriate bit is turned off— if the corresponding bits in each set are both on. However, if the first set's bit is on while the sec- ond set's bit is off, the resultant bit is turned on. If the opposite condition is true— the first set's bit is off while the second set's bit is on— the bit in the result remains off. If you are an assembly-language programmer, you have probably noticed by now that these logical operators resemble the 6502 machine instructions AND, ORA. and EOR. In fact, the truth tables for each instruc- tion are nearly the same as their counterparts in set operators. For comparison, table 1 contains the truth tables for the machine in- structions and those for relational set operators. If you examine both groups of truth tables, you will find that union is equivalent to ORA, intersection to AND, and equality to NOT EOR. You can build inclusion and difference from a combination of AND and EOR. Inclusion (A> = B) may be con- structed as ((A EOR B) AND A), and difference (A - B) as ((A AND B) EOR B). Bear in mind that the order in which you specify the sets as operands is important. Setting Up Supersets How can you use this information to expand the set capabilities of the Apple implementation of Pascal? The Supersets program duplicates the standard Pascal set operators in assembly language with enhanced ad- dressing and provides some pro- cedures and functions to use the ex- panded set sizes. Because the tech- nique used for indexing into the set uses a 16-bit value, sets can contain up to 65,535 elements. Before going into the specifics of the program, however, some housekeeping items are in order. | Editor's note: The listing for the Supersets program is available for down- loading via BYTEnet Listings. The telephone number is (603) 924-9820.| First, Apple Pascal does not permit the declaration of a set size greater than 512 elements. Therefore, you must use a packed array of type Boolean as the data type declara- tion—which is what it is internally. For example, if you wish to use a set of 10,000 elements, the declaration must be PACKED ARRAY [0. .9999] OF BOOLEAN. Note that BOOLEAN can be any user-defined type with either a base type of Boolean or scalar that occupies 1 bit. An example is TYPE gender = (male.female). Second, the set operators that use two operands or sets in the program are quite powerful and, used indis- criminately, can cause a system failure. Assignments or operations on sets of different sizes are not picked up by the compiler or the run-time code and might overwrite other data-storage areas. Even worse, such actions might destroy integral parts of the Pascal in- terpreter and cause unpredictable results or a system crash. To avoid this, you can assign as a result a set larger than either of the operands, provid- ed you keep in mind that the elements beyond the operand set sizes are meaningless. Third, your method of using Super- Sets' procedures and functions is en- tirely up to you. If you choose to link the code in after compiling your host program, remember to declare the procedures and functions EXTER- NAL. (This option is assumed in the listing.) If you choose to use the Library.Code program that comes on Apple 111 to include the code as a unit [continued) 130 BYTE' MAY 1985 PCturbo 186 TM "The PCturbo 186 is a sophisticated product, jam-packed with goodies.. Lightning-like, indeed." —Winn L. Rosch, PC Magazine ~.L -. - "PCturbo 186. ..speeds up your IBM PC something wonderful... no glitches, no problems, and it's fast, * FAST, FAST': — Jerry Pournelle, BYTE -tiHjt-- 41/VC£00MHz 'CffOP/?OC£SSO, WSIV/WSOS, mm J:: ISiUXE 5tW'«VV!»vwvvi?vV?k A\w»y^\^\^^, EXTENDS THE LIFE OF YOUR COMPUTER ■ SPEEDS UP YOUR EXISTING PC ■ FINISHES JOBS FASTER ■ Now from Orchid Technology — PCturbo 186, the most practical solution to upgrading the performance of your existing IBM PC, XT or compatible. 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Build your own library of Scripture references. $199.95 E GREEK lsliterator find the original Greek, with definition and word roots. For any 3reek word find every translation. Includes STRONG'S nAXICE and the KJV * w Testament. nly.) $199.95 For Apple, IBM PC, Commodore 64, TRS80, Kaypro, CPM 2.2, MS-DOS. handling plus tax in Texas. "Software for personal Bible study" Bible Research Systems 9415 Burnet, Suite 208 Austin, TX 78758 (512) 835-7981 SET EXTENSIONS This code should work on all present versions of Apple Pascal, including the Apple Ill's Pascal. in your System. Library, remember to declare the code at the start of your program by USES SUPERSETS; then call the procedures and functions normally. Fourth, the procedures and func- tions in Supersets require an un- signed integer to be the element type WORD. You should declare this as TYPE word = 0. .65535. However, if you anticipate sets less than 32.767, you may declare WORD as type in- teger. Failure to observe these re- quirements can cause disastrous results. Finally, this code should work on all present versions of Apple Pascal, in- cluding the Apple Ill's Pascal imple- mentation. Be forewarned that future versions of Apple Pascal might not support these routines. Procedures and Functions Supersets includes 1 1 procedures and functions that can be grouped by the number of sets they take as operands. Membership, Include. Exclude, and Nullify each take a single-set operand, while Union, Difference, Intersection, Equality, Inclusion. Assignment, and Symmetrical all take two. The single-set operators— with the exception of Nullify— share the sub- routine Index set, which performs the necessary address translation for the elements within the set. Index set saves the 3 least significant bits of the element (modulo 8) in the X-Reg for indexing to the desired bit. Then the binary value of the element is divided by 8 (8 bits per byte) and the effective address of the byte within the set is formed from the set address, offset by the Y-Reg. The value in the X-Reg is used to index into the 8 bytes beginning at [continued) 132 BYTE • MAY 1985 Inquiry 51 BASF QUALIMETRIC FLEXYDlSKS: A GUARANTEED LIFETIMEOF OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE. BASF Qualimetric FlexyDisks feature a unique lifetime warranty* firm assurance that the vital information you enter on BASF FlexyDisks today will be secure and unchanged tomorrow. Key to this extraordinary warranted performance is the BASF Qualimetric standard. . . a totally new set of criteria against which all other magnetic media will be judged. You can count on BASF FlexyDisks because the Qualimetric standard reflects a continuing BASF commitment to perfection in magnetic media. One example is the unique two-piece liner in our FlexyDisk jacket. This BASF feature traps damaging debris away from the disk's surface and creates extra space in the head access area for optimum media-head alignment. The result is a guaranteed lifetime of outstanding performance. For information security that bridges the gap between today and tomorrow, look for the distinctive BASF package with the Qualimetric seal. Call 800-343-4600 for the name of your nearest supplier. ttASF? Visit BASF at Comdex/Spring, Booth 650 * Contact BASF for warranty details. Inquiry 48 <£^? / = %ezxy£2isi< ENTER TOMORROW ON BASF TODAY 1983 BASF Systems Corp., Bedford, MA HBASF SET EXTENSIONS the label Bit masks, which are hexa- decimal equivalents for each of the 8 bits per byte. The appropriate value is loaded into the accumulator to be used with the machine op codes ORA and AND. which set or clear the bit, respectively. The function Membership uses the value in Bit masks with the machine op code AND to zero out all the bits in the set except the one you're test- ing. If the bit you're testing is on. the result of the AND is nonzero. (Testing for a nonzero result either increments the Boolean result to I indicating true— the element is there— or leaves it 0— it's not there.) Include, rather than zeroing out all the bits except the one you're in- terested in, forces the bit on with the machine op code ORA, then stores the byte back into the set. Converse- Table 1 : Truth tables for machine instructions on the left, and their corresponding relational set operators on the right. ORA | | 1 | A/B | | 1 | | | 1 | I | 1 | 1 I 1 I 1 I 1 I 1 I 1 I < Intersection > AND | | 1 | A/B | | 1 | | | | | | | 1 I | 1 | 1 I | 1 | < Inclusion > A/B | | 1 | I 1 |0 | 1 I 1 I 1 I < Difference > A/B | | 1 | | | | 1 I 1 lo | < Equality > EOR | | 1 | A/B | | 1 | 0| | 1 | I 1 I o | 1 I 1 lo I 1 | | 1 | ly. Exclude forces the bit off; first, how- ever, it must reverse the Bit mask bit pattern— setting the bit you want to use explicitly off and all the rest on. Then, if you use an AND op code, you won't affect the other bits in the set, but the bit you wish to clear will be turned off. Again, the byte operated on is stored back into the set. Dual-set operators require a some- what different process, a sequential processing of each byte in a set, rather than the individual bits. The method used here is described in Bob Sander-Cederlof's article. "How to Move Memory" {Apple Assembly Line. January 1981). Basically, the number of bytes to be moved is broken down into pages of 2 56 bytes and a remain- ing partial page with a byte count less than 2 56. Whole pages are moved first, then the partial page. The parameter Set size contains the number of bytes to be moved (operated on) and should be passed to the procedures using the built-in Pascal function SIZEOFQ applied to your declared PACKED ARRAY[n] OF BOOLEAN. The Union. Intersection, and Dif- ference procedures scan sequential bytes in each of two set operands, altering the bit patterns according to the truth tables in table I. Union essentially uses the machine op code ORA to set bits on if the bit is on in either of the sets involved. Intersec- tion, on the other hand, uses the machine op code AND to turn bits on only if they are on in both sets. Final- ly, Difference uses a combination of the machine op codes EOR and AND: it first turns off bits that are common to both sets (EOR). then ANDs this bit pattern with the original operand. Set A, to clear those bits not originally part of Set A— those turned on by EOR. (This becomes easier to understand if you try to work out a couple of examples by hand using table I.) The function Inclusion ANDs the two sets together, yielding a bit pattern that contains only those bits common to both sets. This pattern is then compared to the bit pattern of [continued] 134 BYTE • MAY 1985 Draw Your Way to the Top PC-Draw Will Increase Your Office Productivity. And Upward Mobility. Imagine. You now have the capability to graphically depict your best ideas, plans, designs and proposals. In color or black & white. Accurately. Completely. Dramati- cally. Concepts presented so forcefully — yet so simply — that you leave that critical meeting with upper management . . . totally confident of success. And you win. Your secret weapon? PC-Draw. A powerful in- teractive graphics program for the IBM PC or XT™— unlike anything else on the market. Using PC-Draw you create virtually anything that can be drawn with pencil and paper. Quick- ly. Easily. With far greater detail. PC-Draw is ideal for presentation graphics, proposals, 10 DAY TRIAL PERIOD systems design, forms, diagrams . . . and an endless variety of charts, graphs and illustrations. 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Please call for complete pricing mi 714/840-2406 -ssr (3i^B So Habla Etpanol a^^MT CALIFORNIA MICRO HOUSE 16835 Algonquin St.. Huntington Beach. CA 92649 Corporals account* welcomed, purchase order* accepted with nel 30 day termt subject to credit approval. All price* represent ca*h price* All items (hipped next day In factory »ealed package* We guarantee all Hem* lor 30 day* California resident* please add 6% sale* fai Price* subject to change without notice SET EXTENSIONS the set you wish to test for inclusion (Set B). If the patterns match, you know that all bits common to both sets are contained in Set B. If not. the loop is exited to the code located at local label $4. which decrements the Boolean result to (false) and returns to the caller. The Assignment and Nullify pro- cedures are fairly straightforward. Assignment copies the bytes from one set to another, while Nullify moves 0s— all bits off. thus no ele- ments—to the operand set. What would an extension to a lan- guage be without some new feature thrown in for good measure? How about a set operator from Modula-2. Niklaus Wirth's latest language? Titled Symmetrical, this dual-set operator is expressed as A/B (versus A-B for difference] and forms a new set with elements from either set, but not both. For example, element IN (A/B) is the same as NOT ((element IN A) AND (element IN B)). At the machine level, the op code used is EOR, which turns bits common to both sets off and turns on those bits not common to both. (Dyed-in-the-wool Pascal pro- grammers should have some fun with this one.) Execution Speed As usual, there are trade-offs between the size of the code and its execution speed. Since the single-set operators require one access into a set, it seems reasonable that they share the neces- sary overhead. However, because the dual-set operators must make several accesses, they should use their own code exclusively. If the dual-set oper- ators were to share a main loop for accessing memory, the overhead of both testing for the operator desired and JUMPing to it would slow execu- tion by at least a factor of two. How fast does this make Supersets compared to Apple Pascal? Table 2 lists the procedures and functions of Supersets, their equivalent Apple Pascal statements, and the relative ex- ecution times of each. In order to get a meaningful comparison, I used a set of 512 elements to compare Apple Pascal and Supersets. The third col- umn gives the results for a set of 1024 elements using Supersets only. As table 2 indicates. Supersets' pro- cedures are about twice as fast as their counterparts in Apple Pascal. Equally important, Supersets' ability to handle sets of an increased size- such as 1024 elements— does not sig- nificantly slow execution. One reason for the performance increase is that Apple Pascal cannot add or subtract single elements from sets but must use an entire set for each operand. Also. Apple Pascal compiles to p- code, which must then be interpreted at run time. (continued) Table 2: Supersets' procedures and functions with their equivalent Apple Pascal statements and the relative execution times of each. Supersets Apple Pascal Apple Set Superset Superset Procedure Statement of 512 of 512 of 1024 Membership element IN set A 1.000 0.688 0.688 Include set A = set A + [element] 1.000 0.274 0.274 Exclude set A = set A - [element] 1.000 0.270 0.270 Union set C = set A + set B 1.000 0.265 0.415 Intersection set_C = set A * set B 1.000 0.531 0.810 Difference set_C = set A - set B 1.000 0.578 0.931 Equality set A = set B 1.000 0.629 0.947 Inclusion set A > = set B 1.000 0.640 1.005 Assignment set_B = set A 1.000 823 1.240 Nullify set A = 11 1.000 0.721 1.031 Symmetrical set_C = set A / set B 1.000 0.278 0.430 Average Relative Execution Times 1.000 0.518 0.731 136 B YTE • MAY 1985 ntroducing the Most Powerful Business Software Ever! TRS-80 T " (Model I, II, III, or 16) • APPLE" • IBM" • OSBORNE" • CP/M™ • XEROX™ rir«-«l ft r«;"r GENERAL LEDGER? f VERSA | J LEDGER j >c>* i» v»# i r \ . ^.<. ^^ ..->-■ w. X* Tk. CAW flt mKII fe ^ Kk. VtRSAUOGtP. MAS BUH CKtfiii :. 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Applications You might keep in mind that Supersets operates on packed arrays of type Boolean. Therefore, you can use Supersets in Pascal applications that might not require abstraction at the set construct level— for example, bit-mapped graphics. In addition to applications requiring larger set sizes, you can use Supersets to formulate relational database requests that use large Boolean arrays, indexed by the record number. to construct subsets of the data. For example, several such subsets could represent an individual's gender, income, and whether he or she subscribes to a particular periodical. By using the Union. Difference, and Intersection set operators, the database request can return those records where the individual is, for example, male and/or has a certain income and/or subscribes to a particular periodical. You can also use Supersets in scientific sampling to operate on arrays of Boolean observations over time— the scalar index— to construct particular relationships among several such sets of observations. You might find the equivalent ma- chine op code for particular operators handy with graphics animation or bit- mapped character sets. Rather than redraw several sequences of an animation scene, you can use the operators to alter the bit pattern of the bit array and write it out to the graphics screen using the DrawBlock intrinsic provided with Turtle Graphics. Conclusion Sets are indeed powerful constructs in Pascal; take advantage of their ease of use. speed, and logical operators. In addition, knowledge of how sets work at the machine level can open new avenues of applications in areas other than the set construct. 1 hope Supersets will expand your Pascal toolkit and enhance your program design. ■ 138 BYTE ■ MAY 1985 K' COLOR GRAP On Any System. . . In Any Language . . . 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The PC5 1 2 provides: • An on-board Z80B processor (6 Mhz). • Firmware for graphic primitive execution and video memory ad- dressing • Operations transparent to the PC processor • A fast, easy-to-use graphics peripheral • A language and operating system independent device VectorScan PC512 VectorScan 512/IEEE Vector Scan 512 IBM-PC or compatible plug in board. 4096 Color Pallet S695/Assembled 5450/Kit Aluminum Case and power supply. IEEE-488 Interface S 1 975/with IEEE-488 interface Aluminum Case and power supply. RS-232 Interface Hardcopy output S975 Applied Data systems, inc. 9811 Mallard Drive, Suite 213 • Laurel, Maryland 20708 • (301) 953-9326 Inquiry 34 Three more firsts from the people who invented the wheel. XEROX From day one, Xerox and Diablo have been known as the two best names in daisywheel printers. And now there are three more in the Xerox line to choose from. The Xerox Advantage D-25 Diablo printer turns out letter qual- ity documents quickly and quietly. And it does all that for the price of a dot matrix printer. ^ At 80 c.p.s., the D-80IF is the fastest daisywheel printer ever made by Xerox. It has a built-in double bin sheet feeder. As well as the capacity to handle up to 16 computers at once. And the D-36 spells reliability. It averages 4,000 hours of printing between maintenance calls. But Xerox didn't stop there. Each of these new machines is compatible with most computers on the market, including the IBM-PC. And they're .A all easy to use. They're also a part of Team Xerox, so they can be serviced by the national Xerox service force and authorized service loca- tions across the country. So if you're looking for the latest in daisy- wheel printing technology, go with the people who've been in the busi- ness the longest Call 1-800-833-2323, ext. 25, your local Xerox office, an authorized Diablo or Xerox dealer or send your business card to Xerox Corporation, Dept 25192, PQ Box 24; Rochester, NY 14692. For more information from Xerox. Circle 424 on the Reader Service card. ' XEROX®, Diablo" and Ihc identifying numbers herein arc trademarks of XEROX CORPORATION. IBM " is h registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Move From General Ledger. Directly Into Order Entry. ragjg&TOP^ To Accounts Receivable . To Inventory Control . To Accounts Payable . . r^ ■ J ■ m mmw. cwr*»:i» «i«-.-. *« 1 ,■>!!- on » n> ■ k m«rwm was •aas I Mu turn* «.■■» m.m« mmn "— -■ MuuMki To Spreadsheet . WITH EASY BUSINESS SYSTEMS. THERE'S NO TELLING HOW FAR YOUR BUSINESS CAN GO. When you add Easy Business" Systems accounting software to your business, you'll be able to do far more than keep track of your company's time and money. You'll get the information you need to take your company places. First of all, EasyBusiness Systems is a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use integrated accounting system. One that's recommended by accountants from independent CPAs all the way to the Big 8. In fact, PC Magazine's Price Waterhouse Report has called EasyBusiness Systems "... an ex- cellent set of accounting packages." and "... among the best on the market today."* And now with the EasyPlus'" windowing system, you can inte- grate all our accounting and pro- ductivity software on one screen. Integration that no other soft- ware company can offer. Which even includes leading spreadsheets like SuperCalc* 3 Release 2 and Lotus 1-2-3.'" Databases like dBASE'" II. And word processing programs like EasyWriter " II and WordStar™ So you'll be able to see . your business in ways you never could before. EasyBusiness Systems is powerful and flexible enough for any size business. Yet surprisingly easy to learn. And should you have any problems in your first six months, free expert technical support is only a phone call away. To find out more about EasyBusiness Systems, ask your accountant. Or see your authorized Sorcim/IUS dealer. You'll never look at your busi- ness the same way again. SORCIM/IUS o MICRO SOFTWARE 'V Computer Associates International, hit Easy Business. Easy- Plus and EasyWriter are trademarks, and SuperCalc a regis- tered trademark of Computer Associates International, hu Lotus and 1-2-3 are Iradeniarks ol Lotus Development Corp dBASE is a trademark of AshtonTate WordStar is a trademark ol MicroPro Corp. "PC Magazine 5/1/84 Inquiry 372 To Word Processing . To Customized Reports . By Ernest H. Piette Build a Talking Clock Speech Synthesizer This talking clock chip circuit also allows experimentation with an unlimited-vocabulary speech processor. Low-cost speech synthesis is now available for the com- puter hobbyist. Radio Shack has two speech-synthesis products (each selling for $12.95) and both can be interfaced to the Com- modore 64, V1C-20. and the TRS-80 computer. One product is the General Instrument Talking Clock chip set, and the other is the General Instrument SP02 56-AL2 Allophone Speech Pro- cessor. I'll explain how to interface these chips to the above-mentioned computers and describe a program for the Commodore 64 and VIC-20 that will keep time and give a vocal announcement of the time with the touch of a key. Included in the General Instrument Talking Clock chip set are the SP02 56- 017 Speech Processor and the SPR016-117 Speech ROM (read-only memory). A fixed vocabulary stored on the Speech Processor and the ROM contains 33 words and 3 melo- [conlinued] Ernest H. Piette is an off-site engineer in aero- space avionics presently working in the Republic of Korea for the Fairchild Republic Co. His interests include computers, and robotics. He may be contacted at PSC Box 905, APO, San Francisco. CA 96461-0006. ILLUSTRATED BY MACIEK ALBRECHT MAY 1985 -BYTE 143 TALKING CLOCK dies appropriate for a talking clock. The speech produced is highly in- telligible and sounds natural. The General Instrument SP02 56- AL2 Allophone Speech Processor is capable of unlimited vocabulary speech using the allophone-synthesis technique. Stated simply, allophones are the basic sound components of any spoken English word. Radio Shack includes with the chip a data booklet that lists the guidelines for combining allophones to create words. (For a fur- ther discussion of allophones, see the text box "Speech and Voice Synthe- sis" by Tom Clune, September 1984 BYTE, page 340.) Amazingly, a single circuit can be used to interface either the Talking Clock chip set or the Allophone Speech Processor to your computer. Figure 1 shows a diagram of such a circuit that you can connect to a wide variety of microcomputers. The circuit is small, composed entirely of inex- pensive parts, and can be connected to the user port on the Commodore 64 and VIC-20, the printer port on the TRS-80, or any computer with a Cen- tronics printer port. Circuit layout is not very critical: the SP02 56-017 seems rather forgiving in this regard. However, use good con- struction techniques to keep AC (alternating current) hum and noise pickup to a minimum. Also, you should use IC (integrated circuit) sockets for the Speech Processor and ROM chips. You will notice that the circuit diagram shows the Talking Clock chip set in place. No physical modifications are necessary to switch to the Allo- phone Speech Processor; simply remove the SPO2 56-017 Speech Pro- cessor and the SPR016-1 17 ROM and plug the Allophone chip into the Speech Processor's socket (the ROM socket remains empty). Always be cer- tain that there is no power going to the circuit before doing this. I've written two BASIC programs that you can use for experimentation [continued) 9 17 H U 21 L 8 15 K 7 13 J 6 11 H 5 9 F 4 7 E 3 5 D 2 3 C 2 2 N + 5V 0,1/tF J^ n>- o- 20 o- o- /77 A? 23 VD1 SE V n SBYRST DIG OUT RESET LRQ ALD A6 A 5 A4 A3 A2 Al A8 A7 0SC1 SPO256-017 CI C2 C3 SER OUT SER IN ROM CLK 'SS TEST rh + 5V 24 33K v^v- 47pF X Z -)h lO^F 33K * ~"T — ""^"T — lr~l ,-p0.022^F ^p0022 M F -31- 47pF rh 0.1 ^F r*i 10 M F 100 M F k SPR016-117 CI C2 C3 SER IN SER OUT ROM EN ROM CLK V SS CS2 .0.1/iF Figure I: The Talking Clock circuit for Commodore 64, VIC-20, TRS-80. or any microcomputer with a Centronics port. {The TRS-80 Mode! I requires an Expansion Interface.) The two 0.022-^F capacitors should be high quality, such as Radio Shack part number 272-1066, for best results. Use the \Ok-ohm variable resistor for volume control. Although the manufacturer recommends a 3.12-MHz crystal. I found that a TV colorburst works well [Radio Shack part number 272-1310). Also, if you are using a TRS-80 or Centronics interface, you will have to supply an external +5-V power source. 144 BYTE- MAY 1985 Opening a Branch Office. . . You're only a modem away from your DISCOVERY computer! Effective communicafion is today's business. Whether your require- ments are real time data acquisi- tion and retrieval, process control, or simply running your business from ten thousand miles away, the DISCOVERY Multiprocessor will meet your communication needs. No multi-tasking, single-processor computer can match the ■ The Ultimate Solution, h^bb^^h DISCOVERY'S responsiveness to your requests. No Local Area Network (LANs) can offer you the remote, global communications capability of the DISCOVERY System. Take Action Today! Call Toll Free: 1-800-821-6596. (In California, it's 1-818-351-5451.) _ See us at COMDEX The Multiprocessing Company Booth B2M Atlanta Apparel Mart Corporate Headquarters: Action Computer Enterprise, 430 N. Halstead St., Pasadena, CA 91107 USA TWX 910-588-1201 ACTION PSD In Europe: ACE (Europe), B.V.. Paradijslaan 42, 5611 KP Eindhoven, The Netherlands Tel (004) 045-2658 TLX: 51767 ACE E NL In Australia: Archives Computers Australia Pty Ltd., 64 Clarendon Street. South Melbourne. Victoria 3205. Australia Tel. (03) 699-8377 TLX: 39388 ARCAUS AA In Asia: ACE (Asia), G/F, Lee Wah Mansion, 171-177 Hollywood Road. Hong Kong Tel. 5-441692 or 5-442310 TLX: 75332 PACIC HX In Thailand: Action Computers (Thailand), Ltd.. 5/26 Saladaeng Road, Silom, Bangkok, Thailand. Tel. 233-5274 TLX: 82792 ADAMINT TH In Singapore: Action Computers Pte Ltd . 111 North Bridge Road, #05-01 04, Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 0617 Tel 3390244 TLX: 37215 FIGTRA RS Serviced nationwide by Bell & Howell Company DISCOVERYisatrademarkof ActionComputerEnterprises.lnc. Inquiry 10 for Dealers. Inquiry II for End-Users. MAY I985 -BYTE 145 Inquiry 129 TOUGH PRINTER NETWORK PROBLEM^ "How do I get my computers to share three different printers and a plotter. . .without getting all tangled up in cables, switches, protocols and programming?" SIMPLE SOLUTION PrintDirector PrintDirector — an automatic switch, buffer, and network controller product family — allows you to network your com- puters and printers. . .expandable from two to 35 of any mix of models and makes. Just plug it in. No worrying about protocols and baud rates. No cable changing or switch flipping. No modifications to your hardware or software. No problem. For information on the proven PrintDirector product family — and a configurator to tell you which particular PrintDirector can solve your tough printer network problem in a computer or PC center, or local work cluster — call or write: PrintDirector Digital Products Inc. • The Simple Network Solution Company 600 Pleasant Street, Watertown. MA 02172 (617) 924-1680 • Outside Mass., call 1-800-243-2333. And check out our 30-day trial evaluation. • Multiple color, high-resolution raster & bit image PrisnVgraphics. • 200 cps data processing mode. • 1 10 cps text quality mode. I 35 cps letter quality mode. 1 1 ips graphics print speed. • Serial and parallel interfaces. • 5000-byte buffer. Color your graphics with the Dataproducts 8050. For sale, lease or rent from MTI. The Dataproducts Model 8050 printer is one of the most economi- cal yet highly versatile color printers available for use in today's professional microcomputer applications environment. Whether you buy, rent or lease, MTI is the one source for all com- puter printers. And our prices are hard to beat. Call MTI and save. mti systems A SUBSIDIARY OF DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED Computer & Data Communications Equipment Sales / Leasing / Service / Systems Integration Digital Equipment Corp., Intel, Texas Instruments, Hewlett-Paekard*yume, Dataproducts, Diablo, Epson, Lear Siegler, Esprit, Wyse, Link, C.Itoh, PCI, Racal-Vadic, MICOM,Ven-TeL. Develcon, U.S. Design, Digital Engineering. New York: New Jersey: Ohio: Kentucky: 212/226-2337 518/449-5959 201/227-5552 216/46-4-6688 502/426-1497 718/767-0677 Pennsylvania: 800/521-0167 California: 516/621-6200 412/931-9351 513/891-7050 818/883-7633 •In MTI areas only. All other areas 800/645-6530 TALKING CLOCK with this circuit. The first, named TCLOCK.BAS. creates a Talking Digital Clock on your Commodore 64 or V1C-20. (Use it with the Talking Clock chip set in place.) Run the program, enter the correct time in response to the initial prompt, and watch the digital display begin ticking away. Press any key for a verbal announce- ment of the time. (Be sure to read all REM statements before running the program; they will indicate any code that is machine-dependent.) The second program uses the Allo- phone Speech Processor and will say "Hello" on the Commodore 64. This program is named HELL064.BAS. | Editor's note: The source-code listings for TCLOCK.BAS and HELL064.BAS are available for downloading via BYTEnet Listings. The telephone number is (603) 924-9820.| Although I haven't mentioned any uses for the talking clock program, I'm sure you have ideas that you might like to try. A subroutine could be in- cluded to input an alarm time that would wake you in the morning. For commercial applications, the circuit could be integrated into a work- station, notifying an employee of the time when a particular job should be started, etc. It could even be included in a punch-clock station. Talking games, spelling programs, math programs, etc., are just a few ap- plications for the Allophone speech synthesizer. In any case, the SP02 56 series of speech processors offers an extremely low cost introduction to speech synthesis. The items to follow are available from Microtalk Inc., 39 Raymond St., Providence, Rl 02908. For $18, the TT-1 Partial Kit includes an etched and drilled PC board, assembly instruc- tions, and edge connector or ribbon cable (depending on computer: be sure to specify Commodore 64, VIC-20, or TRS-80). The SP02 56-AL2 kit comes with the Allophone pro- cessor chip and the Allophone syn- thesis user's guide for only $16. In- clude $2 for shipping and handling in the continental United States, $5 else- where. Residents of Rhode Island should include 6 percent sales tax. ■ Inquiry 281 CONTROL DATA Premium Series 5.25-inch Flexible Disks 100% Certified That's right. A StorageMaster® diskette is the one you can count on again and again for consistent performance. Because it's made beyond the standards by one of the world's largest manufacturers of storage media. So if you won't settle for anything 5018 Copyright © 1 985 Control Data Corporation. less than extraordinary performance every time, reach for the flopless one. Reach for a StorageMaster diskette. For the location of your nearest distributor, see your local Yellow Pages or call toll-free 1-800-232-6789 ext. 370. CONTRpL DATA Inquiry 109 MAY 1985 -BYTE 147 IBM's best efforts are now going into Macintosh. Macintosh and IBM PC software. Compatible at last, thanks to MacCharlie, a rather innovative coprocessing system. And imagine the consequences. Nearly 10.000 IBM PC software programs designed for general business and specific applications in real estate, insurance, law, medicine, banking, etcetera, can now join forces with Macintosh's own popular programs. And, the myriad of IBM PC- compatible software adopts Macintosh's many beloved features, including desktop utilities such as the clipboard and the calculator. In addition, MacCharlie allows IBM PC and Macintosh data files to be exchanged. Talk about flexibility. But the good news gets better. You see, MacCharlie delivers hardware compatibility, as well. For example, IBM letter-quality printers can be easily used with Macintosh. Furthermore, MacCharlie now allows Macintosh to perform virtually any networking an IBM PC can perform. Even to the extent of tying in with IBM mainframes. In other words, your networking capability goes beyond the Apple family. The Macintosh keyboard slides right into MacCharlie s keyboard About as easy as slipping a letter in an envelope Macintosh sets snugly beside MacCharlie, on a custom- fit pedestal Once you plug in MacCharlie' s power and keyboard cords, you're ready to enjoy a very happy marriage How does it happen? As easily as slipping on penny loafers. In mere moments, MacCharlie combines the best features of the world's premier personal computers. And despite the fact that it turns one computer into two, MacCharlie adds but a handful of square inches to Macintosh's physique. In short, one of life's most perplexing decisions — whether to buy a Macintosh or an IBM PC — can now be made with the greatest of ease. Ask for MacCharlie at your local computer store. Or, for more information, call Operator 14 toll- free, 1-800-531-0600. (In Utah, call 801-531-0600). MacCharlie offers 256K RAM. with optional upgrade to 640K RAM: 360KB disk drive, and optional second dtsk drive MacChailie THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. MacCharlie is a product of Dayna Communications. 50 S. Main. Salt Lake City, Utah 84144 Inquiry 126 Apple is a trademark of Apple Computer. Inc. Macintosh is a trademark licensed to Apple Computer. Inc. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. The Dream,Knee top PC with APL Productivity Etwor -.) tA A I I jm AMPERE Wsl You have never seen a personal computer like the WS-1. This beauty introduces a whole new world of knee-top PC productivity. It combines the unheard of capability of APL programming with a host of 32-bit archi- tecture desktop functions, a rugged keyboard and full-size LCD, plus the person-to-person convenience of an intelligent telephone— all in a smart- ly designed, portable package you can use anywhere! Battery operation * 8 MHz 68000 CPU • Up to 448K bytes of RAM 128K bytes of ROM • 25 X 80 character LCD • Bit-mapped graphics Multiple windowing •Multijob, multitask OS for powerful networking Coherent DB-WP-CALC-Craphic software •Intelligent phone function i Microcassette voice/data storage 150 B YTE • MAY 1985 FOR DISTR I BUTORSHIP INFORMATION AND PRODUCT DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT Bmpene INCORPORATED Asahi Bldg., 5-20, 7-chome N i shi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan Phone: 03-365-0825, Telefax: 03-365-0999, Telex: J33I01 AMPERE IP Sharp Mail Box Code: AMP (Group Code APLWS) U.S. Representative Office; WORKSPACE COMPUTER INC. 3848 Carson st. Suite 301 Torrance, California 90503, U.S.A. Phone: 213-540-1553, Telex: 322800 WORK SPACE Inquiry 29 SMALLTALK Comes to the Microcomputer World he August 1981 issue of BYTE focused on Smalltalk, a highly unusual pro- gramming language. The Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) designed Smalltalk to be a complete development environment. The language is some- what esoteric; it uses unfamiliar terms such as "methods," "classes," and "ob- jects," instead of more conventional jargon. And, while most languages deal with algorithms, Smalltalk focuses on data structures (objects) and their inter- relationships. Smalltalk's lack of "modes" is also unconventional; it has no edit, compile, link, or execute mode. Instead, Smalltalk allows you to do vir- tually anything, anytime. The Smalltalk environment pioneered the concept of displaying different tasks in multiple windows on the screen, an idea that, at the time, represented a radical departure from punched cards and 80-col- umn by 24-line ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) CRTs (cathode-ray tubes). Using a mouse for screen interaction is another Smalltalk innovation. When BYTE introduced its readers to this fascinating language, many of them expectantly awaited Smalltalk's appearance on microcomputers. They waited . . . and waited . . . and waited. Then they began to complain. "Why," they asked BYTE, "did you devote an entire issue to a language we can't use? When are we actually going to see a version of Smalltalk?" The BYTE staff grew weary of the complaints, especially because they were justified. Therefore, it is with great interest and relief that we print this series of ar- ticles. First. Tom Yonkman and I evaluate Methods (page 152), developed by Digitalk Inc. of Los Angeles, California, which brings SmaIltalk-80 to the IBM Personal Computer (PC) and compatibles. Then Christopher Macie discusses Smalltalk-PC, a restricted Smalltalk im- plementation he's developing for the Apple II and other computers (page 155). Finally, for those of you who don't have the August 1981 BYTE handy, "The Smalltalk Programming Language" by Jim Anderson and Barry Fishman of Digitalk (page 160) gives a brief review of Smalltalk-80, complete with an ap- plication that runs under Methods. A review of the August 1981 issue shows how heavily the Xerox PARC Small- talk project has influenced modern software, most notably that for the Lisa/Macintosh. However, development languages like BASIC, C FORTH, and Pascal remain largely unaffected. Perhaps now that some "real" Smalltalk implementations are reaching the microcomputer market, the object-oriented approach to software development will get its first true test. —Bruce Webster MAY 1985 -BYTE 151 METHODS: A PRELIMINARY LOOK Part 1 : Methods is object-oriented . by Bruce Webster he influence of Smalltalk-80. particularly the Xerox PARC implementation, on the microcomputer world has become just about legendary. Windows, mice, and pop-up/pull- down menus now appear on everything from small portables with LCDs (liquid-crystal displays) to expensive terminals hooked up to even more expensive minicomputers and mainframes. Ironically, however, most of the emulation is of the appearance and not of the substance of Smalltalk— and with good reason. Most people have agreed that expensive hardware is required for an acceptable implementation of the Xerox stan- dard. For example. Tektronix recently announced their 4404 Artificial Intelligence System, a marvelous single-user development system running Smalltalk-80. It has a Motorola 68010 processor, 1 megabyte of RAM (random-access read/write memory), and a 20-megabyte hard disk. But its $15,000 cost will do little to bring Smalltalk to the masses. Yet, as the many articles in the August 1981 BYTE suggest, Smalltalk is a language from which the masses, from children on up, can profit. A few years ago. two software engineers working on several large projects were frustrated with their develop- ment tools. Specifically. Jim Anderson and George Bosworth wanted a development environment that would help, rather than hinder, in producing solutions. They read the BYTE Smalltalk issue and found that many of the ar- ticles presented ideas similar to their own: IN BRIEF Name Methods, version 1.0 Manufacturer Digitalk Inc. 5200 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90045 (213) 645-1082 Type Object-oriented program-development system, based on Smalltalk-80 Environment Text-based windowing system with cursor-pad "mouse" and pop-up menus Price $250 Computer IBM PC and compatibles with two 360K-byte disk drives (or a hard disk), at least 512K-bytes of RAM, a monochrome or graphics card, and either MS-DOS or PC-DOS Documentation Program-development-environment reference manual, Smalltalk language reference manual Audience Software developers and interested programmers • Small personalized systems provide much more creative leverage for the user than large-scale standardized sys- tems. (They had been using an extended Pascal under UNIX 4.2.) • Complexity dilutes power. The UNIX systems certainly have power, but their complexities detract from their abili- ty to harness it. • A small number of concepts uniformly applied results in a powerful and understandable system. • Self-organizing systems are the goal of the future. Anderson and Bosworth decided that Smalltalk— or something like it— was their answer. They wanted a commercially viable product, something that others could and would use. Initially, they approached Bruce Webster is a BYTE contributing editor as well as a PMS com- mando. He works with several programming languages and is seldom afraid to tackle a new one. He can be reached at 6215 Thorn St.. San Diego, CA 92115. 152 BYTE • MAY 1985 Xerox but decided that the hardware demands and licens- ing fees of Smalltalk-80 were too great. So, not knowing that it was "impossible" to bring up Smalltalk on the cur- rent generation of microcomputers, they agreed to imple- ment Smalltalk on an Olivetti computer, retaining the right to market the results for other microcomputers. They picked the IBM Personal Computer as their target machine, assuming that would give them the largest possible market, and they formed Digitalk Inc. with Barbara Noparstak and Alberto Delia Ripa. The result, two years later, is Methods, version 1.0. Methods attempts to recreate the Smalltalk development environment on an IBM PC (and compatibles) running under MS-DOS. You don't need a hard disk-two 360K- byte floppy disks are sufficient— but you do need 512K bytes of memory. Nonetheless, most IBM PCs and com- patibles now come with at least 2 56K bytes of RAM, and expansion cards with another 2 56K bytes are readily available. Using Methods Methods uses two disks. One contains SOURCES.SML, a 300K-byte ASCII file containing the source code for all methods in the system. The other has IMAGE.EXE, a RAM image of the Methods system, and CHANGE.LOG, an ASCII file containing the source code for all changed methods and for expressions executed with the dolt and printlt menu commands. It takes about a minute to load IMAGE.EXE, your development environment, into RAM. You can save new objects and methods to disk using one of the pop-up menus. Then, when you reload the image, you come up in the same environment you last saved, including all win- dows and their contents (definitions, commands, output). Digitalk's biggest challenge was implementing the Smalltalk user interface. Windows, pop-up menus, and a free-roaming cursor are fundamental aspects of Xerox's Smalltalk systems, but not all IBM PCs or compatibles have graphics capability, and few support a mouse. Therefore Digitalk used a character-based windowing system and what they call the "right-hand-drive mouse." The character-based windows, which use the IBM PC's extended character set and character attributes (bold, in- verse, etc.), work well. Windows can overlap, move around, and change size. They can collapse down to their title, which can then be set off in a corner of the screen, or they can be removed altogether. They can hold more text than they show, and they support both vertical and hori- zontal scrolling. Furthermore, a given window can be divided into "panes," each with the same capabilities as windows. Two functions keys select the current window and pane: F9 cycles through the windows on the screen, activating each in turn by putting it "on top" of all others; F10 cycles through the different panes (if any) within the currently active window. Alternatively, placing the cursor in a window or pane makes it active. With a color-graphics card, the windows are still text-based, but you gain the ability to select the background and text colors for each window. Text-based windows have three main advantages. They lessen the need for a graphics card, reduce memory re- quirements (because text information is more compact than bit-map information), and increase system speed (because text can be manipulated more rapidly than bit maps). The disadvantage, of course, is that some of the fancier features often associated with Smalltalk— different text fonts, graphics images, and the like— aren't possible. The right-hand-drive mouse uses the cursor keypad to perform most of the functions of a mouse, including mov- ing the cursor, scrolling windows, popping up menus, and selecting text. The arrow keys move the cursor around; if you use them with the shift key, the cursor moves in larger increments. The Home and End keys let you scroll text left and right within the active window/pane; similar- ly, the Pg Up and Pg Dn keys let you scroll up and down. The Ins and Del keys pop up menus for the the active win- dow and pane, respectively. The + key selects a menu item or a location; the - key extends that selection over several lines. Some Observations It was easy to evaluate Methods' user interface; it was more difficult to assess the language itself, especially to compare it with Smalltalk-80. Since I had little experience with Smalltalk (or, for that matter, any other object- oriented language), I asked someone with more experi- ence and knowledge to perform that task. Tom Yonkman, who has developed object-oriented software applications for several years, graciously consented to write the sec- ond part of this article. I will share my own observations as a professional software engineer with a strong back- ground in more traditional computer languages (Pascal, FORTH, FORTRAN, assembly). Keep in mind, however, that I worked with a prerelease version with no real documen- tation. At first, I was very excited about Methods. I spent a few hours at the Digitalk offices watching the staff demonstrate the product. I was impressed with the user interface and amazed at how quickly they could create new applications and modify existing ones. I was anxious to start using it myself. My initial sessions with Methods were frustrating. What seemed effortless and clear at Digitalk now seemed dif- ficult and obscure. 1 had no problems with the user inter- face, but the language itself was challenging. In fact, I was probably a victim of my own training and experience, all geared towards "traditional" programming languages and techniques. After a few days of playing around, I began to get results. [continued] MAY 1985 153 I started to define some data structures and the methods needed to store and retrieve their information. The more I worked, the more potential I saw. Indeed, some of my long-term projects dealing with modeling large systems may be better implemented in Methods/Smalltalk than in any other languages with which I'm familiar. My main difficulty with Methods was getting it to do something quickly. This was not an inherent problem with Methods; I had three handicaps: lack of documentation, lack of graphics and real numbers in my prerelease ver- sion (most of the examples in Smalltalk-80 books involve one or the other), and, of course, my own lack of familiarity with object-oriented languages. None of these handicaps should remain when Methods is commercially released (probably by the time you read this). The bottom line is that Methods is a legitimate object- oriented development system, running on widely available, standard hardware. Since it is a departure from traditional programming environments, you will need complete, clear documentation to avoid frustration. How Digitalk ad- dresses that issue remains to be seen. A more complete evaluation will have to await the release of the final prod- uct; nonetheless, anyone with an interest in object-oriented languages should take a close look at Methods. Part 2 : . . . but is it Smalltalk? m by Tom Yonkman • ethods is a complete software-development system, with an editor, compiler, executor, and debugger all in a multiwindow environment. Methods does not re- quire a linker or a loader. The language is similar to Smalltalk-80 (see Smalltalk-80: The Language and Us Implementation by Adele Goldberg and David Robson, Addison-Wesley, 1983). The syntaxes of the languages are identical except for characters that don't exist in the IBM PC character set. On the basis of limited testing, the semantics of Methods (what the functions do) also seem identical to those in Smalltalk-80. The user in- terface is similar to that of Smalltalk-80; differences owe to the space limitations of the 80-column by 2 5-line char- acter screen and to the memory limitations of the IBM PC. Methods provides the standard System Transcript, Work- space, Class Hierarchy Browser, Class Browser, Inspector, and Walkback (Backtrace) windows. Multiple instances of each window ("views" in Methods and Smalltalk jargon) can appear on the screen. The Walkback window traces the sequence of operations that led to an error state. The System Transcript window displays messages for the user. Workspace is a general utility window for editing text and sending messages to objects (i.e., executing programs). The Browsers look at the existing hierarchy of classes, the message names of existing classes, and the definitions of existing methods. You can add or delete classes, edit a class's definition, protocol, or redefine its methods. The Browsers can access the Methods system in its entirety. You can see how the system developers do certain opera- tions, and you can copy any statements you like, paste them into your own methods, or modify them. The Inspec- tor allows you to view or change the current values of in- Torn Yonkman is a member of the technical staff of VERAC Inc.. San Diego. CA. He has been developing object-oriented software ap- plications using Flavors for several years. He can be reached at 4182 Camino \slay. San Diego. CA 92122. stance variables. Menu commands are provided so you can find all the senders and implementors of a specified method. These are very useful, given the inheritance mechanism of Methods. You use Methods by sending messages to objects that perform some operation and return the result. If there is no class of objects with the capabilities you need, you can define new classes and associated protocols (message names and methods). Or you can edit existing methods or add new methods to existing classes. In any case, you are always interacting with the Methods system— a similari- ty this language shares with BASIC, LISP, and FORTH, among other highly interactive systems. Methods does not provide a System Workspace with templates for commonly used expressions, which would be a useful feature for users not yet familiar with the program. The process of developing capabilities will involve testing your new methods. You do this by creating a new instance of your class, sending it a message, observing the response, and fixing the method if the response is in- correct. To fix the method, you select a Class Browser win- dow, edit and recompile, select the Workspace where the message was sent, resend the message, etc. While I know that I used a prerelease version of methods, I do have a "wish list" for the language. For ex- ample, it would be nice if more data were kept in memory at one time, so that browsing back and forth didn't require reloading the same source code as often. The designers may have traded memory for speed. I would also have preferred easier selection among panes of a window and among all windows. For example, a function key could cycle among the two most recently selected panes/win- dows or among the n most recently selected. Despite the limitations of Methods, someone who becomes proficient with it should have no trouble with a "real" Smalltalk-80 system (like the Tektronix 4404). Best of all, you don't need to pay $15,000 to use Methods. ■ 154 : YT E • MAY 1085 SMALLTALK-PC by Christopher Macie Objected-oriented software on the Apple II S malltalk bridges the gap between human and computer problem-solving logic. Essentially, programming is the process of creating a model of an activity or thought process. In traditional programming languages a small change in a problem can require a large change in the program code (owing to the lan- guages' firm bases in machine representation). And many languages involve special, often particularistic, sets of skills. Higher-level programming languages are simply higher-level abstractions from machine logic. Smalltalk, on the other hand, starts with an object-oriented model of prob- lem-solving logic and deals with the machine logic internally and automatically. Where other languages need guiding constructs like "structured programming" to help control the complexity of machine representation, Smalltalk proceeds along more natural intuitive lines. And, as the needs of the Smalltalk user change, applications are easy to modify and maintain. When 1 first saw Adele Goldberg demonstrate Smalltalk-72 at Xerox PARC in 1976, other programming languages and environments suddenly seemed obsolete. Between 1976 and 1981, I studied Smalltalk, applying its principles in new projects, and I decided that a full implementation would never work on the minicomputers then available. But then the Apple II came along, with extendable architecture and a memory-mapped screen. When BYTE published the Smalltalk issue in August 1981, memory-extension cards were becoming available, and various game- paddle devices could simulate the functions of a mouse. The Apple II had become a candidate for Smalltalk experimentation. Smalltalk-80, the Xerox standard, had advanced and refined the Smalltalk concepts, but it seemed out of reach for the Apple 11. Nonetheless, I began my own Smalltalk implemen- tation on the basis of reverse engineering (see references 1 and 2). Smalltalk for Low-Cost Personal Computers I developed Smalltalk-PC to provide users with access to object-oriented pro- gramming on hardware systems like the Apple II and IBM PC. The language is intended for system designers and applications programmers who want a head start in object-oriented programming and for sophisticated users and programmers, especially those working with highly dynamic applications in- volving frequent reprogramming. Although Smalltalk-PC differs in several respects from Smalltalk-80, the general flexibility of the Smalltalk language will facilitate communication between the two. Smalltalk-80 is written to such a deep level that it requires extraordinary processor power to perform adequately. Smalltalk-PC simplifies the hardware requirements by placing the entire system (which can be extended) in about 60K bytes of RAM (random-access read/write memory), using mass storage (continued) Christopher Macie (1255 Post St. #625, Box 138, San Francisco. CA 94109) is a software- systems designer. He has a B.A. in music and humanities from Stanford University and an M.A. in music history from the University of California at Berkeley. His interest in Smalltalk evolved from his efforts with the classical pipe organ and then with electronic music. MAY 1985 -BYTE 155 VIRTUAL MACHINE 1 INITIAL IMAGE VIRTUAL m AGE USER EXTENSIONS Figure 1 : The overall structure of the Smalltalk- PC system. The virtual image drives the virtual machine. The initial image implements the dictionary, user interface, and language systems. PRIMITIVES {VIRTUAL MACHINE) OBJECT -MODULES (OBJECTS) COMPILED-METHODS lORJECTS) METH )D-ID ' METHOD TABLE SE tD- CLASS XNO SELECT OR Figure 2: Unified message sending to the different method-implementation types. Message sends are handled as lookup keys into the method table, which determines the implementation type and the path to the method code. for file I/O (input/output) and image storage but not for swapping. In Smalltalk-PC, therefore, the virtual machine (the lower level written in assembly code) is much larger than in Smalltalk-80, limiting modifiability at the lower systems' levels (such as object and class behavior, the system-level classes, including collections, and much of the user interface), but optimizing performance on the slower processors. Still, Smalltalk-PC preserves the flex- ibility of Smalltalk at its higher levels, those of interest to most personal computer and applications programmers. Smalltalk-PC embodies "open system" principles but also allows programmers to protect applications and their users from the pitfalls of fully open access. ment. including the dictionary, user interface, and language systems. It also contains some toolkit extensions for ap- plications programming. Methods can be redefined in the fundamental classes, as illustrated by the arrow leading from the virtual machine back to the virtual image. Smalltalk-PC thus preserves the essential flexibility of Smalltalk, although its speed suf- fers relative to the default-machine-coded versions when such methods are interpreted. The package of modules has entry points for message sends (with arguments in an active context) and for message calls (with arguments in registers and internal global cells). Although the arrows in figure 3 go directly to modules, all message sends are in fact routed through the Virtual Environment (VE) module. As you can see in figure 2. message sends are handled uniformly as lookup keys into the method table, yielding a method-ID (identification) whose encoding determines the implementation type and the path to the method code. The state of the system— all the data stored and retrieved as the virtual image— is structured as in figure 4. The Smalltalk -PC Language The language system compiles Smalltalk-PC code into in- termediate code in compiled methods, interprets it, and provides support for debugging and error handling. The language syntax is a modified form of Smalltalk-80 syn- tax (see reference 3). There are three types of language tokens, each distin- guished by their typography. Those beginning with lower- case letters represent selectors and context-dependent variables. Those beginning in uppercase letters but con- taining at least one lowercase letter signify global variables. Tokens that are completely in uppercase represent re- served words and are used for identifiers such as NIL, TRUE, FALSE, the pseudovariables SELF, SUPER, etc., and certain control-selectors that are treated as primitives. The reserved-word syntax is also used to express an escape mechanism for encapsulating other "languages" in method code. This is used, for instance, for symbolic and hexadecimal representations of Smalltalk-PC inter- mediate code. Escape syntax is also used to specify a variety of modes affecting method compilation and ex- ecution. For instance, visibility layering and error handling are regulated by class- or method-level run-time modes. System Structures Figure 1 shows the overall structure of the Smalltalk-PC system. The hardware is interfaced by the virtual machine or kernel system (see figure 3), which implements the class/ object and message-passing machine. The virtual machine is in turn driven by the virtual image— the fundamental system classes and objects that implement the object- oriented modeling environment. The initial image, delivered with the system, implements the basic environ- The Class System The Smalltalk-PC class system is structured in a hierarchical tree from the root class Object and resembles the basic parts of the Smalltalk-80 class tree. The metaclasses of Smalltalk-80, however, are not used in Smalltalk-PC where class and instance behavior are both accessed through the class Class. The class Collection has subclasses for RandomCollec- tions (Bag, Set. Dictionary) and IndexableCollections, in- 156 BYTE- MAY 1985 eluding Arrays (Strings. Symbols) and Ordered- or Sorted- Collections. The class Matrix is a subclass of Indexable- Collections. There are further subclasses for ByteMatrix (for WYSIWYG text) and PointerMatrix. These classes allow for large regular structures without proliferating sub- objects. In creating IndexableCollections, there is an optional vir- tual dynamic-size control that uses an internally main- tained current end marker. The feature reduces the amount of allocation/deallocation of objects, which often change in size. Other fundamental classes include Undefined (NIL). Boolean (TRUE, FALSE) and Measure. Measure is similar to Magnitude in Smalltalk-80 and has subclasses for Char- acter, SearchKey, and Number (which includes Integers and Float). Floating-point numbers are implemented in BCD (binary-coded decimal) format, with a 7-bit signed exponent, sign bit, and a 6-byte mantissa (12-digit precision). The user interface contains classes representing the de- vices (Screen. Mouse, and Keyboard), their configurations, and a variety of window types and components. At the elemental level are WindowDimensions and Window- Frames and their components— TitleBars, ScrollBars, MenuBars. and Corners. Panes include TextPanes. List- Panes, and LabelValuePanes. PopUpMenus are a vari- ety of ListPanes. Complex forms are built by combining panes and dimen- sions or frames. Scanners are combinations of ListPanes used to scan through hierarchical structures like cate- gorized dictionaries. Examiners are pairs of coordinated ListPanes used to examine or edit the state of any ob- ject. PropertyLists, arrays of LabelValuePanes. display labeled data or switches. Windows combine frames and panes with the Director function to assume the behavior of processes that can be independently scheduled user tasks that reside in screens and present data that can be transferred between win- dows. TextWindows contain workspaces and documents: they are used in combination with dictionaries (ListWin- dows and Scanners) to build information trees or plexes. ClassEditor is a more complex window that combines LabelValuePanes, ListPanes, and TextPanes for the dis- play, generation, and modification of class definitions and methods. Multitasking and Multiple Processors Smalltalk-PC provides run-time scheduling and multitask- ing, allowing multiple active processes to compute simul- taneously. The basic system classes furnish multilevel scheduling, queue handling, and semaphores for syn- chronization. A variant of Smalltalk-PC called Smalltalk-Mate, will run on multiple-processor hardware systems, including the Apple II and IBM PC with added processor cards, as well as newer machines with multiple processors on the motherboard. Smalltalk-Mate furnishes an interface to sup- port multiple processing on a single-object memory or synchronization between different images and even be- tween Smalltalk and other language systems. This capabili- ty allows Smalltalk-PC to run coresident with the p-System and MS-DOS, among others. Users can therefore take ad- vantage of both preexisting software and the special strengths of Smalltalk. Running Smalltalk -PC The Smalltalk-PC boot disk contains the virtual-machine program and a prerun configuration routine that allows {continued) Figure 3: The structure of the virtual machine. The Virtual Environment (VE) module interfaces devices and memory, implements classes and message pass- ing, and handles access to HARDWARE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT STRUCTURAL PRIMITIVES USER- INTERFACE PRIMITIVES LANGUAGE SYSTEM ?< \ MESSAGE ENTRIES CALL ENTRIES T T objects and their fields. The Structural Primitives module contains various primitive methods. The User-Interface module carries out the primitive functions for screens and windows, while the language System module contains the compiler, interpreter, and debugging subsystems. INTERNAL GLOBALS CONFIGURATIONS DEVICE STATES •SYSTEM ROOTS INTERPRETER STATE* ACTIVE PROCESS FIXED OBJECTS RAM-SEGMENT TABLE OBJECT TABLE CLASS TABLE METHOD TABLES OBJECT MEMORY ACTIVE CONTEXT I/ 1 Figure 4: The Virtual Image Structure. Internal globals and fixed objects are stored in areas directly accessed by the virtual machine, although many of their elements are interfaced to the higher-level environment as bona fide objects. The state of execution is rooted in internal globals {used as registers) but largely contained in the objects of the active context. The running system makes no distinction between the initial image and user extensions. 157 the user to specify the current hardware configuration- mouse, screen, extended-memory types, and slots. A set configuration can be saved for future booting. A second disk loads the initial virtual image, which requires a minimum of 2 56K bytes of RAM. It is possible to configure additional RAM from within the system, but saving and loading extended virtual images may require multiple disks. The initial image (see photo 1) displays the system screen, a logo, and elementary instructions. The system screen provides entry to the rest of the system through a pop-up menu that accesses a dictionary of system-task windows and the user-project screens. The User Interface In the default user-interface configuration, the middle mouse button (or the one on the right on a two-button mouse) invokes a pop-up menu. Moving the mouse through the menu with the button depressed changes en- tries to inverse video. Releasing the button at a dictionary entry schedules and runs the process associated with that entry. Usually a framed window then appears. Data elements or ranges in a window or its frame are selected by clicking or dragging the button on the left. Pop-up menus, usually in combination with a data selection, in- voke actions. Pop-up menus at the frame of a window of- fer the functions common to all windows— closing, posi- tioning, and growing. Pop-up menus within the frame con- tain functions specific to the type of the window. A project screen is a window that fills the whole screen, has no frame, and behaves much like the system screen, but contains a user-defined environment. The fundamental pane and window types include op- tions to configure the user interface according to personal preferences. For example, action selection can appear in PopUpMenus (as in later Xerox Smalltalks). in MenuBars at the top of the screen (as in the Lisa or Macintosh), or at the bottom (as in Visi On); TitleBars can appear at the top or bottom; ScrollBars can appear at the top, bottom, left, or right. The user can configure the mouse to deliver the select, pop-up, execute (or do-it), and help functions from any choice of buttons (1, 2, 3, or simultaneous combinations). The user can also configure key assignments for cursor and button control and assign up to 10 special-function keys as either soft interrupts that result in running pro- cesses or as pollable switches. System Features The task windows residing in the system screen provide interactive settings for dealing with system resources. One task window, for example, permits the reconfiguration of hardware and software features. You can use Scanner windows to look around in hierar- chically categorized dictionaries, and you can use an Ex- aminer window to investigate the state of any object. For example, by nesting Scanner and Examiner windows, vir- tually anything in the system can be reached and viewed •W n]n»m ttintM «! 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(Apple, etc) 35 Trk, W/FLIP BOX S 12 100 ea SS/SD, (Apple, etc) 35 Trk S 99 1 1000 ea SS/SD, (Apple, etc ) 35 Trk S 840 10 sa DS/DD, (IBM. H/P) 48 Trk, W/FLIP BOX $ 15 100 ea DS/DD, (IBM, H/P) 45 Trk $119 1 1000 ea. DS/DD, (IBM, H/P) 48 Trk $ 859 10 ea. DS/DD, 3'A" (MAC, H/P), W/FLIP BOX S 29 50 ea DS/DD, 3W (MAC. H/P) $140 100 ea. DS/DD, V/l" (MAC, H/P) $ 270 * CONROY-LAPOINTE" * IBM PREFORMATTED 10 ea, DS/DD. 48 Trk W/FLIP BOX $ 19 tOOea. DS/DD, 48 Trk $ 149 1 1000 ea. DS/DD. 48 Trk $959 SINGLE-SIDED. DOUBLE DENSITY LIST CONH0Y |CDC, 10ea,SS/DD, 40 Trk (Apple, etc) $ 55 $ 19 100 ea, SS/DD, 40 Trk (Apple, etc) $ 550 $ 195 IDYSAN, 10 ea. SS/DD. (Apple, etc) S 40$ 27 IMAXELL, 10 ea. SS/DD, MD1 (Apple) J 55 $ 19 ^VERBATIM, 10ea.SS/DD,MD515O1. (Apple) $ 49 $ 25 DOUBLE-SIDED, DOUBLE DENSITY |CDC, 10 ea. DS/DD, 40 Trk (IBM, H/P) S 75 $ 100 ea. DS/DD. 40 Trk (IBM. H/P) S 750 $ IDYSAN, 10 ea. DS/DD, (IBM. H/P) $ 69 $ ■ MAXELL, 10 ea. DS/DD. MD2 (IBM) S 75 $ | VERBATIM 10 ea. 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Portable Modem, 300 Baud (MAC) S 140 NOVATION, J-Cat, 300 Baud Modem % 149 ACCESS 1-2-3 1200B Modem •> Crosstalk (IBM) S 595 Apple Cat II 300 Baud (AP) S 389 212 Apple Cat. 1200 Baud (AP) $ 725 SmartCat Plus w/software (MAC) $ 499 PROMETHEUS. 1200 Standalone Modem $ 495 ProModem 1200 w/software (MAC) $ 549 ProModem 1200A (AP) $ 449 ProModem 1200B (IBM) $ 399 QUADRAM. Quad modem. Internal (IBM) S 595 Ouadmodem. External, (IBM) $ 695 VENTEL, PC Halt Card (IBM) $ 549 1200 Plus, External (IBM) S 499 PC 1200 Internal ['IBM' S 499 MONITORS AMDEK, Color 300 Comp/Audio $ 349 Color 500 Comp/VCR/RGB/Audio S 525 Color 600 Hi Res. RGB/Audio $ 599 Color 700 Ultra Hi Res, RGB $ 749 Color 710 Ultra Hi Res, Phos S 799 300G, 12" Green S 179 300A, 12" Amber $ 199 310A. 12" Amber. (IBM) S 230 PRINCETON, HX-12. Hi Res. RGB S 795 SR-12. Hi Res, RGB S 799 Scan Doubler tor SR-12 S 249 MAX-12. Amber (monochrome) S 249 OUADRAM, Amberchrome. 12" Amber $ 250 Quadchrome 12" RGB Color $ 695 Quadchrome II. 14" RGB Color $ 650 Quadscreen 17" 968x512 w/caole. Hi Res $1995 ZENITH, ZVM122. 12" Amber S 159 ZMV123, 12" Green $ 149 ZMV124. 12" Amber S 200 ZMV135, 12" Color $ 599 259 699 389 107 189 219 4^9 239 109 104 369 219 419 349 $ 345 $ 429 $ 349 $ 289 $ 425 $ 495 $ 389 $ 429 S 379 $ 249 $ 385 $ 459 $ 549 $ 599 $ 129 $ 149 $ 159 % 495 $ 599 $ 179 PRINTERS DOT MATRIX: PRINTER INTERFACES AND BUFFERS S 165 S 495 $ 450 $1595 S 95 $ 89 S 139 S 499 LIST EPSON. HX80-100 cps/quiel mode/128 types! S 269 $ 369 S 569 $ 849 $ 799 S 269 S 798 $1098 , Hi Res S 268 S 349 $ 749 $ 999 $ 499 $ 799 RX80+ F/T - trict or tractor RX100-100 cps/136 col/pin & fr FX80+ - 160 cps/80 col. FX10O+ - 160 cps/136 col JX80-Color Printer. 160 cps. LQ1500-200 CpS DQ & 67 cps LQ $1395 Tractor Feed tor LQ 1500 $ 70 MANNESMANN-TALLY. Spirit-80 • 80 cps/80 col. MT160 ■ 160 cps/80 col. MT180 - 160 cps/t32 col. OKIDATA, Okimate 20-Coloi 82A - 120 cps/80 col/para 83A -120 cps/132 col/para. 84 -200 cps/136 cps/para 92-160 cps/80 col/para. 93 - 160 cps/136 col/para. 2410P - Pacemark/350 cps/para. S2995 QUADRAM, Quadjet-lrtkiet Color Printer $ 895 STAR MICRO. SG10 - 120 cps DO, 30 cps NL0 NEW $ 299 SG15 - 120 cps DQ, 30 cps NLQ, 16K NEW $ 499 SD10 - 160 cps DQ. 40 cps NLQ NEW S 449 SD15 - 160 cps DQ, 40 cps NLQ. 16K NEW $ 599 SR10 - 200 cps DQ. 50 cps NLQ NEW $ 649 SR15 ■ 200 cps DQ, 50 cps NLQ, I6K NEW $ 799 TOSHIBA, Prop spacing & hi res graphics: 1351-192 cps (DQ) & 100 Cps (LQ) $1895 1340-144 cps (DQ) S 54 cps (LQ) $ 995 Bi-directional Tractor Feed $ 195 LETTER-QUALITY: JUKI, 6300-40cps/para. $ 995 6100-18 cps/para/3 pitch $ 599 TOSHIBA, Prop, spacing & hi-res graphics 1351-192 cps (DQ) &100 cps (LQ) $1895 1340-144 cps (DQ) S 54 cps (LQ) S 995 TTX, 1014-13 cps, para/ser. p & fr, 3p $ 499 1114-same as 1014 w/T&F, 2c & prop. $ 599 PLOTTERS: AMDEK. Amplot II-6 pen. 10x14 S 899 PRINTER SUPPLIES: Paper. Ribbons. Daisy Wheels C0NB0Y CALL CALL CALL CALL CALL CALL CALL CALL $ 219 $ 568 $ 778 $ 208 $ 319 $ 599 $ 729 $ 399 $ 639 $1975 $ 795 $ 249 $ 419 $ 379 $ 509 $ 549 5 679 $1375 $ 750 $ 175 $ 795 $ 439 $1375 $ 795 $ 365 $ 439 LIST CONPOV ARBO, IBM-PC to Para Printer Cable $ 60 $ 31 ASSIM PROC, Mac to Epson Conn l/F $ 89 s t><: EPSON, Parallel Interlace for LQ1500 $ IOC s n Serial Interlace Board $ 130 s 105 MPC, Apple II l/F & Cable for Epson & Gemini $ 95 s 5£ OKIDATA, Plug 'n Play. Tractors. Okigraph, ea. $ 50 s 42 ORANGE MICRO, Grappler Plus for Apple $ 149 s 9t Serial Grappler $ 119 s re Buffered Grappler Plus. 16K $ , J :!Y $ 1M QUADRAM, Microfazers. full line IN STOCK CALL Microfazers 8K, P-P, w/copy $ 189 $ 139 CABLES ARBO, IBM-PC to Modem Cable S 29 s 19 IBM-PC to Para Printer Cable $ ac. s :«: ASTAR, RF Modulator for TV (Apple) $ 35 s 2t CURTIS, Monitor Extension Cable (IBM) $ 50 s 3b 3'-9' Keyboard Extens Cable (IBM) $ 40 s 3t RCA, Monitor Cable S 15 s g ACCESSORIES Emerald , 6 outlets. 6' cord Ruby, 6 outlets. 6' cord, fiite Sapphire, 3 outlets, w/filter EPD, Lemon, 6 outlets/wall Lime, 6 outlets/cord Orange, 6 outlets/cord Peach, 3 outlets/wall INNOVATIVE, Flip-n-File 50 (disk holder) $ KENSINGTON, Masterpiece (IBM) $ System Saver Fan (Apple) S Printer Stand NEW $ NETWORX, Wiretree. 4 outlet, w'filt & surge $ S 100 $ 60 30 70 Wiretree Plus $ 100 PERFECT DATA, Head Cleaning Kit $ 16 PROD TECH INTL, Unintermptable Power Supply 200 Watts. PC200 for IBM-PC $ 359 300 Watts, XT300 for IBM-XT $ 499 800 Watts, AT800 for IBM-AT, 72 lbs. 35 52 46 29 45 60 39 15 99 65 20 39 59 12| S 229 $ 379 CALL CONROY- LAPOINTE CREDIT CARD Swxl me a Conrrjy-LaPointe credit application form so I can get cash discount prices with credit card convenience $400 Minimum initial purchase CITY STATE t\9 J MAIL TO: 1 2060 SW Garden Place. Portland. OR 97223] ADhCTDIMr 1 Uirr\ D TCDMC* MAIL T0: lM6 ° sw 6ani9n P!ac *> Portland, OR 97323 - Include your telephone number; wrtUI-fflllMVI iPlrw OL I CfilVIO. doubte check your Hsures tor pipping. Insurance and Handfing (StH>. A« ilems usually in stoc*. NO C-0-D- Cashiers checks, money orders, Fortune 1000 checks and government checks honored immediately. Personal and other company chscka-ailow 20 days to dear. Pricw reflect 3% cash & Conroy-UPolnte Credit Card discount, bo ADD 3% to above prices for VISA/MasterCard/American express. Your cards NOT charged tii we sfeip. 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Inquiry 441 for Apple Inquiry 442 (or IBM Peripherals Inquiry 443 for all others 1/ l SM ORDER NOW (800) 547-1289 ) INC. &&2 FOR YOUR mr-PC, XT, AT or JR COMPUTER SYSTEMS OTHER HARDWARE OTHER HARDWARE — Call tor Details — 256K IBM - PC 360K Disk Drives by CDC comma nmh ?56K, 2 360K Disk Drives % SANYO I 256K.2 320KDiskDnves j^gim Z150. 2S6K 2 320K Disk Drives, MS DOS 2 1,8088 Crip, 2S/P LIST PRICE conhov PRICE » BUM ► s/w S259 i 395 $ 4(5 S 39 S 495 $ 375 S1090 $ 790 S 695 $ 365 CALL HARD DISKS & TAPE BACKUP KAMERMAN, Internal 10 meg kit (Megafcghl 100) $ 895 $ 749 External 10 meg kit $1295 $1095 MF-10710. H Disk, tape back, cont, power $2295 $1 795 MAYNARD. Internal 10 meg kit w/cont . (WS1) S1595 $1150 MICRO SCIENCE, 10 meg w/controller % 895 $ 695 QUADRAM, QuaddiSks Int. w/cont roller. IN STOCK RANA. External 10 meg w/controller Si 495 $1095 Internal 10 meg w/controller $ 995 $ 795 TALLGRASS, 12 meg disk, 20 meg tape, intt $3044 $21 24 25 mea disk 55 mea taoe intf $3660 $3160 FLOPPY DISK DRIVES CDC, Limited 30 day warranty; Call for quantity prices FULL HEIGHT, $149 HALF HEIGHT, $129 IBM, Disk Drive Controller Card $ 195 $ 125 MAYNARD, Controller Card w/para port $ 300 % 185 Controller Card w/serial port S 310 S 195 Sandstar Cont Card {accepts 3 modules) S 265 f 205 PERFECT DATA, Heao Cleaning Kit $ '6 $ 12 AST, SixPak Plus, 64K SixPak Plus, 256K. S/P/CC SixPak Plus. 384K, S/P/CC Game Port (or SixPak Preview" Graphics Card w/para, 64K S 399 $ 299 Advantage 1 * Multil Bd. for AT, 128K $ 595 $ 445 I/O Plus II. S/P/CC $ 215 $ 150 I/O Plus II, S/P/CC/G I 265 I 185 I/O Plus II, 2S/P/CC/G $ 315 $ 215 Port Kits - ser, para, or game, ea. S 50 $ 39 MonoGraphPlus" P/CC (for Lotus) PCNet, Starter Kit. PC002 PCNet, Circuit Board, PC001 MegaPlus Products IN STOCK COMX, NEW EconoRAM™ Plus. 384K to u meg „ board. S/P/CC/G Fastrak & Spooler $265 EconoRAM'- full 384K board S 295 $ 195 CURTIS, UNi-i Monitor tilt/swivel base S 50 $ 39 3-9 foot Keyboard Extension Cable I 40 $ 30 HAUPPAGE (HCW), 8087 Chip $ 175 $ 149 8067 Math Pak (Chip & softw ) S 295 $ 235 8067 Software Pak S 1 80 $ 138 HAYES, Mach II Joystick $ 45 1 29 Mach III (PC or Jr.) S 55 $ 35 HERCULES. Color Card w/para S 245 $ 169 Mono Graphics Card $ 499 $ 329 IBM, Disk Drive Controller Card $ 195 $ 125 KENSINGTON, Masterpiece" S 140 PC Saver" Line Cord w/Filter $ SO KEY TRONIC. KB5151. Sid Keyboard S 255 KB5150, Std Keyboard $ 209 KOALA, Speed Key System S 100 Speed Key Tables w/sortware S 200 Koala Pad w/PC Design S 150 MAYNARD, SAND STAR SERIES Multifunction (6) Card $ 69 $ 79 Memory Card no RAM $ 199 $ 169 Memory Card 256K $ 495 $ 395 LIST CONROY PRICE PRICE S 195 $ 135 S 195 S 135 S 395 $ 275 $ 625 $ 450 MICROSOFT, Mouse (for PC) Serial Mouse System Card. 64K System Card. 256K MOUSE SYSTEMS. PC Mouse & Paint S 295 $ 189 PARADISE, Modular Graphics Card S 395 $ 285 Parallel or Serial Port, ea. $ 95 $ 65 PERSYST, NEW PC/Mono Board, w/para port S 250 $ 195 PC/Color Graphics Bd w/light pen & l/F $ 244 1 176 BOB Board Color Adapter, hi res $ 595 S 465 PLANTRONICS, Color Bd & Coiormagic. 16 color w/para S 559 $ 395 Color Bd & Draftsman. 16 color w/para $ 559 $ 395 OUADRAM, Quadboard 64K. to simk, s/p/cc/g $245 Quadboard. no RAM, expand to 384K $ 295 $ 225 Quadboard 256K, to 384K. S/P/CC S 395 $ 295 Quadboard. 384K (full), S/P/CC/G $ 795 $ 495 Quadboard II. no RAM, to 256K S 295 S 215 Quadboard II. 64K. to 256K. 2S/CC S 395 $ 265 S 595 $ 395 $ 325 $ 245 S 550 $ 399 S 895 $ 625 $ 295 $ 195 S m t 199 5> 345 $ 269 Quadboard II. 256K. 2S/CC Quad 512 • 64K w/serial port Quad 512 + 256K w/senal port Quad 512 t 512K w/serial port Quadcolor I. board. 4 colors Upgrade Quadcolor l to II kit Ouadvue. board. Mono. S/P/CC Quadchrome Monitor. 12" RGB Cotor S 695 $ 495 Quadchrome II Monitor. 14- RGB Color $ 65C $ 450 Amberchrome Monitor. 12" Amber $ 250 $ 165 Quad 3278 Quadnet VI Quadnet IX Quadlink Quadsprlnt TG PRODUCTS, Joystick WICO. Smartboard Kevboard FOR YOUR PCJR * * $1195 $1050 S229: $1545 S1995 $1745 $ 495 $ 385 $ 645 $ 495 * 256K • CHIP KIT $99 9 Each. 4256 chips 150 ns $13 ea 4256 chip. 150 ns • 64K • CHIP KIT $19 9 Each. 4164 chips 90 Day Warranty by us Floppy Cont. Card (accepts 3 modules) $ 265 S 205 $ 499 $ 399 $ 30 $ 27 $ 95 $ 79 S 59 $ 49 S 49 $ 43 $ 122 $ 99 $ 422 $ 357 Hard Disk l/F Module Hard Disk Cable Serial Port Module Para or Clock Cal Module, ea Game Adapter Module Memory Module. OK Memory Module 256K iQ meg Hard Disk Kit & Con; Ca^d Si595 $1150 LIST CONROY $ 195 $ 75 KEY TRONIC, KB5151 Jr Keyboard S 255 KOALA, Touch Tablet for Jr. S 125 MICROSOFT, Booster 128K w/Mouse S 495 $ 339 Serial Mouse $ 195 $ 135 MOUSE SYSTEMS. Mouse (for Jr ) $ 195 S 125 QUADRAM, Expansion Chassis S 695 $ 540 Memory Expansion Board (128K. P/CC) $ 275 $ 215 TECMAR. Jr Capiat S 395 S 325 Call for Larger Quantity Prices • ComX EconoRAM Plus $265 3S4K Multifunction RAM Board expandable to 1.5 Megabyte Works hke AST SaP*Pl£"'wrth capacity lo* up to 1 5 meg. game port. Fastiak'" RAM Drsk and Spooler Software EconoRAM" 384K Single Function Board $195 With Fastrak' " and Spooler Fully Compatible. 1 Year limited Warranty Works on 00S 1 1 2 or 2 1 Prices and availability subject to change Call SOFTWARE FOR YOUR IBM-PC, XT, AT or JR BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS LIST PRICE $ 695 S 695 $ 495 J 200 ASHTON-TATE. Framework dBase III dBase II, (req. PC-DOS & 128K) Upgrade II & III ATI. Training Programs— Large Inventory $ BPI, Job Cost Accounting or Inventory, ea. S 795 General Acctg AR. AP. or PR. each S 595 BRODERBUND. Bank St Writer (PC or Jr ) $ 80 CDEX, Training Programs- Large Inventory S 70 CONTINENTAL. Ultralile (PC) S 195 Tax Advantage (PC or Jr.) $ 70 FCM (Filing. Cataloging, MailingRPC) S 125 Property Management (PC) S 495 DATA TRANS.. Fontnx NEW S 125 DOW JONES. Investment E valuator $ 149 Market Manager Plus S 249 Market Analyzer or Market Microscope S 349 Spread Sheet Link i 249 FOX & GELLER. Oulckcode III S 295 Quickcode or dGraph. each $ 295 dUttl (DOS or CP/M86) t 99 HARVARD, Total Project Manager $ 495 Harvard Project Manager s 395 HAYDEN, Pie Writer S 200 Pie Speller S 50 HOWARDSOFT. Tax Preparer '85 S 295 Kit lor California $ 125 HUMAN EDGE. Mind Prober (PC or Jr.) $ 50 Communications Edge (PC) $ 195 Sales Edge $ 250 Management Edge $ 250 Negotiation Edge S 295 IUS, EasyWnter II System $ 350 EasySpeller II $ 85 GL. AR. AP. OE or INV. each S 595 KENSINGTON. Easy Link Mail Manager $ 95 LIFETREE. Volkswrrter Deluxe S 295 LIVING VIDEOTEXT. Think Tank S 195 LOTUS, 1-2-3 $ 495 Symphony S 695 CONHOt PRICE t 349 t 359 ft 289 $ 119 $ 50 * 495 365 49 45 115 40 75 295 75 99 S 219 $ 219 $ 159 $ 185 $ 185 S 59 S 295 $ 225 LIST PRICE MOBS. Knowledgeman $ 500 MECA, Managing Your Money (PC) S 195 Managing Your Money Cartridge (Jr) S 199 MICROPRO, WordStar (PC) $ 350 WordStar (Jr) S 195 WordStar 2000 S 495 WordStar 2000 Plus $ 595 WordStar Professional Plus S 695 WordStar Professional. 4 Pak $ 495 MailMerge, SpellStar or Starlndex, ea $ ProOptions Pak (MM/SS/SI) IntoStar Plus ( + Starburst) Correct Star MICRORIM, RBase Series 4000 Extended Report Writer RBase Clout MICROSOFT, Spell Muftiplan (PC or Jr) Chart or Project, each Word MONOGRAM, Dollars & Sense w/Forecast $ MULTIMATE, Mull. male Ver 4 S 495 OPEN SYS, GL, AR, AP, PR. INV, or PO, ea. S 695 S 195 S 595 S 145 S 495 S 150 S 195 S 250 S 375 PEACHTREE, Back to Basics GL Peach Pak (GL/AR/AP) Peach Text 5000 QUADRAM, Tax Strategy Investment Strategy QUE, Using 1-2-3 1-2-3 for Business Using Symphony SAMNA. Word Plus Word III SATELLITE, WordPerfect (PC) WordPerfect (Jr) SOFTW. ARTS, Visicalc Spotlight TK Solver (specify DOS) SOFTWARE INTL, Open Access J 295 S 395 $ 295 S 395 S 395 S 20 S 295 S 550 $ 495 S 69 S 179 S 150 S 399 5 695 CuNHOT PRICE $ 300 $ 125 $ 179 $ 189 $ 115 $ 295 S 325 $ 395 $ 265 S 54 $ 105 $ 315 S 77 S 259 $ 95 $ 125 $ 32 $ 125 $ 159 $ 235 S 99 $ 295 S 420 $ 175 $ 225 $ 179 S 295 S 295 $ 12 S 12 S 15 S 185 S 279 $ 335 $ 45 i 109 J 95 S 269 S 379 SOFTWARE PUBL. PFSRepon PFS:File PFS:Write PFS:Graph PFS:Plan PFS:Proot or PFSAccess, each SORCIM, SuperCalc III STONEWARE, Advanced DB Master THORN EMI. Perfect Pak (Jr) (WfflerSpefifTresaums) VISICORP, VisiCalc 4 WARNER. Desk Oroanizer (PC or Jr) UTILITIES LIST PRICE $ 125 S 140 $ 140 $ 140 * 140 $ 95 $ 395 S 595 S 139 $ 250 S 195 BORLAND, Sidekick (PC or Jr) s 55 Sidekick (Copiabie (PC or Jr) $ 85 Turbo Pascal (PC or Jr) HEW VERSION S 70 Toolbox (PC) $ 50 3 Pak (Pascal. Turbo Tut. Toolbox) s 105 CENTRAL POINT. Copy II PC HEW VERSION S 40 COMX, Fastrak*. RAM/Disk emulator & printer spooler For any PC/DOS or RAM Card Menu Driven S 100 DIGITAL RES.. CP/M-86- (PC/XT) S 100 CBASIC 66- (CP/M-86) S 200 C8ASIC Compiler (CP/M-86 or PCDOS. ea) $ 600 Concurrent CP/M-86*" w/windows $ 350 PL/1 (PCDOS) $ 750 Speed Prog. Pkg (CP/M-86) $ 200 DR LOGO-86 (CP/M-86) $ 150 EPYX, In Stock FUNK SOFTWARE, Sideways $ 60 IBM BASIC Cartridge (Jr) $ 75 HAYES, Smartcom II (Data Comm.) t 149 LIFEBOAT. Lattice C $ 500 MICROSOFT, Macro Assembler S 100 BASIC Compiler S 395 Business BASIC Compiler S 450 C Compiler S 500 COBOL Compiler S 700 FORTRAN Compiler $ 350 PASCAL Compiler S 300 CONROY PRICE $ 79 S 89 S 89 $ 89 $ 89 S 59 $ 245 $ 375 $ 89 $ 159 S 125 S 50 CALL S 32 $ 65 S 23 $ 59 $ 64 S 135 $ 395 S 225 $ 495 $ 135 S 99 CALL $ 40 S 69 $ 99 S 295 S 69 J 259 $ 300 S 259 S 459 $ 229 $ 199 UTILITIES u 1ST CONROY PRICE PRICE MICROSTUF, Crosstalk XVI (PC or Jr) $ •9f> $ 129 MOUSE SYSTEMS, PC Paint $ 99 $ 69 NORTON, Utilities 1 14 [jrqmsj NEW VERSION $ 100 $ 65 OPEN SYSTEMS, BASIC Interpreter S 195 $ 130 ROSESOFT, Prokey $ 130 $ 79 WESTERN UNION, Easy Link Mail Mngr S 95 $ 59 s ?7 $ 63 % 59 s 90 $ 92 s 2b s 110 $ 2f, s 63 s 33 HOME & EDUCATIONAL ARMONK Executive Suite S 40 BPf, Personal Accounting S 99 CONTINENTAL, Home Accountant (Jr) S 75 Home Accountant Plus (PC) $ 150 DOW JONES. Home Budget $ 139 KOALA, Graphics Exhibitor (Jr) S 40 MONOGRAM, Dollars S Sense w/forecast $ 1S0 SCARBOROUGH, MasterType (PC or Jr) $ 40 Your Personal Net Worth S 100 SIMON & SCHUSTER. Typing Tutor III S 50 PLUS. BPI, CBS, COMPREHENSIVE. DAVIDSON. HARCOURT. PBL CORP. RECREATIONAL BLUECHIP, Millionaire, Barron, Tycoon, ea $ 60 $ 39 BRODERBUND. Large Inventory In Stock CALL ELECTRONIC ARTS, Large Inventory In Stock CALL HAVDEN, Sargon III (Chess) S 50 $ 34 INFOCOM, Large Inventory In Stock CALL Hitchhiker's Guide $ 40 $ 25 Zork I. II. or III. ea S 40 $ 25 MICROSOFT, Flight Simulator (PC or Jr) $ 50 $ 33 ORIGIN, Ultima III (PC or Jr) $ 60 § 39 PROFESSIONAL, Tnwa Fever (PC or Jr) $ 40 $ 25 SIERRA/ON-LINE. Utima M (PC or Jr.) S 60 $ 49 Frogger $ 35 $ 23 SPECTRUM HOLOBYTE. Gato S 40 $ 25 SPINNAKER, President's Choice. Amazon Fahrenheit. Rendezvous, Dragon, each S 40 $ 25 CASH-n-CARRY COMPUTER STORES, INC. Retail Sales only. Store prices may vary. SAN FRANCISCO — 550 Washington Street (at Mont- gomery, opposite the Pyramid). Interstate 80. to Highway 480; take Washington Street Exit. CALl (415) 982-6212. PORTLAND. OREGON - At Park 217. Tigard at intersec- tion of Highways 217 and 99W. CALl (503) 620-5595. SEATTLE, WASH. — 3540 128th Ave. SE. Bellevue 98006. In Loehmdnn's Plaza near Facloria Square, SE ol Highway 40S & 90 and at SE 36th and Richards. CALL 641-4736. OUR REFERENCES: We have been in computers and electronics since 1958, a computer dealer since 1978 and in computer mail order since 1980. Banks: 1st Inter- state Bank, (503) 643-4878. Wjb belong to the Chamber of Commerce (503) 228-9411 , and Direct Marketifig Association, or call Dunn and Bradstreet H you are a subscriber. Recipient of OREGON BUSINESS MAGAZINE'S 1984 Enterprise Award. NO SALES TAX CALL (800)547-1289 In Oregon (800)451-5151 TELEX 910 380 3980 Foreign & Portland Residents Call (503)620-9877 QUESTIONS onyouj order |503) 620-9678 WEEKDAYS ONLY ORDER DESK HOURS Mon-Frl— 6AM Id 8PM PST S*ntoy— 10AM to 4PM PST (6AH here is 9AM In New Yort ; s=S2 :im D o ■ \ BYTE Multiprocessing: An Overview by Rich Krajewski 171 Extending Microprocessor Architectures by Gary D. Beats 185 Applying Data Flow in the Real World by William Gerhard Paseman 201 The Transputer by Paul Walker 219 Data-Movement Primitives by I. Eric Roskos and Ching-Dong Hsieh . . 239 Multiprocessing "The machine can be brought into play so as to give several results at the same time, which will greatly abridge the whole amount of processes. "—General Menabrea, 1842 THESE WORDS BY NINETEENTH-CENTURY military engineer Luigi F. Menabrea concerning Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine may well have con- stituted the first recorded proposal of automated multiprocessing in history. Multiprocessing, the processing of more than one computer instruction or item of data at once, is the underpinning of much of the new development in computers. Without the ability to process several tasks at once, the usefulness of computers cannot grow for long. Most of the big, glamorous advances in computing, such as artificial intelligence, speech recognition, and image processing, will depend on the speed granted by multiprocessing. In this issue, we examine some of the concepts of multiprocessing, begin- ning with my article, "Multiprocessing: An Overview." We also examine some ideas that, strictly speaking, aren't part of multiprocessing but are thought to be by the public— for example, coprocessors. Coprocessors are specialized processors that perform certain tasks for the master microprocessor, such as floating-point operations or string comparisons. The master processor will wait for the result rather than continue to operate, so the arrangement is not strictly within our definition of multiprocessing. Gary Beals explores copro- cessors in "Extending Microprocessor Architectures" to nail down the dif- ference between multiprocessors and coprocessors. William Paseman's article, "Applying Data Flow in the Real World," is a look at one kind of true multiprocessor, the data-flow parallel processor. This is the area where much of the money is riding in the race to increase computer speed. The best architecture for parallel processors is still being sought, but a con- venient means to achieving that architecture may be the Transputer, a micro- processor that was designed for parallel processing. Paul Walker gives a closer look at this device than we have had before in these pages. Finally. "Data-Movement Primitives" by I. Eric Roskos and Ching-Dong Hsieh demonstrates a method of sharing data on a $450 three-processor system. This is a system that we hope will inspire some of our readers to experiment in this important area. I wish we could have published more articles about multiprocessing in this issue, but unfortunately we ran out of space. However, we plan to do more about multiprocessing in the future. Let us know what you'd like to see. -Rich Krajewski. Technical Editor MAY 1985 -BYTE Gold Hill Computers brings the language of Artificial Intelligence to Your Personal Computer. Why every Computer Professional should know Common Lisp. You know how frustrating it is to deal with programs that are stupid and inflexible like those buried inside automated bank teller machines and airline reservation systems. You also know how frustrating it is to engineer solutions to today's information- processing problems with languages designed mainly for number crunching. // doesn't have to be this way. 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Advanced features of Golden Common Lisp include co-routines for multi-tasking, macros for code clarity, streams for I/O, closures for object -centered programming, and multiple value returning functions for efficiency. | Gold Hill Computers 163 Harvard Street Cambridge, MA 021 59 m "s"H Name Title Department Organization Address Phone Today's Date Type of computer D Enclosed is a check to Gold Hill Computers lor GC Lisp. □ Please bill mvD MasterCard □ VISA i ard. i ard # Expiration Date Signature Quantity Description t nit Price Total Price Golden Common Lisp S495 MA residents add s"< Subtotal Sales Tax Total Amount We welcome inquiries about volume dis counts, dealer discounts, and educational discounts for university affiliated purchasers. I □ Please send me more information. sj L u HILL COM U R S 163 Harvard Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts ()213 c > Inquiry 177 Gi ili >en Cc immon Lisp and GC Lisp are trademarks of Gold H ill Computers. The San Marco Lisp Explorer is a trademark of San Marco Associates. Lisp is copyrighted by Addison Wesley Publishing Company, Inc. The Commox Lisp Reference Manual is copyrighted by Digital Equipment Corporation. IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT, and PC DOS are trademarks of International Business Machines. MULTIPROCESSING MULTIPROCESSING: AN OVERVIEW by Rich Krajewski A brief look at the latest quest for computer speed MICROPROCESSORS HAVE MADE the development of multiprocessing possible by providing cheap, compact processing power. When electronic computers were first developed, single-processor architecture was in- evitable because of the enormous cost and unreliability of the process- ing unit. Even into the 1960s and early 1970s, computers were too costly to easily combine on any massive scale Now multiprocessors containing several thousand processing units are not unheard of. Multiprocessing is a frustrating word because it can mean several things. To one person it may mean two indepen- dent Z80 computers sharing only the same hard disk; to another, it may mean two million 68000s sharing everything from resources to the same program. This causes confusion, especially when inventors and manu- facturers use the same term to describe wildly different machines. To compound the misunderstanding, many of the celebrated benefits of multiprocessing are misstated, or at least not well explained. A manufac- turer might tell you that multipro- cessor x has one-tenth the power of a Cray-1 for one-hundredth the price, which is exciting, until you realize that the measurement applies only to a limited class of programs. In fact, with programs that can't readily be written as parallel processes, multiprocessor x may perform worse than your average desktop computer. To remove some of the confusion, I'll try to define multiprocessing and classify its different forms. I'll save the discussion of actual multiprocessor computers for another time, when we can devote an entire article or review to them. What Is Multiprocessing? Multiprocessing can be broadly de- fined as the use of several micropro- cessors to perform a single task or several tasks, usually at the same time. The typical desktop computer fits into this definition if you call its CRT (cathode-ray tube) controller, disk controller, and peripheral interface all specialized processors. These spe- cialized processors make your com- puter run faster by freeing the micro- processor from housekeeping chores and giving it more time to work on your program. On the more obvious and less debatable side, a computer with a million microprocessors all working on the same problem is also a multi- processor. It's plain to see that, since such a wide range of machines fall under the category of multiprocess- ing, we need some method of sub- dividing the category. What It Is Not Before we go into the classes of multi- processing, we ought to decide what it is not. A few folks have the idea that all multitasking and multiuser systems are multiprocessing systems. But as I see it, the emphasis in a multiprocess- ing system is on the number of pro- cessors rather than on the number of processes or users. Besides, high numbers of processes would choke a single microprocessor, so we won't consider single-processor multiuser or multitasking systems. Classifying Multiprocessors There are almost too many ways to classify multiprocessors. Some of the classifications we'll consider are those of structure, communications, and (continued) Rich Krajewski is a BYTE technical editor. He can be contacted at POB 372, Hancock. NH 03449. MAY 1985 -BYTE 171 OVERVIEW data and instruction streams. The classifications of multipro- cessor structure are pipeline, copro- cessor, array processor, and parallel processor. Pipeline Processors Most processors, micro or otherwise, perform several tasks in the execution of an instruction. For instance, in multiplying decimal numbers (say 340 and 2.6), imagine that the computer represents the numbers in scientific notation (3.4 x 10 2 and 2.6 x 10°). The computer then multiplies the mantissas (3.4 x 2.6 = 8.84) and adds the exponents (2 + = 2). The scien- tific representation of the number (8.84 x 10 2 ) is then "normalized" so that the power of 10 is removed and the decimal point is placed in its prop- er position (884.0). Three circuits could perform the three tasks— multiply mantissas, add exponents, and normalize the result. Rather than let the mantissa and ex- The Z80000 Pipeline by Robert Andrews The instruction cycle of the Z80000 is divided into six stages. Each of these stages is subdivided into two minor cycles according to the follow- ing breakdown: 1. Instruction Fetch: Cycle 1: Increment the program counter. Cycle 2: Compare cache tags and ini- tiate the instruction fetch. 2. Instruction Decode: Cycle 1 : Instruction is available (assume cache hit). Cycle 2: Generate microword. 3. Address Calculation: Cycle 1: Calculate effective address of operands. Cycle 2: Compare logical address with TLB tags for physical address. 4. Operand Fetch: Cycle 1: Read the physical address from TLB (assuming TLB hit) and com- pare it with cache tag for operand. Cycle 2: Operand is available into tem- porary register (assuming a cache hit). 5 Execution (may have multiple cycles): Cycle 1: Read from register and start execution. Cycle 2: Write to register and set flags. 6 Operand Store: Cycle 1 : Check the results and write to memory. Cycle 2: Write to cache. Consider a sequence of instructions as shown below: LDL RR0,@RR2 ADDL RR0,FP[INDEXB] SUBL RR0,FP[INDEXC] CPL RR0,FP[INDEXD] JR RR0,FP[INDEXD] Dl FP[INDEXD],RR1 Assuming instructions and operands are in cache figure A shows the flow of instructions in several stages of the pipeline. The result is faster throughput in the microprocessor than if the instructions were executed sequentially. O.W. EXE. O.F. A.C. I.D. I F LD ADD SUB CP JR LD LD ADD SUB CP JR LD LD ADD SUB CP JR LD i LD ADD SUB CP JR LD LDI ADD SUB CP JR LD LD 2 3 4 5 6 Time -» 10 11 Figure A: Instruction flow in the Z80000 pipeline. ponent circuits do nothing while nor- malizing is going on. we can give those two circuits another set of numbers to work on. Now, twice as many floating-point operations are taking place as before. This is pipelining, the simultaneous execution of different parts of dif- ferent instructions in an assembly-line fashion. One of the first examples of pipelining was the look-ahead, or pre- fetch. In this arrangement, the pro- cessor begins execution of one in- struction while simultaneously obtain- ing the next instruction. The text box "The Z80000 Pipeline" describes a modern microprocessor pipeline. Coprocessors Many microcomputers have multipro- cessing in the form of specialized slave processors, or coprocessors. These coprocessors, such as floating- point processors or string com- parators, help speed execution time by handling certain complex instruc- tions that the central microprocessor can't handle or can't handle well. Most microcomputer coprocessors, how- ever, don't operate simultaneously with the central microprocessor, so calling the arrangement multiprocess- ing may be stretching things. Steve Ciarcia's Trump Card is an example of a processor that makes the IBM PC's microprocessor into a slave I/O (input/ output) processor (see "Trump Card, Part I: Hardware," May 1984 BYTE, page 40, and "Trump Card, Part II: Software," June 1984 BYTE, page 115). Array Processors Array processing takes place when a collection of processors performs the same instruction simultaneously on an array of data. Sometimes the pro- cessors themselves are arranged in an array, but sometimes they are pipeline processors. Parallel Processors Parallel processors are collections of independent processors that work to- gether. They can run different but related programs. There are several types of parallel processors (Charles [continued) 172 BYTE" MAY 1985 Inquiry 117 ■ Resource Technology — What's it all about? 80286 IT'S ABOUT TIME! ...and Time is relative. In business, time is profitability! 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Western Electric. Nat'l. Bureau of Standards, I .'SC Cornell I niversity. British Cable and Wireless. I SAF, and thousands more, worldwide. For further details, see our technical ad on page 483 of this issue, or contact our technical staff at (602) 282-6299. For system quotations and ordering only, call our sales building at (800) 222-8686. CUSTOM COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY / 1 CCT PLAZA / SEDONA, AZ 86340 Photoerapr anions Red Rock Crossing, taken with Nikon FE-2 and Nikkor 35-105mm lens, at 40mm. at fll-l 60th. with special Kodak 5294 movie t'ilm-ASA 320. OVERVIEW Thoughts on Parallel Processing by Vipin Kumar Parallel processing is important for several reasons. There is an in- satiable demand for faster and cheaper computers. Sequential computers have been becoming faster due to the ad- vances in hardware technology, but there are indications that limits im- posed by solid-state physics may soon come in the way, and the only way out might be parallel processing. With the emergence of VLSI (very large scale in- tegration) technology, it is becoming easier and cheaper to construct large parallel-processing systems as long as they are made of fairly regular patterns of simple processing elements, and thus parallel processors should become cost-effective. Many applica- tions have real-time constraints, e.g., real-time speech understanding, warn- ing systems, navigation, etc. For these tasks, high-speed requirements should be met at any cost. A warning system would not be of much use. for exam- ple, if it warned of a nuclear attack after the missiles had exploded. Parallel processing may be especial- ly necessary for artificial intelligence (Al). Very little success has been achieved in Al in representing and using large bodies of knowledge and in dealing with recognition problems. The human brain can perform these tasks remarkably well using a large number of slow neurons in parallel. This suggests that conventional ar- chitectures may be ill suited for these tasks and some kind of parallel archi- tecture may be needed. You could argue that the conventional architec- tures are theoretically as powerful as any parallel machine (i.e., any task that can be done by a parallel machine can also be done by a conventional ma- chine, although slowly). But architec- tures can significantly influence the way we program them, and perhaps if we had the right kind of architecture, programming it for perception and knowledge representation would be easy and natural. In the last several decades many parallel variations of the von Neumann architecture have been developed. The idea behind them has been to take several processing units and memory modules and connect them in some network configuration. One prominent example of such systems is Cmmp. a multiprocessor system developed at Carnegie-Mellon University. Cmmp consists of 16 processors connected to 16 memory modules via a crossbar switch. The crossbar switch permits communication between any memory modules and any processor. The existence of common memory permits close coupling between processors and thus reduces communication costs. But the complexity of the crossbar switch grows quite rapidly with the number of processors and memory modules involved, making it difficult to build these systems for more than 20 or 30 processors. In some sys- tems each processor is allowed to have private memory, and these processor/ memory pairs are connected to each other via a common bus. These sys- tems are easy to build for hundreds of processors. But the processes can talk to each other only by sending mes- sages over a common bus, which makes interprocess communication very expensive. Hence, these systems cannot effectively exploit fine-grain parallelism in an application. TRAC, the Texas Reconfigurable Array Computer, developed at the University of Texas at Austin, provides a middle ground. TRAC connects a number of pro- cessors to a number of memory ele- ments via a Banyan network, which is far less complex than the crossbar switch but provides reduced connec- tivity (as compared to the crossbar switch) between processors and mem- ory elements. The biggest problem with all these machines is that to exploit parallelism it has to be explicitly specified, some- thing that has turned out very hard to do in practice. Furthermore, parallelism achieved using these machines has been quite limited, rarely reported above 10. Hence it seems hopeless to believe that these machines could be used to get speedups of thousands or even hundreds. Due to limited success with these kinds of parallel processors and to some inherent problems with the traditional von Neumann model of computing, many researchers have started investigating data-driven and demand-driven architectures, as op- posed to von Neumann architectures, which are control-driven. In a data-driven (e.g.. data-flow) sys- tem, an instruction can be executed as soon as the input data it requires is available. After the instruction is ex- ecuted, its result is made available to the successive instructions. In a demand-driven (e.g.. reduction) system, an instruction is triggered when the results it produced are demanded by other instructions. These demands cause further demands for operands unless the operands are locally avail- able, in which case the instruction is ex- ecuted and the results are sent back. The advantage of a demand-driven sys- tem over a data-driven system is that only instructions whose results are needed are executed. The disadvan- tage is in those computations in which every instruction always contributes to the final result; propagating demands from top to bottom is a wasted effort. In both of these systems, as a result of data- or demand-activated instruc- tion execution, many instructions can become available for execution at once, and it is possible to exploit all of the parallelism in the program. Fur- thermore, parallelism does not have to be explicitly specified; it is automatical- ly extracted as long as the program is written in an applicative language (e.g., pure LISP). It is expected that these ar- chitectures can efficiently exploit con- currency of computation on a very large scale. A number of such systems are being developed around the world. Most not- ably, the Japanese have chosen data flow as the underlying architecture for the fifth-generation machines. Data- flow and reduction architectures hold great promise, but there are some im- portant problems to be solved before they can be used effectively to provide large-scale parallelism. The realization that the human brain performs many difficult cognitive tasks 174 BYTE OVERVIEW effortlessly using neurons, which are quite slow in comparison to today's microelectronic devices, has led re- searchers to look into massively paral- lel architectures. The earliest computa- tional models along these lines were inspired by neurophysiology. Most well known of these is "perceptron," devel- oped by Frank Rosenblatt in the late 1950s. A pattern-recognition system that is able to learn from experience, perceptrons basic building block is an element that is intended to be a model of a neuron. The element accepts a number of inputs, takes their weighted sum, and produces an output of or 1 depending on whether or not the sum exceeds a threshold value asso- ciated with the element. Inputs to the element are features extracted from the patterns to be recognized. A perceptron can be used to distinguish between two given sets of patterns, and its design involves adjusting the weights and the thresholds of its elements. Rosenblatt gave a procedure for training perceptrons, by which a perceptron can automatically adjust its weights to cause correct classification of patterns. Initial success of percep- trons started a flurry of activity in this area, but the excitement waned when the models based upon neuroscience were found to be too simple for most problems of interest. In particular. Marvin Minsky and Seymour Papert proved that perceptrons have serious limitations and can be used to recog- nize only very simple kinds of patterns. NETL, developed by Scott Fahlman at Carnegie-Mellon University, repre- sents a different approach to building a massively parallel machine. NETL represents real-world knowledge in the form of a hardware semantic network. It consists of nodes that are used to represent concepts and links that are used to represent the relationship be- tween the concepts. Each node can store a few distinct marker bits, and a link can propagate these markers from node to node in parallel. Nodes and links are connected via a common bus to a central computer that controls the marker propagation. By moving markers from node to node in parallel, NETL can perform certain deductions and searches (e.g., property inheri- tance) very quickly. On a uniprocessor these operations can take a long time. The biggest problem with NETL is its actual hardware implementation. It is easy, with the current hardware tech- nology, to put thousands of nodes and links on a chip. But the problem is in forming connections between nodes and links as new knowledge is added. These connections must be private lines between nodes and links; other- wise, all of the parallelism will be lost. Fahlman has recently proposed a solu- tion to this using a hashnet scheme and has sketched a design for a million- element machine. Another problem with NETL is locali- ty. A concept is represented by only a node, and if this node is damaged, it will be hard to reconstruct the associated information. The Boltzmann machine being developed by Geoffrey Hinton (see "Learning in Parallel Net- works" by Geoffrey E. Hinton, April BYTE, page 265) and many other re- searchers attempts to solve this prob- lem. In the Boltzmann machine, a con- cept is represented by a pattern of ac- tivity in a large number of units. Each unit is a probabilistic processing ele- ment. The failure of a unit has little ef- fect because each piece of information is distributed throughout the network of units. Preliminary simulation results of the Boltzmann architecture are en- couraging, but there is a lot to learn about its limits and capabilities. We've looked at only a few of the dozens of parallel architectures that various researchers have proposed. Many of them are being tested via simulation or actual implementations. Most of the work is primarily explora- tory in nature and is meant to find out which architectures might be suited for which problems. Parallelism holds great promise for Al not only in terms of cheaper and faster computers but also as a novel way of viewing com- putation. "What form will it take?" is a question that can be answered only with time. Babbage's contemporaries talked about making one in 1842 out of several of his Analytical Engines], but we'll discuss only data-flow machines. (See the "Thoughts on Parallel Pro- cessing" text box for a discussion of other kinds of parallel processors.) Traditional methods of processing execute a program by calling the in- structions one by one with a program counter. The instructions then call the data they need from memory. But data flow has the data calling for in- structions when the data needs them. Figure 1 is a block diagram of the Manchester University data-flow archi- tecture. The "data packet" you see in the diagram contains a data value and a control field. (The control field, or message, tells the computer which in- struction is to act upon the data.) This data packet is matched— by the packet matcher, of course— with another data packet that has the same control field. These two packets become one "data- data" packet (which sounds like some- thing from a 1950s rock-and-roll song). The new packet goes to the instruc- tion fetcher, which retrieves the in- struction that the packet needs by using the address supplied in the con- trol field. We now have a "data-data- instruction" packet. But that's not all. The fetcher's last duty is to check its data-flow graph to see to which new operation the result of the current operation should go. This address is added to the packet, and away it goes to the processing units, where the packet is assigned to a free processor. The processor produces a result packet, which is just a data packet. The new data packet goes to the packet matcher to start the process all over again. In this system, many processors are working at the same time, and many packets are circulating through the system. There is no need in this ar- rangement to worry about one pro- cessor communicating with another, so high task-execution speeds should be possible. Notice that there is no program counter here, as in a von Neumann computer. Instructions are not called {continued) MAY 1985 'BYTE 175 Inquiry 78 %e^ -n*& e» ** Or* «»■ %1 sf» e»- lS* S* ,-■0%^^ !&£> $ e»- OVERVIEW first and data next. lust the opposite happens. The advantage of working this way is that we can more easily see the data dependencies between pro- cesses, so it is easier to program parallel routines. Figure 2 shows a data-flow graph of the simple calcu- lations A = B + C - F D = B . C - F E = A - D In the data-flow graph, we show the input data (the data with no depen- dencies on other data) first, as many times as necessary, depending on how many different operations re- quire the data. Then they are com- bined as the calculations specify, and the new values, which are dependent on the original values, are combined again until all data items are combined. With this kind of system, the depen- dencies of one value on another are obvious, and the parallelisms stand out. Of course, the drawback here is that the data values have to be repeated several times in data-packet memory, each time with a different control field. For instance, there are two B data packets, but one specifies a multiplication operation and the other specifies an addition operation. Figure 3 shows how these calcula- tions might be first specified on an or- dinary computer. Here, we start sim- ply with the first calculation rather than with all the initial data. Instruc- tions call data rather than the other way around, so data need only be PARALLEL -PROCESSING UNITS CONTROLLER PACKET MATCHER PACKET STORE f CONTROL V FIELD DATA -DATA PACKET INSTRUCTION DATA -DATA PACKET INSTRUCTION FETCHER INSTRUCTION-STORE AND DATA-FLOW GRAPH Figure 1: The Manchester data-flow architecture. How packets are allocated to processors is not shown. 176 BYTE • MAY 1985 OVERVIEW listed once in memory and called as needed. But the data dependencies are not obvious, and finding ways to execute instructions concurrently becomes more difficult. It can be done, but perhaps not as well. Communication Methods Another classification of multipro- cessors is their communication method. This is a crucial issue in multiprocessors because as the number of processors increases, so does the communication problem. We will examine three communica- tion methods: bus, circuit switch, and packet switch. BUS Figure 4 shows a bus-connected paral- lel processor. In the diagram, all com- munications are broadcast on the bus. Unfortunately, with a large number of processors, even high-speed buses can't handle all of the communica- tions traffic. Because all communications be- tween processors are handled se- quentially on the bus, it becomes a bottleneck as the number of proces- sors grows, since only one transfer of information can occur at any one time. The answer is to have several buses or another communication technique. Circuit Switch Circuit switching is the direct connec- tion of one processor to any other processor through a switch (see the "Crossbar Circuit Switch" text box on page 180 for a discussion of a type of circuit switch). Your phone com- pany's central office uses a circuit switcher to switch your calls. This method has problems at high volume and high speeds. In a parallel processor, with perhaps millions of processors, a single circuit switcher would be hard-pressed to keep up. Perhaps the answer will be to use several switchers. Packet Switch In a packet-switched system of parallel processors, the processors not only process their own programs but relay programs and data to other pro- cessors. Figure 5 shows a system like this. There are two kinds of packets in this system: instruction and data packets. A packet consists of an ad- dress, its contents, and a checksum or some other error-checking mecha- nism. The instruction packets are ad- dressed to specific processors if there is a central controller processor to keep track of processor usage. If the packet is unaddressed. it is taken up by the first available processor that receives it. Data packets may be ad- dressed to specific processors or to the processes, depending on how processes are assigned to processors. When a process or processor receives a packet, it must tell the sender that the message was properly received. This requirement doubles the traffic that the system must handle. [continued] B C F B C f 1 » * -. 1 » ^ « 1 o m - « m - < Q E Figure 2: The data-flow graph. Notice the duplication of input data. 1 START o . F = B = C = A= B + C-F D=B»C-F E = A-D END Figure 3: Am ordinary flow chart. Notice that, without the parallelism of data flow, the number of execution steps is greater. MAY 1985 -BYTE 177 OVERVIEW In the figure, processors are con- nected to their nearest neighbors in three dimensions, for a total of six connections. How much of a pro- cessor's time is devoted to relaying in- formation? It has to be enormous, when you realize that the processor is not only receiving and transmitting but checking the address of the packet to see if it should be acted on rather than retransmitted. And which direction should the processor send the packet, if it should be sent? If the addresses are to a specific processor, then the direction can be computed. But if the address is to a process on some unknown processor, the direc- tion must be random. It's conceivable that a packet can wander forever in a network, looking for its process. Communications will of course be a large problem in large parallel pro- cessors. I believe bus technology will be ruled out; how is a single bus go- ing to carry the load of a million pro- cessors when the communications must be sequential? There will be a lot of idle processors in a system like that. And what kind of circuit switcher will be able to handle the millions of processor connections at once? Moreover, if processors are really in- dependent of processes, how will a packet-switched message quickly find its target process in a vast net of pro- cessors? I can imagine the packet playing hide-and-seek with its target process forever. Data and Instruction Streams Classes of processors arranged ac- cording to "streams'' follow a conven- tion called Flynn's taxonomy, where a stream is a flow of either instructions or data. This taxonomy consists of SISD. SIMD. MISD. and MIMD. SISD stands for single-instruction, single- PROCESSOR PROCESSOR PROCESSOR BUS Figure 4: A bus-connected parallel processor. Figure 5: A section of a packet-switched parallel processor. Packets of instructions and data are passed from one processor to the next. data stream computer, which is a von Neumann machine. SIMD stands for single-instruction, multiple-data stream, which is an array processor. MISD stands for multiple-instruction, single-data stream, which is a pipe- lined processor. MIMD stands for multiple-instruction, multiple-data stream, which is a parallel processor. Some people prefer a convention called Shore's taxonomy because it subdivides the Flynn's array processor class. Software The real problem in parallel process- ing is not the hardware but the soft- ware. The problem in software, to my mind, will not be partitioning applica- tions programs into independent modules but scheduling those modules onto available processors and providing communication be- tween the modules. These tasks are part of the job of an operating system, which is responsible for managing the resources of the computer. The software problem raises a sticky point in the whole philosophy of multiprocessing. From the beginning in multiprocessing, the driving motiva- tion has been that if one processor can do a certain amount of work, then two can do twice as much, and so on. The situation is analogous to building a house. If you were to build a house by yourself in one year, then the job should take two people half a year and three people one-third of a year. And every so often you hear about a team of hundreds putting up a house in an afternoon. Multiplicity of effort is the idea behind some of civiliza- tion's great achievements. So, the reasoning goes, why not require com- puters and microprocessors to work in similar harmony? Unfortunately, as the software shows, there's a problem with this idea. First of all, more doesn't always mean better, lust as too much medicine can harm you. so can too many processors actually slow down the processing of information. Com- munication between processors can become a bottleneck, as can all of the {continued) 178 BYTE- MAY 1985 Compare the Hercules Color Card to IBMk Five reasons why the Hercules Color Card is better. 1. Compatibility IBM Color Adapter $244 Runs hundreds of graphics programs. 2. Printer port. None. 3. Size. 4. Flexibility. 5. Warranty. 13.25 inches. Limited to long slots. Can't always work with a Hercules Graphics Card. 90 days. Hercules Color Card $245 Runs the same hundreds of graphics programs. "The Hercules Color Card is so nearly identical to the IBM Color/ Graphics Card that it's almost uncanny." PC Mag. Standard. Our parallel port allows you to hook up to any IBM compatible printer. 5.25 inches. Fits in a long or short slot in a PC, XT, AT or Portable. Always works with a Hercules Graphics Card by means of a software switch. Two years. Any one of these five features is enough reason to buy a Hercules Color Card. But perhaps the most convincing reason of all is just how easy the Hercules Color Card is to use: "Right out of the box, the Hercules Color Card goes into an empty expansion slot, ready for you to plug in . . . and go to work — no jumpers, no software. For most applications, it's just that easy." PC Magazine. Call 1-800-532-0600 Ext. 421 for the name of the Hercules dealer nearest you and we'll rush you our free info kit. tt i Hercules. We're strong on graphics. Address: Hercules, 2550 Ninth St. Berkeley, CA 94710 Ph: 415 540-6000 Telex: 754063 Trademarks /Owners: Hercules/Hercules Computer Technology; IBM/IBM. Inquiry 188 OVERVIEW Crossbar Circuit Switch The interconnection problem, in one form or another, is a vital part of every parallel-processing design. It is not enough to postulate the existence of "n processors" and ex- plain how they will divide up the work on some task. The actual interconnec- tion scheme used must also be care- fully laid out. The failure of most parallel-processing algorithms to scale well up to implementations involving more than a few processors is usually attributed to a glut of communications overhead. That is another way of say- ing that the interconnection scheme did not work as planned. Spatial Solutions to Interconnection Historically, the "« by n Space Switch" was the first solution to the intercon- nection problem. This solution was used for decades, in many forms, in the telephone industry to interconnect callers. Because this method is close- ly related to the "crossbar switch." we will discuss them both. Neither is used in large data-switching installations because the complexity of such an im- plementation grows as the square of the number of devices interconnected. For instance, doubling the number of devices served would necessitate quadrupling the total hardware in- volved in the interconnection process, as we will see later. The basic tenet of the n by n space switch method is that if you could run a separate wire from each source to every destination and then somehow switch on only the wires corresponding to the connection pattern desired at a given point in time, the problem would be solved. Here are three equivalent forms of this basic idea: 1. There is a separate wire leading from each source to every sink. Each source continuously transmits all of its data onto all wires leading from that source. At each sink, there is a large switch to select only the wire leading to the desired source. 2. There is a separate wire leading by Howard W. Johnson from each source to every sink. At each data source, place a large switch, which will send the output of that data source onto one and only one of the wires leading from that source. At every sink, tie together all of the wires leading to that sink in a wired-OR fashion. This solution is the opposite of the first solution. 3. Start with a regular square grid of n wires running horizontally and n wires running vertically (see figure B). At each juncture, place a switch that can either be open or closed. Start out with all the switches open. Next, per- manently connect the first source to the first horizontal wire, the second source to the second wire, and so forth, until all the sources have been connected. Then connect the sinks one at a time to vertical wires, starting with the first sink on the left-hand side and working to the right. This arrangement has traditionally been called the n by n space switch. Closing the switch at the juncture of the first column and first row will connect source I to sink 1. All three methods accomplish virtual- ly the same thing. One exception worth noting is that in methods 1 and 3 one source may be broadcast to several sinks, while in method 2 this is impos- sible unless the switch is designed to permit multiple simultaneous closures. I have seen many small computer in- stallations that successfully use either method 1 or method 2 for intercon- necting terminals to a limited variety of computers. In all methods, the number of switch- ing junctures required is proportional to the number of sinks times the number of sources. Therefore, for large problems it is generally not acceptable. ,J ,3 ,J> J SJ SJ SJ 1 7 1 T 7 SJ SJ SJ r 1 7 D 3 x SJ SJ sU r SINK 2 SINK 3 Figure B: Part of an n by n space switch. This architecture can connect any pattern of input to outputs. 180 BYTE • MAY 1985 Inquiry 300 OVERVIEW For instance, a 200 by 200 processor array would require, for full flexibility. 40.000 individual switches, or 200 switch boxes with 200 switch settings each. The network can be pared down somewhat to limit its complexity, but at the expense of a loss in generality. A direct method is to assess which sources might ever need to be con- nected to which sinks and wire only those data paths that might ever be used. The problem with this approach is that one never knows with certainty how a particular network will be used. so it is difficult to predict which con- nections to eliminate. In the crossbar method, it is assumed that although there are n sources and n sinks, only t percentage of them will be active at any given moment. This is the same sort of traffic-limiting assumption used in local-area network design. The crossbar method uses a cascade of two space switches to achieve any interconnection pattern in- volving less than n » n total connec- tions. The first space switch connects the n sources onto a total of n * t in- termediate wires. The intermediate wires are then run into a second space switch, which can connect its n • t in- puts to any of the n sinks. As long as there is an intermediate wire available, the first section can switch a source on to it and the second section will for- ward that data on to the appropriate sink. The total interconnection hard- ware is proportional to the sum of the two sections. The first section has n in- puts and n • ( outputs, and the second has n « ( inputs and n outputs, making a total of 2 » H • n • t switches. This may be compared to the n » n switches required for a one-stage design. If t is less than Vi. then the crossbar design is preferable. In office telephone appli- cations, ! is on the order of y 6 . so cross- bar switches were used successfully for many years. Space switches may be used in small parallel processors, but as the number of processors increases, so must the complexity of the switch- ing network, until it becomes imprac- tical to build such a large space switch. other resource-allocating tasks of the operating system. Hardware Problems In large memory banks, the failure of a single bit in the memory can be detected easily. However, how easy will it be to detect a malfunctioning processor in a bank of a million parallel processors? This disadvan- tage of multiprocessing hasn't been fully addressed yet because com- puters of sufficient complexity haven't been built yet. The operating system of the parallel processing computer, if you can call many independent si- multaneously operating programs a single operating system, will have to be able to tell if its neighbors are act- ing all right. This, of course, adds overhead that takes away from the ap- plications program. Controversies How do you measure the increase in speed of the multiprocessor? A com- puter with 10 processsors may ex- ecute 10 times as many instructions as a computer with a single processor. But if 50 percent of those instructions are overhead— housekeeping and communications instructions— the real increase is less than 10 times. There is also controversy over how to justify the design of multiproces- sors. If, for instance, a new and faster design requires difficult and slower programming time, is the efficiency in execution outweighed by the higher cost in programming? Interested par- ties such as the military are willing to pay the cost of programming because the goal is worth the additional cost. Conclusion There's not much use for a million- processor computer in running the kind of programs we microcomputer users are most familiar with. After all, how many processors do you need to move a paragraph? But if the million processors edit the paragraph as well as move it, then what you have is not a faster way to do old things but a new way to do new things. 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Such error-suppressing materials as VIVAX™ magnetic particles (the very core of the disk itself) have been developed by Sony. As is the case for our manufacturing pro- cess. It includes a burnishing technique that eliminates projections as small as 1/1 ,000,000 of a millimeter from the disk's surface. The result? Every time you use a Sony 3.5" disk you're assured you're using the best magnetic medium you can buy. With somebody else's, you can only guess. my Tape Sales Company. A division of Sony CorpOf alion of America, Sony Drive. Park Ridge. New Jersey 07656 Sony is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation Vtvax is a trademark of Sony Corporation, Inquiry 371 MAY 1985 -BYTE 18 Imagine dBASEIW The time Q - . 4 * ' Clipper introduces you to tlie time of your life. Time is your most valuable commodity Because how you spend your time, is how At Nantucket, we believe you should live life to the fullest Clipper, the first true a time, every time you run a program. 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Beals Extended-processing units can significantly broaden a microprocessor's instruction set BECAUSE MOST microprocessors are designed to meet the widest possible range of applications, they use a very general purpose set of instructions. Unfortunately, microprocessors are also limited by the size of the silicon wafer used to make them. Every in- struction takes up "silicon real estate" on the chip and must be justified. Much time and effort goes into select- ing the best possible instruction set that uses the least amount of silicon. Additional instructions are expen- sive in terms of the space used to im- plement them because the cost of building the central processing unit (CPU) is directly linked to the size of the chip. The more CPU chips on a single silicon wafer, the cheaper CPUs will be to manufacture. In order to avoid limiting the instruc- tion set and still conserve silicon, many of the more advanced micro- processor designs incorporate custom instructions that the user can modify. Most coprocessors were designed to extend the processor instruction set by using a separate chip, or extended-processing unit (EPU). The CPU uses its custom instructions to pass information to and from the EPU as if it existed on the same chip. This means that if specialized instructions are not implemented on the CPU but are required in a design, an EPU can be built to execute those instructions. A good example is floating-point mathematics instructions, which are not required by all microprocessor designs but are critical for some. Floating-point instructions also tend to be very costly in terms of silicon space. Intel, Motorola, National Semicon- ductor, and Zilog have implemented extended-processing architectures (EPAs) on their more advanced CPU chips. The devices used to extend the CPU are called coprocessors, slave processors, and sometimes numeric data processors. I will refer to them as EPUs. I will focus on four different ex- tended-processing architectures and discuss their similarities and dif- ferences. Instruction Templates All of the extended-processing archi- tectures in this article use an instruc- tion "template" to implement custom instructions. This is usually a set of reserved op codes identified by the CPU as a particular bit pattern at a particular location. In the example in figure 1, an F-line code, or a word that begins with all Is in the most signifi- cant bits, is used to decode a template instruction. The CPU recognizes four Is in bits 15 though 12 as an EPU instruction and allows the user to use the remain- ing bits for custom instructions. Of course, the extended-processing ar- chitecture for each manufacturer specifies how the rest of the bits should be structured. In some archi- tectures, this includes specifying an ID code to identify which specific EPU should decode the template. This allows for multiple EPUs. In figure I, the 3-bit ID field allows up to eight separate EPUs. Once a template instruction has been detected by the CPU, it must be detected and decoded by the specif- (continued) Gary D. Beals is a senior field applications engineer at Zilog Inc. (Suite 23, 2885 Aurora Ave,, Boulder, CO 80303). « — Inquiry 286 for Dealers. Inquiry 287 for End-Users. MAY 1985 -BYTE 185 MICRO ARCHITECTURES ically identified EPU. The most popular method is to have the EPU directly connected to the address and data bus of the CPU and watch for the template itself. The EPU takes advan- tage of whatever status information and timing signals the CPU has to offer to allow the EPU to detect the template op code at the proper time. This tightly coupled system requires little or no extra decoding logic. The EPU performs all the decoding. Another method produces a par- ticular status code when a template instruction is executed and uses ex- ternal hardware to decode a separate EPU address space. This requires ad- ditional hardware but does not re- quire the EPU to do the decoding. Either way. the template instruction is decoded as an EPU instruction and the information is passed to or from the EPU. The actual information transfer dif- fers from one architecture to another. but it generally takes one of two forms. In the first, the CPU provides all the addressing and the EPU takes the data and manipulates it in an ap- propriate manner. In the second, the EPU gets an address from the CPU, then takes control of the CPU bus and directly accesses memory. All of the architectures support the first method, some better than others. The second method, direct memory access (DMA), is supported by the CPU itself and is not generally in- cluded in an extended-processing ar- chitecture. DMA transfers can be use- ful for some applications but cause the CPU to lose control of the bus. This is contrary to the architecture- extension idea and can cause some problems. In short, all of the CPUs mentioned here support DMA transfers, although DMA transfers may not be part of a particular CPU extended-processing architecture. Software Emulation Another requirement for an ex- tended-processing architecture is the ability to emulate the EPU in software if the hardware chip is not present in the CPU. The EPU trap is a bit in a CPU con- trol register that is set if the EPU chip hardware is in the system or reset if it is not. Any time the CPU uses an extended instruction when the bit is reset, a software trap is activated. This means that the CPU will jump to a specific address where software rou- tines are located that will emulate the EPU instructions. The hardware and software are in- terchangeable, so they can be used to debug each other in the initial design or replace each other in the final sys- tem, depending on the requirements. If there is no provision for a soft- ware trap, the designer must know before code is compiled or assem- bled if an EPU is not in the system. A jump instruction replaces each EPU instruction, and the software routines are placed at the end of the jump. If this is not done, the EPU instructions become NOPs, or no-operations, and do not execute. Concurrent Operation There are a couple of buzzwords associated with EPUs. They are non- concurrent, or synchronous, mode, and concurrent, or asynchronous, mode of operation in an EPU. Nonconcurrent mode means that the CPU will always wait for the EPU before it begins another instruction. This could also be called serial execu- tion. Concurrent mode, or parallel ex- ecution, means that the CPU and EPU can be processing simultaneously. This has an obvious performance ad- vantage over nonconcurrent mode. However, if the CPU modifies memory before the EPU has a chance to read it, or if the EPU modifies memory without informing the CPU, synchro- nization problems can occur. If the CPU is always in control of the bus, this does not happen. However, if the EPU requires DMA in order to modify memory, provisions must be made to synchronize the EPU and CPU or pre- Figure 1: A sample template for an EPU instruction. The CPU will recognize the pattern of four \s in the high bits as an indicator of an EPU instruction (called an "V-line" since a binary 1111 equals F in base 16). The ID field can be used to select among eight EPUs. and the remaining bits are available to the EPU designer for custom instructions. b15 bO 1 1 1 1 esc ape cc ide M( )D R/M Figure 2: The format of an Intel 8086/8088 EPU instruction. 186 BYTE' MAY 1985 MICRO ARCHITECTURES vent one or the other from using in- valid data. Forcing temporary noncon- current operation in software is one way of solving the problem. As mentioned, by not allowing DMA in concurrent mode, synchronization problems are avoided. Another re- quirement for concurrent mode is a method of determining if the EPU has finished execution. This is done with either a hardware EPU BUSY line or a software register. If a register is used, some precautions in software must be followed to prevent problems. The following sections give more detailed information on each manu- facturer's extended-processing archi- tecture. They are listed in the order in which they were first implemented on a chip. Intel 8086 Coprocessor Interface The Intel 8086 Coprocessor Interface is implemented in the 8086/8088 and 80186/80188 microprocessors, al- though there are slight hardware dif- ferences between the implementa- tions. The two coprocessors designed for this interface are the 8087 numeric data coprocessor and the 8089 I/O processor. The 80286 has its own co- processor interface and a numeric data coprocessor, the 80287. de- signed for it. In the Intel system, the EPU is tied directly to the address/data bus, the CPU status lines, and the queue status lines. It uses the same clock as the CPU and also sends busy and inter- rupt signals to the CPU. Because the 8086 has an internal instruction queue, the EPU must use the CPU and queue status lines to track this queue internally in order to decode an EPU instruction. The 8086 has two prioritized lines, rq/gtO and rq/gtl, called request/grant lines. These allow two EPUs to request the CPU address/data bus. (The num- ber is not limited to two, but addi- tional hardware is needed to resolve EPU priority.) The 8087 and 8089 have a daisy-chain priority scheme that allows them to pass bus control to an EPU tied to their request/grant (rq/gtl) line. Table 1 : Am example of synchronization using 8087 instructions. Unsynchronized Synchronized case 1 FISP I FISTP I MOV AX, I FWAIT MOV AX, I case 2 FILD I FILD I MOV 1, 5 FWAIT MOV 1, 5 To execute an EPU instruction, the architecture uses an escape code, HOll, in the most significant bits of the instruction. The format for the in- struction is shown in figure 2. There are 64 memory-reference op codes and 5I2 nonmemory-reference op codes available. The 8087 uses 57 of the memory-reference and 406 of the nonmemory-reference op codes. If there is a requirement for both a custom EPU and an 8087, the de- signer should not use any of the 8087 op codes for the custom device. The escape code identifies the escape (ESC) instruction, and the MOD and R/M bits determine the ad- dressing mode used by the 8086. The rest of the bits are available for EPU instructions. If the EPU only needs to read mem- ory values of 16 bits or less, the host CPU performs all of the necessary ad- dressing. The EPU simply latches the data value as it appears on the bus during the CPU-generated memory read cycle. To write to memory or read values of data greater than 16 bits, the EPU must latch the 20-bit address placed on the address/data bus during the Tl clock cycle. It then becomes bus master through the request/grant line and operates as a DMA device, ac- cessing the memory on its own. Because the CPU and EPU can operate concurrently, when the EPU uses direct memory access there is a synchronization problem. In other words, the EPU can modify memory without informing the CPU. This means that, with some instructions, the CPU must wait to be sure that the EPU is finished and that the final value has been transferred to or from memory. The reverse is also true if the CPU is loading a value into the EPU that is larger than 16 bits. The CPU could modify memory before the EPU had a chance to read it. To prevent this, the WAIT instruction is used. WAIT causes the CPU to monitor the EPU Busy line and will not allow the CPU to continue until the EPU is finished processing and accessing memory. Intel's numeric data processor ap- plication note (reference 1) gives several examples of how to avoid syn- chronization problems. Synchroniza- tion can be done explicitly by the pro- grammer, or the compiler can be writ- ten to add necessary code automati- cally. In the latter case. WAIT instruc- tions are automatically inserted after every ESC instruction. Table 1 is an example of synchro- nization using 8087 instructions. In the unsynchronized case 1, the CPU might move the value of I before the EPU could modify it. The FWAIT in- struction forces the CPU to wait until the EPU is done with the value I. In case 2, the CPU could replace the value of I with 5 before the EPU could read the original value. One more problem in the 8086 as- sociated with synchronization is known as deadlock. This occurs when the CPU is executing a WAIT instruc- tion and the interrupt path from the CPU to the 8087 is broken. If the 8087 needs to interrupt the CPU for the cur- rent instruction, it cannot, and both the CPU and the 8087 sit and wait for each other. Intel's application note on the numeric data processor details ways to avoid deadlock. There are some special control in- (continued) MAY 1985 'BYTE 187 MICRO ARCHITECTURES The CPU performs all transfers to and from the EPU. structions in the 8087 that do not re- quire synchronization. The 8087 takes exclusive control of the memory bus and prevents the host CPU from inter- fering with the data values. These in- structions do not require a WAIT in- struction and cannot cause a dead- lock. The Intel implementation of concur- rent processing has some drawbacks, but they can generally be taken care of by the compiler or assembler. The user can either implement concur- rency for improved performance or remove it by adding a WAIT after every EPU instruction. Concurrency's major advantage is its inherent per- formance improvement when both the CPU and the EPU operate in parallel. If there is no EPU in the system, the host will execute an ESC instruction as if it were an NOP. Although an ad- dress is output, the data returned is ignored. This ensures that the CPU will continue to execute the program if the EPU is not there. It also means that the EPU instructions will be ig- nored. Because there is no trap mechanism in the EPU architecture for the 8086/ 8088 and 80186/80188, a decision must be made at compile or assembly time whether to use a hardware EPU or to emulate the function in software. Emulation software for the 8087 is available from Intel. The 80286 does implement an EPU software trap. Zilog Extended-Processing Architecture The Zilog extended-processing archi- tecture is supported on the Z8000, the Z800, and the Z80000 CPUs. Zilog has implemented an extended-pro- cessing architecture with templates for the custom instructions and a soft- ware trap available in case the EPU hardware is not in the system. The first Zilog EPU is the Z8070 arithmetic pro- cessing unit (APU). The Zilog architecture does not con- sider memory management an EPU function. The Z8000 implemented memory management is in a separate privileged I/O space, and the Z800 and Z80000 have memory manage- ment on chip. Some of the memory- management provisions and excep- tion handling of other architectures are therefore not required. The general instruction template format is illustrated in figure 3. The first word of the instruction contains a code that identifies it as an EPU in- struction and mode information about the data-transfer direction. It also has a 2-bit field defining which of four EPUs will decode the instruc- tion. The blank areas in the template are available for custom EPU instruc- tions. The n- 1 value means that up to 16m words or bytes of data will be transferred. The transfers can take ad- vantage of the 32-bit bus of the Z80000 by transferring two 16-bit words at a time. Templates include EPU to memory, memory to EPU, EPU to CPU, CPU to EPU, FCW (flag and control word) to EPU, FCW from EPU, and EPU inter- nal operation. The templates include all of the transfers shown above. This allows the designer to implement memory trans- fers, EPU to CPU communications, flag test and branch instructions, and internal EPU calculations. Figure 4 shows some sample Z8070 APU in- structions. Note that they follow the templates exactly and that only the blank area of the template is used specifically for the custom instruction. The EPU operates by sitting on the address/data bus and watching the in- struction stream. When it sees a bit pattern that it recognizes as an EPU instruction, it will decode it and act accordingly. The EPU uses the CPU status lines in order to determine when to look for its instruction templates. To allow concurrent operation, the EPU does not do any addressing or data passing on its own. The CPU is in control of the bus and provides all of the address information to the memory and EPU. This means that within this extended-processing archi- tecture, the EPU cannot operate on its own. It also means that the CPU can respond to interrupts and bus re- quests and continue to execute other instructions while the EPU is operat- ing on the data. As long as the CPU does not request data from the EPU before it is ready, the CPU continues to operate normally. If the CPU tries to use an EPU that is busy, in most cases the EPU will re- spond by temporarily halting the CPU until it finishes its current tasks. This is taken care of by a line coming from the EPU called EPUBUSY. On the Z8000, the CPU STOP pin is con- nected to EPUBUSY, and the pro- cessor can continue only when the EPU comes free or a CPU reset oc- curs. The Z800 has a PAUSE pin that should be connected to EPUBUSY. A PAUSEd Z800 can continue to re- spond to refresh requests, bus re- quests, and CPU resets. The Z80000 CPU samples the EPUBUSY line, and although it cannot execute instructions, it can accept bus requests and interrupts. If an interrupt or bus request occurs, the CPU saves the address of the extended instruc- tion. The Z80000 also has an EPU Overlap Mode Bit, which can be set or reset by software to enable or dis- able concurrent operation. This is useful for debugging. Because the CPU performs all trans- fers to and from the EPU. all transac- tions are done at the maximum CPU memory bus speeds. The EPU can also take advantage of any special transfer modes in the CPU. such as "burst mode.'' Burst mode means that if a single burst memory location is addressed, several data transfers can be made from consecutive addresses. For example, the CPU could send one address to the memory, and the memory would transfer back several consecutive words of data, as op- posed to one word of data, for each address. This requires added intelli- gence in the memory and is taken ad- vantage of by the Z80000 and Z800. {continued) 188 BYTE- MAY IQ81 THE LARGEST CAPACITY DISK EMULATOR YOU HAVE EVER SEEN. You know about disk emulators. They're fast semiconductor disk drives. Very fast. But until now, the most disk storage you could get on a single board was 1Mbyte. (That was from us, too.) Now we have news that'll really blow your socks off... 2 Megabytes on a single board. Available NOW. That's not a pie-in-the-sky promise. That's enough storage for dozens of large programs and hundreds of kilobytes of data files. Enough for almost anything you want to do with a disk drive. But that's not all. With SemiSpool, our CP/M print spooler, you can implement a print buffer hundreds of kilobytes long in seconds. All in software. At no extra cost. Another thing about disk emulators. Unless they're from SemiDisk Systems, they're probably afraid of the dark: Lose power or turn the computer off, and your valuable data goes to that big backup disk in the sky. But our Battery Backup Units keep SemiDisk data flying high while your computer is off, and up to 10 hours during a complete blackout. So remember this: SemiDisk Systems has been building dedicated microcomputer disk emulators longer than anyone. And larger. And faster. And at a much lower cost. And that's not a lot of hot air. AT A PRICE YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU'D SEE 512K 1Mbyte 2Mbyte SemiDisk I, S- 100 $995 $1795 SemiDisk II, S- 100 11295 $2095 $2549 IBM PC, XT, AT $945 11795 $2499 QX-10.QX-16 $799 $2499 TRS-80 11,12,16 $995 $1795 $2499 Battery Backup Unit M50 ft SemiDisk Systems, Inc. P.O. Box GG, Beaverton, Oregon 97075 503-642-3100 Call 503 646-5510 for CBBS/NW, 503 -775-4838 for CBBS/PCS. and 503 649 -8327 for CBBS/Aloha. all SemiDisk equipped compuier bulletin boards (300/1200 baud) SemiDisk. SemiSpool trademarks of SemiDisk Systems CP/M trademark of Digital Research. Inquiry 355 MAY 1985 -BYTE 189 MICRO ARCHITECTURES W5 bO mode + blank type dependent blank mode ID -h n-1 one or two words of address j ! ! i I Figure 3: The format of a Zilog EPU instruction. ID selects among four EPUs, n-l specifies number of words or bytes loaded, and *** contains source or destination information. bl5 bO 1 1 1 1 i Rs 1 1 i ID I n- I -1 i b15 bO 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i ID n- -1 16-bit addre ss I lb. b15 bO 1 1 1 1 R s 1 1 i ID I 1 Fs n- I -1 i b15 bO 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ID 1 Fs n- -1 16-bit i address i i I Figure 4: [a] A Zilog EPU-to-memoru transfer instruction template for indirect register |IR| addressing mode (above) and direct addressing (DA| mode (below). Rs is the CPU register used in the IR addressing mode. \b) Actual Z8070 instructions using the templates in la). This is a floating-point number load (FLD) instruction. Fs is the EPU register loaded: n-l indicates the floating- point number's precision— single, double, or double-extended. The Z8070 APU will have some speed advantages of its own. It will have two simultaneous clock speeds, one for its bus interface and one for its internal operation. This means that the APU will operate internally at its maximum speed while transferring data at a speed that the CPU and memory can handle. It also will allow the CPU to load data while the APU is executing instructions. This feature is very handy for matrix calculations and speeds up the total execution time. The Z8070 also will have four separate interfaces, which are select- able by two input lines. These include the Z8000. Z80000. and Z800 as well as a universal interface. The universal interface makes the Z8070 look like a peripheral on the CPU bus. The Z8070 is not yet available, although it should be out in 1985. {continued) 1 90 BYTE- MAY I985 Princeton Graphic Systems and Sigma Designs team up to give you a brighter, sharper display. SR-12 and Color 400. A brilliant combination for super-high reso lution graphics and a crisp character display. For a brighter, sharper display with all your IBM PC- compatible soft- ware here's a team that can't be beat. The SR-12 super- high resolution RGB monitor from Princeton Graphic Systems and Color 400, the advanced color graphics adapter card from Sigma Designs. Snap in Color 400. Begin by snapping Color 400 in to your IBM PC, XT, or AT. No switches to set. No cables to con- fuse. Color 400 gives you a razor sharp 640 x 400 display. It automatically doubles the number of lines on standard 200 gH* ' |in e software. Watch your J[_ J AjM 1 graphics come to life. Enjoy fully ^■^1 H M formed, monochrome-quality m\t0 ^tr characters in text mode. Just turn on your PC and tune in a whole new world of vibrant color. Turn on SR-12 for the impressive results. The SR-12 displays your Color 400 image with unmatched clarity and brilliant color. Because the SR-1 2 combines a .31 mm dot pitch tube and a non- glare screen with an in- credible 640 x 400 non- interlaced resolution, you get a flickerless image that's as crisp and clean as a per- sonal computer can produce. See how impressive this state-of-the art image can be on your own PC system. Visit your local retailer today and ask about this new color graphics team. Princeton Graphic System's SR-12 and Sigma Designs' Color 400. An unmatched, brilliant combination. Color 400 77// Wl \ \7.\6 t OAfiffA I I fO/\ ^=W DESIGNS SIGMA DESIGNS. INC., 2023 OToole Avenue, San Jose, CA 95131 (408) 943-9480 Telex: 1 71 240 PRI NCETON GRAPHIC SYSTEMS AIM INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS COMPANY Princeton Graphic Systems, 601 Ewing Street, Bldg. A, Princeton, N.J. 08540 (609) 683-1660, Telex: 821402 PGS PRIN, (800) 221-1490 Ext. 204 Graphic Screens courtesy Mouse Systems. Inc. and Forthright Systems, Inc IBM PC, PC XT, and PC AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines, Inc. Inquiry 324 MAY I985 'BYTE 191 MICRO ARCHITECTURES The Z8000. Z800. and Z80000 all have this extended-processing archi- tecture implemented in their instruc- tion sets. Except as noted on the Z80000. they are very similar. Al- though the Z8070 APU for floating- point math will be the first EPU from Zilog. almost any custom chip can be designed to work with the EPU archi- tecture. In addition, the EPU interface can be used for non-EPU applications. The interface can be used to provide a separate workspace outside of memory or I/O space and implement multiple stacks, slave buffers, or a high-speed block-transfer mechanism. (See reference 14.) National Semiconductor s Slave Processor Interface National Semiconductor has imple- mented an extended-processing ar- chitecture for the Series 32000 micro- processor family. It is designed to sup- port floating-point operations, mem- ory management, and custom proces- sors. In addition, it will allow compat- ibility with a later version device, which will integrate some or all of the functions on one chip when the tech- nology is feasible. National refers to its EPU as a "slave" processor because the host CPU per- forms all addressing and data trans- \coMmued) FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $100 Solutions Books HP-12C Training Guide HP-15C Advunced Functions 10 SERIES Scientific HP-11C . . . S 55.95 HP-15C S 87 95 Financial HP-12C S 87.95 Computer Science HP-16C S 87.95 S 1500 S 20 00 GUti* w \V; CALCULATORS Scientific TI-35II S17 95 TI-55II $42 95 Financial TI-BA35 Business Analyst $18.95 TI-BA-II Business Analyst II $34.95 TI-5310 Printing Financial $99.95 jg^Diablo | 630/API Daisywheel 630/ESC Daisywheel D-25 Daisywheel D-80 Daisywheel C-150 Color Inkjet $1459 $1615 $ 599 $2395 $ 985 » w 82161A 821 62A 9114A 82143A 921 92A 82164A ADDITIONAL \ ITEMS Cassette Drive $423.00 I Thermal Printer $349.50 HP-IL Disc Drive $625.00 1 Printer $295.00 1 DS/DD Discs . . . $ 55.20 | IURS-232 Inter! $227.15 1 pffe Capital -micro— Washin gton, DC Z09I2 (800) 544-4442 Western U.S. and Maryland Call Collect (301) 565-3595 TERMS: 'Free Shipping on orders over S100. " NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE for credit cards ■ *MD residents add 5% sales fax 'Credit references required for open account. 'Allow 2 weeks for personal checks Rfe c O R*5 $ 750 The Convex IV is a low-price, reliable. 36 cps Daisywheel printer manufactured by Brother and distributed by Epson (Mid- Atlantic). Brother is o trademark of Brother International Epson is a trademark of Epson America inc £<>. EPSON RX80 Dot Matrix $ 229 RX80-FT Dot Matrix $ 289 RX100 Dot Matrix $ 389 FX80 Dot Matrix $ 409 FX100 Dot Matrix $ 569 LQ1500 NLQ $1099 1X80 Dot Matrix CALL LX100 Dot Matrix CALL OKIDATA 92 Dot Matrix $ 365 84 Dot Matrix $ 679 BROTHER HR-15XL Daisywheel $ 349 HR-35 Daisywheel $ 799 2024 NLQ $ 899 192 BYTE' MAY I98S Inquiry 65 RamTape-PC. Because backups should do more than just ■ take/take,take. NORTH ATLANTIC / QANTEX PRESENTS RAHTAPE PC - FEATURES FILE OR INAGE BACKUP FAST ACCESS RAM DISK 32 DISKETTES ON TAPE •M|| , , . ■ I* W The trouble with conventional hard disk backups is that backing up is all they do. They take and store informa- tion-and can take a lot of time and effort doing it-but they don't help you use that information. RamTape-PC is a complete data storage peripheral that does more than just take data from your PC; it gives you new and advanced capabilities. It gives you: Electronic disk-a Ram- Tape-PC exclusive. Load data into its 360 Kbyte RAM. without reducing user's memory. Breeze through file editing and spread sheets. With an access time measured in nano-seconds, the electronic disk speeds every function. It gives you: A floppy library capa- bility-another RamTape exclusive. Store the contents of 32 double-sided floppies on one cartridge: if s more manageable, less expensive. And you access files up to 50 times faster. It gives you: A choice of hard disk backup, either file or image oriented. A complete 10MB file by file backup requires less than 15 minutes, with no user intervention. Image backup is even faster. The file mode of backup allows great flexibility providing for backup and restoration of specific files which meet selected criteria. Even with its exclusive features, Ram- Tape-PC costs no more than ordinary backups. So why settle for a system that only takes, when the RamTape-PC gives, gives, gives? For details contact Qantex, 60 Plant Ave, Hauppauge, NY 11788. Call toll-free 800-645-5292; in NY State 516-582-6060. ^ north ntliintic Qantex Inquiry 332 MAY I985 'BYTE 193 MICRO ARCHITECTURES b23 b8 i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i operations word i I i I I > ; i I I I I I I I b7 bO ID byte i i format i i 1 1 1 Figure 5: The format of a National Semiconductor Series 32000 microprocessor EPU instruction. Table 2: The National EPA protocol. Step Status Action 1 2 3 4 1111 1101 1101 CPU sends ID byte CPU sends operation word CPU sends required operands EPU starts execution; CPU 5 6 1110 prefetches EPU pulses AT/SPC low CPU reads status word 7 1101 CPU reads results, if any fers. The EPU sits on the address/data bus and watches for the ID byte that identifies an EPU instruction, the operand word format, and (in case of a multi-EPU system) which EPU will manipulate the data. The host CPU routes the data to the specified EPU, and the EPU then performs whatever action the instruction specified. Each instruction consists of 24 bits— the ID byte and an operation word that spec- ifies size and number of operands, ad- dressing modes, and the type of oper- ation (see figure 5). The 32032 CPU contains 3 bits in its configuration (CFG) register that cor- respond to custom (C), memory-man- agement (M), and floating-point (F) EPUs. The bits are set on initialization of the CPU, using the SETCFG com- mand. If EPU hardware is in the sys- tem, the appropriate bit should be set and the EPU instructions will execute. If the bit is reset, an EPU instruction will trap to a software routine In order to maintain software com- patibility with a future device, which could integrate memory-management and floating-point math functions on a single chip, National has specified both floating-point and memory-man- agement operation codes in its in- struction set. These instructions each have separate ID byte codes. National also specifies a set of custom EPU instructions, including those to calculate, move, compare, convert, and load and store status registers. Three privileged instructions can be executed only in supervisor mode: test, and custom register load and store. The designer can specify the op codes and data types for these instructions in the operand word. Operand transfers can use any of the addressing modes. The actual EPA protocol uses the host CPU status lines and a line called slave processor control (AT/SPC). Four status codes are used for the protocol: Send ID I l I l Xfer operand l I0l Read status l 1 1 Waiting for EPU 00 1 I The AT/SPC line is bidirectional and pulsed low for transactions. The EPA protocol shown in table 2 is documented in reference 8. In step 1, the CPU starts to execute an EPU instruction and outputs the ID byte on the address/data bus and status 1111 on the status lines. The EPUs decode the ID and only the appropriate EPU continues to talk to the CPU. In step 2. the CPU outputs the operand word, with 1101 on the status lines. At this point, both the CPU and the EPU have decoded the operand word, and the CPU transfers as many operands as were specified, with 1 101 on the status lines. Once all the operands are transferred, the EPU begins execution, signaling this by pulsing the AT/SPC line. The CPU can continue to fetch in- structions into the 8-byte prefetch until it is filled. At that point, the CPU waits for the EPU to finish and places 0011 (waiting for EPU) on the status lines. The CPU and EPU do not ex- ecute concurrently. When the EPU is finished or wants to communicate with the CPU, it will pulse the AT/SPC line and the CPU will read a status word in the EPU by plac- ing 1 1 10 on the status lines. The status word contains a number of flags set depending on the results of the EPU's operations, including a Q flag that in- dicates an error detected by the EPU In the last step of the protocol, the CPU transfers any results from the EPU to their destinations and places 1 101 on the status lines. There are two exceptions to this protocol: the load- memory-management-register (LMR) and the load-custom-register (UCR) in- structions. These are direct transfer in- structions and do not require any acknowledgment or status informa- tion from the EPU. Motorola Coprocessor Interface The Motorola Coprocessor Interface is implemented in the recently re- icontinued) 194 BYTE" MAY 1985 NOW THAT THE PC FAD IS OVER, IT'S TIME TO GET DOWN TO BUSINESS. Like hordes of locusts, the PC swept the business community. Corpora- tions bought them like electronic calculators by the thousands to improve the productivity of their executives. Portables were carried home from the of- fice every evening and on trips. Com- puterization was even affordable to the small business tor the first time. Pro- grammers put their unique genius to work to develop some of the best soft- ware ever written. Productivity tools like word processing, electronic spread sheets, data base management and ac- counting was placed into the hands of new computer users. Productivity im- proved for everyone. From the CEO ... to his staff ... to the salesman ... to his secretary. Forecasts for con- tinued PC growth were nothing but highly optimistic. One at every desk. One in every home. What happened? "Networking won't solve the multiuser problem either economi- cally or functionally'' Like the first crust of any marketplace it saturated quickly. Those that are the first to buy almost anything new and promising, bought. There are no more computer hackers and hobbyists to sell to. They all have one. Applications for the home that made any sense didn't develop. Corporations found that they needed PCs to "talk" to each other. That solution is distant because networking won't solve the problem either economically or functionally. Most available networking does nothing more than messenger floppies around. The small business found that as soon as its first PC was operational and productive, a second one was needed to satisfy de- mand usage. The PC, with all its pro- mises, turned out to be a dead end for the business environment. The PC and clones just haven't been the godsend for business that was predicted. Why? The PC is a personal computer. Just that. Not a business computer. That's because PCs are single user computers with single user software. Good for one person but not good enough for a whole company. Even if the company is two people. Every computerized business has someone entering information while someone else is looking up information. That's two users. And every business has more than two users who need access to the computer. That's a multiuser com- puter environment. "The small business needs a second PC as soon as the first one is working!' It's now hard to justify PCs in a business environment. A multiuser com- puter capable of supporting up to five users is available for the price of a single IBM PC XT. It has more storage and a business oriented operating system. Supermicros are available that have the power of minicomputers without the ac- companying price tag. Ten unconnected PCs, sitting around worth about 550,000, doesn't make sense when for much less you can get a lot more com- puting power in a supermicro that ac- commodates 20 or more users. But don't let even that price tag scare you. On a per user basis, multiuser computers cost about SI 500 less than a PC. New users can be added for less than S600 with a dumb terminal. And they're upgradable. "A six port multiuser computer is now available for the price of a single IBM PC XT . , . micro- computer systems cost $1500 less per user than multiple PCs!' Multiuser computers communicate with each other. They share the same data base, software and peripherals. They have sophisticated business features such as record locking, user accounting priv- ilege levels and system security. They are business oriented and priced well within the reach of the first time computer user. But what about all the PCs already in place? Don't ask the PC manufacturer for a solution. They're concentrating on selling more single user systems. The real solution is to get started with a true multiuser computer in the first place. With multiuser business computers now in the same price range as a PC, it doesn't cost any more to make the first step the right step. The PC has seeded the next wave. It's here now. Supermicro multiuser computers that can support up to 32 users. If you don't believe it just look at the new product introductions from IBM, DEC and AT&T, let alone the smaller companies like Altos, Plexus and IBC. Big system features for every end user. Software for every conceivable specialized business application. That's not the end of it. New challenges are there for everyone. Opportunities abound. Software companies are already applying their talents to multiuser operating systems, disk conversion and even more powerful and productive soft- ware. Companies are shifting their em- phasis to provide multiuser system enhancements as they did for the PC. Value added resellers and specialist dealers will give the end user the support that's been terribly lacking from depart- ment store retailers. It's a great day for someone who needs a multiuser com- puter. And everyone does. "Multiuser computers share every- thing . . . they have business features such as record locking, user accounting, privilege levels and system security." Thanks PC! You've whetted the appetite of a large new business environ- ment for computerization. One that is bigger, more demanding, and more so- phisticated than we've ever seen before. There's no turning back now. You were a fad, but now it's time to get down to business . . . multiuser business. Randy L. Rogers President and CEO IBC/Integrated Business Computers Manufacturer of Multiuser Computers Chatsworth, California. Inquiry 194 for Dealers. Inquiry 195 for End-Users. MAY 1985 -BYTE 195 MICRO ARCHITECTURES W5 bO 1 1 1 1 i i ID i i i i type i i i i i i i type dependent i i i i i V F-line Figure 6: The format of a Motorola EPU instruction for the 68020 microprocessor. "Type" and "type dependent" are defined for each specific instruction. Table 3: The 11 registers in the Motorola EPU architecture register space. Register Description Response 16-bit. used by the EPU to request action Control 16-bit, used to acknowledge or abort an EPU instruction Save 16-bit, used to initiate save operation Restore 16-bit, used to initiate restore operation Operation 16-bit, saves EPU operation word Command 16-bit, used for general instructions Condition 16-bit, used for branch and conditional instructions Operand 32- bit, passes data operands Register optional, used for register primitives Instruction optional, instruction address Operand Address optional operand address leased 68020 3 2 -bit microprocessor. It is not implemented in the 68010, 680I2. 68000. or 68008. but a soft- ware trap is available in those pro- cessors to allow software emulation of the coprocessor instructions. In the Motorola system, the EPU is a peripheral on the bus but operates in the CPU address space. An EPU in- struction will automatically access this address space by producing the status code 111 on the processor status lines. Decoding logic is re- quired to recognize the status 1 1 1 and differentiate among up to eight EPUs. Two of the eight EPU identity codes are reserved for user-definition: one specifies the 688 5 1 Paged Memory- Management Unit, and one is for the 6888 1 Floating Point Coprocessor. The remaining four are reserved by Motorola. The EPU must also decode address lines A4 through A0 to specify the register set. Externally, the 32 bits of address are as follows: A31-A20 xxx Don't care AI9-A16 00 10 EPU operation A15-A13 ID EPU identity A12-A5 0..0 Operation as an EPU A4-A0 R EPU register In addition to the status lines in- dicating a CPU space access, address bits A19-AI6 define an EPU opera- tion. Bits Al 5-Al 3 define which EPU, and A4 through A0 tell which register (specified in the EPU architecture). The first 16 bits of each instruction are shown in figure 6. The CPU recognizes an EPU instruc- tion in the microcode and will go to supervisor, or privileged, mode. The 68020 will then produce the status code 1 1 1 and expect to receive a data transfer and size acknowledge signal (DSACKx) if there is an EPU resident in the system. If no acknowledgment is received a bus error occurs. The CPU then generates a software trap and jumps to a specific address where the EPU function can be emulated in software. This trap is completely auto- matic and does not require any system-initialization software. The EPU instruction set is defined by the "type" code in the EPU instruc- tion. This 3-bit code defines eight dif- ferent instruction formats, including the following: • general instructions that are used for passing EPU specific commands in a template format • conditional and branch instructions, including word and long word branch- es, set conditional and decrement- and-branch conditional, and trap con- ditional instructions • save and restore instructions to save and restore the internal state frame of the EPU. a variable size block of status, or other information in the EPU on demand (see reference 9 for further information! The EPU architecture specifies 1 1 registers in the register space. 8 of which are required by the EPU in- structions. Table 3 lists the 1 1 registers. There are also 18 EPU primitives, or responses and commands, passed from the EPU to the CPU. These in- clude exception handling, synchroni- zation, instruction stream manipula- tion, and operand and register trans- fer. These primitives use the response register to talk to the CPU. The transfer of operands to and from memory and between the CPU and EPU is made using the operand register. CPU and EPU transfers sim- ply read and write to the operand register. Memory and EPU transfers require that the operand pass through a temporary register in the CPU and use the CPU to EPU transfer. If the EPU has DMA capability, it can trans- fer data directly to and from memory after first taking control of the mem- ory bus. In addition, the instruction stream manipulation primitive allows a kind of block move: up to 2 56 bytes can be transferred to and from memory {continued] 196 BYTE • MAY 1985 1 r COLOR MAGIC: IBM-PC compatible S100 BUS graphics board. Gives your 16 bit SI 00 BUS system IBM-PC com- patibility. ■ RGB and composite outputs ■ IBM PC keyboard port ■ All IBM-PC display modes plus two higher resolution modes PRICE 16K - $595.00 32K - $695.00 LIGHTNING ONE: The standard by which other 16 bit boards are judged. The LIGHTNING ONE offers math processing ca- pabilities only available on large mainframes pre- viously ■ Up to 10MHz operation ■ 8MHz 8087 option ■ Optional 8089 coprocessor PRICES start at $425.00 8086/87 (8MHz) $900.00 8086 (10MHz) $625.00 V4* MEG ARAM: High performance high density Dynamic RAM. Offers cost effective memory expansion in 16 bit systems. ■ No wait states with 8086's up to 10MHz ■ Only one wait state with 6MHz 80286 ■ Up to two MegaBytes of memory PRICE 256K - $595.00 512K - $1095.00 1024K - $1995.00 . 2048K - $3295.00 THUNDER 186: Single board 16 bit microprocessor offers 10MHz 8086 performance. THUNDER requires no other support boards. ■ 256K RAM ■ FDC controller ■ 2 Serial ports ■ Parallel printer port ■ Concurrent DOS is included PRICE $1595.00 ISKflF LIGHTNING 286: Highest performance processor available on the SI 00 BUS. This 6MHz 80286 offers performance equivalent to a 14 MHz 8086. ■ 5 times IBM-PC performance ■ 16 Mbyte physical memory space ■ 1 Giga byte virtual address space PRICE 30286 - $1095.00 80286/287 - $1649.00 Computer Systems . . . LOMAS DATA PRODUCTS offers a full line of single and multi-user computer systems, including systems compatible with the IBM-PC and PC- AT. If you have a requirement for a high performance 16 bit computer system and require IBM-PC compatibility call LOMAS DATA PRODUCTS, the only supplier of SI 00 BUS PC compatibles. ss and specifications are sublet •CP/M-86. MP/U-86 and CONCURRENT D - LASER PRINTER PRINTER PERSONAL COMPUTER Here's an affordable way to switch up to sixteen RS-232 ports in any interconnection. If s called die Smart Switch™ controller. The SS-16 accommodates any peripheral: terminals, printers, CPUs and modems. Any port can select any other port. With up to eight pairs of ports communi- cating at the same time. Create your own local network. The SS-16 is ideal for computer port expansion, computer snaring, engineering work clusters, and much more. Each port has its own spooling buffer. So any baud rate can communicate with any other baud rate. Anywhere in the system. You can name your ports. Like "PRINTER;' "MODEM',' or whatever. Or give multiple ports the same name, like "CPU',' and the SS-16 will connect you to the first "CPU" port available. A battery backup system ensures your system configu- ration and port names are main- tained anytime the system is shut off. A special supervisory port lets you monitor any other port. Connect ports together. Broad- cast messages. Or designate the same supervisory power to other ports. You 11 also find the SS-16 W]^ user-friendly. It tells you when your selected port is busy Sends a "port available" message if you choose to wait. And optionally times-out ports not in use. There's even a HELP command. And for quick and easy instal- lation, a push button defines each port for either DTE or DCE. So if you need an intelligent, affordable way to link your RS-232 system, you're ready for WTI's Smart Switch. For more information on the SS-16, or our other RS-232 switches, call Western Telematic toll-free at (800) 854-7226. In California call (714) 979-0363. Or write WTI, 2435 South Anne Street, Santa Ana, California 92704. Or telex 467741. □ western iU telematic inc. 200 BYTE' MAY 1985 Inquiry 418 MULTIPROCESSING APPLYING DATA FLOW IN THE REAL WORLD by William Gerhard Paseman This model for parallel processing is finding its way into commercial applications VON NEUMANN MACHINES support a paradigm, a way of thought, that has been used successfully for 3 5 years. (See the text box entitled "The Von Neumann Paradigm" on page 214.) In a world in which thousands of PCs are sold in a month, the von Neumann computational model is not going to be replaced by an alternate model any time soon. However, valid reasons exist for using architectures based on alternatives to the von Neumann model of computation. One reason is that many algorithms perform better and more inexpensive- ly on other architectures than on von Neumann machines. It is not simply raw horsepower that produces this performance increase; it is horse- power that is tailored to the opera- tions that the algorithm uses. Algo- rithms that can be expressed easily and coherently using the set of opera- tions that the architecture provides usually perform better than those that cannot. When algorithms and architectures mesh well together, we say that the architecture supports the algorithm. When an architecture makes imple- mentation of the algorithm feasible, but not convenient, we say that the ar- chitecture weakly supports the algo- rithm. The better the mesh between the two. the better the price/perfor- mance ratio of the combination will be. The von Neumann paradigm sup- ports many algorithms well and weak- ly supports others. In this article, we will briefly review the relationship be- tween several non-von Neumann par- adigms then examine one non-von Neumann paradigm, data flow, in detail. Finally, we will look at some commercial architectures that support this model. Why We Should Care About Parallelism There are many ways to decrease the time an algorithm takes to complete on a given processor. If the processor is a general-purpose computer, one good way is to put the part of the algorithm that takes the most time into hardware. This is called functional specialization. An example of this is the Z80 IX. IY register instruction set. The instructions in this group were added to support procedure parameter pass- ing. Another method of speeding things up is to break the algorithm into parts and devote a separate processor to each part. This type of parallelism is called junctional decomposition. It works well only if the processors have the work divided evenly among them. If the work is not divided evenly, one processor will become a bottleneck. Finally, you can break the algo- rithm's input data into parts and have a set of identical processors handle each part. This type of parallelism will not work on all algorithms. Of course, all these methods poten- tially can be used at the same time. Functional specialization usually pro- vides the greatest speedup, however, that speedup usually is very special- ized. Parallelism provides less speed- up, but it is applicable to a broader range of problems. Computer architectures that effec- ( continued) William Gerhard Paseman is a software manager at Daisy Systems. He can be reached at 330 Sierra Vista. Apt. #3. Mountain View. CA 94043. MAY 1985 -BYTE 201 APPLYING DATA FLOW tively use processor parallelism possess linear price/performance curves over a wide performance range. For example, if a given algo- rithm takes 4 minutes to complete with $1000 worth of fifth-generation hardware, then it should take 2 minutes to complete with $2000 worth of hardware and 1 minute to complete with $4000 worth of hard- ware (See the text box entitled "Linear Price/Performance and In- cremental Performance." page 212). Conventional (von Neumann) com- puter architectures do not have linear price/performance curves over a wide performance range. In order to make a conventional computer perform general algorithms faster, you don't simply add more components. In- stead, you make its individual com- ponents faster. (There are some special cases in which you can im- prove performance by adding com- ponents; for example, adding more memory to a demand-paging environ- ment.) Another way of saying this is that von Neumann architectures are not designed to be scaled over a wide range with respect to performance. The price/performance relationship between the two approaches is illus- trated in figure I . The graph indicates that von Neumann computer architec- tures will experience a performance cutoff at some point. This point will occur when all the components reach the theoretical performance limit of the technology upon which they are based. Parallel architectures will also ex- perience a performace cutoff at some point. This point will occur when the cost of coordinating two pieces of work between two components ex- ceeds the cost of having one compo- nent do both pieces of work. In the general case, this point must eventual- ly occur regardless of the size or speed of the components, regardless of the speed of communication, and regardless of the complexity of the work that the components must do. Until they reach the von Neumann cutoff, von Neumann machines prob- ably will perform better than their MIPS ■• — 5th -GENERATION CUTOFF (ADD MIPS BY ADDING HARDWARE ) SHADED AREA SHOWS ADVANTAGE OF PARALLEL ARCHITECTURES (ADD MIPS BY SPEEDING UP HARDWARE ) ■« VON NEUMANN CUTOFF • " * + - PARALLEL (5th -GENERATION ) MACHINES • -SERIAL (VON NEUMANN) MACHINES SHADED AREA SHOWS PENALTY DUE TO COMMUNICATION OVERHEAD PRICE DOLLARS Figure I: A comparison of the price/performance aspects of serial and parallel comvutina architectures. parallel counterparts. This is because parallel architectures usually have a communication overhead that von Neumann architectures lack. Models of Computation That Support Parallelism There are several paradigms for which it is currently popular to design paral- lel machines. The oldest is the control- flow paradigm. The control-flow paradigm assumes that two or more processors share common memory. A control-flow ar- chitect usually views algorithmic parallelization and processor syn- chronization as being the program- mer's problem. The architect supports the programmer by providing ma- chine instructions that allow the pro- grammer to do explicit processor syn- chronization in his code. Due to the wide interface between processes (i.e., the common memory), it is easy to write poor code that uses the inter- face in an undisciplined way. As a result, such systems have gotten bad press from many in the research community. Most of the other paradigms are based around a weaker, more theo- retically tractable concept in which, conceptually, memory sharing is not required. This concept is called message passing. Message-passing architectures allow programmers to structure their programs into islands of computation. These islands pro- cess asynchronously and communi- cate by passing messages to one another. The data-flow paradigm is a mes- sage-passing model in which each island of computation is very small and usually performs the same opera- tion repetitively on streams of values. Data-flow computation is data-driven, which means that each island starts processing whenever all data neces- sary to its computation is available. The reduction paradigm is similar to the data-flow paradigm, except that a strong separation is made between the spawning of a computation and the computation itself. Here, com- putation is demand-driven, which {continued) 202 BYTE- MAY 1985 MICRO CAP and MICRO LOGIC on line... /Vfc'XT/ How many long unproductive hours have you spent "in line" for your simula- tion? Well, no more. MICROCAP and MICROLOGIC can put you on line by turning your PC into a productive and cost-effective engineering workstation. Both of these sophisticated engineering tools provide you with quick and efficient solutions to your simulation problems. And here's how. MICROCAP: Your Analog Solution MICROCAP is an interactive analog circuit drawing and simulation system. It allows you to sketch a circuit diagram right on the CRT screen, then run an AC, DC, or Transient analysis. While pro- viding you with libraries for defined models of bipolar and MOS devices, Opamps, transformers, diodes, and much more, MICROCAP also includes features not even found in SPICE. MICROCAP II lets you be even more productive. As an advanced version, it employs sparse matrix techniques for faster simulation speed and larger net- Typical MICROCAP Transient Analysis" works. In addition, you get even more advanced device models, worst case capa- bilities, temperature stepping, Fourier analysis, and macro capability. MICROLOGIC: Your Digital Solution MICROLOGIC provides you with a similar interactive drawing and analysis environment for digital work. Using standard PC hardware, you can create logic diagrams of up to 9 pages with each containing up to 200 gates. The system automatically creates the netlist required for a timing simulation and will handle networks of up to 1800 gates. It provides you with libraries for 36 user-defined basic gate types, 36 data channels of 256 bits each, 10 user-defined clock wave- forms, and up to 50 macros in each net- work. MICROLOGIC produces high-resolution timing diagrams showing selected waveforms and associated delays, glitches, and spikes — just like the real thing. "Typical MICROLOGIC Diagram ' Reviewers Love These Solutions Regarding MICROCAP ... "A highly recommended analog design program" (PC Tech Journal 3/84). "A valuable tool for circuit designers" (Personal Software Magazine 11/83). Regarding MICROLOGIC ... "An effi- cient design system that does what it is supposed to do at a reasonable price" (Byte 4/84). MICROCAP and MICROLOGIC are available for the Apple II (64k). IBM PC ( 128k). and HP- ISO computers and priced at J47S and J450 respectively Demo versions are available for 175. MICROCAP II is available for the Macintosh. IBM PC (256k). and HP- 150 systems and is priced at $895 Demo versions are available for S100 Demo prices are credited to the purchase price of the actual system Now, to get on line, call or write today! Spectrum Software 1021 S.Wolfe Road, DeptB Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (408)738-4387 Inquiry 374 APPLYING DATA FLOW means that the requirement for a result triggers the island that will generate it. The Data-flow Paradigm The basic concepts of data flow were originally developed in the 1960s by compiler writers. Compiler writers used data-flow graphs to do perfor- mance optimization on standard serial programs. A data-flow graph is a directed graph in which the nodes represent primitive functions such as addition and subtraction, and the arcs represent data dependencies be- tween functions. It was realized in the early 1970s that if data-flow graphs were executed directly, the architec- tures that executed them could be massively parallel. A picture of a data-flow graph for the function 3 * {y + F(x) ) is shown in figure 2. In this model, nodes are viewed as stations in an assembly line. The stations are connected by con- veyor belts (called arcs). The conveyor belts carry containers (tokens) that hold contents (values). At each node is a person (processor) who operates the station's function. When the first token hits the F node, the processor takes its value, operates on it. and passes a new token with the result to the + node. As F was processing the first value, + could do nothing, since it required two tokens in order to operate and had only one available. Now, however, + has two values: 1 THESE ARE TOKENS"-- o " x3" / o "x2' TOKENS LIE ON "ARCS" -► TOKENS HAVE "VALUES NODES PROCESS "VALUES" ARCS ENTER "NODES" ARCS EXIT "NODES" NODES CONTAIN "FUNCTIONS" Figure 2: A simple data-flow graph of the function z = 3 * (y + F(x)). /„ o " x 3 © b' 5" b -ASSIGN PROCESSOR I HERE INITIALLY ASSIGN PROCESSOR II HERE INITIALLY ASSIGN THE FIRST FREE PROCESSOR HERE Figure 3: A data-flow graph of the function z = 3 * [y + F(x)) illustrating static processor allocation: processors are assigned to nodes at compile time. from F and 9 from y, so it adds them together and passes a token with the result to *. As + was operating on its first set of tokens, F was operating on its second token. Thus, parallel opera- tion is achieved by pipelining values through nodes that execute fixed functions. Data-flow Execution models Normally, a data-flow graph has many more nodes than processors. There- fore, an execution model, a method of allocating nodes to processors, is needed. We will briefly describe two models, the static and dynamic models of execution. Figure 3 depicts the static model, in which the processors run to the nodes, where all input tokens are present and no tokens are on the out- put arcs. However, this method leads to situations like that mentioned above, where the + node was bottlenecked by the F operation. In order to rec- tify this problem, the dynamic model was invented. In the dynamic model, instead of waiting idle, the processor at the + node would help the F pro- cessor by processing its second token for it. Figure 4 depicts the dynamic model. Data-Flow Architecture It is still unclear exactly how to con- struct expandable hardware to sup- port any of the above execution models. One common data-flow architecture is shown in figure 5. Here, the data- flow machine consists of three stages— a matching unit, a fetch/up- date unit, and a processing unit (perhaps more than one). Let's see how these parts interact on the previous example. Let's refer to the nodes by symbolic name. We will call the + node PLUS and the * node MUL. At some point in the calcula- tion, the matching unit has two tokens passed to it by the processing units. The first token indicates that the left (L) arc of the PLUS node has been set to 1 (a). Later, it receives a token in- dicating that the right (R) arc of the (continued) 204 BYTE- MAY I98S COMPUTERS IBM SYSTEM SPECIALS 256K. 2 Drives SCill 256K. 2 Drives. Color Graphics. Printer Adapter & PGS HX-12 Monitor . S2459 256K 1 Drive & 10 MB Hard Olsk SCall TWO USER SYSTEM (hoi 10 MB Hard Disk. 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The fetch/update unit knows that PLUS performs the + function and that it fans out to MUL's arc L, so it sends this information to an arbitrary processing unit (d). The processing unit performs the addition and sends the result to the match unit (e). If the system allows more than one instantiation of an instruction to be active at a time (this would occur if the machine were executing the same instruction for the i and 1+ 1 instantia- tions of a loop simultaneously), then /„ ,° x3" © © ASSIGN PROCESSOR II HERE Figure 4: A data-flow graph of the function z = 3 * |y + F(x)) illustrating dynamic processor allocation; processors are assigned to nodes at run time. (DATA TOKENS) PROC. UNITS Pl-Pn MATCH UNIT ( EXECUTABLE INSTRUCTIONS ) FETCH UPDATE UNIT ( SET OF TOKENS ) MEMORY UNIT (o) NODE ARC VALUE (b) PLUS L 10 PLUS R 7 NODE L R PLUS 10 7 d i "UNC L R FANOUT " + " 10 7 MUL L (e) NODE ARC VALUE MUL L 17 Figure 5: An example of data-flow architecture, with packet communication and token matching. the descriptors must also be tagged with a process ID. This is done in a dynamic data-flow system. Properties of the Data-flow Paradigm The data-flow model makes many assumptions about the nature of the algorithms it runs. Some are: • All information needed to execute the algorithm must be contained in its data-flow graph. That is. the paradigm does not use any structures other than the data-flow graph in order to execute the algorithm that the graph represents. The graph is the data-flow machine's "machine language" for the algorithm. The machine takes ad- vantage of the graphical nature of the program in order to produce the speedup. • The algorithm should not have a single locus of control. That is, the data-flow graph should allow more than one node on the graph to be ex- ecuted at a time. If the algorithm has a single locus of control, it will run slower on a data-flow machine than on a von Neumann machine (due to the communications overhead). • The data-flow graph must have a high degree of granularity. In other words, the graph nodes must contain things like + primitives and not "sort" primitives. One reason this is impor- tant is that graphs with granular primitives contain the potential for more parallelism. Note that this im- plies that the time for a "context switch," which is the time for a pro- cessor to switch from processing one node to processing another, must be small. • The data-flow graph must have locality of effect. This means that the nodes do not' fan out to a large number of other nodes. This is impor- tant, since nonlocality would stress the communication network of the data-flow machine. These assumptions can be used to judge whether or not an algorithm matches well with the data-flow paradigm. If the algorithm to be ex- ecuted does not have the above (continued] 206 BYTE- MAY I9HS ▲ An estimated $3 billion plus annually. What's more, there's practically no risk. Computer data thieves rarely get caught. And when they do, inadequate laws and the fear of publicity keep most victims from taking legal action. Don't assume that just because you're not involved in anything top-secret, nobody's interested in your data files. Computer thieves know that someone's always willing to pay a handsome price to get confidential corporate and professional information. Or pay to get it back. 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And it means our CPU board was designed with standard features that are either options or simply unavail- able on other microcomputers: □ 68000 microprocessor 1 10 MHz with no wait statesl □ VMEbus □ 256K bytes RAM □ 5T640K byte floppy □ Battery-backed real time clock 4KCMOS RAM □ Four RS-232C serial ports Stride multiuser BIOS) D Centronics bi-directional parallel port □ Omninet Local Area Network! Liaison LAN softwarel With this basic design. Stride is able to explore the full range of 68000 appli- cations from an advanced multiuser, multi tasking BIOS to built-in local area networking. No other microcomputer offers the flexibility to run over a dozen different operating systems and more than 30 languages/compilers. The basic design is backed by a rich option list: □ 12 MHz 68000 processor □ VMEbus (Eurocardl cage □ Low cost, high speed graphics D NOD™ cursor control □ 1 2M bytes of RAM □ 448M bytes of hard disk storage □ 22 serial ports □ Floating point processor INSI608I) □ Cartridge streaming tape backup □ Memory Management Unit CBASIC Modula-2 Pascal FORTRAN USD UNIX SystemV p-System CWMBSK All this and still the best price/ performance ratios in the industry: from $2900 to over $60,000. But it begins with the powerful Stride CPU board, a standard feature of every 400 series system. It's what we call Performance By Design Formerly Sdge Computer For more information on Stride or the location of the nearest Stride Dealer call or write us today We II also send you a free copy of our 32 page product catalog Corporate Offices: 4905 Energy Way Reno. NV 89502 17021322-6868 Regional Offices: Boston 16171 229-6868 Dallas I2I4I392-707O APPLYING DATA FLOW properties, then the data-flow model is not the one to use to execute it. Commercial Possibilities of Data Flow- Texas Instruments Texas Instruments was one of the first companies to investigate the viability of data flow all the way to the hard- ware prototype stage. Tl's research was done between 1975 and 1980. The company's architecture consisted of four "simple processors'' and a host, connected in a ring architecture. Tl has not yet released a commercial product based on this research. Tl's hardware/software effort was called a Data Flow Testbed. The test- bed could accept a program written in a conventional programming lan- guage, compile it. link it, and automat- ically partition it to run on any number of processors. The people at Tl did this in a relatively straightfor- ward way. They took an existing com- mercial compiler/linker that generated data-flow graphs in its optimization phase. If the resulting graph com- pletely described the algorithm, they could automatically partition the graph onto a number of processors and run it. Tl recognized that it is currently very difficult (i.e., commercially im- practical) to generate data-depen- dence graphs for most real programs written in standard languages. The company knew this meant that "pure" data-flow processors cannot run stan- dard software. Therefore, Tl's system used a mixture of data-flow and clas- sical control-flow techniques. That is, the computer was not a "pure" data- flow machine but rather used data- flow constructs where appropriate. Tl's primary interest was the applica- tion of data-flow concepts to large- scale machines running standard (un- modified) high-level language pro- grams. The company investigated whether compilers could extract enough of the latent parallelism in standard programs to produce signifi- cant speedup in a data-flow architec- ture. One of Tl's most interesting results was that the average amount (continued) 210 BYTE Inquiry 377 "... innovation, not compatibility is what we think microcomputers are all about' [This is one of a series of design philosophy discussions with Rod Coleman President of Stride Micro [formerly Sage Computed! RC: When the 68000 micro- processor was first introduced, many saw it as a minicomputer replacement. They rolled up a disk drive unit, plugged in a bunch of terminals and ported a mainframe operating system like UNIX™ At Stride we had a completely different perspec- tive. We saw the 68000 at the cen- ter of a dream MICROcomputer: we envisioned I pardon the expression I a turbocharged Apple™ Q: What s the real difference between the two approaches? RC: It's reflected in both our product mix and our design To begin with price has always been a key point. The pioneers in the micro world were simply not ready to jump from a S2 000 machine to a S25000 system overnight leaving behind every- thing they d come to admire about micros. That's why the price/performance ratio plays such a major role in every design decision we make Q: Such as? RC: When we evaluated local area networks for the new Stride 400 Series we looked at every- thing available. From reading the press clips. Ethernet™ and ARCNET™ looked like the sure bets. Upon closer examination, we found that OMNINET™was at least comparable, and some- times superior in actual per- formance But when we figured in the factor of cost, it was suddenly no contest. OMNINET uses twisted pair cabling instead of expensive coax, and the per node cost was so low that we could offer the transport hard- ware on every system as a standard feature. With other LANs, this runs S700 to S3000 per station! So when you talk price/ performance. OMNINET clearly emerges as a better solution for microcomputer folks. Q: Does the same philosophy apply to software? RC: You bet. I mentioned UNIX above as a standard multiuser solution for 68000-based sys- tems. We agree that UNIX will certainly be one of the prominent multiuser applications, but not for everyone. UNIX was designed on systems with fast disks and slow processors: that's the oppo- site of what micros are all about. Our approach to multi- user is somewhat unique. We sought a way to use the tra- ditional single user microcom- puter operating systems in a multiuser mode. Our solution was to create a MU.BIOS (multi- user basic input/output systeml that resides below the operating system. Thus the user continues to use familiar software but can also take advantage of the multiuser benefits of hardware cost-efficiency and software features such as shared data. Q: Can you give mean example? RC: Sure. Advanced DB Master™ from Stoneware is a leading single user DBMS package that is popular on a number of sys- tems including the IBM™ PC. On the Sage and Stride 400 Series machines, this database is also a true multiuser solution with complete file and record locking. Better yet. the MU.BIOS even allows you to combine these . . we sought a way to use the traditional single user microcomputer operating systems in a multiuser mode" users on a single terminal. That means you could have differ- ent users residing in foreground/ background accessing each with a keystroke. The effect is concurrent multitasking. This even works with different operat- ing systems in residence at the same time. For example you could have your favorite CP/M-68K editor in the fore- ground while a p-System com- piler is cranking away at low priority in the background. The same holds true in the office environment where you can switch from a standard word processor to a spreadsheet instantaneously. The user has the ability to set priorities, time slicing, access, etc. Q: So why are traditional multi- user operating systems like RM/COS™and UNIX and Idris™ on your price list? RC: Actually that's another of the key ingredients in being a leader in microcomputers: flexibility. There's no doubt that UNIX, or the UNIX-like Idris. will be right for many users. And RM/COS. for instance, is an excellent solution for serious business and COBOL customers. We actively support these and 10 other operating systems, adding some of our advantages of per- formance and price to each one But we're also convinced that the ultimate operating system is still years in the future, and that's why we continue to encour- age research and development in new environments such as Modula-2. LISP and APL. Innova- tion, not compatibility, is what we think microcomputers are all about. That's why when we switched our name from Sage to Stride, we made sure there was no doubt as to our roots: Sage Computer became Stride Micro Formerly Sage Computer For more information on Stride or the location of the nearest Stride Dealer call or write us today We II also send you a free copy of our 32 page product catalog Corporate Offices: 4905 Energy Way Reno NV 89502 17021322-6868 Regional Offices: Boston. 16171229-6868 Dallas 1214:392-7070 Inquiry 378 MAY 1985 -BYTE 211 Inquiry 45 Prize winning software from AWARD Keep Your Computer Fit With CROSS-CHEX™ Cross-Chex is the complete menu- driven system of hardware diagnos- tics. It analyzes performance levels of Winchester and floppy disk drives, video display, RAM memory, video memory, ROM character gen- erator and keyboard. Includes (1) Diagnostic Diskette (1) Cross-Chex Program Diskette (1) Users Manual. Let Cross-Chex keep your computer fit, ensure the performance of your computer, maximize your uptime and maintain the integrity of your data all for the low price of S99.00. Convert any CP/M to DOS with CROSS DATA* Crossdata is the low-cost utility software that converts data/text file formats from CP/M to MS/PC- DOS and back again on any IBM PC/XT or clone. It is a self-contained program, ready to run, that reads/writes CP/M and MS/PC DOS Diskettes using MS/PC-DOS 2.0, 2.1 or 3.0 and comes with 28 formats — plus you can add your own! Solve your computer incompatibil- ity problems fast with Crossdata, the proven conversion package, by ordering one today for only $99.00. Backup/Restore for Win- chester under PC/MS-DOS, CP/M86 and CCPM with CROSSAVE™ Now you can back-up large data base files from a Winchester to a floppy for files that exceed the diskette capacity. Crossave will save and/or restore a file or a selected group of files that have been updated. It also backs up and restores all of the files on the Winchester. It uses compres- sion to reduce storage space re- quirements on the floppy and expands the file upon restoration. Requires IBM PC/XT or clone. Reasonably priced at $99.00. No risk 10-day money back guarantee on all products Don't delay. Call us today: (408)395-2773 or write: AWARD i m SOFTWARE. ^ INC. 236 North Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030 All major credit cards accepted APPLYING DATA FLOW NEC's chip is oriented toward image processing. of parallelism available in standard FORTRAN programs was between 5 and 20. This meant that the maximum theoretical speedup TI could achieve (using "off the shelf" hardware) in these cases was 5 to 20 times. (Data flow can take advantage of parallelism only where it exists. If the program- mer writes an algorithm so that no parallelism can be extracted from it. then a data-flow version of the algo- rithm will run no faster than a von Neumann version of the algorithm.) Currently, using high-performance hardware in a von Neumann machine affords a much greater speedup. Nippon Electric Corporation Of the three companies discussed here, NEC's approach comes closest to the pure data-flow paradigm. The company's approach is based on a single chip that can contain up to 64 nodes and 128 arcs. Systems can in- corporate up to 14 of these chips by connecting them into a ring in a very straightforward way. (It is possible to extend the limit beyond 14 chips, but the arrangement is much more com- plex.) A complete standard system, then, could run up to 896 two-input nodes distributed across 14 pro- cessors. NEC's chip is oriented toward image processing. In the company's own words, "Because the majority of ap- plication programs for image process- ing execute iterative operations for large volumes of data, image-process- ing programs are relatively small com- pared to general data-processing pro- grams." Although NEC's machine has a relatively small number of arcs and nodes in its system, each node can ex- ecute a high-performance operation. NEC's initial focus is not on running existing high-level language programs but rather on running small, easy-to- rewrite programs that require high performance. That is not to say that NEC does not address these issues; rather, that the company is first enter- ing the market where data flow's {continued} Linear Price/Performance and Incremental Performance Suppose a salesman sells you a processor for $1000 and tells you that it will run your favorite program in just eight hours. He then tells you that due to the marvels of fifth- generation computing technology, you can bolt in another processor for another $1000 and your program will run twice as fast. It will now take only four hours to complete. You happily buy two processors. Still, four hours is a long time, so you call your salesman and tell him that you want to halve the time to two hours. The salesman now sells you not one but two more pro- cessors in order to do this. You realize that for each processor you buy, you incrementally increase performance by (P+l)/P. For one processor, this is (1 + 1)/1 - 2x. or a 100 percent speed- up. For two processors, this is (1 +2)/2 =1.5x, or a 50 percent speed- up. For three processors, this is (l+3)/3 = 1.33x. or a 33 percent speedup. This is an extremely attractive situa- tion for the salesman, of course, since he gets an order of magnitude increase in commissions every time you want to get an order of magnitude increase in performance. It is, of course, not a very good situation for you. 212 BYTE MAY 198S i '&: 3k jM \ P^E^COMPATIBLE MODEM, INCOMPATIBLE PRICE! *SJT- HAYES "AT" COT&MAND xG^MPATTBLE Comrnun»eJ8M<>ns software incrao&sd 1200/300/1 10 btsS% per second Bell212Aand 103 compatible Auto-dial, Auto-answer Auto-speed, Auto- parity Built-in speaker Volume control Dual phone jack Wtom ^AYES INFO- SMART- MATE MODEM 1200 TPC 1200 B Hayes is a registered trademark of Hayes Microcomputer Products. Inc. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp. LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE! APPLYING DATA FLOW benefits are the strongest. In fact, NEC is now working on an integrated sys- tem in which to embed its chips. How the company approaches system-level problems (language definition, trans- lation, and debugging) remains to be seen. In summary, NEC was able to use the data-flow model by applying it to a domain in which • The algorithms are easily expressed in terms of a data-flow graph. • The algorithms contain a great deal of inherent parallelism. • The architecture can run small, easy- to-program algorithms. • There is a great need for fast execu- tion. (Image processing is computer- bound.) Daisy Systems Corporation Daisy Systems started selling a com- mercial data-flow architecture in the first quarter of 1984. The company's approach is based on a set of board- level processors connected in a ring. The basic configuration consists of three or four processing units plus a host processor. The units are capable of processing 65.000 to 1,000,000 nodes, depending on the level of modeling. Each node can have up to 2 56 inputs. Daisy Systems' data-flow architec- ture is the first to respond to the customer's need for high-speed discrete logic simulation. In essence, a discrete logic simulator runs an algorithmic description of a piece of hardware. By their very nature, these algorithms are expressed in terms of graphs in which each node is a sim- ple operation. The hardware designer of these al- gorithms consciously works to make his design exhibit a high degree of parallelism. Therefore, Daisy did not have to worry about the algorithm "running out of parallelism" of which to take advantage. Even better, the parallelism is very great at the machine-instruction level. Like Tl, Daisy recognized that the "pure" data-flow paradigm did not completely address all of simulation's problems satisfactorily. For example, the "pure" data-flow model has no way of handling stored state (side ef- fects). Daisy addressed this and other similar problems by extending the paradigm. At the programming level, Daisy recognized that the programming task in advanced architectures is difficult and error-prone. In many approaches, the user must adapt to a paradigm that is unfamiliar, unintuitive, and dif- Daisy Systems' The Von Neumann Paradigm Mathematicians have been pro- posing computational para- digms, or "models of computation.' since the time of Charles Babbage (witness Turing machines. Makov pro- ductions, and Church's Lambda calculus). However, the most well known paradigm was pioneered by |ohn von Neumann. Von Neumann's model is based on the concept of a single central processing unit that ac- cesses a linear array of fixed-size memory cells. These cells can contain either instructions or data. Instructions are relatively low-level. They perform simple operations on elementary operands. In the von Neumann model, program control is sequential and cen- tralized. It is upon this paradigm that most commercial computer architec- tures are based. Strictly speaking, a non-von Neumann paradigm is one that departs from any of these concepts. For exam- ple, a machine that keeps its data and memory in two separate banks is not a von Neumann machine. Recently, however, "non-von Neumann" has come to mean a paradigm that differs primarily in the last of the above prop- erties, that of sequential, centralized program control. data-flow architecture is the first to respond to the customer's need for highspeed discrete logic simulation. ficult to use. Daisy overcame this problem by allowing users to commu- nicate in the languages that they have always used: graphics, Boolean ex- pressions, and a standard behavioral language. Daisy was able to do this well because the primitives that the designer uses map easily to the primitives that Daisy's architecture supports. The mapping process (com- pilation, linking, and code generation) is totally automatic. Daisy was able to use data flow by applying it to a domain in which • The algorithms are naturally ex- pressed in terms of a data-flow-like graph. • The algorithms contain a great deal of inherent instruction-level paral- lelism. • There is a great need for fast execu- tion. (Logic simulators implemented on von Neumann machines may take days to run big simulations.) Daisy's machine runs approximately 100 times faster than most software simulators. Summary NEC and Daisy have successfully used data flow to solve two different com- mercial problems in an appropriate manner. Both problems are easily ex- pressed using data-flow graphs, have a great deal of instruction-level paral- lelism, and require scalable execution and high performance. As more companies discover prob- lems for which data flow is the best solution, the repertoire of practical parallel algorithms using the data-flow model will grow. ■ 214 BYTE- MAY I9RS "^r"--.. 1- 1 • ««* ! TOW Iflfll 1 UNFil May Catch up with The way CompuServes Electronic Mall Lets You Shop Today. Presenting the computer shopping service that delivers discount prices, name-brand merchandise, and in-depth product information. To make your computer even more useful, join CompuServe and shop in our Electronic Mall. Easy enough for beginners, it's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And it offers a wide range of goods and services from nationally known stores and businesses including Bloomingdale's, Waldenbooks, American Express and Commodore. CompuServe's Electronic Mall™ lets you shop at your convenience in all these departments: The Auto Shop, Book Bazaar, Finan- cial Mart, Leisure Center, Merchandise Mart, Newsstand, On-line Connection, Per- sonal Computer Store, Record Emporium, Specialty Boutique and Travel Agency. Take the CompuServe Electronic Mall 15-Minute Comparison Test What you can do in 15 minutes shopping the Electronic Mall way. • Access descriptions of the latest in computer printers, for instance. • Pick one and enter the order command. • Check complete descriptions of places to stay on your next vacation. • Pick several and request travel brochures. • Access a department store catalog and pick out a wine rack tools, toys... anything! • Place your order. What you can do in 15 minutes shop- ping the old way. • Round up the family and get in the car. The Electronic Mall— A Valuable Addition to the Vast World of CompuServe. CompuServe Information Services bring you information, entertainment, personal communications and more. You can access CompuServe with almost any computer and modem, terminal or communicating word processor. To buy a CompuServe Subscription Kit, see your nearest computer dealer. To receive our informative brochure, or to order direct, call or write: CompuServe Information Services. P.O Box 20212. 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd.. Columbus. OH 43220 800-848-8199 In Ohio call 614-457-0802 The Electronic Mall* is a service of CompuServe Inc and L M. Berry & Company. Inquiry 90 An H & R Block Company MAY 1 98 5 •BYTE 215 j ^fT , I >£ -t»- - ^b Step beyond the limits of personal computing, and into the action on Wall Street. Or right through the doors of the world's finest stores. Browse, buy, sell or trade. Stocks, information, Maine lobster, airline tickets. Without leaving your chair. With an Avatex" modem, your personal computer can take you wherever you want to go, on your schedule. As far, as fast, as often as you like, at a price that won't stop you in your tracks. Avatex gives you the power, speed and intelligence of a serious piece of communi- cations equipment, streamlined so anyone can use it easily and productively. Immediately. So with Avatex the possibilities are astronomical, but the price of owning one is not: Avatex 300- $64.95,* Avatex 600- $99.95* Avatex 1200- $299.95.* For the name of the Avatex dealer nearest you, call 800-4-AVATEX. Avatex Modems The next step in personal computing. Avails" is a iralfmark of E ■ E iteuTomm UL CSA A FCCI*ar1 I!>andt>8a|>pnivf4l IVifiynght IMWVhy Bi EltauCnmm 'SuKReMfd r-utl pm ■■ Inquiry 145 MAY 1985 'BYTE 217 Speeds Up Everything ...Especially 1-2-3 ! The MicroWay NUMBER SMASHER triples the speed of all cpu bound software while doubling the speed of 8087 bound software. When combined with MicroWay's FASTBREAK " it results in an increase in the speed of 1 -2-3 " of up to 80 to 1 ! If you're tired of WAITing, the SMASHER is the card for you! The heart of the NUMBER SMASHER is a 9.54 mhz 8086 working with a matched high speed 8087. The card comes standard with 51 2K of 1 6 bit RAM and can be ex- panded to 640K. It triples the throughput of your original 8088 by doubling the system clock speed and quadrupling the data bus bandwidth. Software compatibility is guaranteed by the nature of our card. It does not augment the 8088, but replaces it with a special 8086 that runs as a true 16-bit processor in the first 640K of ram and as an 8-bit processor everywhere else. Examples of software which show dramatic speed-ups include AUTOCAD. 1 -2-3 " worksheets which depend heavily on financial or transcendental functions, and multi-user oper- ating systems. Any program written with an MS-DOS compiler that supports the 8087, such as MS-FORTRAN or 87BASIC. will run on the NUMBER SMASHER at least a factor of 2.5 times faster! Software that comes with the card also in- creases the throughput of I/O bound programs and includes a disk cache routine, ram disk and print spooler The NUMBER SMASHER is an upgrade product for 8088 based PCs and compatibles. It works on the IBM- PC and XT, the COMPAQ and compatibles manufactured to the IBM-PC hardware standard. Contact MicroWay or your local MicroWay Installation Center for technical speci- fications and supporting benchmarks. The World Leader in 8087 Support PO. Box 79. Kingston, Mass. 02364 USA (617) 746-7341 NUMBER SMASHER and FASTBREAK are trademarks of MicroWay. Inc LOTUS an MULTIPROCESSING THE TRANSPUTER by Paul Walker A building block for parallel processing THE TRANSPUTER is a small but complete computer that can be used as a building block with other Trans- puters to construct extremely high performance computing networks. A BYTE article by Dick Pountain (see ref- erence 1) introduced the idea of the Transputer and its programming lan- guage, Occam. (Occam is a trademark of the INMOS group of companies.) In this article we'll take a look at Trans- puters and how they can meet the computing requirements of the future. A rough yardstick of performance is given by the more recent personal computers, which run at around a million instructions per second (MIPS). By contrast, supercomputers offer the equivalent of around a thou- sand MIPS. Tomorrow's applications, such as the lapanese Fifth Generation Project, require up to a million MIPS. The needs of home and personal computers are more modest. But as the performance requirements in low- end systems evolve, the price/perfor- mance benefits of small clusters of Transputers will begin to attract small- system designers. Advances in semiconductor tech- nology are improving performance. But it takes 10 years for technology to improve the processing power of current architectures by an order of magnitude. At that rate, it will be well into the 21st century before the cur- rent architectures provide the perfor- mance required. But the applications need the performance now. A dif- ferent architecture is needed to pro- vide .the performance with today's technology. The Evolution of Computer Architectures and Languages One of the first architectures of a general-purpose computer was the von Neumann architecture, in which a single central processor is con- nected by a single data bus to mem- ory. This has been adapted in various ways over the years, but even today almost all computers conform to the basic von Neumann architecture; they have merely added processing power and memory. As the processing power and memory of the computer are increased, however, the bus becomes a bottleneck. And when processing power is further increased by the utilization of multiple pro- cessors and DMA (direct memory ac- cess) controllers sharing the bus, the effect of the bottleneck is even more pronounced. Along with the evolution of com- puter architectures, computer pro- gramming languages have evolved to make programming more reliable and cost-effective. The languages, how- ever, have been constrained by the computer architecture. Computers obey instructions in sequence and can do only one job at once, and this is reflected in the languages. The real world, however, has many activities, or "processes," happening concurrently, and programming languages should be capable of modeling the behavior of these concurrent processes. The Transputer Architecture and Occam Although the von Neumann architec- ture is limited by its bus, it is an ex- cellent architecture for a small, single- processor computer. A Transputer is a small but complete von Neumann computer (figure la). The difference between a Transputer and an ordinary {continued) Paul Walker is a member of the Transputer development team at INMOS Limited (Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol BS1 2NP, England). «— Inquiry 276 MAY 1985 -BYTE 219 THE TRANSPUTER Am Occam process is a black box that works with its own local information. microcomputer is that Transputers can readily be built into networks and arrays (figure lb). Each Transputer works on its own job. using its own local memory A system with many Transputers has as many buses as it has Transputers, so the bus through- put is multiplied by the number of Transputers in the system. Another gain in bus throughput is achieved by putting the processor and memory on the same chip. The Transputers in a system need to communicate with each other so that they can cooperate. Transputer chips therefore have four link interfaces, each with an input signal and an out- put signal. The output signal of a link interface on one Transputer is con- nected to the input signal of a link in- terface on another Transputer, and vice versa. The two-wire, point-to- point connections between two Trans- puters (figure 21 are described as "links." The programming language Occam (see reference 2) is designed to han- dle the mixed sequential and concur- rent nature of real-world processes. Such processes are modeled as Oc- cam processes, each of which can be regarded as a black box that works with its own local information. A pro- cess cooperates with other processes using point-to-point communication channels. A collection of Occam pro- cesses is itself a process, so a hier- archy of processes can be built up to reflect the structure of the real-world process. The Occam model is suitable for mapping onto an array of computers, each of which has its own local mem- ory and communicates with other computers via point-to-point links. It is particularly appropriate, therefore, for a network of Transputers. The Transputer Chip The Transputer, then, is a single-chip computer with a processor, local memory, link interfaces for linking to other Transputers, and all the neces- sary system services such as reset and clock. When Transputers are programmed in Occam, each Transputer imple- ments an Occam process and each link implements an Occam channel in each direction between two Trans- puters. Particular examples of Transputers are the IMS T424 (see reference 3) (a) (b) 1 1 t 1 1 i i ;♦ i rh rh - - PROCESSOR 1 * ■- i H • — • M — 1 MEMORY t t ti i i i i — i r"i nh 1 t I and the IMS T222. which are 32-bit and 16-bit Transputers, respectively. Both devices have four links and 4K bytes of on-chip RAM (random-access read/write memory). In addition, they have interfaces to external memory for applications in which 4K bytes are not enough; T424 addresses up to 4 gigabytes, T222 up to 64K bytes. Both have high-performance processors, achieving 5 to 10 MIPS. To fit a processor, link interfaces, and RAM onto a single chip, the pro- cessor must be small. The Transputer processor (see reference 4) is indeed small, occupying about a quarter of the chip. Being small, in some ways like a reduced instruction set com- puter IRISC). it is fast. Unlike some of the RISCs. however, the Transputer processor has short. 8-bit instructions and uses an evaluation stack of three registers rather than a register file. Both of these improve performance. The short instruction format efficiently encodes the most frequently ac- cessed instructions and data. Infre- quent instructions, large constants, and nonlocal variables are accessed by short sequences of 8-bit instruc- tions. The use of an evaluation stack means that instructions do not have to specify the registers for operands: the instructions always work on the top of the stack. The performance of the processor is shown by the Occam assignment {continued} TRANSPUTER TRANSPUTER Figure 1: |a) A Transputer is a von Neumann computer with link interfaces. \b) Transputers can be readily built into networks and arrays. Figure 2: A link consists of two wires, one in each direction, between two Transputers. 220 BYTE • MAY 1985 POWERFUL CBW SOFTWARE anual fc«^# NEVADA FORTRAN DISKETTE & MANUAL Nevada FORTRAN is based upon 1 „ u • All thejunctions that fhe-ideal y.f': PC-Sh.QuTd:pqssess.. "'•••..., Andltnallyour desire to set an ' Uf - f *»»^ industry alt-ih-one-Stdfidatd f... The Most Adv( System : The advantages of using Turbo Board in conjunction witr 7 Plus are many. It contains all the functions you need in one system — the X Turbo System. • 640K on board • 2 Serial Port ^U ' u r ( f - >Wi '- yVv*» Ifc •■ ■*'/ OEM, Distributor and Dealer Inquiries Welcome ! AMERICAN RESEARCH CORPORATION 2001 W. Chestnut St., Room 103 Alhambra, CA 91803 Telex: 265653 (848) 289-8742 KM and IBM PC/XT am trademarks of IBM Corp THE TRANSPUTER There is no limit to the size, function, or shape of a network of Transputers. Other networks can be built. A func- tionally distributed network might have random interconnections be- tween Transputers (figure 4). An array could have its ends connected toroidally (figure 5) to simulate an in- finite network in a similar way to the Bagel developed by Shapiro (refer- ence 5). Systolic arrays developed by H. T. Kung (reference 6) and wavefront processors developed by S. Y. Kung (reference 7) map naturally onto net- works of Transputers. (Incidentally, the systolic and wavefront architectures are easy to model in Occam, even if the final implementation is intended to be special-purpose hardware, as shown by Fujitsu in reference 8.) There is no design limit to the size, function, or shape of a network of Transputers. Further, provided the net- work of Transputers is programmed so that they cooperate— rather than one Transputer waiting for another that waits for another, and so on— the performance of a network is directly proportional to the size of the net- work. For example, the ray tracing de- scribed in the text box shows a negligible 0.1 percent overhead of communication between Transputers. Building Blocks Because Transputers can be built into systems of arbitrary size, function, or shape, they can be thought of as building blocks. Making a link be- tween two Transputers is as simple as joining together the lug and hole on two Lego bricks; both are standard- ized connections. Another respect in which the analogy holds is that a network of (continued) Inquiry 27 for Dealers. ••—Inquiry 28 for End-Users. Call tor pricing on other Sperry Computers Authorized Sperry Distributor Dealer Inquiries Invited. SPERRY PC COMPUTERS Mono Desktop 256K, 2 Drives, Serial Port, Par. Port, Clock, MSDOS 2.11, GWBasic plus Other Software $1650 Portable Computer 256K 2 Drives Full IBM Compatibility $1650 DATA BASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Fox and Geller Quickcode $125 Knowledgeman $225 Condor III $289 NWA Statpak $265 Tim IV $219 DBase Manager II $165 FRIDAY $159 Personal Pearl $215 PFS File $78 Nutshell $65 RBaso 4000 $240 CLOUT 2 $129 Power Base $219 WORD PROCESSING Wordstar Pro Pack $240 Samna III $265 Wordstar 2000 for IBM PC $238 Wordstar 2000 + $285 Leading Edge Word Processor/Merge $95 Microsoft Word $225 Word Perfect $219 Volkswriter for the IBM PC $110 Volkswriter DeLuxe $149 Random House Spell Checker $36 PFS Write $78 Multimate $255 Peachtext 5000 $185 SPREADSHEETS Supercalc II $145 Supercalc III $159 Microsoft Multiplan $119 !TK Solver $239 Lotus 123 $294 Symphony $415 ACCOUNTING TCS. Big Four equivalent of Peachtree Series 4 - Specially augmented and customized for your IBM PC Terminal and Printer - GL, AR, PA, AP, CP/M-80, CP/M-86 for PC XT, DOS 1.1, 2.0. Each Module . . . $65 For All Four $249 CYMA Call Dollars & $ence $95 MBSI Accounting (Real World) $350 Tobias Managing Your Money $99 TRANSFER PROGRAMS Hayes Smartcom $85 Move-it $79 Microstuff Crosstalk $95 BEST PRICE IN U.S. FOR IBM PC OR CLONES Multifunction Board - Includes Async Adapter, Parallel Adapter, Clock with battery back-up and Software, 64K memory expandable to 384K. 1 year warranty $235 LANGUAGES Lifeboat Lattice C Compiler $265 Lattice C Interpreter $100 Microsoft C Compiler $299 Microsoft Pascal Compiler $180 Microsoft Basic Compiler $235 Microsoft Basic Language $225 FOR PC DOS PC Paint Brush $85 Norton Utilities $54 Copy II PC $24 Prokey V3.0 $69 Harvard Project Manager $199 Microsoft Flight Simulator $32 Think Tank $98 HARDWARE ABC Printer Switch $85 Micro Fazer Parallel 64K $185 Hayes 1 200 Modem $395 Hayes 1200b Modem for IBM PC .. $349 64K RAM Chips (9) 150 NSEC $18 Anchor Signalman 1 200 baud Modem $245 lOmega Bernoulli 20 Megabyte . . . $2495 Princeton RGB Monitor $459 Taxan RGB Vision 425 $399 Diskette Super Special! 10 D/S D/D (Qty 100) $12.95 COMPUTERS IBM Computer Call BOARDS FOR THE IBM PC OR LOOKALIKES Hercules Color Board with Par. Port. $149 AST Six Pack $249 384K Board with 256K $220 Quadcolor I $185 STB Graphics II Board $245 Paradise Graphics Board $275 New Quadram Multifunction Board . $225 PRINTERS FREE! PRINTER SET SOFTWARE Purchase an Okidata, Epson or Gemini printer and receive at no charge a menu driven program to set print characteristics or to make your computer function as a correc- ting typewriter. Retail value $35. Available for most disk formats. Gemini SG/10 Call Gemini SG/15 Call Okidata 82A, 83A, 93P Call Okidata 93P $569 Okidata 84P $650 Juki 6100 $389 Juki 6300 $689 Call on all Epson Models Silver-Reed EXP 400 $235 Silver-Reed EXP 550 $395 Toshiba 1351 $1164 NEC, Diablo Call TERMS: Prices include 3% cash discount. Add 3% for charge orders. Shipping on most items S5.00. AZ orders +6% Sales Tax. Personal check, allow ten (10) days to clear. Prices subject to change. Se habla Esparibi Call for programs not listed wAREHOUS DATA PRODUCTS WAREHOUSE DATA PRODUCTS 2701 West Glendale Ave., Suite 6, Phoenix, Arizona 85021 Technical & Other Information (602) 246-2222 TOLL FREE ORDER LINE 1-800-421-3135 MAY 1985 -BYTE 227 Inquiry 217 ELECTRONICS ^■■M*. 1 ELECTRONICS 1 Commodore" Accessories ProModem 1200 and Options Apple" Accessories RS232 Adapter for VIC-20 and Commodore 64 The JE232CM allows connection of standard serial RS232 printers, modems, etc. to your VIC-20 and C-64. A 4-pole switch allows the inversion of the 4 control lines. Com- plete installation and operation instructions included. ■ Plugs into User Port • Provides Standard RS232 signal levels • Uses 6 signals (Transmit, Receive, Clear to Send, Request to Send, Data Terminal Ready, Data Set Ready) JE232CM $39.95 VOICE SYNTHESIZER FOR APPLE AND COMMODORE P |u9 "l?in JE520CM JE520AP • Over 250 word vocabulary-affixes allow the formation of more than 500 words • Built-in amplifier, speaker, volume control, and audio jack • Recreates a clear, natural male voice • Plug-in user ready with documentation and sample software • Case size: 7VL x 3VW x 1-3/8"H APPLICATIONS; • Security Warning • Telecommunication • Teaching • Handicap Aid • Instrumentation • Games Pari No. Description Price JE520CM For Commodore 64 & VIC-20 $1 14.95 JE520AP For Apple ii II. and //e $149.95 Computer Memory Expansion Kits IBM PC, PC XT and Compatibles Most ol Ihe popular Memory Boards (eg Quaatam" Expansion Boards) allow you 10 add an additional 64K. 1 28K 1 92K or 256K The IBM64K Kit will populate ihese boards in 64K byte increments The Kit is simple to install- just insert the 9- 64K RAM chips in Ihe provided sockets and set the 2 groups ot switches Complete conversion documentation included IBM64K (Nine 200ns 64K RAMs) $33.49 IBM PC AT Each ktt comes complete with nine 1 28K dynamic RAMs and documentation tor conversion IBM128K (Nine 250ns 128K RAMs) $199.95 APPLE lie Extended 80-Column/64K RAM Card Expands memory by 64K togive 1 28K when used with programs like VisiCalc"" Fully assembled and tested JE864 $99.95 TRS-80 MODEL I, III Each Kit comes complete with eight MM5290 IUPD4 16/411 6| 1 6K Dynamic RAMs and documentation lor conversion Model 1 16K equipped with Ex- pansion Interface can be expanded to 4BK with 2 Kits Model III Can be expanded Irom 1 6K to 48K using 2 Kits Each Kil will expand computer by 16K increments TRS-16K3 200ns (Model III) $6.29 TRS-16K4 250ns (Model 1) $5.49 TRS-80 MODEL IV & 4P Easy to install Kit comes complete with 8 ea 4 164N-20 (200ns) 64K Dynamic RAMs and conversion documentalion Converts TRS-80 Model IV computers Irom 16K to 64K Also expands Model 4P Irom 64K to 12BK TRS-64K-2 $29.95 (Converts the Model IV horn 16K to 64K or will expand the Model 4P from 64Kto 128K) TRS-64K2PAL (Model IV only) $49.95 (8 - 1 1 64 s with PAL Chip 1o expand from 64K to 126K) TRS-80 COLOR AND COLOR II Easy to install Kit comes complete with 8 each 4164N-20 (200ns| 64K Dynamic RAMs and documentalion tor conversion Converts TRS-80 Color Computers with D. E. ET, F and NC circuit boards to 32K Also converts TRS-80 Color Computer II lo 64K Flex DOS or OS-9 required to utilize lull 64K RAM on all computers TRS-64K-2 $29.95 ^mMF protect yourself... S^^ , DATASHIELD ^•y> #4 Surge Protector ^k / gV Eliminates wiitage yiikes and EMi-HFI noise before il Models, -'W ~ can tlHinage your aqu ;nt or cause data loss. 6-mo 1nn ^ warranty Power dlssioation (100 microseconds) 1 00 \^ 2.000.00C watts PART WO DESCRIPTION PRICE MODEL 75 4 Sockets. On/Otf Switch $49.95 MODEL 85 6 Sock . Super Filters. On/Oh" Switch $59.95 MODEL 100 6 Sock.. Super Filters, Low Volt. Alarm. . . $69.95 MODEL 110AMS 6 Sockets. Super Filters. Aulo Master Switch $99.95 DATASHIELD ,i Back-Up Power Source Protect your computer Irom macK-ouis. Drown. ours, power surges and line noise PTI's PC200 is designed tor PCs . — with (loppy disk memory, Ihe XT300 tor hard disk memory ■I andlheATBOOIor multi-user syslems Atypical compatible PC tor each ol these standby* will be supported lor 15 to 2b minutes atler power is lost Weight (PC200 24 lbs I - ixr300 37 5 lbs l - IAT500 83 IDs I - (ATB00 83 lbs I PC200 (200 Watt Rating) S299.95 XT300 (300 Wat! Rating) $399.95 AT500 (500 Watt Rating) $699.95 AT800 (800 Watt Rating) $799.95 $£ Intelligent 300/1200 Baud Prometheus Telephone Modem with Real Time Clock/Calendar The ProModem" is a Bell 21 2A (300/1 200 baud) intelli- gent stand-alone modem • Full featured expandable modem • Standard features include Auto Answer and Auto Dial, Help Commands. Programmable Intelligent Dialing. Touch Tone™ and Pulse Dialing & More • Hayes command set compatible plus an additional extended command set • Shown w/ialphanumeric display option. Part No. Description Price PM1200 RS-232 Stand Alone Unit $349.95 PM1200A Apple II, II+ and lie Internal Unit $369.95 PM1 200B IBM PC and Compatible Internal Unit $269.95 PM1200BS IBM PC & Comp. Int. Unit w/ProCom Software $319.95 MAC PAC Macintosh Package $399.95 (Includes PM1200. Cable, & ProCom Software) OPTIONS FOR ProModem 1200 PM-COM (ProCom Communication Software) $79.95 Please specify Operating System. PM-OP (Options Processor) $79.95 PMO-16K (Options Processor Memory - 16K) $10.95 PMO-32K (Options Processor Memory - 32K) $20.95 PMO-64K (Options Processor Memory - 64K) $39.95 PM-ALP (Alphanumeric Display) $79.95 PM-Special (Includes Options Processor, 64K Memory and Alphanumeric Display) $189.95 KEYBOARDS 5V«" APPLE v Direct Plug-In Compatible Disk Drive and Controller Card The ADD-514 Disk Drive uses Shugart SA390 mechanics -143K formatted storage ■ 35 tracks * Compatible with Apple Control- ler & ACC-1 Controller • The drive comes complete with connector and cable - just plug into your disk controller card -Size: 6"L x 3VW x 8-9/1 6"D • Weight: V* lbs. ADD-514 (Disk Drive) $169.95 ACC-1 (Controller Card) $ 49.95 More Apple Compatible Add-Ons... APF-1 iCoofing Fan with surge protection). . . . $39.95 KHP4007 (Switching Power Supply) $59.95 JE614 (Numeric/Aux. Keypad tor lie) $59.95 KB-A68 (Keyboard w/Keypad tor II & II + ) $79.95 MON-12G (12" Green Monitor w/swive! sland,. . . . $99.95 JE864 (80 Col +64K RAM for fle) $99.95 ADD-12 (5V Halt-Height Disk Drive) $179.95 JNBflk* ADDITIONAL APPLE ^JjpH^ ADD-ONS AVAILABLE ARC-1 6K(16K RAM Card lor Apple II & II + ) $39.95 AEB-2 (EPROM Burner for Apple II, IK & lie) . .$69.95 Allows copy ot standard EPROMS 2708,2716,2732,2764 ASSC-P (Super Serial Card for Apple ll. II+ & lie) . .$99.95 ADD-IIC (5V Hall-Hl. Disk Drive tor Apple WO $1 89.95 13VLx4VWx VH SPECIAL FUNCTIONS! Description Mitsumi 54-Key Unencoded All-Purpose Keyboard • SPST keyswitches • 20 pin ribbon cable connec- tion • Low profile keys • Features: cursor controls, control, caps (lock), function, enter and shift keys • Color (keycaps); grey ■ Wt.; 1 lb. • Pinout included KB54 $14.95 DISK DRIVES 82-Key ASCII Cherry Keyboard • 7-bil parallel ASCII • 1 1 -key numeric keypad • Cursor keypad • SPST mechanical keyswitches ■ 4 illuminated keys • 26-pin header connector Color: white -Size: 18"L x 6WV x 1 VH -Spec included KB8201. . 0700 avail.). . . . $29.95 Apple Keyboard and Case for Apple II and II » Keyboard ■ 68 keys ■ 15-key keypad • Direct con- nection with 16-pin ribbon connector • 26 special functions • Size: 14VL x 5VWx 1 VH Case Accommodales KB-A68 ■ Pop-op lid for easy access • Fits power supply and motherboard too • Size 15VWx 18"Dx4V'H pri ce Documentation^- i ^m\\\ m ^^' a. esf Included ^vaS**^ ">*•' MPI5IS (MPI 5V SS full-ht.) $ 89.95 RFD480 (Remex 5V DS full-ht.) $109.95 TM100-2 (Tandon 5V DS full-ht). . . . $159.95 FD55B (Teac 5*" DS half-ht.) $149.95 SA455 (Shugart 5V DS half-ht). . . . $159.95 FDD100-8 (Siemens 8" SS full-ht.) $119.95 PCK-5 (5V Power Cable Kit) $2.95 PCK-8 (8* Power Cable Kit) $3.95 UV-EPROM Eraser KB-EA1 Apple Keyboard and Case (pictured above) $134.95 KB-A68 68-Key Apple Keyboard only $ 79.95 EAEC-1 Expanded Apple Enclosure Case only $ 59.95 POWER SUPPLIES Power/Mate Corp. REGULATED POWER SUPPLY • Input: 105-125/210-250 VAC at 47-63 Hz • Line regulation: -0 05% - Three mounling surfaces • Overvoltage protection • UL recognized • CSA cenitied fttlNo. Output Size Weiglil Prtc 8 Chips - 21 Minutes | [ 1 Chip - 15 M inut.es ^~^m~ Itei •Mr/ m EMA5/6B EMA5/6C 5V@3A/6V@2 5A 4VL x 4"W x 2VH 2 lbs. 5V®6A/6V@5A 5VL x 4VW x 2VH 4 lbs $29.95 $39.95 Erases all EPROMs. Erases up to 8 chips within 2 1 minutes t 1 chip in 1 5 minutes) Maintains constant exposure distance of one inch. Special conductive foam liner eliminates static build-up. Built-in safety lock to prevent UV exposure Compact - only 9.00"L x 3 70"W x 2.60"H Complete with holding tray for 8 chips DE-4 UV-EPROM Eraser $74.95 UVS-1 1 EL Replacement Bulb $16.95 KEPCO/TDK 4-OUTPUT SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY • Ideal for disk drive needs of CRT terminals, microcomputers and video games • Input 11 5/230VAC. 50760Hz • Output t 5V @ 5 Amp, * 1 2V fl 1.8 Amp. +12V @ 2 Amp, -12V @ 0.5 Amp ■ UL recognized -CSA certified ■ Size: 7W*L x 6-3/1 6"Wx1VH- Weight: 2 lbs. C59 95 each Or MRM 174KF 2* for $99.95 Switching Power Supply for APPLE II, II+ & We™ ■ Can drive four floppy disk drives and up to eight expansion cards ■ Short circuit and overload protection ■ Fits inside Apple computer • Fully regulated +5V @ 5A. +12V@ 1.5A, -5V ,5A. -12V @ .5A ■ Direct plug-in power cord included ■ Size: 9VL x 3VW x 2VH • Weight: 2 lbs. KHP4007 (SPS-109) $59.95 4-CHANNEL SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY - Microprocessor, mini-computer, terminal, medical equipment and process control applications • Input: 90-130VAC, 47-440Hz • Output: +5VDC ® 5A, -5VDC® 1 A; +t2VDC®1A,-12VDC@1A- Line regulations: "0.2%- Ripple: 30mV p-p ■ Load regulation: ' 1% ■ Overcurrent protection ■ Adj: 5V main output + 10% -Size: 6WL x 1VWx 4-15/16"H -Weight: Vk lbs. FCS-604A $69.95 IBM PCXT EQUIVALENT 130 WATT POWER SUPPLY UPGRADE YOUR PC! •Input: 100V-130V/20QV-260V selectable @ 47 to 63Hz -Output +5VDC fl 15A, -5VDC @ 0.5A. +12VDC @ 4.2A. -12VDC 6 0.5A • Plug compatible connectors • Fits into IBM PC ■ Weight: 6 lbs. IBM-PS $169.95 l^.-tlJj;M.',l^;r«W;yj.'.l.'.IJ;l See Our Now IBM Communications Program! 24 & 28 PIN PACKAGES $1 D Minimum Order - US Funds Only CA Rssidenis Add b' ■;% SalM Tax Sp«c ShMt* - 30c Mch Shipping: Add 5% plus St. 50 Insurance Send St Postage tor FREE 1985 J*mmx> Catalog Price* Subject to Change Styrtd stamped, self-addressed en vmlope to rvcaiva J Monthly Sales Flyer - FREE! J a ■=n=M.ii'i:i:»a 1355 SHOREWAY ROAD, BELMONT, CA 94002 5/85 PHONE ORDERS WELCOME - (415) 592-8097 - Telex: 176043 REQUIRES NO ADDITIONAL SYSTEMS FOR OPERATION Programs and validates EPROMs -Checks lor properly erased EPROMs ■ Emulates PROMs or EPROMs ■ Loads data in RAM by keyboard - Changes data in RAM by keyboard - Loads RAM Irom an EPROM - 661 RAMs can be used lor external microprocessor development • Compares EPROMs tor content differences- Copies EPROMs -Input 1 1 5VAC * 60Hi - Assembled andlested-Size ibVL * 8VD - Vi H ■ Wl b'<- lbs- 2716Moduleincluded JE664-A EPROM Programmer $995.00 JE665-RS232C INTERFACE OPTION — This option implements computer access to the JE664s RAM, allowing computer to man.pulale, store, and trans- fer EPROM data lo and Irom ihe JE664 Sample program listing is supplied In MBASIC tor CP'M computers ■ Documentation provided lo adapt the software to other computers wilh an RS232 port ■ Specs 9600 Baud, 8-bit word, odd parity with 2 stop bits - Assembled and tested - 2716 Module included EPROM Programmer JE664-ARS w/JE665 Option $1195.00 JE664-ARS COMMUNICATION PROGRAM For IBM-PC or XT and Compatibles • Fast compiled BASIC program ■ Easy to uae, menu-driven • Print hard- copiea of EPROM data • view data in HEX and ASCII NEW! The JE664-ARS Communicalion Program was written lor quick interfacing between the JE664-ARS EPROM Programmer and trie IBM-PC computer and compatibles Menu-driven program allows user to Load and Saw" EPROM data to and Irom the computer or floppy disk Data entered by the computer can be viewed in Hex 4 ASCII formats Printed hard-copies are also displayed in both formats. Program is ideal for keeping archives ol master EPROMs on disk The program is compatible tor all EPROMs listed with the JE664. Computer requirements IBM-PC. XT [or eq | with at least 1 28K RAM and one serial port Optional One parallel port for printer JE664-ARS-CP $49.95 JE664-ARS Communications Program (SV Disk and User's Instructions) JE664-CP CABLE $29.95 Cable for IBM-PC to JE664-ARS Program (5 Shielded Cable Assembly) JUMPER (Personality) MODULES - Jumper (Personality) Modules for 8K, 16K, 32K, and 64K EPROMs 'Please specify EPROM and manufacturer JUMPER (Personality) MODULE ' . S14.9S I SshJ Inquiry 217 MAY 1985 -BYTE 229 Inquiry 30 Little Board™ $349' •UNDER $200 IN OEM QUANTITIES 4-MHz Z80A CPU, 64K RAM, Z80A CTC, and 2732 Boot ROM Mini/Micro Floppy controller (1-4 Drives, Single/Double Density, 1-2 sided, 40/80 track) Only 5-75 x 7.75 inches, mounts directly to a 5 1/4" floppy drive Two R5232C Serial Ports (75-9600 baud and 75-38,400 baud), 1 Centronics Printer Port Power Requirements »5VDC at 0.75A, + 12VDC at 0.05A/On-board - 1 2V Converter CP/M 2.2 BDOS • ZCPR3CCP Enhanced A/\PRO BIOS AMPRO Utilities included • Read/write to more than two dozen other formats (Kaypro, Televideo, IBMCP/M86...) • Format disks for more than a dozen other computers • Menu-based system customization BIOS and Utilities Source Code available BOOKSHELF AS LOW AS 5635 IN OEM OTV MODEL QTy 1 PRICE 121 1 400K DSDD Drive S 895 00 122 2 400K DSDD Drives 995 00 142 2 800K DSQD Drives 1 ,095 00 ™ SetUi roo an- I • Little Board CPU • Runs thousands of CP/M programs • Enhanced Operating System including ZCPR3 CCPand FRIENDLy '" Integrated Operating Environment • Word Processing, Electronic Spreadsheet, Database Management, Spelling Checker all included (complete T/maker Pkg ) • 10 MB hard disk version available • 6'V'high, 7'Vwide, 10V deep, 12 1 ilbs SCSI/PLUS™ Adapter Compatible with most Z80 Systems (send $10 for complete specifications) • Mounts directly to Little Board • Multi-Master high-speed parallel bus *°° • SASI-SCSI compatible QT/ 1 • General purpose I/O expansion bus • Supports up to 64 bus devices • Allows multi-Little Board Systems and resource sharing • Little Board hard disk software/source $79 QTY 1 DISTRIBUTORS Argentina-Factorial, S.A 1 41-0018 Australia-ASP Microcomputers ... - 613-500-0628 Belgium-Centre Electronigue Lempereur 041-23-45-41 Canada-Electronic Sales Assoc ... (604)986-5447 Denmark-Danbit 03-66-20-20 England-Quant Systems 01-534-3158 Finland-Symmetric OY 358-0-585-322 France-EGAL+ 1-502-1800 Israel-Alpha Terminals 03-491695 Spam-Xenios Informatica 3-593-0822 Sweden-AB AKTA 08-54-20-20 USA CALL AMPRO Z80A is a resistered trademark of Zilog, Inc CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research COMPUTERS INCORPORATED 67 East Evelyn Ave. • Mountain View, CA 94041 (415) 962-0230 • TELEX 4940302 THE TRANSPUTER Transputers has the same interface as a single Transputer in much the same way as an assembly of Lego bricks has the same interface (lugs and holes) as a single brick. A big Transputer can be built out of four Transputers, as shown in figure 6a. This Transputer can in turn be used as a building block to make a bigger Transputer (figure 6b), and so on. These big and bigger Transputers present the user with exactly the same four link inter- faces as did the original Transputer. A further analogy with Lego bricks is that they come in different shapes and sizes and with different numbers of lugs and holes. Transputers will have different word lengths, different processor speeds, and different memory interfaces, but they will all use the same links, run off the stan- dard 5-MHz input clock, and be pro- grammable in Occam. The analogy holds just as well with Occam processes as it does with Transputers. One respect in which the analogy with Lego bricks does not hold is that Lego bricks are constrained to con- nect to their immediate neighbors. In many Transputer networks, most of the connections will also be between adjacent Transputers, but the links do [continued] IMS T424 -notWbyte3- -notWbyte2- notWbytel- notWbyteO- -notG = /OE- 7*> -/WE- VCC- E>VS D YN RAW /RFSH- -notS0=/CE- 8K X 8 OR 32K X 8 jAMK, T<7 7^ Figure 3: Four byte-wide RAMs connected to a T424. Hi Figure 4: A random, possibly functionally distributed, network. Figure 5: A toroidally connected array. 230 BYTE- MAY 198S ork isn't The right a matter of choice. Its a matter of feet Fact: You can't buy smarter than an OMNINET™ Network. Whether you have 2 microcompu- ters or 200, you bought them to handle information. If each micro has to handle it separately both your equipment and your people are working inefficiently. Because they could network with OMNINET. Sharing information — as well as the printing and data storage equipment that really puts information to work. Add CORVUS' SNA Gateway, and you can link your entire network directly to your mainframe. The price? At under $500 per hookup, OMNINET is the most cost effective network you can install. Or expand. Fact: This network was designed for microcomputers. Micros get moved. Businesses expand. Your network should be able to grow and change just as fast as your business does. That's why an OMNINET Net- work uses simple, telephone -type line. Even relocating the system to a whole new building is just a move. Instead of a construction project. Fact: OMNINET Networks offer unmatched compatibility. From Apples to Zeniths, OMNINET handles more varieties of computers than any other network. So keep the DEC's in Data Pro- cessing and the PC's in Purchasing. OMNINET will keep them all on speaking terms. Fact: The experts network with OMNINET. Over 30 of the major computer com- panies have licensed OMNINET for networking their micros. So you don't have to worry about support tomor- row for the system you pick today. And OMNINET already has the most software options around — over 500 programs to choose from, according to your people's needs. Not their network's limitations. Fact: The facts have made us *1. CORVUS pioneered local area net- working for microcomputers, and we've never stopped working on ways to improve it. Just give us a ring at 800 -4 -CORVUS to find out more. Because while calling ourselves the best is a matter of opinion, telling you that 3 out of every 5 locally networked micros work on a CORVUS network is something else* It's a matter of fact. Gorvus The Networking Company "59% of all locally-networked micros operate in a corvi is network, according to /n/o<^£coRviis,THENETVtt)RKlNG company, omninet.omnidrive and c^^ IBM PC is a trademark of International Business Machines, apple is a trademark of apple compi iter inc dec is a trademark of digital equipment corr)RATIon. Zenith is a trademark of Zenith Corporation. Inquiry 111 MAY 1985 -BYTE 231 Inquiry 91 f fill 4(?e no*/ ) , maw ! I >AY CONTHOL.J THERE'S WAY TO CONTROL YOUR ADAPTA PRINT SOFTWARE FAST AND EASY FINGERTIP CONTROL OF YOUR PRINTER • Adapta-Print's pop-up menu lets you use your printer to its fullest capability— without having to exit whatever program you're working on That includes full control of form layout, type style, and genera) printer functions • For non-IBM compatible printers, a built-in translator makes your printer compatible with the IBM printer, allowing it to generate pictures using Lotus 1-2-3* and most other software • There's an option available called TURN that gives Adapta-Prmt the capability to print sideways • A built-in spooler allows your printer to print one |Ob while you work on another, • Available for many brands of dot matrix printers, including Epson, Okidata, Hewlett-Packard, NEC, Toshiba, Mannesmann, Tally, C. Itoh, Datasouth, and most other dot matrix printers PURCHASE ADAPTS PRINT FOR ONLY $65. P^s $2 sfippi^g anc handling (TURN option is $24 additional) Call 615-966-1399 with your Visa or MasterCard number. Operators are on duty weekdays until 900 EST Or send your cheok or money order to the address below Computational Systems Incorporated Dept, BY One Energy Center Pellissippi Parkway Knoxville, Tennessee 37922 'Lotua and 1-2-3 are trademark, of Lotua Development Corporation. THE TRANSPUTER not force this constraint, as the toroidal network, in figure 5 shows. Using Transputers For the small computer, a simple base product might contain one to four Transputers, probably in a functionally distributed network with one Trans- puter handling file I/O (input/output) and another handling the screen. More performance could be achieved with add-on boards: it would be pos- sible to add Transputers and memory in much the same way that memory add-on boards are used now. If the add-on board has four Trans- puters, each with four 32 K by 8-bit RAMs, as in figure 3, the board would have a processing power of 20 to 40 MIPS and a memory of V-i megabyte. Four boards would produce 80 to 160 MIPS and 2 megabytes. An alter- native, densely packed add-on board might have two Transputers, each with thirty-two 2 56K by 1-bit dynamic RAMs. Four of these boards would produce 40 to 80 MIPS and 8 mega- bytes. Four of either add-on board produces a machine that could fairly be described as a "personal super- computer." Transputer-based add-on boards could alternatively be used with an [continued! (a) (b) __r&^ r 1 L ^T - ^ _l H s 'tf fi p . ft ~ ■ i L J ! rVT 1 rS i tm~ Figure 6: [a] A big Transputer built from four Transputers, (b) A bigger Transputer built from four big Transputers. (b) I960 105 10 • 103 10 2 10' 10° - MIPS. ALSO BUS THROUGHPUT. LINK THROUGHPUT. AND MEMORY NUMBER OF TRANSPUTERS IN SYSTEM 10° 10 1 10 2 10 3 10* Figure 7: [a) Conventional system throughput {in MIPS) by year [very approximate), (b) Transputer system throughput as a function of the number of Transputers in the system. 232 BYTE "It's easy to spot the difference between our IBM PC-based frame grabber and the others'.' High performance and affordable cost, just $1495 for a single plug-in board. Unlike other video I/O sys- tems, the new DT2803 provides real-time image capture capabil- ities, digitizing a 6-bit video field every 1/30 second. An on-board, memory-mapped, dual-ported frame store memory (256 x 256 x 8) makes it ideal for the IBM PC's 64K buffer size. And for real number crunching, SPECIFICATIONS: DT2803 A/D Input RS-170 (CCIRR), 6-bits at 5MHz Frame Grab 1/30 (1/25) second per field LUT's 8,64 x 8 input; 4,256 x 12 output D/A Output 64 colors x 64 intensities, R-G-B; 64 grey levels, monochrome Frame Memory 256 x 256 x 8 (2-bits for graphic overlays) the DT2803's external ports interface to high speed co-processors. With our software package, VIDEOLAB," the DT2803 is easy to use for image operations like aver- ages, histograms, and convo- lutions. So, if your application is manufacturing/automatic inspec- tion, robotics, or medical research, our new high per- formance video I/O board will really open your eyes -at an unbeatable price. Call (617) 481-3700 Call for our new 576 pg. catalog/ handbook or see it in Gold Book 1985. DATATRANSLATION World Headquarters: Data Translation, Inc., 100 Locke Dr., Marlboro, MA 01752 (617) 481 3700 Tlx951 646. European Headquarters: Data Translation, Ltd., 13 The Business Centre, Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham Berks, RG112QZ, England Tlx: 851849862 ( #D) In Canada: (416)625-1907. IBM PC is a registered trademark of IBM. VIDEOLAB is a registered trademark of Data Translation, Inc. Inquiry 123 MAY 1985 'BYTE 233 2400 bps modems: Do you Really need another speed? • Is the shift from 300 to 1 200 bps going to repeat itself at 2400 bps? The answer is both yes and no. There certainly are applications for 2400 bps asynch dial-up modems, but we shouldn't expect 1200 bps to die overnight. • 2400 bps modems can improve throughput, thereby getting tasks done quicker and more economically. However, 1200 bps has become the virtual standard for professional dial-up communications, and most users are satisfied with it. So why consider a 2400 bps modem at all? • One reason is flexibility. If the modem you select operates at all three speeds (300, 1200 & 2400) in accordance with accepted industry standards, it will serve virtually all dial-up applications now and in the foreseeable future. • The modem you select should be the MultiModem224. It is Bell 21 2A and 103 compatible at 1200 and 300 bps, and CCITT V.22bis compatible at 2400. It is also 100% compatible with the Hayes command set, meaning that it will work with virtually all communications software packages, at all three speeds. Other features include both synchronous and asynchronous operation, full intelligence and a phone number memory. • The MultiModem224 is available in both desktop and IBM PC" internal card versions. (There is also a rack- mounted version for central sites.) And as a bonus, we provide free offers from ten of the most popular on-line information services, including CompuServe'" Dow Jones'" and The Source.'" • A 2400 / 1 200 / 300 bps modem is just a plain good investment. Why not let the MultiModem224 provide your communications for both today and tomorrow? Inquiry 282 MultiTee # Systems ^Qf 82 Second Ave S.E., New Brighton, MN5511 The right answer every time. 1 (612)631-3550 TWX 910-563-3610 Mutti {St Systems ^0r l@9i luSi idSI MuKiModem 224 2400/1200/300 BPS Intelligent Modem 151 ■ i i i |j(EEi 1200 Ans | 300 !' - THE TRANSPUTER Performance is a function of the number of Transputers. existing computer, similar to Steve Ciarcia's TYump Card (reference 9). The linear increase in performance with the number of Transputers used makes the lapanese Fifth Generation targets achievable as a function of the number of Transputers rather than as a function of years (figure 7). ■ ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 1 would like to acknowledge the help of colleagues in Bristol. England, and Col- orado Springs, Colorado, in the prepara- tion of this article. Particular thanks to Phil Atkin and Owen Ransen, who developed the ray-tracing program used in the panel. REFERENCES 1. Pountain, Dick. "Microprocessor Design." BYTE, August 1984, page 361. 2. INMOS Limited. Occam Programming Manual. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice/Hall, 1984. 3. INMOS Limited. IMS T424 Transputer Reference Manual. 1984. 4. May. David, and Roger Shepherd. "The Transputer Implementation of Occam." Proceedings of the international Conference on Fifth Generation Computer Systems 1984. November 6-9. Tokyo, page 533. Published by ICOT. 5. Shapiro, Ehud. "Systolic Programming: A Paradigm for Parallel Processing." Pro- ceedings of the international Conference on Fifth Generation Computer Systems 1984. November 6-9. Tokyo, page 458. Published by ICOT. 6. Kung. H. T "Why Systolic Architec- tures?" IEEE Computer. 15(1), page 37. 1982. 7. Kung, S. Y., et al. "Wavefront Array Pro- cessor: Language. Architecture and Appli- cations." IEEE Transactions on Computers (Special issue on parallel and distributed computers). C-31 (11) November 1982. page 1054. 8. Maruyama. Fumihiro, et al. "Prolog- Based Expert System for Logic Design." Proceedings of the international Conference on Fifth Generation Computer Systems 1984. November 6-9. Tokyo, page 563. Published by ICOT. 9. Ciarcia, Steve. "Thjmp Card." BYTE, May 1984, page 40. 10. INMOS Limited. "Occam Programming Manual." (lapanese edition) KEI GAKU Publishing Co. Ltd.. lapan. 1984. The Brand NEW printed this ad on an Epson FX printer to J'cmou. J , cn/i /1DCIN 221 ,r ! i ^V. Box 4957, Englewood , CO 80155, (303) 790-2588 TELEX 752659 AD \L* j Inquiry 437 INTRODUCING THE MODULA-2 SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM The first complete programming environment brings the industry to an all-time low. EDIT Modula-2 has been hailed as the programming language of the future. Its modular design and built-in error-control fea- tures make programming more efficient than ever. And now there's a system that makes programming more affordable than ever. Interface Technologies' Modula-2 Software Development System (M2SDS). EASY TO LEARN. EFFICIENT TO USE. M2SDS features a "syntax-directed" editor that makes programming easy for beginners to learn. And faster for professionals to use. With our editor you can enter full statements with a single keystroke. And save up to 90% on typing time. It also gives on-line help in correcting undefined variables and syntax errors even more time. Multiple editor windows let you refer to one file while you edit another. That's one more way M2SDS adds hours of more creative, more productive time to your day. TURN "WAIT TIME" INTO "WORK TIME." When there's no time like real-time, you can count on the M2SDS compiler. Up to 100 lines of Modula-2 text can be turned into native machine code in less than five seconds. To create programs using your computer's full capacity, there are 18 library modules. And unlike $80.88 -which saves Work faster and easier with multiple editor windows. other low-priced compilers, M2SDS has a linker that assembles the components of your program. Automatically. BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY. BREAKTHROUGH PRICE. M2SDS works with IBM® PC, XT, AT or any other 100% compatible computer. Any programs you develop, you own. And M2SDS is non- copy protected. For just $80.88, M2SDS is the complete programming environment. Including editor, compiler, linker, library mod- ules, 8087 support and more. Or choose the expanded, fully upgradeable SDS-XP for just $249. Later you can add a debugger, foreign object import module and tool box for even more programming capability. And efficiency. So whether you're a professional looking for a faster way to program, or a novice looking for an easier way to learn, there's a Modula-2 Software Development System just for you. Call us today for more information or to order your M2SDS. Find out how our new low in system pricing can put your programming efficiency at an all-time high. WE ACCEPT CHECKS, MASTERCARD, VISA AND AMERICAN EXPRESS. Price does not include shipping and handling. Texas residents add 6.125% Sales Tax. International orders add $30. It not only has a faster compiler, it also saves time by compiling while you edit. a, INTERFACE TECHNOLOGIES 3336 Richmond. Suite 200, Houston, TX 77098 GET MORE PROGRAMMING EFFICIENCY IN A SYSTEM THAT COSTS LESS. IN TEXAS, CALL (713) 523-8422. CALL 1-800-922-9049 238 B YTE • MAY 1985 Inquiry 211 MULTIPROCESSING DATA-MOVEMENT PRIMITIVES by J. Eric Roskos and Ching-Dong Hsieh A low-cost implementation of an innovative technique for sharing memory THE MOST COMMON digital-com- puter architectures use primary mem- ory having two access primitives. These primitives are the lowest-level operations in the system. Typically the read operation nondestructively copies a value stored in a memory location to a location in the central processing unit (CPU) known as a register. The write operation writes over an existing value in primary memory with a value from the processor's registers. In single-process systems, and in multiprocess systems that do not use shared memory, these operations are generally sufficient for the manipula- tion of data. Although a time lapse occurs between the reading and re- writing of data, no problems will result since only one process is ac- cessing the data. In multiprocess systems accessing shared data, this is not the case. Two processes that execute a statement on a common variable in overlapping time will both read the same value, in- crement it. and rewrite it; the second process writes over the value pro- duced by the first process without tak- ing that value into account. Other problems exist in multipro- cess data sharing. In producer/consumer process pairs, for example, one pro- cess produces a data stream that the other process consumes. Problems in- clude preventing the consumer from accessing memory locations that have not been filled by the producer and the producer from writing over data in the shared buffer before the con- sumer has acquired the previously written data. To solve these problems, we have defined data-movement primitives, which are concerned with the movement of data between the central processor(s) and main memory. These primitives actually remove data from a location upon reading it. Thereafter, if a sec- ond process tries to read at that loca- tion, an interrupt is generated— the process has to wait until data is pres- ent to continue. Similarly, if a location already has data and a second pro- cess attempts to write over it, an in- terrupt is generated. We have defined the data-movement primitives as get and put. To demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a multiprocessor system using data-movement primitives, our research team built a three-CPU multi- processor based on the Motorola 6800 microprocessor. On September 27, 1984. this system successfully executed its first concurrent program, an implementation of Per Brinch Hansen's "incorrect" program (see ref- erence 1). Such a system is not only feasible, it is inexpensive; the cost of the entire multiprocessor system was around $450. The project also dem- onstrated the effectiveness of the data-movement primitives by success- fully executing a program that would not have functioned correctly on a conventional machine. Selection of Hardware Planning for a multiprocessor system began in late summer of 1983. We ex- amined several implementation meth- ods. The first of these involved the use of 6502-based Apple II CPU boards. These had two significant advantages: a "set overflow" (SO) pin could be used to set a condition code indicat- icontinued) }. Eric Roskos (2486 Sand lake Rd.. Orlan- do. FL 3 2 809) is a senior member of the tech- nical staff of Perkin-Elmer Corporations Southern Development Center. Ching-Dong Hsieh is a graduate student at Vanderbilt University [Computer Science Depl.. Box 1679, Station B, Nashville. TN 37235). MAY 1985 1YTE 239 PRIMITIVES ing the no-data-present condition, and no debugging of the CPU hard- ware itself would be necessary. The boards were also available at low cost. We discarded this option, however, because no test equipment for 6502s was available to us. We next examined the use of an IBM CS9000 system, which is based on the Motorola 68000, with addi- tional 68000s for the added CPUs. Un- fortunately, time constraints and other difficulties made this implementation impossible. We decided finally on the use of Motorola 6800s. Such a design had several disadvantages. The 6800 is an old-technology microprocessor. You PROMPRO-XP™: The sweet way to program PROMs. Whatever memory devices you need to program, the compact, versatile PROMPRO-XP Universal Programmer makes sweet work of them. It programs, verifies and tests most CMOS and bipolar PROMs, EEPROMs, EPROMs, PALs, HPLs and IFLs. And it supports Motorola SI, S2, S3 and Intel hex extended for- mats (8, 16 and 32-bit files). Its internal RAM buffer 32K x 16 (512K bit) can simultaneously program two EPROMs with different data — and expand to 64K x 8. You'll like its fast, intelligent algorithms and its great features. Like a serial RS-232 port and parallel printer port for simple connection to any micro, mainframe, terminal or printer. Range oriented commands. Optional in-circuit 16-bit emulator. Built-in UV eraser. And non-volatile memory. All at a very sweet price. Logical Devices also provides a family of low-cost dedicated EPROM and PAL programmers and a wide range of UV EPROM erasers. PAL is a registered trademark of MM1. HPL is a trademark of Harris Corporation. It's only Logical. LOGICAL DEVICES, INC. 1321 N.W. 65th Place • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 (305) 974-0975 • toll-free 1-800-EE1-PROM • TELEX: 383142 cannot stop the instruction-execution sequence for more than a few milli- seconds once an instruction has begun execution; thus we could not implement the primitive wait at the hardware level as we could have with the 68000 processor. Also, the 6800 does not have an SO pin as the 6502 does. Thus, interrupts would have to be used to signal the exception con- dition, with software simulating the wait primitive. The 6800 also has no support for multiprocessor operation; it has no test-and-set instruction. This meant that we would not be able to obtain empirical results comparing the traditional synchronization primi- tives with the data-movement primi- tives, without the use of indirect simulation methods. On the other hand, we had con- siderable resources in the form of test equipment lent to us by Vanderbilt's electrical engineering department, which uses the 6800 in its micropro- cessor course. Furthermore, we could implement the machine easily and at low cost, thanks to the low price of 6800s and our prior experience with 6800 system design. The graduate school was also willing to provide funding for such a project. We selected an IBM Personal Com- puter, based on the Intel 8088. to serve as the host processor for the system. Again, this choice was large- ly practical in nature: an IBM PC was available, and Eric Roskos had very extensive experience with the ma- chine, having previously constructed peripheral control interfaces for it and written a 6800 cross-assembler for use with it. System Design We designed the system with three 6800 microprocessors, each with its own private memory, and a memory shared by all three CPUs, supporting the data-movement primitives. The IBM PC would serve as a host ma- chine, on which we could quickly edit, assemble, and download programs to the multiprocessor. Each CPU's private memory was shared with the IBM PC and would be [continued) 240 BYTE- MAY 1985 Inquiry 245 Pick the Media Mate up by the self- latching handle, and take it with you MEDIA MATE. NO OTHER DISKETTE FILE COMES UP TO ITS STANDARDS AND DOWN TO ITS PRICE. For organizing and protecting your diskettes, the Amaray Media Mate™ is the best tile you can own. And you can buy it tor just $1 5.95* So be sure you don't settle tor less. Or pay more. The Media Mate trom Amaray. Available in two sizes to hold up to titty 534" diskettes, or thirty 3y 2 " diskettes. Ask for it anywhere floppy disks are sold. Or call 800-4-AMARAY for the dealer nearest you. Amaray International Corpora- tion, 14935 N.E. 95th Street, Redmond, WA 98052. *$15.95 suggested retail price, Media Mate 5; $14.95 suggested retail price, Media Mate 3. AMARAY Makers of Media Mate Inquiry 22 Here's organi- zation that really stacks up. And solid construction that keeps dust out. — ii&ii. Whether you use 3y 2 " or 5%" diskettes, there's a Media Mate that's right for you. These ridges keep the dividers in place and your disks in order The Media Mate stands firm, thanks to its non-skid feet. PRIMITIVES accessible to the IBM PC only when its CPU was halted; we made this design decision to simplify design of the interface for the private memories. We designed the multiprocessor with no read-only memory (ROM) whatsoever. While most people con- sidered this a somewhat radical design decision, it was a carefully planned one. No real justification exists for putting ROM on a system of this sort. The ROM is needed to start execution of one CPU in the system, but this role was already filled by the ROM in the IBM PC. On the other hand, the use of ROM would have caused considerable time delays in loading test programs and debugging ■■ Graphics Takes A Quantum Leap Forward! i 3 «■■! THE INOVION PERSONAL I GRAPHICS SYSTEM FEATURES: Mill * Tne most advanced color mapping (£ capabilities available. ttll * 250,000 simultaneously displayable ^m colors. MH I • A palette of 2.1 million colors. 5hI * Frame Grabber/ Digitizer to capture ■ ■ TV, VCR or Video Camera pictures. I • Quality three-dimensional texture HJF capabilities. Ml»| • Built-in Icon/ Menu software. MCl 'Completely Mouse/Trackball driven. ■■■I * Fonts. 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We expected that we would need the ability to modify a test sys- tem such as this, and we were right. Instead of ROM, we used the 2K- byte private memories to contain pro- grams. We also incorporated a "halt register" and a "reset register," which are simple latches and with which we could individually halt or reset each of the three CPUs. When initially powered up, the halt register halted the multiprocessor's CPUs, the IBM PC loaded the program (including the RESET vector used at start-up) via the private memories, and the reset register then started the CPUs. To simplify implementation, we did not include a register to indicate whether a CPU had halted via the pro- grammed halt instruction— although this would have been beneficial. This information is available on the pro- cessor's "bus available" (BA) pin. Implementation Details The implementation for the multipro- cessor system is shown in figure 1. The IBM PC is interfaced to the halt and reset registers via the PC's I/O (input/output) instructions, and the ad- dresses of the registers are in the I/O address space of the PC at addresses 300 and 301 (hexadecimal). The IBM PC also interfaces to 3 three-state con- trollers. These controllers connect the private memories to the PC's bus— during reads or writes to their respec- tive addresses— only if the corre- sponding CPU is halted via the halt register. The private memories start at the PC's memory addresses C0000, C0800, and CI 000 for Processor 0, Processor 1, and Processor 2, respec- tively. Each memory is a 2K-byte Hitachi 6116 static RAM (random- access read/write memory), which is {continued) Inquiry 427 HOW TO BUY SOFTWARE WHEN ALL THE ADS LOOK THE SAME. We know it's hard to choose a software house. All the ads say the same thing— "Lowest prices," "fastest delivery," "best support," "biggest inventory." 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WESTERN UNION EASY LINK FREE WE ALSO CARRY HUNDREDS OF OTHER PRODUCTS FOR THE IBM-PC ,^ ^— i 800-SOFTWARE. INC. 940 Dwight Way Berkeley, CA 94710 8 Copyright 1985, SOO-Software, Inc. Inquiry 3 AND COMPATIBLES, MACINTOSH®, APPLE II® AND CP/M ! ^800-SOFTWARE) To order call toll-free: 800-227-4587 or 4is-644-36ii Dealer inquiries welcome. Quantity discounts available through our National Accounts Program. Purchase orders accepted. Please call us in advance. Call for shipping charges. Overnight de- livery available. We do not add surcharge for credit card purchases. Prices may change. Above prices are for IBM-PC and compatibles. International orders welcome: TELEX #751743 800 SOFTWARE II). MAY 1985 • BYTE 243 PRIMITIVES pin-compatible with 4116 EPROMs (erasable programmable read-only memories). Each processor is interfaced directly to its respective private memory. Since the 6800s bus interface is in the high-impedance state whenever it is halted, and since the IBM PC inter- face's three-state controllers are only enabled when the corresponding CPU is halted, this guarantees mutually ex- clusive access to the private memory. The IBM PC can. in the worst case, at- tempt to access the private memory when the attached CPU is running; but since the three-state controller will be disabled, data written will not be passed through to the private mem- C Productivity Series — The Professional's Edge Blaise Computing has a range of programming aids for the most popular C compilers in the IBM environment that no serious system developer should be without. These packages help you to easily access advanced capabilities of the hardware and operating system, and to finish your projects with a substantial saving of time and effort. 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CA 94704 (415) 540-5441 ory, and reads will return meaningless data since nothing will be driving the bus during the read— no damage to the system will occur. The interface between the CPUs and the shared memory is considerably more complex. Each CPU is inter- faced through a three-state controller that switches both address and data lines onto the shared-memory bus. When a CPU outputs an address in the address space occupied by shared memory (which starts at ad- dress 3000 Ihexadecimal] for all three processors), the address is immediate- ly decoded by the address-decode logic (which appears to the right of each CPU in figure 1) and asserts re- quest line Rm. where n is the number of the CPU making the request. This line transmits the request to the ar- bitration logic, described in detail below, which asserts grant line On if and only if Processor n is currently allowed to access shared memory. If a request line is asserted but the ar- bitrator does not assert the corre- sponding grant line, the processor's clock is immediately halted, suspend- ing instruction execution until the grant line is asserted. (This is not shown on the diagram in figure 1, which does not include the processor clock logic. The clock-halting function is controlled by a Motorola 6875 clock generator, which has a Memory Ready control pin designed for this purpose. We spe- cifically chose the 6875 clock generator for this feature.) The three- state controller assures that a CPU that has not been granted access to the shared memory will not output data onto the shared-memory bus. Entering Arbitration The arbitrator guarantees all CPUs equal access to the shared memory. We designed and implemented our memory arbitrator using a National Semiconductor PAL (Programmable Array Logic), a trademarked PLA (pro- grammable logic array) having only one programmable-gate plane. The other plane normally found in PLAs is replaced by a fixed set of gates, with different PALs available for dif- \amtlmted] 244 BYTE- MAY 1985 Inquiry 53 PRIMITIVES 4K SHARED MEMORY SI SO ARBITRATION RO Rl R2 G2 Gl GO THREE- STATE CONTROLLER DATA THREE-STATE CONTROLLER THREE-STATE CONTROLLER MC6800 PROCESSOR 2K STATIC MEMORY E COOOO-C07FF CD- 11 CL>! E THREE-STATE CONTROLLER MC68O0 PROCESSOR 1 -MCO •MRO 2K STATIC MEMORY E C080O-C0FFF ", 48/96 tpi 5Va", IBM PCAT. and 8" diskettes (with appropriate drive options). Available options include 10, 15, 20Mb hard disks, 8086 Coprocessor, Word Processing/Typesetting Disk Maker I: For existing S-100 computers From 1695.00 Disk Maker II: Standalone Disk Maker From 3695.00 250 BYTE- MAY I985 Inquiry 292 NEW A powerful multifile database with a programming language for only VFersaform's new XL database isn't just promises— it's here now! And it offers— YES, FOR ONLY $99— all the features you'd expect in a database costing 4 times as much. Accounting applications are XL's strength. Invoicing, purchasing, receiv- ables, and shipping almost create themselves as you design the forms— and XL transfers data between them. There's an Invoicing, A/R and Inven- tory application— source code included— in the package that shows how it's done. The power's there. And unlike packaged accounting programs, you can do them YOUR way. VersaForm XL dBASE MI- PRICE STRUCTURED LANGUAGE Y MULTI-FILE , ¥ COLUMNS WITHIN DATA RECORD Y DATA ENTRY CHECKING BU ON-SCREEN CALC BU FORMS OUTPUT BU DATE ARITHMETIC Y DATA TYPES DY COLUMN TOTAL OPERATOR Y QUERY BY EXAMPLE Y MAX FILE SIZE 4 !■ MAX RECORD SIZE 401 MUST WRITE PROGRAM BUILT-IN MUST WRITE PROGRAM MUST WRITE PROGRAM MUST WRITE PROGRAM MUST WRITE PROGRAM stered trademark ol Ashton-Tate. R BASE 4000 is ademark of Microrim. Inc. XL's structured language can access multiple files. 48 built-in functions give control of file access, printing, and user dialogues. You'll develop transaction-based applications with an ease you've never experienced before. And all at this unheard-of low price. 1 VersaForm XL's unique form-oriented data structures let you easily set up forms and ledgers— even those with columns! Application develop- ment is FAST, FAST, FAST. And since forms are the way that businesses already store their data, the transition is smooth. That's why VersaForm XL is so easy to operate even for high-turnover clerical people— it starts from where they are now. Automatic data entry checking and on-screen calculation make trans- actions error-free. Stored print formats make output formatting a snap— you can quickly match existing paper forms. VersaForm XL's report generator is clear and intuitive. Designers can pre-install reports, Inquiry 36 users can set up their own. • Query-by-forms (at no extra cost) lets users go right to the data they need. No query language to learn— forms are the natural language of business. Ironclad Money-Back Guarantee Try VersaForm XL for 30 days. If you're not fully satisfied, return it. We'll gladly refund your money. Order now, and have the pleasure of using the right tool at the right price. You can't lose! VersaForm XL runs on IBM PC, XT, AT and compatibles. Requires 192K, two 360KB drives, DOS 2.0 or later. Hard disk recommended. Standard VersaForm (single file, no language) available for 64K, 2-drive Apple II or 128K IBM PC. $69. VersaForm Applied Software Technology, Dept 585, 1350 Dell Ave., Suite 206, Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 370-2662 Yes! Rush me Versaform XL for the IBM PC ($99) Standard Versaform (Single file, no language) for the IBM PC ($69) Apple II (+,E,C) ($69) Credit card members can order by phone. Toil-Free: 1-800-824-8145 In California Toil-Free: 1-800-854-4448 Enclose check or money order with coupon. Include $4.50 for U.S. Shipping and handling. $7.00 for COD. California residents add 6.5% tax. My check or money order is enclosed Send COD. Charge my MasterCard Visa Account No. Expires PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Name Address City Phone 585 _State_ -Zip- Signature^ MAY I985 -BYTE 251 FORTRAN, C Language and BASICA Scientific Subroutine Libraries From Wiley Professional Software You are a serious programmer. You need to quickly generate dependable, accurate and error-free code. Whether you are programming in FORTRAN, C, or BASIC... Wiley Professional Software has a powerful Scientific Subroutine Library that can save you considerable programming time and development money. Each Library consists of 114, (C Language 112) pretested and precompiled mathematical and statistical subroutines, supplied on disk as a linkable library and as source code. The subroutines cover formulas for: General statistics Probability Analysis of variance Regressions Matrices Interpolations Fourier analysis Cross tabulations Differential equations Roots of biquadratic equations Function evaluations Systems of equations Solution of equations Time series analysis and more. Each package includes 400-plus pages of documentation, providing you with extensive reference material, a listing of the subroutine's source code, complete test programs and the results of running each test. LIBRARY PRICE REQUIREMENTS FORTRAN Library $175 Microsoft FORTRAN ver. 3.13 or later or IBM 2.0 C Language Library $175 Lattice C Compiler ver. 2.12 or later BASICA Library $125 BASICA Developed by Peerless Engineering Service TO ORDER OR FOR FREE LITERATURE CALL 212-850-6788 Or write: Leslie Bixel Wilev Professional Software 60S Third Avenue . « _I5| New York, NY 10158 A division of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 6-0031 PRIMITIVES contain consecutive integers. Each CPU's program part contains an identical interrupt procedure to simulate the primitive wait. This inter- rupt procedure simply decrements the interrupt return address on the stack to retry the unsuccessful read or write and then returns from the inter- rupt. This causes the CPU to repeat- edly execute the memory access until it succeeds. The multiprocessor successfully executed the test program on September 27, 1984, after several months of debugging. Almost all of this debugging time involved debug- ging the memory arbitrator and syn- chronization of shared memory ac- cess with the arbitration logic and not debugging the data-movement primi- tives. The implementation of the data- movement primitives is quite elegant; this elegance is reflected in the fact that, although many PALs were used to reduce the parts count of the multi- processor (which otherwise would have been very large), no PALs were needed for the portion of the circuit implementing the data-movement primitives. Conclusions This project successfully demon- strated the feasibility of implementing a multiprocessor system with data- movement primitives using off-the- shelf hardware. We have demon- strated the success of the data-move- ment primitives by using them to cor- rectly execute a concurrent program, without using the software-synchro- nization primitives that would be re- quired otherwise. Furthermore, the cost of implementing this machine ($450) shows that such an implemen- tation is affordable; the large portion of this cost was for the CPUs, interface hardware, and conventional memory components. ■ REFERENCES 1. Hansen. Per Brinch. "Structured Multi- programming." Communications of the ACM, 15(7), 1972, page 574. 2. Mead, C, and L. Conway. Introduction to VLSI Systems. Reading, MA: Addison- Wesley. 1980. 252 BYTE- MAY 1985 Inquiry 222 Obsolete technology — it's not just a hardware problem! You wouldn't dream of wiring your state-of-the-art modem to turn-of-the-century technology. Why strangle your computer with an antique communications program? NightOwl Software believes your modem should open a win- dow on the world — but without slamming a door on the power of your IBM-PC or compatible. That's why we designed our MEX-PC communications package to allow you complete access to your operating system, utilities and software while connected to a remote system. Other communications programs limit your on-line options to a small set of built-in commands. Not MEX-PC. Our SHELL fea- ture lets you run your spreadsheet, word processor, database management system, or any other program, from within MEX- PC while you're on-line — and without loss of text or data. That's a claim no other communications software can make — and it's just one of many reasons MEX-PC is setting new stand- ards for power, flexibility and performance in the world of tele- computing. Consider the features: • A powerful command processor allows fully automated dialing, log-ons, uploads, downloads and log-offs. • A built-in HELP program explains all aspects of the software, on-line or off. A complete status screen immediately lists all current settings. • Command driven. No need to wade through level after level of menus in a time-consuming search for the commands you want to enter or the features you need to change. • Fully documented. Includes a typeset, ring-bound, 180-page user's manual and complete tutorial, fully indexed. • Wide range of protocols, including Christensen XMODEM with both CRC and Checksum error correction. $59.95* Why spend more for a lot less power? Write or call to request our free brochure. Credit card orders welcome. Give us a toll-free call at 1 -800-NITEOWL (In Wisconsin, call 1 -41 4-563-401 3) ■ Plus $5 shipping. Wisconsin residents add 5 percent sales tax NkjhtOwl Software, Route 1 , Box 7. Fort Atkinson, Wl 53538 NightOwl soft ware, inc. Inquiry 295 MAY 1985 • BYTE 253 We don't have all the answers you need, but we'll do all we can to find them! IBM PC SOFTWARE Alpha Software Data BaseMgr II $179 Electric Desk (Jr) 199 Anderson Bell Abstat $289 Arrays, Inc Home Acct. + $ 90 Home Acct. w/ Tax Advntg $139 PC PROGRAMMERS CORNER Borland Turbo Pascal $ 37 CompuView Vedit $130 Vedit+ 179 Digital Research Access Mgr $229 C Basic Comp (CB-86) 339 CP/M-86 45 Concurrent CP/M w/ Windows 119 Concurrent DOS.... 179 Display Mgr 279 DR Assem & Tools .. 129 DR Graph 119 Fortran 77-DOS or CP/M 279 Pascal MT+ 339 Personal Basic 99 Emerging Technology Edix (editor) $139 Heritage Smartkey 11+ $ 75 Microsoft C Compiler $319 Pascal Comp 199 Basic Comp 249 Morgan Computing Prof Basic $ 79 Trace 86 99 Peter Norton Norton Util 3.0 $ 69 Supersoft Fortran $299 Lifeboat Lattice C $419 Lattice Windows.... 249 Run-C 99 Dr Halo (Graphics). 79 PMate 189 Ashton-Tate dBase II Call dBase III (v. 1.1) Call Framework (v. 1.1) Call Friday Call Central Point Copy II PC $ 34 CompuView V-Print $ 99 V-Spell 99 Connecticut Software Printer Boss w/ Letter Boss & SidelineSl 19 Dow Jones Market Analyzer $229 Market Manager 189 Spreadsheet Link 179 Ecosoft, Inc. Microstat $239 Enertronics Energraphics $219 w/ Plotter Option 279 Fastware Thor $245 Financier, Inc Financier II $119 Tax Series 105 Fox & Geller Grafox $159 dGraph 159 Quickcode (III or II).... 159 Quick Report 159 dUtil (III or II) 58 FYI Superfile $139 FYI 3000 259 Sort Facility 99 Harvard Software Project Manager S249 Lifetree Volkswriter Deluxe $155 Volkswriter Scientific. 359 Living Videotext Think Tank (256K) $119 MDBS Knowledge Man $275 Menlo Corp. In Search $279 Micropro Wordstar ProPak $255 Wordstar 2000 289 ProPak Plus (WS, CS, MM, SI, TM) $369 Microrim R-base4000 $265 R-base Clout (V 2.0)... 139 R-Writer 95 Prog Interface 259 Microsoft Flight Simulator II $ 39 Project 1.01 169 Word 1.15 229 MuMath/MuSimp 179 Microstuf Crosstalk $ 99 Multimate (V 3.3) $289 Northwest Analytical Statpak $365 Open Systems Acct'g Programs . . ea $399 Buy 3 or more ....ea 379 Peter Norton Computing Norton Utilities (3.0)... $ 69 Peachtree Series 8 Account- ing Modules $359 Samna Corp. Samna Word III 349 Satellite Software Word Perfect w/Sp... $255 Sensible Designs d Programmer $1 99 Software Arts Spotlight $109 Software Publishing (PC Jr. Compatible) PFS: File, Graph Write, Plan ea $ 89 PFS: Report 79 PFS: Access, Proof. ea 59 Sorcim Supercalc III $249 Star Software Systems Acct'g Partner $219 Acct'g Partner II 599 Warner Software (PC Jr. Compatible) Desk Organizer $129 Westminster Software Pertmaster Call and many more! APPLE SOFTWARE Alpha Software Apple-IBM Connection $169 Typefaces 69 Arrays, Inc Home Acct $ 59 FCM 79 Ashton-Tate Call BPI Call Broderbund Bank Street Writer ....$ 45 Bank Street Speller.... 45 Cdex All Trng Progs eo $ 49 Dow Jones Market Analyzer $229 Market Manager 189 Spreadsheet Link 179 Eduware Call Living Videotext Think Tank $ 99 Micropro Pro Pak $349 Microsoft Call Peachtree Back to Basics $149 PeachPak Series 40 or 80 $229 Penguin Software... Call Software Publishing PFS: File, Graph, Report ea$ 79 Spinnaker Call Xerox Education Sticky Bear Series.. ea $ 35 CP/M SOFTWARE All prices below are for 8" standard. ATI All Trng Progs ea $ 52 Ashton-Tate dBase Call CompuView Call Digital Research DR Assem & Tools 86. $11 9 C Basic Comp (CB-80) 289 SPP (86) 149 Display Mgr 80 239 Display Mgr 86 279 Pascal MT+ 80 199 Pascal MT+ 86 349 PL/186 399 Access Mgr 86 239 Fortran 77 86 199 Infocom All Games Call Micro Pro WordStar $250 InfoStar 265 ProPak (WS, MM, SI, SS) $359 All Others Call Microsoft Call Microstuf Crosstalk $ 99 Northwest Analytical Statpak $365 Oasis Word Plus $110 Punctuation & Style.... 99 Supersoft Disk Doctor $ 74 MACINTOSH CORNER SOFTWARE ATI MacCoach $ 50 Arrays, Inc Home Acct $ 69 Creative Solutions MacForth $ 99 MacForth II 169 Hayden Software Sargon III $ 39 daVinci: Bldgs,Land- scapes,lnteriors. ea 39 Human Edge Software Sales,Mgmt Edgeea $159 Commun. Edge 139 Infocom Call Living Videotext Think Tank $ 89 Microsoft Basic Interp $ 99 Chart 79 File 139 Multiplan 139 Word 139 Main Street Software Main St. Filer $ 99 Monogram Dollars & Sense $ 99 Penguin Software Pensate, Transyl- vania, Quest ... ea $ 32 Scarborough Systems Mastertype $ 37 Simon/ Schuster Typing Tutor III $ 45 Sierra On-Line Frogger $ 32 Software Publishing PFS: File & Report Combo $119 Telos Software Filevision $109 T/Maker Click Art $ 39 HARDWARE Davong Disk Drives Call Intermatrix MacPhone $149 Kensington Microware Surge Supressor $ 45 Modem $399 Memorex 3H" Diskettes $ 49 Quadram Call Tecmar Disk Drives Call APPLE/ FRANKLIN BOARDS ALS CP/MCard $269 Smarterm II 119 Z-Engine 139 CCS 7711 Asynch Serial $ 99 Microsoft Softcard + $449 Prem Softcard (I IE) 295 Microtek Printer l/F $ 75 Dumpling-16K 169 Dumpling-GX 89 Orange Micro Grappler + w/ buffer. $175 Prometheus Versacard $159 Videx Videoterm VT-602 $249 Ultraterm 249 IBM/PC AST Research Six Pale + 64K (exp384K, S/P, Clk)..$265 MegaPlus 64K, (Cl/Cal, S Port, 512K cap w/ Megapak) $269 Megapak 256K up- grade for Megaplus. Call BYAD, Inc Call Maynard Electronics Floppy Drive Cntrlr.... $1 19 w/ Par Port 169 w/SerPort 179 Sandstar Call Memory Chips Call Orange Micro Mr. Chips Call Orchid Technology "Orchid Blossom" Call Quadram Quadboard 64K, fexp 384K, Clk/Col, S&P Ports, Software) $269 Microfazer Stack Printer -P/P8K (exp 512K) .... $139 -S/P 8K (exp 64K) 149 -S/S 8K (exp 64K) 149 Quadram (continued) Quadlink64K Mem... 469 Other Products Call Tecmar Captain's Bd w/64K ... $299 1st Mate 259 2nd Mate 250 3rd Mate 379 Xedex/Microlog Baby Blue $325 Baby Blue II 525 ': ' • DISPLAY CARDS Fredericks/Plan- tronics Colorplus. .$399 Hercules Graphics Board... .$339 Color Board . 199 MA Systems PC Peacock Color Board .$249 Paradise Display Card (clr/monochrome .$349 Modular/Display.. . 309 Quadram Quadcolor 1 .$199 Quadcolor II . 389 Tecmar Graphics Master.. .$479 MODEMS Hayes Smartmodem 300 $1 95 Smartmodem 1200.... 429 Smartmodem 1200B... 369 Prometheus Promodem $399 Quadram Quadmodem $529 US Robotics Auto-Dial 300/1200... $459 S-100 Modem 349 Password 325 Zoom Telephonies Networker w/o SW ... $109 PRINTERS C. Itoh Electronics, Inc. Starwriter F10-40P (40cps) $999 A10-20S (20cps) 529 Diablo 630 ECS Call Epson Coll NEC Call Okidata 82-93 Call Quadram Quadjet Call Star Micronics Call TeletexTlOU $399 . . . and much more. DISKETTES 3M, Maxell, Verbatim Ultra Magnetics Call MONITORS Amdek 300A Amber $149 310A 199 300 Clr 265 500 Clr RGB 385 600 Clr HR 455 700 Clr Ultra HR 535 NEC JB1260-12" Green ....$119 JC1216RGB 429 PGS HX12 RGB Clr $489 MAX 12 189 SRI 2 (690x480 Res)... 639 DoublerCard 175 Quadram Quadchrome $489 Quadchrome II 429 Amberchrome 175 Quadscreen HiRes 1449 Sanyo 8112 12" HR Green.... $169 Taxan 440 $679 420L 499 425 w/ video 499 Zenith 135(RGBorcomp)....$499 136 669 Others Call DISK DRIVES CDC 1800 Call Corvus Hd Call Davong Hd Call l-Omega Bernoulli Box Call Mountain, Inc. FileSafe Combo Disk/Tape Pack for the IBM PC or XT For more info Call Tall Grass For Wisconsin customers Call Tandon TM-100-2 Call PLOTTERS Amdek DXY-100 $599 Amplotll 899 Enter Sweet P Six Shooter... Call Houston Instruments Call Panasonic VP6801P Plotter $1375 MISC. Alpha-Delta MACC 8 Surge Protector $ 69 Computer Accessories Power Directors P2MtrBase $109 P12IBMPC 145 P22 Stand Alone.. 75 Electronic Protection Devices Lemon /EC I $ 38 Lime /EC II 55 Orange /EC IV 75 Hauppage 8087 w/o software ....$149 8087 w/ software 255 80287 AT Chip w/o.... 289 Other Products Call Kensington Masterpiece $109 Keytronic KB 5150 $169 KB 5151 175 KB 5151 Dvorak 175 Mouse Systems PC Mouse $159 Touchtone Technology Touchtone II (PC Keypad) $169 Versa Computing VersaWriter $239 WICO Joysticks (Ap) $ 39 For assistance in determining your needs use our technical line? We will be happy to provide full support. POLICY: ► Wisconsin residents add 5% for sales tax. ► Minimum $4.00 for shipping, handling and insurance for orders to $200. ► For orders over $200, add 2/:% for shipping, handling and insurance. ► For cash prepayment of orders $200 or more, add ONLY 7% for shipping, handling and insurance. ► Foreign — either add 15% handling & shipping (Int'l money order) or inquire. ► Prices are subject to market fluctuations. ► All items subject to availability. WE WELCOME! ► Visa, MasterCharge and American Express. (No charge for credit cards.) ► Corporate, government or educational volume purchases, please ask for special accounts desk for additional discount. (1-715-848-1374) ► COD (Add $2.00 per box/parcel. Cash or certified check required.) ► Checks. (Allow 1-2 weeks for clearing.) WORKING HOURS! Monday-Friday 8:30-6:00 • Saturday 10:00-2:00 (Ordering Lines only) • Central Time For tech. support, order status and customer service, call (715) 848-1374 (M-F, 8 am to 5 pm) BYAD 0585 Inquiry 304 for Hardware. Inquiry 305 for Software. Inquiry 306 for May Specials. ORYX SYSTEMS, INC. CRAFTSMEN OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGY 1 800 826-1589 jg 1 800 472-3535 425 First Street • PO. Box 1961 Wausau, Wisconsin 54401 INT'L TELEX: 260181 ORYX SYS WAU BOTE Reviews Reviewers Notebook by Glenn Hartwig 259 The Compaq Deskpro by \erry Grady 260 IBM PC AT by Alan Finger 270 True BASIC by G. Michael Vose 279 The CTX-IOO Modem by Mark Haas 291 Review Feedback 299 THE DESKPRO LINE of computers (there are four models) from Compaq Com- puter Corporation, Houston, Texas, all come with an extra boost in the form of a dual-speed processor. Starting from this common base, each successive model builds on its predecessor with more memory, bigger power supplies, additional drives, and a hard disk. The culminating unit, the Model 4, has every- thing that's built into the other three units plus a 10-megabyte tape-cartridge drive for hard-disk backup. It also carries a $7195 price tag. In our first review, Jerry Grady takes a close look at the Model 4 and presents his findings. There's much to like about the Model 4, in Mr. Grady's view, and the breadth of the product line helps a lot if you like the basic technology but can't spring for, or don't need, all the bells and whistles. Next, Alan Finger takes us through the IBM PC AT. Here, the ability to ex- pand is limited to a basic unit and an enhanced unit. The major benefits of the enhanced unit are a 20-megabyte hard-disk drive. 2 56K bytes of addi- tional memory, and a serial/parallel interface adapter. While it doesn't give you the option of two clock speeds like the Compaq, its Intel 80286 is quite fast enough for most applications, all by itself. The too-often-politely-ignored point about the IBM PC AT, however, is the fact that it's IBM's top-of-the-line personal computer. Is it worth all the hoo-ha it has inspired? Is it really fair to use the initials AT to signify Advanced Technology? Mr. Finger's analysis is just what you need if you're trying to figure out what's going on. The BASIC programming language has more idiosyncratic versions than just about any other. Each version attempts to be just a little better (and just a little different) than all of the others for either technical or commercial reasons. The result, of course, is a Babel-like situation. With so many "dialects" run- ning around it's hard to know which features are applicable across product lines and, in the end, which are really BASIC and which are just using the name. BASIC'S creators, John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz, set out to rectify this confused situation. With associates, they set up their own company called True BASIC Inc. and brought out a version of BASIC for microcomputers that conforms to the standard proposed by the American National Standards In- stitute's subcommittee X3J2. Called True BASIC, this version is a major depar- ture from previous microcomputer BASICS. Michael Vose, a BYTE senior tech- nical editor, shows you exactly how, where, and why to look for a fresh ap- proach from True BASIC. Finally, Mark Haas reviews the GTX-100 from Lockheed-GETEX. It's an in- telligent dual-speed modem that includes four levels of protection for your computer. Some of the interesting features of this modem have more to do with its intelligence than its security-providing aspects. For example, Mr. Haas points out that the modem's software lets you select the data rate, dial the phone automatically, dial the phone manually, re-dial the last number, and select the desired level of security. This modem has quite a large number of special features— with just one of these being the ways it lets you control ac- cess to your computer. —Glenn Hartwig, Technical Editor, Reviews 35 • BYTE 257 Sometimes the best way to get ahead is to go sideways. £ ;:: is :- The problem with spreadsheets is they rt get printed the wrong way. You still have a lot of stapling, gluing, or taping to look forward to before your printout is readable. To really get ahead, go Sideways^" Sideways is the clever software program that prints your spreadsheets— you guessed it— sideways. So your spreadsheet columns need never fall off the edge of your printer paper again. With Sideways on your side, no spreadsheet you invent with Lotus 1 -2-3® Symphony, '" VisiCalc,"' Multiplan," } or SuperCalc" is too wide! And it's just as powerful an ally when you're creating far-into-the-future schedules and pert charts. So for a presentable printout, get rid of that glue stick and scotch tape— put your best foot forward and go Sideways. You can go Sideways today with an IBM " PC or an Apple 9 II, and over a dozen different printers, including Epsonf Okidata, IBM; Applef C. Itoh and Mannes- mann Tally. Ask for Sideways at your local Computer- Land" Entre, or other computer store. Or mail a $60 check to Funk Software, P.O. Box 1290, Cambridge, MA 02238. Or call 617-497-6339. MC/Visa accepted. SIDEWAYS SIDEWAYS PRINTS SPREADSHEETS SIDEWAYS. 258 BYTE' MAY 1985 Inquiry 173 REVIEWER'S NOTEBOOK Two portable computers, both previously described in BYTE, have now come back for full scrutiny in the Review department. In different ways each has aroused a good deal of speculation. First, the Hewlett- Packard Integral is just so different from a laptop computer that it deserves attention. A UNIX-based sys- tem with an electroluminescent screen, built-in printer, 3 /2-inch disks, a mouse, and a silhouette more like a sewing machine than a briefcase, it gives the definite impression that it is self-consciously incompatible with anything IBM would ever dream of producing. All well and good. You really do get points for independence of spirit— but it still has to work. So far. trying to use the Integral has resulted in a curious blend of appre- ciation and irritation. It doesn't come with much in the way of bundled soft- ware for things like word processing or communications. On the other hand, it hadn't been here a week before we got a copy of Multiplan de- signed especially for it. Hewlett- Packard apparently intends to sup- port the Integral with its own con- siderable resources. Watching this one develop ought to be interesting. A full review is in the works and will prob- ably be printed here in the near future. Going almost entirely the other way from the Hewlett-Packard Integral is the Data General/One, first featured in BYTE as a product description last November (see page 102). In case you missed it. this one arrived amid great expectations. It's touted as having a high degree of compatibility with IBM's Personal Computer (PC), espe- cially when used with the 5^-inch ex- ternal disk drives. And people I know have been very impressed with its capabilities. The main source of discontent, both in the BYTE preview and elsewhere, has been the poor quality of the screen design. LCD (liquid-crystal dis- play) screens suffer from lack of definition to begin with. When one is also saddled with a fixed viewing angle, the problem of seeing what you're writing goes beyond a reason- able level. Attempting to respond to criticism. Data General brought out what it hopes will be a better screen and is said to be retrofitting (for $3 50) all those sold. Our review unit is equipped with one of these newly de- signed screens; the upcoming review ought to show how well the company has succeeded in answering its critics. Aside from that, the DG/One, as I said, generally has been met with warm words for its high degree of compatibility with most IBM PC- oriented software. Whether this is enough to endear it to a reviewer re- mains to be seen. Perhaps more intriguing than what our reviewers think of these machines is the question of which one is more representative of what the user ex- pects from a true portable computer. Is the portable's major function that of a drone for a desktop unit— and thus useful only if compatibility is very high? Or is the user of a small por- table looking for something different enough from a desktop unit that questions of compatibility are irrele- vant? These questions really go beyond the scope of reviews, but they do set the stage on which these ma- chines will be more broadly judged. Another subject for upcoming review is a very curious printer/ plotter/typewriter combination from Panasonic. Instead of a dot-matrix or daisy-wheel-type print head, this unit comes equipped with four colored pens. By moving the print head/pen- holder back and forth while the platen moves the paper up and down, the unit draws each character— a type- writer that actually writes. Besides writing text, it draws an assortment of graphs and connects serially to a computer. It has direct, line-by-line, and block printing modes; a full-line preview window to show your text before you commit it to paper; a 4K- byte memory; word-search capability; two switch-selectable keyboards plus an extended character set; and the ability to print wide characters, tall characters, italics, underlining, and top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top ver- tical lines. At about five pounds and about $3 50, this one made a lot of friends right out of the box. An editor's note about an IBM PC- compatible operating-system patch for the NEC APC III appeared with John Lingers review in March (see page 338) and has generated a lot of interest. Just to keep you up- dated, we're still running tests and have found that it works in some cases— and in some it doesn't. We'll be running the code as part of a feature article in an upcoming issue. You'll undoubtedly run across pro- grams that we either don't have or haven't yet had the time to test. Either way, when the time comes, let us know how you make out. This ap- proach may also work with other close-but-no-cigar compatibles. We'd like to hear about any experiments you make with those as well. — Glenn Hartwig, Technical Editor, Reviews MAY 1985 -BYTE 259 SYSTEM REVIEW The Compaq Deskpro A faster processor optional tape backup system by Jerry Grady How is Compaq Computer Corpora- tion of Houston, Texas, establish- ing itself as more than just another JBM PC-clone company? By introducing a and an desktop that is yet another IBM PC work- alike, plus a little extra. The new desktop is called the Deskpro (see photo 1), and it comes in four new ver- sions that are labeled models 1, 2, 3, and 4. The little extra is an Intel 8086 processor with dual clock speeds on all models and a tape-cartridge backup system on the Model 4. A status light to the left of the disk drives indicates the operating speed: red if you are in PC-compatible common mode (4.77 MHz) and green if the processor is in "fast" mode (7.14 MHz). The switchable clock speed lets the Deskpro maintain what Compaq calls 99.9 percent IBM PC com- patibility while providing the option of bet- ter performance. The availability of a 10- megabyte tape cartridge to back up the hard disk fills the need for a fast, economi- cal, hard-disk backup system. Hardware All models in the Deskpro line are con- figured from the same basic unit, the Model 1. This is an important point for users who want to build their systems gradually. Compaq considers the Deskpro Model 1 its smallest business system. The machine has 128K bytes of RAM (random-access read/write memory), one half-height 514- inch disk drive (360K-byte capacity), a parallel printer interface, the Compaq dual- mode monochrome-text/color-graphics dis- play adapter board, and six IBM PC-com- patible expansion slots. It has a current list price— without a monitor— of about $2240. The monitor sells for $2 5 5. The Deskpro Model 2 is the system that Compaq expects to be most popular. This computer is similar to the Model 1 except that it has 2 56K bytes of memory and two floppy-disk drives. Weighing in at a little over 30 pounds, the Model 2 system unit is heavier than the IBM PC This might be \erry Grady (10911 East Mercer lane. Scoltsdale. AZ 85259) is the president and owner of The Grady Works, a company that specializes in microcomputer systems consulting and services. He has a B.S. in com- puter science from Northern Arizona University and an M.S. in the same field from the University of Arizona due to its steel casing and heftier power supply. With a monitor, it lists for $2995. The Model 3 is the IBM PC XT work-alike with its 10-megabyte hard-disk drive. The Model 3 also has 2 56K bytes of RAM. one floppy-disk drive, an on-board parallel printer interface, a hard-disk controller cap- able of supporting the tape cartridge, a half- size card with a serial port and clock, and four IBM PC- or XT-compatible expansion slots. With a monitor, it costs $4995. Finally, the top-of-the-line Model 4 in- cludes everything the Model 3 has plus a 10-megabyte tape-cartridge drive for hard- disk backup and the maximum of 640K bytes of RAM on the motherboard. It sells for $7195 with a monitor. See "The Deskpro Model 4" text box on page 264. As options, Compaq offers a 12-inch, high- resolution, amber- or green-phosphor moni- tor; a tilt/swivel mount for the monitor ($50): an option labeled the Desk-Saver, a small platform that raises the base unit off the work surface for enough clearance to store the keyboard; 128K-byte and 5!2K-byte memory upgrades; and a second disk drive for Models 1, 3, and 4. MS-DOS 2.11 for the Compaq is not in- cluded with any model; it costs an addi- tional $60. This customized version of MS- DOS recognizes the Deskpro's dual pro- cessor speed and battery-operated clock (if present) at boot time. BYTE's standard con- figuration of a monitor, two floppy-disk drives, 2 56K bytes, serial port, parallel port, MS-DOS, and BASIC costs $3205. Monitor If you purchase the optional Compaq monitor, you can choose a green or amber display. The monitor is a 12-inch version of the Compaq Portable Computer's 9-inch display. The character display is sharp and the display contrast is good due to the monitor's etched screen. A single knob on the left adjusts brightness and contrast. The monitor's case is angled at 10 degrees, so the display is at a comfortable 260 BYTE- MAY 1985 viewing angle if it is resting on the system unit. The casing is plastic and about the same size as the IBM monochrome monitor. Two cables connect the display to the sys- tem unit. The power cable uses an unusual three-pin DIN circular connector, not the usual three-prong AC-style connector. Perhaps this is to ensure that you will not plug a Compaq monitor into your IBM PC. The second cable is a nine-pin connector that plugs into the RGB (red-green-blue) connector of the system unit's display card. Like the Compaq Portable and unlike the IBM PC the Deskpro display adapter can display shades of green or amber on a monochrome display as well as colors on an RGB display (see photo 2). Another good feature taken from the Compaq Portable is the Deskpro' s two dis- play modes. The monochrome-text mode is very similar to the IBM monochrome monitor. It can display high-resolution text and graphics characters, but not colors or bit-mapped graphics. You can display this mode only on the Compaq monochrome monitor. You can display the color-graphics mode on any IBM PC-compatible RGB monitor, as well as on the Compaq mono- chrome monitor. This mode displays up to 16 colors or shades of green or amber and bit-mapped graphics. Both modes use character sets almost the same as the IBM's equivalent character sets, including the graphics characters (see photo 3). The high-resolution monochrome char- acter set occupies a 9- by 14-dot matrix. Most characters occupy an 8- by 1 2 -dot area inside this matrix; the exceptions are special and graphics characters. The color-graphics character set is much coarser but matches the IBM PC color- graphics set. Each character occupies a 7- by 7-dot area inside an 8- by 8-dot matrix. It is easy to switch modes on the Desk- pro. As with the Compaq Portable, you can toggle the display mode to color-graphics mode from the keyboard by pressing the Ctrl, Alt, and < keys simultaneously. To return to the monochrome mode, press Ctrl-Alt- > . In color-graphics mode, you can use high-resolution graphics (640 by 200 pixels by two colors) or medium-resolution graphics (320 by 200 pixels by four colors), just as you can with the IBM PC. In addition, the display-adapter card has an output for a composite monitor and an RF (radio frequency) modulator to attach to your color television. 1 connected a short stereo patch cord from the RCA jack on the display adapter to my television and was rewarded with color graphics, though the actual display left something to be desired. Keyboard The keyboard, which is enclosed in plastic, is extremely light: IVi pounds. This is nice {continued] Photo I: The Compaq Deskpro Model 4 with \0-megabyte hard-disk drive. \0-megabyte tape-cartridge system, optional second floppy-disk drive, and optional \2-inch green monitor. Note the clock-speed indicator light and keyboard plug to the left of the disk drives. MAY 1985 -BYTE 261 REVIEW: DESKPRO if you like to position the keyboard in your lap, especially since the key- board's six-foot coiled cord plugs into the unit's front. But for those who prefer a more solid feel to the key- board, this lightweight device can be disconcerting. Also, the Deskpro key- board lacks crispness. 1 find it mushy and hard to use. It seems I must press harder to make the keys register. Photo 2: A display of the graphics capability of the color-graphics mode on the Compaq Deskpro. Shown is the display from Microsoft's Flight Simulator. Tie Ornw &«kp« ••■rjzi' ')«,- ./8U345fc7S9:;' ; /?Sifi3 r .IIEFeH!JXU1»(CPt!fiSnM«Y2[\i'_'4k:(iefgkijkl»Kip «^t«vw*>^(!)"& r ->Jeaaaaseeeiu6&uftoboiiuyflUC£¥£^ L < = >?SfiBCDEFGH < f J • : • ■ i * * I. Photo 3: A display of the high-resolution, monochrome-text-mode character set on the Compaq Deskpro. The Deskpro system speaker emits a small click when you press a key. You control the volume of this click by pressing the Ctrl, Alt, and gray minus key to lower the volume and the Ctrl, Alt. and gray plus key to raise it. The keyboard has a 16-character buffer that causes a beeping from the speaker when it is full. Unlike the other clear sounds that issue from the speaker, this beep sounds as though the speaker is cracked. This is caused by the keyboard click competing with the buffer overflow warning, each at different frequencies. This keyboard, manufactured by Ad- vanced Input Devices, complies with the IBM PC's nonstandard standard keyboard layout (see photo 4). The 10 function keys to the left, the numeric keypad to the right, and the undersize Enter and Shift keys all say clone. About the only noticeable visual dif- ference is the LED (light-emitting diode) indicators on the Num Lock and Caps Lock keys. Unfortunately, these indicators do not always reflect the state of the computer. Occasional- ly 1 noticed that the Caps Lock LED was lit to indicate uppercase mode, but the input was in lowercase. After some investigation, 1 discovered that if you press the Shift and Caps Lock keys simultaneously, this reverses the current state of the indicator light. Processor and Memory At the heart of the Deskpro is the Intel 8086 microprocessor. The processor has a top clock speed of 7.14 MHz, but to maintain compatibility with its portable systems and the IBM PC, Compaq built a switchable clock speed into this system. Pressing the Ctrl, Alt, and \ keys toggles the Desk- pro between common mode (4.77 MHz) and fast mode (7.14 MHz). To emulate the IBM PC 8088 micro- processor, the 8086 must be slowed down to the IBM's 4.77-MHz clock speed. Not only is the 8088 clock speed slower, but its internal instruc- tion cache is smaller. This instruction cache is a series of internal registers on the 8088 and 8086 processor chips that hold a queue of instruc- tions retrieved from memory. On the 262 BYTE' MAY 1985 REVIEW: DESKPRO 8088, the length of this queue is four instructions; the 8086 can hold six in- structions, lb make the 8086 match the performance of the 8088. Com- paq had to slow the clock rate and buffer the instructions so the 8086 did not exceed the four-instruction cache. The 8086 is a true 16-bit processor with 16 address lines and 16 data lines (as compared to the 8088s 8 data lines). This means that data is retrieved from memory 2 bytes at a time and that memory upgrades must be performed in 16-bit-wide banks. With 64K-bit chips, this means you must add 128K bytes or 512K bytes (with 2 56K-bit chips) at a time on the motherboard. The Deskpro Model 1 has a stan- dard 128K bytes of RAM in two rows of nine chips soldered on the mother- board (in each row, eight of the chips hold the data and the ninth chip is for parity check). Models 2 and 3 add 18 more 64K-bit chips into sockets to give 256K bytes as standard. The Deskpro Model 4 comes standard with 640K bytes of memory on the motherboard. To accomplish this, Compaq fills the two rows of sockets (18 sockets) with 2 56K-bit chips. All the models can be upgraded to 640K bytes on the motherboard. On the Model 1, this means installing the 18 2 56K-bit chips in the open sockets. On Models 2 and 3, you must remove 128K bytes of 64K-bit chips, then in- stall 5 1 2 K bytes of the 2 56K-bit chips. This arrangement means you can have only 128K, 2 56K, or 640K bytes of RAM on the motherboard— nothing in between. As an option, you can install a 7.14-MHz 8087 math coprocessor in the socket on the motherboard. This chip is more expensive than its 4.77- MHz counterpart. Since this chip was not available at the time of this review, I could not test whether the switch- able clock rate also works with the 8087. Power Supply and Expansion Slots The Deskpro offers a large 200-watt power supply. This is probably suffi- cient to handle about any expansion board (or combination thereof) added to the computer. The fan is quiet, more so than that on the IBM PC or Compaq Portable. The Deskpro has eight expansion slots on the motherboard, although either two or four of them might already be occupied. Compaq has engineered the data bus to let you add third-party memory-expansion boards but warns that these might decrease the Deskpro's performance by slowing the memory accesses. Memory accesses on the mother- board are done 16 bits at a time, but to ensure that all optional expansion boards compatible with the IBM PC (and the Compaq Portable) will work, access to the expansion slots is done 8 bits at a time. On all four models, a floppy-disk controller card occupies slot 7. This controller also provides the elec- tronics for the parallel printer inter- face. Slot 5 is occupied by the mono- chrome-text/color-graphics video-dis- play board. On Models 3 and 4, the hard-disk controller board occupies slot 6. This controller also supports Compaq's tape cartridge. Slot 8 holds the short board that contains the serial port and clock. This board contains a bat- tery to power the clock when main power is off; the battery recharges when the power is on. This is a nice convenience for anyone who has ever had to change the battery on a clock board. The half-height floppy-disk drives in the base unit are manufactured by Mitsubishi. These are double-sided double-density drives capable of han- dling both single-sided and double- sided disks. Formatted capacities of disks are 160K, 320K, or 360K bytes. The operation of the drives is smooth and quiet. In fact, except for the rasp- ing of the disk in its plastic jacket, there is no noise at all. Each floppy- disk drive occupies one of four iden- tical half-height compartments in the chassis, so you can reposition the drives to fit your personal preference. Software Compaq offers the MS-DOS 2.11 operating system, but it is not in- cluded in the unit's cost. Compaq has matched IBM's PC-DOS with all the Microsoft utilities or lack thereof. The major command processor (COM- MAND.COM) has been modified to recognize some of the special Desk- pro hardware. The dual-speed pro- cessor is recognized upon booting and the clock rate is set to fast mode. If the Compaq asynchronous commu- nications/clock board (or any other clock using the National Semiconduc- tor MM58167A chip) is present, the time and date are automatically read and the clock is set. Setting the time or date with the TIME and DATE MS- DOS commands resets the stored time or date value for use the next time you boot the Deskpro. {continued) mxuxtt I. . --4. ■■■- 1 -_ T 1 L- L Photo 4: The Compaq Deskpro keyboard. Note the LED indicators on the Caps lock and Num Lock keys. MAY 1985 -BYTE 263 REVIEW: DESKPRO Ti4E Deskpro Model 4 by Rich Malloy The Compaq Deskpro Model 2, with its two floppy-disk drives, fast processor, and dual-mode display, rep- resents an impressive value in desktop systems. But the real power of the Deskpro series is embodied in the top- of-the-line Model 4, with its 10-mega- byte hard-disk drive. 10-megabyte tape- cartridge backup system, and 640K bytes of memory. At BYTE I had a chance to use one of these systems. In fact, it even had an optional second floppy-disk drive, which gave me a large array of storage options. The Model 4's most noteworthy fea- ture is its tape-cartridge backup sys- tem. As of this writing. Compaq is still the only major microcomputer manu- facturer that I know of to offer such a device. Admittedly, a tape backup sys- tem is not high on everyone's shopping list. But after a hard disk suddenly loses about nine months of data (an event that is not highly unlikely), the ex- tra $1000 for a tape backup system seems less of an extravagance. The Model 4 works quite well. Table A compares the Deskpro hard-disk drive with that of the IBM PC XT. The tape seems slow by disk standards, but usable. It took about 7 minutes to back up the 4.6 megabytes of data we had on our hard disk. A full 10 megabytes should take about 20 minutes. Unfortunately, you cannot use the tape drive as an extra disk drive. Nor can you back up selected individual files. (These features are advertised by some third-party tape-drive manufac- turers.) Another nice feature of the Deskpro Model 4 is its ability to accommodate a second floppy-disk drive. This makes it easy to copy floppies and to run copy-protected programs. Although somewhat expensive, the Model 4 is a good alternative to the IBM PC XT and AT. It might be even better with its recently announced 30-megabyte hard-disk drive ($2995). Table A: A comparison of the hard-disk drive perfomance of the Compaq Deskpro Model 4 with that of the IBM PC XT. The Deskpro' s 8086 processor was tested in both fast (7.14 MHz) and common mode (4.77 MHz). The Deskpro used MS-DOS 2.11; the IBM PC XT, PC-DOS 2.0. Hard-Disk Times (seconds) Benchmark Test Compaq Deskpro 7.14 MHz 4.77 MHz IBM PC XT BASIC Hard-Disk Write Hard-Disk Read 19.0 16.4 33.8 29.4 43 28 System Utilities 40K File Copy 2.4 2.6 2.8 Spreadsheet Load 2.1 3.5 3.8 With the purchase of Deskpro, Com- paq supplies a hardware diagnostics test disk with a single program, TEST.EXE. This set of diagnostics is complete, testing everything from the keyboard through memory and mass- storage devices. The diagnostics will even test a light pen and other third- party options. Unfortunately, you can- not run the diagnostics without pur- chasing MS-DOS. Other than the demonstration pro- grams, the only difference in the MS- DOS software is the BASICA inter- preter. Unlike IBM, Compaq puts all the BASICA code in RAM. This inter- preter lacks no IBM BASICA features and actually gives you about 1000 bytes of extra memory space for your programs. I have seen Compaq's BASICA interpreter used on other manufacturers' PC-compatibles when their own interpreters didn't live up to the required PC compatibility. Documentation The Deskpro comes with a thick, spiral-bound operations guide and a pocket-size quick-reference guide. The contents of the operations guide are organized and clear. The information covers installing and setting up, install- ing options, running diagnostics, and programming in BASIC. The only typographical error I no- ticed in the operations guide is the diagram for the switch settings for memory size on the motherboard. Two of the three displayed settings for switches 3 and 4 do not correspond to the table on the previous page. The operations guide indicates that a flat-bladed screwdriver or Phillips screwdriver will be the only tools re- quired for installing internal options. This is not true because Compaq uses Torx head screws. These require a special screwdriver with a star-shaped end. In addition to the operations guide, each piece of hardware has its own in- stallation guide. The installation guides are a nice touch but are awk- ward because you cannot insert them into the operations guide's binder. The MS-DOS and BASIC manuals are definitely for reference and not in- tended to teach you how to use MS- DOS or how to program in BASIC. Though fairly complete, the MS-DOS reference manual is missing the ap- pendix on DOS function calls. Compatibility The name of the game for Compaq is IBM PC compatibility. With the Deskpro, Compaq has maintained the high level of compatibility demon- strated with its Portable Computer. The Deskpro will read and write all [continued] 264 B 1' 1 t MAY AT A GLANCE Name Compaq Deskpro, Models 1, 2, 3, and 4 Manufacturer Compaq Computer Corp. 12330 Perry Rd. Houston, TX 77070 (713) 370-7040 Size System unit: 5 by 19 by 16 inches; 40 pounds for a Model 4 Components Processor: 8086, 4.77 MHz or 7.14 MHz (switchable) Memory: 128K, 256K, or 640K bytes Display: Dual-mode display adapter, monochrome-text/ graphics (switchable); IBM PC-compatible in both modes Keyboard: IBM PC-compatible 83-key layout, two LED indicators Mass storage: Model 1: One or two 360K-byte, double- sided, half-height, 5 1 /i-inch, floppy-disk drives Interfaces: Parallel printer Expansion: Four to six IBM PC-compatible expansion slots Optional Hardware 128K bytes RAM $170 512K bytes RAM $1295 Monochrome display $255 8087 coprocessor $375 Floppy-disk drive $430 10-megabyte hard-disk drive $2280 10-megabyte tape-cartridge backup $1075 30-megabyte hard-disk drive $2995 Serial port/clock board $150 Optional Software MS-DOS 2.11/BASIC 2 $60 Documentation Operations guide Price (standard configu- ration with monitor) Model 1 $2495 Model 2 $2995 Model 3 $4995 Model 4 $7195 _ M-'~' ' * * »-.'_ , _ f MEMORY SIZE (K BYTES) DISK STORAGE (K BYTES) 200 400 600 800 1000 400 800 1200 1600 2000 4* II 4 11 BUNDLED SOFTWARE PACKAGES 2 4 6 PRICE ($ 1000) 10 2 4 6 DESKPRO |] IBM PC APPLE TIE The Memory Size graph shows the standard and optional memory available for the com- puters under comparison. The Disk Storage graph shows the highest capacity of one and two floppy-disk drives for each system. The Deskpro can also support a 10- or 30-mega- byte hard-disk drive. The Bundled Software Packages graph shows the number of software packages included with each system. The Price graph shows the list price of a system with two disk drives, a monochrome monitor, a printer port and a serial port, 256K bytes of memory (64K bytes for 8-bit systems), the standard operating systems for the computers under comparison, and the standard BASIC inter- preter for each system. MAY 1985 'BYTE 265 Compaq Deskpro with the serial/clock card in slot 1, the floppy- disk-controller/parallel-printer interface in slot 2, and the dual- mode display adapter in slot 4. DISK ACCESS IN BASIC (SEC) 250 Inside the Compaq Deskpro Model 4 with 640K bytes of RAM installed. 100 e: 57 56 BASIC PERFORMANCE (SEC 250 150 SIEVE CALCULATIONS SYSTEM UTILITIES (SEC 50 SPREADSHEET (SEC) 25 40K FORMAT/ DISK COPY 40K FILE COPY LOAD Q DESKPRO (7.14MHz) J\ DESKPRO (4.77MHz) ]~] IBM PC RECALCULATE APPLE HE The graphs for Disk Access in BASIC show how long it takes to write and to read a 64K-byte sequential text file to a blank formatted flop- py disk. (For the program listings, see "The Chameleon Plus" by Rich Krajewski, June 1984 BYTE, page 327, and October 1984, page 33.) The Sieve columns in the BASIC Performance graph show how long it takes to run one iteration of the Sieve of Eratosthenes prime- number benchmark. The Calculations column shows how long it takes to do 10,000 multiplication and 10,000 division operations us- ing single-precision numbers. The System Utilities graph shows how long it takes to format and to copy a disk (adjusted time for 40K bytes of disk data) and to copy a 40K-byte file using the system utility pro- grams. The Spreadsheet graph shows how long it takes to load and recalculate a 25- by 25-cell spreadsheet where each cell equals 1.001 times the cell to its left. Microsoft Multiplan was the spreadsheet used. The tests for the Deskpro used MS-DOS 2.11 and BASIC 2.10. Tests for the Apple lie were done with the ProDOS operating system ex- cept for the spreadsheet test, which was done with DOS 3.3. The IBM PC was tested running under PC-DOS 2.0. 266 BYTE- MAY I985 REVIEW: DESKPRO levels of IBM PC disks, except the new AT 1200K-byte disks. The hardware options I tried, including memory- expansion and multifunction boards, all work properly in common mode. Almost all of them work in fast mode. The Iomega Bernoulli Box (10-mega- byte disk-cartridge system) works well in common mode, but it will generate occasional read or write errors in fast mode. This is due to the use of soft- ware loops in the device handler. The problem has been corrected in the latest version of Iomega's device handler. Software compatibility is equally high. None of the software packages I tested show any operational defi- ciencies. Turbo Pascal. WordStar, dBASE II and III, Microsoft's Flight Simulator, and Microsoft's compilers for C and Pascal all work without modification. WordStar and Turbo Pascal perform much better in the fast mode because of the faster screen refresh and memory access. dBASE 11 and III show marginal improvement due to the disk-intensive nature of their operation. Comparing the Deskpro's bench- mark results with the IBM PC shows a somewhat better performance by the Deskpro (see the "At a Glance" box). Hard-disk input and output for the Deskpro is appreciably faster, while the floppy disk is usually slight- ly slower. For pure calculation speed, the Deskpro is faster than the IBM PC in common mode as well as in high- speed mode due to the 16-bit mem- ory accesses that the Deskpro per- forms. When combined with other processing (memory access, instruc- tion fetching), the Deskpro is not quite twice as fast as the IBM PC. In WordStar (see table 1) or Multi- plan, the display screen repaints about twice as fast in the high-speed mode. Overall the Deskpro common mode is compatible with the IBM PC. while fast mode averages an improve- ment of about 90 percent. Limitations The Deskpro's limitations are few and relatively minor in comparison to its features. Aside from those already Table I: A comparison of the Compaq Deskpro with the IBM PC and the Apple lie using WordStar and dBASE II. The word-processing tests involved a 4000-word document (2 IK bytes). The load and Save tests measure how long it takes to load and then save the document. The Search and Scroll tests measure, respectively, how long it takes to find the last word in the document and to scroll through the document line by line as fast as possible. The database tests measure how long it takes to sort a 2000-record data file (200K bytes) and to retrieve the last record using a nonindexed data field. These tests used an IBM PC with PC-DOS 2.0. 512K bytes of memory, a monochrome display. WordStar 3.3, dBASE II, and an Apple Ue with Microsoft's Softcard and WordStar 3.3. The Deskpro tests used a Deskpro Model 2 with MS-DOS 2.11 and WordStar 3.3. Apple lie 10.3 32.3 6.6 46.4 N/A N/A Test Compaq Deskpro IBM 7.14 MHz 4.77 MHz Word Processing Document Load 5.8 6.7 9.9 Document Save 17.9 18.7 24.2 Search 69 8.8 10.5 Scroll 7.7 10.6 41.2 Database Sort 702 798 765 Record Access 44.2 44.2 43 mentioned, the only problem I found is with a chassis brace on the inside of the Deskpro chassis. This brace is directly above slot 1 and interferes with insertion or removal of any op- tion board. The Deskpro is also priced some- what high in comparison to its com- petitors. The Deskpro Model 2 with two disk drives and 256K bytes of memory can cost several hundred dollars more than a comparably equipped IBM PC. Although the Desk- pro is being sold by over 500 retail outlets, it is just becoming available through discount houses, so it is often costly in comparison to discounted compatibles. Although the 8086s faster process- ing in high-speed mode is nice, it only slightly improves the performance of any system limited by floppy-disk accesses. One reason for the IBM PC's suc- cess (and the birth of the Compaq Portable) was the availability of the IBM PC's technical reference manual. Compaq does not produce a compar- able document for the general public. Because of the internal differences between the Deskpro and the IBM PC, Compaq should make its own tech- nical reference manual available. Summary Service for the Deskpro is provided by the retail outlets where you pur- chase the computer or by any autho- rized Compaq dealer. The Compaq service program is similar to the IBM program for training technicians of the authorized dealers. Compaq does not use a third-party maintenance organization for service. Anyone who heavily uses spread- sheets, word processors, or mono- chrome graphics should buy the Deskpro. The improved performance of the 8086 in fast mode can increase your productivity if you use a spread- sheet for numerous calculations. It also improves the throughput of word processors and other applications that display a lot of text. Compaq's dual-mode display adapter lets you use applications requiring graphics without additional hardware or cost. Would I buy the Compaq Deskpro? Yes, I would and did. And 1 recom- mend the Deskpro to others. It is a well-engineered and well-manufac- tured product. ■ MAY 1985 -BYTE 267 Presenting four fine, upstand- ing Citizens who'll give you service and value above and beyond the call of duty for 3& many years to come. Citizen™ dot matrix printers, precision- engineered by the people who've become a wristhold word in fine, precision- engineered watches. Trie Citizens are very sleek, very quiet, and 3j{^ J& .reliable as the day is long. They're also ex- 51 ■*h Nn £) ceptionaily easy to use, thanks to a unique new push-feed paper loading system. What's more, the Citizens are very versatile. They're IBM- and Epson-compatible. Can print graphics. And give you output speeds of 160 cps (40 cps correspondence-quality) or a blazing 200 cps (50 cps correspondence-quality). The Citizen MSP-10 and 15, and MSP-20 and 25. Precision-engineered printers at a price precision-engineered to put a smile on your face. Stop by one of our dealers today and watch what the Citizens can do for you. For more information, call 1-800-556-1234, Ext. 34. I In Califomra, 1-800-441-2345, ^pjrr«¥ 71^" Ext. 34. Or write Citizen ^F v/ 1 1 1 ^ Jl -N America Corporation, 2425 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404. © 1984 Citizen America Corporation Citizen and the Citizen logo are trademarks of Citizen America Corporation IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Epson is a registered trademark of Epson Corporation Inquiry 74 MAY 1985 -BYTE 269 SYSTEM REVIEW The PC gets down to business by Alan Finger IBM PC AT Alan finger is a vice president of Comprehensive Computer Consultants (270 Littleton Rd . Bmldina 14. Westford. MA 018861 The IBM PC AT comes in two basic configurations. The basic model ($3995) comes with 2 56K bytes of RAM (random-access read/write memory), one of IBM's new high-capacity 1.2-mega- byte disk drives, and a combination floppy- disk/hard-disk controller card. Available for an additional $1800, the enhanced model adds 2 56K bytes of memory, a 20-megabyte hard-disk drive, and a serial/parallel inter- face adapter (see photo 1). Both systems are based on Intel's 80286 processor and have eight I/O (input/output) expansion slots and a battery-backed clock/calendar. The AT comes with IBM's usual volumi- nous documentation. It includes a setup guide, an operations guide, and a BASIC manual, all in IBM's standard boxed loose- leaf format. An unwelcome addition is a variety of small pamphlets packed in each box. While these are intended to be helpful quick guides, they are easy to misplace and might confuse as much as inform. By the way, the BASIC manual is now com- plete. You don't have to send in a coupon and replace pages to get up-to-date docu- mentation. Power Supply and Keyboard The power supply is 190 watts, as opposed to the 63 watts in the PC and 130 watts in the XT. This much power is needed. The PC is underpowered, causing many users to have hard-to-trace problems when adding to their systems. The XT's supply is much better but would be inadequate for the AT's two hard-disk drives. Since what goes in as electricity always comes out as heat, IBM has incorporated an innovative variable- speed fan that runs faster (and louder) as the internal temperature rises. Since my system was lightly loaded, the noise level never became obtrusive. A notable ad- dition to the AT is a line-voltage select switch that lets it run on European 220-volt power. The AT's keyboard and interface are more sophisticated than those on the PC and they are not compatible. You cannot use an AT keyboard on a PC. A single-chip microcom- puter on the system board manages the keyboard and related functions. Any PC software that goes directly to the keyboard interface hardware, some key-translation programs, and many games will not work on the AT. The keyboard layout is similar to that used on an IBM Selectric typewriter (see photo 2). The Shift, Control, Enter, and backspace keys have all been enlarged. Some of the less frequently used keys, such as backslash, grave accent. Print Screen, and Escape, have been moved to peripheral portions of the keyboard. Three status lights have been added to the Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, and Num Lock keys— this is a welcome feature. The only new key, Sys Req, causes the keyboard- handling software that's in ROM (read-only memory) to generate a software interrupt whenever the key is pressed or released. This lets the user signal the operating system for attention. PC-DOS currently ig- nores Sys Req. To go with its international power supply. IBM provides six different versions of the AT's keyboard for foreign languages. The layout and internal scan codes are all iden- tical, but some of the key legends are dif- ferent to permit use of symbols peculiar to specific languages. The standard display adapters can display these characters, and DOS 3.0 has a set of utilities to adapt itself to the specific keyboard type. On the output side, the AT uses the stan- dard PC display cards and so is completely compatible. Graphics generation is much faster than it is on the PC. Much has been said about the inclusion of a key switch that disables the keyboard and locks the cover in place. It seems to me that this feature is of limited usefulness. You would have to secure the entire system and external wiring to prevent someone with malicious intent from interfering with a run- ning program. A program can test the state 270 of the keylock and override its function to selectively get input from the keyboard. The System Board The system board itself is a completely new design. Instead of the 8088 processor found in the PC, Intel's high-performance 80286 provides the horsepower. An empty socket is provided for the companion 80287 numeric coprocessor. The board contains a number of familiar components and many new ones. At start-up. the 80286 is operating in what is referred to as the "real address mode' and has an architecture identical to that of the 8088 used in the PC and XT. Like the 8088. it uses a segmented addressing scheme to access up to 1 megabyte of memory. It has the same instruction set with a few extensions and incompatibilities (see BYTE's product description "The IBM PC AT." October 1984. page 108). The most important difference is that the 80286 runs faster; it uses a faster clock (6 MHz versus 4.77 MHz) and has a 16-bit data bus instead of an 8-bit data bus. The bulk of the speed increase, however, comes from internal improvements that let it execute most instructions in about half the number of clock cycles that the 8088 requires. The net effect is a two to three times increase in speed over a PC or XT when running computation-intensive programs. Things get more interesting when the 80286 enters its "protected address mode." Although it still executes the same basic in- struction set, its operation more closely resembles that of a large minicomputer or mainframe and is specifically geared toward multitasking and multiuser applications. (For an introduction to 80286 operation in the protected mode, see "The 80286 Micro- processor" by Paul Wells. November 1984 BYTE, page 231.) While the 80286 packs quite a wallop in its 68-pin package, it is not the ultimate pro- cessor. It is very good at performing cer- tain types of functions, such as cost- effective virtual memory and fast task switching for real-time applications, but it does have disadvantages. Like the 8088, the 80286's major problem centers around the use of segmentation. Since a segment has a size limit of 64K bytes, dealing with large arrays such as those found in graphics and signal processing becomes cumbersome. For these applications, a processor with a large linear address space, such as Motorola's 68000. is generally more efficient. Software compatibility is another prob- lem. Programs written for real mode will not usually run in protected mode and vice versa. For applications programs the changes required are small (generally just {continued) Photo 1: The IBM PC AT with a 20-megabyte hard-disk drive, \ .2-megabyte floppy-disk drive, and 360K-byte floppy-disk drive. MAY 1985 -BYTE 271 REVIEW: IBM PC AT a recompilation), but you cannot plug your existing software into a pro- tected mode 80286 and expect it to work. System software is more tight- ly tied to the processor architecture. PC-DOS works only in real mode. Even IBM's own ROM BIOS (basic in- put/output system) becomes unusable once you enter the protected mode. Microsoft's XENIX is the only an- nounced operating system that claims to use the power of protected-mode operation, but it was not available for trie AT at the time of this review. The AT supports the 80287 numeric coprocessor as a $37 5 option. While the changes required are not espe- cially great, the 80287 is not totally software-compatible with the 8087 used in the PC, so programs written to use the 8087 might not work in the AT. As with the 8087. the actual in- crease in performance you can expect depends on the application. The system board has room for 512K bytes of parity-checked RAM. The basic AT has 2 56K bytes, while the enhanced model has 512K bytes. You can get 128K-byte modules that consist of two special 64K-byte RAM packages soldered together in piggy- back fashion; they have Mostek part number MK4128N-1 5. IBM has never been the least expensive source for PC memory, and expanding the basic model to 512K bytes with IBM RAMs costs $495. I called the Mostek local sales office to find out if these parts were available from its distributors. The answer I got was "They used to be, but not anymore.'' On the system board are eight full- length I/O slots; these give you more expansion capability than the XT's six full and two short slots. Also, the floppy- and hard-disk functions are combined on one card to free up an additional connector. Each slot is equipped with the usual 62-pin connector. These connectors carry the same signals as those on a PC, although the timing is not iden- tical. Six of these slots have an addi- tional 36-pin connector intended for AT-specific cards and contain the ex- tended address lines (A20-A23) to let you place up to 16 megabytes of memory in the system. The upper 8 bits of the data bus are here, too. To accommodate existing 8-bit I/O cards, hardware on the system board auto- matically converts each processor-ini- tiated 16-bit data or I/O transfer to two 8-bit transfers. Any card that can sup- port 16-bit transfers can send a signal back through this connector to dis- able the translation. An interesting signal. Master, lets a processor on an I/O card temporarily take control of the system and access any memory or peripheral device. This capability opens up new possi- E t I: I: I. I I. I; I: i, t I t FT WWW iillllllll ill ill i ill msmn ■ i rir ----- Photo 2: Close-up of the IBM PC AT keyboard shows the repositioning of the grave accent. Print Screen, Escape, and backslash keys. bilities for intelligent peripherals and coprocessor cards. Compatibility with PC I/O cards is good, but not 100 percent. The higher clock rate and timing differences render many cards inoperative in the AT. None of the PC memory-expan- sion and multifunction boards are like- ly to work. On the other hand, the AT's added memory and clock fea- tures make the boards somewhat superfluous, and new memory boards for expansion above 1 megabyte are available from IBM and other vendors. Table 1 lists which expansion options IBM supports. A few cards, such as IBM's color- graphics adapter, won't fit in the double-connector slots because they extend below the connector top. These cards must be placed in one of the two available single-connector slots. Since the chassis is higher than the PC's, cards designed for the AT can be about an inch taller. Mass Storage The AT is the first major personal computer to use the new generation of high-capacity floppy-disk drives. These drives are capable of placing 1.2 megabytes on a special 5 '/4-inch disk. The data is stored on 160 tracks (80 per side) with fifteen 512K-byte sectors on each track. At 500K bps, the data-transfer rate is twice as great as for a standard disk. Rotation speed is greater too: 360 instead of 300 revolutions per minute. To get this kind of density, you have to use special "high-coercivity" disks. Because the bits are crammed so closely together, as much as 10.000 per inch, the magnetic field used to write the data tends to spill over onto adjacent bits. The high-coercivity recording media requires a more in- tense magnetic field to set or "coerce' a bit. It ignores the less intense stray fields and is only affected by the strong field directly under the record- ing head. To handle these drives, IBM devel- oped a new disk-adapter card. They also threw in the standard floppy- and hard-disk controller. Unlike the old {continued) 272 BYTE- MAY 1985 AT A GLANCE Name IBM Personal Computer AT Manufacturer IBM Corporation Entry Systems Division POB 1328 Boca Raton, FL 33432 Processor Intel 80286 Memory 256K bytes (basic); 512K bytes (enhanced) Up to 16 megabytes supported by hardware Display Uses standard IBM PC display adapters Keyboard 84 keys, Selectric layout, 10 function keys Disk Storage Floppy: standard 360K bytes; high-capacity 1.2 megabytes Hard disk: 20 megabytes (enhanced system) Expansion Eight I/O slots Software BASIC in ROM, disk, tutorial diagnostic Price Basic system Enhanced system Software Options PC-DOS 3.0 operating $3995 $5795 system $65 XENIX operating system $395 XENIX software-develop- ment system $455 XENIX text-formatting system $145 Documentation Guide to operations included Installation and setup included Technical reference manual $30 PC-DOS technical reference $40 Maintenance and service manual $295 Audience Business and scientific users MEMORY SIZE (K BYTES) DISK STORAGE (K BYTES) 200 400 600 800 1000 400 800 1200 1600 2000 ^^ m 3128 M 2400 I ^ % % I BUNDLED SOFTWARE PACKAGES 2 4 6 PRICE ($ 1000) 2 4 ■ w IBM PC AT IBM PC Y///A APPLE HE The Memory Size graph shows the standard and optional memory available for the com- puters under comparison. The Disk Storage graph shows the highest capacity for one and two floppy-disk drives. The Bundled Software Packages graph shows the number of software packages included with each system. The Price graph shows the list price of a system with two disk drives, a monochrome monitor, a color- display adapter a printer port and a serial port, 256K bytes of memory (64K bytes for 8-bit sys- tems), the standard operating system for the computers under comparison, and the stan- dard BASIC interpreter. MAY 1985 -BYTE 273 A rear view of the IBM PC AT. DISK ACCESS IN BASIC (SEC) 250 160 SYSTEM UTILITIES (SEC) 40K FORMAT/ DISK COPY 40K FILE COPY B IBM PC AT The graph for Disk Access in BASIC shows how long it takes to write and read a 64K-byte sequential text file to a blank formatted floppy disk. (For the program listings, see 'The Chameleon Plus" by Rich Krajewski, June 1984 BYTE, page 327, and October BYTE, page 33.) The Sieve column in the BASIC Performance graph shows how long it takes to run one iteration of the Sieve of Eratosthenes prime- number benchmark. The Calculations column shows how long it takes to do 10,000 multiplication and 10,000 division operations using single-precision numbers. The System Utilities' Format/Disk Copy graph shows how long it takes to format and copy a standard text file to disk (adjusted time for 40K bytes of disk data). The File Copy 1 Inside the IBM PC AT. The expansion bus is at the right, hard- disk drive is top center, and power supply is bottom left. BASIC PERFORMANCE (SEC 250 200 SIEVE CALCULATIONS SPREADSHEET (SEC) 2 LOAD IBM PC V//A APPLE HE RECALCULATE column shows how long it takes to copy a 40K-byte file using the system utility programs. The File Copy test on the AT copied from the hard-disk drive to the floppy-disk drive. The Systems Utilities graph does not include format/disk copy on the IBM PC AT because the review unit had one hard- and only one floppy-disk drive. The Spread- sheet graph shows how long it takes to load and recalculate a 25- by 25-cell Microsoft Multiplan spreadsheet where each cell equals 1.001 times the cell to its left. The IBM PC AT used PC-DOS 3.0 and BASICA. The Apple Me used ProDOS, except for the spreadsheet test, which was done with DOS 3.3. The IBM PC used BASICA running under PC-DOS 2.0. 274 BYTE MAY I48 r ) REVIEW: IBM PC AT disk adapter, this new card can han- dle only two floppy-disk drives. How- ever, you can use two controllers if you can find operating software and a place to put the drives. Since no software is currently avail- able in the high-capacity format, the high-capacity drive and controller can read standard disks. You can also write on them, but you probably won't be able to read that disk on a standard drive due to the much nar- rower track that is recorded. This means that the AT owner who needs to transfer data to PCs will be forced to either sacrifice a high-capacity drive for a standard drive or use a serial-communication hookup. In my experience with the high- capacity drive, I never saw any data errors or even retries using the special IBM disks that came with the system. The ROM BIOS automatically deter- mines the drive/format combination after a drive reset; this makes the ac- tual controller mechanics transparent to a program. It also makes many copy-protection schemes incompati- ble. One exasperating attribute of the disk system is the one-eighth-second minimum motor-start delay that the BIOS imposes. It makes each initial disk access take longer than it would on a PC. I realize that the half-height drives take longer to start, but 1 still wish this parameter had remained variable. If you need hard disks, the en- hanced AT comes with a 20-mega- byte, full-height, hard-disk drive tucked inside the cabinet (for bench- mark times comparing three hard-disk systems, see table 2). You can add a second drive in the spot where a sec- ond floppy would go. THE ROM BIOS The ROM contains a cassette-BASIC interpreter (the AT does not have a cassette interface), a power-up self- test (POST] program, and the BIOS functions in four 16K by 8-bit devices. If you moved a jumper, a pair of 32 K by 8-bit ROMs could do the same job and leave two sockets open for expan- sion. As with the PC, expansion ROMs can be recognized by the ROM BIOS and incorporated into its functions. The AT has a new version of the BIOS that provides a number of new features. The most notable is the ad- dition of support for multitasking operating systems. Quite a few PC operating systems currently available can run more than one program at a time. Digital Research's Concurrent DOS and the multitude of UNIX- based packages are the best known. In all cases, these operating systems must supply their own BIOS because the one in the PC is single-threaded. Once you call it to initiate an opera- tion (accessing the disk, for example), you cannot do anything else until the BIOS is finished— even if the pro- cessor is going to spend most of its time waiting. This is why your key- board input seems to come to a grinding halt periodically while the PC-DOS print spooler is in operation and a disk access is necessary. However, the AT BIOS functions can return to the caller with a flag that says "This will take a while." The operating system then runs another program while the hardware does the work. When the operation is done, the BIOS sets another flag saying "I'm ready to finish up" and the software can go back to the original program. While this feature is helpful, it (and the ROM BIOS in general) is only avail- able in real-memory mode. With the possible exception of the multitasking facility built into IBM's TopView, new multitasking or multiuser systems are likely to operate in virtual mode and include their own BIOS. Other new features are designed to isolate programs from the hardware for back and future compatibility. These include joystick support and a short-interval (microseconds) timer. One potentially useful new function has some hidden problems. Since PC- DOS supports only the first 640K bytes of memory, IBM built a function into the BIOS to allow block transfers between standard and extended memory including a device driver to use this memory as a virtual disk. The way the BIOS Move Block func- tion operates is simple: You put the processor into protected mode, make the transfer, and go back to real mode again. The one problem is that the {continued) Table 1: IBM PC hardware compatibility with the AT. Supported Not Supported IBM monochrome display adapter IBM asynchronous communications IBM color display adapter adapter IBM SDLC communications adapter IBM printer adapter IBM binary synchronous IBM expansion unit communications adapter IBM compact printer IBM cluster network adapter Other memory-expansion options IBM PC network adapter Other keyboards IBM graphics printer Other disk and tixed-disk drives IBM color printer Table 2: Some benchmark times in seconds for the AT with a hard-disk drive. Test IBM PC AT IBM PC XT Apple Me (Profile) BASIC Hard-disk Write Hard-disk Read 17 12 43 28 22 13 System Utilities 40K File Copy 12 28 20 Spreadsheet Load 1.7 3.8 N/A MAY 1985 -BYTE 275 REVIEW: IBM PC AT only way to get back to real mode from protected is to literally reset the processor. But first a flag is set in the battery-backed configuration RAM signaling that the reset is for this par- ticular reason. Near the beginning of the initialization routine, the flag is detected and the program returns to Move Block again for cleanup. There are two key failings to this method. First, the entire operation, taking as much as 4 or 5 milliseconds, must be done with all interrupts shut off. This can delay interrupt-intensive operations to the point where critical events might be missed. You could lose characters coming in on a 9600-bps serial port, for example. The second problem is even more serious. If the power or the system fails in the small time-window during which the flag is set, each time the system is powered up or reset it will think it is coming back from a Move Block and lose control. The only way to get the system working again is to open it up and disconnect the battery for a mo- ment to kill the flag. You will also have to reset the clock and rerun the con- figuration program. You are better off to stick to the hard disk for fast storage. It's less expensive and more reliable. A NEW PC-DOS? A new version of PC-DOS accom- panies the AT. The release of DOS 3.0 serves two purposes. First, it provides the internal changes necessary to run on the AT. It also serves as an interim release to let programmers begin to interface their software with the file- sharing facilities required to operate in the local-area-network environment that IBM announced with the AT. File sharing is required in multiuser or networked systems to ensure that only one user can change a file or record at a time. Otherwise, a change or update might not be recorded properly Although local-area net- works for the PC have been around for some time, they each had different sharing mechanisms. Software devel- opers tended to ignore the issue rather than build separate versions for each brand of network. Although the actual network software will not be available until DOS 3.1 appears, DOS 3.0 standardizes the software inter- face for developers. DOS 3.0 fixes a few minor bugs in DOS 2.1 and also adds some new commands. The ones I am particular- ly pleased to see fixed are the ability to use a pathname before a command and correction of the FOR batch com- mand that previously could not deal with sets longer than 64 characters. Functions of the new commands in- clude supporting foreign-language keyboards, making files read-only, and Last year the experts tested the top-of-the-line Toshiba 3-in-One printer. Here's what they said. ■■When Toshiba America called to see if there were problems testing their printers, I responded, You bet — I can't get the P1351 off Bill Machrone's desk long enough to get its picture taken 1 ' It's that good. JW 'Dill K A i-~t,-\ V~< r/ M-ir\ ir- fhi/--i (Bill Machrone is the editor of PC Magazine PC Magazine November 21, 1984 ■■ it is settir ig now standards for quality and performance in the dot matrix arena.** Computers & E leclronics Magazine November 1984 276 BYTE REVIEW: IBM PC AT changing the volume label on a disk. A major internal change lets PC- DOS handle up to 65.526 allocation blocks on disk, up from 4086. This allows much more efficient use of disk space on larger hard-disk drives. BASICA has also been enhanced, but the changes are really to the documentation. A number of key- words that were reserved but un- defined, such as SHELL, ENVIRONS, and IOCTL, have finally been included in the manual as commands and func- tions. Most of these existed in previ- ous versions, albeit with some bugs. This release simply acknowledges them. Minor changes to some of the sys- tem calls can cause problems for pro- grams that don't play by the rules. One such change is the use of all 8 bits in filename characters to support the foreign character sets. This made my version of Digital Research's GSX Table 3: IBM PC/PC AT software compatibility. Compatible Not Compatible PMATE Editor Flight Simulator C1-C86 C compiler J-Bird Lotus 1-2-3 Frogger WordStar Burgertime MultiMate PC-Man XyWrite CP/M-86 Multiplan Concurrent CP/M SuperCalc2 DR's GSX PeachText ASCOM dBASE II graphics extension unusable on the AT and the PC. I understand that DR's latest release fixes the problem. Summary All the programs I tried, except the games, stand-alone programs, and GSX, ran perfectly. Table 3 lists what worked and what didn't. IBM supplies a pamphlet with the AT telling you which programs the company knows won't run and mentioning any special considerations for supported soft- ware. Mostly this consists of instruc- tions on how to copy a program to a high-density disk. IBM states that a number of pro- grams won't run on these disks because of copy-protection tech- niques or assumptions the program makes about disk layout. You have to run these on a standard drive. To sum this all up, the IBM PC AT is a powerful machine that you can use in place of a PC or XT system for a two or three times increase in per- formance and storage. As a small, cost-effective, multiuser business system? I'll just have to wait and see what XENIX looks like. ■ U W Imagine what they will say it its successor. z • • The New Toshiba P351 3-in-One printer. They could say that inside the sleek new Toshiba P351 you'll find the ultimate 3-m-One printer. Because it offers a combination of: Letter-quality printing. Perfectly translated graphics. And speed. (100 cps letter And draft speed improved to 288 cps.) They could say you'll appreciate the 24-pin dot matrix head that gives the P351 its exemplary letter and graphic quality They could say the new P351 gives you an almost unlimited number of ways to express yourself. With both downloadable software fonts and new plug-in font cartridges. And they could say the new P351 is not only the best looking printer in the $1,000 to $2,000 range But also the most reliable. Of course, we're not putting words in their mouths. Just the ultimate 3-m-One printer in their hands. And yours. For complete information call 1-800-457-7777 Operator 32. In Touch with Tomorrow TOSHIBA TOSHIBA AMERICA, INC Information Systems Division Inquiry 398 MAY 1985 'BYTE 277 Why Would Anyone Pay More? Highest Quality at the Lowest Price. 1W :C^ r ^ . *mL $57500 Hard Disk Drive 10 MB internal subsystem Half-height with controller XT compatible Low power usage Software and cables included Inquire about 20MB drives $19900 Multifunction Card 0-384K memory • One parallel port • One serial port One game port One clock calendar RAM disk Print spooler Clock utilities $119oo Floppy Disk Drive • Half-height • IBM compatible • 360K, 48 TPI • Double sided/double density $265 00 300/1200 baud Modem • Auto speed detection • Hayes and Bell 103/212 compatible • Auto dial/auto answer • On-board speaker • Software volume control • Internal plug-in or external • FCC certified $72500 Floppy Tape/ Streaming Cassette Tape • Half-height internal subsystem • Quick back-up system • Low power usage • Software and cables included • Image or file by file back-up Inquire about our graphics controller! Shipping charges are I more. l EPEN In USA call: (714) 545-8108 In Canada call: (416) 549-2303 1318 W. Sepulveda Blvd. Harbor City, CA 90710 912 Barton Street East Suite 26 Hamilton, Ontario Canada L8L 3C2 278 BY' M SOFTWARE REVIEW Bringing structure to the realm of "spaghetti code" by G. Michael Vose True BASIC G. Michael Vose is a BYTE senior technical editor. He can be reached at POB 372. Hancock, NH 03449. Eighteen months ago, BASIC'S origi- nators, John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz, informed the world they planned to port their creation to microcom- puters. The intention of Kemeny, Kurtz, and associates Chris Walker, Brig Elliot, and Dave Pearson at True BASIC Inc. focused on cleaning up "Street BASIC." their name for the widespread but limited versions of BASIC that dominated the microcomputer world. These men view Street BASIC as a weak sister to the substantially evolved Dartmouth BASIC. Calling Street BASIC "a horrible dialect of a beautiful language," they bemoan its hardware specificity and lack of modern structure. Secondarily, they were keen to create a BASIC that conformed to a standard. They wanted it to be widely disseminated and, therefore, wanted it to be uniform for text- books and other educational materials that need program listings. The standard to emulate, in their estimation, was the embat- tled American National Standards Institute (ANSI) X3)2 subcommittee's proposed stan- dard (see the text box "ANSI Standard BASIC" on page 288). Kurtz had served as chairman of the subcommittee for 10 years. The result is True BASIC, a compiled ANSI standard BASIC distributed by textbook publisher Addison-Wesley of Reading, Mas- sachusetts. In this review, I look at the first implementation of True BASIC, the IBM Per- sonal Computer (PC) version. It requires MS- DOS 1.1, 2.0. 2.1, or 3.0 and 128K bytes of memory, plus a disk drive. The PC version's price is $149.90. A version for the Apple Macintosh is slated for late spring, and a PCjr version reportedly will be ready by the time you read this. All versions of True BASIC are in- tended to be identical at the source-code level, but the Macintosh version proposes to exploit the machine's iconVmouse- oriented user interface at the command level. The unique features of True BASIC, and those that will be closely examined here, in- clude its user interface, use of external sub- routines and libraries, floating-point math package, graphics and sound capability, debugging tools, and availability of access to the machine. (Table 1 offers a comparison of True BASIC. PC-BASIC BetterBASIC and Turbo Pascal.) A major departure from previous micro- computer BASICS, True BASIC is compiled instead of interpreted. The compiler pro- duces an intermediate code. A pseudo- microprocessor interprets this code at run time and uses the resulting interpretation to generate machine code for the IBM PC's 8088 CPU (central processing unit). This compilation technique enhances program- execution speed and permits execution of programs from within the True BASIC editor, using the familiar BASIC command RUN. All activity in True BASIC happens within the numerous windows of the system's editor. Users view the True BASIC world through the editor's three windows— the source win- dow, the command (or history) window, and the graphics window. The True BASIC editor functions as a screen editor within a win- dow; movement is controlled by the cursor keys. The first two windows dominate the screen display during a programming session. The source and command windows share the screen and can be adjusted by the user. On the IBM PC, you move between windows using function keys Fl and F2. You use the Home, End, PgUp, and PgDn keys to move through a file within a window. The source window is for entering and modifying source code. The PC's Insert and Delete keys function within this window to aid the editing process. The command window lets you issue commands (like RUN and SAVE), and it dis- plays all nongraphic program output. In ad- dition, the command window preserves all the command-line activity during a pro- gramming session. With the cursor keys, you (continued) MAY 1985 -BYTE 279 Inquiry 64 An IEEE-488 interface for all IBM-PC's and COMPATIBLES VERSATILE Easy-to-use commands for all IEEE-488 (GP-IB, HP-IB) functions. Resident firmware supports BASIC, Pascal, C, and FORTRAN. Emulates Hewlett-Packard control- ler functions and graphics lan- guage statements. Supports Tektronix" Standard Codes and Formats. Print listings, plot graphs, and use Lotus 123" with IEEE-488 peripherals. FAST Direct memory transfer rates to 800K bytes/second. PROFESSIONAL Clear and concise documentation includes a complete tutorial, prog- ramming examples, and applica- tion programs. $395.00 complete. There are no additional software charges. Find out why PC&488 is the first choice of over 500 companies. cec CAPITAL EQUIPMENT CORP 10 Evergreen Avenue Burlington, MA. 01803 (617) 273-1818 IBM is a trademark of International Business Machines Corp Lotus 123 is a trademark of Lotus Development. Tektronix is a trademark of Tektronix, Inc REVIEW: TRUE BASIC can move back through all command- window activity to look at any se- quence of actions. Within this window, the PC function key F9 enters the F7 key The F10 RUN command, and the recalls the last line entered, key is the help key. Since you both enter and execute Table 1 : A comparison of features and capabilities. True BASIC PC-BASIC BetterBASIC Turbo Pascal Hexadecimal numbers no yes yes yes 8087 support yes no yes yes Maximum string length (bytes) 32K 255 32K 256 Bmary-coded-decimal math no no yes no Byte no no yes yes Windows yes no yes yes DOS call P.O no yes yes DOS 2.0 files yes no yes no Chaining yes /es yes yes Overlays yes yes no yes Libraries (modules) yes no yes yes Procedures yes no ves yes Functions yes yes ves yes DO loops ves no yes yes ELSEIF/ENDIF yes no no no CASE yes no no yes Scoped variables yes no yes yes Recursion yes no ves yes PEEK/POKE yes yes ves no Number of open files 10 2 5 15 Array dimensions 10 255 unlimited 255 Option base declarable or 1 Oor 1 declarable (default =1) (default = 0) (default = 0) Table 2: The largest number for which the respective languages can calculate the factorial, followed by the factorial. Factorial Calculations Largest Nu mber Factorial Computed True BASIC BetterBASIC PC-BASIC Turbo Pascal 170 145 33 33 725742E + 306 8 0479272E + 251 8.6833176187E + 36 8.683317E + 36 Listing I : The factorial program coded in True BASIC. 10 ! Program to Calculate and Print Factorials 20 ! Requires the Input of a Base Number 30 PRINT "Type a Number :"; 35 INPUT number 40 LET dummy = number 50 IF number< 2 then LET fact = 1 60 LET dummy = dummy - 1 70 LET number = number'dummy 80 IF dummy< >1 then GOTO 60 90 PRINT 'The Factorial is '.number 95 GOTO 30 100 END 280 BYTE • MAY NHS REVIEW: TRUE BASIC programs from within the editor, True BASIC spots and reports errors as it encounters them during the compila- tion of the source program. The RUN command initiates the compiler, and there is a noticeable delay from when you enter the RUN command until True BASIC successfully completes the compile cycle. Errors make the compiler stop, display an error mes- sage in the command window, and move the cursor to the beginning of the line containing the error in the source window. Often, the cursor moves to an improperly placed key- word or punctuation character. Another interesting component of the True BASIC user interface is that it lets you execute DO files. A DO file is a filter program or utility. For exam- ple, the True BASIC program disk con- tains a DO file called FORMAT that produces a formatted ("prettyprint") listing of the program file in the source window. Renumbering True BASIC'S optional line numbers is ac- complished with another DO file called RENUM. DO files written in True BASIC are coded as external subroutines and compiled to object files using the command COMPILE. The resulting object file can then be saved on disk, where it resides until called by the DO filename command. The final component of the user in- terface is the on-screen help facility. Engaged by pressing F10 or typing HELP, the on-screen assistance is not context-sensitive. To get help on a specific topic, like saving source files, you must enter HELP SAVE. External Subroutines and Libraries Most BASIC programmers use sub- routines, sections of code within a program that perform often-repeated functions. True BASIC similarly pro- vides for subroutines, although you call them by name and they permit parameter passing. But the language also includes a mechanism for calling routines that reside outside a pro- gram—external subroutines and libraries. A library is merely a collection of external subroutines grouped within a file. External subroutines allow parameter passing and look identical to internal subroutines, except that they stand alone or occur after a pro- gram END statement. The keyword EXTERNAL identifies a subroutine or group of subroutines and functions as a LIBRARY. External subroutines can reside independently on disk. To call a library, use a LIBRARY filename header at the beginning of the source program that calls the external sub- routines. Variables within True BASIC'S exter- nal subroutines are local to that pro- gram unit; they are unknown to other external subroutines or to programs. But within any subroutine or program, all variables are global in scope. Subroutines, internal or external, may have any number of arguments, but the arguments passed must match the data type (string or numeric) of the arguments as originally declared. Functions in True BASIC can also be external, in which case they use local variables. True BASIC has several libraries on its program disk. A graphics library provides routines to draw an K-sided polygon, a filled-in circle, or six other shapes. The four mathematical librar- ies offer hyperbolic functions, trigo- nometric functions in either radians or degrees, and such functions as n fac- torial or binomial coefficients. A menu library contains five subroutines that let you use menus within programs. By invoking them you can open a win- dow for a menu, display the menu, get a reply, clear the menu, and return to the working program window. Floating-Point Math To test the dynamic range of True BASIC, I ran the short factorial pro- gram shown in listing 1. Table 2 shows the largest number for which this al- gorithm can calculate the factorial for a variety of languages on an IBM PC. The dynamic range claimed for the PC version of True BASIC is 1.I12 54E- 308 to 3.59539E+308, a claim verified by this test. True BASIC Inc. says that the minimum dynamic range [continued) WAREHOUSE EXPRESS BEST SAYINGS ORDER TOLL FREE 1-800-428-7979 "LAST CALL FOR SAVINGS" . FREE $20 PRINT WHEEL* NEW OMNIREADER (OPTICAL READER) $399 PRINTERS • PLOTTERS us. Sale C. ItOh (Riteman Epson Exacts) Call Epson (All Models) LOW Enter (Sweet-P 6 Pen Plotter. HP) $1095 $739 Sweet-P 6 Pen Plotter. 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PR $695 Call Enable $595 Call Lotus 1-2-3 & Symphony Call Micropro WordStar $350 $172 WordStar Professional 495 Low WordStar 2000 495 Low WordStar 2000- 595 Low Maxell (100 Oly ) IBM. MAC. HP Chaap Fuji (100 Qty.) IBM, MAC, HP Cheap MINORITY HI-TECH INDUSTRIES 5021 N. 20th Street, #10261 Phoenix, Arizona 85064 Other Information: (602) 890-0596 • WE BUY • SURPLUS GOODS -sad Prices reflect 3-5% Cash Discount- Shipping on most items I $8.00. Prices and availability subject to change without [ notice. Send cashiers check or money order - . . All I other checks delay shipping 2 weeks. ADD #185 | 281 REVIEW: TRUE BASIC for True BASIC, regardless of the com- puter, is 1.0E-99 to 1.0E + 99. The numeric precision of True BASIC is 14 digits of accuracy on the PC, except for the built-in tran- scendentals. where the accuracy is 10 digits. The external format for True BASIC numbers conforms to the IEEE 754 floating-point standard. The lan- guage's implementors sacrificed some of the standard's precision to obtain greater speed and produced a math package with better speed and preci- sion than most languages offer (see the "Benchmarks" section). In accor- dance with the ANSI standard, only 6 digits of a number are displayed unless you invoke special format corn- Listing 2: The BYTE calculations benchmark coded in True BASIC. Note that line numbers are optional. LET startime = time LET nr = 5000 LET a = 2.71 828 LET b = 3.14159 LETc = 1 FOR i=1 to nr LET c = c*a LETc = c*b LET c = c/a LET c = c/b NEXT i PRINT "Done" LET finishtime = time PRINT "Error = ";c-1 PRINT finishtime-startime;" seconds" END Listing 3: The standard BYTE calculations benchmark. 5 REM: THE CALCULATIONS BENCHMARK 10 NR = 5000 20 DEFSNG A-Z 30 A = 2.71828 40 B = 3.14159 50 C= 1 60 FOR 1 = 1 TO NR 70 C = C - A 80 C = C*B 90 C = C/A 100 C = C/B 110 NEXT I 120 PRINT "done" 130 PRINT "error = ";C-1 mands, like PRINT USING. (Other True BASIC limits include a maximum string length of 32,767 and a maxi- mum of 2 55 array dimensions.) The traditional BYTE calculations benchmark, rewritten in True BASIC and shown in listing 2 (the standard BYTE calculations benchmark is shown in listing 3 for comparison), reveals that True BASIC'S round-off er- ror is substantially lower than that of the PC-BASIC interpreter (see table 3 and the graphs on the "At a Glance" page). True BASIC also automatically senses, and uses, the Intel 8087 co- processor when installed. The 8087 further enhances the speed and ac- curacy of floating-point math, fully conforming to the IEEE 754 standard. Graphics and Sound True BASIC places a substantial em- phasis on graphics. Most of the sam- ple programs on the distribution disk generate graphics output. The design goals of the graphics command set were portability and elimination of pixel calculations. To eliminate pixel math, True BASIC performs x. u coordinate graphics using statements like PLOT, BOX, and DRAW. You can plot lines, points, or areas to create simple shapes. The only concern is the character of the graphic, such as the length of the sides of a triangle, and not pixel posi- tioning on the screen. The graphics statements make all the pixel calcula- tions. BOX statements let you draw and redraw graphics fast enough to create animated displays. The PICTURE construct allows more sophisticated graphics. PIC- TURES are special graphics subrou- tines called with the DRAW state- Uontinued) Table 3: The BYTE benchmarks for several languages. Times are in seconds. True BASIC PC-BASIC BetterBASIC Turbo Pascal Sieve 21.2 190.7 31.4 15.4 Calculations 19.7 69.2 91.3 82.6 (Error) -4.5830006457E-13 - 1.788139E-07 (uses binary-coded-decimal - 1.33841 24031 E-08 notation) 282 BYTE" MAY 1985 Potent Pascal* Microsoft R Pascal may be the most powerful software develop- ment environment available for the MS-DOS system. It com- bines the programming advan- tages of a structured high-level language with the fast execution speed of native code compilation. And it exceeds the proposed ISO and ANSI standards with logical extensions that make the language more powerful and ver- satile. For example, programming capabilities even allow you to manipulate data at the system and machine level. It gives you single and double MICROSOFT. P recision IEEE The High Performance Software liOatmg pOint arithmetic. Numeric operations take advantage of the 8087. Or automatic software emulation is provided if the coprocessor is not installed. Support for long heap alloca- tion and separate module compi- lation gives you the flexibility to create large programs up to one megabyte. And the standard linking inter- face makes it easy to combine Microsoft FORTRAN or assem- bly language subroutines. Call 800-426-9400 to order the potent Pascal $300* In Washington State, call 206- 828-8088. Ask for operator A5, who will rush you your order, send you more information, or give you the name of your nearest dealer to see Microsoft Pascal in action. *Price exclusive of handling and Washington State sales tax Microsoft is a registered trademark and MS is a trademark oi Microsoft Corporation AT A GLANCE Name True BASIC Manufacturer True BASIC Inc. 39 South Main St. Hanover, NH 03755 Distributor Addison-Wesley Publishing Co. Reading, MA 01867 (617) 944-3700 Price $149.90 Computer IBM PC with 128K RAM and a disk drive Features An ANSI standard BASIC language compiler with a window-oriented user interface, characterized primarily by its outstanding math package Documentation A reference manual and a user's guide plus on-screen help SIEVE OF ERATOSTHENES (SEC) 100 80 E 20 191 21 31 m CALCULATIONS (SEC) 100 TRUE BASIC PC-BASIC i BETTERBASIC m TURBO PASCAL The benchmark for the Sieve of Eratosthenes measures (in seconds) how long it takes for each of the tested languages to run one iteration of a program that determines all of the prime numbers up to 7000. The Calculations graph shows how long it takes to do 10,000 multiplica- tion and 10,000 division operations using single- precision numbers. Listings 2, 3, 4, and 5 show the standard BYTE benchmarks for calculations and the Sieve — as well as how they were modi- fied to accommodate True BASIC'S slightly dif- ferent syntax. merit. Since a PICTURE emulates a regular True BASIC subroutine, it can be called with parameters. For exam- ple, a PICTURE that draws a square can be called with an argument that determines the length of the square's side. Sophistication in picture graphics is made possible by what True BASIC calls transformations. These transfor- mations include the ability to rotate a picture, shift a picture right or left on the screen, change the size of a picture, or even shear the picture (tilt all its vertical lines forward by a specific number of radians or degrees). Like regular True BASIC subroutines and functions. PICTURES can be either internal to the program or ex- ternal. They may even reside with other PICTURES in a library. The graphics functions of TYue BASIC also include the ability to com- bine text and graphics (using the PLOT TEXT statement) and the use of adjustable windows. To enhance out- put within the system graphics win- dow, you can open separate windows of any size and divide the output among them any way you like. The windows in True BASIC do not overlap. Jo create music or sound in the lan- guage, you use common keywords like PLAY. SOUND, and PAUSE. On the IBM PC. you can play music in either foreground or background mode so your programs can provide music along with other activity. Back- ground music is limited to a string of 32 notes or pauses, played repeated- ly until the program's end. Chaining and Debugging The CHAIN statement in True BASIC functions like a subroutine call. Pro- gram flow can pass to another pro- gram and then return to the original program when the second program completes execution. CHAINed pro- grams can even accept arguments. You can write and call assembly-lan- guage subroutines from within True BASIC programs, and you can per- form traditional BASIC memory ex- amination and assignment operations using PEEK and POKE. On the IBM PC, True BASIC'S memory addresses do not use the Intel 8086 conventions of segment and offset. Instead, they use a simple decimal address. Pro- grammers will have to calculate this address, using the formula segment* 16 + offset = address, before performing PEEKs and POKEs. This version of BASIC treats assem- bly-language routines the same way it treats libraries. Therefore, assem- bly-language subroutines need preface bytes identical to those in a library file. Assembly-language rou- tines can accept arguments. Once created, assembled, linked, and {continued) 284 BYTE- MAY 1985 ^ 4» size then goto 170 140 let flags(k) = 150 let k=k + prime 160 goto 130 170 let count = count + 1 180 next i 190 print "Done: ";count;" Primes Found" 200 let finishtime = time 210 print finishtime-startime; " seconds" 220 end Listing 5: The standard BYTE Sieve benchmark. 5 REM: THE SIEVE BENCHMARK 10 SIZE = 7000 20 DIM FLAGS(7001) 30 PRINT "start one iteration" 40 COUNT = 50 FOR I = TO SIZE 60 FLAGS(I) = 1 70 NEXT I 80 FOR l = TO SIZE 90 IF FLAGS(l) = THEN 170 100 PRIME -I + I+3 110 K = I + PRIME 120 IF K > SIZE THEN 160 130 FLAGS(K) = 140 K = K + PRIME 150 GOTO 120 160 COUNT = COUNT +1 170 NEXT I 180 PRINT "done: ";COUNT;" primes found" search-and-replace command called CHANGE. Benchmarks Table 3 and the graphs on the "At a Glance" page show benchmark results for several languages on the IBM PC. The benchmarks indicate that True BASIC is an average of 6.4 times faster than interpreted PC-BASIC 3 times faster than BetterBASIC and twice as fast as Turbo Pascal. True BASIC per- forms particularly well on the calcula- tions benchmark. Listing 4 shows the Sieve benchmark program coded in True BASIC. Compare this with the standard BYTE benchmark for the Sieve in listing 5. Conclusions The True BASIC compiler conforms closely to the ANSI standard for BASIC but is not identical to the stan- dard. It is likely, due to hardware anomalies, that there will never be a compiler that is 100 percent compati- ble. Even compilers for C, held up to the world as the most portable of lan- guages, show variation from compiler to compiler; even C compilers from the same vendor can differ on dif- ferent machines. The principal advantage of ANSI compatibility is portability. In educa- tional institutions, where there are as many different hardware brands as there are pencils, portability is crucial to BASIC'S continued usage. Secon- darily, ANSI BASIC conforms more closely to the structured program- ming precepts that computer scien- tists see as essential to learning effec- tive programming. The disadvantage of ANSI compati- bility is its nonconformity to the massive existing BASIC software base. Laborious recoding will be necessary to port existing programs to new BASICS like True BASIC. Another, more subtle, disadvantage is aesthetics. I do not like the use of LET statements, for example, to assign values to variables. Though aesthetic considerations may seem ar- bitrary, they are important to a prod- uct's acceptance. People resist iearn- {conlinued) 286 BYTE- MAY 1985 Ferocious FORTRAN. Microsoft® FORTRAN crunches numbers with a vengeance! It combines fast and efficient native code compilation with built-in 8087 coprocessor support. The result? Mini and mainframe performance from your MS™ DOS micro. Based on the 77 standard, Microsoft FORTRAN supports extensive statements and data types— including complex num- bers and IEEE single and double- precision floating point accuracy. Support for large arrays (greater than 64K bytes), separate module MICROSOFT compilation, The High Performance Software and OVerlayS, allow you to create very large programs— up to one megabyte, with access to more than 65 thousand records in a file as large as four gigabytes. How do programmers feel about Microsoft FORTRAN? "The first FORTRAN compiler that takes advantage of the full addressing capability of the 8088 and the power of the 8087'.' —Jack Wilschke, Softalk "We decided to use the Microsoft FORTRAN Compiler for its INTEGER 4 capability and the flexibility of its 8087 implementation'.' — Charlie Huizena &. Chip Barnaky, PC World Call 800-426-9400 to order the ferocious FORTRAN. $350* In Washington State, call 206- 828-8088. Ask for operator A4, who will rush you your order, send you more information, or give you the name of your nearest dealer to see Microsoft FORTRAN in action. *Price exclusive of handling and Washington State sales tax. Microsoft is a registered trademark and MS is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation REVIEW: TRUE BASIC ing new syntax that they find in- elegant. Since the ANSI standard re- quires only that a conforming lan- guage correctly process LET statements. True BASIC should make them optional. Minor syntax variations can also cause headaches. For example, TYue BASIC uses semicolons to separate multiple statements on a line, in a manner similar to Pascal. Microsoft BASIC and C use semicolons for com- pletely different functions (for screen formatting and ending lines, respec- tively), these subtle differences will probably frustrate first-time users of True BASIC. In keeping with the goal of aiming True BASIC at education, the refer- The company reportedly has a run-time development that ence manual and user's guide are written for the learner. But they do not condescend or oversimplify, presum- ably because they will be used in con- junction with a textbook or a class in programming. The documentation package Under will be suitable for use outside of _ schools as well. The manuals are above average in content, style, and presentation. They avoid cute graph- #JJ — ~ 7. ics and convey a sense of academic Will eventually authority without being dull. Surprisingly, True BASIC stacks up Vermlt the well as a software-development tool. •_ Its structure allows the writing of eas- ily maintainable programs, and its modularity— with external subrou- tines, libraries, and chaining capa- eXBCUtdVle pW0ramS. bility— makes it suitable in team- distribution of ANSI Standard BASIC Expected to be formally adopted this year, the ANSI standard for BASIC calls for a broad and powerful set of control and command structures (see references 1. 2. and 3). In addition to a language core, the standards docu- ment specifies extensions for graphics, sophisticated file structures, real-time control, fixed decimal arithmetic, and editing. Unfortunately, conformity to the ANSI standard produces head- aches for people using an existing BASIC, since its syntax almost certain- ly won't conform to the standard. Transporting existing programs to the new ANSI environment necessitates substantial rewriting of code. For ex- ample, all assignment statements, such as a= 1 . must process the word LET (for example, LET a = 1 ) in ANSI BASIC. The thrust of the proposed standard is to add structure to microcomputer BASIC, which has long been criticized as the language of "spaghetti code" with multiple conditional and uncon- ditional branches, plus no satisfactory method of naming and labeling func- tioning blocks of code. The de facto in- dustry standard, Microsoft BASIC, also suffers from limited variable names and a bewildering variety of keywords from machine to machine. ANSI BASIC provides a full comple- ment of advanced control structures, named subroutines, long variable names, and array-manipulation state- ments. Array manipulation statements use the keyword suffix MAT. an ab- breviation for matrix. With the MAT suffix, you can read data into arrays, put data into arrays, add or subtract or multiply arrays, and print arrays. In most microcomputer BASICs, these operations require looping, using the loop index as the array subscript. Because ANSI BASIC attempts to make the GOTO and GOSUB state- ments unnecessary (although it does include them), it replaces the ON . . GOTO/GOSUB construct with the SELECT/CASE structure. Similar to Pascal's CASE statement. ANSI BASIC'S SELECT/CASE allows multiple path branches according to evaluated ex- pressions. TTue BASIC even allows ranges within the CASE evaluation, as in CASE TO 9. Control structures in ANSI BASIC in- clude DO loops, using both WHILE and UNTIL modifiers at either the be- ginning or the end of the loop block, as well as the common FOR/NEXT loop. In addition to older IF/THEN decision structures, ANSI BASIC adds multiway decision coding using the ELSEIF/ENDIF construct. programming situations. The pro- grams execute a speeds that are com- parable to those of other compiled BASICs. The company reportedly has a run-time package under develop- ment that will eventually permit the distribution of executable True BASIC programs. The lack of a screen display during the compile process is a substantial error. Many people will get nervous during long program compilations, which could be several minutes, when the machine appears to be hung, do- ing nothing. A simple PROGRAM NOW COMPILING message might alleviate this tension. The ultimate conclusion l draw about True BASIC is that it is superior to Microsoft BASIC as a programming language. Its strengths are its modu- larity, portability, graphics, and high- quality math package. Its weakness is its lack of compatibility with existing BASICS. ■ REFERENCES 1. Kurtz, Thomas E. "On the Way to Stan- dard BASIC." BYTE, lune 1982, page 182. 2. Anderson, Ronald. "The Proposed ANSI BASIC Standard." BYTE. February 1983, page 194. 3. ANSI X3I2. "Draft Proposed-ANS for BASIC." X3I2 Report 84-10. 1984. 4. Stewart, George. "TTue BASIC." Popular Computing. November 1984, page 95. 5. Wadlow, Tom. "Turbo Pascal." BYTE, July 1984, page 267. 288 BYTE- MAY IWi Enter Computer's Sweet-P Model (SP600) A six-pen graphics plotter that's more compatible . . . uses more software. ' s^toeefip ' Last year 430 million business slides were made at a cost of $3.2 billion. Most of these slides were manually generated.* These slides could have been made on Sweet-P® Personal Plotters™ . Faster and better. With a savings of millions of $! The Sweet-P SP600 is a high quality American made precision machine. It's fast. It plots 14 inches per second. It's beautiful for office and technical work. Over 100 graphics software packages drive the Sweet-P™ world famous packages like Lotus 1-2-3™ Framework™ and Super- Calc™ technical software like AutoCAD™ PC AD Robographics™ and dedicated business graphics software such as Micro-soft Chart, ChartStar™ Energraphics™ Chart- master™ and pfs Graph™ Pens are capped automatically when not in use, so that pens last longer and start quicker. The Sweet-P easily connects to almost any computer. It has RS-232 serial and Centronics™ parallel connectors. And it supports two standard graphics languages— Sweet-P Graphics Language (SPGL™) and Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language (HPGL™). The Sweet-P plots on almost any media. Make brilliant overhead transparencies. Plot on film, and on plain and coated papers. Save on wiring costs too. The Sweet-P will "eavesdrop" on the RS-232 cables that connect your terminals now. (This makes it easy for Sweet-P to join local and long distance networks.) What about support? Sweet-P customers get fast professional help with software, hardware and interface questions. And warranty and service support is quick. Sweet-P Model 600 also comes with 18 ANSI ASCII internal Char- ter sets. U.S. DISTRIBUTORS Arizona First Source Distributing (602) 263-1950 California Zenith Data Systems • (415) 621-8545 Softsel Computer Products, Inc. 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(604) 984-4171 The Prmgle Group (416) 449-5640 Enter Computer Inc. 6867 Nancy Ridge Dr. San Diego, CA 92121 ^ 619-450-0601 California-800-227-4371 800-227-4375 • TELEX-181740 Come see us at Comdex Spring/ Atlanta, GA, May 6-9, Booth 2636 Trademarks Sweet-P Six Shooter. Personal Plotter, SPGL. Enter Computer. Inc . HPGL. Hewlett-Packard; Lotus. Lotus Development Corp, Framework. Ashton- Tate. Super- Calc. Sorcim, Inc.; AutoCAD. Autodesk, PCAD Robographics, Chessell-Robocom. Inc., Chart Star, Micro- Pro lnt'l Corp.; Energraphics, Enertronics Research, Inc.. pfs Graph. Software publishing Corp.. Chart-Master, Decision Resources. Cen- tronics, Centronics Corp. Source noles 'Yankee Group, The Technical Office Vol III 1983 "Wharton School Study, September 1981 Inquiry 155 for Dealers. Inquiry 156 for End-Users. And, if your needs y begin to exceed the '4 limits of PC memory and slot expansion, SYSGEN has the solution. 18 Megabytes and 6 expansion slots for the PC, XT, or AT™. $1995. For demanding PC owners who need more versatility and memory, Sysgen introduces a powerful, reliable, and unique solution: The DISK I/O™. ^^ It includes 6 new expansion slots ^M0[ w for your choice of plug-in boards, plus, an 18 MByte hard disk — all for slightly more than a hard disk alone. Sysgen offers the full range of expansion, storage, and tape back-up solutions with the best performance ratings for the IBM® PC, XT, AT and compatibles. For more information on the Sysgen family of expansion products contact your local dealer. ^^^V^^f wwH [^^ 47853 Warm Springs Blvd., K^_^ JL- LJVJJ-il ^ Fremont. CA. 94539 NCORPORATED (415) 490-6770 Telex 4990843 Trademarks: Sysgen, DISK I/O — Sysgen, Inc., AT — International Business Machine* Corporation Registered trademarks: IBM — International Business Machines Corporation. 290 BYTE' MAY 1985 HARDWARE REVIEW The GTX-100 Modem An intelligent device with functions by Mark Haas The GTX-100 is an intelligent 300/ 1200-bps (bits per second) modem that claims to provide four levels of security for the computer to which it is at- DUilt'in tached. Until recently, Lockheed-GETEX. ; makers of the GTX-100. called it the Data Security Sentry and advertised it as "so secure even Mata Hari couldn't hack it." The GTX-100 contains a Z80 microproces- sor that controls all of the modem's func- tions. CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) memory with battery back- up stores the data the security functions are based on. The unit measures 8/2 inches wide, 10 inches deep, and 2 inches high; it's constructed of good-quality plastic. The GTX-100's front panel contains eight LEDs (light-emitting diodes) that indicate the modem's status (off hook, carrier detect, etc.). Also on the front panel are three rocker switches. The first is an Answer/ Originate switch that you use to set these protocols when connecting without dialing, as when using a leased line. The center position of this switch permits voice opera- tion with a telephone connected to one of the jacks on the rear panel. The Test switch puts the modem into an analog loop so that what the connected terminal sends is echoed back. After a while this function automatically times out and puts the modem back into normal operation. The Remote/Local switch controls an optional power-on device and does not control the modem's remote and local modes. The rear panel contains two RJ11C jacks for connection to the phone line and the telephone; a DB-2 5 connector; a four-posi- tion miniature switch that sets the data for- mat, parity, carrier-detect/data-terminal- ready signal activation, and mode of opera- tion (English responses or single-character codes); and a voltage regulator mounted on a heatsink. Connecting the modem to my office com- puter was fairly straightforward, and the manual provided good directions. An RS-232C cable (not supplied) connects the Mark Haas is technical director for OsbomelMcGraw-Hill (2600 Tenth St.. Berkeley. CA 94710) rear-panel jack to the computer's RS-232C port. Tapping a few keys on the keyboard while my communications software was in Terminal mode confirmed proper opera- tion. Modem Smarts When you first turn the GTX-100 on, it runs a diagnostic on itself and then awaits a car- riage return from the terminal (or computer) connected to it. This allows the modem to determine the proper data rate (300 or 1200 bps) automatically. You are then ready to enter commands. The GTX-100 contains what could be called its own minicommunications package. From its Help menu, the modem's software lets you select the data rate, dial the phone automatically (speed dialing), dial the phone manually by entering a number, dial again the number last dialed, and go to the Security menu. Speed dialing lets you store up to ten 62-character telephone numbers, including special dialing characters that direct the GTX-100 to pause 5 seconds, wait for a dial tone, or use tone or pulse dialing. Another character lets you link multiple numbers as one entry, causing the modem to dial each number in turn until it detects a carrier. An F in front of a number (or linked list of numbers) tells the modem to dial the number "forever," and the pause between repeated dialings can be set for 20 to 180 seconds. You can also enter remarks to help identify phone numbers or use the special characters just mentioned while dialing manually. Entering, changing, and erasing numbers is easy. The GTX-100 can detect several line conditions— dial tone, busy signal, ringing, dead line, and excessive noise— and report these conditions to the operator in English or single-letter codes, as determined by a switch on the rear panel. The modem con- tains no speaker, but indicators make up for this. (continued) MAY 1985 -BYTE 291 Inquiry 93 DeSmet C 8086/8088 Development SlflQ Package IU«f FULL DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE Full K&R C Compiler Assembler, Linker & Librarian Full-Screen Editor Execution Profiler Complete STDIO Library (>1 20 Func) Automatic DOS 1.X/2.X SUPPORT BOTH 8087 AND S/W FLOATING POINT OVERLAYS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE ■ First and Second in AUG '83 BYTE benchmarks SYMBOLIC DEBUGGER s 50 Examine & change variables by name using C expressions Flip between debug and display screen Display C source during execution Set multiple breakpoints by function or line number DOS LINK SUPPORT $ 35 Uses DOS OBJ Format LINKs with DOS ASM Uses Lattice® naming conventions Check: SHIP TO □ Dev. Pkg (109) □ Debugger (50) □ DOS Link Supt (35) C WAR CORPORATION P.O. BOX C Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (408) 720-9696 All orders shipped UPS surface on IBM format disks Shipping included in price California residents add sales tax Canada shipping add SS, elsewhere add $15 Checks must be on US Bank and in US Dollars. Call 9 am. - 1 p.m to CHARGE by VISA/MC/AMEX Street Address: 505 W. Olive. #767, (940861 REVIEW: GTX-100 AT A GLANCE Name GTX-100 Manufacturer Lockheed-GETEX 1100 Circle 75 Parkway Atlanta, GA 30339 (404) 951-0878 Type Intelligent modem with security features Size 8V2 by 10 by 2 inches Equipment Needed Terminal, or computer with simple communications software and an RS-232C port Features 300/1200-bps operation, automatic detection of data-transmission rate, automatic dialing and answering, battery backup of memory (protects all menus and tables), force answer/originate mode for leased-line operation, analog loop test with automatic time-out, pulse or tone dialing Options Remote-ON power regulation to turn computer on or off remotely Documentation 48-page manual Price $795 Warranty 1 year, limited The Modem menu lets you set a variety of modem functions. You can set the modem's hang-up command code, dialing speed (slow or fast only), and local echo, and you can set the modem to answer on a specific ring. You can suppress the status reports from the modem to avoid interference with some communications packages, and you can suppress hang-up upon loss of carrier, thus allowing a mix of voice and data during the same call. The commands the GTX-100 accepts are not compatible with the Hayes Smartmodem. Note that you can enter commands only from the host terminal. This means no one can "bump" the modem into command mode from a remote terminal and access your files. Security What sets this modem apart from other intelligent modems (such as the Hayes Smartmodem) is its built-in security measures. The GTX-100 has four levels of security: call back from list, call back any number, password without call back, and modem only. In modem-only mode there is no added security and the GTX-100 acts like any other modem. The three re- maining levels of security all involve the use of passwords. You can store up to sixteen 20-character passwords in the modem. Entering any one of the passwords is sufficient to gain ac- cess to the system. The modem also keeps a log of the last 16 numbers called back and the last 1 6 passwords entered (whether valid or not). These logs are useful in tracking potential breaches of security. The highest level of security is the call-back-from-list mode. In this mode, the remote caller dials the modem's number. Upon connection, the modem requests from the caller a phone number it can call back. The modem checks the number entered against a table of authorized call-back numbers. Assuming the number checks out okay the modem hangs up and then proceeds to dial the call- back number. Once connection is re- established, the modem asks for a [continued) 292 BYTE- MAY 1985 Sord Computer Sales Info Hotline Professional Word Processor/Electronic Mail Portable Computer System 15-1 1C • Large 80 x 25 character LCD display • 80K RAM memory (max. 80KB) • Notebook size • Weight 7 lbs. • Electronic notebook/desk organizer software for busy executives • Built-in RS232C interface and modem • Calendar/clock, calculator functions • Optional Microsoft-compatible BASIC cartridge for software development • IBM PC data transferability • Built-in microcassette tape drive • Optional 3.5 inch floppy disk drive, bar code reader, portable printer, ten-key data-entry pad, 64K CMOS RAM pack with backup battery, spread sheet program Advanced Word Processing Power The IS- 1 1 C features one of the best word proc- essors available in its class. Full-sized display screen of 80 x 25 lines, multi-windows, storage capacity of over 600 lines of text. Expand, underline, and center text functions. Sophisticated Electronic Mail System Link the various offices of your company with the IS- 1 lC's electronic mail capability. Edit text with the word processor, then use the built-in modem and communications software to speed data to its destination thousands of miles away. Connects to any of the popular electronic mail or data base services such as Infonet, Com- puServe, OAG, Dow Jones, and the Source. Software Development Made Easy Software can be developed for the IS- 1 1 C using Microsoft-upwards-compatible BASIC (with multi-windows and communications) or assem- bler. Plug-in ROM cartridges can be created for instant access to custom application packages. Phone SORD toll-free on 1-800-223-1796 for: • Special price for evaluation units • Special price for journalists • Student group prices • Other special discounts to meet your needs (specify quantity, purpose, location to be used) Mail This Coupon for More Information Please rush me full information on the top-selling IS-1 1C. Name: Address: City: State: __Zip:_ Computer innovator SORD COMPUTER CORPORATION New York Office: Olympic Tower 6F, 645 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10022. Tel (212) 759-0140 Los Angeles Office: 723 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017. Tel (213) 622-0244 Chicago Office: OS 169 Church Street, Winfield, E. 60190. Tel (312) 690-8019 Inquiry 373 MAY 1985 -BYTE 293 *FREE 3M Flip V File Offer... One less thing to worry about" Lifetime Warranty 5V. QTY 20 SS-DD ., ., DS-UD •B"* ^9btpi — ► •a**-*}- •a BB -• 3-5"SS-135TPI -::-With FREE 3M Flip W File If it's worth remembering, it's worth Scotch. Factory fresh and prepacked with 10-5V4" 3M diskettes in 3M Flip 'n' File. Includes Tyvek envelopes, reinforced hubs, user ID labels and write-protect tabs. Special Bonus Offer As an introductory offer, for every other box of 3M-5%" diskettes you order you get FREE, 3M's new Flip V File™ 50% more storage capacity, sturdy and with compact ( design that swings open to | an easel-type work station ' in one quick motion. A moveable front panel and see-through window in front and back feature index cards. Holds very comfortably 15-5Vi" diskettes. From a tradition of excellence — now comes disk storage. A $10.00 value is offered free of charge while supply lasts. 3M Headcleaning Kit Without disassembly or mess, without abrasion worries. 3M Headclea ning K it has everything you need for 10 B"T headcleaning operations . . M Disk Storage Amarav Media Mate 50 (Holds 50-5W diskettes) ■9" Disk Minder II-75 (Holds over 75 5 V." diskettes) »1 1 ss Micro Disk Minder 36 (Holds 36-3 1 /." micro diskettes). . . "8 PRINTER RIBBONS EA. DZ. Epson MX-70/80 •3 M *4Q Epson MX-100 M 90 *55 Okidata-80/82/83/92 .... M 48 »17 Okidata-84 •3 B0 »41 Price Promise We will better any lower delivered price on the same products and quantities advertised nationally! TERMS: FREE USE OF VISA & MASTERCARD. American Express also accepted. COD orders add $3.00 handling charge. Shipping: Add S3 00 per 100 diskettes or fraction thereof. Other Items: Add $2.00 for disk storage or headcleaning kit or each multiple of 8 ribbons. P.O accepted Utah residents add 5 3 /a°lo sales tax. Minimum order a $30.00, S TOLL FREE ORDER LIME: j 1-800-233-2477 M BOO AFFAIRS] \ INFORMATION AND INQUIRIES: 1-801 942-6717 I HOURS: 9AM - 5 PM M-F(MT. STATE TIME) « 2028 E FT Ul- omputer sai i la** ci iff«*irs, inc. cal i i boo af REVIEW: GTX-lOO password. If the caller enters a correct password (one of the 16 possible), ac- cess is permitted. The call-back-from-list mode pro- vides several security measures. Even if someone steals a password, the modem will call back only numbers contained in the list of authorized numbers. Any intrusion would have to originate from one of these numbers. Assuming the perpetrator is calling from one of the authorized numbers, he will gain access only after entering a correct password. You can control the number of incorrect attempts at entering the password, and if an in- truder exceeds that number, his phone number is placed in a "not allowed" list. Any numbers appearing on the list will not be called back, even if they are also on the list of authorized numbers. The main drawback to this level of security is the limited number of call- back numbers. Since the system can contain only 16 numbers on the authorized list, users can access the system from, at most, 16 locations. If any user needs to have access from more than one location, then each possible call-back number would have to be listed, cutting down the space remaining for other users (unless your phone has automatic call-forwarding and you remember to set it). Breaking this level of security would not be an easy task, probably im- possible for the average person. Any break-in would probably have to be an "inside job." The next level of security, call-back-any-number mode, is another story. In call-back-any-number mode, users can call from anywhere: the modem calls back any number not on the not-allowed list. Again, if the number of attempts to enter a correct password exceeds the limit, the modem enters that phone number in- to the not-allowed list. Unfortunately, there is a simple way around this security measure, but I will not describe it here. Suffice to say that you don't have to be Mata Hari to figure it out. This mode enables you to provide a unique service, however, by paying the phone bill for most of the time the caller is on the line. The caller pays only for the first call to the modem, usually no more than one minute. In the password-without-call-back mode the modem merely asks for a password. The list of authorized passwords may contain 16 passwords, and you can limit the number of tries that a user gets with each call. All the features of the secure modes are controlled from the Security menu, which is password-protected itself. From this menu you can choose the mode of security, enter allowable call-back numbers and passwords, and set the limit on the number of password attempts. You can change the password for entry into the Securi- ty menu. This menu also gives you ac- cess to the call-back-number and password logs. Research has shown that the best way to secure a computer system is through the use of passwords and by changing the passwords regularly. The GTX-lOO allows up to 20-character passwords, which should keep any potential intruder busy for a while. The question is, Do you need to spend $795 for a modem just to get password protection? Conclusions The GTX-lOO is a high-quality 300/ 1200-bps intelligent modem offering varying levels of security. Overall I found its performance to be excellent. Security in the call-back-from-list mode is very good but has its limita- tions. Security at the next level, call- back-any-number mode, is no better than password-without-call-back mode. It may be useful, however, as a service to the caller, who usually has to pay only for the first minute of the original call to the modem. I doubt most personal computer users will need the highest level of security or the call-back feature. You could build these features into your application software and use a less- expensive intelligent modem. How- ever, commercial users requiring these security features could prob- ably benefit from purchasing the GTX-lOO modem. ■ 294 BYTE- MAY 1985 Here's The Sawy-est True Dual Trace 10 MHz Digital Storage Scope You Ever Saw ... At The Saving-est Price. Only $59 LogicScope UPPER TRACE LOWER TRACE HOY UNC 1 1 10 US MS SEC I -*MS1 SLOW* iimi.ai TRIGGER TIME BASE AMD SAMPLE RATE i\^n r\>it »* i v i_j-r ■ The Handy New LogicScope ~ 136 True Dual Trace • 10 MHz Real Time Bandwidth • 3 Input Channels • I/O Port Digital Waveform Storage • Boolean Waveform Operations • Audio Functions 8.0 (L) x 4.5 (D) x 1.75 (H) Inches • 1.25 Pounds • 9 Volt Battery/AC Operation Consider the LogicScope 136 ■ The LogicScope 136 is the next logical step in test instru- mentation for you. It combines many of the features and capa- bilities of sophisticated logic analyzers and oscilloscopes . . . and it fits in your hand. Never before has so much technology been available in so small an instrument, at such a low price. ■ The pocket-sized LogicScope 136 is made possible by a patented breakthrough in display technology. The conven- tional CRT has been replaced by a unique array of 400 LED's that permits simultaneous display of two digital waveforms. ■ The 136 can be used for viewing single shot events, or repetitive waveforms. It can be operated in real time mode, or in memory mode which permits acquisition and storage of up to 50-100 bit waveforms. These can be recalled, logically com- pared (AND, OR, EXCLUSIVE OR) to other input waveforms, or output to an external device via an I/O port. This I/O port will also accept future add-on 136 Modules. ■ Its very low cost, convenience and ease-of-use make the LogicScope the ideal instrument, for designing, troubleshooting or repairing digital systems. Made in U.S.A. Inquiry 322 Consider its Engineering & Field Service Applications: ■ On microprocessor-based systems, check the timing rela- tionship of various parameters relative to the system clock and other key events. Its storage capability allows visual and logi- cal comparison of non-repetitive waveforms to known refer- ence signals. Output in the start-up of the digital device can be compared to reference signals to determine the operating state of the device. Questionable waveforms can be stored for analysis. ■ Its light weight and small size make the LogicScope conven- ient to take on every service call. The 136 provides much more information for trouble shooting a digital system or peripheral than a logic probe or digital counter without having to lug an oscilloscope or logic analyzer along. Contact us for the name of your local distributor POCCEC CEO-nOLOGV, IRC. 7320 Parkway Drive, Hanover, MD 21076 U.S.A. 301-796-3300 TELEX 908207 Division of Renaissance Technology Corp. MAY 1985 -BYTE 295 TheTIPro where no Now you can have true CAD at an affordable price. Plus an out'of-this'World PC package for your unique computing needs. High quality computer-aided design has usually meant working with highly expensive mainframes. But now, with the TI Professional Computer and AutoCAD ™ 2 software from Autodesk, Inc., you can put real CAD on your desk for under $10,000. And you'll have a superior PC system for other computing needs -available in a package of hardware, service, training and support no other PC offers. TI and AutoCAD 2 let you explore the outer limits of your imagination. AutoCAD 2 gives you mainframe capabilities like multilayering and precise dimensioning, plus isometric design and piece part takeoff attributes. You can create your own symbol and parts libraries. Use bi-directional zoom to go from a full building elevation to the smallest bolt with trillion-to-one precision. And move, copy, rotate or delete any part of your drawing. "You can use your imagination more and come up with much better designs much faster. " .-Lansing Pugh, ^g_Architect, Austin, Texas. The perfect match of CAD and machine. Running AutoCAD 2 on the TI Professional Computer can yield spectacular results. High resolution graphics (720 x 300 pixels) give you crisp characters, lines and curves. Unlike many PCs, TI shows up to 8 fessional Computer takes CAD PC CAD has gone before* colors simultaneously. And lets you mix and display text and graphics at once. The TI Professional Computer is part of a complete system that gives you better performance from the best- selling software for other applications, too. It's an uncommonly expandable system that works with a vast range of peripherals. It can all be configured to your own individual needs. And grow as you grow. We also offer optional service and support packages unobtainable any- where else. Like a 24-hour customer support line. Extended 1- or 5 -year service and support programs. And regional train- ing seminars to get you started. Is this the right CAD system for you? TI has the answers. You have your own special way of working, your own unique needs. If the answers below apply to you, the TI/AutoCAD 2 system is your best choice. \^»Are your drawings dimensioned? x"\.»If they are, our system automatically computes them with a choice of linear, angular, aligned, circular and leader options. >^£»Do you often modify existing drawings? x\»We make it fast and simple, with a revised, plotted drawing that looks as good as the original. So, your productivity will be greatly improved. \ MAIN BR J TO- CDMMAND MODULC" t;*\ 1 PHASER # Beam down from the big picture to the smallest detail. y^»What size drawings do you use? x\»Our system works with a wide variety of leading plotters for draw- ings from A-size (8K2" x H")toE-size(36"x48"). ♦Do you have other needs? xV»The TI Professional Computer isn't just a ded- icated CAD workstation. It runs over 1000 popular software programs for word processing, spread- sheets, accounting or other business needs. V^»Is expandability important? A.- Q TI supports many expansion options, from communica- tions to larger disks, printers, even to speech recognition, to improve your productivity. ♦Are overlays useful to you? xx^If so, you can store information in unlimited, named layers, and turn them on or off for display or plotting in any color combination. ^^♦Do you use standard symbols or parts? xx^ AutoCAD 2 offers optional symbol libraries and lets you create your own Move, rotate, copy or edit at will. AutoCAD is a trademark of Autodesk, Inc. "Star Trek" elements used with permission of Paramount Pictures Corp. , the Copyright Owner. O 1985 TI Explore the possibilities. Draw your own conclusions. For more details, or to arrange a demonstration at your near- est TI dealer, mail this coupon or call us at 1-800-527-3500. In Canada (416) 884-9181. Name Company Address City State Zip Phone Mail to: Texas Instruments Incorporated, EG Box 809063, Dept. DCC052BY, Dallas, TX 75380-9063. Texas ^^ Instruments Creating useful products and services for you. cflSHcam Stand Alone or Multi-User POINT OF SALE SYSTEMS mum ti in u iiiiifii H m u , IBM PC/XT CAN FUNCTION AS THE SYSTEM'S MASTER AS A COMPUTER • The stand alone system can be upgraded into a multi- user system to meet growing business needs. • Uses CP/M or MS-DOS (multi-user system only) to run thousands of dedicated software packages available to users. • Displays transactions on a 9" CRT utilizing large characters for easy customer viewing. • Utilizes two way data communications allowing quick and accurate price changes, order processing and file updates. • Can be programmed using familiar languages for easy customization of vertical markets. • Utilizes a database management system to produce meaningful reports on demand. • Can be configured with floppies or Winchester drives (storage capacity-640KB to 80MB). /Jdvanced Business Computer Systems International, Inc. Inquiry 13 AS A CASH REGISTER • Its flexibility in function use exceeds industry standards for E.C.R.'s. • Uses a programmable, buffered keyboard. IT IS CAPABLE OF: • error correct, void, return, refund, entire ticket voiding, manual discount by $ or %, mark down, mark up, coupons, food stamps. • payment by cash, cheques or credit cards. • charge and payment posting to in-house accounts • H.A.LO./L.A.LO. protect on open departments anc discounts. • black list and credit authorization. • electronic funds transfer. In Canada: 4088 Sandwich Street. Windsor, Ontario N9C 1C4 (519) 255-9199 In USA: P.O. Box 32524. Detroit. Michigan 48232 (313) 961-3406 REVIEW FEEDBACK Tandy 2000 Upgrade The review "The Tandy Model 2000" by Mark S. lennings (December 1984 BYTE, page 239) states, as does literature from Radio Shack, that maximum RAM (random-access read/write memory) capacity is 768K bytes. The service manual for the 2000 (page 2 52) states that RAM capacity of 896K bytes is attainable by using all three available slots for upgrade RAM boards and kits. A string in the last line of a 338K-byte file was located by the Find command in 18 seconds. When I added a RAM-disk utility, the same string was picked up in 3 seconds. As your review indicates. RAM upgrade cost is high indeed. The cost for adding 512K bytes of RAM to the 256K bytes of RAM that came with my hard-disk model is $1 596. 1 am not aware of any other com- puter that costs as much for a RAM upgrade. Apart from this one complaint, I am delighted with my 2000 and with the co- operation 1 have received from the Tandy/ Radio Shack home office. Gregory Grover Los Angeles. CA The HI 50 Kit In the text box "Building the H-l 50 Com- puter Kit" (December 1984. page 2 58). Henry B. Cohen might have done a dis- service to kit builders, especially novices, with some of his advice. I have con- structed many kits, printed-circuit (PC) boards, and other electronics projects, so I speak from experience. Mr. Cohen recommends working around parts that you can't locate immediately and then putting them on when they turn up. This is a poor practice, especially for novices. Often the order in which parts go on PC boards is important for ease of in- stallation and because a certain sequence might be required if you are to install the part at all. Always install parts in the order specified in the instructions. Mr. Cohen's suggestion that you should solder for integrity first and then go back and solder for appearance is also not a good practice. Each connection should be soldered only once. Reheating a solder connection on a PC board to improve ap- pearance is unnecessary and could dam- age the part, increase the probability of solder bridges, and degrade the integrity of the traces on the board (particularly on multilevel boards). Soldering integrity is the only consideration. Mr. Cohen is incorrect when he states that a VOM or multitester is necessary to build the Heath H-l 50. I constructed the H-l 60 (the transportable model) and did not need test instruments. With these computers, Heath supplies a tester that you must also solder together. All the testing described in the Heath construc- tion manuals refers to this tester, which uses a generated tone for test measure- ments. In fact, you would have to refer to other technical data to use another type of tester (to get voltage levels and to understand what the tests accomplish). Other advice offered by Mr. Cohen was very good, and 1 would like to confirm that the PC-compatible H-l 50/160 is a fine computer. You get additional technical documentation with Heathkit products that can prove extremely valuable when you run into problems in the future. Loren D. Martindale Yuma, AZ WordPerfect 1 was happy to read Ricardo Birmele's en- thusiastic review of WordPerfect (Decem- ber 1984, page 277). This program is by far the best of the dozen word processors I have sampled. 1 believe that several of the problems Mr. Birmele acknowledges are easily solved or are not WordPerfect's fault. Mr. Birmele states, "Any characters underlined on a monochrome monitor will appear in blue on a color monitor; if fed by a color video drive board, they will ap- pear in reverse video on the monochrome monitor." My experience with WordPerfect on the IBM PC suggests that it is the com- puter's fault that underlining is not avail- able on a color monitor. When you run WordPerfect with the IS option (by typing WP/S from MS-DOS) and exercise the "Set Colors for Color Monitor" option, the pro- gram prompts for the color it should use to represent underlined words. You can select whatever color you like from the IBM repertoire; underlined words will be displayed in that color, or in reverse if you select this option. 1 believe that Mr. Birmele will find that a document's under- lined words will appear as such on a monochrome monitor driven by the IBM monochrome card, while on another ma- chine with a color-display card the same words will be in color or reversed. Final- ly, it is not technically possible to suc- cessfully drive the IBM monochrome dis- play with the color card. Mr. Birmele is correct in mentioning that setting tabs is not convenient. But Word- Perfect already provides tabs at even in- tervals; setting a tab at the current cursor position entails remembering the column number before pressing the Set Format key and selecting Tabs, then typing the number of the column where you want a tab. The WordPerfect manual explains this procedure. It is also an injustice to imply that Word- Perfect runs only on the IBM PC, Victor 9000, DEC Rainbow, Tandy 2000, and Zenith Z-100: indeed, there are customized versions of WordPerfect for nearly any MS DOS computer in existence, and it is com- patible with a wide variety of computers including the Victor, the Tl Professional, the Data General/One, and others. Joe Clark Halifax. Nova Scotia. Canada Toshiba PI 340 In Ken Sheldon's review "The Epson LQ-1500" (December 1984. page 293). I believe that the author makes a mislead- ing comparison. He compares a properly operating LQ-1 500 with an improperly op- erating Toshiba PI 340. As a happy owner of a Toshiba PI 340. 1 know that it is capa- ble of producing much higher quality out- put than is shown in the sample. From the sample, it looks like at least three of the pins in the unit are failing to drive. My guess is pins 8, 12, and 18. It might be that this PI 340 is simply in need of its regular print-head cleaning, as spec- ified in Section 5 of the owner's manual. A toothpick will remove the paper and rib- [continued] MAY 1985 -BYTE 299 Inquiry 342 C Programmers: Program three times faster with Instant-C™ Instant-C" is an optimizing interpreter for the C language that can make pro- gramming in C three or more times faster than using old-fashioned compilers and loaders. The interpreter environment makes C as easy to use as Basic. Yet Instant-C™ is 20 to 50 times faster than interpreted Basic. This new interactive development environment gives you: Instant Editing. The full-screen editor is built into Instant-C" for immediate use. You don't wait for a separate editor pro- gram to start up. Instant Error Correction. You can check syntax in the editor. Each error message is displayed on the screen with the cursor set to the trouble spot, ready for your correction. Errors are reported clearly, by the editor, and only one at a time. Instant Execution. Instant-C' u uses no assembler or loader. You can execute your program as soon as you finish editing. Instant Testing. You can immediately execute any C statement or function, set variables, or evaluate expressions. Your results are displayed automatically. Instant Symbolic Debugging. Watch execution by single statement stepping. Debugging features are built-in; you don't need to recompile or reload using special options. Instant Loading. Directly generates EXE or CMD files at your request to create stand-alone versions of your programs. Instant Floating Point. Uses 8087* co- processor if present. Instant Compatibility. Follows K & R standards. Comprehensive standard library provided, with source code. Instant Satisfaction. Guaranteed, or your money back. Instant-C" is available now, and works under PC-DOS, MS-DOS*, andCP/M-86* Find out how Instant-C" is changing the wav that programming is done. Instant-C^ is S495. Call or write for more information. Rational Systems, Inc. (617) 653-61% P.O. Box 480 Natick, Mass. 01760 lr:u!i*tn;irk* MS IK)S [Mumsoft Corp ). SIW" (Intel Corp I (P/\1«(> (DiKiutt KfM-artll Iik t Instani-C (Rational Systems. Im ) REVIEW FEEDBACK Table A: Benchmark results for the Altec. Eco-C, and OS-9 compilers. The code sizes are reported in bytes. Compiler Comp. Assem. Link Size Execution Aztec 0:25 0:20 0:45 9096 2:06 Eco-C 1:08 0:24 0:52 7280 1:41 OS-9 2:13 1:18 0:59 5805 1:19 bon debris that can cause the pins to stick Maxim G. Smith Natick, MA C Benchmarks Review Feedback (December 1984, page 301) contains another benchmark program for C compilers (listing 1. page 302). Ac- cording to author David C Clark, the pro- gram is designed "to examine the quality of the implementation of long integers among various versions of C" Mr. Clark gives results for two fully implemented C compilers running on a 4-MHz Z80 system (table 1). Curious to see what would happen, I ran the same test on a Tandy/Radio Shack Color Computer with the OS-9 C compiler (no flags set). I won't guarantee the clock times closer than a second either way, but as you can see (table A), a few seconds make no difference at all. My question is: What would a full-fea- tured Gimix system with a 2-MHz clock make of this? R. W. Odlin Sedrv-Woolley. WA ALF 8088 Coprocessor David Morganstein's review "ALF's 8088 Coprocessor for Your Apple" (in the Guide to the Apple Personal Computers. December 1984 BYTE, page A38) gives an objective and fair assessment of this coprocessor for the Apple II. However, when speaking of reading IBM PC-compatible disks, Mr. Morganstein mentions the Rana 8086 co- processor system, which includes IBM PC- compatible disk drives. I cannot under- stand why he does not mention ALF s own IBM PC-compatible Apple II disk-drive system, which has been available for the better part of a year to support ALF's coprocessor. Mr. Morganstein was unable to get his Videx 80-column board working on the ALF board. This is, in fact, the only bug I have found in the product, and 1 believe it is an outcome of ALF developing the product-support software on Franklins rather than Apples. 1 finally got my 80-column board running under CP/M-86 by using two different drivers. I originally bought my ALF 8088 copro- cessor because of its support of the 8087 math coprocessor. Mr. Morganstein reports only a modest improvement in processing speeds using the FTL program. However, anyone doing large numbers of trigonometric and log functions in Apple- soft using ALF's FTL87 8087 Applesoft support will have a pleasant surprise— a hundred-or-more-fold speed increase. Mr. Morganstein points out that you need to take care, when running the ALF coprocessor under MS-DOS or CP/M-86, to ensure that software written for an IBM- type personal computer will run in the Apple environment. However, it is not necessary to purchase software that is not copy-protected in Apple-compatible for- mat, since commercial services are readily available to perform this conversion. The ALF 8088 coprocessor is not for everyone. But for those who can integrate it into their Apple system, it can be a useful addition. I have found the ALF tech- nical-support people helpful, supportive, and knowledgable The hardware and soft- ware are reliable and perform as ALF says they do. I have had my ALF board two years and have had no problems with it. Dwight William Johnson San Diego, CA REVIEW FEEDBACK is a column of readers' letters. We welcome responses that support or challenge BYTE reviews. Send letters to Review Feedback. BYTE Publications. POB 372, Hancock. NH 03449. Name and address must be on all letters. 300 BYTE' MAY 1985 As a programmer, you're already respected. He* Client InfcHwtim List Ctqwu: ngSf'-lltaiT frte'i kto: Billing Rit». Zip: Ma ■ Referred By: ■■■■■ Nmi tecmM » N>: I ,,..,- — With better-looking screens, you could be loved. You write wonderful programs. Their logic is elegant. Their organization is solid. They work like a charm. But how do they look? Maybe appearance shouldn't count, but it does. Because not only is a well-designed screen impres- sive to look at — it also makes the program easier to work with. And that makes you look good, too. It takes you days, perhaps weeks of effort to make a program right. Isn't it worth a few minutes to make it beautiful? A few minutes . That's all it takes for you and Screen Sculptor to create a glorious-looking screen. And once it's done, Screen Sculptor automatically writes the program — in IBM Basic, IBM Pascal, or Turbo Pascal — to display the screen and allow the user to enter data. SOFTWARE BDTTLinG campflnv There's no limit to what you can do with Screen Sculptor. Design a screen you like and rearrange it whenever you like. Select colors from a mouth- watering menu. Choose special characters, draw lines and boxes, paint in areas, repeat a character in any direction! Specify input fields, variable names, data types, acceptable data ranges and more. Then Screen Sculptor generates actual program source code based on your screen design. You'll need an IBM PC, XT, PCjr, PC AT or 100% compatible, 128K, DOS, one 320K disc drive and any 80-column display. Screen Sculptor does more than design screens. For $ 125 , it will enhance your creative reputation and thoroughly impress your users. Because people don't expect a beautiful screen. But they sure do appreciate it when they see it. Try it FREE for 30 days! We're so sure you'll find Screen Sculptor indispensable that we make you this no-risk offer: Order now and you'll also receive a full demo disk. Use it and the manual for 30 days. Then, if you can bear to give it up, return the package for a full refund! Credit card orders only call 24 hours a day, 1-800-824-7888, operator 268. For all other orders and inquiries call or write: The Software Bottling Company of New York, 29- 14 23rd Avenue, Long Island City, NY 1 1 1 05 . (718) 728-2200. Ifwe're shipping to a NYS address, please add 8'/4% sales tax. Inquiry 363 MAY 1985 -BYTE 301 BuylOflc stopworryin Free Flip 'n' File™/! 5 ( $10 Retail Value) ppiesand about dust storms, lint attacksor the bends The Flip 'n' File™/15 are more reliable, is an island of calm and With this kind of pro- order in the savage envi- tection, all you have to ronment of the modem worry about now is office. when this limited It's also free, when you special offer sells out. . . J. l j ^ Offer available from participating distributors. DUy 3 Specially marked ^^^^ personal computer dealers and office supply dealers. package of 10 double or ^^^^^^ Which, if you don't single sided, double density ^Hi* ^^^ hum, could be before the 3M diskettes. They're the ,^^ R^. r JP^^ next major coffee spill, certified 100% error-free ^k ■fl$! kL ^ ^ ^^k. ^_ i ^ IvMy.Jk One less thingto diskettes; no flopp.es ^ ?/*& A ^ WOITyabOUt Inquiry 397 MAY 1985 -BYTE 303 The PC Plotter: It will change the way business looks at graphics. The lowest-priced professional plotter on the market today is Houston Instrument's new four- pen PC Plotter. It is designed to produce the crisp graphics you need to compete — and com- municate — in business. Just what makes this plotter so competitive? Let's take a look: Price — A multi-pen, compact, single-sheet plotter at $595* isn't just a low price — it's an unbelievably low price. What an affordable way to link the power of graphics communication to your personal computer. Performance — Yours and Ours — Until the PC Plotter was born, it was too expensive to let the pictures do the talking. Now that's no longer true. So, the next time the boss walks into the office needing some "nice charts and graphs," you can guickly fill the reguest with clean, colorful, wonderful graphics. Who knows, you might even get a raise! As to our performance, we're the only plotter manufacturer offering you hundreds of graphics software packages which are compatible with the PC Plotter. That means you can produce any type of drawing you reguire. Flexibility — Depending on your needs, you can select from two PC Plotter models. One (PC Plotter Model 595 for $595.00*) allows you to produce graphics or overhead transparencies on 8'/2" x 1 1" paper or film; the other (PC Plotter Model 695 for $695.00*) permits either 8'/2" x 1 1" or 1 1" x 17" graphics. And we didn't forget the OEM. Houston Instrument will work with you to configure a plotter that's perfect for your particular application. For the name of your closest PC Plotter distributor or dealer, contact Houston Instrument, P.O. Box 15720, Austin, Texas, 78761 or call (512)835-0900. Outside Texas call 800-531-5205. In Europe, contact Houston Instrument, Belgium NV., Rochesterlaan 6, 8240 Gistel, Belgium. Tel. 059-27-74-45, Tlx. 846-81399. Kernel IN SPITE OF A FLU BUG, Jerry Pournelle was up to picking his favorite products of the year for 1984. As he says. "Purely subjective." Bill Raike reports on IBM Japan Ltd.'s test production of 1-megabit RAM chips and takes a look at some new microcomputers. The BYTE West Coast editors describe an economical approach to custom chip manufac- turing and give us their impressions of some new software. Dick Pountain deals with this month's theme as he acquaints us with ALICE and Hope, two components of a parallel-processing approach in the U.K. In Computers and Law, Robert Sterne and Perry Saidman shed some legal light on buy- ing and selling computer products. Bob Kurosaka uses the game of Nim in an exercise in BASIC bitwise logic operation in this month's Mathematical Recreations. And Steve Ciarcia replies to readers who have built his Circuit Cellar projects. Computing at Chaos Manor: In Search of the Perfect Product by ]erry Pournelle 307 Chaos Manor Mail conducted by \erry Pournelle 347 BYTE Japan: Megabits and Gigaflops by William M. Raike 355 BYTE West Coast: Homebrew Chips by }ohn Markoff, Phillip Robinson, and Donna Osgood 363 BYTE U.K.: Parallel Processing by Dick Pountain 385 Computers and Law: The Sale of Computer Products Robert Greene Sterne and Perry ). Saidman 399 Mathematical Recreations: An Exercise in BASIC Bitwise Logic Operation by Robert T. Kurosaka 417 Circuit Cellar Feedback conducted by Steve Ciarcia 424 Your antidote to the rising epidemic of computer crime Here . . . for the first lime . . . is an inside look at America's underground hacking culture ...by "The Cracker' the 19-year-old systems hacker apprehended by the FBI. Set against the fascinating backdrop ol The Cracker's" infamous capers witli his Inner Circle" band ot hacking wizards. Out ot the Inner Circle /.s packed with vital informa- tion to protect your data from unwanted intruders. To best protect your system, you must penetrate the hacker mentality: How does a hacker think? What is he really after? What are his favored methods ot hacking., and how do you guard against them? How vulnerable is your system? What are tlie tell-tale signs of a computer break-in? How do you catch a hacker? What in the world do you do with one once you've caught him? You II find it all in Out of the Inner Circle, along with a security checklist that details the points ot vulnerability in today's popular mini- and main- frame operating systems. $9.95. soltcover S19.95. hardcover Wherever books and software are sold Microsoft 1'iess 10700 Northup Way Bellevue, WA %004 I i I A HACKER'S GUIDE TO COMPUTER SECURITY BY "THE CRACKER BILL LANDRETH THE TEENAGE COMPUTER WIZARD ' mBBBirmn * COMPUTING AT CHAOS MANOR In Search of the Perfect Product LaserJet The Tweek Cure Tutsim Universe Professional BASIC The Companion A+ Mouse MTBASIC Expert-Ease Encore 1200B SemiDisk Tunesmith Fontrix by Jerry Pournelle Jerry Pournelle holds a doctorate In psychology and is a science-fiction writer who also earns a comfortable living writing about computers present and future. The good news is that this is the last of the one-every-three-weeks col- umns. The bad news is that it's just past the New Year and I've spent the past three weeks nursing a flu bug that won't go away and leave me alone. Between that and the holidays, 1 have done less with com- puters than I intended. 1 have seen more television than I've watched for the past three years, and I'm now in a position to state for the record that even with the 20 channels we get in Los Angeles, there's lit- tle worth watching. You need mush for brains to watch the tube for long— or you'll get mush for brains if you do. Even with flu, holidays, and TV, there's a fair amount to cover. Chaos Manor s Products of the Year Many magazines have special product-of- the-year features this month. I'm a mite late with mine. Of course, my rules are a bit dif- ferent from other people's. I pick the prod- ucts I like best. Purely subjective. And "year" doesn't necessarily mean it came out in 1984, only that I acquired it then. With those ground rules, here goes. LaserJet First choice, hands down, is the Hewlett- Packard HP 2686A LaserJet printer. That sucker has changed my life. It replaces the big and noisy Diablo 1620. The Diablo has served me well in the past eight years, and it's still in good shape, but I'll probably donate it to a prospace organization because I'll never go back to it. The LaserJet runs off Zeke II, the Viasyn CompuPro Z80 I'm writing this on. It's quiet. The main printer used to be the NEC 7710 Spinwriter, which runs off the CompuPro 8/16 workhorse we use for everything ex- cept writing. For the past week, the 7710 has been loaded with fanfold checks because nobody bothered to feed it nor- mal paper; it's so much easier to use the Laserlet for everything except checks. It's easy to feed single sheets of letterhead to the LaserJet. It's not much harder to put a stack of letterhead in; or a mix of letter- head and second sheets. The LaserJet will feed sheets from its magazine or accept single sheets as you insert them. The Laserlet is quiet. Whisper quiet. So quiet that it's uncanny; the noisiest thing about it is the schlap when it feeds a sheet of paper. And it's fast. Eight pages a minute, just like clockwork. It eats characters at 9600 bits per second (bps), and while it can't keep up with WRITE (my word-pro- cessing software), it almost does. Because the LaserJet is so fast, there's no pressing need for a printer buffer. In contrast, we feed data to the NEC Spinwriter through a dandy little Applied Creative Technology Printer Optimizer. The Optimizer is a box full of memory that the computer thinks is a really fast printer, and I'd name it as a product of the year except that I've had it more than a year. I suppose one day I'll get around to hooking the LaserJet to the Op- timizer, but there's no hurry. The LaserJet is smart, too. We've never had a paper jam, although my friend Tony managed one with his. The LaserJet will print both sides of a sheet, but it's a heat and dry powder process, meaning that you want to be careful about loading and stack- ing paper already printed on one side. Tony was recycling paper and put some in carelessly. A sheet jammed. He cleared it. The LaserJet automatically repeated the page— from the top. complete with header and proper page number. LaserJet, I love you. TWEEK IT The second product of the year goes by the unlikely name of Tweek, which advertises itself as a "contact enhancer." It's a clear liquid you dab onto places where you suspect you're getting bad contact: IC sockets, edge connectors, RS-232C plugs, that sort of thing. It comes in a kind of (continued) MAY 1985 • BYTE 307 Inquiry 327 PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMMER'S BULLETIN: Be Productive, Be The Programmer's Editor BRIEF'S power and flexibility provide dramatic increases in programming productivity. BRIEF'S economically designed human interface becomes a natural extension of your mind, allowing you to eliminate tedium and concentrate on creativity. • WINDOWS • Full UNDO (N Times) • Compile within BRIEF • Keystroke Macros • Exit to DOS inside BRIEF • Programmable Macro Language BRIEF is a trademark ot UnderWare. Solution Systems ,s a trademark nl Solution St Multiple files, unlimited size "Regular Expression' search Reconfigure keyboard Language sensitive user controllable features (such as Auto-Indent for C) AVAILABLE FOR PC-DOS. IBM-AT. AND COMPATIBLE SYSTEMS ONLY $195. DEMO AVAILABLE FOR ONLY $10 (applicable to future purchase) CALL TOLL FREE 800-821-2492 for "Technical Description " or to order -Solution .Systems 335-B Washington St., Norwell. MA 02061 617-659-1571 "I'M PROLOG-86 Become Familiar in One Evening Thorough tutorials are designed to help learn the PROLOG language quickly. The in- teractive PROLOG-86 Interpreter gives immediate feedback. In a few hours you will begin to feel comfortable with it. In a few days you are likely to know enough to modify some of the more sophisticated sample programs. Sample Programs are Included like: ■ an EXPERT SYSTEM ■ a NATURAL LANGUAGE INTERFACE (it generates a dBASEII "DISPLAY" command) ■ a GAME (it takes less than 1 page of PROLOG-86) PROTOTYPE Ideas and Applications QUICKLY 1 or 2 pages of PROLOG is often equivalent to 10 or 15 pages in "C" or PASCAL. It is a different way of thinking. Describe the FACTS and RULES without concern for what the computer will have to do. Maybe you will rewrite in another programming language when you are done. Programming Experience is not required but a logical mind is PROLOG-86 supports the de facto STANDARD — in "Programming in Prolog" by Clocksin & Mellish. AVAILABILITY: PROLOG-86 runs on MSDOS, PCDOS or CPM-86 machines. We provide most formats. The price of PROLOG-86 is only $125. Full refund if not satisfied during first 30 days. 800-821-2492 -Solution Systems 335-B Washington St., Norwell, Mass. 02061 617-659-1571 CHAOS MANOR hypodermic syringe with a thin flexi- ble tube instead of a needle, making it easy to get it into hard-to-reach places. My first use was on a sticky Reset button. I didn't bother to turn off the machine, just pulled the top off the button and squirted in the merest drop. Voila! Last week my telephone started to make horrible static noises, which could be cured by violently shaking the instrument, only they'd come back. I took it apart, took off the plastic cover over the little relay con- tacts activated by hanging up the phone, and squirted. The noise went away. Faulty TV remote controller: squirt. Noise in an audio system: squirt. So far, Tweek has cured about a dozen annoying problems. A little bit of the stuff goes a long way. Get some. You'll love it. Fixing Up a PC Four products of the year for the IBM PC. First, the outstanding Wico Smart- line Smartboard keyboard, which is very nearly everything I ever wanted a keyboard to be. My other three choices of outstand- ing PC products are: Orchid Tech- nology's PCturbo 186 board, which makes the PC at least as fast as a PC AT and gives you RAM (random- access read/write memory) disk capa- bility in the bargain: Borland Interna- tional's SideKick, which lets you take notes, send messages, fix your calen- dar, and look up phone numbers any- time you have your PC turned on and no matter what you're doing with it; and Living Videotext's ThinkTank. Writers who use a PC and don't use ThinkTank are working too hard. Believe me. TUTSIM It's not exactly a product of the year, but one of the most improved pro- grams I've seen lately is Tutsim. If you have any interest at all in mathe- matical modeling, the short form of Tutsim for $29.95 is a pretty good deal if you want to know something about analog block-structure models. [continued) 308 B YTE • MAY 1985 Inquiry 328 yniifum:hifvu:itm,-B,Y,(i)u helps compare, evaluate, find products. Straight answers for serious programmers. SERVICES • Programmer! Referral List ■ Dealer's Inquire • Compare Products • Newsletter • Hell find I Publisher • Rush Order • Evaluation Literature tree • Over 700 products • BULLETIN BOARD -7 PM to 7 AM 617-I26-4SM ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE EXSYS - Expert System building tool. Full RAM, Probability, Why, Intriguing, serious. PCDOS $275 GC LISP - 'COMMON LISP", Help, tutorial, co-routines, compiled functions, thorough. PCDOS $455 IQ LISP - MACLISP & INTERLISP. Full RAM. Liked. PCDOS $155 TLC LISP - "LISP-machine"-like, all RAM, classes, turtle graphics 8087. CP/M-86, MSDOS $235 INSIGHT 1 - Expert Sys. Dev't, decent PCDOS $95 PROLOG-86 - Learn fast, Stan- dard, tutorials, samples of Natural Language, Exp. Sys. MSDOS $125 Expert System front-ends for PROLOG: APES ($275), ES/P ($895) Other solid alternatives include: MuLISP-86 ($1 89), WALTZ LISP for CPM ($159), MicroPROLOG ($275) EDITORS FOR PROGRAMMING BRIEF Programmer's Editor - undo, windows, reconfigurable, macro programs, powerful. PCDOS $195 VEDIT - well liked, macros, buffers, CPM-80-86, MSDOS, PCDOS $119 Free Literature - Compare Products Evaluate products Compare competitors Learn about new alternatives One free call brings information on just about any programming need Ask for any "Packet" or Addon Packet D ADA. Modula □ "Al OBASIC D"C □ COBOL □ Editors □ FORTH DFORTRAN DPASCAL QUNIX/PCorDDebuggers. Linkers. etc RECENT DISCOVERIES FASTER C - Lattice users eliminate Link step Normal 27 seconds, Faster C in 13 sees. MSDOS $95 I'iM.™ We evaluate, carry every available programmers product. Ask. C LANGUAGE INSTANT C - Interactive develop- ment - Edit, Source Debug, run. Edit to Run -3 Sees. MSDOS $495 "INTRODUCING C" - Interactive C to learn fast. 500 page tutorial, examples, graphics. PCDOS $95 MEGAMAX C - native Macintosh has fast compile, tight code, K&R. toolkit, .OBJ, DisASM MAC $275 Audio-based C tutorials. Overview $95. Full $295 C LIBRARIES COMMUNICATIONS by Greenleaf ($159) or Software horizons ($139) includes Modem7, interrupts, etc. Source. Ask for Greenleaf demo. C SHARP Realtime Toolkit - well supported, thorough, portable, ob- jects, state sys. Source MANY $600 APPLICATION TOOLKIT by Shaw - Complete: ISAM, Screen, Overlay mgnt, report gen, Strings, String math. Source. CPM, MSDOS $495 ROMPack - special $Main .EXE edi- tor, source, tech support, 8086. $185 DEBUGGERS PERISCOPE DEBUGGER - load after "bombs", symbolic, "Reset box", 2 Screen, own 16K. PCDOS $279 SOURCE PROBE by Atron for Lattice, MS C, Pascal. Windows single step, 2 screen, log file. $395 FORTRAN LANGUAGE MacFORTRAN - full 77, '66 option, toolbox, debugger, 128K or 51 2K, ASM-out option MAC $375 DR/Fortran-77 - full ANSI 77, 8087, overlay, full RAM, big arrays, com- plex NUMS., CPM86, MSDOS $249 Ask about Microsoft, Supersoft, others. OTHER LANGUAGES ASSEMBLER - ask about FASM-86 ($95), ED/ASM ($100) - both are fast, compatible, or MASM ($125), improvements. BetterBASIC all RAM, modules, structure. BASICA - like $185 HS/FORTH - '79 & '83 Standards, full RAM, ASM, BIOS, interrupts, graph, multi-task, optimizer MSDOS $250 MBP COBOL has screen control, strong doc, '74interm.,fast. MSDOS $680 SUPPORT PRODUCTS BASIC DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM - (BDS) for BASICA; Adds Renum, crossref, compress. PCDOS $115 PLINK-86 for Overlays, most lang., segment control. MSDOS $325 Pro YAM Communications Package - All a programmer'd want. TTY, VT 100, 31 01 , MODEM7, BBS. Remote, macros, windows MSDOS $139 CODESMITH - visual, interactive debugger. Symbolize, modify code $1 29 C LANGUAGE OUR PRICE call 495 call 279 call 175 EDITORS Programming | | LANGUAGE LIBRARIES EJHEEia MSDOS: C86-8087. reliable Instant C - Inter .fast, full Lattice 2 1 - improved McrosoftC2x Williams, debugger, fast C Systems & debugger CPM80: EcoPlus C • faster. SLR 275 BDS C- solid value 125 MACINTOSH Sottworks 365 Megamax-obiect. full 275 Consulair's MAC C 275 Compare, evaluate, consider other Cs OUR RUNS ON PRICE BRIEF -Intuitive, flexible PCDOS 195 C Screen with source 86/80 75 Epsilon ■ like EMACS PCDOS 195 FINAL WORD-for manuals 86/80 215 MINCE-like EMACS PC 80 149 PMATE-powerful 8086 185 VEDIT-full, liked 86/80 119 Active Trace-debug BASCOM-86- Microsoft BASIC Dev't System Betten3ASIC-640K CB-86-DRI Prof BASIC Compiler Databurst - screens SCREEN SCULPTOR RUNS ON 8680 8086 PCDOS PCDOS CPM86 PCDOS MSDOS PCDOS 75 2/9 115 185 419 89 215 115 COHERENT - for "C" users PCIike 475 COHERENT-NCI-Realtime PCIike call XENIX- plus C to MSDOS PC 1275 Ask about run-times, applications. DOS compatibil- ity, other alternatives. UNIX is a trademark of Bell Labs GRAPHICS: GraphiC-source in C GRAPHMATIC-3D FTN. PAS HALO-last, lull-all lang FILE MGNT BTneve-all lang Clndex < -source, no royal CTree-source, no royal. dBC ISAM by Lattice dB VISTA- "Network "Structure PHACT-up under UNIX, addons OTHER CUtil by Essential Greenleaf -200 t CSharp - Real-Time PORTABLE Cto PC, Mac, II SOFT Horizons - Blocks I SCREEN CURSES by Lattice CView - input, validate MetaWINDOW- icons, clip PANEL -many lang, term ProScreen - windows, source Windows for C MSDOS 219 PCO0S 125 PCDOS 139 MSDOS 215 86'80 369 ALL 369 8086 229 MSDOS 465 MSDOS 225 MSDOS 129 MSDOS 159 MSDOS 600 Many 125 PCDOS 139 PCDOS 125 PCDOS 195 PCDOS 139 MSDOS 249 PCDOS 415 MSDOS 175 OUR RUNS ON PRICE MS F0RTRAN-86 - Impr. MSDOS $ 239 DRFortran-86-full"77" 8086 249 PolyFORTRAN-XREF, Xtract PCDOS 165 A<* about ISAM other addons tor BASIC EME3 ALL PRODUCTS - We carry 700 products for MSDOS. CPM 86, CP M 80. Mac- intosh and key products lor other micros Call for a catalog, literature, and solid value 800-421-8006 THE PROGRAMMERS SHOP™ 128-BRockland Street, Hanover, MA 02339 Visa Mass 800-442-8070 Of 61 7-826-7531 MasterCard 8517 OTHER PRODUCTS! Assembler & Tools - DRI 8086 159 Atron Debugger for Lattice cEnglish - dBase to C PCDOS 395 MSDOS m C Helper DIFF, xref, more 86/80 135 C0DESMITH-86- debug PCDOS 125 MacASM-full, fast, tools MAC 11b MBP Cobol-86- fast 8086 680 Modula 2 for MAC PCDOS 90 Micro SubMATH-FORTRAN full 86 80 250 Microsoft MASM-86 MSDOS 125 MSD Debugger PCDOS 119 Multilmk - Multitasking PCDOS 2b5 PC FORTH ) -well liked MSDOS 219 PFIX-86 Debugger MSDOS 169 PL 1-86 8086 49b Polylibranan - thorough MSDOS 95 PolyMAKE °CD0S 95 PROFILER by DWB - flexible MSDOS 109 Prolog-86-Learn, Experiment MSDOS 12b SLK F - Copy Protection PCDOS 145 SYMD debugger-symbols PCDOS 119 TRACE86 debugger ASM MS00S 11b Note All prices subject to change without notice Mention this ad Some prices are specials Ask about COD and POs. All formats available Inquiry 329 MAY 1985 -BYTE 309 ,*<*«>$&* Coro?^ SopP* When the going gets tough, Optimizing C86 comes through time and time again. C86 is a highly dependable C compiler that has been op- timized through the years to provide the best com- bination of reliability, speed, and performance. FAST. IN-LINE 8087/80287 SUPPORT Now you can take full advantage of 8087/80287 capabilities, allowing your programs to run many times faster than possible with other C compilers. Plus the source code to all routines is included, so you have complete control over all functions. MORE OF THE FEATURES YOU WANT • SOURCE is provided to all libraries for total programming control. The source includes a set of standard UNIX routines plus many DOS specific functions. • SPECIAL IBM-PC LIBRARY including com- munication, screen, and keyboard handling functions. - s COMPUTER INNOVATIONS, INC. 980 Shrewsbury Avenue, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 © 1984 Computer Innovations, Inc • COMPATIBLE WITH WIDELY AVAILABLE LIBRARIES such as HALO screen graphics and many, many others (call for list). • TOPVIEW SUPPORT LIBRARY provides win dowmg capabilities. • SPEED OPTIMIZATION — there's always room to tighten your code, and Computer Innovations has the tools to help. For example, PROFILER-86 helps identify key areas for optimization. TECHNICAL SUPPORT, NOBODY DOES IT BETTER Computer Innovations has earned a reputation for providing customer support that is unequalled in the industry. This includes a user's group, an on-line bulletin board, and a user's newsletter. JOIN THE THOUSANDS OF PROGRAMMERS WHO TRUST AND RELY ON C86 For Further Information Call 800-922-0169. Technical Assistance Call (201) 542-5920. Computer Innovations features a full line of C products including C-to-dBase (dBase develop- ment tool) and Introducing C (C Interpreter Language Learning System). Call or write for a product profile. For Further Information Call 800-922-0169 Technical Assistance Call (201) 542-5920 Inquiry I0I Inquiry 343 CHAOS MANOR TUtsim is a rather odd program that turns your digital computer into a whole mess of op-amp (operational- amplifier) analog amplifiers. If you don't know what that means, you'll have a bit of work puzzling out how to use the program. If you haven't had elementary calculus, it's unlikely you'd want TUtsim, but you might. One of my boys is in precalculus in high school, and it's interesting to watch him play with dynamic models. The last time I mentioned TUtsim, I said, "It ain't easy to use, and the manual's lousy." Since then the peo- ple at Applied i have added examples, rewritten the manual, and provided help files. Even if you've never done block-structure simulation, if you read the whole manual about five times you'll begin to get the idea. A couple of hours of mucking around with TUt- sim taught me more about simulation than I'd have thought I could learn in a week. It's simple enough to use TUtsim once you cotton on to how to do simulations with blocks. There are clock-function blocks, Booleans, inte- grators, delays, random-noise-gen- erator blocks, etc.; certainly a rich enough variety to build some pretty complex models of things changing over time. Those with experience in this sort of modeling will find TUtsim a delight. Those who haven't done op- amp modeling can learn about it and have fun at the same time. There are versions of TUtsim for CP/M-80, the Apple II, and the IBM PC. There is an IBM PC version mak- ing use of the 8087 and another to support the Hercules high-resolution graphics board; there's no install pro- gram, but the IBM PC review copy I received had both the regular and the 8087 versions on it. The demonstration or short form of the program is limited to 15-bIock models, which is big enough to allow you to learn the principles of simula- tion. The professional version lets you build models up to 999 blocks, but Applied i wants $495 for it. That seems a bit steep to me. I suppose if you need this kind of thing it might be worth the price, but I'd be sur- prised if they sold many of them. TUtsim is not copy-protected, and it works like a bomb with the Orchid PCturbo 186 board; it also runs fine on the Z-l 50 and Z-160 PClones. The CP/M-80 version works with a Z-l 00. I recommend TUtsim for anyone teaching calculus or engineering, and if you have any interest in math, you ought to be able to get as much fun out of the $29.95 short form as you would get from a game at the same price. Universe Speaking of games, an outfit called Omnitrend Software has come up with the most complicated game I ever did see. It's called Universe, and it runs on an IBM PC (color only) or the Z-l 00; the version I have can figure out which machine it's running on, which is pretty clever. It will also run on the Z-160 without a color screen. There are versions for Apple and Atari, but I've never seen them. Universe has some of the features of the Imperial Trader game I've been writing off and on for a year now. In fact, it has some of the features of nearly every game I ever heard of. It takes time; it took me nearly five hours to take out a mortgage loan, buy and equip a ship, and get started loading cargo and passengers; that, however, was before I got the manual updates. Once I get financing and choose a ship and equipment, I can make some trading runs. There are a lot of op- tions. I may try my hand at piracy but not just yet. since I couldn't afford to buy any weapons for my ship, and the bank will want its payments in a few short years. First task is to pick up some profits carrying passengers. Universe comes on two disks with an enormous manual. The first ver- sion 1 got didn't have enough ex- amples, so that it was pretty hard to figure out what to do. I complained, and Omnitrend added a scenario get- ting you through the early purchase and jump-off. There are about a zillion decisions to make. I confess that the silly game has got me interested; even with the {continued) BOY! did we GOOF! s V We made ReadiWriter™ so terrific. we're losing mone y! We'll honor the old $125. price un- il May 31, 1985. After that, the pricegoes up to $395. ReadiWriter" the ONLY choice for formatting Large Documents • ReadiWriter is a word processor utilizing imbedded 'Tags." It comes with a full screen editor and 3 indexed manuals. • Precision control over document layout— reformats and renumbers after changes— automatic Table of Contents —Indexing rebuilt automatically. • Footnotes— bottom of page; end of chapter; automatic numbering; auto flow to next page. • Rich set of features— Lists; Figures; Macros; Fonts; Proportional spacing. Remember! Order now at the original price of $125. IBM/PC and Compatibles, 128K, 2 Drives $395. ReadiWriter and Manuals $395.00 Manuals and Demo Disc 35.00 Shipping and Handling 3.00 Visa, Mastercard or M0. Ml & CT residents add sales tax. At your Computer Store or order direct: (616) 327-9172 ReadiWare Systems, Inc. P.O. Box 515, Portage, Ml 49081 MAY 1985 -BYTE 311 CHAOS MANOR flu, I found myself working on ship- design trade-offs and the like. There are a lot of choices. It's all logically structured and pretty realistic. Universe is copy-protected, which is acceptable for a game. If you have a two-drive system, you can put the player data on your own disk. The player files are copyable, so you can start from any saved point if you don't like the way things turned out. There's one "feature" I don't much care for. The game manual is enor- mous and fairly well organized (al- though the index leaves a lot to be desired). The manual includes a par- tial list of the products that you, the trader, can deal in— and an offer to sell you the complete list for about 1 5 bucks. Omnitrend claims you don't need the complete list, and you could make a good case that it's more realistic not to have it; but in my first play of the game I found it useful, and it seems a bit unreasonable to charge that much money for five sheets of paper. Another feature that's going to drive me nuts is the control system. Uni- verse is largely menu-driven, and to select items on the menu you can't just put in the item number. You have to move a cursor arrow up and down a menu (with as many as 3 5 items)— but the arrow keys won't always do that. Generally, you must use the Select, Start, and Option keys. Of course, the IBM PC doesn't have those keys— the manual was evidently writ- ten for the Atari version— so you must use Fl, F2, and F3. Alas, while Select and Start may have intuitive mean- ings, Fl and F2 don't, and they don't always do what you expect them to do. I found myself wasting a lot of time giving inappropriate commands, lust how much trouble would it be to implement the arrow keys? Quibbles aside, there's a lot of good planning in this game, and I'm im- pressed. Ordinarily I wouldn't review a game until I'd played it all the way through— but with Universe that's like- ly to take quite a long time. If you like complicated games, you might like this one. Later: Aaarrrgghhh!!! I have managed to make an enormous profit, but I seem to be stranded in space. I quit in disgust, but after all, 1 did save the game at many stages, so I won't have to backtrack too far. The worst of it is, I expect 1 will have another shot at it. I did, too. And more after that . . . Professional BASIC and TRACE86 Another greatly improved program is Morgan Computing's Professional BASIC for the IBM PC. Alas, it won't work with SideKick. It doesn't work THE SPORTS HOTEL. GOOD HEALTH IS GOOD BUSINESS. CHAOS MANOR with Magic Keyboard either, but that doesn't bother me now that I have the Wico Smartline Smartboard. Profes- sional BASIC is a complete interactive debugging system that makes it con- siderably easier to write large and complex BASIC programs. Morgan has recently dropped the price to $99. Morgan also markets a program called Trace86. This was written by Dr. Neil Bennet, author of Professional BASIC. It's somewhat similar to the MS-DOS Debug utility, but it gives more information and is a bit easier to use. I haven't had extensive ex- perience with it. but I did use it to see if it would be useful in writing demons to defeat copy protection. It is, but some copy-protected programs are also "Trace-protected, 1 ' meaning that extra code has been put in to make the programs unrunnable under Trace utilities. This also makes the programs fragile and hard to debug, but many publishers seem to think they need protection more than customers. Trace86 is not copy-protected and has a reasonable license policy. The Trace86 manual is as good as Digital Research's DDT and SID manuals were; if you're familiar with debugging tools, you'll have no prob- lem with this one. If you're not, you'll have to learn the theory elsewhere; this will teach you how to use Trace86, but not why you need it. Computer Companion Back in the seventies when I first got Ezekial, my friend who happened to be a Z80 computer, the big problem was systems integration. When you bought a computer, you got several boxes of parts, and even if you bought everything "assembled and tested," you had problems getting the com- puter to talk to the outside world. Professional BASIC makes it considerably easier to write large and complex BASIC programs. Zeke used a memory-mapped video board and separate keyboard, most- ly because in those days the best text editor I'd ever seen was Electric Pen- cil, and Pencil didn't know how to work with a terminal. Also, in those days it wasn't so easy to hook up to a terminal. Then came Adam Osborne with the first low-cost all-up computer; you [continued] ■ 1985 Holiday Inns, Inc. .s the world's hotel leader, we have a commitment to your good health. And it shows. Over 900 of our hotels offer facili- ties for sports enthusiasts, like tennis courts and running courses. In our 200 Holidome* indoor recreation centers, you can swim in an enclosed pool, use a whirlpool or sauna. . . or just relax and think about it all. Helping you keep fit is one reason Holiday Inn" hotels are the number one choice of Amer- ica's business trav- elers. And we're working to keep it that way. . . to give you one more good reason to call 1-800-HOLIDAY for all your travel reservations. HOLIDAY INN." A BETTER PLACE TO BE." MAY 1985 IYTE 313 CHAOS MANOR took it home, plugged it in, and it ran. It set the style for what a computer should look like: two built-in disk drives, a screen, and a keyboard. Pretty soon most of us decided those were the minimum requirements for a real computer, as opposed to toys. It made sense. Real computers do important work. Important work needs backup copies. Making backup copies requires two disk drives, because if you don't have two disk drives, you won't make the copies. Nobody wants to sit there swapping disks back and forth. As for keyboard and screen, it was true that some sys- tems didn't have them built in, but that was advanced equipment, suit- able for experts who knew about smart and dumb terminals, and data- transmission rates, and complicated stuff like that. Computers for the rest of us came with everything. It was easy enough to fall into the habit of thinking that way. Comes now the Companion to challenge that notion. The Companion is about as simple as a computer system can get. It con- sists of a smooth gray metal box 1 Vh inches long by 6V* inches high by 3/2 inches wide. It weighs maybe eight pounds. There's one 5!4-inch disk drive; an on/off switch: a Reset button: two RS-232C jacks: one parallel out 1 - put jack: an edge connector: a han- dle: and a power cord. Packed in with it is one floppy disk and a 50-page manual. That's it. No keyboard, no screen, no mice. The manual tells me the Companion is a 4-MHz Z80A. The disk drive formats floppies in the Mor- row single-sided double-density for- mat. According to the manual, the disk drive knows how to read and write to IBM. Kaypro. and Osborne disks, although it won't format them. ULTIMATE PLACE FOR YOUR COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND COMPONENTS LOOK WHO WE SELL TO Hughes Aircraft Northrop Rockwell International IBM Price Waterhouse TRW Plus Many More . . . Call today for our quote — TOLL FREE OUTSIDE CAUF. §1 1-800-423-6326 AND WHAT WE SELL Lotus 1-2-3 dBASE III Hayes 1200B Microsoft Epson Okidata Anchor Orchid Technology Paradise Plus Many More . . . You'll be glad you did! IN CALIFORNIA (21 3} 827-1851 SOFTWARE GALORE, INC. 4079 GLENCOE AVENUE • MARINA DEL REY. CAUFORNIA 90292 The manual doesn't say it, but the disk drive won't read double-density Osborne disks or Osborne Executive disks. There is apparently a model of the Companion that accepts double- sided disks, but mine doesn't. In other words, the Companion is strictly a no-frills job— but within those limits it's quite a lot of machine. The Companion actually has three disk drives. Drive C: is the regular flop- py. Drive B: is a small ROM (read-only memory) drive that boots the Com- panion with CP/M 2.2. The ROM also contains a general utility program with Copy and Format commands and a terminal-emulation program. Drive A: is a l90K-byte RAM disk. That makes a lot of sense. Except for power failures, a RAM disk is more reliable than a floppy and certainly faster. The Copy routine lets you copy from the RAM disk to the floppy and vice versa. The theory is that you do most of your work on the super- speedy drive A: and from time to time save the results onto the floppy. That works, too. since copying is pretty fast. My first thought was that 190K bytes (186K on the floppy) isn't really enough disk space, but then I recalled that my first machine's 8-inch drives didn't hold but 240K bytes and were noisy to boot, and I thought Zeke was wonderful. Zeke and I did a lot of writing, kept my accounts, did my taxes, and managed my files. Zeke's old iCOM drives were slower than the Companion's floppy, and Zeke never ran faster than 2 MHz. That got me to thinking. I'd have been thrilled to have the Companion back when I first started. With a good terminal and the WRITE text editor I use, the Companion would be one heck of a writer's engine; and depend- ing on which terminal and printer were selected, the cost could be kept low. Up to now I've tended to recom- mend the Kaypro to colleagues ask- ing for low-cost entry-level equipment; but some of them don't like the key- board and/or the small screen. The Companion might just be the ideal first computer for a writer. One problem, though: how hard [continued) 314 B YTE • MAY 1985 Inquiry 364 for Dealers. Inquiry 365 for End-Users. A COMPUTER PROGRAM THAT SPEAKS YOUR LANGUAGE \*AA»» »*+»*)/******» a wmm The Computer Chronicles, a half- hour weekly television series brings you news and information from Silicon Valley andaround the world. Correspondent Stewart Cheifet and Gary Kildall, creator of CP/M cover today's headlines and the stories behind them. Find out what is, what was and what will be, with the only computer program you're ever going to need. The Computer Chronicles, every week on a public tele- vision station near you. (Check local listings for time and channel.) Dim POPULAR Produced by KCSM, San Mateo. CA and with. Harrisburg, PA with funding from McGraw-Hill's BV I [and COMPUTING magazines. MAY 1985 -BYTE 315 J. .?. M.T l.BW M.I 4.391 •• * 4,91a 71. S M.3M «-,*«• 41 ' a a.a jj Ji* • ...s.a a s-s * • • s-a _ '1.4 B3.4T* aa.7 sl.ai M.a »s.*». r W if.* 1.* t4* 1.1 M ■ 1.1 B73 • B37 1.3 •»* l.» Ml 6 •"■' t. * 41*1 3.4 I.S Ml 1.1 I. * B33 •.' 1 3t* l.« B33 l.f I!B1 1.1 IH1 «IM 1.* (114 BT3 I.S • • i.s •■■» I.T ITM Ml i. a bm I.HI IN.) 3.41 i.l si i.S u t. < « SB 3-4 " 4 1.3 >• 3. 3 19 3, • *. 3TS ST. 3 3 M 1.9 BT44 ». 1.3 37 •«* ■ n • * r- >■ - l* • i ■• •113 IT a.? s* mat* sr.s j..« ».s *.sia **.a s,*aa ts.s mn sr.s 3.3*3 M.a 4.3*1 st-a •.ax **.a ***i.m st.s *.»ti «, <• ..«m aa.a s.im itaVa mi,h> mm. at sr.a ».*?• m.« 3.«m M.a t.tu i7« ix. a *.- Ml ».a 3*3 U.C 3*1 iS.4 .77 ».« M7 »,i "».M1 ■■ ■ -•- ia.i •[> ■ » *a» a.a *i« i.a •*.*•» a.* _ aau is.s *aa »* _bss a.a *s» a. a .*^..y X* > *SS > «» 73.9 aa.a *.as7 m.« a,**4 ts-t i,im 'i.a >. **« i.mt ii.s i.aa* aawr i.sw aa.a !.**• 1.*** BJ.3 1. *M 44* • ,*4* M.* iwt> II B-i <»l -•- * '»■ -a. 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B*9 B3. 9 • 1*9 ^9 119) 1^9 B131 . h* iM.a 7.4*1 iaa.a a. an ■ ** 1.9 117 I.S IK as a. i »7 a. 3 *• t, *«a aa. a 9, *33 7*. * s, 7a >.*•* 4B.1 S.444 M.a s,ia ra.a •*, 73* ti.« I «•.,*•• 7B.B a* a. * •** *.+ bm a.a bim m i.i w* t'.i »•- i.a- mt •#■ ..» an i.* *t* i.a *u i a*,*** ai. iim i.a *i3a OPI IVM war SK B7» *. • 9T3 a.a aac a. * saa • » •*• a.* i.a ui c.s ••* a.a bm a.a * » ai>* a. a *>*i i.a bim 3. a a.* Ml I.* a*> ■ • SM i.a a.r bim i. * BtJt a. • aiM 1.3 M9 l.« *44 i.a BM ■!i *iai u* atM >.* am US »m M I.a 971 I.S •?* I.S «bj t.S MT I.S Mil ■*■ i.a •*• l.B •!■: i.s >■* t.a •»« i.a ass i.a sim i.a biss *.* ai.na *ita i.a bim i.a bim i.a ais • .* ••* a.* bm a.a »m • * mi i.t mt« bu b. * aaa> •.* an *.* a» i.a sm Li iim a.s fin i ■ tni a.T ei.its i.a iiu i. a am i a aia* it I.t I.S I.S •-3 >3 113 T.a I.I M.4M 1.7 i,ei9 as.s i.t ' tgi -ala aa,aas 3.MT *■• • * 316 B YTE • MAY 1985 1N.I11 91.1 • i iin i.a i ••.-.'?• at. i m.in *i. (.9 **M 3.1 1.0 ITS 1.9 -..,■-. n.m t,tTS T1.4 r.*4S *.< ■■■ j ' »,Wi •99 1.9 •»» MM ■—-• T.*»9 IM 1.1 111 •* 9.4 *9 -- 9.T 31 1.3 IM 1.9 :•' I tJ,™ 7*. ■ *3. G t.m «uv ^!» •!; «.• •!« 9T9 9.9 9.9 99* 9.9 If you use an Apple* II Plus, He or lie, now there's a spreadsheet that won't invade your space. FlashCalc; from Paladin? It allows you to finally expand your spreadsheet powers beyond 128K. At 256K, FlashCalc provides nearly twice the model size of VlsiCalc" or AppleWorks! And five times the capacity, when memory is increased to 512K. It's also more than 3 times faster than VlsiCalc. Or AppleWorks. lb further prove our case, consider FlashCalc's extra features. Like variable column widths, so you won't have to abbreviate Interdepartmental Amortization Analysis. (You'll also have room for the total total.) More ready-to-use financial functions, which you'll appreciate when you depreciate. More printer options, so you can easily adjust the size of your printed spreadsheet. In fact, FlashCalc gives you lots of features not available on most spreadsheets. At a price not available on most spreadsheets— $99? A built-in conversion program even allows VlsiCalc owners to easily transfer files and formulas. And, of course, FlashCalc also runs on the entire IBM' PC family, including PC jr. So call 800-4-PALADIN for the name of the FlashCalc dealer nearest you. They'll give you all the details. WeVe just run out of space. FlashCalc HjhW s ? ♦>T i Paladin Paladin VISICORP-PALADIN IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. VisiCalc is a registered trademark of Software Arts. Apple and AppleWbrks are registered trademarks of Apple Computet Inc. "Suggested retail price. MAY 1985 -BYTE 317 Inquiry 228 IB for ELECTRONIC * COMPUTER RS-232 DATA LINE MONITOR A miniature Data Line Monitor determines the status of the seven key signals of the RS-232 J^^ data path. AH 25 pins wired through, and ^C^*^,.-'*'''*' dedicated red LED's repon th-j status of Transmit Data, Receive Data. Request to Send, Clear Send, Data Set Ready. Data Carrier Detect. Data Termir Ready, LED's glow at 3 Volts. MODEL GENDER 1-9 DLMS M-F Shielded 37.35 flpP*V Deluxe Monitor now available v EmV green LEDs to indicate a hi low condition. Metal shield. DLMS-2 M-F Shielded 46 95 10-24 33.99 Kith red/ or open 42 72 DATA LINE GENDER CHANGERS Needed when connectors won't mate. Choice (££. of shielded, unshielded, or Centronics ^5 RS-232 Gender Changers 3^ DG-25F (F-F) Unshielded 16.95 DG-25M (M-M) Unshielded 16.95 DGS-25F (F-F) Shielded 18.65 DGS-25M (M-M) Shielded 18.65 1542 15.42 16.97 16.97 Centronlc Gender Changers DGS-36F (F-F) Unshielded 36 95 DGS-25M (M-M) Shielded 36.95 33.62 3362 22.70 RS-232 DATA JUMPER BOX ADAPTER Used to customize RS-232 interfaces. All 25 pins terminate to 25 solder pads. The PC board ^ normal operation This compact protector ^"^^^J mounts in series. All 25 lines are wired through. DSP (Male-Female) 24.95 22.70 TOLL FREE ORDERING • ADD $4.50 Ship. * Hand. 800-343-1455 : 5$ MA & Technical Calls m CS 617-682-6936 DATA TRANSFER SWITCH BOXES • Sturdy Aluminum Cases • RFI Safety Proof • Light Tan Color gjifi • High Grade Rotary Switch ^ • Size: 2.25" x 7.25" x 5" "*^ • 6 LED Hi-Lo Monitor (Optional) RS-232 12 Lines Switched DT2512 2 2 Way (1in-2out) DT2512-3 3 Way (1in-3out) Switches-Lines: 2-6, 8, 15. 17, 20, 24. 25 RS-232 All 25 Lines Switched DT2525-2 2 Way (1in-2out) 115.00 DT2525-3 3 Way (1in-2out) 130.00 Optional 6 LED (Hi-Lo) MonitorAdd $30.00 Centronics 25 Lines Switched DT3625 2 2 Way (1in-2out) 155 00 DT3625-3 3 Way (1m-2out) 175.00 Switches: 1-16, 18, 31-36, 19-30 DATA TRANSFER SWITCH BOXES • Sturdy Steel Cases • RFI Safety Proof • Dark Tan Color • Molded Rotary Switch • Size: 3.2" x 6" x 5.9" • Unconditionally Guaranteed RS-232 12J.ines Switched DB2512-2V '" 2 Way (1in-2out) DB2512-3V 3 Way (1in-3out) DB2512-4V 4 Way (1in-4out) DB2512 X Crossover Switches: 2-6,^ 15. 17, 20, 22, 24. & 25 RS-232 All 25 Lines Switched DB2525-2V 2 Way (1m-2out) DB2525 3V 3 Way (1in-3out) DB25254V 4 Way (1in-4out) DB2525X Crossover Centronics 25 Lines Switched CN3625 2V 2 Way (1in-2out) CN3625-3V 3 Way (1in-3out) CN3625-4V 4 Way (1m-4out) CN3625X Crossover Switches 116, 18. 31-36, 19-30 Centronics All 36 Lines Switched CN3625-2V " 2 Way (1in-2out) CN36253V 3 Way (1in-3oul) CN3625-4V 4 Way (1m-4out) CN3625X Crossover 99 00 115 00 5-9_ 94.05 109.25 109 25 123 50 147 25 166.25 99.00 94.05 115.00 109 25 135 00 12825 120 00 114 00 120.00 114.00 140 00 133 00 165.00 156.75 150 00 14250 155.00 147.25 175.00 166 25 195 00 185.25 180 00 171.00 170.00 161.50" 195.00 185 25 225.00 213.75 205 00 194.75 !^>:iij DATA PRODUCTS 1755 Osgood St. Rte 125 No. Andover MA 01845 CHAOS MANOR would it be to set up? One reason we used memory-mapped video instead of terminals in the old days was the difficulty of hooking up a terminal. RS-232C connections are anything but standard, and how do you explain data-transmission rates and the like to a beginning writer? Setting Up I got the Companion running while i was talking on the telephone about something else. The only hard part was finding an RS-232C cable with which to hook up to the terminal. Then I remembered one I'd bought and never used: Priority One's "Shielded RS232 Serial Cable Pin l THRU 8 and Pin 20 Male to Male." There was a lot more than I needed— the cable was 2 5 feet long— but that would be a good test, too, since some systems can't handle long cables due to excessive noise pickup (the cable acts as an antenna). I took the Com- panion out of its box and plugged it in; plugged the RS-232C cable into the plainly marked Terminal Port on the Companion: and plugged the other end of the cable into the Tele- Video 950 that my CompuPro 8/16 normally talks through at 19,200 bps. Then 1 turned on the Companion and hit Return on the terminal. According to the manual, the Companion was smart enough to figure out the data- transmission rate for itself. It did, too. I'd left the Companion's drive door open, so it booted off the ROM just as it's supposed to. It comes up in a little utility shell program that offers you the alternative of typing through 5; puts you into CP/M, I will copy a disk, and so forth. Since I could read the messages, it was ob- vious that the terminal was properly set up— data-transmission rate, data and stop bits, and so forth; and sure enough, pressing the put me into standard CP/M. Next the acid test. 1 let the Compan- ion format a disk for me, put that into the CompuPro 8/16 (I had to switch the terminal from the Companion to the CompuPro, of course, but that was no problem), used the CompuPro's Newmedia program to tell it we were going to work with the single-sided double-density Morrow format, and used PIP to transfer WRITE.COM from the 8/16 to the Companion's disk. Brought the floppy back to the Companion, fired up WRITE— Bingo. Worked fine. By gollies, 1 thought, this just very well may be the entry machine for writers. But I'd better make sure. . . Glitches Alas, there are glitches. One is serious. I'll get to it in a minute. The others are irritants that common sense will cure. Of course, 1 don't know how much common sense a new user will have. For example: the floppy-disk drive is mounted vertically. There's no in- dication of which side is "up." I hap- pen to know that drive doors general- ly close from the top, but does every- one? If you put the disk in upside down and try to access the disk, the drive motor goes on and the disk's lit- tle LED (light-emitting diode) lights up— and that's the way things will stay until doomsday. Reset will cure the problem. Turning the machine off will do it, too, but that's not a wise idea, since it's possible for a disk drive to write garbage during power-down. CP/M 2.2 requires you to do a Control-C every time you change disks. WRITE is set up to do the equivalent of Control-C each time you do disk accesses; this is so that you can change disks without exiting WRITE. When we designed WRITE I insisted on this feature, because it lets me make intermediate backup copies of my work and physically remove them from the machine. Also, if I over- fill a disk, I can still save the work simply by putting in a disk with more room on it. Once in a great while WRITE will still get confused when we not only change disks but change disk formats by switching from single to double density, but even then WRITE will recover from the error: at worst you have to log onto the new disk. It doesn't quite work that way with the Companion. Somehow the Com- panion's interrupt-driven BIOS (basic input/output system) defeats all of [continued) 318 BYTE • MAY 1985 I T" J \ YOUR IBM PC PERSONAL PRINTERS What your IBM Personal Computer* commands, the new Facit 4511 and Facit 4512 Serial Matrix Printers will reproduce in quality letters and graphics. All perfect, at a speed of 160 CPS. Twice as fast as the IBM PC printers. The combination of high throughput with Facit quality and reliability in printing performance keep pace with professional p,.j n | p ,. PC developments. ' ' ! M { ' Your printout possibilities are completed by: □ printing in 9 x 9 matrix □ 10 or 17 pitch printing □ fan-fold tractor feed, single sheet with friction feed □ 80 or 132 column paper width (4511 or 4512 versions) Take pride in your printouts with Facit 4511 Perfect • and Facit 4512. At a price every PC-owner can afford. 'IBM PC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Inquiry 166 Head Office: Facit AB. S-17291 Sundbyberg. Sweden. Phone: (8) 7643000. USA: Facit Inc. P.O. Box 334, Merrimack. NH 03054. Phone: (603) 424-8000 A USTRAL1A • E AI Electronics Associates Pry Ltd.. 427-3322. AUSTRIA: Ericsson Information Systems GmbH. 0222-43 95 01. BELGIUM: Ericsson S.A., 02-243 82 11. CANADA: Facit Canada Inc.. 416-821-9400. CYPRUS: LBM (Lillytos) Ltd. DENMARK: Facit A/S, 02-92 2400. FINLAND: OY Facit, 90-77001. FRANCE: Facit S.A.. 1-780 71 17. GREAT BRITAIN '.Facit, 0634-40 17 21. G«E£C£.Computer Application Co., Ltd., 01-671 97 22. HONGKONG .Oilman & Co. Ltd., 5-790 95 55./C£I,4JVD:Gisli J. Johnsen HE 354-17 31 11. INDIA .- Forbes Forbes Campbell & Co. Ltd., 22-26 80 81. IRELAND: Memory Ireland Computers Ltd., 1-98 97 33. ITALY: Facit Data Products S.pA, 0039-63 63 31. JAPAN: Electrolux (Japan) Ltd., 03-479-3411. THE NETHERLANDS . Ericsson Information Systems BY., 03480-709 11. NEW ZEALAND: McLean Information Technology Ltd.. 501-801, 501-219. NORWAY: Ericsson Information Systems A/S. 02-35 58 20. PORTUGAL: Regisconta Sari, 1-56 00 91. SINGAPORE: Far East Office Eqpts Pte Ltd., 745 82 88. SPAIN: Facit 91-457 11 11. SWEDEN: Ericsson Information Systems Sverige AB, 08-29 00 20. SIWrZ££Z.A/VD.Ericsson Informa- tion Systems AG, 01-3919711. USA: Facit Inc., 603-424-8000. WEST GERMANY: Ericsson Information Systems GmbH, 0211-7993 31. CHAOS MANOR WRITE's safeguards. The result is that I can, within WRITE, save a file onto the C: disk; change disks; log onto the A: disk; log back onto the C: disk; but when I get the C: directory, I get the directory of the previous disk! I can force it to log onto the current disk by attempting to load a file that existed on the previous disk but not on this one; the computer goes through a read operation and loads garbage into the text buffer, but after that has the proper bit map. I haven't managed to really mess up a disk by save or load operations, but that doesn't mean it won't happen. If this is a bit disquieting for me. I can just imagine how a beginner would feel. Learn the C Language C LANGUAGE TRAINING SOFTWARE IBM PC-DOS 2.0 + INTRODUCING C is a C language interpreter and learning guide that teaches the fundamentals of C programming. You'll learn pro- gram structure, syntax, and all about libraries - QUICKLY and EASILY. Join the C revolution with INTRODUCING C - from Computer Innovations. Introductory price $95. For further information or to order call 800-922-0169. [| COMPUTER -: INNOVATIONS, INC. 980 Shrewsbury Avenue, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 • (201) 542-5920 "As Fast As You Can Learn BASIC There are other small problems. For example: if you accidentally (forget- ting that the Companion uses single- sided disks) try to format a disk as double-sided, the disk spins, the Select LED lights up— and you can sit there until you reset or starve. Okay, that's not too bad. You reset, invoke the Format program again, and tell it to format that disk as single-sided. The same thing happens! Reset again. When you reset, you come up in the little utility program that offers you the opportunity to format a disk; just for the hell of it, 1 exited to CP/M, then instantly went back into the utility pro- gram and told it to format the disk as single-sided. This time it worked fine. No big problem, but guaranteed to confuse hell out of a beginner. Then I used the CompuPro New- media program (Newmedia comes with the updated TMX BIOS for the CompuPro Disk 1-A Controller, and it can read, write, and format about 40 different 514-inch disk formats] to for- mat a disk as double-sided Morrow and put some files on it. Remove from CompuPro and put into Companion. Do Control-C Try to read the disk. What I get is garbage. It pretends there's a directory on there, but with weird filenames like blank.blank and ©.blank. Just for the hell of it, I used the Copy utility; worked fine, copying the garbage onto the A: RAM disk. None of it was readable, of course. No harm done. Now to invoke the Format program and reformat that disk so I can use it- Drives spin. LED comes on. Wait a while. Reset. Fool around, exit Format, do Control-C, go back to Format. Same result. It will not format that disk. Finally, I took a small magnet to the disk. That took care of the prob- lem. It formatted fine. Okay, I knew to do that. Would a beginner? Inciden- tally, as part of the Format process the Companion writes CP/M onto the floppy's system tracks, although the manual nowhere tells you that. Documents The Companion comes with a 50-page manual. It's an interesting at- (continued) 320 BYTE • MAY 1985 Inquiry 99 Actual size: 21" x 28" What is beauty? 'Beauty is truth, truth beauty. That is all ye know on earth, and all ye need know." John Keats ORCHID TECHNOLOGY is among the innovative leaders in PC productivity enhancements. From Local Area Networks to high performance expansion products such as PCturbo, Orchid is applying cutting edge technology to meet the needs of personal computer users. That is our Truth. Inquiry 302 If you would like a 21" x 28" orchid poster, suitable for framing (depicted above), send five dollars which includes postage and handling to ORCHID POSTER at Orchid Technology. ORCHID TECHNOLOGY ^~\D f~'T_J jr^\ 47790 Westinghouse Drive • Fremont, CA 94539 wl \L^ 11 1 L/ (415) 490-8586 • Telex 709289 MAY 1985 IYTE 321 CHAOS MANOR tempt to pack in a short course on CP/M. some beginner's instructions, and all the necessary technical data about the Companion. In trying to do them all, it doesn't do any of them. Even so, in some respects it's the best short computer manual I have ever seen— but it's written for some- one with at least my level of under- standing. They recommend that the new computer owner get a decent CP/M book. Since the usual CP/M 2.2 documents (which aren't very useful anyway) aren't furnished, the beginner will certainly need one of the myriad introductions to using CP/M; the Com- panion's manual explains just enough to get a completely naive user con- fused and into trouble. There's a one- page "Command Reference" for DDT, and another for ED.COM, and sand- wiched in between those two pages is a very cryptic one-page "explana- tion" of DIR, LOAD.COM, and a pro- gram called XDIR.COM that was not, in fact, on the disk furnished with the Companion. On the other hand, there's a very complete listing of the pin-outs for the three communications ports, an I/O Port Address Table, an Interrupt Vec- tor Table, and lots of other informa- tion that should be available to buyers. There are a whole bunch of references to the BIOS, given in a way that makes it look as if they intended to furnish the BIOS source code; but there wasn't any source code on the disk that came with the Companion I received. It also explains how to reconfigure your keyboard and how to do a number of other interesting things. The Insurmountable Problem General Curtis LeMay, commander in chief of the Strategic Air Command many years ago, used to insist that all his subordinates think positively. One day a colonel ran into General LeMay's office and shouted, "General, we have an insurmountable problem!" LeMay banged his fist on the desk. "Colonel, in this command we don't have problems! We have opportu- nities!" The colonel saluted. "Yes, sir. General, we have an insurmountable opportunity." At the moment the Companion has an insurmountable problem. If I had the BIOS code, I might have treated it as an opportunity to get my hands dirty; I haven't hacked a BIOS in a cou- ple of years. I didn't have the BIOS, though, and so 1 never did get a printer hooked up. The Companion normally sends output to be printed to the parallel port. This is documented, after which the manual explains how to connect a serial printer to the second RS-232C output port. It tells you that you have to do d:STAT LSI = TTY:[RTN] which is not really a very clear instruc- tion for a beginner; if you treat that like a cookbook and type the d:, it not only isn't going to work (since there is no d: disk drive), but you will get an endless series of messages saying, "Not ready error." Note that you do not get a BDOS (basic disk operating system) error. The Companion's BIOS has been jig- gered around to defeat CP/M's BDOS errors. The Companion's manual doesn't tell me that, of course: in fact, it never mentions error messages at all. Note that the new user has been instructed to get a book on CP/M. That's going to tell him to expect the infamous BDOS errors. It isn't going to tell him what to do about a "Not ready error" on a nonexistent disk. Incidentally, if you try to access a nonexistent drive other than D: or E:, you do get the message: "BDOS Err on K: Select," and neither Return, nor Escape, nor Control-C will get you out [continued] You can pay more, but you can't find better • Complete CPU Board with 256K Memory and up to 640K on board, serial and parallel ports. Runs MS-DOS and CP/M-86. Complete documentation included $399 • Floppy Drive Controller $ 89 • Winchester Hard Disk Subsystem for IBM PQ 20MB $850 • Monochrome Card $139 • Color Graphics Card $155 • IBM Compatible Keyboard $ 89 • Multifunction Board (64K) $210 (384K) $350 • Memory Expansion Board (64K) $125 (384K) $300 • Serial Card (2 ports) $ 50 One-year warranty for all add-on cards! CALL TOLL FREE TO ORDER 1800) 630-1542 In California call (400) 730-1795 Technical Support Service (408) 773-8400 195 West El Camino Real Sunnyvale, California 94087 US. SERVEX 322 BYTE- MAY I98S Inquiry 283 (CATIONS BREAKTHROUGH! I THAT TAKES CARE OF ITSELF . . . IN THE BACKGROUND dstar, Lotus, a compiler or whatever.) son enough to own a modern." With HOMEBASE, /tail arrives, automatically, while you're working in another piece ot software. Up in the corner of your screen, a signal flashes to tell you when thereto incoming mail. You can choose to read It as It arrives, or you can ignore it, and your mail will automatically file itself ... to be read at your leisure. AMBER'S HOMEBASE-CHECK THE DIFFERENCE IN VALUE! 'STANT DATABASES . . . BECAUSE THAT'S >F US NEED INFORMATION . . . INSTANTLY! Homebase provides you instant access to your owrv.jSftratfi universe of databases. Just hit the hotkey to freeze wfit software you're working In, and you're ready to find, insert or manipulate data. Hit it again, and you're back working tn your original software, without skipping a beat. DOS SERVICES Need to shift a file up a directory while you're working in Wordstar? It's just a keystroke away with Homebase. You can open multiple directories and sub-directories onscreen, move, copy, view and even edit files from within this powerful Homebase feature. AND A VERY FULL TOOLCHEST Tools that will save you time and help you organize information, schedule, calculate, file and notate. You can even set up your own reference pages for instant recall. ORDER YOURCOPY OF HOT/ HOMEBASE 1 " Motopad j£&f |Rkick™ POLY WINDOWS™ SPOTLIGHT 1 " ■Notepad Notepad Notepad Autodialer Keyboard Macros Calendar IfliUlB^BHMpr' Calendar Calendar DOS Services Calculator Calculator Calculator DOS Services ASCII Table Game Phone Directory Databases Phone Directory Alarm Card Printer Auto Dialer Cord Printer File Cards File Cards Alarm Phone Directory Card Printer Tables ft Pages $49.95 $49.95 $<49.95 Template Maker Data Transfer Cut ft Paste Programmable Hotkey Phone Message Pad Time ft Expense Diary To-do List Electronic Mall Oulckterm Terminal Mailing Label Printer $49,951 SldefclckisaTrodernatkc4Borlandlnterriatlonallnc. FWWlrxlcrwsisaTroctemorkrfPorytroriCorp. SDOtHght is a Trademark of Software Arts OBase(liar A N \ Inquiry 32 5 MAY 1985 -BYTE 333 Finally A Video Board That Leaves The Confusion Behind. On an IBM'" monochrome monitor (or equivalent), STB's Chauffeur displays color/graphics software in full-screen format and no software modifications are necessary. Of course, we built the Chauffeur to work with the family of IBM PCs and compatibles. Our new video board is software compatible with the IBM Color/Graphics Adapter, as well as hardware and software compatible with the IBM Monochrome/Printer Adapter. No More Confusion No more mixing and matching hardware with software. The Chauffeur converts graphics display into a format compatible with t*ne IBM monochrome monitor. For you, that means no more worries about preboot software. Best of all, you don't have to deal with those drivers anymore. Follow The Leader STB's Chauffeur is clearly the leader in video boards. It converts colors to a 16 level grey scale, and gives you a graphics display that fills a monochrome screen. For graphics, the Chauffeur supports the same resolutions as the IBM Color/Graphics Adapter. For text, our board produces a high quality monochrome character set. STB's Chauffeur includes a parallel port, an optional clock/ calendar and our exclusive PC Accelerator™, for print spooling and high speed disk emulation. You also get our one year warranty and an illustrated manual with thorough instructions. Relax And Enjoy The View Buy the Chauffeur now. Put it in your system and enjoy watching graphics on your monochrome monitor. STB Systems, S 1985 STB Systems. Inc. IBM registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp. PC Accelerator trademark of ResiCorp Flight Simulator trademark of Microsoft. PC Paintbrush trademark of Z-Sofl. The Chauffeur trademark of STB Systems, Inc. Avoid The Crazy Drivers In The Graphics Jam With STB's Chauffeur Right Simulator'" Finally you can buy the most popular IBM color/graphics software with no worries about hardware compatibility. STB's Chauffeur video board produces monochrome display without preboot software or those crazy drivers. PC Paintbrush Write For A Free Info Pack Today. inquiry 446 STB Systems, Inc., 601 North Glenville, Richardson, Texas 75081 STB Systems, Inc. from Microcomputer Accessories, Inc. EVERY WHICH WAY BUT LOOSE. Our Tilt n Turn CRT stand lets you move your monitor any which way you want. It fits large CRT's with feet separation up to 12" x 12" The low silhouette design elevates your CRT for increased comfort. It's fully adjustable while in use, with a stable 25° tilt and 360° turn. Anti-skid feet. Cures neck pain, eye strain. Go ahead. It'll make your day. u: _i 5721 Buckingham Parkway P.O. Box 3725 Culver City, California 90231 Telephone 213/641-1800 In Europe: N.V. Microcomputer Accessories Europe S.A. Rue de Florence 37 1050 Bruxelles, Belgique Telephone 02/538.61.73 These and other fine products are available at Computerland, Businessland, IBM Product Centers and other computer/software retail locations. Inquiry 268 for Dealers. Inquiry 269 for End-Users. CHAOS MANOR It works this way. First, you figure out what criteria you want the system to use to reach decisions. Then you give the program a bunch of ex- amples in a matrix where the columns are the criteria and the rows are cases. The final column in the matrix is the recommendation an expert would make in each case. For example, you could take one of those tables of data from BYTE that give all the attributes of a computer, or a printer, or what- ever; add your requirements and rec- ommendations; and generate an "ex- pert" system that would in theory make the same recommendations you would. Now anyone could use it to enter data about a new machine and see what you would say about it. You don't have to enter all the cases you know about. When you think you have enough cases, you tell the machine to go to work. It trundles for a while and comes up with a decision rule. There's no "explanation" as such, but the rule is tree-structured, and you can examine it to see what the machine has done. If there aren't enough cases, the program will tell you by making "null" recommenda- tions in the rule tree. This shows where new examples are needed. If there are contradictory examples, the program will tell you. Contradic- tions usually mean you don't have enough criteria to establish an actual rule. So far, so good. Unfortunately, the program doesn't know how to handle incomplete data or probabilities. It wants absolute cer- tainty with no ambiguities. Worse, you can't weight the criteria. In fact, the pro- gram weights them for you according to their position in the matrix, with the left-hand criterion getting the greatest weight. New criteria (called attributes) can be inserted at any col- umn position, so you can get the ef- fect of weights by the placement of criteria. I tried to simulate probabili- ties, after a fashion, by adding an in- teger variable with a range of to 100; but that didn't work well for me. The manual is clear, and there are examples. The program is reasonably easy to understand but not so easy to use because the editing capabilities are abysmal; the worst spreadsheet 1 know of has better editing functions. You can get the job done, but if it's a big job. you'll curse the program before you're done. I'd think a Bayesian decision- analysis program, which asks for criteria and weights and includes probabilities, could be altered to pro- duce something considerably more powerful than Expert-Ease. Several single-decision Bayesian-theory pro- grams were published in computer magazines back in the seventies, and at least one was sold for less than $100. Having said that, I confess that I'm not ready to sit down and write such a program. Expert-Ease does work, and if you need to generate an expert system from a large mass of cases and variables (up to 32 attri- butes, each with up to 32 values for logical variables, and a range of -32,766 to +32,767 for integer values), I don't know of anything else that would do the job. My copy of Expert-Ease came from Export Software International Ltd. of Edinburgh, but I understand that the program is marketed in the U.S. ex- clusively by Human Edge. This is the outfit that advertised the "expert" program called Mind Prober by prom- ising, "We'll get you into her mind: the rest is up to you," until a number of magazines refused the advertisement. Human Edge also publishes Sales Edge, Negotiation Edge, Management Edge, and Communications Edge, all "expert-system" programs based on your responses to a series of ques- tions very similar to the questions on a standard psychological test. The programs work fine, as programs, but I have serious reservations about the theory on which they're based: that's [continued) TRAPID PACE r DATABASE. The rapid pace of business today demands data storage solutions that can keep pace with fte dynamics of today's computing solutions. Jhe Bernoulli Box " does just that-by creating, expanding, storing and backing up data bases on handy 10 -megabyte cartridges (5 megabytes on the single-drive Macintosh " box). Its transfer rates and access times outperform hard disk devices. And when rapid pace aieans getting somewhere fast, your cartridge-contained data bases go with you. The Bernoulli Box. Available for the IBM PC, XT, AT, most compatibles, the Tl Pro and Apple's Macintosh. For die dealer nearest you, call 1-800-556-1234 ext. 215. In California call 1-800-441-2345 ext. 215. THE L-Jti=GA IOMEGA CORPORATION 182! West 4000 South Roy. Utah 84067 BERNOULLI BOX~ Inquiry 212 MAY 1985 -BYTE 337 A FEW NMT THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH KODAKS CAT QUICK INSTANT SLIDE-MAKERS Kodak Instagraphic" UJ color film _ , Slide Print MOBBSi ^^zrrscr "Make your slides one by one, save on film and have some fun! Correct mistakes, add new facts, give a show the punch it lacks. "Take CRT data off the screen, editfreely in between. "Mount your slides fast and clean — project bright hues on the screen. Meet tight deadlines, do a whole show, win new clients, hear bravo. ' "Waste no money, waste no time, get results that are sublime. " "If you can't do without these cat-quick instant slide-makers another minute, contact your dealer in Kodak audiovisual products, listed in the Yellow Pages under 'AV Equipment and Supplies.' Or, phone 1 800 44KODAK, Ext 293 (1 800 445 6325, Ext 293). Tell em Slide Cat sent you!" The system includes KODAK INSTAGRAPHIC Copy Stand, KODAK INSTAGRAPHIC CRT Slide Imager and CRT Adapters, KODAK INSTAGRAPHIC Color Slide Film, and KODAK INSTAGRAPHIC Slide Mounter and Mounts, © Eastman Kodak Company, 1985 338 BYTE • MAY 1985 Inquiry 148 CHAOS MANOR a large enough subject that I'll get to it another time. OmniTel Encore and Crosstalk We have 1200-bps capability at last. Actually. 1 bought a U.S. Robotics 1200-bps modem nearly a year ago, but Alex took it to San Diego before I ever got it hooked up. He says it works fine, too. One day I'll get it back . . . Anyway, we recently received an OmniTel Encore 1200B, which we in- stalled in the Zenith Z-160. It went into that particular machine because the IBM PC has no open slots— 1 really should get an expansion box— and the Zenith Z-150 is still under Mrs. Poumelle's control. Installation was simple. The Encore can be addressed to ports COM3 or COM4 as well as the standard COM1 and COM2. This means that if you already have two serial ports, as the Zenith machines and the Columbia PC do, there's still no problem putting in an internal modem. The Encore came with Crosstalk XVI, so that's what we used. Crosstalk is a perfectly adequate communica- tions program. I prefer Mycroft Lab- oratories' MITE, because I find it easier to use; but I've been using MITE for years, too, so there's a familiarity factor there. I certainly didn't have any problems using Cross- talk, and 1 appreciated the terminal- emulation capability built into the program, since I was able to log onto the ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) without changing the initialization file that tells MIT I'm using a Telewidget terminal. There isn't a lot you can say about a modem. The Encore was simple to install, the price looks good, and it has worked just fine nearly every night for the past two weeks. I'm sending to Mycroft for a MITE program geared up for it. The Encore is compatible with the Hayes Smartmodem— much more so than the U.S. Robotics modem, has a built-in speaker that lets you hear what's going on (phone tones, dial tones, busy signals, etc.), and works just fine with Crosstalk. OmniTel also makes 300-bps integral modems for Apple and PCjr and both 300- and 1200-bps stand-alones. SemiDisk We've had the SemiDisk RAM disk in the Epson QX-IO for some time now. Works fine, but, alas, only under CP/M; it can't hook into Valdocs 1.8. which is the Epson system that really needs a RAM disk. In fooling around with the SemiDisk. we learned that its im- plementation takes up 3328 bytes of the temporary program area (TPA), which can be significant on a big assembly or load. However, all you have to do is type SEMIDISK R [cr] and the memory is recovered. Getting the RAM disk implemented is just as simple. The SemiDisk comes with instruc- tions on how to use part of its mem- ory as a printer buffer. Installation is simple, but you should read the manual a couple of times. They also have an automatic way to patch their COM file to include a whole bunch (about four pages!) of customization options you can install. If you run an Epson OX- 10 as a CP/M system, the SemiDisk will speed things up considerably. Last-minute good news for Epson owners: SemiDisk now has software to let you use the RAM disk with Valdocs 1.9. MUSIC Mrs. Pournelle teaches music, sings opera, and directs musicals at her school. She's thus very interested in music programs. Tunesmith came about two hours ago. Alas. It's copy-protected. You can make backups, but you have to have [continued] JHSL BRIEFCASE DATA BASE. Your business needs more data base versatility than you get from hard disk systems, versatility to help your people work more productively, wherever they are, or go. Your business needs The Bernoulli Box," a storage system that lets you build and backup individualized data bases-for payroll, accounting, marketing-on rugged, interchangeable 5- and 10 -megabyte cartridges. It works more reliably, quickly, and flexibly than hard disk alternatives-without head crashes. And it works on the IBM PC, XT, AT, compatibles, the Tl Pro and Apple's Macintosh." For the dealer nearest you, call 1-800-556-1234 ext. 215. In California call 1-800-441-2345 ext. 215.- H o BCK" Inquiry 213 MAY 1985 -BYTE 339 THE HIGH PERFORMANCE RANDOM ACCESS TAPE RACK-UP ! THE NEXT GENERATION OF TAPE DRIVES. DATASAFE STAND ALONE UNIT ■ C/W cable (chains off DB-37 connector on rear of computer) ■ Has its own booster power supply ■ Is easy to install DATASAFE INTERNALLY MOUNTED UNIT ■ Is daisy chained off the existing floppy controller ■ Requires IBM plug compatible bus and internally select 4 channel select floppy disk controller ■ No additional slots needed For IBM XT's and compatibles ■ Incorporates main frame micro reel technology Random access ■ Use of PC DOS and MS DOS commands (tree, path, etc.) ■ MTBF - 20,000 hrs. I Reliable (150,000 load and unload failsafe tested by an independent laboratory) C/W software device drivers ■ C/W cable ■ Extremely fast back-ups ■ 10 meg available only ~ Priced less than 50% less than the nearest rival ■ ONE YEAR WARRANTY See us at Canadian Government Stand at Comdex, May 6-9 Atlanta, Georgia The DATASAFE uses industry standard 'A" tape on a self threading 2.2" spool 1050 Clinton St. Buffalo, New York 14206 Tel.: (716) 694 5366 Telex: 916428 ^^ _____^_^_- 762 Gordon Baker Rd. ^M ML ■■■■ill # Willowdale. Ontario ^m I ^mmm Canada M2H3B4 ^^M WWL Tel: (416) 4970531 or toll free 1 800 268 5412 Telex: 06 986133 Business Machines Inc. : R DISTRIBUTOR TERRITORIES AVAILABLE. OEM CALLS INVITED. CHAOS MANOR the original system disk to put into drive A:, not merely the first time you use the program in a session, but every time you want to play a tune. Natural- ly I didn't make any backups. Doesn't seem to have harmed the disk to run off it. The program plays a passable rendition of "Malaguena," a pretty bad one (according to rock/ jazz enthusiast lohn F. Carr) of "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." Every time 1 play a tune and want to hear an- other—there are about 18 on the disk, including "Clair de Lune," Fucik's "Entry of the Gladiators." etc.— I must (1) insert a disk with the Command files on it; (2) insert the original system disk. I don't feel good enough to do that. While the program is playing, it shows a display of the notes played. They are not, alas, in standard musical notation, but consist of strings of data statements (complete with the word "DATA" and the quotation marks) that the cursor runs through, resting brief- ly on each note (ABEF etc.) as it is played. There are also numbers and on the right side of the screen a stan- dard musical notation shows one— and only one— note as it is played. I can see how it would be a lot of fun, but I am determined not to get addicted to copy-protected programs. Alas. Fonts! Now one that is not copy-protected. Fontrix, which works only on PCs with a color monitor. Since Lucy Van Pelt, our fussbudget IBM PC, has only the high-resolution green screen, we can't tell if Fontrix will work with the Orchid Technology PCturbo 186 board. Fontrix works fine with the Z-l 50, which has a color screen. After you've bought Fontrix, you can get a whole mess of very nice fonts, from Arabic to Russian to a bunch of electronics symbols, for $20 a disk. The program allows you to modify existing fonts or create, name, and save your own. It's supposed to print, and there's a menu of printers, including the really high-resolution Toshiba. The printer connected to our Z-l 50 is an MP1 Sprinter dot-matrix, not listed on the Fontrix driver list; I'm sure the MPI emulates one of the many that are on there, but it's too late to call MPI tonight. More next time. Meanwhile. Peter has had an hour to play with it and wants to get a copy for the Hewlett-Packard Touchscreen; connect that to the HP LaserJet printer and you'd have some really nice fonts, graphics, designs, and all kinds of stuff. 1 think we're going to like it. but this is an early report. Winding Down I've decided that if 1 have products of the year I should also have a folly of the year. It was awfully close; in fact, a tie. The Chaos Manor Folly of the Year Award for 1984 is shared. Winner number one is W. Krag Brotby. chairman of the Vault Corporation, for his threat to market Killer Prolok, a copy-protection scheme that will "create a variety of nasty effects" for people who use un- authorized copies. The effects would include planting software worms that would cause the computer to mal- function at random times and under random tasks. Winner number two is Craig McClure, vice president of Defendisk of Denver, who also threatens pro- grams that insert worms into your operating system. They wouldn't nec- essarily surface for quite a long time. Mr. McClure says, "Our booby traps will make Vietnam look like a birthday party." I understand that whole teams of lawyers are anxiously awaiting the ap- pearance of these products. I'm sure Defendisk and Vault will take lots of precautions to see that the original copies of software they protect won't hurt your system. What could go {continued) DATABASE. Businesses today need more than just more data capacity from mass storage devices. They need more data dynamics. And that means backup as well as primary storage. The Bernoulli Box, " with its removable storage system, delivers both. Not only can you create individual data bases on handy 10 -megabyte cartridges (5 megabytes on the single-drive Macintosh " box), you can backup files-in minutes, not hours. The compact cartridges are easily stored. And with the lowest available cost-per-megabyte, you not only save your data, _^_^_ r _ r _,, , but money and time as well. ■v — 'r—r~ ^ r ~T~TTl ■ The Bernoulli Box. Available ; for the IBM PC, XT, AT, most compatibles, the TI Pro and -, Apple's Macintosh. For the dealer nearest you, call 1-800-556-1234 ext. 215. In California call 1-800-441-2345 ext. 215. IOMEGA CORPORATION 1821 West 4000 South Roy, Utah 840(7 ENOULU lllllllllll -* BCK" Inquiry 214 MAY 1985 • BYTE 341 CHAOS MANOR Items Discussed A+ Mouse S150 SideKick $49.95 Mouse Systems Corporation Borland International 2336 H Walsh Ave. 4807 Scotts Valley Dr. Santa Clara, CA 95051 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 (408) 988-0211 (408) 438-8400 Companion Computer $995 Smartline Smartboard . $399 Companion Computers Wico P.O. Drawer CC 6400 Gross Point Rd. Apex, NC 27502 Niles, IL 60648 (919) 362-6655 (312) 647-7500 Encore I200B $499 ThinkTank OmniTel 3090 Oakmead Village Dr. Apple II $150 Macintosh $145 Santa Clara, CA 95051 IBM PC $195 (408) 986-8236 Living Videotext Expert-Ease $2050 2432 Charleston Rd. Mountain View. CA 94043 Human Edge Software Corp. 244 5 Faber Place (415) 964-6300 Palo Alto. CA 94303 (415) 493-1593 TRACE86 $125 Professional BASIC $99 FONTRIX Morgan Computing Apple $95 10400 North Central Expressway IBM $155 Suite 210 Dallas, TX 75231 Data Transforms Inc. 616 Washington St. (214) 739-5895 Suite 106 Denver, CO 80203 Tunesmith $49.95 (303) 832-1501 Blackhawk Data Corp. 307 North Michigan Ave. LaserJet $3495 Chicago, IL 60601 Hewlett-Packard (312) 236-8476 19447 Pruneridge Ave. Cupertino, CA 95014 Tutsim (800) 367-4777 demonstration disk $29.95 IBM PC version $495 MTBASIC $49 95 + $3.50 Applied i Softaid Inc. postage & handling 200 California Ave., #214 POB 2412 Palo Alto, CA 94306 Columbia, MD 2104 5-1412 (415) 32 5-4800 (301) 792-8096 Tweek $18 PCturbo 186 Topology 128K bytes $1095 POB 13038 2 56K bytes $1245 Oakland, CA 94661 Orchid Technology (707) 833-2348 47790 Westinghouse Dr. Fremont. CA 94 539 Universe (415) 490-8586 Atari $89.95 Apple, IBM PC $98.50 SemiDisk Omnitrend Software 512K bytes $799 POB 3 2 megabytes $2499 West Simsbury, CT 06092 SemiDisk Systems (203) 658-6917 POB GG Beaverton. OR 97075 (503) 642-3100 wrong? But just to be safe, 1 think I'll take the precaution of not using them at all. The book of the month is Pascal for BASIC Programmers by Charles Seiter and Robert Weiss (Addison-Wesley Microbooks, 1984). I wish I'd had this one years ago. It's clearly written, well organized, and has good examples, and one of the best discussions of pointers I've seen anywhere. If you're into noncomputer reading, I recom- mend In Search of Schrodinger's Cat by British science writer lohn Gribbin (Bantam New Age, 1984). It's a lay- man's-level discourse on modern physics and quantum mechanics. The cat in question is in a sealed box, and it will be killed if a particular atom emits a particle of radiation, but will be alive otherwise. It turns out that until the box is opened there may be two cats, one alive and one dead. Coming up is a look at the Hewlett- Packard Touchscreen and Thinklet ink- sprayer printer. The Touchscreen is a nice computer all by itself; and used as a high-resolution terminal in con- nection with the CompuPro Shirley, it allows us to run SCADA, a profes- sional-level computer-assisted-design program that rivals some of the best available on big minicomputers. More on that another time. Meanwhile, Tony has my copy of the CompuPro PC Video Board that lets an 8/16 S-100 computer run IBM PC software, and they swear I'll have it Real Soon Now; the contractors have poured the foundations for the new office addition and partly filled up the moat where the grapefruit tree used to be; the software stack has grown another foot; and there seems to be no end to the marvels the computer revolution pours forth. I love it. ■ \erry Pournelle welcomes readers' com- ments and opinions. Send a self- addressed, stamped envelope to \erry Pournelle do BYTE Publications. POB 372, Hancock. NH 03449. Please put your address on the letter as well as on the envelope. Due to the high volume of letters, \erry cannot guarantee a personal reply. 342 BYTE- MAY I08S £very option you'll ever need. You're looking at ULTRAFRAME™ i powerful 8/16 bit multiprocessor /ou can configure to handle any ipplication. It's the one system that can tackle /our toughest jobs today with the :apacity to grow up to 32 users or asks — within the same chassis. Get 5" & 8" Winchester drives from L0-120MB (formatted). Also, 14" ■nodels from 145MB to 1,160MB. And backup systems appropriate to any ;ystem you design. Mow run both MS-DOS md CP/M software. Our system lets you network IBM ^C's, compatibles or other popular 'C's into a serious multiuser business system. Tie PC's into the speed of an S-100 buss with inexpensive boards and a coaxial cable. Each PC can tap network resources including hard disks (10-300MB) and system printers with spooling. The PC's gain the proven network FRONT LWCK management capabilities of TurboDOS™. Run MS-DOS™ and CP/M 86 software plus true multiuser accounting and data base applications. The industry's longest warranty. We've built the ULTRAFRAME to last — and backed it with a full three year warranty. Plus, we give a level of old-fashioned factory support you won't get from anyone else. And on- site maintenance is available nation- wide through 45 service centers. ULTRAFRAME EErr | INDEPENDENT BUSINESS SYSTEMS Call collect (415) 443-3131 TWX 910-386-6003 IBSNET 5915 Graham Court. Livermore, CA 94550 The multiuser system that also networks IBM PCs. ■ MAINFRAME-LIKE CHASSIS & POWER SUPPLY ENGINEERING. Continuous-duty cooling capacity. Solid state power supply circuitry for max. reliability. ■ FAST, HIGH CAPA- CITY HARD DISKS. Full range of 5", 8" and 14" Winchester models from 10 to 1160 MB, including new high-capacity 5" drives. ■ UP TO 32 USERS N PARALLEL. Add 8 or .6 bit SLAVENET™ pro- essor boards — each a :ompleteZ80 or 80186 omputer — to maintain ast, multi-user perform- ince. Both 12 and 20 slot j-100 models available. ■ LOW COST PER JSER. Higher perform- ince and lower cost per iser than any micro net vork. True multi-user, nultitasking operation ilus shared resources. urboDOS™ is a registered trademark of Software 000. W ■ CHOICE OF BACKUP SYSTEMS. Integral 5" or 8" floppies to 1.2 MB. BACKSTOP™ video ar- chiving; BACKSTOP II™ ■ FAST, MULTIPRO- S ' art/S '° P tape CESSOR OPERATING SYSTEMS. IBS P -NET™ and TurboDOS — access to all UCSD Pascal™ and CP/M™ software. IBM PC is a registered trademark of IBM. ULTRAFRAME is a registered trademark of IBS, Inc. CP/M and CP/M 86 are registered trademarks of Digital MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Digital Research. Research. NETWORK BUY HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE AT WHOLESALE + 8%, AND GET 1 4-30 DAY SOFTWARE RENTALS*. . . In just the last few months, The NETWORK has Listed below are just a few of the over 20,000 products available saved its members more than $24,000,000 and at our EVERYDAY LOW PRICES! All software below is priced in processed over 100,000 orders. IBM-PC format. The nation's largest corporations depend on PC NETWORK! On our corporate roster are some of the nation's largest financial industrial and professional concerns including some of the most important names in the computer industry: General Motors Gillette Hewlett Packard Hughes Aircraft IBM ITT Kodak Multimate United Nations Yale University Veteran's Administration plus thousands of satisfied consulting firms, small businesses, user groups, municipalities, government agencies and value- wise individuals ACROSS THE NATION! Their buyers know that purchasing or renting from PC NETWORK saves them time, money and trouble. 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I will also periodically receive "THE PRINT- OUT' , a special up-date on merchandise at prices BELOW even those in my wholesale catalog, and all the other exclusive, money-saving servic es available to Members. 355 L I am under no obligation to buy anything My complete satisfaction is guaranteed Please check (*•*) all boxes that apply: Basic Membership I One-year membership for $8 Two-year membership for $15(SAVE$1) ; Business Software Rental Library for $25 add I per year— with 14 day rentals □ Games Software Rental Library for $10 add I per year Special V.I. P. Membership* H One-year membership for $15 □ Two-year membership for $25 (SAVE $5) Z BOTH Business and Game Software Rental Libraries for $30 add I per year— with 30 day rentals *VIP members receive advance notice on limited quantity merchandise specials Z Bill my credit card I i VISA I J MasterCard □ American Express Account Number Exp. mo, year □ Check or money order enclosed for $ _ Name Address City State _ Apt. 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Wholesale Wholesale Biueburah Chess (Your Toughest Opponent S 34 00' Screenplay Asylum (works with mono card too) 5.50* Bluechlp MiihonaireiOU Baron or Tycoon 34.00* Sierra On-Une Frogger 21.00* Broderbund Lode Runner 19.75* Sierra On-Une Crossfire 18.00* CBS Goren-BrtOge Made Easy CBS Mastering the SAT 48.00' Sublogtc Night Mission Pmball Spinnaker Alphabet Zoo 24.00* 81.00* 15.97* Epyv Temple ol Apshai 21 .97* Spinnaker Delta Drawing 24.97* infocom Zork 1 or Witness 21.50* Spinnaker Face Maker 15.97* tnfocom Dead/me. or Suspended 27.00* Spinnaker Hey Diddle Diddle 15.97* Microsoft Flight Simulator 27.00* Spinnaker Kinder Comp 15.97* Moum Systems PC Paint- Turn your 59.95* Spinnaker Rhymes & Riddles 15.97* PC into A Color Macintosh ' Spinnaker Story Machine 15.97* Orton JBird (QBert Look Alike) 22.00* Spinnaker Most Amazing Thing Virtual Combinatlca Micro Cookbook 20.77* Scarborough Mastertype 27.00* 21.00' BUSINESS SOFTWARE (Ptaasa add S2.50 ahlpplng and handling tor each title order from below.) ATI How (o use Multimate S 42.00* Lotus Development Symphony CALL ATI How to use Microsoft Word 42.00' MIcroRIm RBase 4000 6230.00* ATI How to use Lotus 1 -2-3 42.00' Microsoft C Compiler 275.00* ► Ashton-Tate 3 s 00* ► Microsoft , 205.00- ■» Ashton-Tate 3 B OB* Microsoft Multiplan 105.00* AshtonTate Friday' 151.00* Monogram Dollars & Sense CALL Borland Side Kick (Protected) 26.00* r> Multimate M 2 9 00* ■* Central Point 3 (Hi Oasis The Word Plus 90.00* Conceptual Instruments Desk organizer 157.00* Open Systems P>0 Sales A'R INV G'L AlP Team Mqi 370.00' ea. Digital Research CPlM-86 33.00' Real World GIL AlP A'R P'R or OE/INV 387.50' Otgrtal Research DR Logo 57.00* Roseaoft Prokey Version 3 74.00' Digital nsiaarch PL I Compiler 399.00' Ryan McFariand AM COBOL (Dev System) Otgrtal Research Concurrent CP/M— Windows 195.97* Samoa Samna III Word Processor 325.00* Funk Software Sideways 36.00' Sateltte Software WordPerfect 215.00* Harvard Harvard Project Manager 166.00* Softer aft Fancy Fonts 125.00' Howardaoft Tax Preparer 1985 177.00* Softstyle SET-FX 35.00* 8 DO Software Publishing PFS F,ie 72.00' Human Edge The Management Edge 145.00* Software Publishing PFS Report 64.00- Human Edge The Sales Edge 145.00* Software PuWIahlng PFS Write 72.00* Human Edge Mmd Prober Lattice C Compiler 28.45' Software Publishing PFS Graph 72.00* 310.00* TCS Tola- Ledger 440.00* I* Lotus Development 5 CM" Verbatim Desk Drive Analyzer 25.00* HARDWARE (Please add shipping and handling charges found In italics next to price.) COMPLETE SYSTEMS MULTIFUNCTION CARDS Apple Macintosh Base System CALL Apparat 256K Memory Board with 64K $ 81.00* (* 75) Apple Apple lie CALL Apparat Combo II wmeripadgamei 115.00* 12 48) Apple Apple He Columbia Desktop & Portable Systems CALL clock! stwr CALL Apparat A T Ram Expansion card AST Six-Pack Plus wth 64K 136.00' (2 50) a- COMPAQ- 2,735 00* 229.00* (2 50) AST 10 Plus II 120.00* (2 50) DATA General DG ONE 1 ,999.00* (43 20) AST Advantage lor A T CALL 128K11 Drive 'The Real Portable *■ EVEREX Magic Card 64K 160.00- Eagle Desktop PC and Spirit Portables ► IBM CALL 1 .495.02' ' "..'." .' ■> IBM T. 962. 52' t»> ORCHID BLOSSOM W64K 200.00* (2 50) Compaq All Models IBM PC AT All Contigs CALL Ouadram Improved Ouadboard w:0K 199.00* (2 50) CALL Tecmar Captain Multifunction Card O/K 195.00* (2 50) Sayno MBC 550 Lowest Cost Compatible 620.00* (13 39) r» Sayno '■' 1 -^5 00' PRINTERS Texas Instruments Professional CALL C. Itoh F10V40 Starwttter 40 CPS LQ 875.00* (1890i C. Not) Prownter 8510 AP 285.00* 16 16' DISK DRIVES & CONTROLLE Comrex CR420 420 CPS DP'LQ Printer 1,533.00* (33 12) ►> PC Network V '.*--'.- S 545 00' From the Epson Organization **■ Epson 225.00' ►• MMl / wmb low wwer Winchester 615.00* (13 50) a- Epson * » 8C 365 00- Mounts Ljfce Halt Height Dme t* Epson ■ 520.00' Maxtor 140MB External Auto Booting 1.900.00* • EMM LQ'500 CALL Drive with Controller for PC Epeon iBM-to-EPSON Parallel Cable r#> NEC 2030 20CPS LQ Parallel 21.00* <• 00) Maxtor 1 40MB External Auto Booting 1.600. 00- • 615.00* (1350) Drive for AT *■ NEC i 615.00- Maynard Floppy Disk Controller Maynard WS 1 1 0MB Internal Hard Disk 92.00* (2 50) ►• NEC 3530 33CPS LQ Parallel 1.150.00' (24 84) 770.00* (18 15) t* NEC 1 ,222.00- Maynard WS-2 same as WS-1 but with Sandstar Floppy Controller (uses 1 slot) 930.00' (20 30) *»• NEC ■ . . m '.' ft 1.590.00- Maynard Floppy Controller/ Serial Port *■ Penaeonlc Half Height DSDD Drive Pair 145.00* (2 50) > Okidata '.' . CPSflQ 200.00' 160.00* (3 W) a- PC Network 145 00* ►■ Okidata'/;.'. ■ 20 B0CPS/1 00 -> Colors 109.00* ..'.•'■■'.' 69.00- a- Tendon TM 100-2 Full Height DSDD Drive 102.00* (2 20) Talkjrass 25MB External Hard Disk 2,445,00* (46 44) ► Okidata ML84P 2Q0CPS 132 Col 620.00* (13 40) with 60MB Tape Backup a- Okidata ML92P 160CPS 80 Col Printer 350.00* (7 56) Tee* FD 55-S Hall Height DSDD Drive Pair 225.00' (5 29) *■ Okidata ML93P 160 CPS Wide Platen 550.00* (11 88) MEMORY CHIPS *■ Okidata 241 OP Pacemaker 350CPS 1.640.00* (35 42) a> Okidata iBM-to-Okioata Parallel Cable 20.75* (100) Ail chips ouaranteed for life Oume Sprint 1 1 140 40CPS Letter Quality 1.155.00* (24 00) a- 64K Memory Upgrade Kits S a- 64K Dynamic Ram Chips 15.21* Qurne Sprint 1 1 190 90CPS Letter Quality CALL 1 69" New' Fastest Darsywheei Out' a- 2S6K Dynamic Ram Chips •> 128K AT Mother Board Chips 13.00* Oume IBM Cable and Interface (required) 72.00* 1100) 16.00* a- Silver Reed 230 00* MODEMS Anchor Mark XII LOWEST PRICE l200BPSt HAYES COMPATIBLE EXTERNAL MODEM Anchor VotksmoOem 300 ► Silver Reed - ■ ■ 500 '8CPS Letter Quanh 280 00* 230.00* 47.00* (5 00) (100) Texaa Instruments 855 DP'LQ w/Tractor T<*NbmP-1340 80 Cot Version of P-1351 ToahibeP f35f IGOHOOCPSDrattlLQ LQ Printer 716.00* 696.00* 1.200.00- (15 50) (15 03) (25 92) Have* Smartmodem 1200B with new Smartcom II VTtOO Emulator 325.92* (2 50) Prometheus Promodem 1200 279.00* (6 00) VIDEO CARDS External 100% Hayes Compatible Hercules Color Card wiParallel Port S 148.00* (3.20) U.S. Robotics Password (Compact 240.00* (5 60) *> Hercules Monochrome Graphics Cards 273.00' (2 50) 12008PS External) Paradlaa New Modular Multidisplay Card Perayat Sob Card Ultra High Res Color Card with Mono Quality Text in Color 255.00' (2 50) 365.00* (2 50) MONITORS Amdek Video 300G Composite Green $ 110.00* (3 00) > STB Graphix Plus It NEW 235.00* (5 00) Amdek Video 300A Composite Amber 120.00* (3 00) (simultaneous Mono Graphics & Color) Amdek Video 3 WA IBM Type Amber Amdek Color 300 (NEW) Composite Amdek Color 600 (NEW ') High Res RGB 130.00* (3 00) 215.00* 395.00* (4 64) (8 53) ACCESSORIES AND SUPPLIES Amdek Color 700 (NEW) Ultra High Res Amdek Color 710 (NEW) TOOwlNon 455.00' (983) »* Brand Name 0SDD Diskettes S 14 00- 485.00* (10 48) Glare' Long Phosphor CurtJea PC Pedesta' it 32.50* (2 50) Princeton HX- 12 RGB Monitor CALL a- PC Network Replacement 130 Walt IBM-PC 165.00* (3 56) Princeton MAX 12 IGB Mono CALL Power Supply— Gives your PC (Old or New) the same Princeton SR- 12 Ultra High Res RGB CALL capacity as an XT Good tor add m tape drives (without need 370.00- tor a piggyback unit) and large capacity rjis* dnves SMA PC Documate Keyboard Templates tor ft\»t* POO) ■ Lotu&DBASEiMuit'mate and others (Each) ► Samsung 89.50* WP Printer Paper 2600 S/ieeis 17.00* (WOO) . Microfine Perfs (invisible when torn) Texan 420 Super High Res RGB Monitor Taxan 440 Htghest Res RGB (720x400) 380.00* 64K MEMORY EXPANSION KITS $ 15.21* Set of 9 chips Guaranteed for Life. [> LOTUS1-2-3 265.00* New Best Price! [> INTERNAL PC 1 0MB HARD DISK from 545.00* Low Power Automatic Boot works on standard PC s. Includes drive'controller cables/mounting hardware & instructions Full one year warranty! We use our clout with Brand Name suppliers like COGITO MMI Tandon Fujitsu Miniscribe Shugart and others to bring you the best products at the Lowest Price in the Business! Call on the brand of your choice. ^> V» HEIGHT DS/DD DISK DRIVES per pair from 1 45.00* (pr) 2 drives wimounting hardware & complete instructions Just like our hard disks featured above. The Network buy's direct and makes fantastic deals with manufacturers like MPI Tandon CDC Shugart Qume TEAC and others to bring you fantastic prices and Name Brand drives for . your PC/AT/XT or Jr/or Compatible. Yes, this price is for two drives!! > OKIDATA NEW PERSONAL PRINTERS ' Microline 182 120CPS IBM Graphics LQ Mode & More! + More! 200.00* Okimate Color 20 80CPS 1 00 + Colors/IBM Graphics/ LQ Mode + More! (Needs Interface) 109.00* TANDON TM100-2 OR CDC FULL HEIGHT DRIVE 102.00* EVEREX MAGIC CARD/64K 1 60.00* Full six Pack Features Game Port included Extra Software — Fantastic Price'!! . AMDEKV310A IBM TTL AMBER 130.00* > STB GRAPHIX PLUS II 235.00 Both Mono and Color Card w/pi inter port Run either Monitor type or both at once ' Gives 16 Colors wi Lotus \ HERCULES COLOR CARD w Printer Port 1 48.00* ^ HAYES 1200B with new Smartcom II/VT100 Emulator 325.92* ^> BRAND NAME DISKETTES 1 4.00* \ DS/DD Box of 10 Guaranteed for Life Not Generic 'NETWORK members pay just 8% above these wholesale prices plus shipping CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-621 -SAVE (—1^1 » only * In Illinois call (312) 280-0002 validation code B355 IBM and COMPAQ are registered trademarks of IBM and COMPAQ corporations. ...WITH THESE 15 UNIQUE BENEFITS 1COST + 8% PRICING — The NETWORK purchases mil- lions of dollars in merchandise each month. 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THE NETWORK GUARANTEES THAT IN THE EVENT OF A PRODUCT PRICE REDUCTION, BETWEEN THE TIME YOU PLACE YOUR ORDER AND THE TIME THE PRODUCT SHIPS YOU WILL ONLY PAY THE LOWER AMOUNTI! Inquiry 309 w , WordPerfect is just that At SSI, we face a monu- mental challenge; living up to the name we gave our word processing software. After all with a name like WordPerfect, the product had better mea- sure up. Obviously if s doing just that For good reason. Simplicity. Most WordPerfect functions require only one keystroke, a simple press of a finger. And comprehensive, well- written documentation '-"'to, ever, text No matter how fast you type, WordPerfect won't slow you down. PC World ,tiit- Features. There is very ttttfc this program WordPerfect cant do. InfoWorld In addition to standard word ~f processing functions, WordPerfect includes several comprehensive, useful features not found on many word processors. Like a 100,000- word phonetic dictionary; .„ Wo multi-page foot- 'ginner makes learning a breeze Speed. With WordPerfect's document orientation, you never have to wait between pages of 346 BYTE- MAY 1985 d ' ftcU/f ^c^ /S -o sf as noting capabil- ity; table of contents and index gener- PC World ~~" ation; automatic outlining and paragraph numbering; and a network version of WordPerfect Get the word processor that s living up to its name. WordPerfect. For more information, see your dealer. Or call or write: SSI Software 288 West Center Street Orem, Utah 84057 Information: (801) 224-4000 Order Desk: 1-800-321-4566, Toll-free loftware Reaching for perfection. Inquiry 353 CHAOS MANOR MAIL New Software Dear Jerry, Enclosed is a complimentary copy of our new product, CLUBware Diskette #1. I am sending it to you for a couple of reasons. First. I would like to thank you for your many humorous and useful insights into the microcomputer industry. I, as do many of my acquaintances, always open BYTE to your column first. Second, 1 hope you will find both our CLUBware concept and the first product intriguing enough to write about. This release of CLUBware is an attempt to unbust the IBM PC's BASIC. (Guess what newsletter we have been reading.) That is. Microsoft made some poor design deci- sions in implementing the screen I/O of its BASIC. It is understandable, if for no other reason than that it was under con- siderable time pressure from Big Blue. We have essentially reverse-engineered the product and can dynamically apply a fix that accelerates screen output. At any rate, please take an opportunity to run CLUBware on some IBM PC BASIC applications. I think you will discover that even a poor little IBM PC can really shine. Joe Rayhawk Rayhawk Automation, N W, Inc. 11600 Southwest Barnes Rd. Suite 230 Portland. OR 97225 Great routines. If you put that good of a stuff on all your disks, you ought to get a lot of subscribers. Thanks.— Jerry Scientific Computing Dear Jerry, After reading the letter by Steve Maas in the August 1984 BYTE, which is the sec- ond letter in recent months trying to con- vince you that FORTRAN is the one and only language for scientists and engineers, past, present, and future, I decided that I finally had to overcome my laziness and write an opposing letter. I too am a scien- tist, and I have worked for 24 years in research for one of the largest corpora- tions. However. I am not a member of the Moral FORTRAN Majority but belong to the Immoral Pascal Minority because I had the benefit of starting with ALGOlv-60 as my first computer language, back in the early sixties on a Burroughs B-5500. Later, I too had to convert to FORTRAN, and still later 1 learned BASIC because these lan- guages were all that were available on the computers I was using. When I finally graduated to a CompuPro microcomputer and had my own choice of languages. I ran, not walked, to get a Pascal compiler. Comparing these four languages, I know from experience that Pascal is by far the best choice for science and engineering, for all the well-known reasons that you already have pointed out. I submit that the dominance of FOR- TRAN in science and engineering is by no means an indication that it is the best lan- guage, or even a good language, but came about only by historical development. The FORTRAN myth is based on a vicious cycle: In the IBM-dominated world of mainframe computers, all that was avail- able to scientists and engineers was FOR- TRAN. Therefore, in the past, the univer- sities taught them to program in FOR- TRAN. Therefore, large libraries of exist- ing programs, all written in FORTRAN, were built up. Therefore, in order to avoid duplication, all scientists and engineers are using FORTRAN. FORTRAN forever! No progress possible! Well, not all is lost yet! This vicious cycle is being broken now. The universities seem to be teaching mainly Pascal, and with the microcomputer revolution, Pascal is avail- able to everybody. For the first time, in- dividual programmers can make their own choice. However, FORTRAN cannot be simply ignored: There is, after all, this large mass of existing programs and subroutines. Ways must be found to integrate FOR- TRAN modules into modern languages, such as Pascal, Modula-2, Ada, and C, so that FORTRAN can be used for existing programs. All new programs can, and should, be written in one of the modern languages. For this purpose, the design of Ada includes a language pragma, i.e., a compiler directive telling the Ada compiler to compile FORTRAN source code within an Ada program. The implementation of this pragma, however, seems to be in the future or, as you would express it, in the Real Soon Now category. What is available right now are the "common back-end" compilers by Microsoft and, more recent- ly, by Digital Research. These compilers are designed so that only the first pass is different for each language, while the sec- ond pass is the same for all languages sup- ported. Thus, modules written in different languages can be linked together into one executable program. All developers of Ada, Modula-2, Pascal, and C compilers should include a facility that allows you to link in compiled FOR- TRAN modules, folllowing the example given by Microsoft. Most of these systems do provide for linking in assembly-lan- guage modules. I was using Digital Research's Pascal MT+86, but 1 switched to Microsoft's MS- Pascal partially because of its interlink- ability with MS-FORTRAN77 and partial- ly because it allows using the full address space of the 8086. Both compilers are written in MS-Pascal, and both produce object modules that can be linked to- gether by the MS-DOS linker. The main program can be either in Pascal or in FOR- TRAN. Both languages support separate compilation of modules. The Pascal part supports modules (like Pascal MT+86) as well as units (like UCSD Pascal). Pro- cedures in the modules or units can be external and can be in FORTRAN or as- sembly language. Thus, I write the main program and all new work in Pascal and use the FORTRAN compiler for existing scientific subroutines that are made part of a Pascal unit as separately compiled ex- ternal procedures. This works very well. The MS-FORTRAN77 compiler compiled a large FORTRAN IV program, ported from a mainframe, essentially without changes— no complaints at all! In order to run MS-Pascal and MS- FORTRAN, I had to switch my CompuPro 8/16 system from CP/M to MS-DOS, and 1 do not want to miss this opportunity to point out to you and all other CompuPro enthusiasts the availability of MS-DOS and, more recently, IBM PC-DOS on Com- puPro systems from Computer House in San Rafael, California, under the trade names MS-PRO and PC-PRO. Both systems are simply wonderful, and 1 hope that you MAY 1985 -BYTE 347 CHAOS MANOR MAIL will review them in your column when time and space permit. You can boot up either MS-DOS IMS-PRO) or PC-DOS (PC-PRO) on any standard CompuPro 8/16 system without losing your CP/M-80 or CP/M-86 capability. Please keep up your support of Pascal. Modula-2, and Ada and tell all your letter writers from the scientific and engineering community that, yes, FORTRAN and BASIC programs are difficult to read, dif- ficult to debug, and difficult to maintain, and let them know that they don't know what they are missing if they do not try something that is new to them. After all, science is the search for new frontiers, which would also include computer programming. GUNTHER E. MOLAU Clayton, CA 0) s in ~ m in C" At ~~ CN m LJ uj F 5 CD 0> ^ O X o cc cc x: ««a , * 14 Thank you for a very thoughtful letter. Your point is well made. I hadn't known about MS-PRO and PC- PRO: the difficulty we've always had run- ning PC-DOS is teaching the machine to talk to whatever terminal we had running at the time. Now. though. I have Concur- rent DOS. which does have MS-DOS as well as allowing me to run CP/M 8/16. giv- ing me the best of both worlds. I'll try to get MS-PRO and compare. Best— lerry U.S. Contacts Dear lerry, I hope you will be able to help me. I rep- resent a small group of French computer and data-network (not hackers, of course) enthusiasts. We are looking for contacts with Amer- ican fans, and we could give them access to a French electronic mailbox (free of charge!) on our national computerized data network (0208075040371 or 0208075040864). Pascal Lacadic Residence Cornouaille 28. Bd Bougainville F.29II0 Concarneau. France Anyone out there interested? Please keep me posted— Jerry Writing and Editing Dear jerry, 1 am half of an information-center sup- port group responsible for microcom- puters at a power company. The staff con- sists of two groups: mainframe support and microcomputer support. We provide a monthly newsletter to all corporate users of either mainframes or microcomputers. Presently, we are creating and editing this letter on our IBM mainframe using a full- screen editing product (1SPF). As you have said often, any form of word processing, even a very crude one, is better than a typewriter. What would you recommend to stream- line the writing and editing process? We have access to several IBM PCs and com- patible computers. Some members of our group use various word-processing pro- grams (WordStar, WordPerfect, EasyWriter). and I have convinced the rest that we could produce a better newsletter on a PC with less effort. To add to the problem, many of our users submit articles. They submit them in a printed format, but most are generated on some type of microcom- 348 BYTE- MAY I0X=> Inquiry 6 CHAOS MANOR MAIL puter. The articles could come off of non- compatible machines. Do you know a word-processing program that would allow all our writers to use any program they want and still make it fairly easy to bring it all together for formatting, spell- ing checking, indexing, etc.? I believe this would also be useful to the company's PC Club, which is open to members with any kind of computer. Our company has 5000 employees, so you can imagine the cross section of machines and programs we could be looking at. Thanks for your time and keep up the great work! Kevin Wandtke Milwaukee, Wl My guess is that your common denominator is going to be WordStar. What you need is a series of filters that will turn foreign files into something that WordStar can eat. Those are not difficult to come by. I wrote my own for the Z80 (in assembly language, yet; just use the "Copy" pro- gram example in DR's MAC document as a base and start adding features). It shouldn't be hard to write 8088 filters: use Turbo Pascal or Logitech's Modula-2. After you've done a couple of filters you 11 find the rest are easy. The filter should take text from one editorial format and write a new file with the text in WordStar format. From there it's easy. Best— lerry CP/M-80 and 8-bit Machines Dear Jerry, What is the future of CP/M-80 and the 8-bit machine? 1 have been following soft- ware developments very closely for the past eight months, and it appears that aside from KAMAS, Turbo Pascal, and the three C compilers covered in the |une 1984 BYTE, there has not been a new soft- ware product introduced for CP/M-80 in two years. Even the latest public-domain software packages have 1 982 dates in the copyright notices, NSWP206 excluded, of course. Is CP/M-80 on the way out. or is it alive and well, hiding behind an impenetrable barrier of high-hype 16-bit advertise- ments? What do you see CP/M-80 being used for in the future? Finally, one more question: Has the supply of new CP/M-80 software dried up for good? Allen Stanbury Barrie. Ontario. Canada Clad you asked. Some of the best bargains in comput- ing are 8-bit CP/M machines, new or used. Their advantages: they're plenty good enough for a lot of really interesting work. 1 managed my affairs for years with Ezekial, my friend who happened to be a Z80, and you can get a better machine than he was (sorry, old friend) for a lot less than I paid for him. There is a lot of software out there for 8-bit CP/M machines; particularly for those with a Z80 processor (which most now have). Most of that software is low- cost, and much of it is free or nearly so. You can even get ZCPR-3. which revamps the operating system into something a heck of a lot nicer than MS-DOS. There's (continued) < i- < ill CD M % gr to Cj £ ^^-^ r<^ o co o S Ejse -. c3 CM IT) 239 369 39 1 IT) CO ^ ■ CO 5 cc EC al ;i ,''i < •- ID CO k ■ : !| W ci ec LU 1 C/3 03 CC i M /RX80FT 0/LQ150 Color 2 ~ ^. 1 • T i i E ° £ LU n LU < < CD Q. M ■S cm in to M CM ^ I I ! * I *- 3- I* la I 3 .I^SSSS < s: «■ a. x -o - -soa^miDoiflcnin ^^uicti'Jr!?'- CM CNI Bw-' 5 g 22; Si- cSifcS.-l g's 5 §>c/5 cn m b m o to P- ^ w to * M N (V N ■ • « * V) . . . to Cj Co Co • Si I £ -5 «, Sncoi <5<3 g «3<3 z o- " . « e-u Si I" ■B g £ c= CO £E S3 CD . ^ <3 => ;= 3 x: w z " M& SY lu 1 Ji t-o CM J- r--> h- r-CC CM CVjLU 1*. h' 00CC CM i* 4 IflLU £( i t-5 to ■ cmq 10 fi\*. 6® ^ They Ve earned their stripes. The supplies that wear the IBM stripes must first prove themselves worthy of the distinction. Before they can join the ranks of all those IBM supplies that have gone on to serve IBM customers so well, they have to meet some stiff standards. Our IBM supplies have to pass a series of rigorous inspections and battle their way through a barrage of quality controls. This means every time you buy IBM word processing or data processing supplies, you're assured of getting a supply product that's designed with the same advanced technology as IBM hardware. Take our latest line of IBM Quiet r Supplies developed for the IBM Quietwriter 'Typewriter and Quietwriter 8 Printer. The "Quiet" electronic fonts, 360 BYTE • MAY 1985 ^i «&<*& rt & s& ^4 . iim printheads and thermal-transfer ribbons were developed and engineered together with the hardware to work as a team. The result is a unique print technology that "paints" ink onto the page. We've made it our business to make supplies that inspire confidence day after day. So, the next time you're in the market for supplies, choose the ones that have earned the right to wear the IBM stripes. More convenient ways to buy. To get the IBM supplies you need, contact an IBM supplies representative or visit an IBM Product Center or IBM supplies dealer. For the store location nearest you, or to place an order by phone, call IBM Direct 1 800 IBM-2468, Ext. 104. Inquiry 198 MAY 1985 'BYTE 361 TM Combine VISION with PC Graphics Captures Anything You Can See. 1MIGIT adds icon- selected Graphic Functions, text, and textures with a full pallette of vibrant colors. Together You Enjoy Unparalleled Economy and Applications Flexibility. For $695.00 you get the PC-EYE™ video digitizer board and IMIGIT™ graphics software. PC-EYE allows you to capture real-life images with an ordinary video camera or VCR and produce them on your personal computer. IMIGIT is an icon- oriented graphics software package which allows you to modify the camera image by adding text, pat- terns, colors, lines and shapes. By using cut and paste features with multiple video images, you can store images for later retrieval and print images from the screen. You get this Exciting Tool for integrating video images with graphics created by other software packages like Lotus 1-2-3*; Graftalk*; CAD and business presentation packages. Imagine combining a real-life camera image, text and a pie chart generated by Lotus into one picture. It's really as easy as 1 , 2, 3. IMIGIT Supports . . . High Resolution - up to 640 x 512 pixels with 1 6 colors or gray scale (64 with 6-bit PC- EYE). Flexibility - to support the most popular graphics cards and printers for convenient display and hardcopy output. Speed - less than 2/10 of a second to capture an image in the IBM-compatible 320 x 200 mode. All in all, a powerful but easy-to-use package that allows you to develop sophisticated and dramatic graphic presentations. The illustration incorpo- rates line art, photos, text, textures and color elements. You can do the same with this icon-driven, user- friendly system. CHORUS is the Single Source for your graphics and imaging needs. Complete solutions in both hardware and software. Call us for other low cost/ high performance imaging products such as Dr. Halo* and Halo* graphics software; video cameras and accessories; and graphic adapter cards. You can expect prompt delivery, technical support and complete OEM design assistance. CALL 1-800 OCHORUS or 603-424-2900. PC-EYE and IMIGIT are trademarks of Chorus Data Systems, Inc. *Dr. Halo and Halo are trademarks of Media Cybernetics, Inc. Graftalk is a trademark of Redding Group, Inc. Lotus 1 -2-3 is a trademark of Lotus Development Corporation. Inquiry 72 CHORUS Chorus Data Systems, Inc., 6 Continental Blvd., P.O. Box 370, Merrimack, New Hampshire 03054 BYTE WEST COAST Homebrew Chips MOSIS, two packages for the Mac, Turtle Talk, and Concurrent DOS-286 by John Markoff, Phillip Robinson, and Donna Osgood BYTE West Coast is prepared monthly by BYTE's editors and staff in San Francisco and Palo Alto. Correspondence should be addressed to BYTE West Coast. BYTE Magazine. 42 5 Battery St.. San Francisco. CA 94111. Have you ever wanted to make your own VLSI (very large scale integra- tion) chip? Do you think you have a foolproof design for an IBM PC AT com- patible on a chip, but no one will take you seriously until you show them a working sample? Maybe you're in luck. The Syracuse Al coprocessor chip was actually fabricated through MOSIS (MOS Implementation Sys- tem), a brokerage that connects chip and board designers with chip and board fab- ricators. MOSIS is an outgrowth of both the Arpanet and an idea from Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC). If you follow the MOSIS rules and can afford the prices, your chip could be sitting on your desk just a few months from today. Before VLSI was more than a twinkle in anyone's eye, the defense department's ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency) set up ARPANET, a computer network that connected a number of universities and defense contractors. Later, ARPA changed to DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), but the network retained its original name. In 1980, Xerox PARC offered to organize VLSI fabrication services for the ARPANET community. The PARC researchers knew that university engineering and computer science departments were getting shut out of much of the microelectronics revolution because they couldn't afford the equipment necessary to manufacture silicon chips. Even those universities that could afford some equipment could never keep up with the rapidly advancing state of the art. VLSI students and professors had been reduced to designing chips on paper and then see- ing those designs languish in libraries. At the same time, many chip manufac- turers in Silicon Valley were fretting over their unused manufacturing capabilities. The best way to pay off millions of dollars of wafer-fabrication equipment is to run it as much as possible and the manufacturers had more idle machine time than they wanted. While a single batch of wafers is too ex- pensive for a university to buy, the engi- neers at Xerox PARC figured that if enough designs could be gathered together and made on a single wafer-fabrication run. the price per design would be affordable. Besides, while designers would be delighted to see their creations become hardware, the manufacturers would be thrilled to make some extra money with their equipment. Another advantage for the chip makers was that students would graduate with some hands-on chip-design experience. So Xerox PARC invited the DARPA com- munity to send in chip designs that Xerox would then organize into wafer runs. The first run was a bunch of student designs from a VLSI course taught by Lynn Conway in 1978 at MIT. The first masks were made by Micro Mask and the first run was fabricated at Hewlett-Packard's Deer Creek Road facility. The service was immediately successful and DARPA wanted to see it con- tinue, but Xerox didn't want permanent re- sponsibility. The Information Processing Techniques division of DARPA had a VLSI design research program and was an ARPANET node. DARPA let ISI (Information Sciences Institute) take over from Xerox and called the new service MOSIS. Although chip designs were initially only accepted from the DARPA community, other groups were gradually added to the fold. First the NSF (National Science Foundation), then any government organization with DARPA permission, and finally, practically anyone was permitted to submit VLSI designs. MOSIS puts out a schedule of the wafer- fabrication runs for six months into the future. Those scheduled runs will be made even if too few designs show up to fill the wafers (the extra space will be devoted to test structures). That commitment assures designers that they can plan around fabrica- tion dates and allows wafer-fabrication fac- tories to schedule equipment time. How- ever, demand has been so great that the {continued) MAY 1985 -BYTE 363 BYTE WEST COAST wafers have always been full of actual chips. You can choose from NMOS (nega- tive-channel metal-oxide semicon- ductor) 3- or 4-micron. CMOS (com- plementary metal-oxide semicon- ductor) 3-micron, and CMOS-SOS (silicon-on-sapphire) 4-micron pro- cesses. A new, experimental CMOS 1.2-micron process should be in limited use by the spring of 1985. MOSIS will provide you with the design rules, process specifications, and device specifications for the pro- cess you choose. MOSIS has masks made from your design and then gives the masks to any of 1 1 different Silicon Valley chip fabricators. The finished wafers are ac- cepted on the basis of test-structure specifications. If those meet agreed- upon levels— indicating that the pro- cess was properly executed— the wafers are accepted, whether or not the customers' chips actually work. MOSIS also extracts Spice (a low-level circuit-simulation language) param- eters from each and every run so there is a database of actual device parameters from which designers can take cues. While many chips are made on share-the-silicon wafer runs, some runs have only a few or even a single type of chip. Some MOSIS customers only need a few chips to verify a design. Others need more to stuff a prototype board or a prototype sys- tem. Finally, some customers need to get a small production run of the chips. Chip fabricators used to be stuck with judging whether to take on a new, small customer. It was hard for them to gear up for a small run, but they didn't want to miss out on a small firm that might grow into a major account. Now, if a chip fabricator works with "INSIGHT is essentially the equivalent or better than any other tool available for the personal computer." Turn your PC into an expert. Give it Insight, or give it Insight 2. Both let you create knowledge base systems using any PC-compatible text editor. Insight not only simplifies access to lots of information, it analyzes and offers solutions. For entry-level operators it's a perfect procedural training package to help build and implement knowledge base software. Level Five Research, Inc. Insight 2 is more than just an "expert." It's a knowledge base engineering tool with application capabilities. It can call up Pascal programs, read and write dBASE II® files, and its decision-making pro- cess can tie in directly to your existing databases. Run-only ver- sions also can be developed and distributed. Two unique packages from the same expert idea. Insight '* ($95) and Insight 2 '" ($485) run on the IBM "PC. DEC " Rainbow, and Victor* 9000. 4980 South A-l-A Melbourne Beach. Florida 32951 (305) 729-9046 MOSIS, it doesn't have to deal with small outfits: MOSIS handles that for them. "We save them time and money," says Dr. George Lewicki of ISI. Plus, the manufacturer doesn't have to worry about competition from MOSIS. According to Lewicki, "We are a broker, nothing more than a broker." As Dr. Oldfield of the Syracuse SUM (Syracuse Unification Machine) team told us, "It's becoming easier for uni- versities to think of building experi- mental systems. It's an interesting historical point. If you go back to the 1950s and 1960s, a number of univer- sities built machines. But the com- plexity overwhelmed them. Now, thanks to these custom CAD |com- puter-aided design| aids, it's feasible, though still very difficult, for a univer- sity to think about designing a real system without having an army of technicians to put it together." So you want to make some chips? How many? MOSIS will make two or more if you send them your design in either CIF (Caltech Intermediate For- mat) or Calma-GDS 2-stream format. In 4 to 12 weeks, the packaged chips will be delivered to you. The turn- around time depends on which pro- cess you choose and how well the economy is doing. Choose 4-micron NMOS and you'll get your chips sooner than if you choose 1.2-micron CMOS. Even so, if the chip fabricators have long production queues, you'll have to wait longer. As for the price— your chips will probably cost less than you think. For the DARPA, NSF and DOD (Depart- ment of Defense) communities, the service is free. DARPA pays the whole freight for those lucky customers. For the rest of us, MOSIS has a price schedule. Remember, however, that MOSIS is a nonprofit service. All you have to pay is your proportional share of the run's cost (there are about 900 chips in a run). Dr. Lewicki estimates that a batch of 20 chips would cost about $5000. If your chip is so suc- cessful that you need "zillions," MOSIS encourages you to deal direct- ly with the chip manufacturer. MOSIS is an impressive example of {continued) 364 BYTE- MAY 1985 Inquiry 238 NN hat's Nen^ at »n» &**»-*** AMERICAN DESIGN COMPONENTS? £5EZES" ,components We warehouse 60.000 items at American Design Compo- nents— exepensive, often hard-to-find components for sale at a fraction of their original cost! You'll find every part you need— either brand new, or removed from equipment (RFE) in excellent condition. But quantities are limited. Order from this ad, or visit our retail showroom and find exactly what you need from the thousands of items on display. Open Mon.-Sat., 9-5. THERE'S NO RISK. With our full 90-day warranty, any purchase can be returned for any reason for full credit or refund. APPLE 2c DISC DRIVE Original equipment drive, compatible with Apple 2e, 2 + and 2C. $139.50 RFE 115 CFM MUFFIN FAN iu 19" COLOR X-Y "■■ DISPLAY Originally designed for use in Atari coin- operated games. Contains a 19VLUP22 3-gun color tube, focus and brightness controls. Has electromagnetic deflection and solid state circuitry with three "Z" amp inputs (red, green, blue). Ideal for arcade replacement or, with the addi- tion of external circuitry, for color graphics display. Manual included. $129.00 NEW Metal frame with 5 high-impact plastic blades. For cooling Hi Fi, electronic equipment, com- puters, etc. Mounts for intake or exhaust. 1 1 5 VAC, 60 Hz., Dim.: 4'Vi# " « 1%"D. $7.95 RFE With adjustable speed control $10.95 5V4" TAIMDOIM DISC DRIVES B. 54 Ht. 96 T.P.I. TM55-4 DS/Quad $99.00 K. AUDIO & VIDEO MODULATOR Made for Texas Instruments. Lets you use your TV set as a monitor for video and audio signals produced by home computers, surveillance cameras, video games, etc. Complete with 8', 5-pin din cord, hook-up diagram. $7.95 NEW Full Ht. C. TM100-1SS/DD $ 99.50 D. TM100-2DS/DD 159.00 F. TM100 4DS/Quad 179.00 G. TM101 4DS/Quad 199.00 H. TIMEX 48 KEY KEYBOARD Replace the membrane key- board on your Timex/Sinclair Z-8 1 / 1 000 with this brand new "big computer" key- board from Texas Instru- ments. Simple to install — complete instructions and schematic included. $5.95 NEW COMPUTER DISC DRIVE SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES L + 24V M£l f\ Jf^ Plus all the operating system support you need. ^r^jmkt^^wt I Don't miss next month's Byte insert with values J~ . ^^ # • • all volks will appreciate! The CompuPro People Where Computers Grow 3506 Breakwater Court, Hayward, CA 94545 • Call 800/VIASYN-l • In CA, 415/786-0909 CompuPro is a registered trademark of Viasyn Corporation. Inquiry 408 MAY 1985 'BYTE 369 Now your IBM PC and AT can read Ik iW! BUMS (VI. „. Wt»l»ll«Mfi rtw Irvt RrUrr m lm» ttiirJ ml* .f. : ■ '■■:., li ■til in rln inbm mil .1 > ihr v 1. t fcr*tm ■ u - . ;nm .A3 no* «.w« nkig *ur«Ki) Mjosmi mm, With the Oberon OMNI-READER'" — the first optical character reader designed and priced for small computers. Now you can transfer material directly from the typed page to the screen of your computer, without ever touching the keyboard — using specially designed interface software that allows input direcdy into your spreadsheet, database and word processing applications program. And because the OMNI-READER uses a standard RS232 serial port hookup, it interfaces easily with your computer. The technology is revolutionary. But what is most revolutionary is the price — under $500. IBM interface software, $50. Find out more about the Oberon OMNI- READER. Dial 800-2-OBERON. In Texas, (214) 446-9567. IBM is a registered trademark of Internationa] Business Machines Inquiry 298 OMNHBADBt OBERON INTERNATIONAL BYTE WEST COAST features is the ability for the user to get an automatic price quote on the cost of a PC board from Douglas over the telephone, yet without a modem. It works like this: First the user calls up the PC board manufacturer, then the user places the mouthpiece of the telephone handset near the Macin- tosh speaker. When a special com- mand is given, the program transmits information on the complexity of the board directly to the manufacturer's computer, which then estimates the cost. An employee can then give an accurate price quote to the designer in a few moments. Desktop Publishing with the Macintosh The introduction of the Apple Laser- Writer laser printer has paved the way for "desktop publishing'' on the Macintosh. According to Paul Brainerd. president of the Seattle- based Aldus Corporation, the com- bination of relatively low cost laser printers and graphics-oriented per- sonal computers will make it possible for small companies or corporate work groups to produce production- quality multipage documents without doing mechanical pasteup or resort- ing to outside typesetting and print- ing services. In lanuary, Apple announced the LaserWriter, and Aldus also intro- duced Pagef taker for the 512K-byte Macintosh. PageMaker is a full-page composition software program for the Macintosh that allows the user to blend text and graphical documents on an "electronic layout board" dis- played on the Macintosh. It is in- tended for professional publishing of small jobs such as newsletters, data sheets, price lists, training manuals, etc. Priced at $495 and scheduled for release during the second quarter of 1985. the Aldus system will permit Macintosh users to integrate diverse documents from MacWrite, MacPaint, MacDraw, Microsoft Word, or virtual- ly any program whose data can be stored in the Macintosh Clipboard, a special system buffer used for pass- ing information between programs. PageMaker is intended to serve the same market as electronic composi- tion systems now being marketed by corporations like Interleaf and Com- pugraphic. PageMaker is priced signif- icantly lower than these systems, how- ever. A complete system consisting of the newly introduced Macintosh XL (formerly the Lisa 2/10), PageMaker software, and the LaserWriter will be priced at approximately SI 1.500. Aldus is currently writing its own drivers to take advantage of the Post- script device-independent page-de- scription language that Apple has [continued] This shape is worth saving. REASON 2: Because economy plus quality is the only way to go. Expect this combination in a long list of CPU boards. In quality boards that let you mix or match 8-bit and 16-bit software. Boards compatible with IEEE 696/S-100 specs, including DMA devices. Motherboards, too, along with strong enclosures. And there's a great choice of CPU support. All make next month's insert the most appetizing Byte of the year. The CompuPro People Where Computers Grow 3506 Breakwater Court, Hayward, CA 94545 • Call 800/VIASYN-l • In CA, 415/786-0909 CompuPro is a registered trademark of Viasyn Corporation. V/ASVTT Inquiry 409 MAY 1985 -BYTE 371 Systems Programmers and Programmer/Analysts: EDS Wants to Challenge Your Talents. The EDS And GM Alliance Has Created A Technical Arena That Other Companies Can Only Envy. The alliance of Elecronic Data Systems ( EDS ) and General Motors Ls creating major career opportunities. As a SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER or PROGRAMMER/ ANALYST, your skills and abilities will be challenged. EDS Ls offering you IMMEDIATE opportunities to enjoy hands-on experience with truly state-of-the-art hardware and software This state-of-the- art experience will ensure that your skills are kept as current as possible Also, EDS offers training programs that have become models for the industry and are geared to prepare you for the performance that ensures success. As one of IBM's largest customers and one of the nation's largest hardware users, EDS Ls creating one of the most automated work environments in the business world today. This is your once-in-a-career opportunity to become involved in the leading edge of technology. EDS AND GM ARE PIONEERING TECHNOLOGY. AND SO CAN YOU. EDS and GM are world-renowned leaders in technology. EDS ensures tfus leadership by continually upgrading our facilities with the most advanced hardware and software available. And since we employ components that accommodate change, our operating systems are never limited by technology of the past You benefit as a professional since you will never be hindered by out- of-date equipment. The best technology of tomorrow Ls built on the best technology of today And that's all you find at EDS SYSTEMS PROGRAMMERS AND PROGRAMMER/ANALYSTS: OUTSTANDING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES. We have IMMEDIATE career opportunities for professionals who are interested in moving the industry onward. If you are a SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER with two years experience in an IBM, IBM-compatible or DEC/VAX environment with a solid working knowledge erf ALC or ASSEMBLER we have challenges in the areas of VTAM. VM. IMS, IDMS, and MVS If you are a Programmer/ Analyst with two years experience in an IBM or IBM- compatible environment with a solid working knowledge of COBOL, PL/ 1 or ALC, EDS has the ideal environment to challenge your skills. YOUR CAREER GROWTH: AT EDS, WE DON'T TAKE YOUR TALENT FOR GRANTED - WE CHALLENGE IT, WE RESPECT IT AND WE NURTURE IT. EDS knows that new ideas and new technology are only as good as the people who create them. That's why developing the potential of our employees is a continuing priority. We believe our strength Ls enhanced when our employees develop new skills and accept greater responsibilities. Therefore, we have created an environment that lets you build your future by the knowledge and skills you acquire — not by rank or seniority. At EDS, you control your own future. Act now, advance the industry while experiencing the technological challenges and advantages EDS can offer you. Send your resume in confidence to: ELECTRONIC DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION 755 W Big Beaver Suite 310. Dept. 08 -0585-03 Trov. MI 48084 Electronic Data Systems Corporation An Equal ( >pportuniry Kmpltn«er 372 BYTE* MAY 1985 Inquiry 15 2 BYTE WEST COAST placed in the half megabyte of ROM (read-only memory) in the Apple LaserWriter printer. Postscript was developed by Adobe Systems in Palo Alto, California, and has recently been adopted by a variety of hardware manufacturers and software pub- lishers in the personal computer in- dustry. Initially, PageMaker will work with the Imagewriter dot-matrix printer, the LaserWriter, and also with at least two commercially available typesetting machines, Allied and Mergenthaler Linotype. This will make it possible for users to proof and review pages on the LaserWriter and then get finished copy output from a commercial typesetter. PageMaker uses the Macintosh user interface to present an image of an 8'/2- by 1 1-inch page surrounded by a layout board area for temporarily set- ting text and graphic elements while working on page design. The program uses the Macintosh mouse for posi- tioning elements of the page design. It is possible, for example, to open a window on the display, select head- lines, text, or graphics stored in files on disk, and then position them on the page with accuracy. Each selected item is represented by a special icon. The cursor can be represented by a small paintbrush within a half- rectangle when a MacPaint document is selected, or it is represented by a text icon when a MacWrite file is selected. PageMaker permits the de- signer to set custom column guides and then "flow" text from a MacWrite document directly onto the page lay- out area. A special positioning in- dicator permits proper alignment of text at the bottom and top of each column, and the text flow can be con- tinued in new columns or pages or in- terrupted for the insertion of graph- ics or charts. "Window shades" allow the user to adjust each separate text block. A " + " sign indicates that the text continues. A "#" icon indicates the end of a document. To aid in positioning on the screen, both the column guides and up to 10 adjustable rules have a "snap-to" fea- ture that causes a text block or graph- ic that is moved close to a boundary to automatically align itself with that edge. For precise alignment Page- Maker also permits the page to be dis- played in five different scales. The largest scale is magnified 200 percent, while the greatest reduction permits the user to view the entire page. At most levels of magnification, text is easily visible. The user can also pop up a set of horizontal and vertical rulers that will display in inches, cen- timeters, or picas and points. PageMaker will also provide limited text-editing tools to alter copy while [continued] This shape is worth saving REASON 3: Because of the reliability that's built into our memory boards, disk controllers and interface boards. You'll see them all lined up with the best prices in memory. RAM boards in popular configurations. Disk control- lers for floppies and Winchesters. Plus, a drive that can increase operating speeds to 3500%! (Look for our MDRIVEVH.) Everything you need to make your I/O super- productive. Count on next month's Byte insert to come through for you! ^ The Com P uP ^ Pe °P |e Where Computers Grow V/ASVTT 3506 Breakwater Court, Hayward, CA 94545 • Call 800/VIASYN-l • In CA, 415/786-0909 CompuPro and MDRIVE are registered trademarks of Viasyn Corporation. Inquiry 410 MAY 1985 IYTE 373 Take control of your computer. I i o 1 1 i s The Backups Backup power for peace of mind and memory. Backup Power Source 1 • delivers up to 225 watts @ 120V.AC • 40 minutes of power at 50% load • visual and audible power interrupt alarm • fast automatic switching f Within 6 milliseconds of peak voltage detection ) • 2 Outlets • AC surge suppressor • 3 stage noise filter • thermal output protection • IEC power connector • attractive metal enclosure • 3y 4 " high, 16" wide, 11" deep Backup Power Source 2 All the features of Power Source 1 plus: • 6 outlets controlled by front switches • switchable visual and audible alarm • 10 amp master switch circuit breaker • cross suppression between all 6 outlets • optional 2 hour auxiliary power pack $499" 'complete' Auxiliary Power Pack • 2 hours of power at full load • plugs directly into either of our backup units • includes 6 rechargable 12V power cells • backup units keep power cells at full charge • heavy duty power cable • 3y 4 " high, 16" wide, 11" deep $29T complete* "agg"" QSQflBO The Expanders Control power and expand with floppy or hard disks. Power Expansion 1 • 1 stage noise filter • AC surge suppression • IEC power connector • attractive metal enclosure • 3W high, 16" wide, 11" deep • optional internal power supply • optional floppy and hard disk drives Power Expansion 1 41 AQ95* w/Internal Power Supply $219 95 * w/Power Supply, DS/DD Drive, All Cables and Instructions. Expands XT or Compatible $'•449 9 '' , w/Power Supply, Half Height 10M Hard Disk Drive, All Cables and Instructions. Expands PC or Compatible ••■411 4Q 9£»°° -oo wsw ,^1.;; V' j^ 1 $3&° due* -ss» rde< \\oe 4A6A p*gS5*» 340A Inquiry 113 MAY 1985 • BYTE 379 BYTE WEST COAST gram, saving the registers, restoring the registers, and then restarting another program— is now done in software. Digital Research estimates that each software context switch takes between 200 and 400 microsec- onds. Digital Research plans to take advantage of the 80286s on-chip context-switching hardware that can handle the switch in only 20 micro- seconds. Dynamic Drivers Another big change in Concurrent DOS-286 is that the device drivers are dynamic. In previous incarnations of CP/M and Concurrent DOS, all the drivers were in a single section of code called BIOS (basic input/output system) or XIOS (extended input/out- put system). You had to load the drivers into the operating system before starting up. Dynamic loading means that you can add or modify device drivers while the operating sys- tem is running. User Interface Digital Research is also presenting a new user interface for Concurrent DOS-286 and Concurrent PC-DOS. It is essentially a menu system and a file manager that allows you to control all system utilities and all running ap- plications with the function keys. "What we're trying to do is take away the A> prompt," says Gysin. But if you prefer the standard CP/M-style prompts, just press the Escape key to get back onto familiar ground. TopView, GEM, and GSX What Digital Research calls "desktop primitives." which support such ap- plication environments as Microsoft Windows, Visi On, TopView, or "unan- nounced products from Digital Re- search" (Gysin's words), are built into Concurrent DOS-286. Gysin adds, "Whatever becomes standard, that is something that we'll map to our oper- ating system. If some other bit-map graphics type of interface is the stan- dard, then we'll also support that one." Digital Research's new GEM (Graphics Environment Manager) is a Macintosh- like interface that fits that bill. Digital Research's GXS (Graphics System Extension) software is also supplied with Concurrent DOS-286. Companies Mentioned Hewlett-Packard Bishop Graphics 3495 Deer Creek Rd. 5388 Sterling Center Dr. Palo Alto, CA 94304 Westlake Village, CA 913 59 (818). 991-2600 MOSIS USC/iSI Care of Kathy Fry 4676 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 Aldus Corporation 616 1st Ave.. Suite 400 Seattle. WA 98104 (206) 467-8165 [213) 822-1511 ext. 230 Adobe Systems Apple Computer 2052 5 Mariani Ave. Cupertino. CA 95014 Embarcadero, Suite 100 Palo Alto, CA 94303 (415) 852-0271 (800) 538-9696 in Canada, (800) 268-7796 or (800) 268-7637 Digital Research 60 Garden Court POB DRI Monterey, CA 93942 Douglas Electronics (800) 772-3545 718 Marina Blvd. ext. 400 in California San Leandro, CA 94577 (800) 227-1617 (415) 483-8770 ext. 400 elsewhere This graphics operating system lets you write to a standard set of graphics calls so you don't need to know at programming time which specific pe- ripherals you will have. INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS Concurrent DOS-286 has three fea- tures that should delight software engineers outside the United States: All the system messages are kept in a separate pool, the user tables have a country code, and the keyboard in- terface supports 16-bit character I/O (which is required for kanji, for exam- ple). Those design tidbits are under- standable when you realize that 40 percent of Digital Research's business is done overseas. Summary What's new with Concurrent DOS-286? The architecture has changed. Previous versions of Con- current DOS provided support for PC- DOS 1.1 and CP/M-86 applications. Concurrent DOS-286 provides sup- port for PC-DOS 1.1. 2.0, and 3.0 ap- plications as well as memory protec- tion, log-on and log-off, dynamic local device drivers, a hierarchical file system, completely modular design, pipes, I/O redirection, and an address- exception mechanism. In essence, Concurrent DOS-286 is intended to release you from needing IBM hard- ware or a clone to run IBM Personal Computer programs such as Lotus 1-2-3. Now, any system that can run Concurrent DOS-286 can run IBM Per- sonal Computer programs. How well does Concurrent DOS-286 work? We don't know. The descrip- tions in this article are based on discussion with Digital Research and Intel technical experts, not on a review of the operating system itself. When we do get into testing Concurrent DOS-286, our first consideration will probably be its use of memory. Al- though Concurrent DOS-286 is sup- posed to run as many programs con- currently as the hardware can handle, BYTE staff members have had prob- lems with the voracious memory ap- petite of previous versions of Concur- rent DOS. ■ 380 BYTE- MAY 1985 Would you hire an entire band when all you need is one instrument? Of course not. So why use a whole orchestra of computers when all you need is one to develop software for virtually any type of micro-processor? The secret? Avocet's family of cross-assemblers. With Avocet cross-assemblers you can develop software for practically every kind of processor — without having to switch to another development system along the way! Cross-Assemblers to Beat the Band! Development Tools That Work Avocet cross-assemblers are fast , reliable and user-proven in over 4 years of actual use. Ask NASA, IBM, Xerox or the hundreds of other organizations that use them. Every time you see a new micro- processor-based product, there's a good chance it was developed with Avocet cross-assemblers. Avocet cross-assemblers are easy to use. They run on almost any personal com- puter and process assembly language for the most popular microprocessor families. Your Computer Can Be A Complete Development System Avocet has the tools you need to enter and assemble your soft-ware and finally cast it in EPROM: VEDIT Text Editor makes source code entry a snap. Full- screen editing plus a TECO-like command mode for advanced tasks. Easy installation - INSTALL pro- gram supports over 40 terminals and personal computers. Customizable keyboard layout. CP/M-80, CP/M-86, MSDOS,PCDOS $150 EPROM Programmers let you pro gram, verify, compare, read, display EPROMS but cost less because they communicate through your personal computer or terminal. No personality modules! On-board intelligence provides menu-based setup for 34 different EPROMS, EEPROMS and MPUs (40-pin devices require socket adaptors). Self- contained unit with internal power supply, RS-232 interface, Textool ZIF socket. Driver software (sold separately) gives you access to all programmer features through your computer, lets you down- load cross-assembler output files, copy EPROM to disk. Model 7228 Advanced Programmer — Supports all PROM types listed. Super- fast "adaptive" programming algorithm programs 2764 in 1.1 minutes. Model 7 128 Standard Programmer — Lower-cost version of 7228. Supports all PROM types except "A" versions of 2764 and 27128. Standard programming algo- rithm programs 2764 in 6.8 minutes. Avocet Target CP/M-86 Cross-assembler Microprocessor CP/M-80 IBM PC, MSDOS** XASM04 NEW 6804 $ 250.00 $ 250.00 XASM05 6805 200.00 250.00 XASM09 6809 200.00 250.00 XASM18 1802/1805 200.00 250.00 XASM48 8048/8041 200.00 250.00 XASM51 8051 200.00 250.00 XASM65 6502/65C02 200.00 250.00 XASM68 6800/01, 6301 200.00 250.00 XASM75 NEC 7500 500.00 500.00 XASM85 8085 250.00 250.00 XASM400 COP400 300.00 300.00 XASMF8 F8/3870 300.00 300.00 XASMZ8 Z8 200.00 250.00 XASMZ80 Z80 250.00 250.00 XMAC682 NEW 68200 595.00 595.00 XMAC68K NEW 68000/68010 595.00 595.00 Model 7956 and 7956-SA Gang Pro- grammers — Similar features to 7228. but program as many as 8 EPROMS at once. 7956-SA stand-alone version copies from a master EPROM. 7956 lab version has all features of stand-alone plus RS- 232 interface. EPROM: 2758, 2716, 2732, 2732A, 2764, 2764A, 27128, 27128A.27256, 2508, 2516,2532, 2564, 68764, 68766, 5133, 5143. CMOS: 27C16, 27C32, 27C64, MC6716. EEPROM: 5213, X2816A, 48016, I2816A, 5213H. MPU (w/adaptor): 8748, 8748H, 8749, 8749H, 8741, 8742, 8751, 8755. 7228 Advanced Programmer $ 599 7128 Standard Programmer 429 7956 Laboratory Gang Programmer 1099 7956-SA Stand-Alone Gang Programmer 979 GDX Driver Software 95 481 8748 Family Socket Adaptor 98 511 8751 Socket Adaptor 174 755 8755 Socket Adaptor 135 CABLE RS-232 Cable (specify gender) 30 HEXTRAN Universal HEX File Con- verter — Convert assembler output to other formats for downloading to de- velopment systems and target boards. Also useful for examining object file, changing load addresses, extracting parts of files. Converts to and from Intel, Motorola, MOS, RCA, Fairchild, Tek- tronix, TI, Binary and HEX/ ASCII Dump formats. For CP/M, CP/M-86, MSDOS, PCDOS $250 Ask about UNIX. 68000 CROSS-ASSEMBLER - With exhaustive field testing completed, our 68000 assembler is available for imme- diate shipment. XMAC68K supports Motorola standard assembly language for the 68000 and 68010. Macros, cross- reference, structured assembly statements, instruction optimization and more. Linker and librarian included. Comprehensive, well-written manual. To find out more, call us toll-free. 1-800-448-8500 (in the U.S. Except Alaska and Hawaii) VISA und Mcist,T..ird accepted. All popular disc lormats now available please specify. Priri'sdnnot mdudrshippm'j. and handling i allforexai i quotes OEM INQUIRIES INVITED "Trademark ol I ligjtal Research **Trad*mark <>i Microsoft AVOCET /X SYSTEMS INC. Sales and Development: 10 Summer Street P.O. Box 490. Dept. 585-B Rockport, Maine 04856 (207) 236-9055 Telex: 467210 AVOCET CI Corporate Offices: 804 South State Street Dover, Delaware 19901 Inquiry 44 MAY 1985 -BYTE 381 ■■ " ■ , ■■■»■ — — ^^^w^ "LOWS*, PC-DCS : D/ZOSSWENtX* . . . HOW DO YOU OBT/TALL to work TotemeR?" y; .o I 4tH t ;1' 'ttMfcffV ' ' P^-AJJ:'-- - - tg ' 1 © Lanier, 1985 Lotus is a registered trademark of Ixrtus IXvelopment ( lorporation. I'( : IX)S and l)IS< )SS are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation XKNIX is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. For Concept III. The networking family of multifunctional integrated systems. Interconnects to IBM mainframes, remote data files, other vendors' equipment. A new Perspective on office automation that lets you add processing power as you grow. Lanier customer training and service are second to none. And we're backed by Harris, a world leader in Information Technology. Call for a demonstration. 800-24 1 - 1706.* Or send the coupon. Today. LANIER, A HARRIS COMPANY 1700 Chantilly Drive, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30324 Name. Firm_ .Title. FOR YOUR INFORMATION, WE'RE NOW PART OF HARRIS. 'In Georgia, call 4<)4-.321-12-M collect. Harris/Lanier, Electronic Office Systems Div. SEE LANIER. For a new Perspective on office automation Address. County_ City (2 HARRIS May '85, Byte 4 75 H E5 _ Phone . State Zip _ Engineering Excellence 1 / - VX ¥z~ ~Iwe,£we= OpTlict Act In Data ^ommonicatiokis goprrwACE=. "S*X.i CROSSTALK IS A TRADEMARK OF MICROSTUF. INC . ATLANTA, GEORGIA CROSSTALK IS AVAILABLE FOR MOST SMALL BUSINESS COMPUTERS BYTE U.K. ••••• :%. •• • Parallel Processing A look at the ALICE language by Dick Pountain In the August 1984 BYTE U.K. (page 361), I mentioned a team at London's Imperial College that was working on a , , parallel-processing computer that would Hardware run fifth-generation functional languages. ~j ~ Since this month's theme is multipro- anCl HOpe cessing, this is a good time to make proper acquaintance with that machine— ALICE. The name ALICE is an acronym that stands for Applicative Language Idealized Computing Engine. The machine uses a number of processors working in parallel to execute functional and logic languages like Hope, LISP, and Prolog efficiently. Such lan- guages, which are of great importance to current computer science research, tend to be inefficient when run on conventional se- quential computers, a fact that has pre- vented their widespread use and has already led to the development of custom hardware such as the LISP Machine (which uses a microcoded instruction set opti- mized for LISP). ALICE is a modular design, with possible configurations ranging from a single-user workstation up to a multiuser mainframe. The first machine will be an experimental vehicle using 64 processors to test the prin- ciples involved. The performance goal is to have a single-user ALICE workstation run applicative languages at speeds compar- able to that of Pascal on a VAX-1 1/750. and with a very favorable cost/performance ratio. Performance may be increased simply by adding more processor modules. The pro- cessor elements will be INMOS Transputers. two of which together with 2 56K bytes of RAM (random-access read/write memory) make a unit, and two units are installed on a single-board module. The intention is that a future design phase will further integrate these processor/memory/network modules onto single VLSI (very large scale integra- tion) chips, which should allow performance to be increased substantially. In 1983, INMOS published encouraging perfor- mance projections of a two-dimensional ar- Dick Pountain is a technical author and software consultant living in London. England. He can be contacted do BYTE, POB 372. Hancock. NH 03449. ray of Transputers. The projected price/per- formance ratio of the initial design is already claimed to be 30 times better than current mainframes and superminicom- puters. The ALICE team is headed by Dr. |ohn Darlington and is funded by the U.K. Science and Engineering Research Council. The prototype machine should be nearing completion at about the time this article is published. Applicative Programming I can't explain how ALICE works without first discussing what applicative languages are and how they work. In the December 1984 BYTE U.K. (page 355), I touched on the importance of declarative languages using the example of Prolog. In a nutshell, such languages try to replace the traditional programmer's activity of telling the com- puter what to do with the more productive activity of describing one's problem in a for- mal way that also happens to be an exe- cutable computer program. Prolog is rep- resentative of one family of declarative lan- guages (relational or logic languages) in which predicate logic is the formalism used. There is, however, another family called applicative or functional languages, of which LISP is a well-known, though not pure, example. In such languages, the only activity permitted is the definition, applica- tion, and combination of functions (hence the alternate names). In particular, a strict applicative language does not allow the use of variables or as- signment to variables, and the only control structure that is permitted is recursion. Many programmers' first thought will be that it's not possible to write programs with- out using variables; however, this is not so. It means that all data must be passed as arguments to functions or returned as results from functions, without being stored permanently; in other words, data is pro- duced and consumed "on the fly." To com- (conlinued) Inquiry 274 MAY 1985 -BYTE 385 BYTE U.K. pute the hypotenuse of a triangle from sides X and Y we would say PRINT( SQRT( SUM( SQUARE(X), SQUARE(Y) ) ) ) ; rather than Z := SQRT( X"2 + Y~2) ; PRINT Z ; Those of you who know LISP will recognize that it tends in this direc- tion, but most modern dialects allow assignment (using SET and SETQ) and iterative loops. It's possible to get some of the flavor of functional programming by getting your Pascal compiler out and trying to write programs using only function {not procedure) declarations and using recursion instead of while ... do, repeat . . . until, etc. You won't find it particularly useful though, for Pascal restricts the types of objects that can be passed to or returned by a function. Why bother with functional pro- gramming then, since it seems so restrictive? It turns out that purely ap- plicative programs have some in- teresting properties. Because they don't use variables or assignment, they are free of side effects (the altera- tion of a program's environment by parts of the program). In a sense, ap- plicative programs don't do anything, they merely return values. This makes it possible to reason about the correct- ness of such programs, and in par- ticular, it opens up the possibility that we could use the computer to check programs for correctness, to modify them, and even to write them. Since debugging and program maintenance now account for most of the time and money spent worldwide on computing, such developments would be of the greatest significance. Of equal importance is the fact that the absence of side effects renders each part of a functional program in- dependent of every other and of the order in which they are evaluated, which means that these parts can be evaluated in parallel. Conventional procedural languages (like BASIC and Pascal) don't lend themselves to parallel processing; because routines typically depend on one another, most of the code ends up being de- voted to making routines wait for the others or stopping them from fighting each other for resources. Parallel processing is now widely held to be the way forward in com- puter performance; we can't just keep making faster sequential von Neumann machines forever, because we'll soon be running up against physical obstacles like the speed of light and the melting point of the con- ductors. Even from what puny infor- (conlinued) The biggest news in printers since Herr Gutenberg, and a lot less expensive. Introducing the Sumicom 1120. At $495 it's the least expensive letter-quality printer ever, with features you'd expect to cost hundreds more. The 1120 is as fast as any letter- quality printer under §900, and faster than most: 18 characters per second. It's universally stan- dard, with Qume printwheels and ribbons and an 8-bit parallel Centronics interface; it works with IBM, Apple, Commodore and many other PCs. The 1120 is quiet (only 60 dBA), features proportional spac- ing and takes paper up to 13 inches wide. Options include serial interface, forms tractor and cut sheet feeder. The depend- ability is standard: a 120-day warranty, a month longer than other manufacturers. For fast delivery, call 800/556-1234, ext 167 (California 800/441-2345, ext. 167). Letter quality, and many other qualities, all for 1495; give us a call. S^fe^^i Sum* Sl'MFTRONICS INC., A Su of Sumitomo Corporation 17862 E. 17th St.,Tustin, CA 92680 386 BYTE- MAY 1985 Inquiry 449 for Dealers. 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Send cashier's check or money order... ail other checks will delay shipping two weeks. BYTE U.K. Hope is a strongly typed, pure, higher-order applicative language. It doesn't allow assignment and is side-effect-free. mation we have at present about the human brain, it seems clear that it couldn't achieve its staggering perfor- mance without its millions of neurons working in parallel. Hope Let's now take a look at a particular functional language called Hope, which will be run on ALICE, Hope is a strongly typed, pure, higher-order applicative language. All this means is that it has data "types" as in Pascal. The data types must be declared and are checked by the compiler; the language doesn't allow assignment and is side-effect-free; it allows func- tions to be passed as arguments to other functions or to be returned as results. Hope was designed at Edinburgh University by Burstall, McQueen, and Sannella. Burstall also developed the language POP-2 (see the October 1984 BYTE U.K., page 381). McQueen now works at Bell Laboratories in the U.S. I should stress that Hope is a purely experimental language right now. and it lacks some of the features required for production program- ming. Unlike LISP and Prolog. Hope source code looks quite familiar to programmers with a knowledge of, for instance, Pascal, Some of this famil- iarity is illusory, however, as the sym- bols don't mean what you'd expect from experience of a procedural lan- guage. As an example, take the fac- torial program dec fact ; num - > num ; — fact( 0) < = 1 ; — fact( succ( n)) < = ( succ( n) x fact( n)) ; The first line declares a function called fact, which takes an argument of type num and returns a result of type num. The next two lines are equations that define the function's value for all possible cases (type num represents positive integers so the negative case doesn't arise). In the case that its argument is 0, then it returns the value I . In any other case the factorial of one-more-than-n is [continued] Classy Chassis 3315 5" Floppy /Winchester 7 Cards $417* 3310 5" Floppy/Winchester 4 Cards $387* 3002T 5" Floppy/Winchester 10 Cards $565* 3307 Floppy/5" Winchester 7 Cards $494* FROM yiy MAIN/FRAMES & DISC ENCLOSURES $^| QQ LASER 3000 DISC COVERS (not shown) * 1 piece, prices lower in quantity HI? li^r: j »; 3916F 3915 ■ 5" Floppy $100* 2 ea 5" Winchester $199* \m RESEARCH CORPORATION (Disk drives not included) 8620 Roosevelt Ave .Visalia, CA 93291 209 651-1203 AMPRO "Little Board 3 MAIN/FRAMES 6 Models from $ 1 25 § 1 50 (1 piece*) MODEL 2800 Includes power supply & fan (Disk Drives and Little Board not included) AMPRO & Little Board are TM AMPRO computers RESEARCH CORPORATION 8620 Roosevelt Ave. /Visalia, CA 93291 209/651-1203 388 BYTE- MAY 1985 Inquiry 205 SAVE YOUR MEMORY EDC IS FOR EVERYBODY! 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Westlake Village, CA 91362 y Telephone (818)991-2254 .TWX 910-494-1253 CHRISLIN WKVG AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS: Mississauga, Canada— Transduction Ltd (416) 625-1907; France— SNGA/Auctel (1)736.87.00. Peru— General Trading Corporation (51)-14-222506 QBUS is a trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation MULTIBUS is a trademark of Intel Corporation See US at NCC '85 Booths #6278 & #6279 BYTE U.K. Strong typing in Hope is called polymorphic typing and is of a different and more flexible sort than that in Pascal and Modula-2. one-more-than-n times the factorial of n. The function succ (for "successor' |. which returns a number one more than its argument, is called a "con- structor'' function; in particular it is a constructor function for the positive integers. Every data type in Hope is built by its own constructor func- tion(s). When we write a constant like 3, we are, in fact, evaluating a function called 3 whose value is. not surpris- ingly, 3. but that 3 is shorthand for the expression succ(succ(succ(0))). The identifier n doesn't refer to a variable in the traditional sense but is a formal parameter that refers to the argument passed to the function at run time and has meaning only for the duration of the function applica- tion. Two other things are important to note. The < = symbol does not refer to anything being assigned to any- thing but means "is defined as," "could be replaced by," or "could be rewritten as." Such program lines, in- troduced by . are called "recur- sion equations." The second point is that the order is quite unimportant; I could as easily write dec fact : num - > num ; — fact( succ( n)) < = (succ( n) x fact( n)) ; — fact( 0) < = 1 ; with the same effect. Strong typing in Hope is of a dif- ferent, more flexible sort than that in Pascal and Modula-2. It's called "poly- morphic" typing, which means that you can write functions that will work on any type, while still controlling the relation between argument and result type. This is accomplished by using type variables in place of actual types in the declaration. 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The Army battle tank is probably the epitome of ruggedness and reliability. It has to be. A lot depends on its survival under a variety of extreme conditions. So it is with Viasyn's CompuPro 816 computer. A multi-user family with dependability that outlasts the competition, regardless of the field conditions. Not to mention superior cost-effectiveness, flex- ibility, a one- or two-year warranty, and expandability that lets you network up to 255 systems. You can see the 816 in action at your local Full Service CompuPro* System Center. Call us toll-free for the location nearest you. And talk to trained specialists interested in understanding your needs, and providing the optimum system to satisfy them. And find out how it can help your business win the war against unproductivity. v/Asyn The CompuPro People Where Computers Grow Inquiry 412 3506 Breakwater Court, Hayward, CA 94545 • Call 800/VIASYN-l • In CA, 415/786-0909 CompuPro is a registered trademark of Viasyn Corporation. MAY 1985 'BYTE 391 BYTE U.K. yields a function that tests whether its first argument x is a member of the list that is its second argument. The type declaration says that member must receive as arguments an object of type any. and a list of the same type of objects, and it returns a result of type truval (the Hope equivalent of Boolean). For instance. member(2,[1,2,3]); true : truval is the same as saying member ('b',"aardvark"); false : truval and any will be replaced at run time by type num or type char, respective- ly (notice that strings are lists of char). The constructor function :: is for lists ( y::z means "the list whose head is y and tail is z ") and is itself polymor- phic, as is nil. the empty list construc- tor. You use :: like an infix operator rather than a function ::(y,z)— this privilege can be extended to any user- defined function in Hope. There is much more to Hope than this brief glimpse. Unlike Pascal, it enables you to pass structured data types to functions and return them as results. Data types of any complexity can be defined by the user, and they can be made polymorphic. So you could define a type tree(alpha)— a binary tree of objects of arbitrary type— and then write functions that operate on such trees regardless of the type of objects they contain. It also supports proper mathematical sets in addition to lists. There is not room here to go any further, but I have discussed enough here to give you some understanding of how ALICE works. Reduction You'll notice that in all the preceding examples the left-hand side of the equation is merely an application of the function being defined to some pattern describing a possible form of its arguments; for example, member (x, y::z) says "the first argument can be anything at all. but the second must be a list with at least one ele- ment." The equation's right-hand side identifier function arg list status signal list ref count Figure I : Packet structure. describes an expression that can be substituted for a call of this sort (i.e., one whose actual arguments match the pattern). The execution of a program pro- ceeds by progressively rewriting ex- pressions, using the appropriate recursion equation as a rewrite rule. Let's see how it works on member ('a', "bat"). 1. member('a',"bat") doesn't match member(x.nil) because "bat" isn't nil. Try another. 2. member('a',"bat") does match member(x,y::z) if x is 'a', y is 'b,' and z is "at". The equation says we can therefore rewrite it as true if 'a' = 'b' (which it doesn't) or else as mem- ber('a',"at"). Do the latter. In this process we have successful- ly reduced member('a',"bat") to the simpler member('a',"at"). If you per- form a second reduction of this ex- pression, you'll end up with true, which can't be reduced any further because it doesn't involve the applica- tion of a reducible function that has rewrite rules. Constructor functions are the equivalent of constants in Hope and are not reducible— true is a constructor for type truval. This process of reduction of expres- sions permits parallel evaluation because, in a side-effect-free lan- guage, subexpressions on the right- hand side of an equation can be eval- uated (i.e., reduced) independently of one another. The ALICE Implementation In ALICE, expressions are stored as packets, which are fixed-size blocks of data each divided into a number of fields. The overall structure of a packet is shown in figure 1. A pool of these packets is main- tained in RAM. and the processing agents sit around this pool fishing for packets. A processor pulls a packet out of the pool and checks what func- tion is referred to in its function field. If it is a reducible function, the pro- cessor will try to reduce it and then throw it back into the pool. As long as there is work for them to do, all the processors can operate at once. Of course it isn't quite that simple. For one thing, reduction of a packet often creates several packets (the joke among the ALICE team is that it's called reduction because it makes things bigger). In fact, this is necessary to exploit parallel processing. Let's see how fact(3) gets evaluated in terms of packets. (This is not exact- ly as ALICE would do it; I've simplified the schema in some details to in- crease clarity.) The reductions in- volved are # of packets fact(3) 3 ;- 3 * fact(2) 5 :- 3 *' 2 * fact(1) 7 :- 3 *' 2 1 * fact(O) 7 :- 3 *' 2 *■' 1 *'" 1 answer 6 The packet representing fact(3) gets rewritten to contain * instead of fact, and it spawns two new packets whose identifiers are put on its argument list. These contain 3 and fact(2) and are created from two empty packets grabbed from the pool. There are now three packets. The one for fact(2) then is rewritten and spawns two more off- spring, making five, and so on until seven packets exist. The packets containing the integers 3, 2. and 1 are not reducible and the * packets can't be reduced further while one of their arguments is still (continued) 392 BYTE- MAY I985 Kimtron MULTI-USER SOLUTION for IBM PC, XT, AT Compare The Multi-User Solution of the future is now available. Convert your IBM PC, XT, AT or Compatibles to a true multi-user system while maintaining display, keyboard and software compati- bility. Since the KT-7/PC display is the same as your PC monochrome monitor, with its look-alike keyboard, operators will feel they're using an IBM PC and can also use the same software manual. Kimtron's multi-user solution in- cludes file and record locking, shared data access, and commun- ication between users. It is the intelligent alternative. The KT-7/PC supports Time Sharing, Enhanced Time Sharing and Multi-Processor implementa- tion under PC DOS, MS DOS, UNIX, XENIX, CPM 86, Multilink, Concurrent PC DOS, and other compatible multi-user operating systems. Kimtron's multi-user solution may be tailored for cost effectiveness; as low as $1095 for an additional user, and for speeds more than ten times faster than LAN. You can add one or as many as 31 additional users per PC. Kimtron delivers the future now by allowing an ever- widening network of multi-user PC's. The KT-7/PC may be comple- mented with one (or more) I/O Card, Memory Card, 8086 Speed NOTE: IBM PC, XT, AT, PC DOS. MS DOS, UNIX, XENIX, CPM 86, Multi-Link, Concurrent PC DOS are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation, Microsoft Corp., Bell Labs., Digital Research Inc., Software Link Inc. respectively. Inquiry 226 Enhancer Card, 80286 AT Card, 8088 Multi-Processor Card, 80186 Speed Enhancer Card, 68C00 Card, and related software. For more information about Kim- tron's Multi-User Solution, or general video data terminals for other mini or micro multi-user systems, call your local computer dealers, distributors or Kimtron Corporation Today! (408) 727-1510 See us at Comdex. Booth #4636 _£ 1705 Junction Court = Building #160 =||f San Jose, CA 95112 ^ ^ Kimtron DM20, The Heavy Duty Professional At last, letter quality for the president, spreadsheets for accounting and graphs for marketing. All from one printer . . . the new technology DM20 dot matrix. Refinement of the print head design reduced the diameter of the wire pins. This produced sharper and crisper characters in the letter quality mode. Both the letter and draft modes offer a number of type styles, all software select- able. A unique set of front panel controls for setting characters per inch and line spac- ing helps place this multi-purpose printer abo\e the competition. DEAR CUSTOMER: Research indicate! translates into a This work-horse comes standard with both parallel and serial interfaces making it compatible with all popular computers. It emulates Epson* and IBM* printer control codes. A tractor for long print jobs is standard. See the DM20 at your dealer. Look at the quality. One look and \ on II agree, this is the one I printer for all your needs. Dynax,lnc. FORTIS hi»"t i><. im. >-*.* «>l mi. r See us at Comdex, Booth #W5036 DYNAX, INC. OFFICES "" HEADQUARTERS 6070 R.cKeriDacker Rd . Commerce CA 90040 • (213) 727-1227 NEW JERSEY One M:.':,<,or. Si Easl Rutherford, NJ 07073 • (201) 471-0100 ■ TEXAS 6012 Campus Cttcle. Suite 2S0 lr»ino fX~75062 •1214)257-1700 BYTE U.K. ALICE'S network allows packet-pool segments and any pair of processing agents to communicate and operates at 200 megabits per second. not an integer. In this situation, the thwarted parent packet puts its name on the signal list of the offending off- spring packet, which means "let me know as soon as you have a value," and goes to sleep. When the final fact(0) packet is rewritten to 1 , these signals are sent out and all the * packets know their arguments are ready, at which point they flag them- selves as being reducible and are snapped up by the next free pro- cessor. This program doesn't exploit paral- lelism as well as it might, because at each generation there is only one im- mediately rewritable packet created, thus providing work for only one pro- cessor during the middle part of the evaluation. The function factlist, which returns a list of the factorials of a list of numbers, will perform better. dec factlist: list(num) - > list(num); — factlist(nil) < = nil; factlist(x::y) < = fact(x)::factlist(y); When this program is run, two re- writable packets are created (one for fact and one for factlist) at each generation fact(2) etc. factlist([2,3,4]) factlist([3,4]) etc. and these can be reduced in parallel in turn creating work for more pro- cessors. You'll see that the full benefit of parallelism is only obtained by writing programs with the maximum possible number of recursive sub- expressions. There are other more complex con- siderations, which cannot be fully dealt with here, relating to this evalua- tion mechanism. Sometimes it's nec- essary that subexpressions on the right-hand side of an equation be evaluated sequentially. For instance, in the expression if x = else 1/x, a divide-by-zero error would occur if both parts were always evaluated, so the test must be done first. Similarly, during I/O (input/output), it's neces- sary to print things in sequence, not all at the same time. ALICE provides an alternative mode of evaluation (which is flagged by the programmer in the source code) that suspends execution of a subexpres- sion. This also makes "lazy evalua- tion" possible; data structures with an infinite number of elements can be defined, but only those elements that are needed are ever generated. Hardware ALICE is conceptually composed of just a packet pool and a gang of pro- cessors, but the real hardware is organized into four types of functional units; a number of processing agents and packet-pool segments, an inter- connection network, and a distribu- tion system. Processing agents and packet-pool segments are implemented by the same hardware unit consisting of two Transputers (see "The Transputer" by Paul Walker on page 2 1 9) and 2 56K bytes of RAM; the memory segments are therefore "intelligent." Two such units are mounted on a single board. Which role a unit will play is deter- mined by Occam programs loaded into its Transputers at initialization. The packet pool is thus not a con- tiguous memory block but is dis- tributed throughout the system in discrete 2 56K-byte segments. This is preferable to the alternative that would require the RAM to be multi- ported as many times as there are processors. Instead a network is used to allow the segments and processors to communicate. Designing this network was one of the big challenges of the project, as its performance crucially affects sys- tem throughput. The final design is a delta network whose building block is a four-by-four crossbar switch, imple- mented as a custom chip in ECL (emitter-coupled logic). This network allows any pair of processing agents and packet-pool segments to commu- nicate and operates at 200 megabits per second. The distribution system is a multi- channel system bus upon which the identifiers of both processible and empty packets are circulated (as separate streams). Any processing agent can grab the next packet that comes along and start to process it, communicating over the network to find the packets containing its argu- ments and the rewrite rules. Once reduced, the packet is put back onto the bus (as are any newly created packets), to be picked up and pro- cessed further elsewhere. Garbage collection is performed by reference counting; a field (ref count) in each packet records the number of other packets that refer to it. When this count falls to zero, the packet can be put on the "empty" stream. Gar- bage collection is thus happening all the time, concurrently with process- ing, and all through the system. ALICE doesn't actually execute Hope directly but uses an "assembly language" called CTL (compiler target language). Compilers have been written to compile Hope, Prolog. Parlog (parallel Prolog), and LISP into ALICE CTL. The ALICE hardware has a special mode that permits direct assignment to packets and, together with suspend- ed evaluation for sequencing, this enables conventional procedural lan- guages like Pascal to be supported if required. In this case, the multiple processors could be used (given a suitable operating system) to serve multiple users, as they would not otherwise provide any performance benefit. ■ « — Inquiry 144 MAY 1985 'BYTE 395 HE BEST PRICES! We will meet or beat any qualified price you find. v Next day shipping on all in stock items. ^ Free easy access order inquiry. >-- Orders from outside Pennsylvania and Nevada save state sales tax. ^ Free technicial support with our factory trained technical staff. v There is no limit and no deposit on COD. orders. >- There's no extra charge for using your credit card. Your card is not charged until we ship. ^ We accept purchase orders from qualified corporations. Subject to approval. ^ Educational discounts available to qualified institutions. * FREE CATALOG MEMBERSHIP SHIPPING Add 3%, minimum $5.00 shipping and handling on all orders. Larger shipments may require additional charges. All items subject to availability and price change. Returned shipments may be sub- ject to a restocking fee. 1-800-268-4559 Other Provinces 1-416-828-0866 In Toronto TELEX: 06-218960 2505 Dunwin Drive, Mississauga, Ontario Canada L5L1T1 All prices shown are for U.S.A. orders. 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XII $189.99 Mark IL Serial $79.99 Mark VII (Auto Ans/Auto Dial)$99.99 Mark XII (1200 Baud) $259.00 tD Hayes Smartmodem 300 $199.00 Smartmodem 1200 $389 00 Smartmodem 1200B $359.00 Smartmodem 2400 $699 00 Micromodem lie $249.00 Smart Com II $89.99 Chronograph $199 00 /isr Reach 1200 Baud Half Card.. $399 00 mPpmiCROBITS MPP-1000E AD/AA (Atari). . $109.00 MPP-1064 AD/AA (C-64) $69.00 Novation [S Smart Cat Plus $329.00 J-Cat $99.99 Smart Cat 103 $179.00 Smart Cat 103/212 $399.00 AutoCat $219.00 212 AutoCat $549.00 Apple Cat II $249 00 212 Apple Cat $449.00 Apple Cat 212 Upgrade $259 00 Macmodem 1200B $339.00 TELELEARNING C64 300 Baud $49.99 ZT-1 $339 00 ZT-10 $309.00 ZT-11 $369 00 DISKETTES maxEll 5V4" MD-1 $17.99 5%" MD-2 $23.99 8" FD-1 $39.99 8" FD-2 $49.99 vk Verbatim. 5%" SS/DD $21.99 5'A" DS/DD $29.99 E32 514" Disk Head Cleaner $14.99 1 . i ,,ll Elephant 5'A" SS/SD $14,99 Elephant 5Vi" SS/DD $16.99 Elephant 5%" DS/DD $19.99 Elephant EMSP 5V« $24,99 DISK HOLDERS INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS Flip-in-File 10 $3.99 Flip-in-File 50 $17.99 Flip-in-File 50 w/lock $24.99 Flip-in-File (400/800 ROM) $17.99 AMARAY 50 Disk Tub $9 99 <^?r1oala Atari Zr..."."""." $39.99 C-64 $59.99 IBM $89.99 Apple/Franklin $79.99 Super Sketch Pad (C-64) $39 99 Super Sketch Pad (Atari) $39.99 ■Polaroid Palette $1399 00 = ^m Amcjek 300 Green $129.00 300 Amber $14900 300 Color/Audio $259 00 310 Amber IBM-Plug $16900 Color 500 Composite/RGB $389 00 Color 600 Hi-Res (640x240) $439.00 Color 700 Hi-Res (720x240) $499.00 Color 710 Long Phosphor $579 00 ()bmc 9191U Color $199.00 12" Amber $69.99 12" Amber/Green TTL (ea.)$119 00 NEC JB 1260 Green $99 99 JB 1201 Green $13900 JB 1205 Amber $13900 JB 1215 Color $229.00 JC 1216 RGB $37900 JC 1460 Color $269.00 JC 1410 RGB $66900 prin PRINCETON cs MAX-12 Amber $189.00 HX-12 RGB $469.00 SR-12 RGB $629.00 Sakata SC-100 Color $249.00 SG-1000 Green $129.00 SA-1000 Amber $139 00 • U\X,W 115 12" Green Mono $99 99 116 12" Amber Mono $99.99 121 Green TTL $139.00 122 Amber TTL $149.00 210 Color RGB $239.00 400 Med-Res RGB $319.00 415 Hi-Res RGB $399.00 420 Hi-Res RGB (IBM) $429.00 440 Ultra Hi-Res RGB $589.00 8400 Quadchrome $479.00 8410 Quadchrome II $469.00 8420 Amberchrome $179 00 Jpmrm ZVM 122 Amber $89.99 ZVM 123 Green $89.99 ZVM 124 IBM Amber $14900 ZVM 131 Color $299.00 ZVM 133 RGB $429.00 ZVM 135 RGB/Color $459 00 ZVM 136 RGB/Color $629.00 mMPRACllCAL Graphcard $79.99 Seriall Card $99 99 Microbuffer II + $169 00 Microbuffer 32K $189 00 QUADfWl^ Microlazer from $139.00 Efazer (Epson) from $79.99 §£Orcinge micro Grappler CD (C64) $99.99 Grappler + (Apple) $109.00 Grappler 16K+ (Apple) $189 00 DIGITAL DEVICES Ape Face (Alan) $49.99 Upnnt (Atari) $59.99 Uprint (C-64) $59.99 Primer Buffer P-16 $79.99 m» miCROBITS MB1150 Parallel (Atari) $79.99 MPP-1150 Parallel (Atari) $69.99 MP-1150XL (Atari 1200XL) $69.99 MicroStuffer 64K Print Buffer . $109 00 AT-100 Atari Interface Printer. ..$159 00 AT-550 Atari Dual Mode $259.00 GP-100 Parallel Interface $18900 GP-700 Atari Color Primer $489 00 GP-550 Parallel Printer $269 00 l*> I BMC BX-80 Dot Matrix $229.00 #CITIZEN MSP-10 (80 col) $349.00 MSP-15 (132 col) $539.00 MSP-20 (80 col.) $569.00 MSP-25 (132 col.) $729.00 citoh Prownter 7500 $219.00 Prowriter 8510P $299.00 Prownter 1550P $469.00 Son of Starwriter A10P $459.00 Hot Dot Matrix $459.00 F10-40P Starwriter $899.00 F10-55 Printmaster $1049.00 ■K«'7 , * , K: ComWriterll Letter Quality $399.00 DIABLO 620 Letter Quality $749.00 630 API Letter Quality $1549.00 d*sywriter 2000 $899 00 EPSON RX-80. FX-80+. LX-80. JX-80 CALL FX-100 + . RX-100, LQ1500 CALL Homewriter 10 CALL juxr 6100 $399.00 6300 $749.00 MANNESMANN TALLY Spirit 80 $239.00 160L $539.00 180L $699.00 iV£C 8027 Transportable $319.00 2010/15/30/50 $699.00 3510/15/30 $1299.00 3550 IBM $1369.00 8810/15/30 $1699.00 8850 IBM $1749.00 OklDATA 82. 83. 84. 92. 93. 182, 2350. 2410. Okimate-20 CALL Okimate (Specify C64 or Atari). $199.00 OLYMPIA Needlepoint Dot Matrix $339 00 Compact RO $399 00 Compact 2 $439 00 Panasonic KX1090 $199.00 KX1091 $279 00 KX1092 $409 00 KX1093 $599.00 QMADRAM^ Quadjet T^V $749 00 400 Letter Quality $279.00 500 Letter Quality $329.00 550 Letter Quality $429.00 770 Letter Quality $779.00 SG10 (120 cps) $239.00 SG15 (120 cps) $399.00 SD10 (160 cps) $359.00 SD15 (160 cps) $479.00 SR10 (200 cps) $499.00 SR15 (200 cps) $639.00 Powertype Letter Quality $319.00 TOSHIBA 1340 (80 column) $599.00 1351 (132 column) $1259.00 PC-150 Desktop CALL PC-160 Portable CALL iv;"i"n /■■ 2220 Dual Portable $1999.00 4220 Dual Desktop $1999.00 ® SANYO MBC 550-2 Single Drive $749.00 MBC 555-2 Dual Drive $1099 00 MBC 775 Portable CALL AT*T Safari CALL 6300 CALL corona PPC22 Dual Portable $1599.00 PPCXTA 10 meg Portable $2799.00 PC40022 Dual Desktop $2199.00 SEC PC-8800 8/16 Bit $1299.00 • Lotus Symphony $429.00 1-2-3 $299.00 Hayes Please (Data Base) $199.00 PeachPack (GL/AP/AR) $199.00 III MicroPro WordStar 2000 $239.00 WordStar 2000 + $299.00 RBase 4000 $249.00 Clout 2.0 $129.00 MultiMate Multi Mate $249.00 Crosstalk $89.99 MICROSOFT. Flight Simulator $39.99 MultiPlan.. $129.00 ASHTON-TATEB Framework $349.00 dBASE II $299 00 dBASE III $369.00 Professional Software PC Plus/The Boss $249 00 File Manager. synapse $49 99 ■■^ELECTRONIC ARTS" Get Organized $69.99 Cut -n- Paste $39.99 Music Construction $29.99 One -on- One $29.99 Financial Cookbook $34.99 Electronic Desk $199.00 BDORIAHO INrEMUTIMUt Turbo Pascal $39.99 Sidekick $39.99 SPI Open Access $379 00 # Harvard Software Inc. Harvard Project Manager $209.00 Total Project Manager $269.00 vfa IBM/APPLE Access (NEW) $79.99 Write $79.99 Graph $79.99 Report $74 99 File $79.99 Plan $79.99 Proof $59.99 Mac Software CALL Human Edge m Communication Edge $1 1 9.00 Management Edge $14900 Negotiation Edge $179.00 Sales Edge $149 00 IBM PC SYSTEMS Configured to your specifications. Call for Best Price! /4fN/|TJEK MAI $24900 ABT Six Pack Plus $239.00 Mega Plus II $269.00 I/O Plus II $139.00 Memory MBII $249 00 Advantage-AT $399 00 Preview Monograph $299.00 Graph Pak Mono/64K $599 00 MonoGraph Plus $399.00 5251/11 CALL 5251 $579 00 3780 $639 00 BSC $499 00 IRMA 3270 .'....'..' $899 00 IRMA Print $999 00 E3GLE Color . ..$199.00 EVEREX Color Card (Graphics Edge) $299 00 Magic Card $199.00 Graphics. .SM~y*S5 $319.00 Color $169.00 HL Associates IDEAmax - ZPR. 64K. C. S. P $229 00 IDEAmini - YPR. C. S. P $189.00 IDEAminimax - MPR 128K $22900 IDEAshare Software $219.00 IDES 5251 $649.00 PARADISF Modular Graphics Card $279.00 Multi Display Card $299.00 Five Pack C. S $169.00 PLANTRONICS Color Plus $369 00 II Captain - 64 $239.00 Captain Jr. 128K $339 00 Graphics Master $469 00 QUAL2RAM^ Quadboard II T*Tt!... $229.00 Expanded Quadboard $239.00 Quad 512 + $24900 Quad 2 Meg $879 00 Memory Board $229.00 QuadJr Exp. Chassis $539.00 QuadJr Exp. Memory S219 00 QuadMemJr $229.00 Chronograph $89.99 Parallel Card $69.99 Quadcolor I $21 9.C Quadgraph $379.C KEYBOARDS Keytronics Keyboards 5150. 5151, 5151 Jr, 5149 Jr CALL MEMORY CHIPS 4164 RAM Chips (ea.) $2 99 TOLL FREE ORDERS ONLY! 800'63 1 '0962 ( California) 800S21 '61 62 Customer Service HOTLINE (408) 559-6555 GUARANTEED^LOWESTl OUR PRICE GUARANTEE -It's Simple! We'll beat any ad in this magazine - same terms - call TOLL FREE for details! DGt> DISCOUNT COMPUTER CENTERS OUR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: It for any reason your DCC purchase fails to meet manufacturers specifications within 30 days of purchase, please return it to us for a full refund or exchange of your choice! Sorry, software excluded due to copyright laws. ISM ^cnT — -*= — - --J 5««l(lr5S« W *«" PC with 2 dmeMSSK '3S5 XTwirh2*4™MG K »» Ca " 'or details - Com™*, : 3*7$ Sasaspa 310A...' COLOR (£".' '£, ArnOe, ... 420 RGB PHwcETOrVHx^;;; • MAX-12' <24 MONO 1 IBM - '3SRG8COMP ... 249 569 135 145 165 419 515 114 ..... 117 439 459 649 168 93 93 fSss55SJ mfSSP* =5* %:::: :: =:::::.^ '5-X ... 23fl Special PINB4U WTHBUSTER ' F P0GGER ■ ULTIMA M .; «XXON G "° SUB SIMULATOR ' «LrAio w i5 HAVES 300 '200 .. «CHORMARKxi E :; SIX PAK Vus HR-25... •Bap*' : — ■: JUKI 6300 WABLO620' .;; 2»«ywis~: ::;:: ^; NEC all models Q UME a/I models JCm 1395 1695 .359 .... 599 .799 .389 ■ 724 ■ 829 1276 !?M 360 KB ""'SPECIAI win ■ '""wei FRIDAV ■""" | y special .. «, MULTIMATE WORD w MOIKr dBASEl,"' IBMWT *"BASE dBASEI/l PFS FILE CONDOR ijj B-BASE4000 "•BASE CLOUT".'.'.' SIDEKICK "' IBM '««SC V " COPy 1/ pc' TH/NKTANK.'.' S°*EV3.0. gu?=z !2?^m>srzzz::£ ^HTS,M^W S; " " ■ — - 34 249 • 84 249 269 159 84 -284 355 84 ... 249 ...279 • 129 MEGAPLUS** 4 * EVEREXGRAPHKEogj- *tt CONTROLLER IB M Monochrome «9 P «AO.SEC f 3wfl S . M * Sre '' .305 ■ 165 .249 259 309 379 299 199 ^K°^iR- .113 ■■ 139 .189 ...48 ...59 ..49 375 ...475 .279 » ■ 129 79 ■ 245 ... 45 ...55 ■ 79 / '""SPEClAI ••• --"■ "'"ULATOR •A/'ww-easytouse windows" • Footnotes • Sped Checker ' J*^ much more "!259j MKH *« CHIPS 200ns HSSSmw?" " ;: ■"-.::» «VTR0NICS5I5)NEWV '« MICRO-SOFT m^t ■" 159 ^ SnCKS -KRAFTWE S -- « f niuu^j s/s , Cj^-tn * PC Paint *|24) S£*% SALE ... ^ -■•■ •*•"! SSI* Ss DO diskeST 35 attM^P :.' 2 | Ww * S 8WaSC " •"— - JCall V _ ATABlC- f- *£fSE9Bfe, tow" (i309 DISCOUNT COMPUTER CENTERS an established mail order/retail distribution network BUYER FRIENDLY TERMS! • DELIVERY We ship immediately' Most orders delivered within 5 days! Add 3% pff" mm) for UPS shipping, handling, insurance Calif residents add 6 5% sales tax 2"" day UPS available at extra charge •PAYMENT Visa, MC, cashiers checks, money orders, personal checks accepted (Allow 10 business days for personal company checks to clear). WE NEVER CHARGE EXTRA FOR CREDIT CARDS! CO D.'s welcome (20% p p deposit) with cash, certified check or money order • WAR- RANTY All items shipped are new include FACTORY WARRANTY and are GUARANTEED TO WORK. DCC is an AUTHORIZED DEALER and SERVICE CENTER for most major brands • RETURNS Must be accompanied by RMA number (supplied by DEALER) and may be subiect to a 20% restocking fee Prices and availability subject to change without notice All items limited to stock on hand • MAIL ORDER PRICES NOT VALID AT RETAIL OUTLETS DUE TO REGIONAL PRICING RESTRICTIONS. Minimum order <50*. (free-visa/mcT) 398 BYTE MAY 1985 1707 S. BASCOM AVE • CAMPBELL, CA 95008 • (408) 559-6555 1243 W. EL CAMINO • SUNNYVALE, CA 94087 • (415) 965-4494 1 341 FULTON AVE • SACRAMENTO, CA 95825 • (916) 971-3503 ( VISIT OUR DISCOUNT SHOWROOMS! ) A self-help guide for buyers and sellers by Robert Greene Sterne and Perry I. Saidman COMPUTERS AND LAW The Sale of Computer Products Robert Greene Sterne and Perry |. Saidman are attorneys with Said- man. Sterne. Kessler. & Goldstein in Washington. DC. They are also con- tributing editors for BYTE- They can be contacted do BYTE. POB 372. Hancock. NH 03449. In this column we will discuss the legal aspects of buying and selling com- puter products, an important concern because each stage of the distribution net- work is involved. We'll deal with computer products— microcomputers of all types, off- the-shelf software packages, printers, flop- py disks, computer furniture, and the like- but not services— customization of software, service calls, and so on— since services are treated somewhat differently. We hope you find this a concise self-help guide to be re- tained and consulted when buying or sell- ing computer products. We'll examine both pre-sale activities and the sale itself. We'll attempt to present as balanced a view as possible, one that is neither pro-buyer nor pro-seller. However, the subject is, by nature, very buyer- oriented, since sellers in many respects have forced the marketplace to be seller- biased. For clarity we will cast you, the reader, in the role of buyer. The buyer being discussed is the in- dividual person or business buying for per- sonal or business use. The seller can be in the business of selling computer prod- ucts—a local store, a mail-order house, a hardware manufacturer, or software pub- lisher—or an individual or business selling computer products on a one-shot basis. This second group is growing exponential- ly as older products are being supplanted. The Law of Computer Sales The legal aspects of computer sales involve a hybrid of federal and state laws. One part is in the form of statutory rules as inter- preted by actual court cases. And another part is judge-made laws that have evolved over the centuries and trace their ancestry back to England. When you apply this patchwork quilt of legal rules to a given sales situation, you must examine the facts carefully, since it is not uncommon for a single fact to radically alter the end result. The primary source of federal law is the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Rules and Regulations relating to mail-order sales and to warranties. At the state level, it is Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) that makes up the bulk of sales law. In cer- tain states, additional laws govern decep- tive trade practices. In each state, judge- made laws control those areas not ad- dressed by federal law, the UCC, or the deceptive trade practice laws (if present). The Buyer s Responsibilities As a buyer, your first rule is to check out the product you intend to buy and the various sellers from whom you could buy it. Buyer advocates stress that much pain and aggravation can be avoided if you observe this simple rule. Take the time to read reputable and in- depth reviews of the product, preferably from a nonpartisan journal. Some buyer ad- vocates recommend that you avoid prod- ucts that have just been released unless you have the wherewithal to deal with the prod- uct shakedown risks. Find a way to use the product— examine the manual, try to run some functions, and determine if it will operate in its intended environment. You should try to talk to a per- son currently using the product; reputable sellers will put you in touch with such users. Check out possible sellers. Price and product availability usually are not the only factors to be considered. Local stores are attractive, since they offer the advantages of product inspection and evaluation, sup- port, and service as well as off-the-shelf delivery. But you should determine whether the product requires support or service. Ob- viously, a printer does and a floppy disk does not. If support and/or service are im- portant, then you should evaluate the local store's capability to provide them. How well established is the store? What kind of staff does it have and how experienced are they? What reputation do the store and staff have? Do they stand behind the products they sell? Local stores constantly complain {continued) MAY 1985 "BYTE 399 COMPUTERS & LAW to us that they do all the pre-sale work for mail-order houses, hardware manufacturer, and software pub- lishers who get the sale due to their lower pre-sale overhead. If you intend to use the computer products in a business context where downtime is costly, you should be sensitive to this. You should try to determine if the local store will be loyal to you if you are loyal to it. As a buyer, you should remember the time-tested adage of being penny-wise and pound-foolish. Mail-order houses are the real wild cards in the seller's game. As a buyer, you should take a minute to look at magazine advertising. Any computer product imaginable can be purchased "C 8 "/'///,„„ How Do Ybu*>^i Measure A C Compiler? CODE SPEED & SIZE The Lattice C Compiler "generates code that is quite compact and last running" Peter Norton, PC Magazine CONSISTENT RELIABILITY "The Lattice Compiler has performed reliably and predictably." R. Phraner, Byte Magazine COMPILE TIME "Lattice is a real performer." Houston, Brodrick, Kent, Byte Magazine THIRD-PARTY UBRARIES More than 40 library products are currently available for Lattice UNIX V COMPATIBILITY The Lattice Library is UNIX V-compatible DEBUGGER SUPPORT The Lattice C-SPRITE Debugger is now available DOCUMENTATION Lattice "is thorough and excellent." D. Clapp. PC Magazine UNIX is a trademark of AT&T Bell Laboratories UPDATE POLICIES Lattice provides free bugfix updates lor 90 days COOPERATING PRODUCTS New LMK Utility, dBC Library, CVUE Screen Text Editor, CURSES Screen Library and GSS Graphics are available from Lattice VENDOR REPUTATION Lattice is used in more commercial products than any other C Compiler. No run- time license is required. ALL MEMORY MODELS Lattice C has 7 memory models available to allow the best solution for the task at hand AVAILABILITY OF CROSS COMPILERS SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! Ask About Our "Trade Up To Lattice C" Policy P LATTICE Lattice", Inc. P.O. Box 3072 Glen Ellyn, IL 60138 (312) 858-7950 TWX 910-291-2190 International Sales Offices Belgium: Softshop. Phone: (32) 53-664875. England: Round Hills. Phone: (0672) 54675. Japan: Lifeboat Japan. Phone: (03) 293-23U. by mail order. And look at those low, low prices. They are often from 10 to 40 percent lower than those available from other sellers. But the support and service are not available, accord- ing to many buyer advocates and some seller attorneys. And even more importantly, you should be aware that there is a significantly higher risk that you may get a late delivery or no delivery at all. Mail-order houses argue that they are the force that keeps the market- place truly competitive, resulting in the amazing gains in the performance/ price curve that the microcomputer industry has enjoyed in its 1 0-year life span. Without them, they argue, the local stores would conspire with manufacturers and publishers and ar- tificially raise prices in the name of support and service. Apple Computer has been on the receiving end of such allegations in the lawsuits spawned by Apple's termination of dealers en- gaged in so-called transshipping—sales through the mail or by phone by sellers who provide little or no pre- or post-sale support or service. Hardware manufacturers and soft- ware publishers make up the third group of regular sellers. They will be glad to talk to you about selling you their products. You should call them up, ask to talk to their sales depart- ments, and get price and delivery quotes. Dealing with the manufac- turers offers several advantages. Often they are the ultimate sources of sup- port and service. In other words, the local stores are really fronting for them. You also stand a greater chance of getting the latest version of a prod- uct directly from the manufacturer. This is particularly true with small manufacturers and publishers who may not have the dealer network that warrants using a local store. Larger manufacturers may operate company stores in your local area. Suppose you are about to buy or sell a computer product and the per- son you are negotiating with is not yet 18 years old. As any experienced seller knows, this is one of the danger points in the law of computer sales. {continued) 400 BYTE' MAY 1985 inquiry 234 Double your IBM PC's processing speed for under $650: AT speed for your IBM PC, with QuadSprint by Quadram. Quadram introduces a rapid advancement in IBM PC performance. QuadSprint. The innovative expansion board that doubles the processing speed of your personal computer. Just plug the totally transparent QuadSprint into your system and watch all your PC programs (Lotus 1-2-3. dBASE III, Wordstar, and more*) run faster and more efficiently than ever before. . . without special commands or interface software. But best of all, you can pick up QuadSprint without running up a huge bill. At less than $650, QuadSprint is about half the price of other accelerator (turbo) cards and turns your PC into a machine that's virtually as fast as the new PC AT. So make your own rapid advancement. To the Quadram dealer closest to you. And see how to double the processing speed of your IBM PC. With QuadSprint by Quadram. QUAQ^*^ QUADRAM J An Intelligent Systems Company 4355 International Blvd./Norcross, Ga. 30093 (404) 923-6666/TWX 810-766-4915 (QUADRAM NCRS) Inquiry 335 IBM 1 ' PC. PC AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. ' 1-2-3 isa trademark of Lotus Development Corp. dBASE III is a trademark of AshtonTate. Inc. Wordstar is a trademark of MicroPro Corp. ©Copyright 1984 Quadram Corporation. All rights reserved. STOP GETTING YOUR WIRES CROSSED; One mix up, and a whole project can get thrown off. Which can mean costly delays. With Post-it™ Notes, you can put important notes or directions right where they'll be seen. The unique, repositionable adhesive means they'll stay put.Then come off as easily as they went on. And the bright color means your message is sure to get noticed. Call 1-800-328-1684 for a free sample. Then get more from your office manager, local stationer or art supply dealer. With Post-it Notes, you'll never have problems making connections. COMPUTERS & LAW And with the rapidly expanding used- product market, there is a significant possibility that you may find yourself buying a product from a minor The rule here is that you should always make sure that an adult (a person 18 years or older) signs the written sales contract for the minor. The reason is that a minor is not allowed by law to contract. In effect, a minor could buy or sell a computer product and then void the sale and get his money or product back even though he has made full use of the money or prod- uct for a considerable period of time. This rule traces its lineage back to the days when the law sought to protect minors from unscrupulous adults and from themselves. Minors today seldom repudiate their deals, but when big-ticket product purchases are involved, it's prudent to be on the safe side and make sure an adult signs the sales agreement. The Sales Agreement Whether you are the buyer or the seller, you should always use a writ- ten sales agreement— a must if the transaction is for more than $500. And you should always get the other party to sign it or initial it. Sometimes, one party to a sale of over $500 will try to get the other party to sign the agreement but will try not to sign it himself. A section of the UCC says that a contract for more than $500 must be in writing and signed by the party that is on the receiving end of an enforcement action. Thus, if one party does not sign, that party can enforce the contract against the other party but can prevent it from being en- forced against himself. A sales agreement can be as sim- ple as an itemized note or sales slip or as elaborate as the multisheet printed form with carbon paper that has become commonplace. If you are a buyer, it is imperative to get everything in writing to be able to prove those items that have been agreed upon. On the other hand, if you are the seller, only put in writing that which you intend to provide and nothing more. The reason for this is that the UCC explicitly states that all discussions that lead up to a written contract are deemed to be contained in the written contract, unless other- wise stated. Most printed agreements, however, contain an integration or entire-agreement clause. This clause is part of the boldface, capitalized ver- biage usually found on the front of a form contract near the price or near where the buyer's signature goes. This clause states in effect that the paper being signed is the entire agreement, understanding, and representation between the buyer and seller and supersedes all previous discussions, promises, and understandings. In other words, if it's not in the written [continued] You already own a computer that can talk. Now let it. Now you can upgrade almost any personal computer and make it more powerful than ever, by giving it the power of speech. The Votrax Personal Speech System is the least expensive sophisticated voice synthesizer available today. The PSS's text-to-speech vocabulary is virtually unlimrted, and you can define an exception word table and custom- ize your translations. So the PSS can say just about anything! It's a speech and sound specialist. The PSS can also mix speech and sound effects or speech and music. It contains its own speaker a programmable master clock, 256 programmable frequencies, a program- mable speech rate for a more natural rhythm, and 16 programmable amplitude levels for incredible control of word emphasis. You can control the volume. Plus, rt doesn't use any of your computer's valuable memory It's computer friendly. The PSS is unbelievably easy to use. It doesn't need an interface card for most computers. It comes with standard serial and parallel ports. Speech, music, and sound effects are as simple as printing out a document. What do you do with a talking computer? There are countless practical applications. Businesses may want the PSS for spoken transmission of information, narration of displays, and product demonstrations. It makes verification of data input possible for the blind. It can be part of a burglar alarm system. Children can use the PSS as a study -»— - aid. And it helps games come alive, speaking while you play Whatever your computer can do, the PSS can help it do it better at a cost that makes it all worthwhile: only $395* Call (313) 583-9884 to hear an actual voice demonstration of the PSS. There's also the Type 'N Talk. If you want a less sophisticated unit and want to spend a little less, consider the Votrax Type 'N Talk (TNT). Its vocab- ulary is also limited only by what you can type. It doesn't use any computer memory it's compatible with most computers, and it's only $249* Just plug it in to your own speaker and go! For more information about the Persona! Speech System or the Type 'N Talk, see your local computer retailer call toll-free or write: 1394 Rankin Troy Michigan 48083 1-800-521-1350 (In Michigan, call collect 313-588-0341) Inquiry 4 15 MAY 1985 I Y T E 403 COMPUTERS & LAW Ike seller should let you read and understand the boilerplate before you sign the contract. contract, it's not part of the deal. If you are the buyer, you cannot always trust the salesperson to ade- quately document the deal, so take these simple precautions. It is perfect- ly reasonable to require that the sales- person let you read and understand the boilerplate of the contract and to have all of the particulars of your deal GIVEMJRPC THE GIFT OF SIGHT. Until now, your PC was telling only half the storv. Because no matter how you look at it, words and numbers are simply that: words and numbers. But the Datacopy 700 changes all that TURN YOUR WORD PROCESSOR INTO AN IMAGE PROCESSOR. This remarkable peripheral enables you to combine photos, diagrams, even 3-D objects with word processing, data base, CAD and communications applica- tions using standard software. All you need to get the picture is an IBM XT, AT, or compatible. Our friendly, yet powerful, Word Image Processing System™ software is included in your purchase. Once installed, our elec- tronic digitizing scanner allows you to capture images in high resolution. These can then be manipu- lated, stored, retrieved, and even printed. But what's truly amaz- ing is the range of applica- tions for the Datacopy 700. Such as generating complex documents including text, drawings and pictures. Technical manuals. Catalogs. Personnel or document files. Or what ever you decide. The result is a visionary achievement: the power to give words and numbers far more meaning. To publish information, not just data . And to extend the possibili- ties of your PC. All for a surprisingly low cost. For more details, call toll-free 1-800- 821-2898 or in California 415-965-7900. Or write to Datacopy Corporation, 1215 Terra Bella Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043. Telex: 701994 DATA- COPY UD. DATACOPY The Eye of the Computer entered on the contract before you sign it, pay any money, or take possession of the computer products. If a printed form contract is used, make sure all deletions and additions are initialed and dated by the seller in the margin beside the change on all of the copies. Also make sure that the contract is signed by an agent of the seller who has the authority to sign contracts. Prudent sellers should pay great at- tention to making sure they have legally strong, well-drafted, and plain- English standard contracts and that their sales personnel are diligent in completing them and having them ex- ecuted in each computer-product sale. This cannot be overemphasized. In the event of a dispute with a dis- gruntled buyer, a seller, particularly if selling is the seller's regular business, will be at a great disadvantage if he doesn't have such a written agree- ment. Furthermore, if a buyer tries to cheat the seller out of money owed, the buyer must have a written con- tract. And if a seller should be unfor- tunate and become involved in a defective-computer lawsuit where the buyer may quite legitimately claim consequential and punitive damages in the millions of dollars, a written contract can be the seller's main shield against such liability. Buyers often tell us that sellers will not change their standard contracts. This is a negotiation as much as a legal issue. If a seller will not docu- ment the terms of your deal— the computer products involved, price, delivery date, the name and address of the buyer and seller, any special terms, and the like— then you should probably find a different seller. How- ever, if boilerplate language is the problem, then the issue is much more difficult. Many sellers just won't deviate from their standard agree- ment, particularly on single-system deals, because they are afraid that if they give in to one, they will have to give in to all future buyers. One way to get around this impasse may be to create a side letter that specifically in- corporates the standard agreement but states that the modifications con- [contmued] 404 B Y T E • MAY 1985 Inquiry 124 I n the quiet city of Metropolis, SuperSoft Software is turning ordinary business people into tfllMMMMAJ ] Scratchpad Plus When faced with the perilous threat of data overflow, this Spreadsheet will NEVER let you run Out Of Memory Scratchpad Plus is the no-nonsense financial planning spreadsheet suit- able for every business Superhero. • HAMDLE HUGESPREADSHEETS- 192K memory is all you'll ever need, it runs in much less. Use W up to 9,999 rows or columns. Fill up to 25,000 cells simultaneously. Mever see "Out of Memory - ' again. • CONSOLIDATE LIKE CRAZY- Take as many spreadsheets as you would like and consolidate them into one. Get totals or averages of all entries. • ENTER DATA WITH BLINDING SPEED — Enter columns and rows of data with only one hand. • LEAP TALL PROJECTS IN A SINGLE BOUND— Automatic pagination, format options, data transfer capabilities, windowing, built-in functions, formula display, precise error reporting, and help screens are just some of the time-saving features of Scratchpad Plus. Scratchpad Plus (for all PC DOS, MS DOS, CP/M-86, and CP/M-80 systems): $195 Demo available: $19.95 Stats-graph Create Super Graphs Without Graphics Hardware Bring excitement and immediacy to your reports and presentations. Create PIE GRAPHS, SCATTER PLOTS, and BAR CHARTS that can be output to any screen, printer, or text file. No matter what kind of system you have — color or black and white, graphics or no graphics, printer or no printer— Stats-graph will create great looking graphs. You can also produce statistics such as regression analysis and standard deviation. And Stats-graph works alone or with Scratchpad Plus, PDB, or any other program which outputs DIE files. Stats-graph (for all PC DOS, MS DOS, CP/M-86, and CP/M-80 systems): $195 Demo available: $19.95 Inquiry 383 PDB The Superhero's Business Filing System When up against a villainous quag- mire of disorganized data, Superhero PDB puts you in control. File it, sort it, search it, format it, enter it, delete it, reorganize it, merge it, convert it, subdivide it, print it, report it . . . PDB is the high-powered busi- ness filing system that even the INCREDIBLE HULK would find easy to use. Get PDB, PDQ. PDB (for PC DOS and selected MS DOS systems): $195 Diagnostics II Take care of your microcomputer before it takes care of you. Protect yourself from time-robbing system failure. Pinpoint costly hard- ware problems before they cause serious trouble. NCR, XEROX, MORROW DESIGNS, and SONY all use this software to take care of their systems. Diagnostics II is the finest set of system diag- nostics available for microcomputers. It thoroughly checks memory, CPU, terminal, printer, and disk drives- isolating many problems to the chip level. It checks both standard and non-standard components, including non-IBM add-ons. So get a copy of Diagnostics II for yourself— and keep your system in great shape. Diagnostics II (for all PC DOS, MS DOS, CP/M-86, and CP/M-80 systems): $125 Special Promotional Offer Mention this ad when ordering from SuperSoft and get the following outstanding discounts on any of these products. BUY ONE PRODUCT, GET $25 OFF- BUY TWO PRODUCTS, GET $60 OFF- BUY AMY THREE, GET $100 OFF- BUY ALL FOUR AND GET $150 OFF This offer is available for a limited time only. HOW TO ORDER CALL 800- 762- 6629 (in Illinois call 217-359-2112 or SEND YOUR CHECK OR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION TO THE AD- DRESS BELOW. Add $3 shipping U.S., $6 Canada, $20 all other areas. Please specify your computer and operating system. (C.O.D. orders also accepted) SuperS ft SuperSoft, Inc. P.O. Box 1628, Champaign, IL 61820 Telex: 270365 SUP ACI CHM MAY 1985 -BYTE 405 COMPUTERS & LAW tained in the letter supersede compar- able terms in the standard agreement. The letter should be dated the same day as the standard agreement and should also be signed by the seller. Advertising Another problem that causes anguish for both buyer and seller involves ad- vertisements. The seller is not obli- gated to provide an unlimited number of buyers with a particular product at an advertised price. The law recog- nizes that product supplies are not limitless. To be on the safe side, sellers should make sure that their advertisements specify the number of products that will be available at a Wre inGoodCompany WhenMxi Program in BetterBASIC All of these companies rely on BetterBASIC to write their software programs. They have found that BetterBASIC combines the features they need from BASIC, Pascal, C and Forth in one familiar environment. Some of these fea- tures include the following. 640K Now you can use the full memory of vour PC to develop large programs. STRUCTURED Create well organized programs using procedures and functions that are easily identified and understood and completely reusable in future programs. MODULAR Use procedures and functions grouped together to form "library modules." INTERACTIVE BetterBASIC acts like an interpreter, responding to the users' commands in an immediate mode. However, each statement is actually compiled as it is entered. EXTENSIBLE Create your own BetterBASIC modules which contain BetterBASIC extensions (ideal for OEMs). COMPILED Each line of the program is compiled as it is entered into the computer's memory rather than interpreted at runtime. The optional Runtime System generates KXE. files. BetterBASIC Runs on IBM PC, IBM PC/XT and compatibles. CALL 1-800-225-5800 Order Better BASIC now, or write Summit Software Tech- nology, Inc.™. P.O. Box 99. Babson Park, Wellesley, MA 02157 Prices are listed below. BetterBASIC: $199 Runtime System: $250 8087 Math Module: $99 Still not convinced? Order the BetterBASIC sample disk which includes a demo, a tutorial, compatibility issues, 50 lines of BetterBASIC and more. Only $10. MasterCard, VISA. P.O. Checks. Money Order. C.O.D. accepted BetterBASIC is a registered trademark of Summit Software Technology. Inc. IBM PC and IBM PC/XT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corp Tandy is a regis- tered trademark of Tandy Corp. Illustrated above are registered trademarks of the following com- panies: Mobil Oil Corp., AT&T; General Electric Co : Westing- house Electric Corp ; TRW. Inc. ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE TANDY 2000, 1200 AND 1000 sale price or state minimally that "quantities are limited." Rain Checks What happens when the seller issues a rain check to the buyer? Must he sell the product to the buyer at a later date? Seller lawyers argue that there is no obligation under state law, since the rain check is considered merely an offer, revocable by the seller prior to the actual purchase. Buyer advo- cates disagree but have little legal precedent on which to rely. To be on the safe side, buyer advocates suggest that you either purchase the products in full and await delivery or put down a partial payment and get a written rain check. The partial payment turns that written rain check into a binding contract. Mail Order Many buyers are scared of dealing with mail-order houses. They are afraid of being burned. Buyer advo- cates suggest the following strategy to minimize this. First, always deal with a seller whose business is located out of state to avoid paying sales tax. Sec- ond, call the seller, negotiate the terms mentioned below, and follow up with a letter documenting the oral agreement. One important term is the exact description of the product be- ing purchased (model or version number, etc.). Another is the price, in- cluding handling and shipping. Make sure the product is shipped "FOB your address" (so risk of loss only passes to you upon delivery). If the seller insists on "FOB shipping point," make sure he gets sufficient insurance. Specify the delivery date required and include the magic words "time is of the essence." Also state that the seller is not to deviate from the terms in the letter without your prior written per- mission. Third, always keep a copy of your letter along with your notes and all correspondence received from the seller. The FTC has rules requiring a mail- order seller, after receiving a com- plete sales order, to deliver the prod- uct either within the time specified in [continued) 406 BYTE" MAY 1985 Inquiry 380 Now Showing In Black And White If you own an IBM-PC or PC work-alike, Roland's new MB-142 monitor lets you show off your text and graphics in today's hottest colors- black and white. That's right! The MB-142 gives you black characters on a paper-white background- just like people have been reading for centuries. You can also have white char- acters on a black back- ground with just the touch of a button. Both of these black and white display formats are easier on the eyes and less fatiguing than the green or amber phosphor used in standard monochrome monitors. The MB-142's large 14-inch screen, com- bined with its ultra-high 720 x 350 resolution, can display characters that are larger and more legible than what you can get with ordi- nary monochrome monitors. Another great plus is that the MB-142 plugs directly into the monochrome board of your IBM or com- patible—just like your pres- ent monochrome monitor, with nothing more to buy. Because of the MB-142's advanced electronic cir- cuitry, you even have the ability to mix graphics and text on the same display when using graphics and text boards from leading manu- facturers such as Persyst, STB, Paradise, Hercules, AST and many others. What makes it all possible? The same sophisticated technology used in color monitors. the MB-142 supports all the winning cards usha button for instant reverse screen for business, black and white makes more sense than green and black the big difference is ' that the MB-142 monitor does the job for significantly less money. The MB-142 is designed to interface economically, too. Imagine seeing your favorite business graphics or CAD/CAM packages, such as Lotus 1-2-3, Ener- graphics, Chart-Master, AutoCAD, CADDraft and VersaCAD, in ultra-high resolution black and white. Also, take full advantage of your pro- gram's windowing capability using the large 14-inch screen. Take a good look at the differences that set the MB-142 apart from the rest. No other monochrome monitor gives you the fatigue-free black and white viewing, text and graphics capabilities and easy interface. Naturally enough, the MB-142 is from Roland DG-the new computer peripherals company that's pointing the way to the future. Look for this and other Roland products at fine com- puter dealers everywhere. For more information, contact: Roland DG, 7200 Dominion Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90040. (213) 685-5141. The software programs listed are trademarks of the following companies; AutoCAD, AUTODESK, Inc.; CADDraft, Personal CAD Systems, Inc.; Chart-Master, Decision Resources, Inc.; Energraphics, Enertronic Research, Inc.; Lotus 1-2-3, Lotus Develop- ment Corp.; VersaCAD, T&W Systems, Inc. Roland DG Inquiry 345 MAY 1985 -BYTE 407 COMPUTERS & LAW the advertisement or within 30 days if no time is specified. The FTC rule is superseded when you specify a delivery date. But what happens if the delivery date is missed? First, if the delivery date was specified along with "time is of the essence," the order becomes null and void. The seller must make a refund within seven busi- ness days (or within one billing cycle for a credit card) after the contract cancellation. If you did not specify a delivery date, then the FTC rule re- quires that the seller notify you of the delay. If the seller says shipment will occur within 30 days, then you have the option to cancel and get a refund. If you fail to respond to the seller's Change your diskette to fit the IBM PC THE FILE CONNECTION 8 DISKETTE SYSTEM FOR THE IBM PC Our TILE CONNECTION programs provide 8" diskette file exchange between the IBM PC and most Micro-Mini-Main Frame computer systems. Our WORD CONNECTION programs provide 8 diskette text docu ment exchange between the IBM PC and many word processing systems. Our DISPLAYWRITER CONNECTION programs transform documents from Textpack, Wordstar, Multimate, etc. to the new DisplayWrite 2 format. In addition to our hardware and program products, we also provide a conversion service for customer supplied diskettes. Please contact us for information about the hundreds of 5'A and 8 diskette formats and systems which we currently support. FLAGSTAFF ENGINEERING / P.O. Box 1970 / Flagstaff, AZ 86002 Telephone 602-774-5188 / Telex 705609 FLAGENG UD notice, the new delivery date takes ef- fect. However, if the seller says ship- ment will occur in more than 30 days, you are off the hook automatically unless you agree otherwise. Further- more, the seller must refund your money within the 30-day period. Forms of Payment Buyer advocates argue that the pay- ment mechanism is one of the most effective ways for guaranteeing that a seller delivers the desired computer product. They rank payment mecha- nisms from most to least attractive for the buyer as follows: credit card; cash on delivery (COD) (without deposit and with payment by personal check); personal check; other instruments, such as certified or cashiers' checks or postal or private money orders; wire transfer; and, as a last resort, cold hard cash. In descending order, each offers you less in control and protection. By comparison, a seller prefers cash because it is immediate payment with no strings attached. A wire transfer, where your bank electronically sends the money to the seller's bank ac- count, is practically cash since you cannot stop payment. Because you also cannot stop payment on certified or cashiers' checks or money orders, they are the next most attractive to the seller. On the other hand, many sellers will not accept personal checks, and those that do typically re- quire that the check clear— two weeks is common— before the product is shipped. This is because sellers fear that you could stop payment on a per- sonal check or might have insufficient funds to cover it. In a COD transac- tion, you pay for the product when it is delivered. When United Parcel Ser- vice (UPS) is the carrier, the seller can specify the mode of payment, such as cash or certified check as opposed to personal check. Credit cards are attractive to sellers since the credit-card company is on the hook unless you (the buyer) suc- cessfully protest some aspect of the transaction. Furthermore, some mar- keting people believe that through (continued) 408 BYTE- MAY 1985 Inquiry 167 for Dealers. Inquiry 168 for End-Users. What every Apple owner should know about WORD juggler: X * > If you own an Apple He or He — or you're planning to uy one — here are a few things you should know about Quark's Word Juggler word processor. First of all, Word Juggler is the only word processor that gives you a powerful spelling checker and a built-in telecom- munications feature. So you can create a document — check it for spelling errors — and then send it via electronic mail. All with just one program. I Plus, Word Juggler is the most easy-to-use, professional word processor you can buy for your Apple. Even compli- cated "cut-and-paste" tasks can be accomplished with just a few keystrokes. There's nothing to memorize, either. Because Word Juggler comes with replacement keycaps — and a special keyboard template — which identify principal editing and formatting commands. So you can focus your efforts on using the program, not learning it. Fact is, no other word processor for your Apple He or He gives you this unique combination of power, functionality I and ease of use. And if all these advantages aren't compelling enough, check the price. Suggested retail is only $189. So visit your favorite dealer today. Ask for a complete demonstration — and for a copy of our brochure, "What Every Apple Owner Should Know About Word Juggler." If ■you don't have a favorite dealer, but would like one, just call I (800) 543-7711. We'll fix you up. ** Quark Wmtmmmmmmmca*r Tested $89. Triple Voltage Power Supplies *5V e 300 mi. */■ 12V S 25 m.. UPS01 Assembled & Tested S35. UPS02 Complete Kit 27. +5V ») 1 Amp. +1 2V e? .5 Amp. 1 2V e 50 me. UPS03 Assembled & Tesled 60. UPS04 Complete Kit 50. SPEECH PRODUCTS Lis'ner 1000 Voice Recognition Board Uses the new, high performance SP1000 voice recognition chip. The LIS' NER 1000 provides voice input capability for your computer. The unit functions in the same manner as your keyboard, serving as a data entry device for application programs or the normal op- eration of the computer. The LIS' NER 1000 recognition system works by analyzing human speech and extracting the most important features. These impressions of words are compacted into "templates" which can be stored and later compared to someone talking to the recognition unit. The LIS' NER 1000 supports a 64 word vocabulary in speaker dependent, discrete utterance mode. The rec- ognition accuracy is greater than 98%. Each unit comes with a professional quality head- band style electret microphone to assure accu- racy, software on diskette and a user's manual. The APPLE II LIS' NER board has provision for an SSI 263 phonetic speech synthesizer chip with text- to-speech algorithm. This addition provides all the features described (or the Sweet Talker M as well as speech recognition. APPLE II LIS' NER 1000 with SP1000 recognition/synthesis components only VR01 Assembled * Tested $189. VR02 Complete Kit $149. APPLE II LIS' NER 1000 with SPiOOO recognition/synthesis components and SSI 263 phoneme synthesizer chip with text to speech algorithm. VR03 Assembled and Tested $259. VR04 Complete Kit $219. COMMODORE 64 LIS' NER 1000 with SPIOOO recognition/synthesis components VR10 Assembled & Tested $149. VR11 Complete Kit $119. Sweet Talker II Textto-Speech Synthesizer Speech Synthesizer ICs SWEET TALKER II, a 3rd generation speech synthesizer, is based on the SSI 263. SWEET TALKER II directly drives a speaker to provide music, sound effects and continuous speech of unlimited vocabulary at data rates as low as 50 70 bps. SSI 263 based Apple II compatible speech speech synthesis board Comes with text-to-speech algorithm on disk (DOS 3.3) Appropriate control inputs for mapping with several buses On board 1 watt amplifier with volume control Measures 3" x 3%" Operates on -<-5 and + 1 2v ST22 SWEET TALKER II Apple II compatible speech synthesizer with text-to-speech algorithm on disk $104. Microvox Textto-Speech Synthesizer Microvox is a professional voice quality text- to speech synthesizer that is easily interfaced to any computer, modem, RS-232C serial or parallel output device and provides speech of unbelievable clarity. Unlimited vocabulary. - 64 programmable inflection levels. - 6K text-to-speech algorithm. - Full ASCII character set recognition and echo. RS232C and parallel input. 1000 Character buffer, 3000 optional. Adjustable baud rates (75-9600). Spelling output mode. 7 octave music and sound effects. On board audio amplifier & power supply. X-On/X-Off handshaking. MV01 Assembled with 1 K butter $349. MV02 Complete Kit with IK butter $269. Add $15.00 for 3K butter option. The SC-01A Speech Synthesizer is a completely self- contained solid state device that phonetically syn- thesizes continuous speech of unlimited vocabulary. SCOIAOuantity 1-99 $32. 100+ $24. 1000+ call The Silicon Systems SSI 263 Speech Synthesizer Chip is a third generation speech synthesizer chip that produces even more intelligible speech than did older devices. The SSI 263 has improved into nation, inflection and filtration. SSI 263 Quantity 1-9 $42. ea. 10-99 $34. ea. 100 $30. ea. The Micromint is stocking thousands of SP1000 voice recognition chips. Call us for a quote. MICRO D-CAM DIGITAL TV CAMERA Give your computer the dimension of sight. - Interprets, enhances and stores images. - 256 x 128 digital image sensor. - Plug-in boards for the IBM-PC, APPLE II ore. - Software includes utilities for auto exposure. multi-level greyscale, screen dump and image enhancement. ■ Includes interface card, 4 foot extension cable camera assembly, manual, and software on diskette. DC01 IBM PC Assembled & Tested $299. DC02 IBM PC Complete Kit $264. DC03 APPLE 11 Assembled & Tested .... $299. DC04 APPLE II Complete Kit $264. Kit is an updated and higher functioning version of the Polaroid SX-70 Camera sonar ranging circuit used in the original Polaroid Ultrasonic Ranging System Designer's Kit. There are similar performance characteristics but this unit requires far less sup- port circuitry and interface hardware. The Tl ranging module can function between 4.5 and 6.8v. With a 5v supply, the ranging module 1/0 isTTL compatible and can be connected directly to most computers with one input and one output bit. The Sonar Ranging Experimenter's Kit includes one SN28827 ranging module, one Polaroid 50 KHz electrostatic transducer, and user's manual with data sheets. TI01 Sonar Ranging Experimenters Kit . . . $60. 300 BAUD ANSWER/ ORIGINATE MODEM KIT Micromint's latest 300 Baud Modem Kit is crystal controlled, uses the Tl TMS99532 IC, contains just 25 parts and requires no calibration or ad- justments. Use with acoustic coupler or in direct connect mode. MD04 Complete Kit as shown $60. MO 05 Transformer for Direct Connect Mode $9. AC01 Acoustic Coupler Kit $20. MICROMINT INC. 561 Willow Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516 To Order: Call Toll Free 1-800-645-3479 For Information Call: 1-516-374-6793 Call: Monday-Friday, 9-5 PM 410 BYTE- MAY 1985 COMPUTERS & LAW credit-card transactions, larger sales occur because you can withhold pay- ment—a buyer advantage— if you feel a delivered product is defective or does not meet your intended pur- pose. If you dispute the transaction, the credit-card company withholds that money from the seller. Regard- less of whether you ultimately prevail, the cash-flow loss hurts the seller. Taking Delivery Typically, you receive computer prod- ucts in sealed containers. This effec- tively prevents you from inspecting the products at the store or before the deliveryman leaves. Because some sales agreements say that you have accepted the products merely by tak- ing possession of them, buyer advo- cates warn that you should make sure such language is stricken from any sales agreement in order to allow rea- sonable inspection prior to accep- tance. Where a written contract does not contain such language or there is no written contract, you are allowed a reasonable amount of time to per- form a reasonable inspection before accepting the products. This includes, for example, operating hardware or running software to demonstrate that it fulfills the terms of the agreement. Where the terms are not fulfilled, you have the right to reject the prod- ucts. Buyer advocates caution that such rejection should be done as soon as possible by telephoning the seller and following up with an ex- planatory letter. Buyer advocates also recommend that the goods be re- turned, especially when they have been purchased by credit card. Sellers are protected from unreasonable buyer rejection where you accept the products knowing that they do not conform to your agreement, where you don't inspect them within a rea- sonable amount of time, or where you use the products beyond the accep- tance period or modify them. When you have accepted the products, you can only revoke your acceptance where the product defect was difficult or impossible to discover through reasonable inspection or short-term use. A Practical Application Let's apply all these rules to a typical situation as if we had an expert sys- tem for the law of computer sales. Doc is a computer hobbyist who plays the stock market. After careful research, he decides to buy a new computer system from a mail-order house. Doc orders by phone and pays by certified check to get immediate shipment. Five weeks go by and he has neither heard nor received any- thing. Doc calls and is told by the {continued) Come visit us in our Long Island Showroom 226 Sherwood Ave. Farmingdale, NY 11735 Se Habla Espahol 1-800-331-3341 Cable:COMSYSTEC NEWYORK Telex: CSTNY 429418 OUR SPECIALTY: IBM COMPATIBLE PRODUCTS, GRAPHICS, DATABASE, 68000 UNIX, EXPORT IBM PC II ADD-ONS IBM AT BOARDS, DRIVES, ETC. AT COMPATIBLES BUSSBOARDS— MULTIFUNCTIONS ALL IN ONE SLOT AS A to D, D to A, I/O, RAM, CLOCK, FLOPPY- HD, MONITOR, INTERFACES MORE RELIABLE DRIVE FOR PC 360K, 1.2MB, 1.6MB ALL FROM ONE DRIVE. BETTER THAN IBM!! COMPUTERS Zenith, IBM, Sanyo, Apple, Cromemco, Dual, Dec Prices subject to change. American Express, Visa/Mastercard add 3%. F.O.B. point of shipment. 20% restocking fee for returned merchandise. Per- sonal checks take 3 weeks to clear. COD on cer- tified check only. NY residents add sales tax. Manufacturers' warranty only. International customers, please confirm price before order. Accept P.O. from Fortune 500, schools and gov't. Computer Channel TELEX: 226 Sherwood Ave. 429418 Farmingdale, NY 11735 CSTNY For information CALL (516) 420-0142 To order CALL 1-800-331-3341 AN AFFORDABLE CAD SYSTEM FOR ENGINEERS & DESIGNERS $5,800.00 Package with IBM PC/XT also available SYSTEM CONFIGURATION We assemble systems at special prices, in- cluding software, special operating systems, shells etc. Call us for business systems, CAD systems, networking, LANS, graphics, mainframe links, interfacing, application integration. PLEASE ASK US FOR QUOTES! FORTUNE 1500 COMPANIES- LET US SOLVE YOUR SYSTEM NEEDS! NEW UNDER $4000 COMPLETE CASH REGISTER— COMPUTER— POINT OF SALE— COMBINATION SYSTEM— CALL! ALSO — SYSTEMS FOR MULTI-USER ACCOUNTING, LEGAL, MEDICAL, DENTAL, PHARMACY, CHIROPRACTIC, WHOLE- SALERS, RETAILERS, WAREHOUSES, BUSINESS, DATABASES, COMMUNICATION, NETWORKS PRINTERS EPSON. OKIDATA EPSON LQ1500 24 wire, excellent Hewlett Packard ThinkJet $450 LaserJet 3,300 Toshiba P1340 80 col., 160 cps 799 Dataproduct 8010 180 cps 545 ***Letter Quality*** Star Power Tvpe 18 cps parallel/serial 375 NEC 2050 20 cps for IBM PC 760 3550 35 cps for IBM PC 1,520 CItoh F-10 50 cps 1,350 Juki 6100 18 cps 459 Qiime 11/40 w/IBM interface 1,420 Diablo 630 ECS/IBM ext. char, set 2,100 Dynax HR35 33 cps 910 Comrex Comwriter III 740 I ranstai 315 graphic, color 479 Zenith ESPRIT EXEC 10/102 QUME 102 103 211GX VISUAL 55 102 550 WYSE 50 75 TERMINALS Z29 CALL Z49 880 6310 14" 580 emul. VT102 850 14" 499 emul. VT100 875 emul. TEK4010 1,050 760 14" emul. VT102 920 emul. TEK 4010 2,050 14" 80/132 col 559 ANSI X3.64 625 Inquiry 94 MAY 1985 COMPUTERS & LAW seller that the computer is out of stock for the "foreseeable future" and that the price has gone up. Reluctant- ly. Doc pays the higher price and receives the machine six weeks later. The machine arrives four days before he goes on a one-month vacation. When Doc returns, he unpacks the machine, only to discover that it does not work. What should he have done differently? First, Doc should have called several sellers and negotiated not only the best price but the most favorable pay- ment and delivery terms. He should have paid by credit card and sent a confirmatory letter setting forth all the terms of the deal. The letter should have explicitly stated the magic phrase "time is of the essence.'' After not hearing from the seller for two weeks, Doc should have called to con- firm that shipment had taken place. Having learned that it had not. Doc had the option of canceling or de- manding immediate shipment. In either case, he should have confirmed his decision in writing. If he had foolishly waited more than 30 days, he could have canceled under the FTC mail-order rule. Second. Doc did not have to pay the higher price since the seller cashed his original check implying accep- tance of the order for that price. Had he paid by credit card, he could have protested the change in price from the original agreement. Unfortunate- ly, Doc accepted the computer by fail- ing to inspect it within a reasonable time after receipt. He cannot revoke his acceptance since the defect was obvious. His vacation does not serve as a valid excuse for his failure to in- spect the product, which he should have inspected immediately upon receipt. Then he could have rejected the defective goods and demanded a working replacement. Such rejection should have been made immediately by telephone and followed up in writ- ing. The defective computer should then have been returned. If the seller did not provide a working replace- ment within a reasonable amount of time. Doc could demand that the credit-card company issue him a credit, thereby canceling the transac- tion. In Conclusion This column has addressed the rights and responsibilities of both buyers and sellers of computer products. Most buyers and sellers are honest and most transactions go smoothly. The law of computer sales, however, must provide a set of rules that operate when transactions don't go smoothly. We will deal with the legal ramifications of an unsatisfactory transaction in a future column. ■ ACCESS THIS DATABASE FOR FREE No sign-up charges. No connect charges. No long distance calling charges. And it's the handiest, most useful database you'll ever dial up. Need a particular product or service? This base can take you through all fifty states on a search for the best available. Let your fingers do the talking (on your keyboard of course). Sign on through our toll-free numbers today. The following phone #s are for computer use only: (Ohio) (800)223-5541 (24hrs.) (National) (800)231-3158 (24hrs.) For more information, etc., call our voice line: (216) 327-1623 (9 AM - 5 PM EST) Mon.-Fri. Or write: j^/ii TelCpr America P. O. Box 40206 Cleveland, Ohio 44140 The TelCor America Classified Directory - USE IT LIKE THE YELLOW PAGES. . ONLY BETTER. HARMONY VIDEO & COMPUTERS 2357 CONEY ISLAND AVE.. BROOKLYN. NY 11223 800-VIDEO84 OR 800-441-1 144 OR 718-627-1000 COMMODORE64 APPLE 2C $149.95 $889.95 ■***^^+ APPI STARSG 10 «-o- $819.95 $210.95 Bromoi hri5 xl Brother HR35 Brother Keyboard CmrenMSP 10 49 77 29 14 "PRINTER SPECIALS" JuM6i00 '<"■ .'.!■ i !*63 Juki 6300 C?9 Mannesman Spin' HO 178 Mannesman 160L 459 Panasonic KXP 1092 Panasonic KXP 1093 PanasonicXKP3i51 Powertype 3<*9 4vC 278 CmzerMSP 15 Corona Laser 2 79 68 Mannesman 180L NEC 2050 :■.•"■< 629 Rileman Blue + 195 Daisywmer 35 NEC 3550 1 218 Diablo620API 59 NEC 7730 1 529 Dyna< DX 15XL 42 NEC8850 1679 Epson RX 80 FT ♦ Efr^nri nxso 85 ig Nn p3 .,r p2 Qkidata92 349 SlarSRIO 461 Epson RX 100 Epson FX80 Epson JX80 f EpsonFX 100+ I Epson LQ 1500 S 74 69 46 83 96 Okida1a93 Okimale 10 Olympai Compact 2 OlymL.airo Panason.c KXP 1091 Si"-.'. 27 J49 104 52 Star SB10 Silver Reed Exp 550 Silver Reed Exp 500 Silver Reed Exp 770 678 369 263 659 HP LaserJet 2i 78 Panasonic KXP 1090 F9 WOW! WOW! WOW! PCwDnve ( PC XT ( PC PonaDle w'Dnve ( AST Six Pack Taiigrass20 Meg Quad Board Keytronics Hercules Color Hercules Monochrome Paradise Graphics Paradise Muiti Display STB Graphics +2 ST8R10-2 Tecmar Graphics Tecmar Capiain Persysl Color Card Persyst Monocard BemouliBox 10 Meg Onve Joystick Tandon 100? 1953 659 3d ZENITH ith PC2150 1619 nn PC 15152 2057 ith PC161 52 2204 Macintosh Apple 2C I mage writer Add! Drives ire Modem 12 ATARI 800 XL 1027 Printer 1050 Drive Indus Drive 1025 Printer Rana 1000 Koala Pad Printer l/F MODEMS Hayes 1200 Hayes 1200B Hayes 300 Micromodem2E Access 123 Novation J cai 800-441-1144 ir your protection v> MONITORS Amdek 300 Green Amdek 300 Amber 3i0Amr>er Color 300 Color 500 Color 600 Color 700 Color 710 Taxan2l0 PrinctonHX12 Tax an 122 A Taxan 420 SANYO 550 DS 555 D S CRT 70 MBC 775 COMMODORE Commodore 64 1541 Disk Drive 1702 Monitor MPS 802 Indus Drive 645 947 509 412 BYTE- MAY 1985 Inquiry 185 MICROWAY'S 8087 RUNS 1-2-3! MicroWay is the world's leading retail- er of 8087s and high performance PC upgrades We stock a complete selec- tion of 8087s that run at 5 and 8mhz. All of our coprocessors are shipped with a diagnostic disk and the best warranty in the business- 180 days! We also offer daughterboards for sock- etless computers such as the NEC PC and PCjr, and a board which increases the clock speed of the 80287 in the PC AT. Our new NUMBER SMASHER" includes 51 2 K ram. It will run the IBM PC at clock speeds up to 9.5mhz and achieves a throughput of .1 megaflops 87FFT" performs Forward and Inverse FFTs on real and complex arrays which occupy up to 51 2 K bytes of RAM. Also does convolutions, auto correlations, hamming, complex vector multiplica- tion, and complex to radial conversions. Callable from MS Fortran or 87BASIC/INLINE $1 50 87FFT-2 performs two-dimensional FFTs. Ideal for image processing Requires87 FFT...S75 MATRIXPAK™ manages a MEGABYTE! Written in assembly language, our runtime package accurately manipulates large matrices at very fast speeds Includes matrix inversion and the solution of simultaneous linear equations Callable from MS Fortran 3.2, 87 MACRO, 87BASIC/INLINE, and RTOS each $1 50 GRAPHICS PACKAGES Energraphics (stand alone) 295 Grafmatic for MS Fortran or Pascal 1 25 Plotmatic for Graf matic 125 Halo for Basic C or Fortran each 1 50 OTHER TOOLS Alpha Software ESP 500 Borland Sidekick, Toolbox or Graphics 35 SuperKey 70 COSMOS Revelation 850 smARTWORK 895 SPSS/PC 695 MAYNSTREAM 1695 DFixer A disk utility which thoroughly checks PC or AT hard disks for bad sectors and updates the MS DOS file allocation table accordingly $149 87DEBUG™ - a professional debugger with 8087 support a sophisticated screen-oriented macro command processor, and trace features which include the ability to skip tracing through branches to calls and software and hardware interrupts Breakpoints can be set in code or on guarded addresses in RAM $1 50 HARDSCOPE " includes a version of 87DEBUG which interfaces a Breaker Box which makes it possible to reset your PC and break program execution independent of DOS. . . 249 Micro Way P.O. Box 79 Kingston, Mass 02364 USA 617) 746-7341 with87BASIC/INLINE Intel Fortran, or Microsoft Fortran. Software reviewers consistently cite MicroWay software as the best in the industry! Our cus- tomers frequently write to thank us for recommending the correct software and hardware to meet their specific needs They also thank us for oursame day shipping! In addition to our own products which support the 8087 and 80287, we stock the largest supply of specialized software available any- where. For information call us at 61 7-746-7341 FASTBREAK" MicroWays daughterboard turns on your 8087 during 1-2-3™ execution and extends DOS functionality. Recal- culations run up to 33 times faster. Includes an 8087 chip. When used with the NUMBER SMASHER" it can provide a total increase in 1-2-3'" ex- ecution speed of up to 80 to 1 . FASTBREAK™ 5mhz $339 FASTBREAK™ 8mhz $479 FASTBREAK™ for NUMBER SMASHER $239 FASTBREAK™ BOX Option $60 Micro Way 8087S* 010 >rt For the IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT and Compatibles. 87 BASIC/IN LI NE " converts the output of the IBM Basic Compiler into optimized 8087 inline code which executes up to seven times faster than 87BASIC. Supports separately com- piled inline subroutines which are located in their own segments and can contain up to64K bytes of code. This allows programs greater than 128K! Requires the IBM Basic Compiler and Macro Assembler. Includes 87BASIC $200 87 BASIC" includes patches to the IBM Basic Compiler and both runtime libraries for USER TRANSPARENT 8087 support Provides super fast performance for all numeric operations in- cluding trigonometries transcendentals, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division $1 50 87 MACRO" - our complete 8087 software development package. It contains a "Pre- processor," source code for a set of 8087 macros and an object library of numeric functions includ- ing transcendentals, trigonometries, hyperbolics, encoding decoding and conversions For the IBM Macro Assembler, Version 1 .0 or 2.0 $1 50 OBJ —ASM™ - a multipass object module translator and disassembler. Produces assembly language listings which include public symbols external symbols, and labels commented with cross references Ideal for understanding and patching object modules and libraries for which source is not available $200 RTOS - REAL TIME OPERATING SYSTEM RTOS is a multi-user, multi-tasking real time oper- ating system. It includes a configured version of Inters iRMX-86, LINK-86, LOC-86, LI B-86, OH-86, and MicroWays 87DEBUG. Runs on the IBM- PC, XT, PC-AT and COMPAQ $400 INTEL COMPILERS 1 FORTRAN-86 PASCAL-86 PL/M-86 87C (LATTICE/MICROWAY) ASM-86 750 750 500 .750 200 'Requires RTOS or iRMX-86. All Intel compiler names and iRMX-86 TM Intel Corp You Can TalkToUs! HARDWARE AND LANGUAGES 8087 5mhz $129 Including DIAGNOSTICS and 180-day warranty For IBM PC and compatibles 8087-2 8mhz $275 For Wana AT&T. DeskPro, NEC, Leading Edge 80287-3 5mhz $275 For the IBM PC AT 64K RAM Set $15 256 K RAM Set $89 128K RAM Set pc at $169 NUMBER SMASHER" 1590 9.5mhz 8087 coprocessor board with 51 2K FORTRAN and UTILITIES Microsoft Fortran 3.2 229 IBM Professional Fortran 545 Intel Fortran-86' 750 FORLIB+ 65 STRINGS and THINGS 65 C and UTILITIES Lattice C 299 Microsoft C V 3.0 CALL C86 299 C TOOLS 85 C Trigs and Trans 1 50 BASIC and UTILITIES IBM Basic Compiler 270 87BASIC/INLINE 200 Summit BetterBASIC" 1 75 Summit 8087 Module 87 MACRO ASSEMBLERS IBM Assembler with Librarian 1 55 87MACRO 1 50 Microsoft Assembler V 3.0 1 25 PASCAL Microsoft Pascal 3.2 1 99 Borland Turbo Pascal 45 Turbo with 8087 Support 85 APL STSC APL*PLUS/PC 475 Pocket APL 85 FASTBREAK and NUMBERSMASHERare trade- marks of MicroWay, Inc Lotus and 1-2-3 are trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation. Inquiry 277 MAY 1985 • B Y T E 413 ™* poc' eM Colour Type '"" Bed Green , yellow ^l\\ Oi» n 9 e [L429 1 Red TL» 2 H Velio" U«53 , a nae TL 42 ri Beu ^321% Green - |C's CaiNo LIGHT TV42?1 235S uneab TV. s»^ 3m' 11 3fnm ,4o'm§c''$^ 74079 J|C 26 c z4 Anlt;2° C VaC' Z " 4 .nR7 i 2C l*°& IOC '.4093 ,.409 = 30C 26C 25< price price ^QuP Desd" ,pt>°° Ea 70 35 36 c ea Ge^>P u 82 P .40C^_ aeimen , o „ Cat -r v pe J116 4164 16^ 64K- 1 dv na ' 4 1 dv ~ «-$& P r,ce A OP « a e *~ 90 6.9 6 COMPUTER CONNECTORS 9 pin plug - solder tail P-2684Sf.25 10 up $1.10 ea 9 pin jack - solder tail P-2685SJ.75 10 up $1 .00 ea 9 pin hood P-2686 .OOC 10 up . 75C ea 15 pin plug - solder tail .. P-2687 S1.00 10 up $1.45 ea /f'QlS pin jack- solder tail P-2688 S2.20 10 up S2.0O ea J 15 pin hood P-2689 91.00 10 up .05C eo 25 pin plug - solder tail P-2690 81.95 10 up 81.00 ea 25 pin jack - solder tail P-2691 82.80 10 up $2.40 ea 25 pin hood P-2692 81.25 10 up .»5C ea Centronics Connectors 36 pin "D' type plug - solder tail , P-2680 92.05 10 up 82.50 ea ontf JJJgJ* 36 way D' type jack - solder tail P-2681 85.95 10 up 85.50 ea IDC- NO SOLDERING c g 25 pin D' type plug ntalG _***i P-2693 35.48 10 up 84.80 ea 25 pin D' type jack P-2694 55.05 10 up 55.40 ea IDC FLA T RIBBON CABLE 26 way Cat W-2750 ,46C/ft 34 way Cat W-2752 ,60C/ft 40 way CatW-2754 .72C/ft 50 way Cat W-2756 c*eloss of v°"' 00" ".'^W"*^- critical "*- v-351Z - '^Z data M ■o rnp nae has ! jr — TheTlrde*' a "« u «' ; o'^^srP^Sral' iW3 jS**' 1TA( ( / / ^ DICK SMITH {BLASTS SILICON ITH . 1 . ^ * DEDICATED SERVICE BY ENTHUSIASTS UNBEATABLE VALUE J> THOUSANDS OF INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS ti ^w^ 1 sma 1 ?. ..dedxf* l0dP»*% 5 -80»60x8n MINI „, of 5 connected .T^ ^ P ,e « board w„h 58 .ccnne,,^ « « "** and 4 bus r ' 1 also has self adhes, groups nes of 25 6 L«nfl« b «S,iM &•' nit" concePi by and era' nlo B>*^' „,nO HlGHUS"™- _ Us ing « thai si ^ ,oPRONf> Dt fouc OWP^ 1 jWVVff' b| splr. into 3 parts' s^rtar to T "W " h 'cbcan l f 2 |^™^ '^PnnSte™&lfe t ! but has o»'? ^: 5 $995 10 i S8.»5| 4 o' Sine^^niV^*^ • ^SS^SSSS^ ■«o°!' uminoW **£***• r tow ' Code ^S3&»KSS Memory Totn ,„g u "= Nla km9lmP'. M» n ™ Sa«ord.J' , oW IS "° „ BPv '°°° , applicalions "^rcial SJ"2S| Lookm9 T °f,orn ^ Uf PL'5 e _ «*2!^i Testclips 3 Leads . Pairof remand SSS feKSTi" B« a probes and p, UQ s. Tru.^.lJ'SS^SSIi 9= 1« Pin IC Test Clips ' 526 s»- 9 ° Makes connection of DIL I o^>?. r,oouv «*S3i*p!; »^ e ^2?r«5 , >«>e ouua dot 0.ceV0^ -uc^-.^ nolD e the ,flieis ost s ° ' SSnarv n9a ppr s7 . 9 s tech" 1 ,co> SP ieC mcoV>o^ : . s . ng(e cos« i 7505 cW **«a5SS£ssft 30d°' 52b". iK e«e' 40 .Se ■clots iiolio' 1 SP' »«?A5i.!!2S^.«S--*2: msec oerisW Secioi IP" 1 • 48 tp< 256 • COP ( pcilY HOC*- Access lime , sou lce Wl" i'r- exPL VOLTAGE REGULATORS ,T "'/JO^/A/^fc fuse. °»*~£8rt* EXPLOSIVE ^m SAVINGS Ca < S-4206 -- 9 ^r re -e P[s re qoired. Type No 7805 Description 3 terminal 5 volt 1 A positive regulator 3 terminal 12 V 1A positive regulator 3 terminal 1 5V 1 A positive regulator 3 terminal 5V 1 A negative regulator 3 terminal 12V 1 A negative regulator 3 terminal 15V 1 A negative regulator 90$ each PRICES BL - _ Cat T-2560 Solder (Sucker ugged all metal construction solder ' sucker complete with Tetlon tip and a | nozzle sweeper as well Light thumb r release mechanism tor the removal of j solder from the board Don't pay twice the ^ price - a top quality import from Dick Spare Teflon Tip to suit^ Cat T-2565 h r s 1 s <&« e «/ft c will be Be/ft SP* Cos *ial Cabl e roll S4. r ° r USp oyrst H '9ef^L n ?V'«ed 'he hobb Cof fg„ _ , °'°' Col M 325 'OC/n rolls i Regular price will be 1 2C ft "-S5, ■IC//, ra "ge W-IHf Ok si — * r/ p urp| e 325 ue ^-2i30r ey W-223, ■• rearn 'Oil for o Inquiry 128 BE THE FIRST TO KNOW!! By simply filling in the coupon and either mailing it to our mail order center or dropping it into our new showroom in Redwood City, YOU have the chance to WIN A TRIP TO THE LAND DOWNUNDA FOR TWO FLYING QANTAS. In addition to this we will automatically create your own personal file which opens the doors to great benefits such as special mail order only offers, priority on your mail orders and receive details on our latest products. HURRY- DON'T MISS OUT! 'Void where prohibited by low Name City State. Zip. MAIL TO: Dick Smith Electronics, Inc. P.O. Box 2249 Redwood City CA 94063 ^. \ li/W ELECTRONICS INTO ) L ™* At last! 'No leak" Rechargeable 1 ?'°»row E „ ST ************** ■ o%# o A Ah I E ^e„°,tr 9 ' ass ^«a"f MAGN, n£*s SeeourW-sot^w, 12V 2.6 Ah ^ Gel Cell VALLEY J^Sb. • 90 DAY WARRANTY V • FAST RELIABLE MAIL ORDER SERVICE • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED • VAST INTERNATIONAL BUYING EXPERIENCE ■circuits tf>»^ 'opped up to. ose kv* SION spec |AI- S / CatS-331512V12Ah Will be $9.95 Special $7.95 10 up $6.95 ea FcatS-3320 12V26Ah J Will be $17.95 Special $13.95 MO up $12.95 ea rWCADS r F ULLRANpE ^ HOT JUST AA « C N , Cads work ° u '™° f o r mDKk Smith Electronics '""""'""■■i,, «*»„ . 4U - - *** or$f-49 ea fOup SM^ fDickS» r,, ' th SPEEDS BOXESj « r " limine s all-round deeP ' , me one usea w emJin e Speedy box l"^. 1 *^ C a. H-2755 AN UNBELIEVABLY LOW PRICE TO PAY FOR THE ULTIMATE IN TECHNOLOGY > '*"%&&*% HBoi'^^" I Cat H-2752 / ONIY $f49 SCHOOLS/RESELLERS ASK ABOUT OUR WHOLESALE PRICES I A O* THE FANTASTIC Car i**K&te*tj* ■2000 '?j&0*Bfwj&, 6 HSTaS "»"» ™Twoil»i» com spins apan J>i53«™S"SKw SSw«2 , iS w versatile Jgj '"ft, type IC SOCKETS & PLUGS Why endanger valuable IC s by spidering them directly into circuit 7 Take the safe approach: use an IC socket! It makes seivice and repair of your project much, much easier too. There's an IC socket to suit almost all common IC'S. 14 Pin DIL Socket 16C CatP-4140 10up„14e 16 Pin DIL Socket 18c CatP-4160 10up„,16< 18 Pin DIL Socket 25« CatP-4180 10up„23< 20 Pin DIL Socket 30c CatP-4200 10up„25C 22 Pin DIL Socket 31« CatP-4220 10up„2o« 24 Pin DIL Socket 33« Cat P-4240 10up„28( 28 Pin DIL Socket 40c CatP-4245 10up.,35« 40 Pin DIL Socket 45c CatP-4250 10up„40< WIRE WRAP 14 Plnw/wrapDILSkt 75C CatP-4260 10 up 65C 16Plnw/wrapSkt 79* CatP-4262 10 up. » 65< 20Plnw/wrapDILSkt $1.22 CatP-4264 10up«4l.00 24Plnw/wmpDILSkt $1.50 Cat P-4268 10 = Pto ce< , ^t^SL $4 95 sc ,B " dtr rTW>ur«'"y "\ L ,,. 1C tot «<«r 1 m*4&EE* i iiftw» t; Si&SSS39s9»Zl ""»«», Solid State Buzzer Sf.SOe.o 10for$10 * Compact - 32mm » 14 5i * Rich, clear tone - 450Hi * Wide operatmg voltage range 4 - 15V DC * Low operating current - 15mA @ 9V * High output level 70dB min @ 1M CM NEVER NEARD OF DICK SMITH ELEC TRONICS??? DICK SMITH ELECTRONICS was founded Downunda 1 7 years ago by electronics enthusiasts and has grown to over 60 stores and ^ more than 300 retail outlets in Australasia by insisting on the idea =■ ol SERVICE FOR ELECTRONICS ENTHUSIASTS BY ELECTRONICS EN- f THUSIASTS. ^ We reckoned Americans would like the same type of service so 5 here we are - mail your order today or come on down to 390 /Convention Way Redwood City and be served by someone who understands your requirements. 0000000000000000000000 f WIN A TRIP TO THE LAND f DOWNUNDA for 2 people M flying QANTAS .Send in the coupon opposite and we'll also put your name in the draw for the airfare for two people to Sydney, Australia and *i) return. The draw will be made on June 30. 1985 Note Dick Smith Electronics Inc mattes this offer freely ond without requirement lot VOU lo buy butyout freedom lo lake port will be governed by fne lows ol vour home slate vo18 THEN PRINT "MUST BE BETWEEN 3 AND 18' .GOTO 80 100 DIM ROW(ROWS) 1 1 FOR I = 1 TO ROWS 120 PRINT "ENTER NUMBER OF OBJECTS (1 TO 59) IN ROW ",l 130 INPUT ROW(I) 140 IF ROW(l)<1 OR ROW(l)>59 THEN PRINT "NUMBER MUST BE BETWEEN 1 AND 59": GOTO 120 150 NEXT I 160 GOSUB 540:REM DRAW THE BOARD 170 INPUT "ENTER 1 TO MOVE FIRST. 2 TO MOVE SECOND", MOVE 180 IF MOVE<1 OR MOVE>2 THEN 170 190 ON MOVE GOTO 210.340 200 REM 210 REM PLAYER'S MOVE SEQUENCE 220 REM 230 PLAYER$="YOU" 240 INPUT "ROW";ROW 250 IF ROW<1 OR ROW>ROWS THEN PRINT "INVALID ROW":GOTO 230 260 INPUT "REMOVE";REMOVE 270 IF REMOVE >ROW(ROW) OR REMOVE<1 THEN PRINT "INVALID":GOTO 240 280 ROW(ROW) = ROW(ROW) - REMOVE 290 GOSUB 540:REM REDRAW BOARD 300 IF VICTORYS = "YES" THEN 500 310 REM PAUSE LONG ENOUGH TO SEE THE BOARD 320 FOR 1 = 1 TO 5000:NEXT 330 REM 340 REM COMPUTER'S MOVE SEQUENCE 350 REM 360 PLAYER$="I" 370 REM DETERMINE PARITY OF THE BOARD 380 PARITY = ROW(1) 390 FOR I = 2 TO ROWS 400 PARITY = (PARITY OR ROW(I)) AND (NOT(PARITY AND ROW(I))) 410 NEXT I 420 REM CHOOSE MOVE-SELECTION ROUTINE DEPENDING ON BOARD SAFETY 430 IF PARITY = THEN GOSUB 690 ELSE GOSUB 790 440 REM DRAW THE NEW BOARD 450 GOSUB 540 460 REM ANNOUNCE COMPUTER MOVE 470 PRINT "I HAVE REMOVED ":REMOVE;" PIECES FROM ROW ";ROW 480 REM LOOP FOR NEXT MOVE SEQUENCE 490 IF VICTORYS = "NO" THEN 210 500 END 510 REM END OF MAIN PROCEDURE 520 REM BEGINNING OF SUBROUTINES 530 REM 540 REM BOARD-DRAWING ROUTINE 550 REM 560 CLS 420 BYTE- MAY IQKS BITWISE LOGIC WON":VICTORY$ = "YES" 570 STATUS = 'HOW MANY ROWS ARE EMPTY? 580 FOR I = 1 TO ROWS 590 PRINT "ROW ";I;"(";ROW(I);")";TAB(20); 600 IF ROW(I) = THEN STATUS = STATUS + 1 :GOTO 640 610 FOR J-1 TO ROW(I) 620 PRINT "/"; 630 NEXT J 640 PRINT 650 NEXT I 660 IF STATUS = ROWS THEN PRINT PLAYERS;' 670 RETURN 680 REM 690 REM NO GOOD MOVES ROUTINE 700 REM 710 REMOVE = 0:ROW = 720 WHILE REMOVE = 730 ROW = ROW +1 740 IF ROW(ROW)>0 THEN REMOVE ■ 1 750 WEND 760 ROW(ROW) = ROW(ROW) - REMOVE 770 RETURN 780 REM 790 REM FIND THE GOOD MOVE ROUTINE 800 REM 810 REMOVE = 0:ROW = 820 WHILE REMOVE = 830 ROW = ROW +1 840 RETAIN = (ROW(ROW) OR PARITY) AND (NOT(ROW(ROW) AND PARITY)) 850 IF RETAIN < ROW(ROW) THEN REMOVE = ROW(ROW) - RETAIN 860 WEND 870 ROW(ROW) = ROW(ROW) - REMOVE 880 RETURN TABLE 6 8 4 2 1 row 1: row 2: row 3: //////////// //////////// // 12 = 1 1 12 = 1 1 2 = 0010 column-parities = 0010 A XOR B -def (A OR B) AND (NOT(A AND B)). In simple language, what this says is that A excIusive-OR B is by definition the same as A or B (there is a 1 in the appropriate column of A, or B, or both) except that XOR isn't true for the both A and B case. More formal- ly, A XOR B is true if and only if A OR B is true and A AND B is false. Notice that we can make use of the exclusive-OR for determining the parity of the Nim board as well as for plotting our best move. Successive ap- plications of the XOR with the parity results for preceding rows will end up producing the parity of the entire board. Lines 380 to 410 of listing 1 show this procedure. (Editor's note: The listing is available for downloading via BYTE- net Listings. The telephone number is (603) 924-9820.| Our procedure for implementing our strategy has one flaw. Consider table 6. If we XOR the 12 in row 1 with the parity value, we find that the number we want to leave in row 1 is 14. While that would make the board safe, it would also violate the rules of the game. The only sound move that makes the board in table 6 safe is to remove row 3. Thus, we must check to see that the value returned by the operation is a number less than the original number of objects in the row. The full unflawed strategy for a posi- tion that can be made safe is con- tained in the subroutine starting at line 790 of the listing. If we can't make the board safe, we just remove one object from the first row we can and hope that the opponent makes a mistake. (The subroutine beginning at line 690 includes everything but our hopes.) Before leaving the program, look at line 320. Why is it there? After the player enters his move, the new board is redrawn and then the computer moves. Bitwise logic is what com- puters were born to do, so the com- puter will find the best move and redraw the position including its new move at approximately the rate that your computer can redraw a screen. You won't have time to see what the board looks like after your move if you don't slow the computer down. It's very irritating to people to be beaten by a machine that doesn't even ap- pear to pause and think about the clever traps that they have devised. So I like to add a pause to make people feel better. Now that you know the winning strategy to Nim, you might like to ex- periment with variations on the game. For example, you might limit the number of objects that can be re- moved from a row. What would be the optimal strategy for a game like that in table 3 if you could remove only 1 or 2 objects per turn? Alternatively, you might consider a three-person game. Would the ternary (base-3) number system hold the key to op- timal strategy for the three-person game? Is there a winning strategy at all with a three-person game? I'd enjoy hearing your answers to any of these questions. Write me c/o BYTE, POB 372, Hancock, NH 03449. If I get some particularly clever responses, I'll report on them in a future column. ■ MAY 1985 -BYTE 421 422 BYTE • MAY I98"> • • INTRODUCING NEW KODAK DISKETTES. For as long as anyone can remember, the world has trusted Kodak film to capture its memories. Now the world can trust legend- ary Kodak quality to capture its computer data Introducing Kodak diskettes. And the beginning of a new legend. We know you expect nothing less than extraordinary performance from a Kodak product. We didn't disappoint you. These remarkable new diskettes are so thoroughly test d . re cer tified error-free. Every Kodak diskette has a highly burnished head surface for optimum read-write accuracy. And every s I rd kette is made to in Kodak Cor Inquiry 149 withstand 4 1 /: million passes before significant wear occurs. With accuracy and durability like that, we can offer this no-questions-asked replace- ment policy: This KODAK Diskette will be free from man- ufacturing defects, or we will replace it. Kodak diskettes for home and business PC use are available in standard 8- and 5 l 4-inch formats, high-density 5 14- inch diskettes, and 3 ! /2-inch micro diskettes in our HD 600 Series. New Kodak diskettes. Be- cause the only thing that can follow a legend is another legend. KODAK. The name says it all. MAY 1985 ' 6 V T E 423 CIRCUIT CELLAR FEEDBACK Conducted by Steve Garcia A Word from Steve Dear Circuit Cellar Project Builders. In my November 1984 article on the Lis'ner 1000 voice-recognition board, I of- fered the software separately to Circuit Cellar project builders for $1 7 through March I, 1985. Requests have poured in throughout the offering period, but the majority of foreign mail has just started to arrive. To give everyone time to prop- erly evaluate the project and respond, I am extending the availability of the soft- ware through August I, 1985. Thanks for your support— Steve Multitasking Timex Dear Steve, I'm one of them hackers, and I wonder if I can get a superhacker to consider a little problem of mine and point me in the right direction. I have completed building a system using a Timex 1000 circuit board. I'd like to experiment with adding another Timex 1000 board to create a multitasking system. Any ideas you can offer I'll appreciate. Bill [ones Panama City, FL A multitasking system usually contains system resources such as input and output devices that are used by all master and slave processors. Therefore, you will need some method of preventing more than one processor from accessing the same system resources at the same time. There are several ways of avoiding this type of system clash. Two of the more common methods are to use an interrupt-driven system and to use a technique called temporary master access (TMA). In an interrupt-driven system, an interrupt is initiated by a slave processor to the master processor when it requests use of the system resources. When the request is received by the master processor, it enters an interrupt mode and allows the slave processor the use of the system resources, depending on the priority of the requesting processor relative to any other processors making simultaneous requests. When the interrupt request is completed, the control of the system 's resources is again returned to the master processor. In a TMA system, the slave processor requests use of the system resources by sending a signal to a temporary master access control ITMACj circuit. Again, depending on the priority of the request, the TMAC circuit will take control of the system resources from the master processor and allocate them to the requesting processor. The difference between a TMA system and an interrupt-driven system is that, during the TMA operation, the TMAC circuit becomes the system resource master. These techniques are covered in detail in a book called Interfacing to S-100 IEEE 696 Microcomputers by Sol Libes and Mark Garetz. If you intend to build a master/slave-type system, you should be familiar with the concepts offered in this book.— Steve Speedy RAM Disk Dear Steve, I enjoy your columns in BYTE, especially your responses to readers' questions. Your responses certainly educate. I hope my own inquiry can provoke a response of similar general utility. A few months ago I purchased a Morrow MD-3. with which I am contented. The problem is that the thing is slow. For instance, it takes several minutes to back up two 20K-byte files using the public-domain "squeeze" utility. I'd like to install a RAM disk in my Morrow to speed it up, but I don't know how. Can it be done easily, perhaps as a Circuit Cellar project? Chandos Brown Cambridge, MA A RAM disk will speed up your operation considerably when you are saving and recalling data from the RAM disk. However, it will not increase your speed when you finally save or back up your data to the physical disk since the same software that you are presently using will still have to be used for that operation. Several minutes to back up two 20K-byte files does seem a little long, and it may be the "squeeze" utility that is causing the time increase. I do agree that a RAM disk is a valuable feature. I use the RAM-disk feature available in my Trump Card (May and June 1984) for most of my word processing. Building a low-cost RAM disk would be a good Circuit Cellar project, and I will keep it in mind. However, the problems with this kind of project are twofold. The first is the software. The software would by necessity be specific to a particular operating system, for example, CP/M 3.0, MS-DOS, etc., which would limit the appeal of such a project to some extent. The second problem is that a RAM disk has a lot of RAM on it. With today's prices, 256K bytes of RAM and the associated DIP sockets will cost about $150. Add to that the prices of the other components and a circuit board, and the low-cost RAM disk soon becomes a medium-cost RAM disk.— Steve Z8 Valve Control Dear Steve, I am attempting to interface a computer to some solenoid switching valves. Would the Z8 System Controller be a good interface? I want to connect the Z8's serial port to the computer and its parallel port to the valves. The Z8 will decide which of 40 valves, up to 7, are to be actuated according to the commands of the computer, so that while the controller is acting upon the valves, the computer can do something else. The controller's program should run about 16K bytes. Does the Z8 have the memory to handle a program this size? Jeff Schneider San Francisco, CA The Z8 System Controller would be an excellent choice for an application such as you described. A Z8 BASIC System Controller and a Z8 Memory I/O Expansion Board would give you five 8-bit ports that could control the 40 valves that you mention. The two boards would also give you up to I4K bytes of memory space for your program. If you (continued) 424 B YTE • MAY 1985 COPYRIGHT © 1985 STEVEN A. CIARCIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. datasouth Wheels Out Your New Corporate Image Dear Businessperson: A good daisywheel printer should work like a pin-stripe suit for your letterhead . That ' s why you need a new DaisyWheel 36 from Datasouth. It literally, a very impressive machine. The DaisyWheel 36 is quick, with a top speed of 36 cps. It's more capable than any other daisywheel in its class, with superscripts f SUDSCripts , boldfacing, underlining , text reprinting, red & black color printing and proportional spacing, among other impressive features. And with its Diablo 630 compatibility, your DaisyWheel 36 will get along with just about any computer in your office. Your secretary will get along with your DaisyWheel 36 too — thanks to its sheet and tractor feed options, cartridge ribbon, and a whole garden of distinctive daisywheel type faces, each with its own protective cassette. Best of all, the DaisyWheel 36 comes from a company with a most impressive name: Datasouth — the name that means high performance. So wheel over to your Datasouth Dealer and run some of your best letterhead through a new DaisyWheel 36, the high performance daisywheel from Datasouth. By the way, the DaisyWheel 36 lists for just $995 Which is a pretty good price for the best image around. Eventually yours, DaisyWheel 36 south PERFORMANC PRINTERS Datasouth Computer Corporation Box 240947 • Charlotte, NC 28224 704/523-8500 • Telex 6843018 DASOU UW Inquiry 125 CIARCIA FEEDBACK still need additional capability, more I/O boards could be added to the system by adding them to the motherboard offered for the Z8 system. You should also read my article in the December 1984 BYTE, "Build the Power I/O System," which describes methods of connecting peripherals in the real world. —Steve Power Monitor Dear Steve, In your September 1984 Circuit Cellar project, "Build the AC Power Monitor," you have the differential amplifier ICla hooked to a current-sensing resistor, Rs, which is connected directly to the hot side of the power line. This results in an input voltage to the IC of more than 100 volts, which exceeds the ICs input-voltage rating. How were you able to keep this IC from self-destructing— or is there something 1 don't understand? 1 would think it would be preferable to have the current-sensing resistor on the return or neutral side of the load. Your answer will be appreciated. Lawrence Swanson Colorado Springs, CO The differential amplifier shown in figure I of that article measures the voltage difference developed across Rs when current is flowing in the AC line. This voltage difference is the product of the current in the AC line times the value of Rs. The large AC voltage on the line is not detected by the differential amplifier because the ground systems of the AC line and the differential amplifier are isolated from each other by the l20-V-to-l2.6-V power-supply trans- former. By using the isolation transformer, the measuring circuit and the AC line don't know electrically that each other exists. All the measuring circuit "knows" is that a voltage is applied between the input terminals of the differential amplifier and only this voltage difference is amplified in the circuit— Steve Aids for the Blind Dear Steve, I have noted with interest your suggestion, mentioned in the October 1984 BYTE, of using acoustic ranging as an aid to the blind. Having had a personal experience with this type of electronic aid, I feel I must comment. In the middle sixties I had a blind friend. During a trip to England in 1 967 I became aware of a commercially available acoustic aid for the blind. A group of us ultimately purchased this for my friend, financed from a bloated laboratory coffee fund that we periodically dumped for good causes. The manufacturer was a British firm. Ultra Electronics, if I remember correctly. The acoustic transmitter/receiver was housed in a flashlight-like case powered by nickel-cadmium batteries, and the output was an audio signal via an earpiece. Frequency varied with distance, enabling the user to "see" with his ears. The experiment with my friend failed for some very practical reasons. In working with my friend. 1 learned many surprising things about simple devices that perhaps explains their existence in the blind community. The white cane serves many more functions than 1 ever imagined. It senses distance from an object. It is useful in following a line, i.e., a hallway, a curb, or the border between a sidewalk and grass. It senses texture. It senses steps and other dangerous forms of surface texture. It warns other people of the blind person's presence. While the acoustic device could sense distance quite accurately in some situations, the nature of the surface returning the signal tended to muddy the interpretation. Soft things, drapery walls, and people were difficult to interpret. Hard surfaces could be "seen" quite accurately. Slant-range measurement (perhaps in- terpretation is a better word) was difficult. The device could be used to follow a line, the demarcation between sidewalk and grass boulevard, for example, but the return was substantially different if this was a concrete/snow demarcation. Patchy snow was exceedingly difficult to deal with. The device just didn't see steps: another slant-range problem. It was hard to see people, and they couldn't be aware of his problem since he was only carrying a "flashlight" in the daytime. Embarrassing collisions resulted. After a diligent learning effort, my friend abandoned the electronic aid for his cane. He did not lack interest or ingenuity. He was in his third year of an electrical engineering education when blinded, and he later developed his own test instrumentation to enable him to advance into better and better jobs with a nationally known instrumentation company. The last I heard of him, he was working in the computer field with a municipal government. I believe it would have been difficult to find a more ideal subject for such an experiment. In all fairness to the manufacturer, my friend did not take the training course that was required of all purchasers of the device. Because this was a British firm the travel cost was prohibitive, and I managed to twist one of the devices away from them with tears and wringing of the hands. The training course may have made a difference, but I doubt it; the difficulties are quite fundamental when given a bit of thought. My friend thought the device could have been of some assistance if it could have been incorporated into the cane. The cane, however, remained the primary system. Finally, the blind are not really a big market, and most firms are not interested in helping with these types of products. Any serious development involves a high degree of altruism and must depend on the bright Ciarcias of the world. Richard J. Reilly St. Paul, MN Assembled Whimsi-Bell Dear Steve, I liked your July 1984 article about the Whimsi-Bell. I work in an office that could use such a device, and although 1 could build your design, I wonder if there isn't another such product on the market that's already built? Eric VanDerveer Los Alamos. NM The only unit comparable to my Whimsi-Bell is made by Heath. The com- pany sells a kit that performs a similar function but with only four tunes to choose from. It isn't offered in assembled form either. I haven't seen any assembled units advertised. However, I still believe that other products must be available. The Whimsi-Bell is an easy-to-assemble kit that represents a low-cost solution to your problem— Steve ■ Over the years 1 have presented many different projects in BYTE. I know many of you have built them and are making use of them in many ways. I am interested in hearing from any of you telling me what you've done with these projects or how you may have been influenced by the basic ideas. Write me at Circuit Cellar Feedback. POB 582. Glastonbury. CT 06033, and fill me in on your applications. All letters and photographs become the property of Steve Ciarcia and cannot be returned. 426 BYTE • MAY 1985 For IBM-PC Add-On Users In A Pinch? Give QIC The Inch)_ Measure Us By The Standards We Set! We Set The Standard On Price! OIC-Ol Internal Hard Disk Subsystem The price of our QIC-01 10 MB internal hard disk is too low to list, but we can whisper it to you when you call. Comes complete with controller, cables, drive, easy instructions. Fits inside your floppy slot. Compatible with DOS 2.0, 2.1, and 3.0 without any patches. 20 MB half-height, $966" (call) ... 40 MB full-height, $t*99" (call) ... 20 MB Drive for the PC AT, $96©a(call). These are all priced so low you won't believe it! We set The Standard In Quality! QIC-03 300/1200 Baud Modems Our modems are fully Hayes compatible with features such as low heat dissipation, low power consumption, software volume control for the speaker, and large- scale-integration "Modem on a chip" for high reliability. It also comes with communications software which lets you emulate VT100 or IBM 3101. Both external and internal models are available. We Set The Standard On Reliability! QIC-05 Five-Function Card It gives you more than just added memory. It gives you reliable memory expansion (up to 384K), a serial port, a parallel port, a game port, and a battery back-up clock calendar. Includes RAM disk, print spooler, and clock utilities. (The 64K RAM set is only $27.) We Set The Standard On Performance! QIC-02 Floppy Tape Drive We Set The Standard On Innovation! QIC-04 Halt-Height Floppy Disk Drive How's this for Performance? It backs up your 10 MB disk in only 5 minutes and performs both image and file-by-file back-up. This half- height drive will fit inside your floppy disk and connect to your floppy controller. (No need for an additional controller card.) ... All for a truly amazing low price. Presenting the QIC-04, the quietest drive on the market. It draws the least amount of current, is compatible with your PC's floppy controller card, and is double- sided, double-density. Also compatible with IBM AT. ...And We Guarantee Satisfaction! No Risk. All our products are guaranteed for one year. And remember, if for any reason, you are not completely satisfied within 30 days, you can return it for a full refund. Call Us Today! (408) 942-8086 "We Set The Standards" RESEARCH INCORPORATED 489 Valley Way Milpitas, Ca 95035 Inquiry 333 MasterCard. Visa. American Express sales add 3% to prices. IBM PC/XT Compatibility AT Performance OEM Price Nn§ High Speec 4.7 or 8 MH2 8088-2 Processo With 8087-2 Optior : " . ' ! ( IBM PC/XT Form, Fit & Functioi Highly Integratec Built-in Disk Controller! • Up To 4 Floppie; • SASI Hard Disk Interface 1 Megabyte On-Board Memon Parallel Por 2 Serial Port; Time of Day Clod 54K User Definable ROIV .IZE CONTROL OF YOUR HARDWARE DESTII ' ' it" " SLJ '■ ! The switchable 4.7 or 8 u? speed of the ACS-1000 Computer coupled with vytional 8087-2 number runcher provide AT-like per- iirmance without sacrificing 'C/XT compatibility ... or F your company is using level microcomputers as a irt of your own product, you i increase profits and improve liability by using the ,c 1000 single board Computer. ["he ACS- 1000 is compati- le with both software and ardware designed for the IB" C/XT. It even has the sam - lounting holes and the san power supply connections. ' difference is that the ACS-1 offers a much higher level ot ■arion and- in OEM q Disk controllers, and extensive memory ready built-in, simplifying pro- duction and freeing the 6 expansion slots to take on the specialized work of your process control, CAD/CAM or office automation applications. There's even a special port for a low cost piggyback modem. A 128K evaluation board is available to qualified OEM's for $595. Power supplies, packag- ing, keyboards and other system support available on request. To order, call or write: ACS International, Inc. 105 Luna Rd. Suite 330 arrollton, Texas 75006 14-247-5151 In Canada: Soltech Industries 9274 194th St. Surrey, B.C V2T4W2 88-2606 ADVANCED COMPUTER SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC. PROGRAMMING INSIGHT 0.8660254 V3/2 by Dan Sandberg Aft algorithm that converts decimals to fractions IF YOU NEEDED the solution of 1 1/1 7 + 13/19 - 139/323 - 37/15 + 47/21 in fractional form, finding the lowest common denominator might be dif- ficult. Instead, you can plug the decimal equivalent. 0.672357364, into the following program and obtain a solution of 7601/11305. The program can help you factor 133133/1101373 to 11/91 or verify that sin 60° = Vf/2. Listing 1 , which returns a fraction for every decimal input, uses a short al- gorithm. First, the program inverts the decimal to obtain a number greater than 1. The routine saves the integer and again inverts the decimal re- mainder. So it continues, until the algorithm finds a denominator that supports an integer numerator. To find the denominator, the pro- gram uses the algorithm x„ x a„., + «*-2 = a„. where n equals the number of inversions and x„ equals the saved integers. Figure 1 uses 0.562 5 as an example. Using listing 1, you will ob- tain exact fractions only if the total number of digits in the fraction is less than the number of digits in the com- puter's precision. For example, if the calculating precision is 12 digits, the computer can construct a fraction like 135791/97531. But if the numerator or denominator contained one more digit, the computer would generate, unless you increased the calculating precision, only an almost exact solu- tion. Try running the program in single and double precision. If you want fractions printed in mixed form, add 35 IF INT(A)>0 THEN PRINT INT(A);" + ";C*(A- INT(A));'7";C Listing 2 is shorter and faster, but it may require higher calculating preci- sion. It never returns an inexact (even if close) fraction; it returns an error if you input insufficient precision. Like listing 1, the program inverts the incoming number with a special algorithm until it finds the denomina- tor. If the fraction is too difficult (i.e., requiring greater precision), an over- flow error will occur. If you enter too few decimal digits, the program, which does not round A*B to an in- teger, will warn you by writing a decimal numerator that is close to an integer. With a precision of 12 digits, 0.333333333333 will generate the answer 1/3. However, 0.3333333333 will yield 0.9999999999/3. On the other hand, 0.333 gives the answer 333/1000, a useful feature for those needing precise fractions. Others might round A*B to the nearest in- teger. The constant. 0.00001. in line 1 1(J is suitable for 12-digit calculating precision. Try constants like 0.0001 and 0.000001 to produce the best possible conversion capability. For mixed output, you can add 130 PRINT INT(A);" + ";(A- INT(A))*B;"/";B Listing 3 detects constants like x, V2. and V3: enter the sin 60° (0.86602 54) and get V3/2. The pro- gram divides and multiplies the in- coming decimals by the constants, one at a time, and uses a slightly modified version of listing 2 as a subroutine to determine whether the constants form part of the fraction. The decimal equivalent of arctan (- I), -0.7853983, gives the answer -tt/4. arcsin - I returns -ir/2. You need not struggle with tables. Note that the program always places the square root in the numera- tor. Therefore, 1/V3 will appear as [continued) Dan Sandberg {Tdppgatan 32, S-151 33 Sodertdlje, Sweden) is a medical student at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. * — Inquiry 9 MAY I985 -BYTE 429 merican Semiconductor Computers, Components. Har dware and Software /-""" **^ 4164- Hit. (1.3T 41256-Fuji(5£)9j Niw! Ot»k Orlvaa Full Height* DSDD 89. *S IBM-PC 13501 R— P.C.-10mbHaHH*lghtWtn«hMt*r729^ AT -aomb wmohiun 887 ! 8087 129 j j^A8T-B P.ok+ 289 | D BASE / EVEREX / HAYE8 HERCULES / EPSON / OKIDATA 800-237-5758 Sales Ext. 261 Vendor Ljna Visa M.C 813-949-3193 Add 3H [ Inquiry 463 Call For DEALERS ADVANTAGE Add-on Products for IBM PC® 10 Mb Ham Disk Kit (with conlrollerl S550 00 20 Mb Hard Disk Kit (with controller) $650 00 Floppy Controller Card S50 00 Hard Disk Controller Card $170 00 Color Graphics Card I RGB and NTSC Comp ) $95 00 Monochrome Graphics Card $100 00 Memory Card With 256K $150 00 MINIMUM OF TEN BOARDS ■ IBM is a registered trademark ol International Business Machines Inc CRANE Associates, Inc 3928 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 12 Culver City. CA 90230 (213) 390-9840 Inquiry 465 CBASIC CB80-86 New Development Utilities Writing complei code with data input and verification ? MicroScreen does all data input and verification with a single line of code, reducing your development time and costs by up to 60* Masked input provides the utmost flexabilily , V Highly transportable code bilitv mcl Many 6/S's 8 Terms, supported. -Easy to use -Current programs easily convertible -No accidental program eiits -free utility software: Screen ft Menu makers MicroScreen Tutorial Rush $69 96 + $2 50 SftM (CK or MO) for this introductory offer to: MicroScope 14 7 St Joseph Blvd Lodi. NJ 07644 (201)473-6442 Dealer inqunes Inquiry 464 0.8660254 = V3/2 N Decimal 1 0.5625 2 0.7777 3 0.2857 4 0.5 Inversion 1/0.5625 1/0.7777 1/0.2857 1/0.5 Integer(X) 1 1 3 2 Remainder 0.7777 0.2857 0.5 The following equation determines the denominator: n = n=^ n = 2 n = 3 x. 1 1 3 2 Once we know the denominator, the numerator is simple to find, since N = Q " D. Here, N = 0.5625 * 16 = 9. Therefore, 0.5625 equals 9/16. (Note that, in the first equation, a„., and a„. 2 are always set to 1 and respectively.) Figure I: Ad illustration of the algorithm in listing l. The entry. 0.562 5. is inverted. The routine saves the integer. I, and inverts the result, 0.7777. Continuing the routine produces four integers: 1, 1, 3. and 2. The expression C = INT(E)*C + B in line 30 of listing 1 searches, as in the figure, for a denominator that supports an integer numerator. Listing 1: This short program returns a fraction for every decimal input. Figure 1 helps to explain the algorithm. 10 INPUT A:B = 0:C = 1: D = ABS(A-INT(A)) 20 IF D = THEN 40 30 E = 1/D:F = C:C = INT(E)*C + B:B = F: D = E-INT(E):IF A*ColNT(A*C) THEN 30 40 PRINT A*C;7":C:GOTO 10 Listing 2: A shorter and faster version of listing l , which returns only exact fractions. You can adjust the constant in line 110 for different conversion capabilities. 100 INPUT A: C = ABS(A):B = 1 110 B = B/C:C = (1/C)-INT(1/C):IF C>0.00001 THEN 110 120 B = INT(B): PRINT A*B;7";B: GOTO 100 Listing 3: Triis program uses a slightly modified version of listing 2 as a subroutine to determine whether constants like ir and V2 form part of the fraction. 10 K$ = "":L$="":INPUT H:A=H:GOSUB 100 20 K$ = "sqr 2":A = H/SQR(2):GOSUB 100 30 K$ = "sqr 3":A = H/SQR(3):GOSUB 100 40 K$ = 'sqr 5":A = H/SQR(5):GOSUB 100 45 Pl = 3141592653589793# 50 K$ = "PI": A = H/PI:GOSUB 100 60 K$ = "PI exp 2":A = H/PI/PI:GOSUB 100 70 K$ = " ":L$ = "PI":A = H*PI:GOSUB 100 80 L$ = "PI exp 2":A = H"PI"PI:GOSUB 100 100 C = ABS(A):B = 1 110 B = B/C:C = (1/C)-INT(1/C):IF B>10000 THEN RETURN 120 IF C>0.00001 THEN 110 130 B = INT(B): PRINT A*B:K$;7";B;L$:END SQR 3/3. To eliminate this, simply add 125 B = INT(B):IF SQR(B)= H/A THEN L$ = K$:K$ = "":A=:A*B:B=1 I am sure that the third listing will be a useful subroutine for a variety of tasks. You could easily add other con- stants for the program to search. ■ PE BACKUI I TH€ WOftlD OF PC UPGRRDCS 10 Mbyte Micro Tape Backup "add it to your XT" Micro Tape Backup and 1 /2 High Floppy "add it to your XT 10 Mbyte Hard Disk with Controller 10 Mbyte Removable Hard Disk/Controller 20 Mbyte Hard Disk with Controller 33 Mbyte Hard Disk/Controller Si Power Supply $895 $795 $1295 $1095 $1995 $295 $465 $185 ISPS Power Supply "Internal" (140 watts) $295 CC0 1 Floppy/Hard Disk/Controller Card ( 1 .6 Meg floppy Compatible) $465 when included in any of above Hard Disk Systems add $1 85 NOT€: The above pricing is for internal units, external units are available. Micro Design International has been serving the Computer Industry for over 8 years and all our products carry a one year warranty with a 30-day money back guarantee. MflGNCnC AA€MORV PRODUCTS FOR TH€ IBM XT/PC FIND FROM COMPfmBl€S. . . ffi€€ UmHTH€ OFBNV HARD DISK CftCW (DOS manual on disk) irevi ewed in RCUteek ASSIST W9.95 (for foster disk access) ..OS I COU€CT (305) 677-8333 J/Visa/Check/or Mon- Micro Design International Inc. 6566 University Blvd., Winter Park, Florida 32792 (305) 677-8333 Inquiry 264 See what you think Go ahead. Put your two cents worth onto ThinkTank^ And watch it grow into a million-dollar idea. Because ThinkTank is the first software designed to process ideas on the IBM PC, XT and compatibles, the Apple II family and Macintosh. ThinkTank's flexible outline format lets you clearly see your idea from all angles. So you can sharpen up an inspired thought, weed out a weak one, set priorities, weigh alternatives. Its like a spreadsheet for ideas. While all this structuring helps your brain- child take shape, it won't inhibit the natural flow of creative juices. Because entering an idea onto ThinkTank is as easy as scribbling it on a cocktail napkin. All you need is simple English. Just let your thoughts flow— from "pie in the sky" concepts to the "nuts and bolts" details. And build more professional proposals, marketing plans, legal Inspiration is fleeting, so just let your thoughts flow. The flexible format makes it easy to rearrange them later into headings and a basic outline I ! se as many headings and as much text as you need to develop the outline fully Thinklank's processing pouvr can mot v it 'hole sections of text u itb a single keystroke - something no word processor can do. When you want to scope tlx> Big Picture, a simple command drops out et vn thing hut the mam headings. Subheads and detailed text are stored for recall later briefs, case reports, engineering specifica- tions, research notes, action items, hot lists and to-do lists. Call 1-800- 556-1234 Ext. 213 (in Calif., 1-800-441- 2345 Ext. 213) for the store nearest you. And see what's really on your mind. The First Idea Processor. ThinkTank ' and The hirst Idea Processor ■" are trademarks ofLiiinf; Videotex!, lite © Cufnnfibt 1>)H4. UnngVideotext. Inc. 2432 Charleston Roiut. Mountain View, CA 9404.1. 1415) 964-6300 432 BYTE" MAY 198^ Inquiry 243 PROGRAMMING INSIGHT COMPUTING PI by David J. Crawford Using infinite series to compute mathematical functions THE ANCIENT GREEKS, who had an almost religious obsession with geometry, were well aware that the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter is a constant. However, they had little success in measuring the value of the constant, which we now symbolize with the lowercase Greek letter 'V (pi). Even Ar- chimedes, regarded as one of the three greatest mathematicians of all time, could do rio better than estimate ■k somewhere between 3J/ 7 and 3%. There were two reasons for this. First, the numbering system of the Greeks did not allow easy arithmetic computations. Second, and most im- portant, they had no algebraic method to compute it; instead, they summed the perimeter of a many- sided polygon. In fact, mathematicians had no method for approximating the deci- mal value of 7r and other irrational numbers until the arrival of calculus in the late seventeenth century. The new tool was the infinite series, especial- ly the technique now known as Taylor series expansion. Like many other calculus operations named after individuals, full credit for discovery of the Taylor series should not belong to one person. In 1712. Brook Taylor (1685-1731). a mathe- matician at Cambridge, generalized the series and put it on a sound theoretical footing. Even before his birth, however, other mathematicians had discovered the "magical" proper- ties of the infinite series. By 1671, the Scottish mathematician lames Gregory knew that the function arctangent x (meaning "the angle whose tangent is x") equaled the sum of the series x-K 3 (x 3 ) + !/ 5 (x 5 )-!/ 7 (x 7 )+.. • for values of x between - 1 and + 1. This series, actually derived using a geometric rather than a Taylor series, provided a method for computing it because arctangent 1 equals W A in the radian measure of angles used in the calculus. Therefore, 4 times arc- tangent 1 is the exact value of ir and is expressed as the series Listing 1 sums the terms in this series. | Editor's note: The listings for the programs in this article are available for downloading via BYTEnet Listings. The telephone number is (603) 924-9820.] Line 190 declares the variables as double-precision. Line 210 prints a heading for each set of 10 terms. Lines 220-230 add another term to the sum. Lines 240-270 print a line of formatted output. Lines 280-300 update the variables in preparation for computing the next term in the series. Line 310 jumps back to do the next term. The program will run indefinitely. Table 1 presents the output of listing 1 for the first 10 terms of the series. The cumulative sum in the right- hand column is alternately greater than and less than the actual value of ir. As more terms are added, the sum will continue to oscillate back and forth, but closer and closer to the true value of x. Mathematicians have referred to this series as an elegant method for computing ir because it is a clear and very simple formulation; however, a mathematician would be the first to admit that in practical terms the (continued) David J. Crawford (702 5 Garden Grove Ave.. Reseda. CA 91335) is completing a B.S. in applied mathematics and works as a consul- tant in the Computer Center at California State University. Northridge. His other in- terests include electronics and hiking. MAY 1985 'BYTE 433 COMPUTING PI method is virtually useless. To illus- trate the impracticality of the series, it is only necessary to let the program run for a few minutes. Table 2 presents the output after 1000 terms. The total is beginning to look more like x, but we have added 1000 terms without resolving the third decimal place. Considering the amount of number crunching that has been done, this is not a satisfactory result. lohn Machin found the answer to the problem in 1706. Another Scotsman and one of Taylor's instruc- tors at Cambridge, Machin was able to show through the use of trigonometric identities that "arc- tangent 1" is exactly equal to "4 arc- tangent !/ 5 - arctangent % 39 '.' This rather bizarre-looking equality has considerable significance because, when computed as an infinite series, it will converge much more rapidly. The infinite series for computing -k raises x to higher and higher powers. In listing 1, x= 1 and remains equal to 1 when raised to higher powers. If, however, x is a fraction of 1, as it is in Machin's identity, higher powers of x will become smaller and smaller, speeding the convergence. To use the new identity to compute ■k. we again multiply by 4 and expand two different series. First, we compute Listing I: Summing the series 4 times arctangent PI1.BAS THIS PROGRAM COMPUTES PI USING THE INFINITE-SERIES EXPANSION OF 4 ARCTANGENT 1. 1 100 REM 110 REM 120 REM 130 REM 140 REM 150 REM 160 REM 170 REM 180 REM 190 DEFDBL A-D.P 200A = 4:B=1:C=1:E 210 IF RIGHT$(STR$(E),1) = "1 "DECIMAL",, "PI TOTAL" 220 D = C*A/B 230 PI = PI + D 240 PRINT E, 250 IF SGN(C)=1 THEN PRINT 260 PRINT STR$(A);" /";STR$(B) 270 PRINT TAB(29);D;TAB(56);PI 280 C= -C 290 B = B + 2 300 E = E + 1 310 GOTO 210 PI = THEN PRINT TERM #", "RATIO" ELSE PRINT Table 1 : The first 1 terms derived from listing 1 . Term # Ratio Decimal Pi Total 1 + 4/1 4 4 2 -4/3 -1.333333333333333 2.666666666666667 3 + 4/5 0.8 3.466666666666667 4 -4/7 -0.5714285714285714 2.895238095238095 5 + 4/9 0.4444444444444444 3.33968253968254 6 -4/11 -0.3636363636363636 2.976046176046176 7 + 4/13 0.3076923076923077 3.283738483738484 8 -4/15 -0.2666666666666667 3.017071817071817 9 + 4/17 0.2352941176470588 3.252365934718876 10 -4/19 -0.2105263157894737 3.041839618929402 the sum of the series for "16 arc- tangent K" as follows: 16(H)- ,6 / 3 (K) 3 + l6 / 5 (K) 5 -. .. Then we calculate "4 arctangent [ / 2w " with the series 4(!/ 2 39)- 4 /3(/239) 3 + W 2 39) 5 -. . . and subtract the second sum from the first. The result will again equal -w but will require much less computation. To see just how quickly these new series converge, we use listing 2, which incorporates the first program as a subroutine for summing a given number of terms of the arctangent series. Line 190 declares the variables as double-precision. Line 200 sets up the parameters for the first call of the arctangent-series subroutine in line 210. Line 220 temporarily stores the returned sum. Line 230 sets up the second subroutine call in line 240. Lines 2 50-260 print the final answer. Table 3 is the complete output of the program. Note how quickly the magnitude of the denominators in the second col- umn increases for both series. The result, given in the lower right-hand corner of the output, is the value of x correct to 1 5 decimal places. The advantages of this method are ob- vious; it required only 12 terms of the first series and 4 of the second. There is no point in adding any more terms to either series because for both the last term has an absolute value less than 10~ 16 ; the first 15 decimal places would not subse- quently change. In fact, adding only a few more terms to the second series might cause an overflow error because most microcomputer pro- gramming languages are not equipped to handle numbers whose base-10 exponents exceed + or -39. The value of -w computed above is the most accurate that Microsoft BASIC can derive in its double- precision mode. More accuracy would require special routines to handle decimal numbers with more than 16 significant figures. Of course, this has already been done. One of the first {continued) 434 BYTE- MAY 1985 TEK 2213/V2215A/2235 DUAL TRACE OSCILLOSCOPES THE ANSWER BY ANY MEASURE Now! Tek quality and expert advice are just a free phone call away! The industry standard in CRT performance. Crisp, easy-to- read, bright CRT; 14kV accelerating potential, provides high writing rate and small spot size. Full size 8x10 cm display for measurement accuracy. Display controls are flexible and easy to use. Sep- arate intensity controls reduce blooming in alter- nate sweep mode. 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Direct orders include comprehen- sive 3-year warranty*, operator's manual, two 10X probes, 15-day return policy and worldwide ser- vice backup. Order toll free: 1-800-426-2200, Ask for Rick. In Oregon, call collect: (503) 627-9000. Or write Tektronix, Inc. P.O. Box 1 700 Beaverton, OR 97075 Tektronix COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE Copyright • 1985, Tektronix. Inc All righls reserved #TTA-439-3 t Price FOB Beaverton. OR. *3-year warranty includes CRT MAY I985 'BYTE 435 Inquiry 45 I QUICKCODE III dBASE Program Generator • Create CMD files automatically • Data entry screens • Data input error checking • Computed fields & totals • Link up to 8 databases! Why write programs yourself? Let QUICKCODE III do itl COMPUTING PI tasks given to digital computers at the dawn of the computer age was to calculate the value of it to an absurd number of decimal places. In 1949, at the Army Ballistic Research Center in Aberdeen. Maryland, the original ENIAC, a vacuum-tube computer, computed w to 2037 decimal places. Over the next 20 years, the accuracy increased many times, until in Paris in 1967, a Control Data 6600 calculated {continued) Table 2: Later output from listing I. Term # Ratio Decimal Pi Total 1001 + 4 / 2001 1. 9990004997501 25D-03 3.142591654339554 1002 - 4 / 2003 - 1.9970044932601 1D-03 3.140594649846294 1003 + 4 / 2005 1. 99501 246882793D-03 3.142589662315122 1004 - 4 / 2007 - 1.99302441 4549078D-03 3.140596637900573 1005 + 4 / 2009 1.991 04031 8566451 D-03 3.14258767821914 1006 - 4/2011 - 1.9890601690701 14D-03 3.14059861805007 1007 + 4 /2013 1 987083954297069D-03 3.142585702004367 1008 - 4 / 2015 - 1.9851 11 662531 01 7D-03 3.140600590341836 1009 + 4/2017 1.9831 432821 021 32D-03 3.142583733623938 1010 - 4 / 2019 -1.9811 78801 386825D-03 3.140602554822551 Listing 2: Summing Machiris series. PI2.BAS THIS PROGRAM COMPUTES PI USING THE INFINITE-SERIES EXPANSION OF "16 ARCTANGENT 1 / 5 - 4 ARCTANGENT 1 / 239 ." 100 REM 110 REM 120 REM 130 REM 140 REM 150 REM 160 REM 170 REM 180 REM 190 DEFDBL B-G.P 200 A=12 : B-16 : C = 5 210 GOSUB 280 220 P1 =P 230 A = 4 : B = 4 : C = 239 240 GOSUB 280 250 PRINT "16 ARCTAN 1 / 5 260 PRINT P1.P.P1 -P 270 STOP * THIS SUBROUTINE SUMS "A" TERMS OF THE INFINITE SERIES FOR "B" TIMES THE ANGLE WHOSE TANGENT IS (1/"C") AND RETURNS THE SUM AS "P." INFINITE SERIES FOR";B;"ARCTAN( 1 /";C;")" ;TAB(38);"DECIMAL";TAB(61); 4 ARCTAN y 23 9 PI- TERM #";TAB(10);"RATIO' 280 REM * 290 REM 300 REM 310 PRINT 320 PRINT "SUBTOTAL" 330D=1:E = 1:F = C:P = 340 FOR X = 1 TO A 350 G = E*F 360 P=P + D*B/G 370 PRINT X;TAB(8) 380 IF SGN(D)=1 THEN PRINT " + "; ELSE PRINT "-"; 390 PRINT STR$(B);" /";STR$(G);TAB(37);D"B/G;TAB(60);P 400 F = F*C*C 410 E = E + 2 420 D = - D 430 NEXT X 440 PRINT , RETURN 436 BYTE Inquiry 375 — ► >C«sw Vfe ^v Statistics, reports and plots happen magically with SPSS/PC -the Statistical Package for IBM PC/XTs* SPSS/PC is the most comprehensive statistical package for performing simple or complex tasks, regardless of data size. It maintains feature and language compatibility with mainframe SPSS, while optimizing for the PC environment. Statistics range from simple descriptive to complex multivariate, including Multiple Regression. ANOVA, Factor and Cluster analysis. Loglinear and nonparametric procedures are also included. Simple facilities allow transfer of files between SPSS/PC and programs like Lotus 1-2-3. dBase II and SAS. A complete Report Writer. Plotting facilities and a Communi- cations program for mainframes round out a fully integrated product. For more information, contact our Marketing Department without further ado. And see what a little stat magic can do for you. SPSS Inc., 444 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, 312/329-3500. In Europe: SPSS Benelux B.V., P.O. Box 115, 4200 AC Gorinchem, The Netherlands, Phone: +31183036711 TWX: 21019. VISA, MasterCard and American Express accepted. <#•*>*' — »-»**-*" PRODUCTIVITY RAISED TO THE HIGHEST POWER 'SPSS/PC runs on the IBM PC/XT or AT with 320K memory and a hard disk. An 8087 co-processor is recommended. Contact SPSS Inc. for other compatible computers. IBM PC/XT and AT are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. dBase II is a trademark of AshtonTate 1-2-3 is a trademark of Lotus Development Corporation. SAS is a registered trademark of SAS Institute, Inc. SPSS and SPSS/PC are trademarks of SPSS Inc. for its proprietary computer software. I Copyright 1985. SPSS inc. COMPUTING PI Table 3 : The complete output of listing 2. Infinite series for 16 arctan( 1 / 5 ) Term # Ratio Decimal Subtotal 1 + 16/5 3.2 3.2 2 - 16/375 -0.04266666666666667 3.157333333333333 3 + 16 / 15625 0.001024 3.158357333333333 4 - 16 / 546875 - 2.9257 1 428571 4286D-05 3.158328076190476 5 + 16 / 17578125 9.102222222222222D-07 3.158328986412699 6 - 16 / 537109375 - 2.978909090909091 D-08 3.158328956623608 7 + 16/ 15869140625 1.0082461 538461 54D-09 3.158328957631854 8 - 16/457763671875 - 3.495253333333333D-1 1 3.158328957596901 9 + 16 / 12969970703125 1.233618823529412D-12 3.158328957598135 10 - 16 / 362396240234375 -4.41 50568421 05263D-1 4 3.158328957598091 11 + 16/ 1.001358032226563D+16 1.597830095238095D-15 3.158328957598092 12 - 16/2.741813659667969D+17 - 5.835553391 304348D-1 7 3.158328957598092 Infinite series for 4 arctan( 1 / 239 ) Term # Ratio Decimal Subtotal 1 + 4/239 0.01673640167364017 0.01673640167364017 2 - 4 / 40955757 - 9.76663671 4833522D-08 0.01673630400727302 3 + 4 / 3899056325995 1.025889257698589D-12 0.01673630400829891 4 - 4 /3.118051949560246D+17 -1. 2828522631 13878D-1 7 0.0167363040082989 16 arctan 1/5 - 4 arctan 1/239 = Pi 3.1 58328957598092 0.01 67363040082989 3.141592653589793 ■k to a half-million decimal places! We should not underestimate the importance of infinite series to com- puter science. Novice computer users often imagine that computers, for trigonometric and exponential func- tions, contain immense lookup tables like those found in the appendixes of mathematics textbooks. Obviously, this is not the case; the storage space required for such tables is prohibitive. When a computer or hand calculator requires the sine of a given angle, it calculates the value on the spot with a method similar to the Taylor series. Mathematical tricks that allow more rapid convergence of infinite series, like the one just demonstrated, are absolutely necessary to reduce com- putation time. Indeed, without em- ploying special techniques, the series for finding the logarithm of a number will converge slowly— if at all. And for those who fear that 15 decimal places of ir are not enough for their purposes, consider the following: if you had a circle the size of the earth's equator and you knew its diameter with the same degree of accuracy, you could use this value of ■k to calculate the circumference to within a few hundredths of a micron! ■ GRAPHS WITHOUT GRAPHICS? No need for color monitor or graphics board. Make graphs on dot matrix printers. Printers 23. AX Computers 19. i Easy to Use. No Programming. CP/M 2.2, 3. 80, or 86, MS-DOS or PC-DOS. Excellent Manual. Most disk formats. Dataplotter™ Line Graphs & Scatterplots . . . .$69 Bar Graphs & Pie Charts $69 Both for $99 SALES Lark* Software* 131 N. LeverettRd. Uverett, MA 01054 (Prices include manual) Add $3 shipping. $8 outside US and Canada. Specify type of Printer. (413) 773-8687 v ILL 1 5 E I 438 BYTE' MAY 1985 Inquiry 448 Finally, business computer software for the hard-nosed. No one takes a harder look at software than small to mid-sized businesses. So take a long, hard look at The Accounting Solution™ a new, totally integrated software package from Business Tools, Inc™ You'll find its breakthrough fea- tures are designed to pay off where it counts — on the bottom line. Hard-nosed economy, $99* Contrary to popular opinion, you don't need a small business loan to buy quality software. Not if you're buying The Accounting Solution. For $99, you get a language/data base manager with more hard -nose capabilities and speed than any program available at any price; $249 buys the language plus accounts receivable/ payable and general ledger; $399 gets you all the above plus inven- tory control, sales order entry, purchase order entry and payroll. Even more good news for the budget minded — source code is included with applications. Easy for any hard-nose. The Accounting Solution is easy enough for the novice hard -nose to use within minutes of receiving the package. Yet it's also sophisti- cated, offering unlimited flexibility and opportunity to the hot- shot hard -nose. And it's designed to run on CP/M-80, MP/M-80, IBM PC and compatibles** Multi hard-nose capability. The Accounting Solution never accounting Solutio Write or call: Business Tools, Inc. 4038-B 128th Avenue SE Bellevue, WA 98006 1-800-648-6258 Washington State: (206) 644-2015 Dealer inquiries welcome. stands in the way of progress. Thanks to multi-user capability, two or more hard -noses can use the same application at the same time. Hard-nosed flexibility. With The Accounting Solution, it's easy to change your mind because the source code is so simple to modify. Ready to grow? Great. You can change hardware without spending a dime on new software. Take it from hard- nose Phil Mickelson. Phil created The Sensible Solution** a highly respected soft- ware package. Now he's offering the next step, another break- through: The Accounting Solution. It's simple. Sophisticated. Affordable. And backed by Phil's reputation and personal service. If you're looking for hard-nosed value and quality, you'll agree, The Accounting Solution is the only solution. "Suggested retail pnce. 'CP/M-80 and MP/M-80 are registered trademarks of Digital Research, Inc . IBM PC is a registered trade- mark of International Business Machines Corporation; The Sensible Solution trademark rights are claimed by O'Hanlon Computer Systems. Inquiry 58 MAY 1985 'BYTE 439 Little Tramp character licensed by Bubbles Inc., s.a. Simple answers to your questions about IBM Personal Computers. 440 B YTE • MAY 1985 If you're personally interested in personal computers, but want to know more, these definitions, descriptions and details should help. "Just what is a personal computer, and how can I use it?" An IBM Personal Computer is a computer designed for a person. It's a tool to help accomplish just about anything a person needs to do with infor- mation. It can help you start a small enterprise at home just as surely as it can help a corporate planner solve complex problems. "Suppose I've never had my hands on a computer. How 'easy' will it be?" As with any new tool, you'll want to get comfortable with your IBM Personal Computer before getting down to f~~ work. The nice thing is that the \ computer is on your side, inter- | acting with you as you learn. Then you're running programs and feeling good with the results. It becomes clear that you've made a good investment, and you'll probably be telling your friends why they should get one. 'Are IBM Personal Computers simple or sophisticated?" Both. Our systems have many advanced design features; they are there to make your computer — — simple to operate and to help make you more productive. As with a well -designed car, the computer is designed around you, the user. "What kind of software programs do you have to help me?" Perhaps the world's largest and most up-to-date library of business programs has been written specifically for the IBM PC family. And among the best of this software is IBM's Personal Computer Software. A great deal of it is compatible from one system to another or from office to home. You might be interested in help with your writing, filing, graphing, planning or /§^> reporting. And if you want to get all — your ducks in a row, line them up I with the IBM Assistant Series. r You can work with each program i individually, or together as a \ x ^ s team. There is also software to help you with accounting, inventory and payroll — practically anything, including communi- cations packages to connect you to a company main- frame or outside information services. "How expensive are they? And what if my needs change?" With all the quality, power and performance built into IBM Personal Computers (including their extraordinary expansion capabilities), you'll find they're surprisingly affordable. But the value doesn't end there, because if your needs change you can always expand or up- grade within the IBM PC family. It's a very extensive, very compatible family of products that can help you protect your initial investment. "If I want a demonstration, where do I go and who will show it to me?" Go to any Authorized IBM Personal Computer Dealer or IBM Product Center, or contact your IBM marketing representative. All have received special training and you should find them quite helpful. Ask to see the software programs that interest you most, and get your hands on the system yourself. Then you'll begin to see what this tool for modern times can do for you. For a store near you, call 1-800-447-4700, Dept. HC. In Alaska or Hawaii, 1-800-447-0890. ^=== = • Inquiry 197 MAY 1985 -BYTE 44] BOOKS REOEIVED THE ABC'S OF 1-2-3. Chris Gilbert and Laurie Williams. Berkeley, CA: Sybex. 1985, 242 pages. 17.5 by 22.5 cm. soft- cover, ISBN 0-89588-168-3. S14.95. Ada: Language, Compilers and Bibliography. M. W. Rogers, ed. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1984: 300 pages, 15.5 by 2 3 cm. hardcover. ISBN 0-521- 26464-2. S17.95. Analog Integrated Circuits. Sidney Soclof. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. 1985: 526 pages. 18.5 by 24 cm, hard- cover, ISBN 0-13-032772-7, S39.95. Apple Access: Users' Guide to Apple Computer-related Periodical Literature. Volume I. Michael McAffee, ed. Petaluma, CA: Stony Point Publications. 1985: 256 pages, 18 by 23 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-931293-01-04, $19.95. The Apple Computer Clubs' Ac- tivities Handbook, Samuel K. Miller and Michael E. Caley. Englewood Cliffs. N|: Prentice- Hall. 1984: 205 pages. 215 by 27,5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-13- 039454-8. $14.95. Apple logo: A Complete Illustrated Handbook, Drew Berentes. Blue Ridge Summit. PA: Tab Books. 1984: 390 pages. 13 by 21 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-8306-1751-5. $13.95. Atari XL User's Handbook. staff of Weber Systems. Cleveland, OH: Weber Systems, 1984: 352 pages. 15 by 22.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-938862- 08-1. $1495. The Bank Street Writer Book, Don Beil. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing, 1985: 266 pages, 21.5 by 28 cm, spiral-bound, ISBN 0-8359-0361-3. $1995. Basic Adventure and Strategy Game Design for the TRS-80. lim Menick. New York: Facts on File Publications. 1984: 272 pages, 15 by 23 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-87196-977-7. $9.95. BASIC & FORTH in Parallel. S. ). Wainwright. London: Ber- nard Babani Ltd.. 1984: 119 pages. 11 by 17.5 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-85934-113-5, £1,95, BASIC in action, Stanislav Dvorak and Anthony Musset. Stoneham, MA: Butterworth Publishers, 1984: 304 pages, 15.5 by 23.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-408-01395-8. $29.95. BASICally Kaypro: Program- ming the 2, 4 and 10, loseph K. Rensin and Larry loel Gold- stein. Bowie, MD: Brady Com- munications. 1985: 288 pages, 17,5 by 23.5 cm. softcover, ISBN O-89303-36O-X, $16.95. Bowker's 1985 Complete Sourcebook of Personal Com- puting, R. R, Bowker. New York: R. R. Bowker Co.. 1985: 2020 pages. 15 by 22.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-8352-1931-3. $19.95. Brain Games for Kids & Adults Using the Apple 11/ 1Ie/I1c, lohn W. Stephenson and Robert L. Randell. Bowie. MD: Brady Communications, 1985: 2 54 pages, 17.5 by 23 cm. soft- cover. ISBN 0-89303-362-6. $13.95. Business and Home Applica- tions for the Macintosh: Using Microsoft BASIC, Stan Schatt. Bowie, MD: Brady Com- munications, 1985: 224 pages, 17.5 by 23.5 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-89303-403-7, $14.95. Business Mini/Micro Software Directory. Information Sources Inc. New York: R. R. Bowker Co., 1984: 824 pages, 21.5 by 28 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-83 52-1970-4. $75. Business Programming on Your BBC Micro, Peter Jackson. North Pomfret. VT David & Charles Inc.. 1985: 158 pages. 15.5 by 23.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-9465-7620-3, $14.95. Business Programming on Your Commodore, Peter lackson. North Pomfret. VT David & Charles Inc.. 1985: 158 pages. 15.5 by 23.5 cm. soft- cover. ISBN 0-9465-7619-X. $14.95. Charles Babbage: Pioneer of the Computer. Anthony Hyman. Princeton. NJ: Princeton University Press. 1982: 306 pages, 15 by 23.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-691-02377-8. $9.95. COBOL with an Emphasis on Structured Program Design. D. F. Galletta. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. 1985: 368 pages. 21 by 28 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-13-139858-X, $21.95. The Commodore Disk and Printer Handbook, David Bridges and Helen Naylor, North Pomfret. VT David & Charles Inc., 1984: 212 pages, 15.5 by 23 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-9465-7623-8. $14.95. Commodore Logo. Harold Bailey. Kathleen Brautigam, and Trudy Doran. Bowie, MD: Brady Communications, 1984: 320 pages. 17.5 by 23.5 cm. soft- cover. ISBN 0-89303-376-6. $14.95. Commodore 64: Tutor for Home and School, Julie Knott and Dave Prochnow. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman and Co., 1985: 220 pages, 19.5 by 23.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-673- / 18074-3. $15.95. Communicating with Data- bases in Natural Language. THIS IS A LIST of books received at BYTE Publications- 1( is not meant to be exhaustive: its purpose is to acquaint BYTE readers with recently published titles in computer science and related fields We regret that we cannot review all the books we receive: instead, this list is meant to be a monthly acknowledgment of these books and the publishers who sent them Mark Wallace. New York: lohn Wiley & Sons, 1984: 172 pages, 17 by 24.5 cm. hardcover. ISBN 0-470-20105-3. $29.95 Compaq Portable Computer: Use, Applications, and BASIC, William Arnold. New York: Holt. Rinehart and Winston, 1984: 240 pages. 17 by 23 cm. soft- cover. ISBN 0-03-064119-5. $18.45 The Complete Guide for the Commodore 64. Spencer Bateson. North Pomfret. VT David & Charles Inc.. 1984: 334 pages, 13.5 by 21.5 cm. soft- cover. ISBN 0-9465-7621-1. $18.95. The Computer Freelancer's Handbook, Ardy Friedberg, New York: New American Library, 1984: 160 pages, 15 by 22.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-452-25562-7. $10.95. Computer Programming for the Compleat Idiot, Donald McCunn. San Francisco, CA: Design Enterprises of San Fran- cisco, 1984: 208 pages. 21 by 27.5 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-932 538-14-2, $10.95. Computer Programming in FORTRAN the Easy Way, Lawrence S. Leff and Arlene Podos. Woodbury, NY: Barron's Educational Series, 1985: 326 pages, 19,5 by 27.5 cm. soft- cover. ISBN 0-8120-2800-7. $7.95. CP/M Software Directory. Xerox Corporation, New York: R. R. Bowker Co.. 1984: 768 pages, 21.5 by 28 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-8352-1973-9. $24.95. Creative Computer Graphics. Annabel lankel and Rocky Mor- ton. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1984: 150 pages, 30 by 30.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-521-26251-8, $29,95, Database and File Manage- ment Systems for the Micro- [continued) 442 BYTE- MAY 1985 We've Puta^^ Local Area Network on a Disk Corporate Information Sharing. It's been described as the key to Increasing a company's productivity. It's also why large networks of PC's are becoming more and more common in the workplace.. .in spite of the fact that they're costly, difficult to install, and Incompat ibie with much existing software. Finally, there's a solution to this corporate dilemm Its name Is LANLink™ 9t- A Software-Driven LAN That Uses Standard, RS-232 Ports. A major breakthrough in local area net- works, LANLink™ uses your computers' existing serial ports and runs under PC-DOS. Because all of the intelligence the network requires is on the server and satellite diskettes, expensive network interface boards aren't required. A Powerful Network That's Cost-Conscious. If you've been pricing board-driven LAN's, you already know that they can cost over $1,000 per workstation. LANLink™ is different. Boasting a data transfer rate in excess of 100,000 BPS, LANLink™ is compatible with a wide range of programs. And because special boards aren't required, installa- tion costs are one-third that of a traditional network. A Network Designed the Way Business Works. With LANLink™ you're able to customize your network along departmental lines using a data-sharing hierarchy and password-protected access. Get Started With LANLink™ TODAY. Call The Software Link TODAY for complete details and the authorized dealer nearest you. The LANLink™ Starter Kit, priced at $495, comes complete with network software for both a server and a satellite computer. For a limited time 50 feet of RS-232 cable will be included free of charge. LANLink™ is Immediately available and comes with a money-back guarantee. VISA, MC AMEX accepted. LAIYL THE SOFTWARE LINK, INC. Developers of MultiLink™ and MultiLink Advanced™ 8601 Dunwoody Place, Suite 336, Atlanta, QA 30338 Telex 4996147 SWLINK CALL: 404/998-0700 Dealer Inquiries Invited MultiLink, MultiLink Advanced & LANLink are trademarks of The Software Link, Inc. PC-DOS is a trademark of IBM Corp. Inquiry 366 WIRED? WIRELESS FILE TRANSFER. .' . Best _, "1984 , r- f:di ioks choicf av^rd APPLE TURNOVER™ A "wireless file transfer" package for the IBM PC " to Apple II and back, and back again. Apple turnover is a firmware board which fits into any slot in the IBM PC" or compatible, and software running under MS-DOS " No modems, no serial links, no hassles, no problems. APPLE TURNOVER'" will format Apple CP/M' and Apple DOS 3.3 disks. Leave your ism and Apple computers where they are. Simply bring your Apple disk to work and transfer your file to a PC-DOS disk Allows for modifications to text and data files, it's a simple, inexpensive, fast high performance alternative to complicated serial links and modems. XENO-COPY PLUS™ (NO LONGER COPY PROTECTED) A "wireless file transfer" software program for your IBM PC and most PC look-a-likes. XENO-COPV PLUS'" formats, writes to and copies from over 100 different disk formats including 40 and 80 track 5Vt inch CP/M disk formats, as well as TurboDOS, TRS-DOS, p-System and NEC-DOS formats An uncomplicated and inex- pensive way to transfer text and ddta files Also, allows for modifications to text and data files XENO-COPY PLUS" can be upgraded to XENO-DISK" for the price difference XENO DISK (NO LONGER COPY PROTECTED) The high performance model of XENO-COPY PLUS" XENO-DISK'" also formats, writes to, and copies from over 100 different disk formats including 40 and 80 track 5V disks. XENO-DISK" con- tains a powerful table driven text translator. "Text-Tran," For low volume disk production, XENO-DISK" includes a track-by-track disk duplicator (which is faster than file by file duplication) Gives you the option to input disk format parameters which allows you to utilize uncommon disk formats. 80Mate Simulates CP/M-80 in your MS-DOS computers After programs have been transferred onto PC/MS DOS ■ disks with XENO-COPY PLUS". XENO-DISK", or APPLE TURNOVER". SOMate" lets you simulate most CP/M" 80 systems on your MS-DOS" computer Includes all internal CP/M" commands and many available functions. 80Mate" includes a terminal emulator for 7 prede- fined terminals including APPLE CP/M" 1 You can also input parameters for other terminals that need to be emulated systems inc. See your dealer or Call for information: (213)938-0857 Innovation In microcomputer products 6Q22 W. Pico Blvd., LosAng«l«i, CA9QQ35 APPLE TURNOVER, XENO-COPV PLUS. XENO DISK and 80Mate are registered trademarks ot vertex Systems. Inc • IBM PC & PC DOS are registered trademarks o» International Business Machines Corporation • TurboDOS is a trademark of Software 2000. Inc IRS- DOS is a registered trademark ot Tandy- Radio Shack • p System is a trademark of SofTech Microsystems. Inc • APPLE is a registered trademark of APPLE Computers Inc • CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research Inc • MS-DOS is a registered trademark ot Microsoft Corp BOOKS RECEIVED computer. Nelson T. Dinerstein Glenview, 1L: Scott. Foresman and Co., 1985; 128 pages. 19 by 23 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-673- 18088-3. $15.95. Databases: Role and Struc- ture, P. M. Stocker, P. M. D Gray, and M. P. Atkinson, eds. New York: Cambridge University Press. 1984; 416 pages, 15.5 by 23.5 cm. hardcover. ISBN 0-521- 25430-2. $39.50. DBASE II & DBASE 111: An In- troduction for Information Services. Roger C Palmer. Studio City, CA: Pacific Information, 1984; 102 pages, 21.5 by 28 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-913203-09-2. S2 5. Diagramming Techniques for Analysts and Programmers, lames Martin and Carma McClure. Englewood Cliffs. N|: Prentice-Hall, 1985; 414 pages. 18 by 24.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-13-208794-4, S40. Digital and Microprocessor Engineering, S. I. Cahill. New York: ]ohn Wiley & Sons, 1984; 514 pages, 15 by 22.5 cm, soft- cover, ISBN 0-470-27301-1, $34.95, Electronics the Easy Way. Rex Miller. Woodbury. NY: Barron's Educational Series. 1984; 336 pages, 19,5 by 27.5 cm. soft- cover. ISBN 0-8120-2709-4, $8,95. Electronics Ready Reference Manual, E. Pasahow. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1985: 588 pages, 10.5 by 14.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-07-048723-5, $24.50. The Endless Apple. Charles Rubin. Bellevue, WA: Microsoft Press, 1984; 286 pages, 19 by 23.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-914845-27-6. $15.95. Epson Printer User's Hand- book, the staff of Weber Systems. New York: Ballantine Books. 1984; 310 pages. 14 by 22 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-345- 31842-0, $9.95, The Everyone Can Build a Robot Book, Kendra Bonnett, Gene Oldfield, and the editors of DIGIT Magazine. New York: Simon & Schuster. 1984; 86 pages, 19 by 23,5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-671-53059-3, $8.95. Expanding Your IBM PC, Bil. Alvernaz, Bowie, MD: Brady Communications, 1985; 254 pages. 18 by 23.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-89303-445-2. $16.95. Expert Systems. Richard Forsyth, ed. New York: Chap- man and Hall. 1984; 248 pages. 15 by 23.5 pages, softcover, ISBN 0-412-26280-0. $19.95. Exploring Careers as a Com- puter Technician, Jean W. Spencer. New York: Rosen Publishing Group. 1985; 128 pages. 14.5 by 22 cm. hard- cover, ISBN 0-8239-0626-4, $8.97, Fancy Programming in IBM PC BASIC, Gabriel Cuellar. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing. 1984; 278 pages, 15 by 22.5 cm, soft- cover. ISBN 0-83 59-1860-2, $19,95. The Fifth Generation, Ar- tificial Intelligence and Iapan's Computer Challenge to the World. Edward A. Feigenbaum and Pamela McCor- duck. New York: New American Library. 1984; 354 pages. 10.5 by 18 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-451-13153-3. $3.95. Financial Planning Software Tool Kit, Robert T. LeClair. Glenview. 1L: Scott. Foresman and Co.. 1985: 80 pages. 19 by 23 cm, spiral-bound. ISBN 0-673-15974-4. $44.95. Includes floppy disk. Fundamentals of Human- Computer Interaction. Andrew Monk. ed. Orlando, FL: Academic Press, 1984; 312 pages. 16 by 23.5. hardcover, ISBN 0-12-504580-8, $26.50. Fundamentals of Robotics, Larry Heath. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing, 1985: 432 pages, 18 by 24 cm. hardcover. ISBN 0-83 59-2189-1, $32.95. Getting What You Want from the TRS-80 Model 100. E. Paul Cone. New York: Harper & Row, 1984; 2 56 pages, 18.5 by 23 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-06- 669022-6, $14,95. The Graphic Macintosh Book, Richard Maran, Toronto, Ontario: Holt, Rinehart & Winston of Canada Ltd., 1984: {continued) 444 BYTE- MAY I98S Inquiry 407 \1AMTi SPS- 1000 POWtH 8 than NOTH l SAFT'SNEW: SYSTEM - Pull your con drops or power pi theSAF The System* the line c leaps inti the cost I STAND UP TO JPER PROTECT!* the high cost of pr< ry against sudde s. Get the fastest n the market tc fan do everything ; .cost a lot of mon ^s, the new SAFI Second or less. Bt L oftheUPSpric _iAir AU computer networks, are right the SPS-1000VA. 1 power, which is both? urrent limited. Best of all, the S; e hottest name in I 200VAand400V/ ve how extraor each comes with For complete inf< -1000VA, and 20C A 602-894-6 Systems Tempe, 1 YOU. [T and AT [fits of rave Iby SAFT, ISoare Items. To really ly super fSAFT at J Electronic fhSt, Inquiry 352 Inquiry 107 THE COMPITER SYSTEM: NOVA basic system 64K entry model (Expandable to 256K) $645 Includes: 1 drive controller, ] 64K mother board. 1 hitec keyboard, 1 130W power supply. NOVA PC 256K system J1295 Includes: i hitec keyboard, 1 130W power supply, 2 360KB lloppy drives, 1 Ast 6 pack compatible multifunction board, 1 color graphic card, 4-drive controller NOVA XT 256K system $1935 Includes: 1 hitec keyboard. 1 130W power supply. 2 360KB floppy drives, 4-drive con- troller, 1 10MB hard disk drive, 1 CTC hard disk controller card, 1 Ast 6 pack compati- ble multifunction board, 1 color graphic card NOVA PfJH BARE BOARD wMANUAl .... $79.00 DISK DRIVE: SHIGART SA455 It drive $90.00 Teac 55B 'A floppy drive $115.00 Miniscribe 10MB h.d. w/controller card and CABLE $650.00 Miniscribe 20MB Hard Disk Drive $695.00 Miniscribe 30MB-60MB hart disk for AT (30ms seeking time, close loop) CALL UPGRADE KITS FOR IBM/AT IBM/AT compatible CASE $165.00 IBM/AT compatible POWER SUPPLY (195W) $225.00 IBM/AT compatible KEYBOARD CALL #4128 pigiback ram $22.00 TOP OF THE LINE IBM COMPATIBLE SUMMER SPECIALS HARDWARE: The best quality 130W power supply (110/220) same dimension as IBM $130.00 Multifunction card $195.00 Case for PC/XT $90.00 Hitec Keyboard $130.00 Color graphic card $150.00 Hercules compatible monochrome card $185.00 Floppy disk controller card with cable $100.00 STREAM TAPE: Irwin 10MB stream tape for backup (Use standard floppy controller) $625.00 MONITOR: Amdek 300 color monitor $245.00 Amdek 310A $143.00 Amdek RGB 600 color monitor $445.00 Amdek RGB 700 color monitor $495.00 Amdek 710 double scan $545.00 DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME. - MVA PC/XT KITS AVAILABLE COMPUTRADE COMPANY (in Roll Commercial Center) 780 Trimble Road, Suite 605, San Jose, CA 95131 Tel. (408) 946-2442, Telex: 171605 Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. a message to our subscribers From time to time we make the BYTE subscriber list available to other companies who wish to send our subscribers material about their products. We take great care to screen these companies, choosing only those who are reputable, and whose products, services, or information we feel would be of interest to you. Direct mail is an efficient medium for presenting the latest personal computer goods and services to our subscribers. Many BYTE subscribers appreciate this controlled use of our mailing list, and look forward to finding information of interest to them in the mail. Used are our subscribers' names and addresses only (no other information we may have is ever given). While we believe the distribution of this information is of benefit to our subscribers, we firmly respect the wishes of any subscriber who does not want to receive such promotional literature. Should you wish to restrict the use of your name, simply send your request to the following address. BYTE Publications Inc. Attn: Circulation Department, 70 Main St., Peterborough, NH 03458 BOOKS RECEIVED 48 pages. 21.5 by 28 cm, soft- cover, ISBN 0-03-928875-7. $9.95. THE Graphic PC-DOS Book. Richard Maran. Toronto. Ontario: Holt, Rinehart & Winston of Canada Ltd.. 1984: 30 pages. 21.5 by 28 cm, soft- cover, ISBN 0-03-928876-5, $9.95. A Guide to Apple Writer II/IIe. lohn A. Allen and Alex Ayres. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing. 1984: 352 pages. 15 by 23 cm, softcover ISBN 0-8359-2613-3, $18.95. Hackers: Heroes of the Com- puter Revolution. Steven Levy. Garden City. NY: Anchor Press/ Doubleday. 1984: 480 pages. 14.5 by 21.5 cm, hardcover. ISBN 0-385-19195-2. $17.95. Here Come the Clones! Melody Newrock. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1984: 206 pages. 15 by 23 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-07-046458-8. $18.95. A Hobbyist's Guide to Com- puter Experimentation, lohn D. Lenk. Englewood Cliffs, N|: Prentice-Hall, 1985: 304 pages. 15.5 by 23.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-13-392473-4. $25.95. Home Accountant Plus, Leslie Lauderdale. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing, 1985: 192 pages. 17.5 by 23.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-83 59-2846-2, $16.95. How To Build Programs on Your Commodore 64, Lou Goldstein. Bowie. MD: Brady Communications, 1985: 256 pages. 17.5 by 23.5 cm, soft- cover, ISBN 0-89303-522-X. $13.95. How To Excel on Your Atari 600XL and 800XL. Timothy O. Knight. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1985: 144 pages. 14 by 20.5 cm. spiral-bound. ISBN 0-07- 035104-X, $9.95. How To Make Money with Your Micro. Herman Holtz. New York: lohn Wiley & Sons, 1984: 336 pages, 15 by 22.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-471- 88455-3, $14.95. How lb Multiply Matrices Faster, Victor Pan. Lecture Notes in Computer Science #179. New York: Springer-Verlag. 1984: 224 pages. 16.5 by 24 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-387- 13866-8. $11, How To Start and Run Your Own Word-Processing Busi- ness, Gary S. Belkin. New York: lohn Wiley & Sons. 1984: 216 pages, 13.5 by 21 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-471-88396-4. $9.95. Human Factors and Inter- active Computer Systems, Yannis Vassiliou. ed. Norwood. N|: Ablex Publishing Corp.. 1984: 304 pages, 15.5 by 23.5 cm, hardcover. ISBN 0-89391- 182-8, $35. IBM PC Graphics. John Clark Craig and leff Bretz. Blue Ridge Summit. PA: Tab Books. 1984: 268 pages, 18.5 by 23.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-8306-1860-0, $13.95. The IBM PCir for Students: User's Handbook, staff of Weber Systems. Cleveland. OH: Weber Systems. 1984: 564 pages, 15 by 23 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-938862-2 5-1. $17.95 The Individual Investor's Microcomputer Resource Guide, Norm Nicholson. Chicago, IL: Investment Informa- tion Services Press, 1984: 204 pages. 15.5 by 22.5 cm, soft- cover, ISBN 0-930369-01-7. $11.95. Information Payoff: The Transformation of Work in the Electronic Age. Paul A. Strassmann. New York: The Free Press. 1985: 320 pages, 16 by 24 cm. hardcover, ISBN 0-02- 931720-7. $20.75. Interactive FORTRAN 77, Ian Chivers and Malcolm Clark. New York: lohn Wiley & Sons, 1984: 232 pages, 17 by 24.5 cm. hard- cover, ISBN 0-470-20101-0, $29.95. Introduction to Integrated- Circuit Layout, Brian Spinks. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice- Hall. 1985: 190 pages. 21 by 28 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-13- 485400-4, $19.95. An Introduction to Program- ming the Sinclair QL. R. A. and I. W. Penfold. London: Ber- nard Babani Ltd.. 1984: 112 (continued) 446 BYTE- MAY 1985 MULTI-USER REQUEST: THE DBMS THAT MAKES GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE. Now there's multi-user software to go with your multi-user hardware — including the new IBM PC/AT.® Now there's reQuest. reQuest is the database manage- ment system that can support just one PC, or an entire Local Area Network. It gives your top managers the individual computing power to build high-performance applications. Plus the networking power to share their thoughts with your company's other great minds. No executive is an island. Think of the possibilities: When everyone shares the same database, decision-making becomes more consistent, company-wide. Sales can keep in touch with Production. Property can compare notes with Finance. Reports will be more accurate. Strategies will be more cohesive. And you'll finally realize the full potential of your executive PCs. Proven, guaranteed performance. reQuest has been proven in hundreds of major government and business applications. It works with a wide variety of hardware, including IBM PC® and PC compatibles, Bunoughs, A. B. Dick, NCR, Hewlett-Packard, and many others. It has the capacity to download information from your mainframe, process it, and send it back. And the versatility to serve as the foundation for dozens of popular programs, in- cluding LOTUS 1-2-3'," Multiplan® and WordStar.® Yet, its menu-driven format is so easy that even the most computer- shy managers can quickly build and operate their own applications. And reQuest is backed by full money- back satisfaction guarantee. Request reQuest, today. Call or write now for a free bro- chure or our $9.95 sample diskette: 1-800-32 1-DBMS. You'll see how much more your company can do when you connect with reQuest. reQuest' POWER TO SHARE System Automation Software, Inc. 8555 Sixteenth Street, Silver Sprin K , MD 20910 301-565-9400 , nquiry 385 Trademark Acknowledgements: IBM. PC, and PC/AT: international Business Machines Corp., A.B. Dick: A.B. Dick Company. Burroughs: Burroughs Corpora- riun, Hewlett-Packard: Hewk-tr-PackardCo.. NCR: NCR Corp.. Lotus and 1-2-3: L>tusDeveit»pnient G>rp.. Multiplan: Microsoft >rp., WordStar: MicroproG>rp. reQuest is a trademark of System .utomation Gwporatkm. © 1 984 System Automation Software, Inc. BOOKS RECEIVED pages, II by 17.5 cm. softcover ISBN 0-85934-125-9. £1.95. An Introduction to 6502 Machine Code. R. A. and J. W. Penfold. London: Bernard Babani Ltd.. 1984. 112 pages. 11 by 17.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-85934-122-4. £1.95. An Introduction to Z80 Machine Code. R. A. and J. W. Penfold. London: Bernard Babani Ltd., 1984: 144 pages. 11 by 17.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-85934-127-5. £2.25. Ken Uston's Illustrated Guide to the Apple Me, Ken Uston. Englewood Cliffs. N|: Prentice- Hall, 1984: 288 pages. 17.5 by 23 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-13- 514688-7, $9.95. Ken Uston's Illustrated Guide to the Commodore 64, Ken Uston. Englewood Cliffs, N|: Prentice-Hall, 1984: 272 pages. 17.5 by 2 3 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-13-514621-6, $9.95. Keyboard Challenge with Commodore 64. David D. Busch. Bowie, MD: Brady Communications, 1985: 204 pages. 17.5 by 2 3.5 cm, soft- cover, ISBN 0-89303-601-3, $12.95. Local Area Networks, James Harry Green. Glenview. IL: Scott. Foresman and Co.. 1985. 288 pages. 16 by 23.5 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-673-18065-4, $17.95. Magic Writing, lohn Stratton with Dorothy Stratton. New York: New American Library, 1984: 368 pages. 13.5 by 20 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-452- 25563-5. $12.95. Makinc Money with Your Home Computer. Dana K. Cassell. New York: Dodd. Mead & Co.. 1984: 160 pages. 13.5 by 21 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-396- 08448-6, $5.95. Making Music with Micropro- cessors. Bonaventura Antony Paturzo. Blue Ridge Summit, PA: Tab Books, 1984: 294 pages. 13 by 21 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-8306-1729-9, $11.95. Manager's Guide to Small Computers, Charles W. Bradley. New York: Holt. Rinehart and Winston. 1984: 366 pages. 17.5 by 23. softcover, ISBN 0-03- 059538-X, $20.45. The Master Handbook of High-Level Microcomputer Languages. Charles F. Taylor. Blue Ridge Summit. PA: Tab Books. 1984: 366 pages. 18.5 by 23.5 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-8306-1733-7. $15.50. Mastering the 8088 Micropro- cessor. L. V. Dao. Blue Ridge Summit, PA: Tab Books, 1984: 336 pages, 13 by 21 cm, soft- cover, ISBN 0-8306-1888-0, $15.95. Mastering FORTH. Anita Anderson and Martin Tracy. Bowie, MD: Brady Communica- tions. 1984: 224 pages, 17.5 by 23.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-89303-660-9. $19.95. Mastering Symphony, Douglas Cobb. Berkeley, CA: Sybex, 1984: 800 pages, 17.5 by 23 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-89588- 244-2. $24.95. Micro Interfacing Circuits, Book 2. R. A. Penfold. London: Bernard Babani Ltd.. 1984: 96 pages, II by 17 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-85934-106-2, £2.25. Microcomputer Assembly Lan- guage Programming, Gary Elfring. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1984: 314 pages, 15.5 by 22.5 cm. hardcover, ISBN 0-442-22261-0, $29.95. Microcomputer Buyer's Guide, 3rd ed, Tony Webster. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1984: 360 pages, 21 by 27.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-07-068963-6, $19.95. Microsoft BASIC for the {continued) Dysan diskettes are the ultimate in quality flexible record- ing media for flexible disk drives. Thev are certified to be 100% error free on-track and between tracks. Diskettes are tested on-track as well as between tracks for missing pulse, extra pulse, and modulation. Quality is built into each diskette from the inside out. The ultra smooth disc surface is burnished on both sides to promote longer media life, longer head and load pad life, as well as better recording and playback performance. And to help introduce you to the Dysan quality standard we're running a special on their diskette product line. PLUS! If you call, write, or utilize reader service in response to this ad— well send you our full-range catalog of computer supplies with special Offers good for further savings on Dysan diskettes and many other quality products. LYBEN COMPUTER SYSTEMS 1250-e Rankin Dr. • Troy, Ml 48083 • Phone (313) 589-3440 Simply #1 in service & Reliability Dysan. The Finest Quality Diskettes Available. RS-422 CONVERTER TO/FROM RS-232 • Up to 100 kilobaud at 4000 feet • Up to 3 miles at 1200 baud • Supports eight signals • Doubles as a high speed short haul modem • All handshake signals and clock • Write or call to order or for more information TELESVTE A PUBLIC COMPANY Remark Division • Telebyte Technology, Inc. • 270 E. Pulaski Rd. Greenlawn, NY 1 1 740 • (51 6) 423-3232 800-835-3298 448 BYTE' MAY I985 Inquiry 249 Inquiry 395 With NRI training at home, you can... Move up to a high paying career servicing computers ~*rS$?- And you can start by actually building NRI's 16-bit IBM-compatible computer. You can create your own bright, high paying future as an NRI trained computer service technician. The biggest growth in jobs between now and 1995, according to Department of Labor predictions, will occur in computer service and repair, where demand for trained technicians will double. There is still plenty of room for you to get in on the action — if you get the proper training now. Total computer systems training, only from NRI To learn how to work on computers, you have to get inside one. And only NRI takes you inside a computer, with total systems training that gives you hands-on experience with computers, peripherals, and software. As part of your training, you'll build a Sanyo MBC-550-2, which experts have hailed as the "most intriguing" of all the new IBM-compatibles. The Sanyo even surpasses the IBM PC in computing speed and graphics quality. Even if you've never had any previous training in electronics, you can succeed with NRI training. You'll start with the basics, rapidly building on the fundamentals of electronics until you master advanced concepts like digital logic, microprocessor design and computer memory. You'll probe into electronic circuits, using the exclusive NRI Discovery Lab® and professional Digital Multimeter, that you keep. You'll assemble Sanyo's intelligent keyboard, install the power supply and disk drive, and attach the high resolu- tion monitor — all the while performing hands-on experiments and demonstra- tions that reinforce your skills. Learn to service today's computers As you complete your Sanyo, you grasp the "secrets" that qualify you for a new career. You'll learn to program in BASIC and machine language. You'll use utility programs to check out the operation of the Sanyo's 8088 micro- processor (the same chip used in the IBM PC). And you also get over $1,000 worth of software, including WordStar and CalcStar. Most importantly, you'll under- stand the principles common to all computers. Only a person who fully understands all the fundamentals can hope to be able to tackle all computers. NRI makes sure that you'll gain the knowledge and skills to maintain, troubleshoot and service computers. Learn at home in spare time With NRI training, you'll learn at home on your own time. That means your preparation for a new career or part-time job doesn't have to interfere with your current job. You'll learn at your own pace, in the comfort and convenience of your own home. No classroom pressures, no rigid night school schedules. You're always backed up by the NRI staff and your instructor, who will answer questions, give you guidance and be available for special help if you need it. Let others worry about computers taking their jobs. With NRI training, you'll soon have computers making good paying jobs for you. Send for Free NRI Catalog Send the post-paid reply card today for NRI's 100-page catalog, with all the facts about computer training plus career training in Robotics, Data Communications, TV/Video Servicing and many other fields. If some other ambitious person beat you to the card, write to NRI at the address below. SCHOOLS McGraw-Hill Continuing Education Center 3939 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington. DC 20016 We'll Give You Tomorrow. IBM is a Registered Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. MAY 1985 • BYTE 449 TOGETHER, STOPPING YOU 450 BYTE- MAY 1985 RUNTIME VERSION AVAILABLE THERE'S NO KnowledgeMan™ and You. The possibilities are endless. To succeed in business, you need a partner that's fast, flexible, intelligent and easy to work with. A partner that can help turn your big ideas into well-conceived reality. One that gives you the support you need to make critical decisions confidently. No partner can give you more of what you need than KnowledgeMan, the knowledge management software from MDBS. A powerful partner. KnowledgeMan helps you man- age more knowledge, in more ways, than ordinary software. It can help you make better de- cisions on just about everything from production scheduling to financial planning to market forecasting. KnowledgeMan and its optional components offer data management, spread- sheet analysis, statistical analysis, text processing, forms manage- ment, business graphics, program- ming and more. The key to KnowledgeMan's versatility is its exclusive syner- gistic integration, allowing you to accomplish your computing needs within one program. Unlike other software, theres no need to exit one function before enter- ing another. The result: different kinds of processing can be inter- mingled. Quickly and easily. A partner that speaks your language. For all of its power and sophisti- cation, KnowledgeMan is remark- ably simple to understand. Even a beginner can start putting KnowledgeMan to work in minutes. With a single query, you can obtain related data from unlimited multiple tables. \bu can even teach KnowledgeMan to understand your own jargon. A partner that helps you along. The on-line HELP facility allows you to draw on 6800 lines of help- ful information organized into 380 screens. If you have a prob- lem or question, KnowledgeMan allows you to access the pertinent HELP screen immediately. Each screen is carefully designed to provide a quick reference guide to KnowledgeMan commands. A partner that gives you room to grow. Ordinary software packages can be frustratingly easy to outgrow. Not KnowledgeMan. Each KnowledgeMan component has more power than you'll probably ever need— far more than con- ventional integrated programs. With KnowledgeMan, you don't sacrifice capability, capacity or convenience. So with KnowledgeMan, you spend your time solving problems— not trying to overcome software limitations. A partner that protects your interests. KnowledgeMan offers sophisti- cated security features. Unauthorized access to data is next to impossible, thanks to password checking, thousands of access code combinations and data encryption. So your secrets are safe with KnowledgeMan. A partner you can build on. To add yet another dimension to KnowledgeMan's capabilities, you can get fully-integrated options like K-Graph, an exten- sive business graphics facility that lets you plot information in a variety of colorful graphs, charts and diagrams. For text process- ing, the K-Text option lets you incorporate data into written documents quickly and easily. Or, create highly-polished, full-color customized forms with K-Paint, our forms painting option. To short-cut the keyboard, put the K-Mouse option to work. A partner you should get to know better. To see KnowledgeMan in action, visit your dealer. Or contact Micro Data Base Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 248, Lafayette, IN 47902, (317) 463-2581, Telex: 209147 ISE UR. It may be the beginning of a long, successful partnership. Current version is 1.07 as of 9/ 10/84. KnowledgeMan. K-Graph. K-Painl. K-Text. and K-Mouse are trademarks of Micro Data Base Systems. Inc. MDBS is a registered trademark of Micro Data Base Systems. Inc. KNOWLEDGE man The Knowledge Management Software from MDBS Operating Systems PCDOS. MSDOS. CP/MS6. Minimum RAM required: 192K. K-Graph: PCDOS only. Inquiry 263 MAY 1985 -BYTE 451 Inquiry 360 Fifth Conference on Microcomputers in Education and Training DEVELOPMENT OF EFFECTIVE INTERACTIVE INSTRUCTION MATERIALS Pentagon Quality Inn Arlington, Virginia June 19-21, 1985 Presentations cover: Creative Development Computer-based Authoring Systems Videodisc Creative Systems Design for Interactivity CD'ROM Potential (Compact Disc/Read Only Memory ) Technological Implementation Effectiveness Criteria Implementation Capability Generic Programs Pre-conference tutorials are scheduled for June 18 For further information contact: Society for Applied Learning Technology SOCulpcpcrSt . Dept. B Warrenton. VA 22186 (703) 347-0055 BEFORE YOU BUY^k CABLE ASSEMBLIES, Heavy guage underhood shield Gold plated pins 22AWG twisted conductors 2mm PVC cower CHECK UNDER THE HOOD! DATA SPEC" cable assemblies are the very best. Each cable is fully shielded to exceed FCC EMI/RFI emission requirements. The unique P.D.T. technique, introduced by DATA SPEC" and employed beneath the hood shield, insures maximum integrity under the most adverse conditions. DATA SPEC" has interface cables for all your requirements: Printers, Modems, Monitors, Disk Drives, and much more. And all DATA SPEC" cable assemblies carry a lifetime warranty. Insist on DATA SPEC" cables in the bright orange package. Available at better computer dealers everywhere. For more information, call or write: A Division ot Alliance Research Corporation 20120 Plummer Street • Chatsworth. CA 91311 • (818) 993-1202 Copyright © 1964 by Alliance Ftesearch Corporation Paten! PND BOOKS RECEIVED Macintosh, Larry Joel Goldstein and David I, Schneider. Bowie. MD: Brady Communications. 1985: 576 pages. 17.5 by 23.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-89303- 662-5. $19.95. Microsoft Word Made Easy. Paul Hoffman Berkeley. CA Osborne/McGraw-Hill. 1985: 258 pages. 18.5 by 23.5 cm. soft- cover. ISBN 0-88134-144-4. $14.95. The Mind and the Machine. Steve Torrance, ed. New York: lohn Wiley & Sons, 1984; 220 pages. 17 by 2 5 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-470-20104-5. S29.95. More from Your Micro. Charles Piatt. New York: Avon Books. 1985: 192 pages, 10.5 by 17.5 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-380- 89529-3. $2 50. My Personal Computer and Other Family Crises. Ben Ross Schneider |r, New York: Mac- millan Publishing. 1985: 254 pages. 14.5 by 22 cm, hard- cover, ISBN 0-02-949610-1. $1595 1985 Computer Buying Guide. the editors of Consumer Guide. New York: New American Library. 1984, 384 pages. 10.5 by 17.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-451-1.3-244-0. $4.50. Office Technology for the Nontechnical Manager. Phyllis I. Peck and Gilbert |. Konkel. Stamford, CT Office Publica- tions. 1984: 226 pages. 15 by 23 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-911054-07-3. $13 95 100 Programs for the Com- modore 64. John Gordon and Ian McLean Englewood Cliffs. N|: Prentice-Hall. 1984: 3 52 pages. 14.5 by 23 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-13-634650-2. $14 95. Owning Your Home Computer. Robert L. Perry. New York: Dodd. Mead & Co.. 1984; 2 56 pages. 21.5 by 28 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-396-082 50-5. $13.95. Pascal Programming for the IBM PC and XT. W. M Fuori. L. Gioia. S. Gaughran L. Aufiero. and M. Fuori Reston. VA: Reston Publishing, 1985; 270 pages, 17.5 by 23 5 cm. soft- cover. ISBN 0-8359-54354-8. $19.95. PC Programming Techniques, AC Elliott. Bowie. MD: Brady Communications. 1985; 174 pages. 17.5 by 23.5 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-89303-755-9, $14,95 Personal Computers and the Disabled. Peter A. McWilliams. Garden City. NY: Quantum/ Doubleday. 1984: 416 pages, 15 by 23 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-385-19685-7. $995 Personal Graphics. Michael P. Barnett and Graham K. Barnett. Boston. MA: Little, Brown and Co., 1984; 332 pages. 21 by 27.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-316- 08220-1. $14.50. The Physics Disk. Sheridan Simon. Englewood Cliffs. N|: Prentice-Hall. 1985; 82 pages 17.5 by 23.5 cm. spiral-bound. ISBN 0-1 3-672 387-X. $29.95. Includes floppy disk. The Power Of: Professional Tax Planning Using Lotus 1-2-3. Mitchell H. lacobs and Robert B. Rice. Englewood Cliffs. N|: Prentice-Hall, 1984; 224 pages. 21 by 27.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-13-688276-5, $29.95. The Power Of: Professional Tax Planning Using Multi- plan. Mitchell H. lacobs and Robert B. Rice. Englewood Cliffs. NJ: Prentice-Hall. 1984; 218 pages. 21 by 27.5 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-13-688250-1, $29.95. A Practical Guide to Com- puter Communications and Networking, 2nd ed.. Richard Deasington. New York: lohn Wiley & Sons. 1984; 126 pages. 17 by 24 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-470-20078-2. $24.95. A Practical Guide to Machine Language Programming on the Timex/Sinclair 1500 and 1000 (and ZX81). David B. Wood. Lexington. MA: Sirius- Ware, 1985: 252 pages. 15 by 23 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-926848-00-3, $14.95. Procedural Elements for Computer Graphics. David F Rogers. New York: McGraw-Hill. 1985; 448 pages. 16.5 by 23 5 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-07- 053534-5. $24 95 ProDOS Quick and Simple for the Apple II Family lohn G. [continued) 452 BYTE Inquiry 439 for Dealers. Inquiry 440 for End-Users. Mirrored Hardware \ \ * •\ YtL' irZ^-* —s^^-Ji • — • *> — ! — ■"•i'l' > % ', r iT^ i Ik i \ hi} i \ ^ ilJJtr \\ ^W"" \ w / / % UssMJ-, m' O is 1 I Jm0^ i «, 4\y Unmatched System Reliability A mirrored image of your data. Just what you need to assure yourself of reliable data reliably transmitted and reliably received. NESTAR's engineers ensure the reliability of your system— and your data— by designing into its products such features as tape backup for hard disk files, automatic check- sums on transmitted data, full duplexing, and mirroring of file servers. Banks trade and transfer billions of dollars every day. They demand a network that stores, transfers, and retrieves data reliably. Banks trade and transfer their billions of dollars every day over NESTAR networks. Call or write for your copy of: "Executive Briefing" 2585 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 • (415) 493-2223 If Local Area Networks For Large Organizations AESZW Inquiry 291 MAY 1985 -BYTE 453 BOOKS RECEIVED Burdick and Peter B. Weiser. Glenview. IL: Scott. Foresman and Co.. 1985: 256 pages. 19 by 23 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-673- 18077-8. S19.95. Programmers Guide to MS-DOS for the IBM PC. Dennis N. lump. Reston. VA: Reston Publishing. 1984; 266 pages, 17.5 by 23.5 cm, soft- cover. ISBN 0-8359-5655-5, $16.95. Programming HALO Graphics in C, Robert |. Traister. Engle- wood Cliffs. N|: Prentice-Hall. 1985: 192 pages, 17.5 by 23 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-13-729310-0, $17.95. Programming Languages: A Grand Tour. 2nd ed.. Ellis Horowitz, ed. Rockville. MD: Computer Science Press. 1985; 768 pages. 22.5 by 28.5 cm. hardcover. ISBN 0-88175-073-5. $39.95. Ready. Run. Fun: IBM PC Edi- tion, loan Targ and Jeff Levin- sky. Englewood Cliffs. N|: Prentice-Hall. 1985: 208 pages. 21.5 by 28 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-13-762220-1. $14.95. Robotics, lames W. Masterson. Elmer C Poe, and Stephen W. Fardo. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing, 1985: 272 pages, 18 by 24 cm. hardcover, ISBN 0-83 59-6692-5, $27.95. Running Your Best Race Programs for Improving Speed and Distance, Joe Henderson. Dubuque, IA: Wm. C. Brown Publishers, 1984; 208 pages, 19 by 23 cm, spiral- bound, ISBN 0-697-00459-7, $18.95. Includes floppy disk. Silicon Valley Guide, Daniel Remer, Paul Remer, and Robert Dunaway. Bellevue, WA: Microsoft Press. 1984: 320 pages. 18.5 by 23.5 cm. soft- cover. ISBN 0-914845-09-8. $19.95. 5i Disks D-DEN. IB ^9 SSIDE 2895 DSIDE ooqc 96TPI J04V HIGH DEN. 5195 8" Disks HK2WS 3&23B SSS2JS maxell 5iDisks SS£14tf D'SIDEIQQi; D-DEN. lU u -y H^249_5 3S30S * h d' e g n h 399_5 3i"Disks SSIDE 2895 D-SDE 429_5 8 Disks sside oeqc D-DEN. t3vL J ^2895 BONUS Disks -10 pk $ 91- DD \feibatim. Kits 49- 5 Refills 8 9 - £ Media Mate 89.5ea »2W Shipping 100 Disk Bulk Pack 89 00 112 s- : - DD 00 DD 2495 5k Disks oS.1495 D-SIDE1QQC DDEN. I3?- J SSIDE 96TPI 3!Sf3W5 3|Disks SSIDE 2895 8 Disks IS 1995 §1!e d n249_5 DsiDEoqqc DDEN tO ^ \ferbatim Datalife 5i Datalife D-siDEinqc dden. la'ty 96TPlZ4»t? D ^309_5 3? Datalife SSIDE2795 8 Datalife 1:^1995 SSIDE ooqc D-DEN.LC'V Sd , e d n.269_5 Diskette^* 1 800-621-6221 RO. Box 1213 Boulder City. NV 89005 Connection" isoo 654-4058 iz&i 73008 TERMS'- Minimum 20 disks or $35°*> VISA or MasterCard accepted COD, orders add 2* for special handling SHIPPING 1 3\ s 5% Diskettes. Add 3°-° for every 100 Diskettes or any fraction thereof. 8"Diskettes; Add 4<*> for every 100 Diskettes or any fraction thereof. We ship UPS: orders requiring other delivery methods add shipping, plus 2% of total order. 16-bit Microprocessors: Ar- chitecture, Software, and In- terface Techniques, Walter A. Triebel and Avtar Singh. Engle- wood Cliffs. N|: Prentice-Hall. I985: 400 pages. 18 by 24 cm. hardcover. ISBN 0-13-811407-2. $29.95. 16/32-bit Microcomputer System Components. Technical Information Center. Phoenix, AZ: Motorola Semiconductor Products. 1984: 230 pages, 17.5 by 23 cm. softcover. DL127, $2.05. The Software Catalog: Micro- computers, Winter 1985, Menu/International Software Database. New York: Elsevier Science Publishing. 1985; 1688 pages. 21 by 27.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-444-OO883-7, $75. The Software Handbook. Dimitris N. Chorafas. Princeton. N|: Petrocelli Books. 1984: 472 pages. 16 by 24 cm. hardcover ISBN 0-89433-248-1. $49.95. Thinking Small: The Buyer's Guide to Portable Computers, Charles Rubin and Michael McCarthy. Reading. MA: Addison-Wesley. 1984; 302 pages. 16 by 23.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-201-05793-X, $12.95. A Tourist's Guide to Com- puters. Dave Morice. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1984; 192 pages. 15.5 by 23.5 cm, soft- cover. ISBN 0-671-50200-X, $7.95. The Under $800 Computer Buyer's Guide. Anthony T. Easton and Tony Seton. Reading. MA: Addison-Wesley. 1984: 272 pages. 16 by 23 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-201-04191-X. $12.95. User Friendly Guide to Lap Portables. Sam Redman and Michael Stanford. New York: McGraw-Hill. 1985: 270 pages. 15 by 22.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-07-051388-0. $16.95. Using Computers to Learn . . . About Computers. I. L. Lawrence. Princeton. Ni: Petrocelli Books. 1984; 292 pages, 17.5 by 2 5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-89433-254-6, $24.95. Using the Eagle PC and 1600 Series, Kenniston W. Lord |r. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1984: 352 pages. 15 by 22.8 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-442-2603 5-0. $16.95. Using the IBM PC: MultiMate, C I. Puotinen. New York: Holt. Rinehart and Winston, 1984; 350 pages, 17.5 by 23.3 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-03-071411-7, $20.45. Using the IBM PC: Organiza- tion and Assembly Language Programming, Mark Franklin, New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1984; 384 pages, 17.5 by 23.3 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-03-062862-8. $20.45. Using Lotus 1-2-3 to Solve Your Business Problems, George Gershefski. Tbtowa. N|: Rowman & Allanheld. 1984; 160 pages. 18 by 2 5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-8476-7346-4, $19.95. Using the Wang for Business; The Technician's Perspective. Volume 1. Bert Dumpe. New York: Harper & Row. 1984: 368 pages. 21 by 27.8 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-06-041801-X. $22.95. Wang Word Processing Com- panion. Debra I. Tait. Bowie. MD: Brady Communications. 1985; 2 56 pages. 18.5 by 23.5 cm. spiral-bound. ISBN 0- 89303-945-4. $17.95. Whole Earth Software Catalog. Stewart Brand, ed. New York: Quantum Press/ Doubleday, 1984: 208 pages. 21 by 27.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-385-19166-9, $17.50. The Word Processor Buyer's Survival Manual, Ralph Roberts. Blue Ridge Summit. PA: Tab Books. 1984; 320 pages. 13 by 21 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-8306-1 642-X. $10.95. WordStar with Style on the DEC Rainbow, Roger B. White |r. Reston. VA: Reston Publish- ing. 1984; 252 pages. 15.5 by 23 cm, spiral-bound. ISBN 0-8359-8808-2. $18.95. Your Tl Professional Com- puter: Use. Applications, and BASIC. Thomas W. Madron and C Neal Tate. New York: Holt. Rinehart and Winston, 1984: 222 pages. 17.5 by 23.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-03-071921-6, $18,45. ■ 454 BYTE Inquiry 132 COMPUTER HUT COMPARE OUR SERVICE & PRICE! SPECIAL OF THE MONTH IBM-PC, XT & AT CALL FOR /_ PRICE COmPACL call DISK DRIVES landon IM100-2 US/UU MATSUSHITA JA 551 TEAC FD-55B Slimline $159 $139 $139 HARD DISKS/TAPE MAYNARD WSI $849 WS2 IOMEGA Bernoulli Box 20 Meg EVEREX, SYSGEN $1049 $2695 CALL '.MAYNARD ELECTRONICS Floppy Disk Controller $129 FDC w/Par. Port or Ser Port $179/189 ADD-ON BOARDS QUADRAM Quadboard 64K exp. to 384K . . . $269 Ouadcolor I & II CALL Quad 512+ 64K $239 MODEMS ©Hayes Smartmodem 1200 . . Smartmodem 1200B . Smartmodem 2400 . . BIZCOMP PC Intellimodem .... NOVATION SmartCat $429 $389 $649 $359 CALL $349 PRINTERS EPSON FX-80+ ... FX-100+ RX-80 BEST RX-100.. JX-80 DEAL LQ-1500 . 1X80 brother HR-15 XL HR 35 DYNAX/FORTS DX-15Par DM40 NLQ C-ITOH PROWRITER STARWRITER F-10P OK'DATA 182P 84P BEST 84S gP PRICES 92S 93P 93S BEST DEAL $399 $839 $399 CALL CALL $995 RESEARCH SixPak Plus 64K $269 MegaPlus II 64K $279 l/OPIus II $729 Advantage CALL MICROLOG Baby Blue II 64K $489 TECMAR Graphics Master $489 MAESTRO CALL HERCULES Hi Res Mono Graphics $335 Color Graphics w/Par Port $789 PARADISE Modular Graphics $285 5-PACK CALL EAST COAST COMPUTER HUT OF NEW ENGLAND INC. 101 Elm St. Nashua, NH 03060 SEC Spinwriter 2050 . . . 3550 $7449 Pinwriter P2 $589 TOSHIBA P1351 .... $7299 DAISYWRITER 2000 W/48K Buffer. DATAPRODUCTS . . 8850. P3... BEST PRICES $699 $7949 $795 P7340 $649 $849 CALL ASK ABOUT OUR TRAINING & REPAIR SERVICES. For Orders Only — (800) 525 5012 CANADA MICROCONTEXT AUTHORIZED DEALER 4847 Ave Du Pare Montreal Que H2V4E7. (514) 279-4595 MONITORS AMDEK Video 300G . . . $735 300A . . . $745 Video 310A $779 PGS HX12 Hi Res RGB monitor . MAX-12 Hi Res Mono. SR-12 Super Hi Res RGB . BEST PRICES SOFTWARE WORDPROCESSING MS Word $239 Multimate $269 Volkswriter Deluxe $759 PFS: Write $89 PFS: Proof $69 WordPerfect $269 WordStar CALL DATABASE/INTEGRATED dBase III CALL Quickcode III $179 RBase 4000 $279 Clout 2.0 $769 LOTUS 1-2-3 & Symphony CALL Framework CALL UTILITIES/COMPILERS Crosstalk $109 Smartcom II $109 Sideways $49 Norton Utilities$59 Sidekick $45 Turbo Pascal $45 LIFEBOAT Lattice C $299 MS Basic $259 MS Fortran $239 BUSINESS MICROSOFT Project $159 Chart $159 STAR Acct. Partner I & II CALL BPI SYSTEMS CALL PFS: File $89 PFS: Graph $89 PFS: Plan $89 Multiplan $139 OTHER Mastertype $35 Typing Tutor III $39 Math Blaster $39 Flight Simulator $39 Managing your money $735 AND LOTS MORE ANY PRODUCT NOT LISTED? CALL MIDWEST COMPUTER HUT»c 524 S. Hunter Wichita, Kansas 67207 (316) 681-2111 For Orders Only — (800) 572 3333 All products usually in stock lor immediate shipment and carry full manufacturers' warranty. Price subject to change — this ad prepared two months in advance. You get the lowest price. We honor personal checks — allow 10 days to clear. COD up to $300 add 2% Visa, MasterCard add 2%. For shipping & insurance add 2% or $6.00 min. for small items and $12. min. for monitors, printers, etc. We accept company checks and PC's from Fortune 1000 Companies. IBM is a trademark of IBM Corp. Return authorization and order status call information line inquiry 98 45 When it comes to your investment Flipping a coin is a harmless way to help you make simple deci- sions: "Heads we go to the movies, tails we play Scrabble®" But being flip with your investments could have harmful - even drastic -results. Like having no coins left to flip. Now, with a little help from your personal computer and Dow Jones Investment Software, you can start making more informed deci- sions- instead of playing hunches. Whatever type of investor you are, Dow Jones can help you stay ahead of the odds. Oil Stocks: To Buy or Not? You're working out at the gym. The guy straining his biceps gives you a tip: "Oil stocks. They're under- valued right now." Buy or not? How do you find out? The Dow Jones Investor's Workshop™ can help. First you con- nect to Dow Jones News/Retrievalf the # 1 online resource for business and financial information. At the touch of a few keys, you can con- struct price and volume charts on the oil stocks that interest you. Two stocks are lower than they've been all year. Dow Jones offers a comprehensive line of Investment Software that gives you the information and analytical tools you need to make smart investment decisions. Investor's Workshop™ Market Manager PLUS™ Market Analyzer™ Market Microscope™ Portfolio Management Technical Analysis Fundamental Analysis You can select the software program designed to meet your investment needs- whether you 're a private investor or a sophisticated professional. Now you move to financial and investment information. Ana- lysts estimate low P/E ratios for two of the stocks. Another interest- ing sign. In News/ Retrieval's exclusive up-to-date file of The Wall Street Journal stories, you find that one of the companies has just acquired substantial interest in a highly pro- fitable plastics manufacturer-a good move. You decide to buy. Your Portfolio and Your Taxes. The market says it's a good time to sell your high technology stocks. But is it the right time from the point of view of your taxes? The Dow Jones Market Manager PLUS™ can help. Using News/Retrieval to update your port- folio throughout the year, the pro- gram tracks by tax lot your security transactions. Now, it's easy to cal- culate whether your profits from a sell will be taxed as income or capital gains. And what that will mean to your entire investment portfolio. It's clear. If you wait two weeks to sell, you'll save 20% on taxes. Dow Jones Software. For informed decisions. decisions, 50-50 isn't good enough. Dow Jones Investment Software: Helping You Make Informed Decisions. The Investor's Workshop and the Market Manager PLUS are from Dow Jones, publisher of Barron's and The Wall Street Journal, the standard in reliable and timely business and financial information. So instead of playing your hunches or flipping coins, invest in Dow Jones Software. It could be the best investment you make this year. To obtain a free brochure and information on where you can conveniently purchase Dow Jones Investment Software, fill out the coupon or call: 1-800-345-8500 Extension 240 (Alaska. Hawaii and foreign call 1-215-789-7008 ext. 240 ) Fill out this coupon and mail to: A. Callahan, Dow Jones and Company. R0. Box 300, Princeton, N.J. 08540 □ Please send me a free brochure on Dow Jones Investment Software □ Please call me between . with more information Name and. Company _ Address City State. .Zip. Phone _ 1_. DowJones Software *j "-Heads X buy. lih f sill. " Dow Jones Software, Investors Workshop, Market Manager PLUS, Market Analyzer and Market Microscope are trademarks of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Dow Jones News' Retrieval is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company. Inc. Scrabble is a registered trademark of Selchow & Righter Company. Copyright (1985 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Inquiry 140 MAY 1985 * BYTE 457 LETTERS {continued from page 32) tempt to maintain their prices with more promotion and advertising? Economic theory says that when excess profits are being made (excess profits be- ing profits higher than would be expected given the risk of the investment), then new competitors will enter the market to grab some of these high profits. This new com- petition will push prices down. As a hot new market with only a few suppliers changes into one with a much larger number of suppliers and a much wider customer base (a classic free market), the pricing should change to reflect the new realities. Unfortunately, a large number of companies were founded with the idea that these juicy profits would go on forever, that the products' pricing would never have to relate to the costs of pro- duction. These companies developed without understanding the organic nature of a free market, that they themselves were the new entrants whose role was to bring prices down to mature market levels. I don't believe that the software market has approached anything like its potential sales levels, but this won't change until prices come down. The recent integrated packages (Symphony. Framework. Enable) have all aimed themselves at the cor- porate market. They figure that their prod- ucts are the perfect productivity packages for a personal computer, except that prices would have to be lowered to appeal to the private owner. Would Borlands SideKick. elegant piece of work that it is, have nearly the impact if it was $199? I'd rather have a car without a radio than a PC without SideKick, but part of its suc- cess is its utility-class price. When we see prices for the full-featured integrated packages come down to the S300 to $400 range, the market will react with the same excitement created by those breakthrough spreadsheets, VisiCalc and Lotus 1-2-3 Zave Shapiro Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Sign-Language Software Wanted I would greatly appreciate the assistance of BYTE readers in my research project I am attempting to identify public-domain and proprietary microcomputer software packages that teach sign language. I am defining sign language as any system of hand gestures used for communicating with the hearing-impaired. If you have such information, please contact me at POB 19142. Washington, DC 20036, or leave a message at (202) 475-4939 and I will return your call. All responses will be acknowledged. Ellen L. Bouwkamp Washington, DC Toward a Less Structured Approach So much hype has been published about the wonders of structured programming, and so much of the criticism of it has been from petulant programming wizards wor- ried about being accountable to their supervisors, that a more dispassionate voice is called for. Every benefit has its cost, and structuring is no exception, A key problem of the structured ap- proach is strikingly illustrated by the in- dex in Niklaus Wirth's book. Programming in Modula-2, reviewed by David D. Clark in the August 1984 BYTE. Consider for a mo- ment two programs to print an index whose entries are in the array INDEX of dimension N. an even number (I'll use vanilla BASIC here to reach the widest au- dience; granted, both programs could be improved in many ways by applying struc- tured techniques in another language, but it's the difference between the programs that's important here): 10 FOR 1 = 1 TO N STEP 2: LPRINT INDEX(I); TAB(40); INDEX(I + 1) : NEXTI and: 10 PL = 60: FOR 1 = 1 TO N STEP 2: IF (I + PL < = N) LPRINT INDEX(I); TAB(40); INDEX(I + PL): ELSE LPRINT INDEX(I) 20 NEXT I By every structured standard, the first program wins: It has fewer lines, fewer statements, fewer variables, it's easier to read and understand at a glance, etc. There's only one problem. The first pro- gram produces the sort of index that's in Wirth's book: the second entry opposite the first, the third back under the first, the fourth under the second, and so on. It's a royal pain to use. Thus one of the costs of structure is in- sensitivity to the end user. Structured pro- grammers typically take the condescend- ing attitude that users are ill-served by pro- grams that have bugs: therefore, they shouldn't quibble about inconveniences they may have to put up with to get bug- free programs. This attitude may pass in the academic world, but the software market today demands programs (and documentation) that are bug-free AND convenient to use. The best the structure gurus have to offer here is pious exhortations to keep the user in mind, the equivalent of saying. Hey! Let's be careful out there!'' This is a cop-out. This is like the attitude of the computer pioneers who regard program bugs as character flaws: their approach to debugging it to sniff that, with proper con- scientiousness, there would be no bugs. This is just the attitude that structured techniques are touted as rebutting. With so much of the programmer's mind focused on the mechanics of structured programming, concentration on how the final product will look to the user is bound to suffer, and kludges like Wirth's index must be expected. Don't misunderstand me. Structured programming is a fine thing in a produc- tion-type environment, when the program- mers thoroughly understand the system they're working with (what it can't do. and how to make it do what it can do) and the programs they're trying to write (because they're writing their zillionth database ap- plication, process-control routine, etc.). But when programmers are exploring new sys- tems and developing new kinds of pro- grams, they need the flexibility of a less structured approach. Debugging can come later. Erwin S. Strauss Fairfax, VA Bargain Computing in Japan After living in Japan for over a year, I picked up some recent issues of BYTE and was surprised by the current state of the art in personal computers being sold in the United States. It seems that many advertisers in the U.S. offer systems that just do not come close to what we can get here in Tokyo. I was taken aback by this, because I thought that, if in anything. American technology was leading in the personal computer field. For example, a few weeks ago I pur- chased a Fujitsu FM-16 Beta, which is not available in the United States. This com- puter's standard features include: Hardware 512K bytes of main RAM (expandable to 1 megabyte), two 5!4-inch 1-mega- byte floppies. DMA access. 192K bytes of video RAM. 52K bytes of ROM. 80186 16-/1 6-bit main microprocessor, MBL68B09E (8-bit) subprocessor (2 {continued) Lyco Computer Marketing & Consultants ^^ 1 SAVE — PRINTERS I £^> AXION GP 550 AT (Atari) 249 GP 550 CD (C-64) 249 GP 550 PC (IBM) 239 GP 550 AP (Apple) 279 GP 700 AT (Afari) 459 GP 700 AP (Apple) 459 Elite 5CD (C-64) 329 BLUE CHIPS M12010 M12010 C-64 $275 1275 C. ITOH Prownter 8510 AP 279 8510 BC2 389 8510 BP1 319 8510 SP 379 8510 SB 429 8510 SCP 459 8510 SCR 479 7500 AP 205 7500 AP 245 1550 P 449 1550 BCD 489 A-10-20-P 459 F 10 40 PU or RDU 888 F10 SSPU or RDU 1069 CARDCO LQ1 369 LQ3 279 CITIZEN MSP-10 329 MSP-15 499 MSP-20 479 MSP-25 649 COMREX CR-II-EC Comnter HE Parallel 359 CR-ll-ES Comnter II E Parallel 379 CR-IV-C Comnter IV Parallel 689 CR-IV-S Comnter IV Serial 689 Corona LP300 Laser Primer . 2699 200361 Toner Cartridge 89 DIGITAL DEVICES 16K printer butler 32K printer butter 64K printer butter 99 75 11975 169 95 EPSON RX-80 225 RX-80 FT- 279 FX100> 579 JX 80 529 LO 1500 P 1089 LQ 1500 S 1149 HI-80 Color Plotter 399 JUKI Juki 6100 379 RS 232 Serial Board 55 Tractor 119 Sheet Feeder 209 Juki 6300 769 LEGEND 880 219 1080 239 1200 249 if PRINTER * INTERFACING Available MANNESM ANN TALLY Spirit 80 255 MTL-160L 549 MTL-180L 739 NEC NEC 8025 $699 NEC 8027 $359 OKIDATA Okimate 10 179 82A 295 84 645 92 349 93 565 92 Imagewnter 425 92 IBM Version 349 OLIVETTI DY 250 Parallel 739 DY 250 Serial 729 DY 450 Parallel 1099 DY 450 Serial 1079 PANASONIC 1090 189 1091 259 1092 395 1093 589 3151 459 Smith Corona Fasteit 80 189 00 D10O 219 00 0200 39900 0300 51900 LIOOO 339 00 STARMICRONICS SG-10 219 SG-15 379 SD-10 339 SD-15 445 SR-10 489 SR-15 585 Powertype 309 Gemini 10X CALL Gemini 15X CALL SB-10 CALL MONITORS AMDEK 300 Green 125 300 Amber 139 310 Amber IBM 155 Color 300 Audio 245 Color 500 Composite 369 Color 600 429 Color 700 495 Color 710 569 GORILLA 12' Green 78 2" Amber 84 NEC JB-1260 Green 95 JB-1201 Green 135 JC 1215 Color 235 JC 1216 RGB 375 JC1460 Color 265 JB-1205 Amber 139 PANASONIC DT 1300 RG1 composite . 329 PRINCETON GRAPHICS MAX-12 Amber .. 189 HX-12 RGB 475 SR -12 RGB 599 SAKATA SC-100 Color 219 STS1 Stand 29 SG 1000 Green 99 SA 1000 Amber 109 TAX AN 210 Color RBG 249 115 Green 119 116 Amber 125 400 Color RGB 275 410 Color RGB 339 420 Color IBM 429 121 Green IBM 139 122 Amber IBM 145 X-TRON Comcolor 1 CompoMte Green. 199 ZENITH ZVM 122A Amber 84 ZVM 123G Green 75 ZVM 124 Amber IBM 129 ZVM 131 Color 275 ZVM 133 RGB 389 ZVM 135 Composite 449 ZVM 136 Hi Res Color .589 DISKETTES MAXELL b 5V4" md-1 1 6.99 mmmrnmm mm 5V4" MD-2 23.75 SKC " ELEPHANT (Box 10) (Box 10) SKC-SSSD 10.99 5V," SSSD 13.99 SKC-SSDD 13.99 5%" SSDD 15.99 SKC-DSDD 15.99 5 1 /4" DSDD 19.99 MODEMS ^^^MICROBITS ■ MPP 1000 E (Alan) 99 00 L HAYES Smartmodem 300 ..... 189 Smartmoden 1200 459 Smartmoden 1200B 389 Micromodem ME 249 Micromodem 100 289 Chronoaraph 179 Smart Com II 75 TELE LEARNING CM -250 (C-64) 65.00 AP-250 (Apple) 109 95 IB-250 (feM) 109.95 CARDCO MOD-1 (C-64) . CALL NESTRIDGE (C-64) CALL MITEY MO (C-64) . . CALL 1660 AUTO MODEM (C-64) 85 COMPUSERVE 23.95 DISK DRIVES IBM-PC COMPATABLE CORONA PPC 22A Portable 256K-Amber PPC 22G Portable 256-K-Green PPCXTA Portable 256K lOMeg CORI 28K 128K HAW ».„■«. 'LOTUS Zenith Lotus 1-2-3 309 00 1P99 Z-150 Cell Symphony 439 00 1699 Leading Edge * MICROPROSE 2899 PC Competable Call Wordstar 2000 289 00 '599 Wordstar 2000 + 375.00 TOLL FREE 1-800-233-8760 s^SiW TO ORDER CALL TOLL FREE or send order to 800-233-8760 po° b TZT Customer Service 1-717-327-1825 Jersey Shore PA 1 7740 RISK FREE POLICY In-stock item shipped within 24 hours of order No deposit on COD orders Free shipping on prepaid cash orders within the Continental US PA residents add sales tax APO, FPO, and International orders add $5 00 plus 3% tor priority mzil service Advertised prices show 4% discount for cash, add 4% for Master Card or Visa Personal checks require 4 weeks clearance before shipping All items subject to change without notice For your protection, we check for stolen credit cards. LETTERS MHz) (for graphics and I/O support) full 102-key keyboard with everything. 640 by 400 (by 4) graphics (partitionable to different pages). 80 by 2 5 roman char- acter lines (16 by 16 dots/character), (apanese character ROM, RS-232C (transmission rate. etc.. software- controllablel, all cables, connectors, and interfaces for printer, mouse, light pen, and voice synthesizer Software lapanese Foreign Language Extension (Japanese writing ability). Graphics Ex- tension (GSX. Digital Research). Ter- minal software, CP/M-86, FBASIC86 V2.0 (with graphics support: windows, viewports, etc. mouse, light pen, and voice-synthesizer functions, etc.) All for only about $1200. which is what I paid at Akihabara, the big electronics neighborhood in Tokyo. It seems, from looking at recent issues of BYTE, that the current 16-bit American systems usually come with only about 128K bytes or 2 56K bytes of RAM and that minifloppies are way behind the com- monly used dual 1 -megabyte floppies that are built in to current computers here in lapan. And the prices! It seems that for these substandard systems you have to pay more than twice what you pay here, $2 500 to $3000 or more! Why is that? Anyway, to complete my system. I bought an RGB high-resolution monitor and a Kanji printer (24 x 24 dot) and the entire system, everything, came to less than $2000! Can they beat that in the U.S. yet? 1 am now happily running my system, using the included FBASIC and assembler as well as Optimizing C and the very nice screen editor that comes with Turbo Pascal (it seems to handle the lapanese conversions very nicely). By the way. I spent the last year here working for the Toyo Links Corporation of Tokyo, a computer-graphics company. We created a computer-graphics movie for the Fujitsu Pavilion at the Science and Tech- nology World's Fair (Expo 85), which opens this March. The film is quite excit- ing: completely computer-generated and projected on a specially-built Omnimax dome, in stereo. I hope that many American readers of BYTE can visit the fair, which will run for six months, and drop by the pavilion. If anybody would like more information about the fair or movie, drop me a line and 1 will be glad to pass your name and address onto the fair committee and you'll get some literature from lapan. I would also welcome hearing from people who just want to write and talk about com- puters here in lapan and elsewhere. Doug Lerner Ota Ku Nishi Kamata 8-24-6-302 Tokyo, 144, japan Language Considerations The entertaining and informative dispute among champions and critics of rival com- puter programming languages should con- sider the following: I. language size. To compare languages without considering their sizes, which may vary by one or two orders of magnitude, is disinformative. 2 External size constraints. Today's 8K-byte to 16K-byte BASICS are constrained by the allotted ROM room, not by the nature of the language itself. A 64K BASIC inter- preter is the obvious and natural size for a microprocessor, which, like the 6509/ 6510 or 8088/8086. organizes a memory in 64K pages. Will a language that sounds great compared to an 8K Procrustean BASIC still sound great compared to a 64 K full-page BASIC? 3. Factional interests. Interpretation vs. com- pilation represents the real power strug- gle between do-it-yourself computer users and the caste of professional priests and scribes (systems programmers and ap- plications programmers) attempting to in- sinuate itself between the computer and its end users. Logo versus BASIC versus Pascal represents the power struggle among elementary, secondary, and higher education. There's always the simple bias of salesmen "pushing" their own wares and "knocking the competition." Impor- tant personal, social, economical, and political fortunes ride on the outcomes of language competitions, and it would be hopelessly naive to imagine otherwise. 4. Personal sentiments. Some language criticism reveals more of the critic than of the language criticized. Scratch a critic of line numbers, find an unconfessed matho- phobe. FORTH's arcane magic attracts a personality radically different from those attracted to Pascal and Modula-2. Senti- ments should be addressed explicitly, not glossed over by coats of pseudorational. pseudotechnical varnish. 5. Language essentials. Features that can be optionally added to or deleted from a language don't distinguish it from other languages. Logo's supposedly distinctive "turtle graphics" and some of Pascal's sup- posedly distinctive "powerful structured- programming constructs" have been ab- sorbed by some BASICS. APLs matrix operators could be added to Modula-2, C's advanced assembly-language com- mands could be added to COBOL, and whitewall tires could be added to any car without effecting any fundamental change. So what are the essential differences among languages that merit discussion? Do any exist? I don't know. But I do know that some purported fea- ture advantages are mythical. Pascal fans argue that invoking procedures by semi- descriptive names like ERRMSG. for display an error message, and FIXERR, for fix the error condition, enable you to scan a listing and grasp its flow. But to grasp a BASIC line like 500 IF X = THEN GOSUB 2500: GOTO 5720 you've go to look up lines 2 500 and 5720. Surprise! Microsoft BASIC on the Com- modore PCs I recently checked has an un- documented feature that gives the best of both approaches. You can write: 500 IF X = THEN GOSUB 2500 ERRMSG: GOTO 5720 FIXERR While scanning the program you can ig- nore the line numbers and grab the semi- descriptive names. But when you do want to find ERRMSG and FIXERR. the line numbers tell you exactly where to look in a long listing. Will this revelation cause wholesale defections from the Pascal camp? I doubt it, though I'm sure it will provoke some giggling among BASIC fans. More generally, I do hope that future cri- tiques and comparisons of languages will shed more light on the five general issues I've mentioned. ). G. Krol Anaheim, CA FUBAR Again As one of the 10 million Americans over- seas during World War II, I can surely recall FUBAR and its friends ("The Origin of FOO.BAR.' " February, page 420). There were three of them: SNAFU. TARFU, and FUBAR. All fared well because there was a nonvulgar word, "fouled." that could be substituted for the original. SNAFU means Situation Normal— All Fouled Up, TARFU means Things Are Really Fouled Up, and FUBAR means Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition, as you indicated. These three survived, I believe, partly because they showed a slight ring of culture and restraint, even in the otherwise unbearable military. Noel ). Thompson Warren, OR M 460 BYTE' MAY 1985 DISK DRIVES we will Beat all competitors Pricing Teac 55B • 360K Half Height • 1 Year warranty $95 Tandon TM100-2 • 360K Full Height • The "IBM" Drive $119 MPI B-52 • 360K Full Height • PC Compatible $80 10 Meg Hard Disk • For IBM • W/Hard Disk Controller $675 Apple Compatible Drives OUANTITY 1 2 10 Micro Sci A-2orA-20FullHT S170 5170 5160 Controller 65 60 50 Rana Systems Ehtel S195 S195 S190 Elite II, Dbl .Head 335 330 325 Elite III. Ouad Density 380 380 375 ControllerControlsdDnves 75 75 70 ecu Half Height . FD525AShmlinew/cable $140 5135 S130 FD525Cforllc 169 169 169 ecu Full Height FD555Aw/cable 5160 S150 S140 Hard Disk lOMegw/controller S675 S675 S650 ecu YOUR LARGEST DISK DRIVE SUPPLIER YE Data • YD 580 360K, AT Drive $225 Shugart SA455 • Full PC Compatible * 360KDbl. Side/Dbl. Den. $89 5 1 a" Disk Drives 8" Disk Drives OUANTITY OUANTITY 1 2 10 1 2 10 Teac Siemens FD55A, 160K $100 5100 S100 FDD-100-8 S129 $120 S111 FD55B.360K 95 95 95 FDD-200-8 180 170 160 FD55F. Ouad Density 159 150 1 40 Shugart All Teac s are Half Heights 801R.Sgl.Dbl. S160 S150 S140 851R,Dbl./Dbl. 480 470 460 Tandon Tandon TM100-1.160K 5150 S140 S130 TM848-1E.Sgl./Dbl.ViHt. S270 $265 5260 TM100-2. 360K 119 119 119 TM848-2E,Dbl./Dbl. ViHt. 370 360 350 TM101-4, Ouad Density 280 2/0 260 Mitsubishi TM65-2, 360K '; Height 195 | productive with PROMAL (PROgrammer's Micro Application Language). It's easier to learn than Pascal, C or Forth. It provides you with a full range of powerful structured statements like IF-ELSE, WHILE, REPEAT, FOR and CHOOSE. And, because indentation is part of the language's syntax, it helps you write programs neatly and logically. There are no line numbers to worry about, and since comments don't take up memory space, you can document your programs completely. documentation and PROMAL system diskette including sample programs) for just $49.95. There's a 15-day, no-risk moneyback guarantee. And the entire $49.95 may be credited against later purchase of the "Developer's Version" The "Developer's Version" -all the components of the "End User" system plus the "run time" object module gen- eration capability, additional documenta- tion and an unlimited right to sell or distribute PROMAL applications -is only $99.95. Or-for only $10.00 plus $2.50 postage and handling you can get the PM-100 demo system. It includes a 32-page manual and all the capabilities of the PM-200 except the ability to print or save files to disk. It's a very inexpensive way to explore the wonders of PROMAL. Our Guarantee: Try PROMAL for 1 5 days. If you are not completely satisfied, return it to us undamaged and we'll refund your money. No questions asked. Dealer inquiries invited. For quicker response on credit card orders, caiiTdiF^ 1-800-762-7874 In NC: 919-787-7703. COMMODORE 64 BENCHMARK (Sieve ofE ratosthenes) PROMAL BASIC COMAL FORTH PASCAL Execution Time (sees.) 30 630 490 51 55 Object Code Size (bytes) 128 255 329 181 415 Program Load Time (sees. 3.2 3.8 6.3 11.2 23.5 Compile Time (sees.) 8.5 - - 3.9 108 Systems Management Associates 3700 Computer Drive, Dept. PB-3 Raleigh, North Carolina 27609 PROMAL -a language especially for small systems. Unlike languages developed for larger systems and squeezed into small systems environments, PROMAL was conceived and developed specifically for the small system. With PROMAL there's finally a language created for the environment in which you work. Speed up your programs and step up your programming productivity. You get all of that speed and productivity -with the PROMAL PM-200 "End-User" system (220 pages of Order Form Please send me my copy of PROMAL My system is (check one): □ Commodore 64 □ Apple lie □ Apple He PROMAL Package Desired (check one): □ PM-200 (for systems listed above) $49.95 plus $5.00 lor shipping and handling at a total cost of $54. 95. Satisfaction Guaranteed. D PM-300 Developer's Version $99.95 plus $5.00 for shipping and handling for a total cost of $104,95. Satisfaction Guaranteed. □ PM-100 demo diskette $10.00 for the diskette plus $2.50 for postage and handling for a total cost of $12.50. (Non-refundable.) □ My check is enclosed. D Please charge my purchase to my □ Visa □ Mastercard Card Number Expiration Date Signature City, State, Zip North Carolina Residents add 4-1/2% sales tax. Foreign orders add $15.00 additional shipping and handling. Inquiry 386 MAY 1985 'BYTE 467 WHAT'S NEW A D D - ! N S Model 256D1S EPROM Programmer The Model 2 56DIS is a single EPROM program- mer from Softalk, a sub- sidiary of Dynatec Interna- tional. It can program any EPROM from a 2716 to a 27512. including "A" version and CMOS EPROMs. This programmer does not re- quire additional modules or adapters. Softaik's Model 2 56D1S programs one EPROM at a time. You can enter data from the programmer's own keyboard or from a develop- ment system through a stan- dard RS-232C port. The pro- grammer can also load from a master PROM into its 64K bytes of memory for pro- gramming a copy. The sys- tem uses a two-digit device code to set up the appropri- ate pin configuration and algorithms for the device being programmed. The Model 2 56DIS costs S895. Contact Softalk Inc., 3 594 West 1820 S, Salt Lake City. UT 84104. (800) 722-7425; in Utah, (801) 973-9500. Inquiry 620. The Apple in Color An RGB color module for the Apple lie is avail- able from Telemax. The Peacock Model CM2C is an outboard module that comes with two cables and connectors. One short cable plugs into the 1 5-pin video output connector at the rear of the lie. The other 3-foot cable plugs into your RGB monitor. With the Peacock, you can select text and background colors from 14 color com- binations. The Peacock Model CM2C sells for SI 99. Another Telemax product, the Kaleidoscope II, is an RGB color board for the ROMDISK PC card for the IBM PC. Apple II, He, and II + , and the Franklin ACE 100, 1000, and 1200. The board has a two-page memory operating system for programming both foreground and back- ground colors. You can set each line of text to one of eight foreground and back- ground colors. The Kaleidoscope II plugs into slot 7. It lets you use your 80-column card or any other card that provides 80 columns and extended memory in slot of the Apple lie. For the Apple 11 + and II and the Franklin series, you can use the Model VSP-80 switchplate option to interface 80-col- umn boards to the Kaleido- scope II. Apple versions of the Kaleidoscope II sell for $199; Franklin models are $219. The VSP-80 is $30, and the monitor connector is $15. Contact Telemax Inc., 780 Lorraine Dr., POB 339, Warrington, PA 18976, (215) 343-3000. Inquiry 621. Universal Programmer Logical Devices' PROMPRO-XP is a 16-bit MOS EPROM programmer that will support software for the IBM PC as well as for other systems. This unit can program MOS EEPROMs, MOS EPROMs, CMOS EPROMs, bipolar PROMs. programmable logic devices, and micropro- cessors with on-board EPROMs. PROMPRO-XP has a base system that handles I/O. internal memory, control, and power functions. It can program MOS or CMOS EEPROMs and EPROMs without the aid of plug-in adapters. Adapters are avail- able to handle devices with widely different technolo- gies, such as bipolar PROMS and programmable logic devices. This universal programmer directs I/O communications through a serial RS-2 32C port or a detachable keypad with an alphanumeric dis- play. It can send data to a printer or be remotely operated. You can organize a 512K- byte internal RAM buffer in 64K-byte by 8 or 32K-byte by 16 arrays so that two EPROMs with different data can be programmed simulta- neously. An In-Circuit- Emulation option lets you download a 16-bit file in memory and run a 68000 or 8086 program from the PROMPRO-XP's memory. Other features include a built-in eraser, range com- mand, and complete self- diagnosis. The PROMPRO-XP base unit is $1995; bipolar and PAL adapters are $495 each. Contact Logical Devices Inc., 1321 Northwest 65th Place, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. (800] 331-7766; in Florida, (305) 974-0975. Inquiry 622. ROMDISK PC Accessory Card ROMDISK PC for the IBM PC and compatibles consists of a ROM and cir- cuitry that emulates a write- protected disk and disk-drive controller. This full-size card fits into an accessory slot in- side the microcomputer case. ROMDISK PC works with PC-DOS. MS-DOS, and equivalent DOSes. A utility program copies a user- selected DOS, programs, or program files from disk into the ROM, thus converting the software to firmware. You can use DOS com- mands to auto-boot or selectively load software into RAM from ROMDISK PC. The microcomputer's power supply supports ROMDISK PC. You can erase the EPROMs with an ultra- violet eraser without remov- ing them from the printed- circuit board, then load new programs into ROM. Data- access time is 100 microsec- onds; program character- istics and the DOS deter- mine overall speed improve- ments. ROMDISK PC-0, a half-size board with 180K bytes of storage, sells for $599. ROMDISK PC-1, a full-size board with 180K bytes of storage upgradable to 360K bytes, is also $599. ROM- DISK PC-2 is a full-size [continued] 468 BYTE Lifeboat. C is the language. Lifeboat" is the source. _ TM Productivity Tools from the Leading Publisher of C Programs. The Lattice® C Compiler The cornerstone of a program is its compiler; it can make the difference between a good pro- gram and a great one. The Lattice C compiler features: • Full compatibility with Kernighan and Ritchie's standards • Four memory model options for control and versatility • Automatic sensing and use of the 8087 math chip • Choose from the widest selection of add-on options • Renowned for speed and code quality • Superior quality documentation "Lattice C produces remarkable code. . .the documentation sets such a high standard that others don't even come close. . . in the top cat- egory for its quick compilation and execution time and consistent reliability." Ralph A. Phraner, Byte Magazine Lattice Library source code also available. Language Utilities Pfix 86/Pfix 86 Plus — dynamic and symbolic debuggers respectively, these provide multi- ple-window debugging with breakpointing capability. Plink 86 — a two-pass overlay linkage editor that helps solve memory problems. Text Management Utilities — includes GREP (searches files for patterns), DIFF (differential text file comparator), and more. LMK (UNIX "make") — automates the con- struction of large multi-module products. Curses — lets you write programs with full screen output transportable among all UNIX, XENIX and PC-DOS systems without changing vour source code. BASTOC — translates MBASIC or CBAS1C source code directly to Lattice C source code. C Cross Reference Generator — examines vour C source modules and produces a listing of each symbol and where it is referenced. Editors Pmate — a customizable full screen text editor featuring its own powerful macro command language. ES/P for C — C program entry with automatic syntax checking and formatting. VEDIT — an easv-to-use word processor for use with V-PRINT. V-PRINT — a print formatting companion for vi ph. CVUE — a full-screen editor that offers an easy way to use command structure. EMACS — a full screen multi window text editor. Fast/C — speeds up the cycle of edit-compile- debug-edit-recompile. Graphics and Screen Design HALO — one of the industry's standard graphics development packages. Over 150 graphics commands including line, arc, box, circle and ellipse primitives. The 10 Fontpack is also available. Panel — a screen formatter and data entry aid. Lattice Window — a library of subroutines al- lowing design of windows. Functions C-Food Smorgasbord — a tasty selection of utility functions for Lattice C programmers; includes a binary coded decimal arithmetic package, level I/O functions, a Terminal In- dependence Package, and more. Float-87 — supports the 8087 math chip to boost the speed of floating-point calculations. The Greenleaf Functions — a comprehensive library of over 200 routines. The Greenleaf Comm Library — an easy-to- use asynchronous communications library. C Power Packs — sets of functions useful for a wide variety of applications. BASIC C — This library is a simple bridge from IBM BASIC to C. Database Record Managers Phact — a database record manager library of C language functions, used in the creation and manipulation of large and small databases. Btrieve — a sophisticated file management sys- tem designed for developing applications under PC-DOS. Data can be instantly retrieved by key value. FABS — a Fast Access Btree Structure function library designed for rapid, keyed access to data files using multipath structures. Autosort — a fast sort/merge utility. Lattice dB-C ISAM — a library of C functions that enables you to create and access dBase format database files. Cross-Compilers For programmers active in both i nicro and mini environments we provide advanced cross- compilers which product Intel 8086 object modules. All were developed to be as functional — and reliable — as the native compilers. They are available for the following systems: VAX/VMS, VAX/UNIX, 68K7UNIX-S, 68K/UNIX-L Also, we have available: Z80 Cross-Compiler for MS- and PC-DOS — produces Z80 object modules in the Microsoft relocatable format. New Products Run/C — finally, a C interpreter for all levels of C Programmers. C Sprite — a symbolic debugger with break- point capability. Call LIFEBOAT: 1-800-847-7078. In NY, 1-212-860-0300. r, YES.' Please rush me the latest FREE Lifeboat'" catalog of C products. Name Title I Company Name_ I Address Business Phone Please check one of the following categories: O Dealer/Distributor O End User Other Return Coupon to: Lifeboat'" Associates 1651 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10128 19$5 Lifeboat Am BY WHAT'S NEW PERIPHERALS FTWARE • APP Mac Private Eye video digitizer- cartridge when you finish working to help decrease the incidence of damaged or erased data. The cartridge drive fits into the B slot on the IBM PC AT. It has lO'/z mega- bytes of formatted storage per cartridge. Track-to-track access time is 22.5 millisec- onds and an average access time, including head-settling time, is 98 milliseconds. The drive has a 5-megabit-per- second data-transfer rate. The removable cartridge for the PC AT, model IWDMAIO, sells for $1695. A PC version, model PDMAIO. is $2295. Contact Interface Inc., 21101 Osborne St., Canoga Park, CA 91304, (818) 341-7914. Inquiry 629 Mac Private Eye Video Digitizer Mac Private Eye is a video digitizer that converts video signals into images on an Apple Macin- tosh. Reproduction quality is reportedly good enough for professional use. The system accepts images from any standard NTSC video source, such as a black-and-white or color television camera, television monitor, or video- cassette recorder. The subject does not have to be stationary because Mac Private Eye works with moving video images. It cap- tures a complete video frame in real time. Each video frame is converted into a 512- by 512-pixel image that you can see on the Macintosh with a movable window. You can also manipulate images with MacPaint and store them in MacPaint files. The digitizer uses a random dot-pattern generator that creates images with con- tinuous shades of gray. You can make television camera adjustments by view- ing the image on the Mac, so you do not need a televi- sion monitor. Also, you can transfer the image using a modem to the users Mac, another Mac Private Eye user, and directly from Mac to Mac. Suggested retail price for Mac Private Eye is $595. Also available is a black- and-white television camera for $22 5 or both units for $799. Contact I/O Video Inc.. 222 Third St., Cambridge, MA 02142. (617) 547-4141. Inquiry 630 Speed Up the 512K Macintosh TurboCharger quickens floppy-disk access on the 512K-byte Macintosh by keeping critical areas of disk in RAM. According to Nevins Microsystems, disk performance is often dou- bled or tripled, with reported peak performance more than 500 percent faster. (The company cited a test using pfs:File to search a database of 132 5 forms. With TurboCharger, the test took 11 seconds; without TurboCharger, it took 60.5 seconds.) Once installed on a Mac start-up disk, TurboCharger works automatically. The program analyzes disk usage, buffering critical areas of disk in RAM. As little as 32K bytes of RAM can be used for buffering. TurboCharger works with copy-protected software and can be used with almost every package written for the Mac. including MacWrite and MacPaint, Multiplan. Word, and Jazz. The price is $95. Contact Nevins Microsystems Inc.. 210 Fifth Ave. New York. NY 10010, (212) 563-1910. Inquiry 631. Ensemble: Integrated Software for the Macintosh Hayden Software's Ensemble is an inte- grated software package that runs on Apple's Macintosh. This package contains word- processing, spreadsheet, graphics, and list-manage- ment applications, and it will work on either a 128K- or a 512K-byte Macintosh. Ensemble lets you use the Macintosh's mouse and pull- down menus when using the word processor or when entering data into the spreadsheet. The word pro- cessor is said to be func- tionally similar to MacWrite. You can generate 10 types of graphs, including bar, pie, and line charts, from spread- sheet data, and you can use the list manager to merge addresses and letters. Ensemble is available for $299.95. Contact Hayden Software Co. Inc.. 600 Suf- folk St.. Lowell, MA 01854, (617) 937-0200. Inquiry 632. Applesoft Screen Routines Magic Screen, a set of Applesoft screen- handling routines, consists of a screen-generator pro- gram for designing screens and a screen processor that contains a set of input and output routines. These routines can be called with ampersand (£•) statements in an Applesoft BASIC program to handle full-screen data entry, reports, menus, and help screens. With the screen generator, you can specify the pro- tected and unprotected fields along with the attri- butes for data-entry fields. A data field can be defined as numeric, alphanumeric, or as a question field. The screen processor, which becomes part of the Applesoft program, contains 18 screen routines, including & WINDOW, & MOVE, and & WAIT. Magic Screen retails for $30 and can be copied. Contact Graphware Inc., POB 373. Middletown. OH 45042, (513) 424-6733. Inquiry 633. (continued) 472 BYTE" MAY IWS NORTHROP e/4 Where 21st Century Technology thrives in an 18th Century Setting Annapolis, Maryland, is a place of history in America's proud past. Today it is also a place of the future. The newest element of Northrop Defense Systems Division will move to the ANNAPOLIS SCIENCE CENTER this summer. Defense Security Systems offers the kind of challenges, environment, and com- mitment to excellence that you can build a future on. Career professionals are offered a work environment that includes: • A new VAX 11/780 computer facility with IBM PC systems • $1,000,000 digital/analog signal analysis laboratory • An advanced systems engineering laboratory • Microprocessor-based development system • Comprehensive U.S. /foreign technical library Every assignment represents a KEY POSI- TION in our organization for professionals with BS or equivalent, MS/PhD desirable who are experienced in one of the following disciplines: Systems Engineering Experience in design/implementation of hard- ware/software systems in support of signal data collection and processing efforts. SYSTEMS ENGINEERING MANAGER, PRO- JECT MANAGER, and TEAM LEADER posi- tions available. Signal Science Experience with IR&D studies in signal technologies, high speed digital signal pro- cessing, acoustc-optics, advanced antennas, and modern modulation techniques pre- ferred. Performance of predictive foreign capabilities analysis and deliverable systems development will be required. Digital Engineering Background in digital communications circuit design/analysis; hardware/software develop- ment; hardware testing; assembly language programming and microprocessor design. TEAM LEADER positions available. Software Systems Analysis Experience in defining user/system re- quirements and software development. Knowledge of VAX 11/780 systems and FORTRAN language helpful. TEAM LEADER positions available. Software Engineering Experience/technical mastery of key software development areas (structured systems design/modular programming, algorithms analysis, microprocessor software develop- ment, data base management). Other positions also available: • DIGITAL/ANALOG SIGNAL ANALYSTS • INTELLIGENCE ANALYSTS • OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYSTS For immediate consideration, send resume to: Ms. Joyce Hicks, Professional Employment Dept. 012. NORTHROP CORPORATION, Defense Systems Division, Defense Securi- ty Systems, 1901 N. Beauregard Street, Ste. 208, Alexandria, VA 22311. New Annapolis Address: 177 Admiral Cochrane Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401. Equal opportunity employer M/F/V/H. U.S. Citizenship Required. NORTHROP Defense Systems Division Electronics Systems Group MAY 1985 'BYTE 473 WHAT'S NEW Graphic Communications A communications pack- age for the Macintosh, Telescape features an in- tegrated communications directory, intelligent macros, universal terminal emulation, error-checking file transfer, and unattended message service. But according to the vendor, the package's most innovative feature is its graphics capability. Telescape uses character- coded messages to produce graphics shapes as well as text of various sizes and styles. You can send messages by electronic mail or place them on any infor- mation utility. Business uses include transmission of charts and graphs. You can also create and send simple animated messages. The program can be set to emulate any terminal. Defini- tions for TTY VT52. VT100/VT102, Teleray. and TeleVideo are provided. Pro- toco! selections include ASCII and XMODEM at 300, 1200, or 2400 bps. Telescape works with any Mac or Lisa running under MacWorks. Suggested retail price is SI 2 5. Contact Mainstay, 2861 IB Canwood St., Agoura Hills, CA 91301, (818) 991-6540. Inquiry 634. FTWARE • CP/M/MS-DOS Program Analyzer for C A superset of the UNIX LINT utility. Pre-C is designed to increase pro- grammer productivity by quickly identifying program statement errors, including interface inconsistencies that require cross-file checking. The developer claims that a single execution of Pre-C spots many errors difficult to isolate when tracing a program with a debugger. Producing a collection of diagnostic messages, the analyzer is said to identify incorrect subroutine calls and other problems up to 100 times faster than a pro- grammer using a debugger. Pre-C can complement a debugging tool, because debuggers find dynamic errors (such as incorrect data values) that Pre-C can- not find. Pre-C makes ap- proximately 1000 instruction checks per minute. Pre-C is neither machine- nor screen-dependent. It will run on any MS-DOS or PC- DOS machine running ver- sions 2.0, 2.1. or 3.0 and supports many popular C compilers, including Mark Williams' C Computer In- novations' C86. and Lattice C. The price is $395. Con- tact Phoenix Computer Products Corp., 1416 Pro- vidence Highway Norwood, MA 02062, (617) 762-5030. Inquiry 635. UNIX-like Tools for MS-DOS A collection of 19 tools adapted from UNIX. QTools is intended to pro- vide a concise way to specify complex file manipu- lations, formats, and views. The toolbox operates under MS-DOS or PC-DOS on IBM PCs and compatibles. QTools supports I/O re- direction and pipes, wild cards, environment variables, command-line options (all parameters are passed to the utilities on the com- mand line so that they can be used in automated batch processing), and on-line help. The utilities fall into three general classes: file listing: file maintenance: and pat- tern search, substitution, and translation, QTools costs $49.95. Con- tact QCAD Systems Inc.. 1164 Hyde Ave.. San lose. CA 95129. (800) 538-9787: in California. (4081 255-5574. Inquiry 636. Electronic-Circuit Analysis ACNAP is a general- purpose. AC network analysis program for active and passive electronic cir- cuits consisting of resistors, capacitors, inductors, tran- sistors, and operational amplifiers. You can examine circuits with up to 200 com- ponents and 30 nodes in a single pass. The program has a circuit editor that supports addi- tion, deletion, and changes of components, tolerances, and node connections. ACNAP automatically com- putes the magnitude and phase at any node in the circuit and includes Monte Carlo, worst-case, noise equivalent bandwidth, and sensitivity analyses. Logarithmic or linear fre- quency sweeps may be specified. ACNAP costs $72.95 and is available for systems run- ning MS-DOS. PC-DOS. or CP/M-80. Contact BV Engi- neering, Suite 207, 2200 Business Way, Riverside, CA 92501, (714) 781-0252. Inquiry 637. Ensure Unreadability of Deleted Data Erasesure is an MS- DOS/PC-DOS utility that reportedly makes erased or deleted files completely unreadable. The utility's developer noted that files thought to be deleted are often left on disk until DOS needs the space: only then is the data overwritten. That data can still be read, using a disk-reading utility or the DOS utility Debug. Erasesure first prepares the data for removal and then deletes it according to DOS conventions. Instead of Delete or Erase, you use the program's Sure command and the filename. The soft- ware is not copy-protected, so it can be transferred to hard-disk systems. Erasesure costs $30 and is available from MPPi Ltd.. 2200 Lehigh Ave. Glenview, IL 6002 5, (312) 998-8401. Inquiry 638. WordStar from Any Directory Hard-disk WordStar users can run from any direc- tory or subdirectory, in- cluding the floppy-disk drive, with a utility called Smart- Path Until now, the vendor said, hard-disk users had to keep multiple copies of the 474 BYTE- MAY 1985 WHAT'S NEW & kj r i w ft i\ n • CP/M/MS-D SOFTWARE • IBM PC Datem's dDCM810 Bitbus support package. word processor on disk because WordStar didn't recognize directories or subdirectories. With SmartPath. you can run any program that uses overlays from any directory. With only one copy of WordStar on the hard disk, you can group letters, documents, and programs into separate directories. SmartPath is priced at $29.95 and runs under PC- DOS 2.0. 2.1, 3.0. and 3.1. Contact Software Research Technologies Inc.. Suite 211. 3757 Wilshire Blvd.. Los Angeles. CA 90010. (21 3 1 384-4120. Inquiry 639. Support for the Bitbus Datem's dDCM810 package provides appli- cations programmers with a high-level interface between MS-DOS computers and the Bitbus distributed control network. The software runs on any IBM PC-compatible machine equipped with a Datem dDCM800 Bitbus in- terface adapter. Facilities within the sup- port package include mes- sage packet management, named device interfaces, full message protocol, and user- specified flow control. Datem offers utilities to let you manipulate the RAM- resident dDCM810 operating environment. The software provides an interface for users who want to develop real-time, hierarchical dis- tributed control systems for data acquisition, process control, and robotics. In addition to user- specified flow control. dDCM8IO manages the rout- ing of sporadic response messages. The software also provides automatic re- sponse-connection genera- tion when operating the host PC as a slave node. The application support package costs $415 (U.S. cur- rency!. Contact Datem Ltd.. 148 Colonnade Rd., Nepean. Ontario K2E 7R4. Canada, (613) 225-5919. Inquiry 640 Volkswriter for Scientists A word-processing package for scientists and academics, Volkswriter Scientific features more than 400 bit-mapped science and math characters. Roman and Greek alphabets, and multi- ple type styles and sizes. According to Lifetree Soft- ware, the package heightens the quality of dot-matrix output because it drives each pin rather than using the native character set of the printer. The program offers user- definable and recallable composite symbols and macros, five text levels for each line, on-screen tutorials, and nine help menus. It's a page-oriented word processor with hyphenation and underlining as you edit. Lifetree stresses that Volkswriter Scientific, priced at $495, is not an upgrade of Volkswriter Deluxe. The program runs on the IBM PC and close compatibles, including the Compaq, Corona. Chameleon, and Hyperion, and requires 2 56K bytes, two disk drives, a color monitor, and color- graphics adapter. Contact Lifetree Software. 411 Pacific St., Monterey, CA 93940, (408) 373-4718. Inquiry 642. FORTH for XENIX and UNIX Ubiquitous Systems has introduced a FORTH- language software-develop- ment system tailored specifically for XENIX and UNIX. u4th is a portable, standard FORTH that is source-transportable to any other environment that has a standard C compiler with a UNIX-compatible library. u4th's features include ac- cess to UNIX system calls. the capability to incorporate new primitives written in C, the capability to compile high-level FORTH words into the load image, a direct- threaded interpreter, and an object-oriented extension word set. The system is largely compliant, the ven- dor said, with the FORTH-83 standard (word size of 32 bits may be used where ap- plicable, and lowercase characters are standard). The object-oriented FORTH extensions provide a set of system-building tools suit- able for Al research and other complex tasks, yet they can drop into "normal'' FORTH when necessary. u4th has several object classes, including memory managers, lists, and tagged data objects. The price of u4th for the IBM PC XT and PC AT is $395. Contact Ubiquitous Systems Inc.. 13333 Bel-Red Rd. NE. Bellevue. WA 98005. (206) 641-8030. Inquiry 641. TelePaint Includes Paint Software, Can Enhance Any Graph LCS/Telegraphics' Tele- Paint software lets you capture, edit, enlarge, and enhance graphs generated by such programs as Lotus 1-2-3. With TelePaint, you can reposition charts, add new text or graphics, and change, add, or highlight colors and patterns. Added text can use any of 16 fonts and can range from simple labels and captions to full paragraphs. Entire graphs or parts of graphs can be stored to disk or printed in color or black and white. [continued] MAY 1985 IYTE 475 WHAT'S NEW SOFTWARE I B M P C You can use TelePaint as a standard paint program, similar to Apple's MacPaint for the Macintosh. It's fully mouse-driven and uses pull- down and pop-up menus. TelePaint runs on the IBM PC. XT, AT. and compatibles. It requires 2 56K bytes of RAM. one double-sided disk drive, an IBM color-display adapter, and a Microsoft- compatible mouse. TelePaint is available for $149. Contact LCS/Telegraph- ics, 261 Vassar St., Cam- bridge. MA 02139. (617) 547-4738. Inquiry 646 Program Development from Mainframe to Microcomputer You can off-load program-development work done on a mainframe computer to an IBM PC with VS COBOL Workbench. De- signed to provide uninter- rupted development, testing, and maintenance of pro- grams downloaded to a PC, the Workbench supports many features of COBOL as implemented in IBM's OS/VS COBOL and VS COBOL II. OS/VS COBOL and VS COBOL II syntax can be used separately or coexist in a single program. You can convert OS/VS COBOL pro- grams to VS COBOL II using flags that report errors in code compiled from one syntax to the other. Support of CALLs and EXEC statements enables you to edit, debug, and test applications that use IBM host interfaces such as IMS/VS. CICS/VS, DL/1. and SQL/DS. A Session Con- troller facility records keystrokes of testing and debugging sessions. The syntax-check compo- STATA statistical program for the IBM PC. nent examines the COBOL source code and generates executable intermediate code. It also flags code that is not ANSI-74 standard. VS COBOL Workbench. which costs $4000, supports the IBM PC, PC XT. PC AT. and Portable PC. Contact Micro Focus Inc., 2465 East Bayshore Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94303. (4151 856-4161. Inquiry 643. Statistics and Data Analysis STATA. a program designed to help you manage, display, and analyze data, has features in common with spreadsheet, database-management, and statistical packages. The pro- gram lets you ask "what if" questions. Like a database manager. STATA enables you to create complex data sets, transform them, and locate pieces of information. The package can calculate the standard univariate statistics, correlations and covariances, and chi-square tests for in- dependence in two-way tables. STATA runs on an IBM PC. PC XT. or PC AT with at least 2 56K bytes of RAM and one double-sided disk drive. The package will use, but does not require, the 8087 math coprocessor. The Professional System costs WHERE DO NEW PRODUCT ITEMS COME FROM 7 The new products listed in this section oj BYTE are chosen from the thousands of press releases, letters, and telephone calls we receive each month from manufacturers, distributors, designers, and readers. The basic criteria for selection for publication are: (a) does a product match our readers' interests'? and [b] is it new or is it simply a reintroduction of an old item? Because of the volume of submissions we must sort through every month, the items we publish are based on vendors' statements and are not individually verified. If you want your product to be considered for publication [at no charge], send full infor- mation about it, including its price and an address and telephone number where a reader can get further information, to New Products Editor. BYTE, POB 372, Hancock. NH 03449. $395; the Student Version. sold only to college book- stores, costs $30. Contact Computing Resource Center. 10801 National Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064, (213) 470-4341, Inquiry 644. Error Checker for Lotus 1-2-3 A tool for validating Lotus 1-2-3 models, the Cam- bridge Spreadsheet Analyst permits automatic location of all circular reference errors. This CIRC feature reportedly eliminates hours spent tracking down inter- locking formulas. A complete package for spotting errors and scrutiniz- ing a model's logic, the Analyst will scan a work- sheet for more than a dozen conditions likely to indicate problems. Two interactive features let you examine the assumptions behind a 1-2-3 model. The cross-reference function shows where and how a given cell, range, or 1-2-3 function is used. The interactive probe capability lets you explore the cells that affect a formula. The Analyst works directly with 1-2-3 spreadsheet files and. where possible, reflects the command conventions of the Lotus software, A help screen is available at every decision point. The Cambridge Spread- sheet Analyst costs $95, runs on the PC family, and requires at least 192K bytes of RAM, two disk drives, and PC-DOS 1.1 or higher. Contact The Cambridge Soft- ware Collaborative, 56 Garden St., Cambridge. MA 02138, (800) 343-0663 ext. 4200: in Massachusetts, (800) 322-1238 ext, 4200. Inquiry 645 476 BYTE" MAY 198i Contact us for other low prices on hardware and software Next Day Air Extra FREE SHIPPING. NO SURCHARGE FOR Call for latest prices. comPAa com pah 256K, 1/360K drive, 10 Meg Internal $2695 Functional equivalent to a Compaq Plus.™ Now using 3 ! 1 " shock-mounted Winchester drives. The same as used in the Compaq Plus, n Also available with I half-height drives and 10 MEG HD— 13195. Or upgrade your Compaq to a Compaq Plus - " equivalent with our $Vi " shock-mounted Winchester disk kit. Includes Hard Disk, Controller. Cables, Manual, .Software, and Mounting Hardware. One year warranty. A * ft m TAPE BACKUP SYSTEM $595 * Half Height • 10.35 Meg * Low Power Formatted Capacity * Uses Floppy • Used in Compaq Controller Card Deskpro ™ /( simply works better. a . Functional equivalent to Compaq Deskpro '" Model 4. Includes Monitor ^L J. — -■«-■ ) 640K, One 360K Drive, One 10 Meg Internal Hard Drive, Tape Backup Unit. XT™ POWER 135W Solve your power problem. Fully XT" compatible. One Year Warranty. Directly Replaces Power Supply in PC" $119 10, 20, 33 AND 42 MEG INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL HARD DISK SYSTEMS With Hard Disk by • * • AAii rose iencp • • Inli-r ii.iiion.il * • * Corporation ® Half-Height 10 Meg Internal $549 20 MEG 33 MEG 42 MEG MfcftMCfettf RiKlimr ■»*. Internal $695 $1395 $1595 External $895 $1495 $1695 Externals mounted with independent power supply and fan. Fully DOS 2.1 or 3.0 compatible. Both Internals and Externals boot from Hard Disk. 33 and 42 Meg Internal Disks Include extender power supply. The system comes complete and ready to Install with the Hard Disk, Controller, Cables, Manual, Software, and Mounting Hardware. One Year Warranty. MITSUBISHI Japan* Best) f-Heighl, Dsi $99 1 Japan - Best) Half-Height, DS/DD Control Duni $129 IMC ""$99°"'" PANASONIC "in""" -"-»• * * *» # * # 64KRAM $16 Quantities of 1-49 KU ^T ™^7 Set Of 9 CltipS, 200 Of ,«,<> Nanoseconds Quantities of Quantities of SO- U9 sets I SO sets or more ylnr ;i . yl2 ■ 256K RAM $69 HARDWARE Persyst Time Spectrum w/0K-$189 w/384K-$285 AST SixPaL Plus w/384K S329 AST Si*Pak w/64K 124-9 Hcrtuk-s Color Card *I7S Hercules Graphics (ard w'Parallel 1149 Paradise Modular Graphics Card IJ9S Paradise Module A Parallel Port I 69 Paradise Module B64 256K/(.lock (209 Persyst Monochrome < aril w /Parallel H7S POSHX 12 5479 PGS MAX- 12 1179 Epson t'MJL Juki 6100 M99 Okidata 92/9.VH4 1569/1)69/ 1719 Tl H« J7I9 Hayes Smanmodem 1 200 1149 Hayes Smartmodcm I2O0B »H<9 Keytronic ^1 SI Keyboard 1189 Framework or dBase III— $349 Copy II PC . . . Copywrite Disk Explorer . Zero Disk . . . . Prokey3.0... Sideways .... Thinktank .... ..124 .CALL .CALL .CALL ..$79 ..$39 .$119 SOFTWARE BBOMtno* INTERNATIONAL Sidekick Superkey Turbo Toolbox Non-Copy Protected Sidekick Turbo Tutor Turbo Pascal 2.0 or 3.0 Borland Gift Pack Turbo Pascal w/80872.0or3.0 Borland Gilt Pack w /808T CALL FOR PRICES! lOur prices are so Ion. thev made us Norton Utilities— ViTMon i.u, l)ii. '84 Rclat -$59 Wordstar 2000 $269 Wordstar 2000+ $319 Crosstalk XVI $119 Multimate $269 Lotus 1-2-3 $309 Lotus Symphony $429 «fMD ,„,, rto.prtm«W. «th« 1 .Tn"." udhc Ice h Dull mpprir "for Ink) ■Ml inbtr on ill (JIM Hirer Ml nun uibrcc nttKkli 'rrpjid the ell. » thirjt 1 rAmt Ham HfWll enwirnce International (orpoi ijneiky TtAt. COMPAQ. Panaio Itubitbi. Borland Initrnaiional r iradrnarki nf their reipectite PC'S LIMITED OUTSIDE TEXAS, ORDERS ONLY, CALL 1-800- IBM- 7801 N. Lamar, #E-200, Austin, Texas 78752 All calls for technical support and inside Texas, call (512) 452-0323. Telex No. 9103808386 PC LTD 5150 Ad number 405 Inquiry 317 MAY 1985 -BYTE 477 Inquiry 582 SU NTRONICS CO., IIW 12621 Crenshaw Blvd.. Hawthorne. CA 90250 E =^. E== XT Compatible Products CPU Board (w128K) $350.00 Computer Cabinet $69.00 83 Key Full-Function Keyboard $85.00 Monochrome Graphic Card lw parallel printer port) $190.00 130 Watt Power Supply $125.00 135 Watt Power Supply $129.00 150 Watt Power Supply $135.00 Color Graphic Card $139.00 FDD Controller Card $85.00 Parallel Printer Card $59.00 ASYNC & RS232 Card $75.00 360KB DSDD (Slimline) Disk Drive $109.00 IBM Parallel Cable S19.00 IBM Prototype Board S9.00 Apparat EPROM Blaster S129.00 MicroLog Z-80B Baby Blue II Co-Processor. Multi-Function (Run CP'M Software. Require B4K RAM) 5499.00 IBM Up-Grade Kit (4164-150NS) 14.50 per kit 10MB Hard Disk lw Controller) S675.00 IBM PC Mouse S147.00 Quad Board II 5249.00 Quad 512 (w/64K RAM) 5259.00 Koala Graphics Table (w Software) S105.00 Keyboard Extension Cable S9.00 Multi-Function r-;,, Ik. v6-ia ham I SeHalSParailellC.iocKC.aiendai' $179.00 1-800-421-5775 (Order Only) (213) 644-1 140 (CA Order & Info ) STORE HOURS Mon -Fri 9 am to 6 p m Sat 10 am to 5 p m TERMS: VISA MASTERCARD COD (Casri or Certified Chech Required) Checti (Allow 2-3 Weeks for Clearing! Shipping a H C S3 00 tor 3 IDs plus 50c lor each add I LO Caul residenisaddCalit Sales TaxSiO 00 Minimum Order IBM and Apple are regisiered trade marks ot IBM & Apple Compatible Products Sun Z80 Card (w o Software APPLE II & II - only) S49.00 Sun 80 Column Card (w Soft Switch) S85.00 Power Supply (5 Amp) S59.95 Cooling Fan S42.00 Floppy Disk Controller S42.00 16K RAM Card S49.00 128K RAM Card S159.00 Parallel Printer Card S49.00 Serial Printer Card S89.00 RS232 Card for Modem S99.00 EPROM Programmer (271B 32 64) S75.00 Apple Disk Drive (Full height) S159.00 Apparat EPROM Blaster S119.00 Grappier $75.00 S-100 Single Board Computer (Z80A) Kit S99.00 B/B S49.00 S-100 Universal Floppy Disk Controller ... Kit S125.00 B'B S49.00 S-100 Clock Calendar Kit S89.00 B/B S42.00 S-100 64K Static Memory Board (wo RAM) . Kit S89.00 B/B S49.00 S-100 Prototype Board (Sun-721 ) S9.95 12 Amber TTL Hi-Res Monitor (20mHz) S135.00 12 Green TTL Hi-Res Monitor l20mHz) S129.00 12 Green Composite Hi-Res Monitor (22mHz) S99.00 SKC DSDD 5% Diskette $14.95 per 10 IBM PC, 256 K, One Half Height 320 K Disk Drive DS/DD, Persyst Color Card. Taxan Green Monitor, DOS 2.1 PLUS a 10MB Hard Disk Sub System all for: $2690.00 IBM PC, 256 K, Two Half Height Drives DS/DD, Persyst Color Card, Taxan Green Monitor. DOS 2.1. 130 Watt Power Suply PLUS a 10MB Hard Disk Sub System all for: $2980.00 IBM PC, 256 K, Two Half Height Drives DS/DD, Persyst Color Card, Taxan Green Monitor. DOS 2.1. 130 Watt Power Supply, 10MB Hard Disk Sub System, PLUS 10MB Tape Back Up System all for: S3579.00 IBM PC, 256 K, Two Half Height Drives DS/DD, Persyst Color Card. Taxan Green Monitor. DOS 2.1. 130 Watt Power Supply, 20MB Hard Disk Sub System all for: $3380.00 IBM PC, 256 K, Two Half Height Drives DS/DD, Persyst Color Card. Taxan Green Monitor, DOS 2.1. 130 Watt Power Supply, 20MB Hard Disk Sub System PLUS 1 0MB Tape Back Up System all for: $3979.00 (We configure and test the system for you at no extra cost.) SOMEBODY Has To Have The Lowest Prices! IBM MONO PRINTER ADAPTER PERSYST COLOR ADAPTER aimpk- inn $135 no PRS HY-1? $475.00 PRi! MAY-12 $190 00 prte; <5R-12 $R25 no TAYAM nRPFN Pr-|MPn $2.29 ea 5V DSD0-96TPI -* S2.85 ea SOFT SECTOR ONLY! MINIMUM ORDER: 20 DISKETTES FLIP '« FILE 15 » 10 DISKETTES (Ell Thru 5/30/15) These are factory-fresh 3M diskettes packed in boxes of 10 with Tyvek sleeves, reinforced hubs, identification labels and write- protect tabs. * A „„ 3.5" MICRO-DISKETTES— SS-135 TPI -» $2.89 ea LIFETIME WARRANTY ON ALL 3M SCOTCH DISKETTES' HOURS. 8AM-5PM Central Time. Monday-Friday WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND QUANTITIES' DISK WORLD!, Inc. Suite 4806 • 30 East Huron Street • Chicago. Illlnos 60611 U | O K Authorized Distributor information Processing WORLD! "^ FANTASTIC LOW PRICES ON BASF ^ $ QUALIMETRIC fo) DISKETTES! LIFETIME WARRANTY! V I fc" IsDD Q |*ISI I Qty 20 DSDD | Qty 20 5V4" SSDD-96TPI _ $1.46 ea. 5%" DSDD-96TPI — $1.75 ea. PACKED IN CARDBOARD CASES! BASF QUALIMETRIC DISKETTES have a LIFETIME WAR- RANTY with Tyvek sleeves, reinforced hubs, user identification labels and write-protect tabs. SOFT SECTOR ONLY! MINIMUM ORDER: 20 DISKETTES BASF 3.5- MICRO-FLOPPIES BASF 5V,"HIGH DENSITY FOR IBM PC-AT SSDD-135 TPI — $2.50 ea DSDD-HD _ $4.91 ea for orders only: information & 1-800-621-6827 inquiries: (In Illinois: 1-312-944-2788) 1-312-944-2788 HOURS 8AM-5PM Central Time. Monday-Friday WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND QUANTITIES! RISK Authorized Reseller LMOrv Information Processing ■ DACC WORLD! "*■ Incredible value! Nashua Diskettes p |UO 5U SSDD S |15 I Qty. 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Best of all. our combination includes a One-Year FREE subscription to MCI MAIL and special communications software for placing TOLL-FREE orders with DISK WORLD!. Orders received via MCI MAIL are shipped within 24-hours (subject to product availability). (Cables are net included.) for orders only: information i 1-800-621-6827 inquiries: (In Illinois: 1-312-944-2788) 1-312-944-2788 HOURS 8AM-5PM Central Time. Monday-Friday WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND OUANTITIES! DISK WORLD!, Inc. Suite 4806 • 30 East Huron Street » Chicago, llhnos 60611 DISK WORLD! Authorized Distributor AVATEX DISKETTE STORAGE CASES AMARAY MEDIA-MATE 50: A REVOLUTION ^* IN DISKETTE STORAGE ^^P_ Every once in a while, someone takes the ^pPt^*- simple and makes it elegant 1 This unit holds B) 50 5'-*" diskettes, has grooves for easy ^^ F stacking, inside nipples to keep diskettes from slipping and severa 1 other features. We like*! fr-in QC $200 O IU.3U ea Shpng DISKETTE 70 STORAGE: STILL A GREAT BUY. ^^gt Dust-free storage for 70 5V diskettes ^■Pl Six dividers included An excellent value ■B-kRk " V DISK CADDIES 511-95 Shprxj r ^ k. ^ The original flip-up holder lor 10 W - g for orders only: information & 1-800-621-6827 inquiries: (In Illinois 1-312-944-2788) 1-312-944-2788 HOURS. 8AM-5PM Central Time. Monday-Friday WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND OUANTITIES! DISK WORLD!, Inc. Suite 4806.30 East Huron Street ♦ Chicago, llhnos 6061 1 DISK WORLD! The value leader in Computer supplies And accessories. DISK WORLD! Ordering & Shipping Instructions Shipping: 5V & 3.5 - DISKETTES— Add $3.00 per each 100 or fewer diskettes Other Items: Add shipping charges as shown in addition to other shipping charges. Payment: VISA and MASTER- CARD accepted COD Orders: Add additional $300 Special Han- dling charge AP0. FPO. AK. HI & PR Orders: Include shipping charges as shown and additional 5% of total order amount to cover PAL and insurance. Taxes: Illinois residents only, add 8% sales tax Prices suhiect to change without notice. This ad supercedes all other ads. Not responsible for typographical errors. MINIMUM TOTAL ORDER: $35.00 FOR ORDERS ONLY: 1-800-621-6827 (In Illinois: 1-312-944-2788) INFORMATION & INQUIRIES: 1-312-944-2788 HOURS 8AM-5PM Central Time Monday-Friday WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND OUANTITIES! DISK WORLD!, Inc. Suite 4806 • 30 East Huron Street • Chicago, I inos 60611 PRINTER RIBBONS: at extraordinary prices! Brand new ribbons, manufactured to Original Equipment Manufacturer's specifications, in housings (Not re-inked or spools only.) LIFETIME WARRANTY! Epson MX-70/80 . . $3.58 ea. + 25C Shpng. Epson MX- 100 .... $4.95 ea. + 25C Shpng. Okidata Micro83 $1.48 ea. + 25c Shpng. Okidata Micro84 . . S3. 66 ea. + 25c Shpng. for orders only: information & 1-800-621-6827 inquiries: (In Illinois: 1-312-944-2788) 1-312-944-2788 HOURS: 8AM-5PM Central Time. Monday-Friday WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND OUANTITIES! DISK WORLD!, Inc. Suite 4806 • 30 East Huron Street • Chicago. Illinos 60611 DISK WORLD! ATHANA DISKETTES The great unknown! QQ o - $-|09 WW 01 * 50 5 *. DSDD -I °»" You've used these diskettes hundreds of times... as copy-protected originals on some of the most popular software packages. They're packed in poly-bags of 25 with Tyvek sleeves, reinforced hubs, user identification labels and write-protect tabs. LIFETIME WARRANTY! SOFT SECTOR ONLY! Sold in multiples of 50 only. for orders only: information & 1-800-621-6827 inquiries: (In Illinois: 1-312-944-2788) 1-312-944-2788 HOURS: 8AM-5PM Central Time. Monday-Friday WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND OUANTITIES! DISK WORLD!, Inc. Suite 4806 • 30 East Huron Street • Chicago. Illinos 60611 DISK WORLD! ATHANA Authorized Distributor MAGNETIC MEDIA Nail down great prices on MEMOREX diskettes! LIFETIME WARRANTY! S128L „$170" | Qty 20 DSDD | Qty 20 MEMOREX DISKETTES come with heavy, lintless paper sleeves, reinforced hubs, write-protect tabs and user ID labels 3 5" MICRO FLOPPIES ..,. -, rTnD nul v , 5VDSDD-H0 SSDD-13STPI SOFT SECTOR ONLY! rOR IBM PC-AT S2.44ea MINIMUM ORDER 20 DISKETTES W.»9ea INFORMATION & INQUIRIES: 1-312-944-2788 HOURS: 8AM-5PM Central Time Monday-Friday WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND QUANTITIES! DISK WORLD!, Inc. Suite 4806 • 30 East Huron Street • Chicago, Illinos 60611 DISK WORLD! Inquiry 134 MAY 1985 -BYTE 479 ti^ ^*m^ "COMPUTER ENGINEERING" -July 1977 Byte Cover One of the truly classic Byte covers — and boy, does it look great on a T-shirt! The vivid colors really jump out. But don't mistake this for one of those rubbery patches that crack and peel off after a few washings. This is true four-color process: the inks are silk-screened into the fabric of the shirt, resulting in a beautiful, full-color image that lasts. You'll also appreciate the shirt itself: a real heavyweight made of 50% cotton, 50% polyester. You'll enjoy cotton comfort in a tough shirt that keeps its crisp, fresh look through many washings — with almost no shrinking! The price for each Byte Classic T-Shirt is only $9.50 ($8.50 each for 3 or more). Your order will be shipped within a week. Please send me the following T-shirt(s) at $9.50 each, or $8.50 each for 3 or more I have included $2.00 for shipping and handling. Qty. Size _ Adult — Extra Large _ Adult — Large _ Adult — Medium _ Adult— Small _ Child— (sizes 10-12) Shipping and Handling (Overseas add $3.00) Amount $_ $ $ $ $ $2 00 $ TOTAL $ j I have enclosed check or money order □ VISA D MasterCard Q Send Dealer Info Card*: Exp. Date: Ship my T-Shirt(s) to: Name: (Business): , . , Address: City: State: Mail this coupon to: Robert Tinney Graphics 1864 North Pamela Dr. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815 -Zip: 480 BYTE • MAY 1985 FORTRON CORPORATION FC 135-40 Features •Full Replacement to your regular IBM® PC 65 W. Power Supply ■4 Disk Drives Connectors •Built-in High Air Flow High Quality Cooling Fan • (yj)File #E82453 •Schematics included •One year Warranty •+5V/15A. +12V/4.2-8.5A (peak) -12V/1A. -5V/1A, (max. outputs) • 110-230 VAC Convertible Power Supply Professional 3797 YALE WAY, FREMONT, CA 94538 INFORMATION & CALIF. RES. [415] 490-8171 ORDER TOLL FREE: [800] 821-9771 Quality That You Can Trust 140 W.(max) Power Switcher #FC 135-40 only N(g 175.°° [Assembled S. Fully Tested in USA] IDEAL FOR: •Upgrade IBM® PC •OEM Manufacturer •Do it yourself an IBM® PCXT Compatible Please do not confuse this high quality product with the cheap imported units sold by others because of same outlook. Dealers/OEMs are Invited For "Build Your Own Computer" and OEM's Convenience, we also carry: FC 427 Keyboard •For IBM* PC or its compatible products •20 Million Time Life Cycle •Light on Num and Caps Lock Keys 109. FC 630A-2 Cabinet •IBM identical •Use FORTRON FC 135-40 power supply •7 & 8 slots rear QQ OO panels, good for 3SJ. 0.75" or 1" apart slot connectors. MS.J II HSC 130-40 130 Watt Switching Power Supply •Good For Faraday, DTC Mega- IRQ OO board, Colby Computer and Other ail HaTBtm lOBi Compatible Level CPU boards •Backside On-Off Switch •Use Cabinet FC-630 •110-230 VAC Convertible FC-330 Hard Disk Controller •Up to 2 Hard Disk 0000 Drives e ""' •Fully Buffered I/O Bus •Built-in ECC •Accepts 5 to 20 MB Hard Disk FC-630 Cabinet •On-off switch to be on back side •Use FORTRON HSC-130-40 power supply a a o< •Good for Faraday u "* and other compat- ible level CPU boards. 99. Monochrome/Graphic/Printer Card CT-6040 •80 x 25 Text Mode (Default) •720x348 Graphic Mode •Can Run Lotus 1-2-3 •64K Graphic Display Memory •18 KHz Monitor and Printer Interface FC-230 Floppy Disk Controller •Drives 4 X 5V." FDD 99.° •IBM fully compatible FC-530 Monochrome Card •8 x 25 Screen •9 X 14 Characte: •7x9 Character •TTL Level of, output 159. FC-730 Multifunction Card, Expandable to 384K •From 64 to 384K 4Q.Q OO •1 RS-232C, 1 Cen- J.? r Jl Ironies Printer (64K °° C " d) Ports FC 830 512K RAM Card •From 64K to 512K •Boundary and Total Memory 169.°° (64K on Board) Ml: FC-930 RS232/Parallel Printer Port Card Fully IBM Compatible 99. FC-940 RS232C/Clock Calendar Card •One RS-232C Port, One Clock Calendar, Battery Back-up Color/Graphic/Printer Card CT-6020 •RGB Color Port and Parallel Port For Printer •Light Pen Interface •Graphic Mode: 320 Dots x 200 Lines Color 640 Dots x 200 Lines B/W •Text Mode: 40 Columns X 25 Rows Color / B/W 1QQ OO 80 Columns x 25 Rows Color / B/W ■•»*». 99. OO Hard Disk Drives 599.°° (with cable & controller) mjj MB) Half Height, Top Brands, 10-32 MB Available 64K DRAM 19.°°/9 pes. 2764 EPROM 4. 95 /pcs. 8237A-5 8284A 8284C MC1489 74LS245 6.50 2.90 1.50 0.29 0.65 Check with us for PC/AT Power Supply SALES 1. Shipping & Handling charge $6.00 mini- TERMS mum. Check with us for actual charges 2. CA add 6.5% tax 3. Restocking charge 15% 4. RMA $ is required for all return merchandise 5. Prices subject to change without notice Inquiry 169 for Dealers, inquiry 170 for End-Users, MAY 1985 481 Inquiry I If aWBl ^^HBl JB OVOTEIIJI The latest CCT im P lementati0n 0f the new ■ ■■■^r Mm NTNI F. I VI generation Intel 16-Bit Processor technology. K S B ^mATm ^ _ _^ _ _ -^ This means extreme speed, unequaled power, ■^■H^H !'■■ CC D E v and the ultimate in reliability, and of course, the ^^ ^^ H ■ vtrllLv innovators at CCT behind it. This series in the CCT line exploits the speed and power of the Intel 80286 and Zilog Z-80H (8MHz), on the 286Z CPU board. This combination, along with CompuPro DMA controllers and I/O boards, yields a dramatic improvement in system throughput speeds, from basic CP/M operation, up to large powerful multi-user/multi-tasking machines. The CCT-4 represents the most advanced hardware presently available in a microcomputer to run the thousands of CP/M type software programs on the market, and with CONCURRENT DOS 8-16 and the CompuPro PC Graphics board (when available), all software written for the IBM PC machines. This series is for the serious business/scientific user. CCT-4A State-of-the-art power in it's basic form. Consists of CCT-286Z CPU board and CCT-M256 (256K), along with Com- puPro: Enclosure 2 Desk (21 slotMF), Disk 1A, System Support 1, Interfaced, the CCT-2.4 floppy drive system, and CP/M 80 and CP/M 86, and with SF-200 surge suppressor system $5,599.00 CCT-4B Single-user/hard disk power. As the 4A, except priced without the CCT-2.4, to add in your choice of CCT hard/floppy combination drive subsystem, at the published pricing $4,499.00 (Example: CCT-4B Mainframe with CCT-10/1 = $6,548.00) Plus cost of selec,ed drive subsystem CCT-4C Multi-user/hard disk power. As the 4B, with the CCT-M512 (512K static RAM board) instead of M256; Interfacer 3 in- stead of Interfacer 4; SF-400 instead of SF-200, plus Concur. DOS 8-16 O.S. (6 user system) $6,199.00 ^, (Example: CCT-4C Mainframe with CCT-40/1 = $9,248.00) Plus cost of selected drive subsystem C>l\^VM& Limited Time Offer - FREE Supercalc 86 with any CCT-4 v^* ^>Q^ The above systems include all necessary cabling, assembly, testing, minimum 20 hour burn-in, and the CCT unconditional 12 month direct warranty. CCT-M512 CCT introduces it's 512K static RAM board. IEEE Standard 12MHz. 512K in one slot! Introductory Price: $1 ,899 CCT-M256 256K version of M512 upgradeable to full 512K. Perfect 256K RAM board for any CompuPro system .... $ 979 CUSTOM COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY / BOX 4160 / SED0NA, ARIZONA 86340 TOLL FREE ORDERING: 800-222-8686 / For technical support / service: 602-282-6299 }QSK WAVE MATE BRINGS MUSCLE TO YOUR IBM PC/XT WITH IT'S 80286 MOTHERBOARD BULLET 286 makes the XT perform with greater power and speed than the IBM PC/AT It's the new BULLET-286 motherboard for the IBM PC XT marketplace. This advanced-technology product utilizes the Intel microprocessor 80286 while maintain- ing both hardware and software compatibility with the IBM PC/XT By simply re- placing the existing XT board with our new BULLET-286, you get greater power and speed than the IBM PC-AT Thus, ex- isting PC/XT users can pre- serve their investment in hardware and software while moving a guantum leap be- yond PC-AT performance. The BULLET-286 contains a 6 megahertz no wait state 80286 microprocessor in place of the XT's 4.77 MHz 8088. There is an 80287 math co-processor option, 8 IBM expansion slots, and enhanced ROM BIOS. The BULLET-286 is equipped with 256K bytes of memory, expandable to 1 megabyte on-board. The BULLET-286 is compatible with the IBM PC/XT to a degree far beyond the IBM PC-AT product. Applicar tion programs and operating systems (PC-DOS, CP/ M, UCSD Pascal, Pick, Oasis, Unix-derivitives) available for the XT, can run without incompatibili- ties on the BULLET-286. You can order now. The BUL- LET-286 is available with 256K . RAM. with options to 1 full mega- byte. Prices start at $1,995. Quantity discounts available. OEM and dealer inquiries welcome. APOLLO MARKETING (a division ol Cal Digital) 22048 Sherman Way #316 Canoga Park. CA 91303 Tel: (818) 883-8390 Telex: 194369 In Europe call: Brussels 649-1070 Telex 61828 482 BYTE- MAY I985 Inquiry 32 TOLL-FREE ORDERING: 800-222-8686 FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT/ SERVICE / IN ARIZONA: 602-282-6299 CCT ® CUSTOM COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY 1 CCT PLAZA — P.O. BOX 4160 — SEDONA, ARIZONA 86340 Purchase your Hardware and Software directly from an OEM / Systems Integrator. Take advantage of our buying power! We stock a full line of Board Level Components, Software and Peripherals. Call for your needs. We'll give you the Lowest Prices, and the Technical Support and Know-How we are guickly becoming well-known for. Satisfied Customers Nationwide. The Nation's Custom Systems House for Business, Education and Science. Call for a system quote. CCT implements tomorrow's technology today! FOREMOST QUALITY • ADVANCED SUPPORT • REASONABLE COST • CCT © ompuPro 80286 NOW! D CCT-286Z is our model designation for the MI-286 dual processor board fromMacrotech. It features the super high speed combination of Z-80H and 80286, with provision for the 80287 math chip. Directly replaces 8085/88 and 8086 CPUs running CP/M, MP/M Concurrent DOS, and MS-DOS, at throughput increases of 3X to 5X! SPECIAL PRICE $995 80287 Option - Installed - $395 SEE THE CCT-4 SERIES USING THIS BOARD DETAILED ON THE FACING PAGE NEW-TRUE IBM PC INTERFACE ULTRA HI-RES GRAPHICS! CCT S-100/PC is a break-through for the Science/Business user. Mini-enclosure ac- cepts PC & compatable boards and direct- ly connects to your S-100 system, running PC-DOS or Concurrent DOS. Hercules™ Graphics System— Coming this May! !! THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!! LIBERTY TERMINALS • Superior Reliability • 110-14" GREEN-80/132 Column $499 110-14" AMBER $519 200-14" GREEN-80/132 Super Deluxe $569 200-14" AMBER $589 OKIDATA PRINTERS - Top Quality 82 - 80 Col ... $329 83 - 132 Col $619 92 - 80 Col $429 93 - 132 Col . . . $659 84 - 132 Col/200cps— Top of the Line . $799 For Serial Interfaces — Add $100 TOSHIBA P351 - 288 CPS/24 PIN - $1499 DIABLO — Letter Quality Series Model 620 $969 Model 630 $1799 WE HAVE ALL SOFTWARE-CALL INDUSTRIAL GRADE SUPERIOR QUALITY $ PRICE REDUCTION $ CCT DISK DRIVE SYSTEMS ROLLS R0YCES OF THE INDUSTRY S-100 HARD DISK SUBSYSTEMS Professionally engineered ST-506 type systems for the business market S-100 Computer user. In- cludes industry top quality drives, CompuPro Disk 3 DMA controller, all cabling, A&T, formatted, bumed-in. Provisionsfor up to two hard disks in each system. We include operating system update. CP/M 80, CP/M 86, CP/M 8-16, MP/M 8-16, CP/M 68K. (/1 Systems are CCT innovated hard/floppy combinations, with Mitsubishi DSDD 8" drive.) 12 month warranty. CCT-10(11 + MEG) $1499 CCT-20(22+ MEG) $2019 CCT-40 (36 + MEG) $2499 CCT-60(58 + MEG) (New) $3699 CCT-90(87 + MEG) (New) $4909 CCT-125(123 + MEG) (New) $6099 NEW CCT-10/1 $2049 CCT-20/1 $2569 CCT-40/1 $3049 CCT-60/1 $4249 CCT-90/1 $5459 CCT-125/1 $6649 10 MEG REMOVABLE CARTRIDGE DRIVE SYSTEM for hard disk back-up — DMA using Disk 3 controller. Super fast/Ultra reliable — Available April CCT-2.4.Dual8"DSDD FL0PPY SYSTEMS C CT- 5 .5V4" DSDD Mitusbishi 2.4 Megabyte in Extra Heavy horizontal enclosure, IBM Compatible Tandon 320K. Extra Heavy Cabinet removeable filter air system , all cabling , A&T, Burned in . The accommodates two drives, hard or floppy. All cabling , A&T, fastest system available: $1229 Bumed-in. Perfect for our PC-DOS Package . . . $399 CCT-8/5 • FULL IBM C0MPATABILITY One Mitsubishi 8" DSDD (1 .2 Meg)/One 544" DSDD (360K) IBM Drive Both 3ms step rate — For Concurrent DOS and PC DOS $1029 • SUPER PRICES • COMPUPRO COMPONENTS • IN STOCK * CPU-Z-S229 • Disk 1A- $399 • Disk 1A w/CP/M - $499 • CPU 8086/10 - $349 • SPU-Z-? CPU 8085/88 -$229 • CPU 8086 - $559/10Mhz - $599 • CPU 68K - $519/10Mhz - $639 PC Graphics - $399 • Disk 3 -$459 • RAM 22 (256K) - $1179 • RAM23/64K-$309/128K-$599 NEW - M-Drive/H - 512K - $599 / 2 Meg - $2099 Enclosure 2 Desk - $649/Rack - $699 • Intertacer 3 - $499 • Interfacer 4 - $349 • System Support 1 - $329 Concurrent DOS 8-16 (CCTCMX)- $309 • CP/M 80 (CCTHMX) - $125 • CP/M 86 (CCTTMX) - $175 CP/M 8-16 (CCTTMX)- $199 • CP/M 68K (CCTCX) - $279 • Operating System Updates/Remakes - $30 16 Bit Upgrade Kit: CP/M 86, RAM 23, System Support 1, Cable $759 □ CP/M 8-16 - Kit - $783 CCT-1 - ENTRY LEVEL S-100 BUSINESS SYSTEM • Enclosure 2-Desk-21 Slot Mainframe • CPU 8085/88 - 6Mhz 8085/8Mhz 8088 • • Disk 1A - DMA Floppy Disk Controller < • RAM 23 - 64K Static RAM - 12Mhz • • Interfacer 4 - 3 Serial/2 Parallel I/O • • CCT-2.4-Dual 8" Mitsubishi DSDD Drive System - 2.4 Megabytes • • CP/M 80 - 2.2 HMX - CCT Modified • • All Cabling, Complete CCT Assembly, Testing, and Minimum 20 Hour Burn-in • SPECIAL PRICE $3,375 RUNS ALL STANDARD 8" CP/M SOFTWARE - INCLUDES OUR EXCLUSIVE 12 MONTH DIRECT WARRANTY Prices & availability subject to change. All products new, and carry full manufacturer's warranties. Call for catalog. Free technical help to anyone. All products we well are CCT individually tested and set up for your system - Plug-In & Go! Arizona residents add sales tax CCT™ Trademark — Custom Computer Technology; MS-DOS" Trademark — Microsoft; IBM"" Trademark — international Business Machines; CompuPro® Trademark — W.J. Godbout; CP/M® MP/M® Trademarks — Digital Research; HERCULES™ Trademark — Hercules Computer Technology Inquiry II9 MAY 1985 IYTE 483 Inquiry 206 LOOK NO FURTHER WEIL BEAT ANY PRICE IN THIS MAGAZINE OR ANY OTHER 64K RAM SETOF9$-|7 00 2764-200 $400 27128 S780 2732-200 $350 41256-150 sgoo 8087-3 $17500 27256 S4995 6264LP-15 $1150 27C64 $925 6116P-3 $275 8000 8031 AH 8035 8039 8085AP 8086P 8088 8155 8216 8237A5 8251 A 8253C 8255A 7 50 2" 300 341) 10< 5 1000 2?o V s 8'« 2?o 270 270 8257P-5 2™ 8259AC-2 2™ 8274 8284A 8288 8755 8748 8749 750 295 810 1200 1100 1350 Z-80 Z80BCPU 405 Z80BCTC 4" Z80B-PIU 4" LINEAR LM312H 1»o LM318CN 1" LM319N 1'0 MCC1330 1" MCC1349 1™ MCC1350 105 MCC1358 1 50 MCC1372 6" CA3023 2" CA3059 260 CA3060 2«o CA3081 1" CA3082 1 50 74490 230 7400 74S00 74S570 74S571 2?o 270 4516 1'o 7443 7444 7489 7497 74100 74142 74143 74144 74390 74393 |M 2 4 7 1" 2" 445 2" 1" 12! 74S124 74S132 74S133 74S194 74S195 74S251 74S253 74S280 74S287 74S288 250 pa 1" ,35 1" 1™ 170 CMOS 74LS00 4034 4035 4094 4098 4099 4507 4508 4514 4515 1" 76 270 225 175 1" V5 I" 1 60 74LS145 74LS147 74LS148 74LS154 74LS166 74LS181 74LS189 74LS348 74LS364 74LS674 105 220 1" 165 170 190 800 225 170 860 74HC00 74HC85 1" 74HC154 2" 74HC166 2" 74HC299 4 M 74HCT00 74HCT85 1" 74HCT154 2" 74HCT166 2'0 74HCT299 4" Interactive Components 4401 Atlantic Ave. #219 Long Beach, California 90807 • 213-423-6644 • TELEX 592022 CALL COLLECT.'!/ $100.00 Min. Order— U.S. Funds. California residents add 6 1 /2°/o. Shipping— 5% plus $1.50 Insurance. Visa, MC, M.O., Cashier Checks, Preapproved Company Checks. We reserve right to substitute manufacturers. We are not responsible for typographical errors. HIGH REL SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES * low cost SW40W SW70W S3&S4 R1 & Ria ITEM W x D x H in. TERMINALS PRICE SW40W TERM. & 2 ALPS DRIVES 2.5A - 2/2.5A pk. SW70W APPLE III". IBM PC-I, II- 7A 3A 2.5/3.5A pk SW80W PC WITH SOFT DRIVES 8A 3A 3/4A pk. SW138 IBM PC-XT" P/S RPLCMNT 15A 1.0A 4/6A pk. SW150 PC WITH HARD DRIVES 12A 3A 4/5A pk. 2.5A 3A 3A ,3A 1.0A 5A 6.3 x 3.9 x 1.9 9.6 x 4 x 2.4 7.4 x 4.5 x 2.3 9.5 x 5.6 x 4.6 10.4 x 5 x 2.5 MOLEX 5051 MOLEX 126-P1 MOLEX 2139 MOLEX. AMP TERM. BLOCK $ 54.95 64.95 74.95 129.95 139.95 S 3 S4 R1 Ria c 64 SPECS. OF ABOVE SWITCHERS: 1 17/220 VAC SELECTABLE, INPUT 90- 132 VAC/180-275 VAC, EFFIC. 75% TYPICAL, LINE REGUL. 0.3%, LOAD REGUL. 1% ON ^5V, 5% ON OTHER VOLTAGES. 6.2 OVP SETTING ON +5V, OVERLOAD & SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECT, LOW OUTPUT RIPPLE & NOISE. 1% MAX. 50,000 HRS MTBF RELIABILITY, UL, FCC & VDE SAFETY & NOISE STANDARDS. FOR S- 100. 10 SLOTS 5A 1A * 5/7A pk. 12A 3A 10x6x5 SOLDER POST $105.95 FOR S- 100. 6 SLOTS 4A 1A * 4/5A pk. 8A 2 5A 8 4x5x4.8 SOLDER POST 89.95 2 FLOPPY DRIVES 3A 5A * 3/4A pk. 8 x 4 x 3 4 SOLDER POST 44.95 APPLE II PC 3A 5A 3/4A pk. 5A 8x4x3.4 SOLDER POST 46.95 COMPATIBLE TO COMMODORE C64 (OR C+4)« POWER SUPPLY: +5V/1.7A. 9 VAC/1A & 117 VAC IN. POTTED. U/L & CSA. 19.95 : -24V CAN BE CHANGED TO - 12V BY FACTORY PLEASE SPECIFY WHEN YOU ORDER. THE ABOVE 5 LINEAR P/S ARE WITH 3% LOAD REGUL.. OVP ON +5V. FUSED: INPUT & OUTPUTS OEM WELCOME C64 UNINTERRUPTIBLE A. C. POWER SUPPLY: ups- 9 ow SAVES YOU FROM LOSING DATA DURING A C POWER LINE FAILURES OR TRANSIENT OVER VOLTAGES CAUSED BY OFFICE EQUIPMENT, HOME APPLIANCES. LIGHTNING, ETC . SPECS CUT-IN VOLTAGE. 102V: TRANSFER BACK TO LINE. 106V: BAT- TERY BACKUP IN 4 MS TYPICAL, OUTPUT VOLTAGE 102- 132V STEPPED SINE WAVEFORM, BATTERY OPERATING PERIOD: 5 MIN AT FULL LOAD & 15 MIN AT HALF LOAD. EXTERNAL 12V BATTERY TERMINALS ALARM ALERT FULL PROTECTIONS ONE-YEAR WARRANTY UPS-90W IDEAL FOR APPLE S PC WITH MONITOR: UPS 200W IDEAL FOR IBM PC/XT/AT WITH MONITOR 1 $330.00 & UPS-200W @ $475.00 EA. SHIPPING $16.00 EA SIZE 4H x 6W x 9L w Oft id UPS-90W SHIPPING: FOR EA. POWER SUPPLY: $6.00 IN CALIF.; $8.00 IN OTHER STATES; $18.00 IN CANADA. FOR EA TRANSFORMER: $6.00 IN ALL STATES; $12.00 IN CANADA. CALIF. RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. IBM PC/PC-XT-. APPLE ll/lll" & COMMODORE C64'C-4- ARE TRADEMARKS OF IBM CORP, APPLE COMPUTER INC & COMMODORE BUSINESS MACHINES, RESPECTIVELY, MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 4296 TORRANCE, CA 90510 TELEX: 182558 SUNNY INTERNATIONAL IN BUSINESS SINCE 1975 (213) 328-2425 MON-FRI 8:30-5:30 SHIPPING ADDRESS: 22129Vz S. VERMONT AVE. TORRANCE, CA 90502 484 BY' MAY 1 985 Inquiry 38! Buy your PC products direct. Buy direct from PROGRESSIVE MICRO DISTRIBUTORS and you'll discover that low prices together with a knowledgeable sales staff can make a surprising difference. You'll be shocked by the lucrative prices PROGRESSIVE MICRO DISTRIBUTORS can offer on one of the largest selections of PC products anywhere. But you won't be surprised by our limitless supply of expert advice, support, service and information. After all, you expect these services from your computer supplier. But did you expect same day insured shipping, complete product warranties (some up to 5 years), and no surcharge on most credit cards? All this combined with over 25,000 square feet of computerized warehouse space assures you prompt and efficient service. Look Us Over and Compare. Send for PROGRESSIVE MICRO DISTRIBUTORS Free catalog. You'll find that our catalog prices are discounted even lower than our advertised prices in national magazines. Once you start receiving our FREE catalog, you'll be entitled to free product literature and reviews by prominent industry sources at your request, as well as our monthly PRICE HOT LIST. MAIL in your coupon TODAY to start receiving PROGRESSIVE MICRO DISTRIBUTORS monthly PRICE HOT LIST immediately. ORDER TODAY if you're ready to cash in on the savings right away. Call TOLL FREE 1-800-446-7995 for a quote on any of the thousands of PC products you need. PROGRESSIVE BY5 ; \ PROGRESSIVE B ^ MICRO | MICRO DISTRIBUTORS I DISTRIBUTORS □ Please send me your FREE catalog. | j □ Please send me your FREE catalog. ] □ Please send your monthly PRICE HOT LIST. | □ Please send your monthly PRICE HOT LIST. | □ Please send me information on the following: . i □ Please send me information on the following: I am a D new-user □ experienced-user j lama D new-user □ experienced-user I am a □ business-user □ home-user , . lama D business-user □ home-user j Name ■ Name i Address 1 Address 1 rity State 7ip | | Hity State 7ip | j Please clip and mail to: Please clip and mail to: 7000 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross, GA 30071 j i 7000 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross, GA 30071 I Inquiry 330 MAY 1985 -BYTE 485 IS*-*" I ADVANCED COMPUTER PRODUCTS, I 1985 MAIL OROER PRICING ONLY NOW LIQUIDATING GAVILAN COMPUTER CALL FOR GAVILAN 8/16 LINE COMPUTERS) See Below • GAVILAN SPECIALS • T RAM . :-. ■ RAM 64K HAM SET APPLE COMPATIBLE PERIPHERALS ALS CP7M 3 PIUS CARD 5299 00 COE* 16K RAM CARD SALE 39 95 COCX PAR PRINTER CARD -/CABLE 49 95 COEX 60 CCX E'T 64K CARD SALE 99 95 IS PKASO "O ill IM) 1 39 95 KENNSINGTON SYSTEM SAVER 69 95 KENNSINGTON PC SAVER 39 95 KRAFT JOYSTICK 36 95 MCT SPEED DEMON 24995 MICROSOFT Z-eO SOFTCARD 247 95 GRAPPlER PLUS 9995 EUJFFERED GRAPPLE R GRAPPLER SUPER SERIAL SALE VIDEO 7 RGB IK: lO APPLE IK SERIAL CABLE APPLE lie KEYBOARD apple iwie power Supply APPLE lime OISk CONTROLLER APPLE lt/lte COOLING FAN SYSTEM STREET ECHO II SPEECH SYSTEM TtTAN ACCELERATOR II CARD M -- 49 95 56 95 «9 ■.-. -. :-p: a COLUMN C FARADAY IBM PC - J64K MS DOS Camp, $299.95 cpu eos'd < ROCKWELL AIM ■502 Single Bo»'d Compute $249.00 ast comboplus 64k Sigma majumizer 64k sigma disk controller hard disk controller 10 mb internal hard disk 10 mb external hard disk 15 mb internal hard disk 15 mb external hard disk 60 watt booster supply 130 watt ibm supply pc compatible keyboard ibm pc chassis plantronics colorplus 10 mo int tape streamer persyst mono card paradise mono/color hercules mono card 249 95 695 00 869 00 ■■.: . ■■■ 1 049 00 99 00 129 95 369 95 1150 00 199 00 409 96 GO ESEMEnmMim i.'jti-j' ■ ISB310' Z80 Umw CPU B085 CPU 16K CMOS RAM 16K SUM. RAM 16K CMOS RAM ZBO PtO ID m»l,ng ISB3216 ISB3218 ISB3220 1583330 ISB333 I ISB3340 ISB3400 IS8J7O0 ISS3711 IS83720 Un.ye-1* PIO Ocio P"» "*«! Fiopo* Conlfonet SASI iOMAi WIN; In!, TtttC Oplo lio kipu! SPST Rder OPOT Relay | ■■■■ u ■ ■ .■■--^ , Sync/Async Unli S.rvAs.r. REMOACS 12 &t A/0 •a .•--■ ■ is K ' ; . H -:i ■■■ IB BB ■ ■-, ..... Bfi M -■■• M 149 95 ■'i M ■'■■■• - \m ■-. 269 95 AMDEK 300G (GREENj S 1 39 95 AMDEK 300* lAMBERi 149 95 AMDEK 3I0A1I8M AMBER. ' *j *- CALL FOR COLOR I ■ NEW MOOELS PGS MX 12 IIBM COLORi 469 95 PGSSR 12 IHIRESi 599 95 PGS MAX 12 I IBM GREENi 190 95 PGS OOUBLER BOARD 227 00 TAXAN 420 (HI RES IBM) 399 00 ZENITH 122A'123Q 89 96 ZENITH ZVM13U135 Cell SANYO 6500 (MEO-HESI 279 00 SANYO 7500 (HI RESl 379 00 SANYO ILOOKALIKEl 12 AMBER SALE 74 95 BIZCOMP PC INTELLIMOOEM IIN1 HAYES 3M4H1M i[.£M ' .' C -<" MAYES SMARTMODEM 12008 HINT | HAYES SMARTMODEM 300 (EXTl MICROMOOEM APPLE He PROMETHEUS I200M (MACINTOSH! PROMETHEUS 1200 (PC EXT] NOVATION ACCESS 1-2 3 389 95 CAT COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM 41995 APPLE COMP LOW COST MODEM (300|499S S349 95 399 95 209 95 249 95 469 95 ■;n.i.i-»'.:n SEAGATE ST506 5Mb S SEAGATE ST419 H5Md SEAGATE (tOMbi ST212 CMI 10. IB, 22Mb RODIME 10 15 22Mb SHUGART SA604 |5Mbj SYOUEST RE MOVE ABLE CALL FOR QUOTE ON HIGHER CAPACITY HARD DRIVES' SUPER SAVER SHUGART SA604 HARD 5Mbsi29 D 9 s s K MH:i.1:ll'J*l TEAC55B MITSUBISHI 4B'_ ■ SHUGART 455 TANDON TMifK 2 ■■' DISK DRIVES SHUGART 60 1R SIEMENS FD0100-S SIEMENS FD02fiO 6 DSOD Mi IS M2894 MITSM2B96 kM TANDON 848E :«' QUME 242 .h. *. • 95 149 95 124 95 '69 95 $269 95 129 95 439 95 439 95 BB-HHaEEESaM SV CASE POWER SUPPLY S60 95 6'4 DUAL ',ht w (POWER SUPPLY 79 95 8 DUAL CASE -/POWER SUPPLY 278 95 8 THINLINE DUAL -(POWER SUPPLY 199 95 5 'A HARD 01S" * POWER SUPPLY 199 96 5 ". v, HIGH HARD DiS* 199 95 fi jjn. i n :rm?m APPLE 'Idle COMPATIBLE APPLE ll/lle COMPATIBLE Vt HIGH MICROSCI APPLE lie DRIVE APPLE lie ADAPTOR SI 74 95 164 96 219 95 KEYTHONIC 5150/51 15800/19900 MOUSE SYSTEMS MOUSE W/SW 149 96 OUAOBOARD W/64K 263 00 TECMAR GRAPHICS MASTER 499 00 TECMAR CAPTAIN 64K 319 00 CURTIS PC PEDESTAL 39 00 PGS or QUADCHROME ADAPTOR 9 00 TILT and SWIVEL STAND 21 00 SYSTEM STAND 21 00 EXTENSION CABLE IBM MONO 38 00 KEYBOARD EXTENSION CABLE 28 00 SURGE SUPPRESSORS DIAMOND (LEMONI 39 00 EMERALD (LIMEl 49 00 SAPPHIRE IPEACHI 59 00 RUBY (ORANGE 69 00 COE* 384K MUL TICARU « 6 00 5 HMD S3 25 Mtg H/W S 99 (OTHER STYLES IN CATALOG. CENTRONICS se Piri Fem4ie 9 36Ptn MM 7 36 Pm FemWe 8 iCALL TOLL FREE FOR IDC'l) RT AH t 99 1 8 PinST/LP S 13 S MACHINED HIGH RELIABILITY SOCKET SALE CALL FOR I SPECIAL RATES 18 P" ST/LP 20 Pw ST/LP 22 Pm ST1P 24 P." ST/LP 28 Pin ST/LP 36 Pin ST/LP 40 Pin ST/LP 64 Pin ST/LP WIREWRAP (GOL0| .48 95 6810 S 2 85 6850 % 3 25 69 95 6620 3 7S 6652 5 65 290 8621 Z H 6860 '90 r ra 8628 1450 0876 a re '8 95 6840 12 75 stag ELK '450 6845 1495 6502 S4 50 8502A 6 90 I 6507 65028 9 50 I 6520 8086 24 SO ■ -- ;i c c bibs ■:,:■. B203 92XK 8216 1 95 8271 8224 220 6275 >n , i ■:-. 1 85 8279 astB 340 8262 Bi ■■ 14 75 8283 8237 5 18 96 8284 azaa 4 25 82B6 B243 6287 azeo to SO 8288 B251 8289 8251 A 6 95 8292 8253 6 75 6741 8255 4 25 8746 8255A 8 96 6749 B287 5 75 8756A ■ ■■■ a rt ■ .-■ a 28 a ao ■: 48 12 96 . ' '-■■ H If! H N .'4 H nn:m:tiiHiMa ..P0765S24 95 i ?93 ?6 50 IBS | 8275 (2850 I TMS9918 '95 7220 39 95 8350 50 5027 (7 95 B545 ;75 I 5037 2195 I 8O02 ■ IIH MlllliM i702limSi 2 708 l450»Sl 2758 (6V) 2 "6 l*50nSl 2716 l350nSi 2516 (5Vi TMS2716 TMS2532 2732 (450nSi 2732 l250nSl 2732 (200nSl CMOS 3.01 2732A 4 J450fiSt % gU set 2732A l250nSi B :.-. BBC 2732A 2 <200nS> 13 90 3 7'. 2764 (460nSl B 90 5 50 276* (250r.Si 7 50 5 il 2764 i20Oi>Si 17 50 7 50 TMS2564 (45CYISI 13 as •■ MCM68764 i4SOnS ^ M 480 MCM68766 l350nS v, .. a 23 27128 3(3O0nSl , at 27128 (250nSi .'.■ at BBBana 2101 (450nSl 21L02 l450nSi 2102-1 (450nSl 21L02 2 (250nSj 2111 |450nS| 2112 (450nSI 21 14 l450nSI 2114L-4 [450n| 1 2M4L-3 I3COM 1 2114L2 I200n| 1 2147 (55nSI 4044 4 (450nSl 4044-3 l300r>SI 4044-2 |200nSl UPD410 IIQOnSI 5101 (CMOSl i,-- nn,- mi 79 8/13 30 ., ,» 1 • - MK4t'B 54 9' TMM20162 (200nSl4 II TMM2016 15 H50nj4 9' TMM2016 1 HOOnSIA 11 HM6116P4 [200nS|4 7' HM6116P3 H60nS)49! HM6116P-2 ()20nS)8 8! HM6116LP-4 [LP) 5 91 HM8I1BLP3 1LP1 H 7: HM6116LP 2 ILPl 99: Z«132l300nSl 32 9: HM6264P 15 HS0I33 9 HM6264LP 15 ILPl 36 9! 74Sl69(36r>Sj 1 8: 93425 iSOnS] 3 B< ■•HiMiMHiWi'.H 12? (250nSi 51 29 03 !300nSl 79 I6N-2 (l50nSi 1 80 8''3 95 t6N-3(200nSi l 65 8"2 50 16N4 (250nSi 1 *6 8/10 60 64N-150 (I50ni5 95 9/29 95 64 N 200 <20On|4 95 9'24 96 6«N-i20(120nSl 8 49 MS4164 H50nSl 5 95 TMS44 16 (160nSl 59 T\ 41256 150 M50ni 17 9- 41256 200(200") 15 9' TMS4O50 OOOnSl 1 ft TMS4060 OOOnSl 1 ft MM5280 (30OnS) 1 8' UPD41 1 i3O0nSi 1 ft MM529B '250n5> 1 8' GAVILAN SPECIALS 8 w 16 LINE COMPUTERS 16 LINE By 80 LCD DISPLAY 8 LINE BY 80 LCD DISPLAY THERMAL PRINTER MEO GAVILAN/1BM KEYBOARDS 8W 1 II THERMAL PAPER 1500 s PASCAL SOFTWARE WMANUAL 12V N.-CAD BATTERY PACK 20 MHj CRYSTAL OSCILLATOR SUPER SAVER IBM PC- s 89 9 HI-TECH SPECIALS AMD7910 s 29 9 I.TWWMIIHHM'l ADC0B00 514 9 A0C0804 3 4 DACO806 ' 9 ADC0809 4 4 4DC0816 14 2 DAC0808 2 85 DAC100 DAC1020 7 95 DAC06 DAC1022 5 85 I DAC01 LF353N 1 99 LF13201N Corporate Buyers ... Call For Volume Quotes! lM'OBAh S3 95 NE590 S2 45 LM3909 LM300H 99 NE592 2 70 LM3914 LM30IN 38 LM70BN 58 LM39I5 LM304H ' --. LM709H 1 90 LM3916 LM305H ;■=. LM710 68 MC402* LM306H 4 75 LM711 75 MC4044 LM307N 40 LM715 395 RC4131 LM306CN 65 LM723N 55 RC4136 LM310CN ' ^ LM723H 75 RC4151 LM3HCN 63 LM733 ■-- CA3023 LM312H ■ ?* LM739 )86 CA3039 LM318CN 1 45 LM741CN CA3046 LM318H ■ SS LM741H 40 CA3059 LM319N LM741N 29 CA3060 LM320 (M VRsi LM747 CA3066 LM324N 55 LM748 H CA30B0 LM339N 95 LM1014 1 15 CA308I LM34C ise. vflsj LM1303 - .-,.■ CA3082 LM348N 95 LM1310 1 45 CA3083 LM358CN 66 MCI 330 ■ as CA30B6 LM3S9 1 75 MCI 349 - -.. CA3069 LM360N ,. as MCI 350 1 15 CA3096 LM370N MC13S8 - H CA3130 LM373N 395 MC1372 6 75 CA3140 LM376N 375 LM1414 CA314B LM377N ' BO LM1558H 3 M C A3 180 LM380CN 85 LM1800 235 LM 13080 LM380N ■ QS LM18I2 8 10 LM 13600 LM361N LMI630 3 40 LM 13700 LM382N ■ K LM1871 5 45 LF347 LM383N 1 95 LM1872 5 45 LF351 LM364N LM1877 "> 2L- LF353 LM386N LM1889 1 90 LF355 LM387N LM 1 896 1 70 LF356 LM389N ■ •-, ULN2001 1 95 LF357 LM392N 69 ULN2003 1 49 TL071CP LM723N 48 XR2206 3 75 TL072CP LM723H 55 XR2207 . ■!■ TL074CN NE531 2 85 "H2208 2 40 TL081CP NE555 35 XR22I1 3 75 TL084CN NE5S6 65 LM2877P i M TL4B4 NE5S8 1 49 LM2878P TL496 NE561 23 50 LM2900 S3 TL497 NE564 2 85 LM2901 -.- MC3423 LM565 95 LM2903 ■■> MC3453 LM566 1 45 LM2907 2 45 MC3456 LMS67 85 LM2917 2 85 MC3459 N( S " - 3 85 LM3900 55 MC3469 nex n . ■-.'■ • M3905 MC3470 KESmMSSSSSESa 69 8 12 15 24 12 16 24V 7BL05 12 15V 85 79L05 12 '5 ?8M06C 89 LM309K 78MG/79MG 1 49 LM317H/K 78H05KC a 75 LM323K 7B05K Also 1 29 LM337K 12 15 24V LM338K 1.39 79 :■:-;:. MMWM»aii:ia.M»wiiia.-i MCI44U Sii 60 BR1941 1160 34702 12 50 5016 14 95 8"6 1050 5307 10 50 MC4D24 3 75 8C3B 3 75 B MO 1 --. 58167 12 25 SP10O0 Speetn 58174 S 6832 AY52376 AY536O0 2513-001U 25 1 3002L UP07201 3341 HC90 KM P8477 -. |8i 76489 AY38910 AY36912 SSi 263 Otg.H*ef LM13600N 5V UART S 9 25 3 75 i n 1 ra 36 95 . .- 34 95 DISKETTES IBM PC- DS/DD HuD Rings Tyvac Cover Major Mfgr $1 .1 9ea/t000 $1 .35ea/2S0 $1 .55ea/25 5%" DISKETTES VERBATIM c ,2"i0i SS/DD verbatim =51,01 ds/do maxell md i ss/dd maxell mo 2 ds/dd dysan 104,10 ss/dd dysan 104/2d ds/dd generic ss/ss generic ds/dd 3'/, diskettes (mac 8»" head cleaning i 8 head Cleaning kit oymec ibm pc diagnostic apple ii diagnostic disk macintosh diskette holder v. diskette holder 150) ■LamMd.'li'.HiU-liM 64K UPGRADE [SB of 9 $24.95 256K RAMS 256K!" 74142 -■ I' 74143 3 ra 74144 2 M 74145 BO 74147 - 4 . 74148 ■ 19 74150 • r*. 74151 aa '4 ie g 67 74153 ■>-) 74154 ' ' - ~4'T ; 89 74166 aa 74157 ■:■.- 1*4158 ■ /)- .-4-?.J 1 B8 74160 ■'■ 74161 •V 'J'r . ■■• 74163 ■■■■ r418M 89 ta tea aa 74166 aa 74167 . " 74170 74172 4 75 74173 74174 .,-. 74175 <,:< 74LSOO i 74LS01 74LS02 74LS03 74LS04 74LS05 74LS08 74LS09 74LS10 74LS11 74LS12 74LSI3 74LS14 74LS15 74LS20 74LS2I 74LS22 74LS26 74LS27 74LS28 74LS30 74LS32 74LS33 74LS3T 74LS38 74LS40 74LS42 74LS47 74LS48 74LS51 74LS54 74LS55 74LS73 74LS74 74LS75 74LS76 74LS78 74LS83 74LS85 74LS66 74LS90 74LS92 74LS93 74LS95 74LS96 74LS107 74LS109 74LS112 4007 .: ■/>. ,1 .■ , 74LS113 74LS114 74LS122 74LS123 74LS124 74LS125 74LS126 74LS132 74LS136 74LS136 74LS139 74LS145 74LS148 74LS151 74LS153 74LS1S4 74LS155 74LS156 74LS157 74LS168 74LS160 74LS161 74LS162 74LSI63 74LS164 74LS165 74LS166 74LS168 74LS169 74LS1 70 74LS173 74LS174 74LS175 74LS18' 74LS190 74LS191 74LS192 74LS193 74LS1 94 74LS195 74LS196 74LS197 74LS221 74LS240 74LS242 74LS243 74LS244 74LS245 4018 40% J . ' I0ZJ wa ■ 8024 wee 4027 4032 4034 4035 4037 ■\ .1. 4043 85 4044 69 4046 80 4047 89 4048 99 4049 35 4050 34 4051 75 4052 75 4053 75 4055 3 95 4066 2 95 4059 S 7 90 j soa 4060 nn 4506 .1 ,:.■>- 4507 4069 ," 4508 4070 35 4510 4071 BR 4611 4072 28 4512 -■■■: ■ 28 4514 4075 ?B 4515 4076 n •sie 4077 36 4516 4 .'-. 35 4520 4081 ZO 4082 n 4556 4 -■ 95 4-.. ■ 4088 95 80C95 4 •_ ■- ; 46 60C97 4094 2 95 MCI 4408 ^ -- ■ *: MC14409 4 - . 1 85 MC14410 4501 as MC1441I it,:: 95 MC14412 4503 49 MC14419 1295 i: BQ 995 CALL FOB 74HC tM-:-riJiH,',ni 74SOOS35 74S74 $55 74S02 •' 74S85 '- 74S03 ■a', 74S86 -:" 74S04 46 74S112 -- 74S06 74SH3 56 74S06 >■■- 74S114 1- 74S09 v. 74S1242 69 74*10 '-. 74S132 :., 74811 15 74S133 4-: 74S15 38 74S134 =.u 74S20 36 74S135 '■■ 74S22 35 74SI36 ih- r49 """. n 74S138 -u 74S32 46 74S139 qq 74S38 -- 74S140 r u 74S40 39 74S151 -- 74S81 m 74S153 ^ 74S64 74S1S7 ... 74S8S as 74S158 S>" 74S180 : 4^ 74S161 ■ aa 74S174 * Ifl 74SI75 1 IB 74S188' 74S194 * 4^ 74S196 • .:- 74S196 ■ j--, 74S240 | BB 74S241 1 -11 74S242 ■ -,.. 74S243 74S244 ■ ,: 74S251 ■ tg 74S253 ■ 10 74S257 ■ 1 ^ 74S258 1 19 74S260S' 74S2B0 ' 74S2B7- ' 74S288' 745373 i 745374 ; 74S387- 745471-i 74S472-. 74S473- . 74S474* - 74S4/5- ■ 74S570* ; 74S571- : 74S572- . 74S573' ■ 745940 : 745941 : 74C0013S 74C02 n 74C04 74C08 M 74C10 30 CALL FOR 74HC 74C74 S65 I 74C161S1 15 t 74C373S2 36 74C85 1 89 74C175 1 15 74C374 2 35 74C90 1 IS 74C240 1 69 74C901 59 74C93 115 1 74C244 I 69 I 74C922 4 45 MORE 74C IN STOCK - ALSO IN CATALOG Mail Older: P.O. Bra 17329 Irvine. CA 92713 Retail: 1310B E. Edinger. Santa Ana, CA 9270S (714) 558-8813 D s over S500 require JO", depnsil Willi oidei idling tor UPS We oiler, uineday snipinvnt witdout nonce We icserve \tv ngni !o sub- are 110I responsibk: Iqi typograpfiirji enors Retail Sale Price* Ma» Vanj What the world really needs is a 99 cent Double Sided, Double Density Diskette with a LIFETIME WARRANTY! And DISK WORLD! has it. Introducing Super Star Diskettes: the high quality diskette with the lowest price and the best LIFETIME WARRANTY! In the course of selling more than a million diskettes every month, we've learned something: higher prices don't necessarily mean higher quality. In fact, we've found that a good diskette manufacturer simply manufactures a good diskette. ..no matter what they charge for it. (By way of example, consider that none of the brands that we carry has a return rate of greater than 1/1. 000th of 1 percent!) In other words, when people buy a more expensive diskette, they aren't necessarily buying higher quality. The extra money might be going toward flashier adver- tising, snazzier packaging or simply higher profits. But the extra money in a higher price isn't buying better quality. All of the good manufacturers put out a good diskette. Period. How to cut diskette prices . . .without cutting quality. Now this discovery posed a dilemma: how to cut the price of diskettes without lowering the quality. There are about 85 companies claiming to be "diskette" manufacturers Trouble is, most of them aren't manufacturers. Rather they are fabricators or marketers, taking other company's components, possibly doing one or more steps of the processing themselves and pasting their labels on the finished product. The new Eastman Kodak diskettes, for example, are one of these. So are IBM 5V diskettes. Same for DYSAN, Polaroid and many, many other familiar diskette brand names. Each of these diskettes is manufactured in whole or in part by another company! So, we decided to act just like the big guys. That's how we would cut diskette prices... without lowering the quality. We would go out and find smaller companies to manu- facture a diskette to our specifications... specifications which are higher than most. . and simply create our own "name brand" diskette. Name brand diskettes that offered high quality at low prices. DISKETTE STORAGE CASES PERFECTDATA DIAL N FILE Terrific! Holds 10 5%" diskettes. Just flip the lever and they all slide up for easy access and identification. Grey with smoked plastic front. $2.75 Ea. - .35 Shpng. DISK CADDIES The original flip-up holder for 10 5'A" diskettes Beige or Grey only. $1.65 ea. + .20 Shpng. DISKETTE 70 STORAGE Dust-free storage for 70 5V<" diskettes. Six dividers included An excellent value . $11.95 ea. ■ $3.00 Shpng. HOURS: Human: 8AM-6PM Central Time, Monday through Friday Answering Machine: 6PM-8AM, All Times MCI MAIL: 24 hours a day. Super Star diskettes are sold in multiples of 50 only. Diskettes are shipped with white Tyvec sleeves, reinforced hubs, user ID labels and write-protect tabs. Boy, did we get lucky. Our Super Star Diskettes are the same ones you've been using for years. . .without knowing it. In our search for the low priced, high quality diskette of our dreams, we found something even more interesting. We found that there are several manufacturers who don't give a hoot about the consumer market for their diskettes. They don't spend millions of dollars in advertis- ing trying to get you. the computer user, to use their diskettes. Instead, they concentrate their efforts on turning out the highest quality diskettes they can... because they sell them to the software publishers, computer manufacturers and other folks who (in turn) put their name on them. ..and sell them for much higher prices to you! After all, when a software publisher or computer manu- facturer or diskette marketer puts their name on a diskette, they want it to work time after time, everytime. (Especially software publishers who have the nasty habit of copy- protecting their originals!) HOW TO ORDER: ORDERS ONLY: 1-800-621-6827 (In Illinois: 1-312-944-2788) INQUIRIES: 1-312-944-2788 FOR FASTEST SERVICE, USE NO-COST MCI MAIL: Our address is OISKWORLD. It's a FREE MCI MAIL letter. No charge to you. (Situation permitting, we'll ship these orders in 24 hours or less.) SHIPPING: 514* & 3'A" DISKETTES— Add $3.00 per each 100 or fewer diskettes. OTHER ITEMS: Add shipping charges as shown in addition to other shipping charges. PAYMENT: VISA, MASTERCARD and Prepaid orders accepted COO OR- DERS: Add additional $3.00 special handling charge. APO. FPO, AK. HI & PR ORDERS: Include shipping charges as shown and additional 5% of total order amount to cover PAL and insurance. We snip only to United States addresses, except for those listed above. TAXES: Illinois residents, add 8% MINIMUM ORDER: $35.00 or 20 diskettes. Super Star Diskettes. You already know how good they are. Now you can buy them... cheap. Well, that's the story. Super Star diskettes don't roll off the boat from Pago- Pago or emerge from a basement plant just east of Nowhere. Super Star diskettes have been around for years. . and you've used them for years as copy-protected software originals, unprotected originals. Sometimes, depending on which computer you own, the system master may have been on a Super Star diskette. And maybe more than once, you've bought a box or two or more of Super Star diskettes without knowing it. They just had some "big" company's name on them. Super Star Diskettes are good. So good that a lot of major software publishers, computer manufacturers and other diskette marketers buy them in the tens or hundreds of thousands. We buy them in the millions. And than we sell them to you. Cheap. When every little bit counts, it's Super Star Diskettes. You've used them a hundred times... under different names. Now. you can buy the real McCoy, the same diskette that major software publishers, computer manufacturers and diskette marketers buy... and call their own. We simply charge less. Super Special! Order 50 Super Star Diskettes and we'll be happy to sell you an Amaray Media-Mate 50 for only $8.75. shipping included... a lot less than the suggested retail price of $15.95. DISK WORLD!, Inc. Regular DISK WORLD! price: $10.95 ea. -i- $2.00 Shpng. The Super Star LIFETIME WARRANTY! Super Star Diskettes are unconditionally warranted against defects in original material and workmanship so long as owned by the original purchaser. Returns are simple: just send the defective diskettes with proof of purchase, postage-paid by you with a short expla- nation of the problem, and we'll send you the replace- ments. (Incidentally, coffee stained diskettes and diskettes with staples "driven through them don't qualify as "defective".) WE WILL MEET OR BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND QUANTITIES SUBJECT TO THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Suite 4806 30 East Huron Street Chicago, Illinois 60611 Inquiry I35 MAY 1985 -BYTE 487 "BASF DISKETTES BASF Diskettes at compe- titive price. Call TOLL FREE (800) 235-4137 for prices and information. Visa and Master Card accepted. PACIFIC EXCHANGES Kill Foothill Bkd San Luis Obispo CA 1 [InCal call (HOSi 543-1037 I Inquiry 310 INVENTORY REDUCTION COLOR TERMINALS INTECOLOR 2405 • 8 COLORS THIN LINE GRAPHICS • ANSI 3.64 PROTOCOL • PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION KEYS NEW IN CARTONS WITH MANUALS LIST $1695 NOW $995 Includes Installation Instructions For Use With Wordstar § & Newword s INTEX M1CR0V0X TEXT-TO-SPEECH SYNTHESIZER LIST $349 NOW $299 THE COMPUTER GROUP 12156 LACKLAND ROAD ST. LOUIS, MO. 63146 M PC/XT USERS! # COGTREE Utilities by Cogitate SI29.95 a LYNC by Norton-Lamber . . . S199.95 § DATAFLEX by Data Access. Varies # RM/COBOL by Ryan/ McFarland Varies M Universe by Omnitrend . . . S 98.50 # Blue Mad by Cogitate. . . . S599.00 # CadPower + by Trilex $995.00 # Softext Teaching Aids S 95.00 M PnntSet by Cogitate S 79.95 M CogiTAPE by Cogitate CALL!! 1 Anti-Static Products Varies 1 Uninterruptible Power Backups Varies r TeleVideo Software EEfNE CALL!! A Higher Form of Softwa re" 24000 Telegraph Road Soi.thfleld. Ml 48034 (313) 3S2-2345/Telex 386581 VISA/MASTERCARD ACCEPTED Dealer Inquiries Welcomed Inquiry 77 NEW BUS FOR DATA ACQUISITION & CONTROL tor IBM PC. XT. AT & Apple II. -.- a^V; * fiT , * in Stf'VJl* The Local Applications Bus. LAB40. is a versatile computer to peripheral interface and a product development system. It is optimized for connecting directly to micro- processor com- patible I.C.s & hybrids. Applica- tions: data acquisition, robotics, instrumentation, control, conven- tional peripherals Capabilities: access up to 64 sixteen bit ports, 8 interrupts. DMA speeds, more. Presently available Applications modules include 8 & 1 2 bit high speed A/D w/program- mable gain Prices for the LAB 40 developers kit (circuit, software & manual) start at $200. (omputer, ^ ontinuum Daly City. CA 9401 5 (4151755-1978 16 USERS ON YOUR IBM PC. TurboSlave- P.C. 8 MHZ Z-BOH • FASTEST CPM 12BK RAM COPROCESSOR 2 ftS 232 PORTS • 16 TuilfloSlAVES PER PC MULTIPROCESSOR • CPM-RO COMPATIBLE ARCHITECTURE • TRUE MULTI-USER PC. COMPATIBLE . 10* COST- 1495 RETAIL TurboSlave p.c turns your i.b.m into a multi-user multi- processor SUPER MICRO ONE TuRBOSlAVE CAN BE USED AS A SIMPLE CPM COPROCESSOR BY ADDING THE TuRBoDOS OPERATING SYSTEM. UP TO 16 TuRBoSlAVE PCS CAN BE ADDED, EACH SUPPORTING ONE USER ON A STANDARD TERMINAL ALL CPM 2.2 PROGRAMS AND MOST MULTI-USER MPM APPLICATIONS CAN BE RUN under Turbo DOS. true record locking and print spooling ARE FULLY SUPPORTED EARTH COMPUTERS ' BuiKtmg Blocks For me Supm Mico TELEX 9109976120 EARTH FV PO BOX 6067 • FOUNTAIN VALLEY CA 927?8 OIL |7I»| 111-5714 * FULL LINE OF S-100 TURBODOS PRODUCTS AVAILABLE * REGISTERED TRADEMARKS Z80H 7IL0G INC TURBODOS SOFTWARE 2000 INC Inquiry 146 u/TAPE WORLD 1-800-245-6000 I Dyson maxell. II s Worth II M0 1 SV.SSOD 159 104/1D 5'.' SSOD 189 MD-! 5'., DSDD 219 104/20 5'. . DSOD 2 69 FD-1 8". SSDD 2.69 3740/1D 8". SSDD 2 69 FD 2 8". DSDO 3.29 3740/2D 8". DSDD 3 29 MF 1 3>/>". MICRO 2.99 MfMflRF* MD2-HD 5V.DSHD ,99 „, .J™ ™ ,„ BASF 5M" DSDD 1 99 5'. SSDD 134 SCOTCH 5', DSDD 154 5 ,.. SSDD VERBATIM 5. dsdd 199 sm ssdd 169 ELEPHANT 5', DSDD 2 39 ^.^ , „ 5-.' DSDD 2 19 WE WILL BEAT ANY PRICE BY 3% Factory Sealed Shipping 3.75 any size order. Pre-paid. COD. or credit card. COD add 1.95 SCHOOLS & GOVT. ON PO. Also. TDK. and Maxell audio and video cassettes. 220 SPRING ST. BOX 361 BUTLER, PA 16001 412-283-8621 M-Fri. 8:30-5:00 Inquiry 97 Inquiry 387 One-of-A-kind Data Management Program Developed Especially for You. ^$175.00 STOP thinking about any othet progtams STOP worrying about custom programming START saving lime and money START being your own MASTER Californi (800)423-0320 ou.s lci e(800)482-DATA C.D.A. INTERNATIONAL SOFTWARE CORP. (818) 986-3233 Telex: 215666 M " PC XT AT Compatible pizpipeunei] 3 1 I I "O 4164-120 150 200 l 29 l ■128K-150 200torAT 9 95 256K-150 599 'Teac halt-height for AT 119°° '20 Mb Hard disk tor AT 695°o 8087-3 119°° Apple Drives — half heights 124oo Tandon/CDC full height drives 109oo 'CDC^Teac half height drives 109°o Micro Science 20 Mb kit for PC/XT 839°o 10 Mb Hard Disk System 649oo 20-100 Mb Hard Disk Drives Lowest Prices/Call Everex Magic Card 0-384 expansion . 179oo Everex Magic Card w 384K RAM populated 259 00 'Everex Graphic Edge Color Cards 339 00 'Drive Installation Kits Call Add $3 95 sr-pomg to all oners • Pr ces soD.eci lo orange • PC s on apD'ovai 'COD OK • All new no surplus nc seconds QUANTITY DISCOUNTS • Corporate accounts .nuleo 3310 West Main St Tampa. FL 33607 In FL and tor into call 813-875-0299 FOR ORDERS ONLY, 800-237-8910 TELEX 330690 FAX LINE: 813-876-7194 ^SLS) ■_•_ Super Tools by Paragon Courseware Tools for Turbo PascatTM on the IBMTM pc Window Management ~ menus, help files . - • Unlimited windows • Window overlay & recall • Cursor save & jump • Access all colors & chars • Window Compiler/Librarian manages window files Graphics Drawing - HiRes plotting power! • Ellipses, polygons, etc. • Region fill and clear String Formula Evaluator = easy calculation • 22 functions with nesting and implicit multiplication • Won't bomb on overflow or division by zero System Check and Control - max flexibility! • Time & date access • Get disk types & room • Get & set default drive • 1/0 information All this for only $39.95* . . Incredible! You get 321 K of source code on a double-sided disk and a 35 page manual. For single-sided drives add $2 Works with DOS 2.0, Turbo 2.0. 'Please include $2 for postage and handling ($4 if outside of USA). Cahfornians add 6°c MCA/ISA Paragon Courseware 4954 Sun Valley Road Del Mar. CA 92014 (619)481-1477 Super Tools is a trademark of Paragon Courseware Turbo Pascal is a trademark of Borland International IBM is a trademark of the IBM Corporation Inquiry 67 Inquiry 316 Inquiry 3I5 • PRICE WAR • cub LAST PRINTERS EPSON FX-80 + $399 FX-100+ $599 LQ-1 500 Parallel $1099 Serial $1199 JX-80 160 cps, rJot-matrix/7 color graphics $569 HI-80 4 Pen Plotter $469 LX-80 draft (100 cps) & NLQ modes $299 OKIDATA 92P/92-IBM $359 93-P/93-IBM $569 84-P/84-IBM $679 OKIMATE 20-IBM Parallel with Plug & Print $219 182-IBM Parallel Personal Printer $239 92 Tractor $70 84 Sheet Feeder $390 TOSHIBA 1 340P (80 column) $599 TOSHIBA 1351 P (132 column) $1 169 Tractor $1 70 Font Disk for 13S1 $50 JUKI 6100 (18 cps), 13" wide $379 JUKI 6300 (40 cps), 16" wide $699 Tractor 6100/6300 $130/$140 BROTHER HR-1 S XL (20 CPS) $359 HR-15 Tractor/Keyboard/Sheet Fdr . $110/$160/$190 HR-25 (23 CPS) . . $589 HR-35 (36 CPS) $789 Tractor/Sheet Feeder for HR-25/35 $120/$200 M-1009 Dot Matrix • 9 pin, 50 cps $199 2024L LQ/Grophics - 24 pin, 160/80 cps $999 2024L Cutsheet Feeders - Narrow $220 Wide $290 C. ITOH8S10-BPI $319 8510-SEP $389 8S10-SCEP $449 15S0-EP $439 1550-P $449 15S0-SEP $539 Y10-20-P $429 A10-30-P $479 F-10-40-P $869 F-10-S5-P $1069 QUME LETTERPRO 20P 20 cps $429 20P Tractor/Sheet Feeder $140/$380 SPRINT 1 1 40 + $1299 SPRINT 1155+ $1499 INTERFACE MODULES Centronics/Serial/IBM Par $80 SPRINT Tractor/Sheet Feeder $ 210/$690 PANASONIC KX-P1 090 KX-P1091 $279 KX-P1092 $4 $229 19 KX-P1093 $649 STAR MICRONICS NEW 10" & 15" MODELS SG-10/15 120CPS $249/$409 SD-10/1S 160CPS $369/$489 SR-10/15 200 CPS $529/$649 NECP-2 $649 P-3 $899 NEW ELF 360 (19 CPS) $449 2050 $669 3550 . . $1299 8850 $1699 Spinwriter Tractor/Sheet Feeder $190/$790 DIABLO 630 EG/IBM $ 1 799 630 API $ 1 599 Advantage D-25 $549 620 API $729 DATA PRODUCTS Makers of IBM color printer SPG 8051 (Same as IBM Color Printer) $1399 SPG 8071 (Same as 8051 at twice the speed) $1 799 DISPLAY CARDS EVEREX Graphics Edge Best Price Ever AST Monograph Plus w/clock, Par & Ser Ports $399 PERSYSTBoB Board $449 Short-Port Color $169 Mini-Mono CALL Color Combo: Multifunction & Color Adapter from $349 Mono Combo: Multifunction & Mono Adapter . from $349 MYLEX Chairman $439 PARADISE Modular Brd $269 Modules CALL INTELLIGENT B-450 Mono/Color/printer $249 TECMAR Graphics Master w/PC Paintbrush $459 HERCULES MonoGraphics $299 Color $159 GENOA Spectrum CALL IBM Color Card $229 Generic $129 QU ADRAM QuadColor I or II $ 1 99 Both $390 COMPU EXCLUSIVELY FOR IBM PC CALL FOR LATEST SYSTEM PRICES FLOPPY/HARD DISKS TEAC Half Ht FD 55B - DSDD $1 09 (Warranteed for IBM PC only) 10+ $105 TANDON 100-2 Full Ht- DSDD $119 IBM Full Ht- DSDD $159 HARD DISKS/BACKUP for IBM PC 1 MB HD Int $599 1 MB HD Ext $799 20 MB HD Int $999 20 MB HD Ext $1 199 1 MB Tape Backup $599 Larger Backup CALL TALL GRASS NEW PC/T FORMAT DRIVES/BACKUP 25 MB w/60 MB . . . $2799 35 MB w/45 MB . . . $3599 50 MB w/60 MB $4399 80 MB w/60 MB $5999 Controller $140 Cortridge(60 MB) $35 QUBIE 1 0/20 MB Internal or External CALL All Oubie Hard Drives include 1 Dir software MA YN ARD 1 OMB/WS-l $899 1 0MB/WS-2$1 069 20MB/WS-1 $1149 20MB/WS-2 $1319 30MB/WS-1 $1899 30MB/WS-2 $2079 GeminiWS-1 $1029 Gemini WS-2 $1169 The "Gemini" includes 10M8 Hard Disk & Half Ht. floppy MaynStream - System 27 $1299 Cartridge 450 $35 MaynStream System 60 $ 1 349 Cartridge 600 $50 EVEREX 10MB Int $649 20 MB Int $999 EXCEL 4500-PC Internal 45MB Tape Backup $949 EXCEL 4500 External 45MB Tape Backup $999 IRWIN MAGNETICS 10 MB Internal Tape Backup $569 10 MB External Tape Backup CALL • SUPER SPECIALS* E OOO + SINGH ORDER ENTITLES YOU TO THESE SPECIAL PRICES EPSON FX-80+ $389 FX-100+ $579 OKIDATA 92P/93P/84P . $349/$559/$669 BROTHER HR-1 5/25/35 PGSHX-12 $349/$569/$769 $439 HAYES 1 20OB w/sft . . $349 1 200 Ext . $379 PROMETHEUS PROMODEM 1 200 Ext $279 NOVATION SmartCat w/sft - Int or Ext $359 WITH YOUR BEST QUOTES MODEMS MICROCOM ERA-2 Int. w/sft .$339 HAYES 1 200 B Internal w/software 1 200 Standalone w/o software NEW 2400 Baud Ext $359 $389 CALL POPCOMC-lOO/X-100 . Special Low Prices PROMETHEUS PROMODEM 1200 Ext PROMODEM 1200 B Internal w/software $289 $259 NOVATION SmartCat w/sft Int or Ext $369 ANCHOR Signalman MK XII $229 Ven-Tel Half Card w/Crosstalk XVI 1200 Plus External w/o software $359 $329 MONITORS PGSMAX-12E SR-12 CALL $599 HX-12 $449 HX-12E CALL TAX AN COMPOSIT 1 1 5 Green/1 16 Amber $139 MONO 121 Green/122 Amber (1000x360) $159 COLOR 41 1 (5 1 0x260) $349 425 (640x262) $449 COLOR 440 (720x400) $549 W/Persvst BoB Brd $969 S AK AT A SG 1 000 Green Composit $ 1 1 9 COLOR MONITORS CALL AMDEK 300G/300A/3 1 0A (M) $ 1 39/$ 1 49/CALL COLOR 600 (640x240) $429 710(720x480) $539 QU ADRAM AMBERCHROME (720x350) CALL QUADCHROME II (640x240) Color Graphics & Text $429 SAMSUNG Mono-Green/Amber $129 ROLANDMB-142 14 "MonoB/W. CALL MULTI-FUNCTION CARDS ASTSIXPAKw/64k . . $249 Exp to 384k $379 QUADBOARDO-k $219 Exp to 384k $369 ORCHID Blossom 0-k $189 Exp to 384k $339 BT 6 PLUS w/64k $219 Exp to 384k $349 IDSB-512 0-k $199 Exp to 512k $389 P/S/G/ Ports, Clock/Col, disk emulation & Sockets for 512k PARADISE 5 Pock k $159 Exp to 384k $309 TECMAR Captain 0-k $199 Exp to 384k $349 TALLTREEJRAMO-k $129 Expto512k $319 MISC. ADD ONS 64KRAMSet $20 10+ Sets $18 50+ $17 8087-3 Math Chip for IBM PC CALL ORCHID PCrurbo 186 (128k to 640k) Best Prices ANCHOR SianalmanMK XII $219 TECMAR Graphics Master w/PC Paintbrush $449 HERCULES MonoGraphks $289 Color ..$149 COMPANY POLICY: Mm order $100. Prices & availability subject to change. We ship UPS only. Shipping/handling charges vary. COD requires cashiers check. All returns must be authorized in 10 days & are subject to 20% restocking fee (Mm $50). Defective merchandise covered under ODpropriote warranty. Non-detective items returned as defective subject to 10% service charge (Mki. $50). No refunds, only Compumotl credit issued. Not responsible for hardware or software compatibility of any product. Call for return rxrrhorization # for repairs/returns. No open aoct. PO's or foreign orders. For advance payment (personal/company checks take 3 weeks to dear) or PICKUP Please call first for workoraV #. AMERICAN EXPRESS NO SURCHARGE ON COD, VISA or MC QU ADRAM QUADsprint $499 CABLE Parallel, 6 ft Keyboard Extension, 6 ft. $20 Parallel, 10 ft. $10 Serial, 6 ft. $25 $25 MAXELL MD-1SSDD Box (10 per box) MD-2 DSDD Box $20 10+ Boxes $17 $25 10+ Boxes $22 IBM Floppy Controller $119 Generic $79 IBM's original PC Keyboard CALL QUBIE Keyboard 51 50 $119 5151 $149 KEYTRONIC Deluxe Keyboard KB 5151 $159 QUADRAM Microfazer 8k to 384k CALL COMPUTER ACCESSORIES P2 (5) $109 POWER DIRECTOR P22 (4) $79 PI 2 (6) .... $149 KENSINOTON Master Piece (5 Outlets) $109 PC Keyboard Storage Drawer $89 STANDBY PWR SUPPLY w/surge protection 200 Watts $299 300 Watts $399 800 Watts $799 KOALA Touch Tablet w/softwore $89 EPD Surge Protectors CALL CURTIS Surge Protectors & Accessories CALL TILT/SWIVEL Monitor Pedestal $30 406-C CONSTITUTION AVE., CAMARILLO, CA 93010 805-987-7015 WHEN ORDERING PLEASE REFER TO AD #B797 MAY 1 98 5 t Y T E 489 n..v.M...rrr.? i it irjMii fin iin -iniu For the IBM PC. XT AT PC|r and Compatibles PC102 precisely emulates DEC VT102 101 100, and VT52 terminals. PC4010 includes all PC102 features plus Tektronix 4010 graphics A few reasons why thousands ol customers- including GE. Dow Raytheon Westmghouse and Stanford University — prefer our products • Complete keyboard and screen emulation w/lme graphics [optional 1 32 -columns] • Guaranteed compatibility with all DEC applications including EOT. WORD-11, ALL-IN-ONE DEC-CALC. UNIX vi • New DOS shell key ten programmable SOttkeys plus full DOS 2 X-3 X path nam. 1 *6440 Flying Cloud Dr BWIWHBJ Minneapolis. MN 55344 (612) 9440593 dBASE II USERS INCREASE DEVELOPMENT PRODUCTIVITY AND PROCESSING THROUGHPUT WITH dTOOLKIT CONTAINING MANY dBASE III and MORE FACILITIES (LIBRARY OBJECT CODE ROUTINES ARRAYS EXTRA 256 MEMORY VARIABLES DBASE III DATE FACILITIES AMOUNT IN WORDS. DOS TYPE SOUNDEX CODES CHECK DIGITS RANDOM NUMBERS SORT TOLOWER CAPITALIZE ISALPHA. ENCRYPTION COMPRESSION and MANY MORE rJBASIC FUNCTIONS PROCESS DBASE II DATA AND INDEX FILES USING CB800R CB86 COMPILED BASIC dFIX ■ UTILITY FIX CORRUPTED DATA FILES dCRYPT UTILITY ENCRYPT AND DECRYPT DATA FILES DMENU - dBASE RUNTIME MENU SYSTEM MAINTENANCE ROUTINES, MENU HIERARCHY, SECURITY ORDERING DETAILS OZISOFT, PO. BOX 2360. flOSEVILLE. CA 95746 S90 or S20 DEMO DISK CP/M-80. CP/M-86 MS-DOS, PC-DOS, 8" or 5" IBM FORMAT CHECKS MONEY ORDERS TAX 6* (CALIF ONLYI HSame Day Shipping) DISKETTES LIFETIME WARRANTY $ H 00 Ba $1 I Soft Sector l 00 e Soft Sector B%" SS/DD OJi Soft Sector 5 V." DS/DD VISA PLUS MANY OTHER TOP NAME BRAND DISKETTES • DYSAN • MAXELL BASF • 3M • NASHUA Free Catalogue: Our Satisfaction money-back guarantee. . • Certified 100% error tree • Non-metallic write protect tab • Reinforced hub rings • Tyvec Sleeve • Plus Packaged in a hard library case (optional) (CORPORATE ACCOUNTS WELCOME) HOURS: 8 AM 5 PM Mountain Time Monday Friday For Order Only: Information & Inquiries: 1800 621-8385 E.l 148 1-303-758-6134 SOFTWARE PLUS 3095-D South Peoria Street Aurora, CO 80014 Inquiry 1 74 Inquiry 307 Inquiry 367 SUPERCOPY FOR IBM PC Powerful utility copier, it allows making of backups of any diskette for IBM PC and com- patibles. Very compact, it replaces the Diskcopy without virtually losing any space. Its menu offers easy access to functions such as pro- tection against copies from a diskette; anal- ysis diagnosis; parameter modification and erasing of the target diskette. Available in English, French and Spanish with instructions included in the diskette. Frequently updated, its price is S30 each or $15 for orders of ten or more. This product is provided for the purpose of enabling you to make archival copies only. Send check or money order to: Yetiware P.O. Box 1368 New York, NY 10025 212-222-6682 IBM PC is a trademark of IBM Corporation WE WANT DEALERS. IC PROMPT DELIVERY!!! | S SAME DAY SHIPPING (USUALLY) OUTSIDE OKLAHOMA: NO SALES TAX DYNAMIC RAM 256K 256KX1 150 ns $ 5.77 64K 64Kxi 120 ns 2.30 64K 64KX1 150 ns 1.69 64K 64Kxi 200 ns EPROM 1.87 27C256 32Kx8 250 ns $21.25 27256 32Kx8 250 ns $18.75 27128 i6Kx8 250 ns 9.37 27C64 6Kx8 200 ns 8.75 2764 8Kx8 250 ns 397 2732A 4Kx8 250 ns 4.69 2716 2Kx8 450 ns STATIC RAM 3.21 6264LP-1 5 8Kx8 1 50 ns $10.50 6116LP-3 2Kx6 150 ns 2.67 OPEN 6'/ z DAYS: WE CAN SHIP VIA FED-EX ON SAT. MasterCard VISA or UPS CASH COD n Factory New, Prime Parts juKoo MICROPROCESSORS UNLIMITED 24,000 S. Peona Ave . BEGGS OK 74421 (918) 267-4961 Prices shown above are for March 26, 1 965 Ptaonn call tor current poces Press subject to cnarnjo Please enpect higher or lower prices o" jome pals due to supply | demand and our changing cogib Shipping 3 insurance e«ira Cas^ discount puces shown Orders recerved by 6 PM CST can usually be delivered to you by Ihe next morning, via Federal Eipreei Standard Air « M00. Priority t b S1t SO' IN STOCK MODEMS All modems listed are Hayes compatible with Free Communications Software RACAL-VADIC MAXWELL 300PC 300. PC Internal w/soft $ 219 300 V 300. RS232C External $218 1200 PC 300/1200. PC Internal w/sott $ 337 1 200 V 300/ 1 200, RS232C External $ 369 2400 V 2400 Baud, RS232C External $ 519 George Communications Software $ 79 HAYES 1 200 SMARTMODEM External (399 2400 $ 645 U.S. ROBOTICS Password (235 PROMETHEUS Promodem 1 200 $ 334 DIRECT CONNECT DEVICES 651 Chorro Ste 6, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 call for aaaaaai afjA call to free VISA CESLjSI order CATALOG li»»»»»"i '^■^P F (805) 543-6308 PO/COD/Vlu M( 'Check - Many Items Not Listed Inquiry 425 Inquiry 27I Inquiry I3I maxell PERSONAL COMPUTER PRODUCTS The floppy disks that meet or exceed every standard of quality. MD1-D 5tt"i™ $ 1^ MD2-D 5 1 A" =iii • $ 2~ SOLD IN BOXES OF TEN ONLV tremendous selection of software books, accessories and supplies UP rO 50% OFF' Software for IBM PC dBase III 349 Multimate 269 Framework 349 Symphony . . 419 Home Acct. Plus 89 Wordstar 2000 279 w/Ultrafile 149 Wordstar Pro Pac 249 ABC data products 3311 ADAMS AVE, SAN OIEGO. CA 921 16 519-283-5488 *Q 800-854-1555 IBM Compatible Case S 65.00 Motherboard (256 K RAM space, RAM not included) 280.00 Color Graphic Adapter 150.00 Floppy Disk Driver Controller Card 75.00 Plotter 14 colors) 495.00 Computer (2 DD Driver Color Graphic Adapter, 256 K RAM, Case, Keyboard and !35 W Power Supply) 1,500.00 Keyboard 100.00 APPLE Compatible Z SO Card iOM 80 Column Card 50.00 J.C. Tester 125.00 Prom 8200 Programmer (Fast Universal Type Lprom b Prom Programmer) For lprom: 2716-27512, 2516-25512; (Ho Adapter Net Ml For Prom: 63xx, 74Srx, MSxi. ISSxx, 24S)X 28Sxx, 8ISxx, 875)3, Include RS232 Interface CALL NOW (312) 280-7610 Telex 280208 HFFMN INT CGP DIST. WANTED HOFFMAN INT'L 600 N McClurg CT. STE. 309A Chicago, Illinois 60611 CD lt: CD CD CD CD ^Z7 PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS FOR IBM PC or Compatible Encrypt Global Replace Hexdump Compress Scan Batch Builder D1FF and many more $24.95 plus $5 Shipping &. Handling MONEY BACK GUARANTEE 14081 749-1331 505 W. Olive, #300, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Inquiry 8 Inquiry I89 Inquiry 40I Sav-On Computers 800-345-7100 ORDERS INSIDE CALIF - 213-675-2115 CUSTOMER SERVICE & TECHNICAL HELP - 213-675-2382 WE HAVE THE LOWEST PRICES IN BYTE - WE HAVE MOST ITEMS IN STOCK AND WE WILL BEAT ANY ADVERTISED PRICE ON THE SAME TERMS! DISK DRIVES TEAC 55B V2 HIGH DRIVE $109.00 55A 55F 169.00 CALL DISK DRIVES IBM CONTROLLER HANDLES 4 DRIVES $69.00 MANY MORE CALL IBM PORTABLE $2195.00 W / 2 DR & 256K COMPUTERS SANYO 555-2 W/MON. & SOFTWARE $1099.00 SANYO PARTS AVAIL. MODEMS HAYES 1200B INTERNAL W/S.W. $345.00 ALL HAYES AVAILABLE PRINTERS OKIDATA FOR IBM $345.00 HARD DISK CAL PEK 10 MEG HARD DRIVE W/CONTROLLER 120 DAY WARRANTY $729.00 DISK DRIVES TANDON 100-2 FULL HEIGHT FOR PC $109.00 101-4 CALL DISK DRIVES OTHER DRIVES AVAILABLE CALL IBM TO PRINTER $19.95 OTHER CABLES AVAILABLE CALL COMPUTERS COMPAQ PORT. 2 DRIVES & 256K $2095.00 wow MODEMS ANCHOR MARK XII $219.00 ALL ANCHOR AVAILABLE PRINTERS JUKI 6100 (18cps) $379.00 MONITORS AMDEK 310A MONOCHROME $165.00 DISK DRIVES MPI FULL HEIGHT FOR PC $89.00 Va HIGH CALL MEMORY 64K $15.95 128K $30.00 DEALERS CALL IBM MONO CARD $219.00 CALL FOR MONITORS NOT LISTED BELOW COMPUTERS APPLE PRO SYSTEM $1349.00 WHILE THEY LAST MODEMS VOLKS MODEM $199.00 WHILE THEY LAST PRINTERS EPSON FX80T $379.00 MONITORS PRINCETON HX12 $439.00 DISK DRIVES MICRO SCI A2 FOR APPLE $179.00 OTHERS CALL IBM PC CALL FOR BEST PRICE WE WILL BEAT ANY IBM PRICE CALL! COMPUTERS APPLE MAC 1 DRIVE & 256K $2095.00 FATMAC AVAILABLE SOFTWARE LOTUS 1-2-3 $299.00 WHILE THEY LAST PRINTERS GEMINI SG AVAILABLE CALL COLOR CARD HERCULES W/PARALLEL PORT $179.00 DISK DRIVES RANA DRIVE CONTROLLER $85.00 RANA DRIVES CALL IBM XT $3195.00 w/10 MEG HD COMPUTERS COMPAQ DESK PRO 2 $2379.00 WITH MONITOR COMPUTERS CALL FOR OTHER CPU's SOFTWARE SYMPHONY $409.00 WHILE THEY LAST PRINTERS BROTHER HR15XL $389.00 EXPANSION CARD DATA PLUS 256K EXP CARD FOR PC / COMPATIBLES $169.00 FINANCING AVAILABLE— with approved credit DEALERS: Open Accounts available, call for applications TERMS: We accept VISA, MASTERCARD, COD's, and Wire Transfers. UPS, Federal Express and Emery shipping available. California residents please add 6 1 /2% sales tax to order. Prices are subject to change without notice. Not resposible for typographical errors. Inquiry 354 Sav-On Computers, inc. 12595 Crenshaw Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250 OPEI\l:7:30am till 6:00pm Monday-Friday and 9:00am till 2:00pm Saturday MAY 1985 -BYTE 491 Your I.C. Connection (213)516-7018 DYNAMIC RAMS 4164-150NS 2.45 STATIC RAMS 2016P-1 (100NS) 4.45 6116P-3(150NS| 3.75 EPROMS 2716-450NS 3.00 2532-450NS 4.50 MANY OTHERS IN STOCK CALL FOR SPECIAL PRICES • Low low prices • Top Quality Parts • Wide Selection • Fast Delivery EXIM INTERNATIONAL 13760 Grammercy Place Gardena. CA 90249 TLX: 664747 HYEXIM FAX: (213) 2170363 DISK DRIVES Half Height IBM Compatible ONE YEAR WARRANTY 40 tr. DS/DD $115.00 80 tr. DS/DD $139.00 1.2 meg. floppy . ... CALL Enclosures and mounting kits Special bracketed pair pricing IN STOCK 2 DAY SHIP fP ALLIED MICRO DEVICES 2809 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor, Ml 48104 (313) 996-1282:TX 2907707 AMEL 'Manufactured by SANYO -£ SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH LOW COST PI-SWITCH BOXES. 1 g Starting at $59.95 !-•',, _ I •Quickly shares your computer among multiple terminals, printers, moderns, etc. with just a Hick ot the wrist. •Compact black & beige aluminum enclosure features a high quality rotary switch with rear mounted connectors. •Serial RS-232 Models have tern. 25-Pin Conn (Lines 1 7 & 20) PI-02S switches 2 to 1 $59.95 PI-03-S switches 3 to 1 79.95 PU6-S switches 5 to 1 109.95 • Parallel models have fern. 36-Pin cent conn PI-02P switches 2 to 1 94.95 PI-04-P switches 4 to 1 154.95 •Dealers, schools & custom inquiries welcome. •One Year Warrantee. COD. VISA, M/C •Shipping UPS $2 00/ea. AIR $4 00/ea CfjK /~| 7301 NW 41 St. (305) 592-6092 r/'linif MIAMI, FL 33166 Inquiry 1 63 Inquiry 20 Inquiry 350 Over 135,000 GAS STATIONS Need Specialized Bookkeeping Software STATION MASTERS ( ompktc integrated system with quick, eas) data cntn to automatically create daily accounting Reports shift check- out, TBA. profit & margins lias lull inventon control. AR. Payroll. I* I. many other features MS DOS & CH ,\t versions, fully working demo available B Small Business \S§ Computer Systems. I nc. 31 3 Llewellyn RrJ.. Ambler. PA 19002 21 5-542-9639 wabash When it comes to Flexible Disks, nobody does it better than Wabash. MasterCard. Visa Accepted Call Free: (800)235-4137 PACIFIC EXCHANGES 100 Foothill Blvd San Luis Obispo CA 93401 (InCal call (805) 54:1-1037 | 3M Diskettes Lifetime Warranty Think you're getting the best price on 3M Diskettes? You're right . . . BUT ONLY IF . . . You're buying from NORTH HILLS CORP. We will beat any nationally adver- tised price* or give you a 15 disk library case FREE! Call us last— TOLL FREE— for our best shot every time. 1-800-328-3472 Formatted and hard sectored disks in stock. Dealer inquiries invited COD's and charge cards accepted. All orders shipped from stock within 2A hours Why wait 10 days to be shipped 7 AM w North Hills Corporation 1564 Roiling V.ew Dr White Bear Lake MN 55110 MN Call Collect 1 612 770 048'. enliable: same product same quantities Inquiry 359 Inquiry 310 Inquiry 296 NEW! _®a&SidnL KEYBOARD PROTECTOR Remains in place during keyboard use. Prevents damage from liquid spills, dust, ashes, etc. Fits like a second skin, excellent feel. Homerow and numeric locators. Available for: IBM-PC. Apple lie. Radio Shack Model 100, Commodore 64. Send $29.95. check or M.O.. Visa & MC include exp. date. Specify computer type. Dealer inquires invited. Free brochure available. MERR1TT Computer Products, Inc. 2925 LBJ, *180 / Dallas, Texas 75234 (214)942-1142 h ST IN 1IME 30 - 60% SAVINGS on Computers Word Processors Peripherals EX5Ek OFFICE EQUIPMENT BROKERS 800-624-2001 NY (716) 325-5530 «**><££ DATA SEC FiXT ends boot hassles, stops data thieves — DATA MAC, DAVONG, GREAT LAKES, IOMEGA, XEBEC, ZOBEX, others. No-Stot Installation for IBM PC, COMPAQ, COLUMBIA $70 - $95 + tax/shpg GOLDEN BO W SYSTEMS Box 3039 San Diego CA 92103 619/298-9349 Inquiry 259 Inquiry 162 Inquiry 178 KRUEGER Technology, Inc. offers you an attractive alternative on the purchase of guaranteed ICs. COMPARE OUR PRICES! 100% GUARANTEED ICs EXTRA SPECIAL FEATURE ♦ 4164 DRAM 41256 DRAM 9 for 13.95 8.95 each net GROUP SPECIALS 74 Series 74XX 741 XX 742XX 743XX .25 .35 .49 .49 74LS Series 74LSXX .25 74LS1XX .35 74LS2XX .49 74LS3XX .49 74S Series 74SXX .35 74S1XX .45 74S2XX .59 74S3XX .59 OUR POLICY Delivery: Orders normally shipped within 2 business days Add $3 for UPS ground-5# & under Add $4 tor UPS blue (air), 2# & under, for each additional air pound add $1 Arizona residents add 6% sales tax Payment: Visa. MC, cashiers check, certified check, money order, per- sonal check accepted (Allow 10 days for personal checks to clear) No surcharge on credit card orders CODs welcome with cash, certified check, cashiers check or money or- der Add $3 COD handling charge. Pricing: Minimum order $20 30% discount on orders over $500 Prices subject to change without notice All items limited to stock on hand COMPARE 2764 200NS 3.95 EPROMS 1702 2K 2.63 2708 8k 2.37 68708 8K 7,50 2716 300-450NS 16K 2.63 2716 500-650NS 16K 1 88 2532. 2732 200NS 32k 4.20 2532. 2732 250NS 32K 3.75 2763 64K 3.20 68766 (24 PIN) 64K 11.86 2564. 2764 300NS 64k 3.95 27128 250NS 128k 7.45 27128 300NS 128k 695 27128 450NS 128k 5 95 COMPARE TMS4416 1.75 DYNAMIC RAMS 4164 150NS 64k 9/13.96 4164 150NS 64K 1.75 TMS4416 64K 1.75 4164 250NS 64K 1.25 2620 64K 1.75 4332 32K 3.00 2118 16K 1 50 4116 150NS 16K 89 4116 200NS 16K .59 4116 250NS 16K 39 4027 4k 4 COMPARE 6264P-12 14.40 STATIC RAMS 10415 1Kx1 6.26 2115 1Kx1 1 13 2125 1Kx1 1 50 93415 1Kx1 3.38 93425 IKxl 3.38 2510 1Kx1 3.38 2511 1Kx1 3.38 2148 1Kx4 3.92 2149 1Kx4 3.92 10474 1kx4 3.00 2114 200NS 1Kx4 70 2114 450NS lkx4 50 4801 70NS 1kx8 338 4118 250NS 1Kx8 2.93 6116 200NS 2Kx8 368 6116 250NS 2kx8 2.93 10470 4Kx1 10.44 2141 4kx1 1 05 2147 4kx1 3.38 TMS4044 200NS 4kx1 1.05 TMS4044 300NS 4kx1 .90 1420 4kx4 4.50 2168 4Kx4 450 2167 16Kx1 450 "L" Series s ightly hi gher. COMPARE II COMPARE Z80CPU 1.13 6500/6800 MICROPROCESSORS 6502 6503 6504 6512 6522 6532 6545 6800 6802 6803 6809 6810 6820 6821 6844 6850 6852 6860 6875 1.50 1.50 2.75 1.25 2.75 3.75 800 1.75 3.25 750 500 75 1.50 1.25 10 50 1.50 2.25 3.25 275 COMPARE 8080A 1.95 8000 Series 8155 8741 8748 8202 8205 8212 8214 8216 8224 8226 8228 8237 8237-5 8238 900 3.75 375 2 25 3 75 750 12.00 11.25 2.85 12.00 12.00 13.50 2.25 1 00 2.25 1.00 1.50 1.25 2 25 6.75 "50 300 8243 8251 8253 8253-5 8255 8255-5 8257 8257-5 8259 8259-5 8272 8274 8276 8279 8279-5 8284 8286 8287 8288 8289 8292 5 00 3 25 3.50 4.00 325 3 75 350 4 00 3 50 4.00 12.50 12.00 17.50 4.00 5.00 4.00 4.50 4.50 10 00 1800 5.00 COMPARE TMS9918 22.50 MISCELLANEOUS TMS9901 1 50 TMS9904 1.50 TMS9914 3.00 TMS9980 13.26 TMS9900 3.00 9602 1.10 96L02 2.25 96LS02 375 Z80 Series 2.5 MHZ CPU CTC DART DMA PIO SIO (Any) 4 0MHZIZ80A) CPU 1 88 CTC 1 .88 DART 450 DMA 4.50 PIO 1 .88 SIO (Any) 4 50 COMPARE ADC0809 2.48 DATA ACQUISITION COMPARE D765 11.25 FLOPPY DISK CONTROLLERS COMPARE 6845 5.00 CRT CONTROLLERS COMPARE AY5-1013A 2.00 NOTE: This is just a sampling of our 6 million IC Inventory. KRUEGER Technology, Inc nO-IO C/Mi(h /tQth Cfrn^l»TAmnn A7QKOQO *^^ 2219 South 48th Street • Tempe, AZ 85282 800-245-2235 In Arizona 602-438-1570 HOURS: 8 a.m. -5 p.m. (MOUNTAIN TIME) Monday Thru Friday Inquiry 22 7 MAY 1985 'BYTE 49J PRINTER RIBBONS PRICE PER PER RIBBON DOZEN ANAOEX 9500 10.50 109.80 APPLE OMP 5.50 58.80 BROTHER HR-15/25 MS 5.95 68.40 C. ITOH PROWRITER 5.50 58.80 COMMODORE MPS-801 8.00 90.00 EPSON MX-FX 70/80 5.00 48.00 EPSON MX-FX 100 6.95 75.00 EPSON LQ-1500 9.75 111.00 GEMINI 10-10X-15-15X 2.50 23,40 IBM/IDS 4-C0L0R 15.75 180.00 IDS MICR0PRISMJI80 5.75 58.80 NEC -3500 M/S Non Flip 6.25 69.00 NEC - 3500 NYLON 9.00 96.00 NEC - 8023A 5.50 58.80 OKIDATA 80/82/83/92 2.50 23.40 RADIO SHACK DMP-2100 7.50 87.00 RADIO SHACK LP VI & VIII .... 5.75 58.80 RITEMAN 8.50 96.00 SILVER REED EX 550 M/S 8.50 90.00 SILVER REED EX 550 NYLON 6.95 75.00 TALLY SPIRIT - 80 M/S 7.50 84.00 TALLY • MT-160 8.00 90.00 TALLY - MT-180 8.50 96.00 TOSHIBA • 1350/1351 7.50 87.00 Add $3.00 Ship. & Hand. — To Order Call Toll Free 1-800-742-1122 In Ml (313) 569-3218 or Write for our Catalog DWIGHT COMPANY, INC. 15565 Northland Drive - West Tower Southfield, Michigan 48075-6496 DATA ACQUISITION •and control for ANY computer The Model 1232 communicates via RS-232, and has 8 analog inputs ( ± 4 VDC : 12 bits), 8 digital inputs and outputs, and a 2000 point buffer. Suitable for field data logging or lab use, the 1232 costs only $690. The 8-bit system (0-5 VDC) is $490. Detailed manual, $6. Phone our applications engineer at 617-899-8629 or write: M M STARBUCK w w TT * DATA COMPANY T T 225 Crescent St., Waltftam, MA 02154 CONVERSES COMPUTER Created al MIT in 1966 ELIZA has become the world smosl celebrated artificial intelligence demonslrahon program ELIZA is a non-directrve osyc ho therapist who analyzes each statement as you type it in and th responds wilh her own comment or question — and her remarks i otlen amazingly appropriate' Designed to run on a large mainframe, ELIZA has never before been available to personal computer users except in greatly stripped down . lacking the sophistication which made the original program so last iting Now. our new microcomputer version possessing the FULL power and range of expression ol the original is being offered at the introductory price of only 125 And il you want to find out how she does it tor teach her to do more), we will include the complete SOURCE PROGRAM lor only S20 additional Order your copy ol ELIZA today and you II never again wonder how to respond when you hear someone say Okay lets see whal this com- puter ol yours can actually do 1 ELIZA IS AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING FORMATS 1 5X inch disk for the 48K Apple II. II Plus lie or He S25 lor Protected Version— S45 for Applesoft Source Version 2 5% inch disk tor the 64K IBM Personal Computer 125 lor Protecled Version- J45 for IBM Disk BASIC Source Version Men) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH GROUP ,^f^w 921 North La Jolla Avenue Oepi B ^Vl^l Los An 9^les. CA 90046 *j2£* 12131656-7368 (213)654-2214 ^^^^^™ MC VISA and checks accepted Inquiry 141 Inquiry 376 Inquiry 40 Sure US insured? SAFEWARE Insurance provides full replacement of hardware, media and purchased software. As little as $35/yr covers: • Fire • Theft • Power Surges • Earthquake • Water Damage • Auto Accident For information or immediate coverage call: 1-800-848-3469 In Ohio call (614) 262-0559 SAr'KWAKE. THE INSURANCE AGENCY INC BLUE BOOK Prices shown for thousands of computers, software, and peripherals. Each listing includes sug- gested list, avg. retail, whole- sale, and used prices for all the geographical regions of the United States. Send $12.95 + $.50 postage to: NCDA National Computer Dealers Association 5420 Hwy. 6 North Houston, Texas 77084 ICenTecIi PREMIUM COLOR DISKETTES LOWEST PRICE EVER SSDD DSDD 65 SOI 5-- 1 5-1 4 " QTY 20 S230.;;. -96 TPI- ■Discounts Starting At Quantity 50 fi Above DEFINITELY COLOR-CODED DISKETTES ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE MFTHOD FOR ORGANIZING YOUR DISKETTE FILES Available in Red, Blue, Green. Yellow, Orange and many other colors IQO'Vr error-free and backed by TIMELESS WARRANTY Factory fresh and boxed m 10's with Tyvek sleeves reinforced hubs, wnte- protect tabs and labels SHIPPING: And S3 00 per 1 00 diskettes or fracl^ Finally a price braakthrough on a Hayes compatible, external 300/1 200 baud modem This tow price is without dnver software, but if you need it add $25.00 Call for a 26 page catalog of our special deals Look ^/y.UU \4ltO >&%% features you nave Deen wanting down to a pnce you can t resist So many features love it" • Single Key reset m^a^ai^m^mWm^aWBWe^a^a^a^ • Separate numenc keypad • Separate Arrow" keypad Dimple marked "5". F. & J keys ^KEY-1051 -00 Selectnc $1 29.00 KEY- 1050-00 Standard 89.00 IBM STYLE MOTHERBOARD Micro Products announces a powerful new IBM XT type motherboard. 4 layers for superior reliability & speed. Turbo mode allows 75% higher thru-put by increasing ".,~i\~ system clock to 7.0MHz under softwarecontrol. Designed to use new 256K RAM chips or 64K chips. WOK memory expansion does not require useof valuable card slots. Many outstanding features combined with our new 7 PAK Multifunction board make previous- ly expensive options standard features at a LOW LOW Cost. BOA-6068-00 Supplied with OK $349.00 ADD-ON POWER SUPPLY Power Supply with Fan and Power Filter Uses 140 watts runs Hard Disk J Tape Back-Up IBM Replacement type for Hard Disk New High Velocity Fan! New Low Price! POW- 1040-00 $99.00 SUPER 12 PAK MULTIFUNCTION This one is really loaded! Features: One Parallel Port, One RS232-C Serial Port, One Game Port, Real-Time Clock /Calendar with Bat- tery Back-up, Expandable to 384Kof Parity-checked Memory, Sup- plied OK Memory, all cables, PrintSpooler and RAM Disk Software. BOA-6335-00 $1 99.95 "Additional (9) 64K Memory Chips KIT-8000-00 $ 1 5.00 Do it Yourself! I think of this System as a "Do it Yourself" System. Start by choosing ir 8 Slots. Some of the standard Features: • 64K RAM expandable 256K • 4 DMA Channels • Runs MS-DOS™ and CP/M-86™ iftware not included) * Multi-function Keyboard & Cable -lard Disk Ready Power Supply • And MORE' S-8000-00 Only $525*/695 , Features! ml RAM DisK BJGame Port BJ640K cpcty WPrintSpooler I 'Turbo mode! 4.77MHz to 7.00MHz! mSer,Par mciock OEM s 1245-Single s 1495 System! XPC Turbo! NEW Add-On H.D. A Tape 1 type Case only Slot CAB-3065-00 $65*/99 Slot CAB-3068-00 $65*/99 This is OUR Junior! i ths Vmeless workstation tor low-cost Networking, nuns; • 4-slol IBM'" compatible Motherboard 2SK Standard Memory • 8088,8087 Math Co-pro- isor • Optional Roppy Drive with Controllers 5-81 00-00 $475*/675 I System w Keyboard, Mono Monitor video Display •d, 1 28K RAM 1 Drive SYS-8725-00 $895 */950 ~'« *OEM Qty 12-h 10 Meg H.D. Complete System! M995 00 * 20 Meg Color Complete System! *2550 00 * 40 Meg w/Tape Complete System! k *3035 00 * Software • XWORD • XBASIC • XBASE • XCALC • XCOM 10 Meg $1295 20 Meg $1395 26 Meg $1595 10 Megabyte Irwin on the top, your choice of Hard Disk on the bottom. Super ap- pearance! Requires one slot in your PC for SASI interface and an extension connector on the floppy card. Every- thing else is supplied by us 40 Meg $1995 105 Meg $4395 140 Meg $4995 Add-On Hard Disk Two ways to go The Internal system is cheaper because it does not need a P S 4 Chassis The same P. S 1 Chassis can be us- ed tor a 1 Meg Tape Back-up on your XT! 10 Megabyte •595 imV'895 ext 20 Megabyte *795int/'1095ext 26 Megabyte •995.nl/M295ew 40 Megabyte '1295lnt/*1595ext 105 Megabyte •3795 im7'3995 ext 140 Megabyte ■4395 lnt/'4695 ext Check These Standard Features: • Full-Size, Feather-Touch, Capacitance Keyboard. 10 Function Keys. Calculator-Type Numeric Keypad ■ • Parallel & Serial I/O • Real Time Clock • Game Port • 2-Slimline 5'-. ' DS.D0 48 TPI 360K Drives • • 8 IBM expansion slots "RAM Disk •PrintSpooler 't DMA S3 Timer channels* • Full 640K capacity on-board • 8088 16-bit CPU • Monochrome Video Card • • Up to 32K ot EPROM (full 8K supplied) • Supports PC- DOS ■ MS-DOS - CP/M-86 • • Power Supply Hard-Disk-Ready, no need to add-on additional power ■ • Hioh resolution 12" Monitor Green Screen 22 MHz bandwidth* Add-On 10 Meg Tape if your IBM-XT needs a little help in the Back-up category. you won t be able to beat this price 1 Cables, software and everything' SUB-8300-00 ■ S495*/695 Not enough room here - Call for Catalog MITS?/ ultiMedia Interactive raining Systems INTERACTIVE Video or Audio Tape Training! That's Right! Learn at home - at your own pace - Lotus 1-2-3™ Framework™ WordStar™ IBM-PC DOS™ dBase II™ Symphony™ SuperCalc™ BustnessMaster™ it last! An inexpensive, convenient means of lear- ilng how to use a Computer and Software. With his System you sit comfortably in front of your :omputer. watch a demonstration, and then, the "ape system (Audio or Video) actually IN- 'ERACTS with you! Telling you what keys to trike. waiting for you to do the exercises at your wn rate. As much practice time as You want. A •ace that you set. Some classes 10 hours in length! antastic detail and tips! Call us for more informa- ion and practical demonstrations. Nothing like it nywhere else! * following we registered trademarks and their Companies 1-2-3 Symphony Lotus Oevetop- snt Company MS-DOS. PC DOS Fkgm Simulator Microsoft dBase II Ashton-Tale. WordStar AcroPro Internahonal Corp SuperCalc -Sorcimlnc VtaCafc VifuCorp. Inc CP'M-88- Digital jsearch Inc IBM IBM-PC. IBM-PC XT - International Business Machines POWER BACK-UP Protect your Data! DatashieW* is a battery operated fbwer Generator w stantly supplies even, uninterrupted AC Rawer to a Microprocessor in the event of a Power Drop or Outage. Also provides Surge Protection, which filters and eliminates voltage spikes (surges) above 140 VAC. 200 watts POW-2000-00 $299.00 300 watts POW-205C-0C $399.00 INTERNATIONAL ORDERS Micro Products is ready to serve your needs in several countries. Each Office has Sales Literature Local Pricing. Inventory and Technical Service available to sup- port your needs. There are no problems with U.S. Export Forms HEAD OFFICE Darryl R. Green 15392 Assembly Lane. Unit A Huntington Beach. CA 92649 Phone: 714 '8984840 Telex: 887841 XORDATA HTBH AMSTERDAM OFFICE Cynthia Clark Building 70, 4lh Floor 1117ZHSchiphol-East Amsterdam, The Nethertends Phone:(020)452650 Telex: 18306 AUSTRALIAN OFFICE 8 Irwin Street, Bellevue W.Australia 6056 Phone: 274-3701 TAIPEI OFFICE William Wang Suite 605, Worldwide House 685 Mm Sheng E Rd Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Tel: (02) 712-8877 Tlx: 21405 MARACAIBO OFFICE Jim Stavans Av. 3F Esq. Calle 81 Centro Com. Maelga - Local #5 Maracaibo, Venezuela 4001-A Phone: 061-913328 Telex: 62344 PEMIN CANADIAN OFFICE - PENDING - PROM LASER This i the 0ml Out PROM Burner allows reading, storing-to-disk, recalling, and burning. Hi-speed algorithmes burns 2764 in 45 seconds! Also handles 271 6, 2732. 271 28. 27256. Features: Zero insertion force sockets: 0n-ooard Voltage Generator No Interference with normal computer operalkins. BOA-8640-00 $199.00 M S GELLANEOUS $$$ SAVERS 7 PAK Multifunction Floppy. RTC. 2 Serial. 1 Parallel. Game. RAM Disk BOA-6250-00 $189.00 64K Memory Chips i9i NEC for BM « T 6000-OC S 15.00 256K DRAM Memory Chips (9) - 256K KIT-9000-00 $ 81.00 AddOn Memory, (up to 512K) supplied OK BOA-635000 $ 99.00 Floppy Controller. Controls up to four drives, 5% ' 48196 TPI BOA-6100-00 $ 95.00 Monochrome Graphics Card, (Hercules typel '-2-3 compatible) 720h x 348v BOA-6150-00 $175.00 Color Graphics Cird, 320 x 200 Res. Color, 640 x 200 Monochrome BOA-6200-00 $1 45.00 Clock Calendar Board, fits in "short slot" w/battery Back-up BOA-6375-00 $55.00 Hard Disk Controller, standard ST-506 interface for DOS 1.1 8 2.0 BOA-8050-00 $245.00 300 / 1200 Baud Modem Internal w'PC Talk III Communications Software BOA-8725-00 $239.00 Monochrome Monitor, 22MHz bandwidth, composite input or TTL MON-1725-00Green/Comp 99.00 MON-1700-00 Amber/Comp 104.00 MON-1775-00Green/TTL . 104.00 MON-1750-00Amber/TTL . . 109.00 Inquiry 266 Micro Products 1 5392 Assembly Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92649 714/898-0840 i:iMJ;li:kU;H 2050 $ 655 $1315 $1685 $ 625 $1185 $1625 $ 399 $ 490 $ 690 [IGHT!! 9230 3550 8850 2010/15/30 3510/15/30 8810/15/30 Elf 360,370 Pinwriter P-2 (w/lnterface & Tractor) Pinwriter P-3 (w/lnterface & Tractor) Terms: PREPAID - FREE FRI QUALITY PRINTERS 8415 Cement City Rd Brooklyn. Michigan A Phone: 517-592-3749 """"Heath Users Double Your 5'i" disk storage capacity without adding a drive. Get twice as much from your H88 or H89 microcomputer. Our FDC-880H floppy disk controller, in conjunction with your 5'*o"> plug->" ana bac* Dane' DEALER INOI S 549"~ FOB SANTA ANA •CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ADO S>» SALES TAX P C HORIZONS, INC. 1701 E. Edinger. Ste. A6, Santa Ana. CA 92680 (714) 953-5396 VT100 or D200 on your PC, jr, XT, AT or compatible ZSTEMpc-VTIOO Smart Terminal EMulator 132-col. by windowing-no addit. hardware Double High. Double Wide Characters Full VT100 line graphics. Smooth scrolling 2-way file transfers incl. XMODEM Full keyboard softkeys. MACROS Speeds to 36.4KB. High Throughput ZSTEMpc-VT100 S150 ZSTEMpc-D200 $125. 30 day money back guarantee. MC VISA ZSTEM Communications Division KEA SYSTEMS LTD. 4 1 2 2150 w Broadway Vancouver. B.C. CANADA V6K 4L9 Support (604) 732-7411 Orders (800) 663-8702 Inquiry 42d The Statistician CPM IBM-PC TRS-DOS XENIX Multiple Regression Stepwise Ridge All Subsets Backward Elimination Time Series Analysis Descriptive Statistics Transformations " Survey Research ■ Nonparametncs • X-Y Plots ■ ANOVA ' Random Samples ' Data Base " Search & sort ' Hypothesis tests Please call TOLL FREE 1-800-334-0854 (Ext. 814) Q for more information or write: Quant Systems Box 628 Charleston, SC 29402 VISA-M/C Accepted controls up ^^> % to 4 motors from any CRT, terminal or computer STEPPING MOTOR CONTROLLER • powerful 5 amps/ • acceleration winding deceleration • RS232 interface • 1-4 axis moves Standard Version with BASIC $985 1 6K BASIC with Battery Backup $1 335 CNC VERSION $1950 Stepping Motor Tips Cookbook $8 CNC Manual $12 CENTROID (814) 2374535 Box 739, State College, PA 16804 Inquiry 69 Maxell Floppy Disks The Mini-Disks with maximum quality. Dealer inquiries invited. CO.D's accepted. Call FREE (800) 235-4137 PACIFIC EXCHANGES 100 Foothill Blvd. San Luis San Luis Obispo. CA 93401 In Cal. call (800) 592-5935 or (805)543-1037 c -^* Inquiry 308 Inquiry 337 Inquiry 310 SINCE W7\ T\ Computer Discount Products Monthly Mail-Order Listing For Apple, IBM & Macintosh Users Retail Showrooms In California: San Jose • San Mateo • San Francisco INFOCOM Apple, IBM 1 Macintosh CUTTHROATS/ENCHANTER 6625.9 DEADUNE'SUSPECT INFIDEL SORCERER HITCHHIKE R/SEASTALKER WITNESS ZORK I ZORK IIZORK III 682999 6828.99 682(99 6627 99 662999 MOCKINGBOARD Sound Board 79.99 Speech Chips 79.99 Sound AND Speech lie 145.99 Sound AND Speech lie 145 9s ENTERTAINMENT Ap ---4 ^p Ap Ap IBM IBM IBM Ap/IBM Ap/IBM Ap/IBM Ap/IBM Ap/IBM Ap/IBM Ap/IBM Ap/IBM Ap/IBM Ap/IBM BEAGLE 1.0 Silver -NEW KAU DECATHLON 23.99 SIRTECH Knight of Diamond 34.99 WIZPLUS 23.99 GATO 29.99 MASTERTYPE 32.99 SIR TECH Wizardry 44.99 CHAMP LOOERUNNER 24.99 ELECTRONIC ARTS Archon 29.99 MusCPinoall Const. 6629.99 One On One/Sky Fox 6*29.99 FLIGHT SIMULATOR 35.99 SARGON III 31.99 TRiaiUM Amazon/ Rama 6627.99 Fahrenheit 451 Shadow 6127.99 WINDHAM Below The Root 18.99 Swiss Family Robinson 18.99 APPLICATION Home & Business Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM Ap/IBM Ap/IBM ASCII Express 99.99 CONTINENTAL Hm Acct 44.99 Home Accountant MAC 75.99 Tax Advantage 39.99 MONOGRAM DollarsSense lie 69.99 Forecast 49.99 PFSRept, File. Graph. Wnte 6879.99 .99 ASCII Express Pro 13! ASHTONTATE dBase II 289.99 dBase III 389.99 Framework 389.99 CONTINENTAL FCM 71.99 Home Accountant + 84.99 Tax Advantage 45.99 CROSSTALK 105.99 LOTUS 1-2-3 299.99 MICROPRO Telmerge 119.99 MONOGRAM Dollars S Sense 109.99 PFSRept. File. Graph. Write 6889.99 MICRO COOKBOOK 32.99 MICROSOFT MULTIPLAN 169.99 WORD PROCESSING Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM MODEMS HAYES 300 Baud 1200 Baud - .-0OB 'or IBM Micromodem lie NOVATION Applecat II 300 Bd Expansion Module J Cat BANK STREET Wnte Spell ea43.99 KENSINGTON Format II 99.99 MICROPRO Wordstar 189.99 Wordstar Pro wCP-M 265.99 SENSIBLE SPELLER 79.99 SIERRA Screenwnter II 89.99 BANK STREET Writer 49.99 LIFETREE Volkswnter Deluxe 159.99 MICROSOFT Word w Mouse 289.99 MICROPRO Wordstar 2000 259.99 Wordstar 2000 Plus 325.99 209.99 474.99 359.99 239.99 198.99 29.99 104.99 EDUCATIONAL DLM Ap Alien Addition/Minus Mission 6821.99 Ap Alligator Mix Dragon Mix 6121.99 Ap Division Multiplication 6821.99 LEARNING COMPANY *P Bumble Games/Plot 6825.99 *P Gertrudes Puzzte/Secret 6127.99 Ap Rockys Boot/Robot Odyssey 8*31.99 Ap/IBM Aooiton Magician/Word Spinner 27.99 Ap/IBM Magic Spell/Number Stump. 6625.99 Ap/IBM Moplown Hotel Reaoer Rabb 6125.99 PEACHTREE ALGEBRA l-IV 6825.99 ALGEBRA V 4 VI 6832.99 SPINNAKER Ap Grandmas House/KkJwnter Ap KidsOnKeys Ap Sum Ducks/Trams Ap/IBM Facemaker/Fraction Fever Ap/IBM Diddle Diddle Kindercomp Ap/IBM Presidents Choice Ap/IBM Snooper Troops I or II COLLEGE BOUND Ap BARONS SAT Ap CBS Mastering SAT Ap PEACHTREE SAT'PSAT CROSSWORD MAGIC 6619.99 19.99 6824.99 6819.99 6819.99 25.99 6128.99 59.99 94.99 6834.99 39.99 * % JSL m «•!/>. *** T'/ Ap Ap Ap Ap Ac Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap IBM CDP16K Ram Card Parallel Interface w Cable DAN PAYMAR Lower Case 1 Lower Case 2. Rev 7 EXTENDED 80 Col. Card-lie JOYSTICK Kraft or TG KENSINGTON System Saver KOALA Touch Pad MICRO-SCIA-2 Drive ORANGE MICRO Grappler * Buffered Grappler THUNDERCLOCK TITAN Accelerator lie Neptune 64K AST Six Pack Plus 64K HARDWARE 39.99 IBM 39.99 IBM 25.99 IBM 19.99 IBM 129.99 IBM 39.99 IBM 65.00 IBM 75.99 IBM 195.99 IBM 99.99 IBM 159.99 109.99 Ap 219.99 Ap 199.99 Ap 245.99 Ap KENSINGTON PC Saver KOALA Touch Pad PLANTRONICSCotor* Board QUADRAM512 » 64K ERamSO Microfazer 8K-AII Confkj Ouadboardlorll-NoK Quadcotor I Quadcotor Upgrade to II TEACVi Height Drive #55B VIDEO 7 RGB 80 64 lie Slot 7 RGB Card II + e RGB Adapter lie Mappter Connector 29.99^ 99 375. 229. 129.99 139.99 219.99 195.99 199.99 159.99 189.99 109.99 149.99 39.99 UTILITIES & ENHANCEMENTS Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap Ap IBM IBM BM BM IBM IBM AplBM AplBM AplBM BEAGLE DGode-AJFH/.' Beagle Graphes Dos Boss Fat Cat GPLE Tnple Dump BRODERBUND Dazzle Draw Graphics Library Pnnt Shop COPY II + Program EASTSIDE Wildcard II FONTRIX FINGERPRINT For Epson MERLIN PENGUIN Complete Graphics Graphics Magician COPY II Program FONTRIX GET ORGANIZED NORTON UTILITIES SIDEKICK SIDEWAYS TURBO PASCAL Toolbox Tutor 29.99 35.99 15.99 21.99 29.99 27.99 44.99 19.99 31.99 25.99 111.99 49.99 44.99 44.99 49.99 37.99 25.99 99.99 149.99 55.99 35.99 44.99 35.99 29.99 29.99 APPLE PRE-BOOTS Apple Writer 14.99 Apple Writer lor Ultralerm 23.99 Visicalc 39.99 Expansion 66.99 Visicalc lor Ultraterm 54.99 VIDEX-Apple ENHANCER II FUNCTION STRIP HARDSWITCH PSIO SOFTSWITCH ULTRATERM VIDEOTERMwSoltsw 99.99 31.99 14.99 145.99 25.99 23999 179.99 MAXELL5'/«SS 10/100 MEMOREX 3% SS 107100 MEMOREX 5'/. SS 10/100 FLIP-FILE HoWs 50-5% MEDIA MATE Holds 30-3'/i 19.99/189. 34.99/339. 18.99/179. 14.99 11.99 MACINTOSH BRODERBUND Loderunner 27.99 COPY II MAC 24.99 HOME ACCOUNTANT 63.99 MAC FUN 32.99 MAC VEGAS 34.99 MAC VISION 399.99 MEDIA MATE Holds 30-3 V 9.99 MEMOREX 3¥ Diskettes 34.99 MICROSOFT Basic 94.99 Chart 74.99 File Multipian 68129.99 MONOGRAM Dollars & Sense 94.99 Forecast 59.99 PFS File/Report 6879.99 INFOCOM FOR MACI-See Separate Box 1 Printers A Monitors EPSON FX80 RX80 PRINCETON HX-12 RGB Max- 1 2 Amber TAXAN#11612 - Amb-Ap #122 12' Amber-IBM #420 RGB Color-IBM OKI DATA 92 w/Plug'n Play USIPi4-Amb 499.99 329.99 459.99 179.99 129.99 159.99 389.99 459.99 99.99 )RDER * B-5 V Q '^ Computer Discount Products 860 So. Winchester Bl., San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 985-0400 from sam pst U.S. Mail — $10 Minimum Chg. • Hardware Shipping — SCALL Purchase Order Prices Differ — Call First • Prices Subject To Change • Software Sales Final PLEASE ALLOW TIME FOR PERSONAL CHECKS TO CLEAR w«> >* NI We reserve the right to charge for freight on orders less than $100 S3SS3-- ■sgSSsSBSS 48ip. and/oi TOW c0(Je ^ M) u SUPPORT « G - Ma " Ua ' S99 . SYSTEM SUPPD" ab |es $99 •ESssss- "S 60069 • 13"> M ' _« U A »i«(srifi DUST COVERS For Personal Computers and Small Business Systems, Peripherals, Game Units - Protective, Long-Lasting Vinyl Resists Both Dust and Liquids - CHOICE OF COLORS - Amdek Franklin Ace Apple IBM Atari Kaypro BMC Okidata Columbia Rana Systems Commodore Star Micronics Corona Televideo Eagle Texas Instruments Epson PLUS OTHERS GROUP/VOLUME DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE BROCHURE WRITE: ENCHANTED FOREST P.O. Box 5261 , Newport Beach, CA 92662 (118 Onyx) Dealer Inquiries Invited PAL EPROM & UV ERASERS from $49.95 LOGICAL DEVICES INC. ft/4e*e (leluduhtf and SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 240 QEQOQQQ ORDER TOLL FREE 1-800-EE1-PROM 0-800-33 1 -7766) Inquiry 133 Inquiry 246 OK-WRITER LETTER QUALITY Enhancement for Okidata ML82A/83A Dot Matrix Printers • Easy to install • Plug-in module • Letter Quality: 30cps • Draft Quality: 120 cps • 10, 12, 17cpi • Full dot addressable graphics • Front panel access to all features • Proportional spacing, bold, double width, underlining, self-test, etc. • Serial and parallel interfaces retained • HELP mode; Diagnostic HEX dump • And many other features o RAIN BOW TECHNOLOGIES. INC 17971 -E Skypark Circle, Irvine, CA 92714 (714) 261-0228 Telex 386078 UK Distributor: X-DATA (0753) 72331 Inquiry 341 PC EXPANSIONS Qume 142A $189 Teac FD55B $129 Tandon TM 100-2 $129 TandonTMIOI 4 $239 CDC 9409 $129 I Maynard Disk Controller $114 Sandstar Series $call Internal 1 0MB HD systems WSI $769 WS2 $929 MaynStream tape backup $1229 Quadboard|64K) $254 Quadboard |384K) $349 $199 AST SixPakPluS(64K) $259 SixPakPlus (384K) . . . $354 MegaPlus(64K) $269 J Advantage . . $419 $129 PCnet ■ starter kit $809 HERCULES graphics board $339 Color Card with PP $169 HAYES Modems 300 $199 Smartmodem 1200 $429 Smartmodem 1200B $389 Set ol 9 chips 164 Kl . $19 256K chips (each) $6 8087 chip $139 Verbatim Daiahle disks (20) $49 VLM Computer Electronics 10 Park Place • Mornstown, NJ 07960 (201) 267-3268 Visa, MC. Check or COD mi mflRYmflc industries ,nc 800-231-3680 Radio Shack TRS-80 % Epson Printers People you Trust to give you the very best! Lowest Discount Prices > Reliable Service ■ Quality Products "Worlds largest volume TRS-80 dealer." 22511 Katy Fwy . Katy (Houston) Texas 77450 (713) 392-0747 Telex 774132 Inquiry 254 FLOWCHARTER EasyFlow-PLUS is a program that helps you to produce neat, accurate flowcharts. You describe the chart using simple flowchart description commands; EasyFlow-PLUS then produces a complete flowchart for output to the printer or a disk file. • automatic line routing • automatic text centering within shapes • charts up to 16 shapes wide by 16 shapes high • organization charts • standard flowcharting shapes in- cluded • user defined shapes easily added • wide charts can be printed in strips • text blocks can be placed anywhere in the chart • arbitrary lines can be drawn anywhere in the chart • fast: 12 seconds typical • 140 page manual " works with all printers • minimum memory MSDOS/PCDOS 128K; CP-M/80 (requires Z80) 64 K $89.95 + $2.00 s&h. Check, VISA or MO. HavenTree Software Limited P.O. Box 1093-A Thousand Island Park, NY 13692 (613) 542-7270 Extension 80 IBM™/APPLE™/COMMODORE™ BARECOM™ MODEM ADD-ON MODEM FOR PERSONAL COMPUTER • BELL 103 AND/OR 212 COMPATIBLE • CCITT V21 AND/OR V 23 COMPATIBLE • AUTO DIAL/ANSWER/DISCONNECTION • FREE OF CHARGE COMMUNICATION SOFTWARE DEALERS AND DISTRIBUTER INVITED. OEM DESIGN/MANUFACTURE WELCOMED S COMPOWER TECHNOLOGY CORP. Made in Taiwan, but not Copied. P.O. BOX 58144 TAIPEI, TAIWAN. ROC TELEX: 20370 COMPOWER TEL: (02) 3937976, 3213060 Inquiry 87 AFFORDABLE M 68000 COMPUTER SYSTEM M68KCPU 6- 10 MHz CPU. 20K static RAM. 16K EPROM, on board monitor, two R5-232 serial ports. 16-bit parallel port, 5 timer/- counters expansion bus. Bare board » 99.95 Complete Kit 6595.00 MD512K 128 512K static RAM. floppy disk controller Chard disk interface Bare board $ 99.95 Complete Kit ( 1 28K> S725.O0 M68KE Enclosure with power supply, fan, filter, 4 slot card cage S249.00 M68K ASM M68000 Macro Cross Assembler for CP/M80, IBM PC. TRS-80 and Apple II computers » 199.00 UPS shippings handling » 4.00 COD orders add 9 3.00 Foreign orders add S20.O0 California residents add 6.5% tax E?A>fC Educational UlTlO Microcomputer (714) 854-8545 Sytem» P.O. Box 161 15 • Irvine. CA 92713 Inquiry 414 inquiry 151 COASTLINE COMPUTERS CALL COLLECT-FREE 213-329-4828 213-324-8087 1956 W. 153 St., Gardena, CA 90247 WHY GO OFFSHORE WHEN YOU CAN SAVE MORE ON THE COASTLINE! IBM PC • 2 55B Teac Vz High Drives • 256K, BMC 13" Amb Mon. • Monitor Interface $1729 IBM EXCECUTIVE SYSTEM • IBM PC w/256K • 2 Half High Drives • 8087-3 Math Coprocessor • Monochrome Monitor • Mono Card w/Par Port • DOS 2.1 Operating System • Okidata 92P Dot Matrix Printer (160cps) $2399 IBM PC The Great Deal! Coastline Color Sys • 2 Drives 256K Memory • Color Card w/Par. Port • HX12 Color Monitor $2395 IBM PC 2 Full Height MPI Drives Keyboard & Dr Controller 256K Memory $1549 IBM PRO EXECUTIVE SYSTEM IBM PC w/256K 2 360K Vz High Dr w/Cont 10 Meg Internal Hard Disk Monochrome Monitor Mono Card w/Par Port DOS 2.1 Operating System Juki 6100 Letter Quality Printer (18cps) $3495 CALL FOR DAILY SPECIALS!!! INTEL Math Coprocessor 8087-3 (FOR IBM PC AND COMPATIBLES) $119.00 Call for 8087 for IBM AT AST SIXPAC + Comes with 384K Expandable Clock Calendar, Par/Ser Port Plus Software $359.00 IBM Memory Upgrade For IBM & Compatibles 9 - 4164 64K Upgrade $19.95 128K Upgrade $40.95 IBM CABLE Computer to Par Printer 6 Foot Long $14.50 BMC 1 3 Amber Mnnid »i $89.00 IBM DOS 2.1 IBM PC & XT Operating System $54.99 QUANTITY ORDERS Call for Bigger Discounts Corporate & School Accts Call for Information Dealer Programs Avail - P.O.s Expedited HERCULES GRAPHICS CARD Monochrome w/Par Port For IBM & Compatibles $319.00 Other Product Lines Available from Coastline Amdek • Princeton Graphics • Techmar • Teac Hercules • Compaq • Tandon • NEC • Intel Okidata • Quadram • Hayes • Alpha Omega Anchor • Bizzcomp • Juki • Epson • Plus More! CAL DEK 10 Meg INTERNAL HARD DISK For PC or Compatible Comes w/Drive Controller 4>OZ7«3«vJvJ 120 day warranty) OKIDATA 92P With Plug and Play $339.00 CALL FOR NEW PRICING ON . . STAR MICRONIC GEMINI'S Mail Orders To: 1956 W. 153 St., Gardena, CA 90247. Terms: Visa, Mastercard, COD;s and Wire Transfers. No surcharge for credit cards. UPS, Federal and Emery shipping available. Calif, residents add 6Vz% sales tax. Prices subject to change without notice. Not responsible for typos. Inquiry 76 MAY 1985 -BYTE 499 41 Apple II + Paper Tape I/O Is This Easy 1010101 1010001010 : .:.:.:.::.::.:.:.::.:.: 01010101010010100.:.:.:.:.::.:..:.::.:.: One minute you're without, the next you're up and running! Just plug into your APPLE II PLUS. A neat and complete package. • Model 600-1 Punch — 50cps, rugged • Model 605 Reader — 150cps • Parallel Interface Board/Cable • Data Handling Program Code conversion available. TRS-80 pack- age soon. ADDMASTER CORP 416 Juni- pero Serra Dr., San Gabriel, CA 91776 " 213/285-1121. CHIPS 'n DIPS QUANTITY ONE PRICES 8087-3 I (129.00 8088 29.00 256K ORAM 12.00 64K DRAM 150 ns 2.20 64 K DRAM 200 ns 2.18 128KDRAM Mostek 1 50 ns 18.00 SW Diskettes 1.75 FREE UPS SHIPPING All parts in stock, first quality. No seconds or surplus. Same day shipping! CHIPS 'n DIPS P.O. Box 2517 . The Mall Duxbury, MA 02331 617-934-2414 6809 Single Board Computer itfo MP0. i s*lat pU ^fptiroisttodffcj- \ RAM. EPROM. real-time clock, watchdog timer, 44-pin 4.5 • 6.5 PCB EXPANSION MODULK: RAM, EPROM, CMOS RAM/battery, analog I/O. serial I/O, parallel I/O, counter/timer, IEEE-488, EPROM programmer, floppy disks, cassette, breadboard, keyboard/display. Lafayette. IN 47904 I 317-742-M28 Inquiry 1 2 Inquiry 7 1 Inquiry 420 3M & diskettes 5 1 /4" Specify soft. 10 or 16 sector Minimum Order 20 Single sided double density 1.49e 1.99e Double sided double density Certified Check - Money Order - Personal Check Allow up to 2 weeks for personal checks to clear Add S3 00 per 100 or part to each order for U PS. shipping charges NJ Residents add 6% sales tax. eX~C4-04NEe. INC 178 Route 206 South, P.O. Box 993 Department C Somerville, N.J. 08876 • (201) 874-5050 15-BIT A/D CONVERTER for IBM® PC + /-5 V011 INPUT RANGE. FULLY DIFFERENTIAL 025% ACCURACY. 4 CHANNELS 7SAMPLES/SEC0ND 6 CHANNEL THERMOCOUPLE THERMOMETER FULLY DIFFERENTIAL 64 CHANNEL DATA LOGGING SOFTWARE VOLTAGE. CURRENT OR THERMOCOUPLES 16 CHANNEL STRIP CHART INCLUDED POWERFUL AND EASY TO USE $2b- $175 S'vt FOR APPLE II® BROAD LINE OF DATA ACQUISITION AND CONTROL PRODUCTS INCLUDING 8-. 12-. AND 13-BIT A/D CONVERTERS SAMPLING RATES UP TO 111 000/SECOND THERMOMETRY, DIGITAL I/O DATA LOGGING SOFTWARE CUSTOM HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REASONABLE PRICES LAWSON LABS, INC. 5700 RAISE ROAD COLUMBIA FALLS. MT 59912 406-387 5355 RAM -RAM -RAM 64 K 150 NS64KX 1 $2.00 256K 150ns 256kh $10.50 * PARTS IN STOCK * FACTORY NEW, PRIME PARTS * WILL MEET MOST ADVERTISED PRICES * * NEXT DAY SHIPMENT* EC. I. P.O. BOX 8067 FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA 92728 TELEX: 910 997 6120 EARTH FV CALL (714) 964-5784 Inquiry 121 Inquiry 235 Inquiry 147 WRITE For creative and report writing. Includes many features missing from WordStar, such as alpha- betized directory listings, fast scrolling, and trial printing to the screen Write is $239 Software Essentials This package contains a word processor, printer program, data- base programs, and more for $124 For all MS-DOS and IBM PC compatibles Workman Associates & 112 Marion Avenue Pasadena, CA 91106 (818) 796-4401 Please request our new catalog Electronic Circuit Analysis • New release • Transient. AC. DC analysis • Full nonlinear • Over 200 nodes • Full editing • Macro circuits • Worst case. Monte-Carlo • Temperature effects • Frequency dependent parts • Time dependent parts For MS-DOS. 128k minimum. S395.00 Tatum Labs P.O. Box 698 Sandy Hook, CT 06482 (203) 426-2184 -_ FOR THE BEST OF US __ "»• THE CYPHER «"■ A COMPLETE 68000 & Z 80 SINGLE BOARD COMPUTER SYSTEM WITH ULTRAHIGH-RES GRAPHICS!! Inquiry 421 Inquiry 388 Inquiry 279 ESTABLISHED 1977 YfNirH | data systems Z-1 50 PC THE MOST COMPATIBLE PC W MSDOS 2 1 MS WORD. MS MULTIPLAN 320K RAM DUAL 5V." DS DD DRIVES $1,929 Z-150 PC W/106MD H.D. $2,450 Z-1 60 PC PORTABLE w gold 9 SCREEN. 320K RAM DUAL SW DSDD "»» 10Mb HARD DISK & ALL SOFTWARE $2,849 SMC 20O DUAL DRV. SMD IF CTRL BO DGC-100CTRL BD./6V4" H.D.. ST 506 I F •BOO »325 5V«" HARD DISK SUBSYSTEMS W/CONTROLLER. ALL CABLES. CABINET. P/S . FAN AND SOFTWARE DRIVERS SI 27M b 90mSEC S1.525 42M b 45mSEC $1,995 S2M b 30mSEC $2,350 S2 85M b 30mSEC S2.995 S2 105M b 30mSEC S3.695 S3 140M b 30mSEC $4,395 $4 DOUBLE SHOCK MO 12M b INSIDER .295 ,795 095 725 695 495 UNT $639 RQDIME ounmum MICROPOL1S Mqp^or RQDIME CALL FOR IBM-PC/AT SUBSYSTEMS (onnpuPro WE STOCK, SUPPORT, AND AGGRESSIVELY SELL ALL COMPUPRO PRODUCTS CALL OUR EXPERT SALES DEPT FOR EXCEPTIONAL VALUES AMONG THESE ARE SYSTEM 816/C H40 W/ BV4" 8. 8" FLPY $7,777 SYSTEM 816/10-H40 $5,595 CPU286 CSCW/80287 CO-PROCESSOR$1 ,449 CPU32016 WITH MMU $699 HUDSON 8087 PIGGY BACK FOR 8085/88 $435 RAM22 A8.T 256K STATIC RAM $939 RAM23 A&T 128K STATIC RAM $479 MDRIVE/H 512K $625 MDRIVE/H 2Mb $1,839 FUJITSU 2302B 23 2Mb 8" ADD ON H.D $1,995 DISK 2 8" H D CTRL SET FOR ABOVE $495 MORROW PIVOT PORT W/DUAL 5'/4" DRVS „ BATT . 640K. MODEM. MSDOS. NEWWORD CALL MD3 W TERMINALS BROTHER HR15XL $1,645 MD2 WITH MDT 70 AND HR 10 PRINTER SI. 449 MD5 W/ TERMINAL 81 BROTHER HR I 5 XL $2,025 MD11 W/ TERM & BROTHER HR35-XL $2,979 Vectrix THE COMPUTER GRAPHICS COMPANY TODAYS 672X480 HI-RES GRAPHICS SOLUTION FOR YOUR MICRO COMPUTER W/9 BIT PLANES. 512 COLORS PIXEL FROM PALETTE OF 16.800.000 COLORS. 384K GRAPHICS RAM STAND ALONE RS232 VX384A $3,395 VX/PC 2 BOARD SET WITH 4096 COLOR PALETTE S2.195 VXMA 13" HI-RES COLOR MONITOR $1,395 IBM PC INTERFACE CABLE S150 VX/PC PAINT PROGRAM S400 ^STANDARD PAINT PROGRAM S72B S-100 DIV./696 CORP. 14455 NORTH 79TH ST. SCOTTSOALE, AZ 85260 r^ ProModem 1200 from. PRO MODEM 1200 hayes compat WITH BUILT-IN POWER SUPPLY $298 1 200A APPLE CARD MODEM $297 1 200B IBM PC CARD MODEM W MITE $265 1200 M MAC MODEM W CABLE 8. MITE$365 CO-PROCESSOR $79 ALPHANUMERIC DISPLAY $79 U.S. ROBOTICS, INC. PASSWORD 1200 AUTO ANS /DIAL $249 S-100 BD. 300/1200 MODEM "NEW $295 IBM PERSONAL MODEM W TELPAC $289 IBM PERSONAL MULTIFUNC. MODEM 64K $465 TELPAC FOR MSDOS $59 COURIER 2400 $525 SOFTWARE SALES 800-528-3138 CUST. SERVICE/TECH. 602-991-7870 TELEX 9103806778 SONEHUND ij^inll'ii Amcodyne THIS IS THE FINEST HARD DISK SYSTEM YOU CAN BUY! it s speed (35mSEC AVG. ACCESS) and efficiency (BACK-UP 20Mb IN 10 MIN.) ARE SUPERB FOR MULTI-USER AND/OR NETWORKING CONFIGURATIONS. ARAPAHOE 7110 SUBSYSTEM w/ CONTROLLER. CAB . P/S, FAN, CABLES, SFTWARE DRIVERS, 8" 25Mb FIXED AND 25Mb REMOVABLE TURBODOS. COMPUPRO CONCURRENT DOS & CP/M816. AND MSDOS FOR IBM-PC. ETC. SUPPORTED S4.795 8" SS SD OR AS SPECIFIED SOFTWARE IS NOT RETURNABLE BDS "C" COMPILERS BIT S99 COMPUTER INNOVATIONS C88 "C" S299 COMPUVIEW VEDIT 86 ■ »156 MS DOS S120 DATAFLEX M ULTI- USER DATA BASE CALL NEW WORD WORD PROCESSOR WITH 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE $169 LATTICE C (CP/M86 8, MS/PC-DOS) $299 LOTUS 1-2-3 $299 CLOSE-OUT 60% OFF EXISTING INVENTORY STARSOFT'S ACCOUNTING PARTNER CP/M80 8" $239 dBASE II 8" CP/M 808.86 $295 MicroPro H DIGITAL RESEARCH CALL FOR SUPER LOW PRICES ON LATEST VERSIONS "C" LANGUAGE COMPILER-86 $229 terminals: LIBERTY TERMINALS WYSE-50 14" 132 COLUMN CALL $499 MONITORS ! TATUNG AMDEK 710 HI-RES RGB COLOR $595 PRINCETON GRAPHICS HX 12 S449 CM- 1322 13" RGB-TTL 640X400 $395 $395 TAXAN RGB VISION 420 $439 ZENITH ZVM 122A AMBER NON-GLARE $89 ZENITH ZVM 123A GREEN NON-GLARE $89 ZENITH ZVM 136 13" RGB 640 X 480 LONG PERSIST PHOSPHORS FOR INTERLACE $595 printers: BROTHER DAISYWHEEL HR-15XL SER OR PAR 17 CPS (366 HR-2S SER. OR PAR. 23 CPS $626 HR- 36 SER. OR PAR. 36 CPS »849 BROTHER DOT MATRIX 2024L 24 PIN HEAD. GRAPHICS $935 BROTHER M1009 60 CPS 6LBS. *196 EPSON ALL MODELS Si ACCESSORIES CALL OKIDATA ALL MODELS & ACCESSORIES CALL drives: WE SERVICE 5V4"OR 8" $45 FLOPPY DRIVES r PARTS + SHIPPING MITSUBISHI ELECTRONICS A 4851 Vi HT 5'/4" 48TPI 4853 ViHT 5V." 96TPI M2894 STD 8" DSDD M2896 V, HI 8" DSDD SANYO 5V." VjHT FLPY $109 $125 $139 $369 $389 (5) ujongtek ' PC-36 60Mb TAPE BACK UP FOR IBM-PC 5Mb MIN PC-INTERNAL SUBSYSTEM $1,525 PC-EXTERNAL SUBSYSTEM $1,595 ■="=-=— — PC W/266K. FLPY 8. i^i?|" 10Mb H.D. 82,330 9 CHIPS/SET: 64K RAM 41 64-1 50 NS $16 95 256K RAMS @ 150nS $79.00 8087-3 MATH CO-PROCES. $139 MUSCLE- 150XT ibm-pc i so watt REPLACEMENT P/S W/ ALL CABLES $125 m^m m ^vni SUPER RES 400 UP TO 64K DISPLAY BUFFER D UAL PORTED. 640 X 400. 25KHz, UP TO 16 COLORS GRAPHIX PLUS II RGB MONO COMP OR TTL RIO PLUS II 384K 2S. P. G PORTS SUPER I/O II W/ALL CABLES S. P Ij G PORTS QUARTER BYTE 256K FOR SHORT SLOT SUPER RIO 256K W ' S, P. G PORTS BIG BYTE 384K MEMORY BOARD GRANDE BYTE 2.5Mb FOR IBM-AT RIO GRANDE 1.5Mb. 2S. P. G PORTS TEGM/M? DYNAMIC MEMORY 64K GRAPHICS MASTER - HIGH RES COLOR LAB MASTER W TM40PGL AND LABPAC SOFTWARE ■--' ADVANCED DIGITAL PC-SLA VE/ 1 6-256 K bmhz 2 SERIAL PORTS - TURN YOUR PC INTO A HIGH SPEED MULTI-USER MACHINE W/ TODAY'S TECHNOLOGY SUPER SIX 128 6MH; SUPER SLAVE 128 6MH; SUPER 186/256K MSTR. SLAVE-4 USERS CP/M 3.0 TURBODOS VER. 14 8 BIT MULTI-USER $269 S369 $149 $229 $349 $269 $1,419 $1,065 $139 $459 $750 $695 $525 S1.295 $300 $450 / Mf Intercontinental W± Micro Systems a* ~ — ' CPZ 48006 6Mht MASTER $739 256K MB MEMORY BOARD $709 CPZ 186 256 K $1,275 CPS ■ 1 6 266K 8MHz 8086 SLV »989 CPS-B4D 64K RAM SLAVE 4MHz $389 CPS-B6A 128K RAM SLAVE 6MHz «629 MUTD-E Z80 MULTI TURBODOS *666 TURBODOS CONFIG. "I" Z80 OR 80186 MASTER. Z80 OR 8086 SLAVES 8, PC NETWORK $939^ FULL DEALER SUPPORT VISIT OUR SHOWROOM Hrt. 8:30AM - 5:00PM M-F lnquiry<134for Dealers. lnquiry435for End-Users All marehandise new. Wa accept MC, Visa. Wires, COO (*5 mm fee) \ Cashiers Check MO. PO's from qualified firms APO accepted. Shipping minimum 84 first 3 Lbs Tax A2 Res Only add 6% sales tax. All returns subject to 20% restocking fee Advertised prices for Mail Order Only Retail prices slightly higher Phces subject to change. BUILD YOUR IDEAS WITH TUTSIMji^ Design a real system model by simulation! TUTSIM allows you the' power to model, con- / duct experiments, eval/ uate strategies and much more. TUTSIM models: ■ Control and Servo Systems ■ Robotics ■ Fluid Dynamics ■ Batch Chemical Processes ■ Biological Processes ■ Thermodynamics Write or call for more information For the IBM PC's and other micros- Short form $29.^ 200 California Ave., #214 Palo Alto, CA 94106 (41 r »t Ui-4H00 Real-Time Multitasking Executive ■ ROMable ( 3K) ■ No royalties ■ Source code included ■ Language interfaces ■ Low interrupt overhead ■ Inter-task messages Options •C. Pascal, PL/M, Fortran Interlaces ■ CP/M-80 BDOS interlace ■IBM PC DOS interface • Extended memory (■ 64K) •Configuration Builder Utility • Resource Manager •Buffer Manager ■ Integer Math Library ■ Real-Time C Library AMX Hot 8080) $800 US (for 6809) $950 US (for 8086) $950 U.S. Manual only $ 75 US (specify processor) D- jM ^ AMX. AMX86. Real-Time C areTl KAOAK Products Ltd Z80isTMolZilogCorD CP'M-80 isTM of Digital Resear IBM PC OOS aie TM of IBM Cor KADAK Products Ltd. U V6J 1Y5 Telephone (604) 734-2796 Telex 04-55670 Inquiry 255 Inquiry 35 Inquiry 225 I..OW OOST E C E > t> KOM UN T V ERK A I. I - u ex; i* a mm i-: iv ~i-fT>* t - » SUPPORTS: ■ KPHOHS) 2516 THRU 64, 2716 THRU 512, 27C16 THRU IZH, 6H732 THRU 66 (EEPROMS) 52B13 THRU 33, 2816A THRU 64A (MICROS) 8741 THRU 49H * NO PKRSONAIITY MODULES, ONBOARD POWER SUPPLY * RSZ32C INTERFACE. X0N X0FE, RTS, CTS, DTR * ACCEPTS KEYBOARD KNTHY WITH LINE EDITING * ACCKPTS ASCII. INTEL. AND MOTOROLA FORMATS » USER FRIENDLY MONITOR FOR I/O DEBUGGING * FAST PROGRAMMING SUPPORTED: 2764 UNDER 3 M!N. * LOW/HIGH BYTE PROGRAMMING FOR 16 BIT DATA PATH * BYTE. BLOCK, OH CHIP ERASE ( EEPROMS ONLY) * LIST IN INTEL OH MOTOROLA HEX FORMAT * VERIFY PROGRAM AND VERIFY BLANK COMMANDS * 1409-01. 4K FIRMWARE. PCH, X FORMER, DOC $90.00 * 1409-02: 1409 01 * F'ULL SET OF PAHTS $200.00 » 1409-OX ASSEMBLED AND TESTED UNIT $300.00 « 140911: 8K FIRMWARE, PCH, XFORMER, DOC $125.00 * 1409-12: 1409 II * FULL SET OF PARTS $250.00 « 1409-13: ASSEMBLED AND TESTED UNIT $350.00 « COMMUNICATION DRIVERS FOR MOST PC'S $35.00 B8cC M I CHOSYSTEMS 6322 M0JAVE DR, SAN JOSE, CA 95120 Tel. (408)997-7685. TWX 4995363 SPECIAL DISKETTE OFFER verbatim Datalife Disks have 6 data- shielding improvements for greater disk durability and longer data life. PLUS! if you call, write, or utilize reader service in response to this ad— well send you our full-range catalog of computer supplies with Special Offers good for further sav- ings on verbatim diskettes and many other quality products. Call or write for our discount catalog. LYBEN COMPUTER SYSTEMS 1250-E Rankin Dr., Troy, Ml 48083 Phone: (3131 589-3440 DATALIFE • THE NAME IS THE PROMISE THE WABHANTY IS THE PROOF Get the Proportional Printing Program which Really Works! Get type-set quality true proportional spaced printing from unmodified Word- Star and NewWord document files. PropStar prints on most daisy-wheel printers with ps type-wheels including Diablo, Qume, NEC, Brother, Juki, S-R, C.Itoh and many others. PropStar is a stand-alone program, not a patch to your w.p. program, it main- tains correct letter spacing, never crowds capitals (even on short lines), gives higher quality print than modi- fied WordStar. PropStar supports most of the common WordStar and NewWord print enhancements. No installation patching required. For CP/M-80 sys- tems on 8" and 5-1/4" media, also for MS-DOS systems on 5-1/4" PC media. Only $ 49.95, Visa & M/C o.k. Specify computer and printer. Dealers wanted. CIVIL COMPUTING CORPORATION ■arch Drive Suite i California 94550 1 4 I ''I 4S*j-8D86 Inquiry 248 Inquiry 75 EIA RS 232 Quality cables with immediate delivery and low prices. Conductor Price 1-4 1 1 50 + 15/ft 5-7 12 00 + .22/ft. 8-12 13.00 + 30/ft. 13-16 14 00 + 40/ft. 17-25 1 6.00 + 50/ft. Specify Male or female connectors, length of cable and pins to be connected. Extended Distance. Centronics (Parallel). Coaxial (RG59U. 62A/U). Dual Wang, Twin-axial. Ribbon. IBM, DEC Compatible cables and AB Switches also available We supply connector parts, bulk cable, tools and hardware (wall plates), for those who prefer to build their own cables Communication Cable Company PO Box 600-U Wayne, PA 1 9087 V^ 215-964-9404 J Osborne As available only! Very limited quantity. Important Always call to check availa bllity before ordering. To fix yourself, or for parts. Complete, but known not working. Guarante days. Ma or leturb ding on Exch/ Repair ?d for 30 1 be new . depen- rvail. Ouuighl Mam Board OS-1 $49 $79 $159 Main Board Exec. Si 59 $139 $299 Battery Pack, 40 Watt — $49 Double Density Kit ** " Includes board, cabl , docume nation & $79 disk 5" CRT (Grn/White) $9.95 $19 $29 7" CRT (Amber) $19 $49 $99 15" CRT, no case $85 Drive Analog Card $9.95 $29 $59 Drive Mechanism S2b $59 $29 Power Supply $4.95 $24 Keyboard (No enclos.) $19 — S99 Shipping charged on all orders Computer Parts Mart 415-493-5930 200 Park Blvd * Palo Alto * CA 94306 28 PIN PROM BLASTER WITH LIFETIME WARRANTY* Plugs into your IBM PC, XT or PPC and programs most 28 pin EPROMS. Includes the following features: * Menu Driven ■ Edit function for the data buffer* Moves systems memory data bufiiT < i*erforms a check sum • Reads EPR0M into data buffer i program the following EPROMS: • 2764 • 2712X • 272S6 • 2764A • 27128* OTHER APPARAT ADD-ONS: 2^ Pin Prom Blaster, AT Wb Combo Card, ^i2K RAM Card, J84K RAM/Clock. Hard Disk Subsystem, .Add-on Disk Drive. Clock t jkiKlar, 2%K RAM Card. Parallel Serial Card for PPC. ! 2K S84K Short Slot RAM Card for the PPC and more ApparatJnc. ADD ON AND ON AND ON AND ON AND ON •H01 So. Tamarac Parkwa\ Denwr, 00 80237 > 303/741-1778 ORDERING AND DEALER INFORMATION 800/525-7674 Stores in Denver & Chicago "On all cards sold after June ! , 1l 256K Expansion Contains BQ P0BIBMMEM3 6 36 64KX 1 150nS RAMs I-ffr*fM 256K Expansion Contains B QPDB256MEM 9 9 256K x 1 RAMs f-^/Of'T'] PRINTERS & DUFFERS S-100 CPU HOARDS Srappinrj wagrit on all S- 1 00 War* 2ffis earj> DISK DRIVES d" DRIVES SIEMENS Stngle side dW/density I8lbs BOSIEFDD1008 S 125 2 to 5 Drives $110 each/ 6 or more Drrves $99 eacti WORLD DISK DRIVES Double srie BOWD02008P $ 219 dot/density 18 lbs 2 10 5 Drives $199 each 6 or more Dnves $1B9 each MITSUBISHI dH srte s. 5 V*" HARD DISK SHUGART SA712 12 Mbyte BOSHUSA7T2 $399 SHUGART SA604 5Mbyte 6QSHU604 $ 99 Seagale ST225 M r»gn 25Mbyte 5fts B0SEAST225 $ 695 Seag3le ST225 Formatted lor IBM PC BOSEAST225F $ 749 QUANTUM 42Mbyle Hard disk 9lbs BOQTM0540 $1395 82A w/tractor leed 25 lbs 83A * tractor leed 35 lbs 84A - parallel 35 lbs B4A - serai 35 bs 92A - parallel 25 lbs 92A - serial 25 lbs 93A - parallel 35 lbs 93A - serial 35 lbs OKIDATA B00RIDAT82AT $ 349 BO0KIOAT83AT $ 589 BQ0KIDATB4AP S 895 B00KIDAT84AS S 979 B0.0KIUAT92AP $ 469 B00KI0AT92AS $ 610 BO0KIOAT93AP $ 699 BO0KIDAT93AS $ 925 CompuPro 8085/88 dual processor CompuPro CPiJ-7. SMHz CompuPro 8085/88 6V8MrU CompuPro CPU-8086 10MH; CompuPro CPU-80286 CompuPro CPU-286 w/80287 chip CompuPro CPU-68K 10MHz CompuPro CPU-68K w.-Mem Mg> 10MH; CompuPro CWj-32016 6MHj SOS S9C-300 4MH; SDS SBC-300 6MHI ADVANCED DIGITAL SuperSi* wmoppy controller 128K RAM ADVANCED 0IGITAL 4MHI SBC. 5V." Itoppy controller 64K RAM ADVANCED DIGITAL 4MHz SBC 8 Ibppy controler. &4K RAM BOGBTA041 BOGBTA537 BQG8TA04' BQG6TA044 B0GBTA494 BDGBTAD48 BQGBTA340 B0GBTA341 BOGBTA054 B0SDS38095 BQSDS36092 BQADCSUP6128 8QADCSBCI5 BQADCSBCta $ 259 $ 249 $ 249 s m S 895 $1195 $ 395 $ 695 S 795 i ; - ? S 699 $ 699 $ 595 S-100 RAM DOARDS MANNESMANN TALLY MT160L 80 col 21 6s BQTALMT160L $ 575 MT180L 132 col 28 Ibs BOTALMT180L S 799 PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS 64K Mrcrobuller iseriall 2lbs B0PRPMB1S64 $ 249 &4K Mtcrobutfer > parallel t 2rbs B0PRPMB1P64 $ 249 MicroButler 11+ tor Apple (ser 4 pari 2 6s8QPflPMB2Pt.usi6 $ 159 EPSON & STAR IN STOCK! Call For Our LOWEST PRICE! CompuPro RAM23 / 64k CompuPro RAM 23 /I J8K SDS ExpandoRAM 111/696 SDS ExpandoRAM IV MACROTECH 1 Megabyte CompuPro RAM 22 ' 256K BDGBTA316 B0GBTA3I9 BOSDS38097 BOSDS3B088 BOMACMAXM BOGBTA070 S 349 S 599 $ 499 $ 825 S2195 $1099 S-100 RAM DISK DOARDS CompuPro M-Drrvem* 51 2K SDS RAM disk 256K BOGBTA072 BDSDS38082 $ 599 S 649 S-100 I/O DOARDS vector interfacet ii CompuPro imertacer 3 CompuPro imertacer 4 CompuPro Sysiem Support i SOS 4 port Async serial SDS 8 pott Async senai SOS 8 port 4-Async 4-sync CompuPro PC VKfco S-100 Card BOVCT80OGF2B $ 259 BOGBTA076 $ 449 BOGBTA060 BQGBTA103 B0SDS38096 BQSGS3B093 B0SDS38094 BOGBTA356 s m s m $ 449 S 529 $ 649 1" DOUble Sided Nashua Double Density Diskettes ^skettes LJa «S f . 20 MCH in P«K« 0.50 BQ50S2SO IS1 00 X 2"^^ ^ ^ . 050 EftCH in Cartons ol 1000 — . M?^noo-t^50.0O/tlrt•n)lS^wl 3()lbs, l T, r.c.l» -— 1— I" ■■*"■ "' "" S-100 CONTROLLER DOARDS FOR FLOPPY DISKS B CHSKU DMA B0G8TA0U S 449 FOR HARD DISK CotpuPto DISKS Seagate ST500 senes BOGBTA0fl7 s S49 ADVANCED DIGITAL Seagate 500 compatiwe BOADCHOC100I5 S 399 DISK DRIVE ENCLOSURES 6 ENCLOSURES ParaOynamcs dual desktop 35lbs ParaDynamics dual rack mount 35ICS JMR Dual Oeskiop 30lbs BQPDN2200D S 479 B0PDN2200R $ 499 BQJMR2C8 S 229 5V4" ENCLOSURES JMR Snow Sits JMR Dual Wi hetgnt gius JMR Dual lull height w/niernat uaia eaMdajB JMR Dual hall hagnt vert mouni 7lbs JMR Single hard disk enclosure iGlbs JMR Dual hard disk enclosure 20lbs BOJMR1C5 BOJMK2C5 BOJMR2C5C BQJMR2SV5 B0JMRHOC51 BQJMRHOC52 S 199 S 299 PRIORITY 9161 Dsering Ave i^-naTswc ELECTRONICS CA 91311-^x387 Inquiry 326 ORDER TOLL FREE (600) 423-5922, Local: (616) 709-51 1 1 MINIMUM PREPAID ORDER $25.00 Terms US VISA, MC.BAC. Check. Money Order. US Funds ONLY CA residents add 6"2% Sales Tax IncludeMINIMUM SHIPPING & HANDLING of S3 00 for the first 3 lbs., plus 40C for each additional pound (20c if within California) PLUS 25tt per $100 00 value of your order lor Insurance Orders over 70 lbs sent freight collect Just in case, include your phone number Prices subject to change without notice We will do our best to maintain prices through May, 1985 Credit card orders will be charged appropriate freight We are not responsible for typographical errors Oi > (OI I mi I.OJ O Q> ho M !f course, buying by mail or from a supplier j don't know can get you more than low ces. : can get you problems in delivery, service i general dissatisfaction with the product j bought. k>, along with the low price quotations, you o get l*U*CO™ member evaluations of the >duct and the vendor and a bibliography of 'iews, letters to the editor, articles and ler information that just might convince j not to spend the money in the first place. (Remember, most sellers are pretty itrictive about returns, particularly oftware returns. ) So, as an l*U*CO™ member, you get: 1 . The lowest possible prices. 2. An assessment of both the product and the vendor. 3. Information on the actual use value of the product. (An awful lot of prod- ducts sound better in their advertis- ing than they are in reality. That s why so few companies offer a money-back guaranty.) Continuing protection from l*U*CO™: the Computer Registry™. As an l*U*CO™ member, you can also become part of our exclusive Computer Registry™. You simply register the appropriate information about all the hardware, software and peripherals you own with l*U*CO™. Then, as updates are announced, bugs discovered or fixed and so on, you automatically get this information as part of a customized and individualized monthly bulletin. No more finding out a year after the fact that you're still using Version 1.00 and everyone else has Version 9.4! Or, you might find out that the problem you thought was yours alone is actually widespread. (As a personal note, you'll find that this I'U'CO™ service is invaluable. In the past few weeks, I found out that a) the ROMS in my Anadex printer have been upgraded, b) there's at least one undocumented bug in running MacPaint with the 51 2K upgrade, c) the ROMS in my IOMEGA Bernoulli Box were upgraded, and d) [best of all] MicroPro knew of a bug in Infostar 1.6 which they didn't tell anyone about for 18 months!) In none of these instances did the manufacturer tell the consumer. As an l*U*CO™ member, you could get this information on a customized and individualized basis, each and every month for every piece of hardware, software and peripheral equioment you own or acquire. |*U*CO™: the Iron fist. The best part of I'U'CO™ has been saved for last. Yes, I'U'CO™ will help you get the lowest prices on everything you want to buy for your computer. And l*U*CO™ will give you solid information on the integrity of products and vendors. Finally, if you choose to become a part of I'U'CO's™ exclusive Computer Registry™, you can also stay current with the products you own or acquire. But with l*U*CO™, you also get power! But, more importantly, your membership in l*U*CO™ gives you the power of belonging to a community.. .a community of personal computer owners and users who need to protect their rights. For instance, a group of software publishers managed to get the Louisiana legislature to pass a law "legalizing" the non-warranties they provide with their software. (You know, "this software is sold without any guaranty that it will work." Just pay your money and take your chances.) |*U*CO™ will fight for you! l*U*CO™ will fight that kind of nonsense by lobbying against it, organizing PAC's and, in general, by doing what every other special interest group does: fight for its own special needs and interests. As one person, there is little you can do when you're ripped off by a vendor. The powers that be...such as the FTC.donl pay much attention to one person. But when a special group like I'U'CO™ has a lot of members which can be translated into publicity and political pressure, you'd be surprised what can be done. There's a lot more to the l*U*CO™ story. More than we can afford to tell here. Complete information costs only $ 1 .00. So, fill in the coupon below. Free! A guide to your legal rights as a personal computer owner! Send a dollar for more information on I'U'CO™ membership and we'll include FREE a guide /our legal rights (and obligations) as a personal computer owner. This synopsis, written by an attorney who also happens to be an electrical engineer will e you helpful information on questions such as using copy programs for making your own :k-up copies, how to complain effectively and other issues which affect you as a sonal computer owner. its a slim volume, to be sure, because unless you 're both rich and tough ng to learn that you havent got all that many rights. youre International Union of Computer Owners, Inc. 30 East Huron Street Chicago, Illinois 60611 YES, I'm tired of being ripped off. Enclosed is $1.00. Please send Information on I'U'CO™ I understand that I am under no obligation to enroll as a member. Please print all information! Name Company Address City. State ZIP Make of computer:. Inquiry 429 MAY 1985 'BYTE 505 DoKa 74LSOO COMPUTER PRODUCTS. Inc. ORDER TOLL FREE (800) 538-8800 (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS) (800) 848-8008 I MasterCard] STATIC RAMS 2101 258 4 j450ul 1.00 11(1 268 4 |480u| |Mll| 3.10 2102-1 1024 1 (450..1 79 21021-4 1024 1 |4(0n| |LP| 89 21021-2 1024 i i250ui an 121 2111 280 4 |460ul 2.29 2112 256 4 |450..| 2.29 2IM 1024 4 |4S0ul .99 2114-25 1024 4 l250.ll 1.10 2I14L-4 1024 4 |150.il ((PI 1.20 21141-3 1024 4 i3ooui an 1.30 21141-2 1024 4 zoom an 1.40 2147 4000 1 |S6n| 3.95 TKS4044-4 4090 1 4-i0.il 2.95 TKS4044-3 4006 1 3(i0ul 3.45 TMS4044-2 4090 1 I200.il 3.95 MK4III 1024 1 I250u| 8.95 TMM20I6-20 2041 1 i200.il 3.95 TMM2016-I5 2041 I Il50.il 445 TMM2016-10 2041 1 (lOOill 5.95 NMIIIt-4 2041 ! (200.il Icnil 440 HUB 11 6-3 2041 1 I50m|[cmiI 4.90 HH61 18-2 2041 1 Il20n|lcail| 5.90 HM6I161P-4 2041 8 I200M1 IcmiIILPI 4.90 HM811BLP-3 2041 8 HlOnllcwillLPI 590 HMB1 16LP-2 2041 8 |I20hI|emM|LPI 790 7-61 32 4008 8 1300m (Octet) 29.95 IW6284P-I5 1112 8 |I50U||C«|) 19.96 HM6264LP-I5 1112 6 1 150.iM[».ll ILPI 22.95 HM02B4LM2 1102 8 I120.ll ImnlKPI 24.05 LP = Low Power Qstat = Quasi-Static DYNAMIC RAMS TKS4027 UPD4II MH5280 MM 1 08 MH5298 4116-20 4116-15 4116-12 2111 4164-25 4164-20 4164-15 41256-20 41256-15 4096 I I 4096 i 1 4096 i I 8102 I I 8102 i 1 16384 I 1 10304 i 1 10384 i I 10384 i I 85536 l I 65536 i I 65536 i I 282144 i 1 282144.1 I2S0.1I |300ul I300.ll I200.il I250.il I200.ll II50..I II20..I (I50.il |5.l 1250k) |5i| |200ll) |5>| ii sum i5.i 1200m II50U) 5« = Single 5 Volt Supply EPROMS 1102 2708 2758 2710 27IB-I TM825I6 TM827I6 TMS2532 2732 2732 A-4 2732 4-35 2732* 2732 4-2 2704 2704-25 2784-20 TMS2564 MCK08704 MCMB8766 27128-48 27126-30 27121-25 27256-28 266. 8 1024 i 1024 I 2048 I 8 2048 I 8 2048 I 8 2048 i 8 4016 i 1 4000 i 1 4008 i 6 4006 l 8 4006 i 8 4006 i 6 8102 i 8 8102 I I 8112 ll 1112 i I 1112 i I 1192 i I 1 8384 i 6 16384 i 8 18314 i I 32788 i 8 ll.il 1450.11 1450.1) |450lll 15.1 I350..I I5l| I450.ll 15.1 ■4i0.ll I450.ll |S.| |450ul 15.1 |450u| 121.1 1350m) 12 111 1250.1) 12 1 II I200UII2I.I I450u| 15.1 |250u| |5)l I200.ll |5l| 1450m (5)1 I450 U | I5)| |24-*i| I350.il |5)| 121 Ml I250«l |5)| I300..I I5i| 1250m) |6)| '253.11 (14)) I 45 195 I 15 49 11 79 19 141 3 95 200 2.22 250 12.95 15.95 395 2.49 5.90 2.95 3.95 3.95 696 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 5.95 195 4.95 5 95 995 995 17.15 10.06 14.05 10.05 10.15 7995 5) = Single 5 Volt Supply 56 54 145 3.30 48 1.95 68 It 18 98 01 1.70 345 170 115 liS 1.30 190 46 48 .44 44 1.35 1.35 1 35 1.13 1.30 IBS 44 MS I 15 1 15 145 2 00 35 100 3 95 IIS 215 1.65 1.85 146 0.60 315 3.15 3.15 3.15 2.36 9.1 S 23.05 145 1.45 1.45 1.45 2.75 4.20 CRT CONTROLLERS 1(45 11.95 1275 2195 6(145 IMS 7220 38 95 HD46S051, ... 11.95 C(TS027 1895 (947 0.95 CRT503 7 2I.9S 741(00 23 7418125 48 741.(260 74LI01 24 '4UI26 48 74U2U 741802 .24 7411 112 56 74U273 741.(03 24 74U113 59 74U27S 74LS04 23 74U13( 38 141(219 74LI0S 24 74UI37 08 741(2(0 741808 .27 418138 .54 741.(293 74LM9 20 74L8I30 .54 74U290 74U10 24 74UI46 1.15 74U293 74LI11 34 7418147 245 '4LS295 74L9II 34 74KI48 1.30 '41(298 741113 44 74L8I6I 54 "18299 74LII4 51 7418153 .54 7411(23 74LIIS 34 74U164 165 74UI24 741.920 24 74UISS 68 741(352 741821 28 74L8I56 68 741.(353 741822 24 74L8157 64 74LS363 74LI2S 29 7418158 56 741(9(4 74LS27 20 74U110 86 '41836b 74I.J2B 34 74LS161 .84 74U1II 741(30 24 74UK2 68 74UM7 741(32 29 74UI63 84 74U3K 74U33 54 74UI64 66 74U371 74L837 34 74L8I65 (4 741.(374 74:838 .34 '4(8166 190 74U377 741840 24 7 4UI68 170 74(8378 74L842 48 74L8169 170 7418376 74L847 74 74U170 1.46 7418385 741848 74 74U173 68 '4L8386 741.(49 74 74L8I74 54 74(8360 74L851 .24 741(175 54 74U9I9 74US4 28 741(1(1 210 74(8305 74LS56 28 ML8189 8 90 74LS399 741883 120 74UI90 98 74K424 741.(73 .38 74UI91 81 74L1447 74LS74 34 741(1(2 .79 74U490 74LS75 38 74U193 79 '4(8624 74U70 38 74U194 68 74UM0 74L(7( 41 74L3I95 08 74UMS 741.(83 59 74UK0 7( '4(866! 74(865 68 74U197 76 74(8669 74UM 39 74U22I 88 74LM70 74LS90 54 74U240 .94 741(674 741(91 88 74LS241 98 74UU2 741892 .54 741(242 98 74(5663 741893 .54 74U243 98 '4(8684 74LS95 .74 7418244 125 74(8885 74(896 81 74U24S 145 74((688 7418107 38 74U247 .74 '4(8689 7418109 38 74LS24J 98 74(8783 7418112 36 74L8249 98 91 UK 7418113 38 74L925I 58 9IUN 74L8114 .36 741(253 58 8K897 74LS122 44 74U257 58 81(898 7418123 It 74L825S 58 25(8252: 741(124 2 15 74(8258 2.79 25(82569 MC1372 6.(0 19047 21.18 7*899164 0P8350 . 3695 4(95 DISC CONTROLLERS 1771 ... .... 14.9S 2797 .... . . . 54.15 1791 ... .... 21.9S 1143 .... . . 33.15 1799 ... ... . 25.95 1272 .... ... 11.15 1795 ... ... 21.15 UP07SS .. ... 11.95 1797 ... .... 21.9S M 11(76 . 23.95 2791 ... , .. . 49.95 (111877 . . . 25.95 2799 ... ... 49.95 1601 .... . . . 1.95 279S . . ... 54.95 2143 .... . 6.95 UV ERASERS QUV-T8/1 $49.95 ECONOMY Model • Erases 15 EPROMS In 20 minutes e Plastic Enclosure 6500 1 MHZ 2 MHz 65022 4.90 1502* 5.19 6504 1.10 65204 (.11 6505 1.10 6522A 9.90 (607 9.90 65324 6520 1522 1532 1545 1(51 4.30 6545* 4.90 1551* 1.90 990 10.90 12.90 10.90 3 MHz 9.90 05021 7.10 6800 1 MHz 1102 1103 . 6101 . 6609E 6809 . 111! . 1120 . 1121 . 1121 . 1140 . 1143 . 1144 . 1145 . 6147 . 6650 . (652 . 11(0 . 11(2 . 1176 . 1110 . 1113 2.90 7.90 17.(0 12.90 1.10 1.10 2.10 4.30 2.90 19.90 11.(0 33.(0 24.(0 11.10 10.90 2.90 5.90 7.90 10.90 6 90 1.90 21.90 68B0O 2 MHz 58800 (((02 . (((09 . 68609E 69(10 . (((21 . 66640 . 66845 66850 0.(0 11.90 11.90 11.90 5.90 5.90 18,90 i(.90 5.(0 680OO 68000-6 ((047 68488 66652 ((((I ((7(4 66766 34.00 23.(0 '8.80 14.(0 (.00 17.06 I (.(5 8000 (031 14 90 1035 5.90 1099 (.90 IN8-8060 11.90 1(6-8073 29. (0(0* ■Oil 6085* 2 6086 1017-9 (5 »m 1017-2 l!»Hd 1011 8081 3 90 . 4.(0 . 11.(0 . 24.00 .159.90 279.90 . 19.90 . 5990 (253 (.(0 (253-5 7.(0 (255 4.41 (255-5 4.(0 (257 7.(0 (257-5 (.(0 8100 (131 2.(0 (155 (.10 (155-2 7.(0 (151 0.10 1115 21.00 (1(5-2 38 90 8200 (259. 6259-5 8271 . . . 8272... 8274 . . . 8275... 6270... 8279-5 9292 . . . 9293. (2(4 . . . 8286 (2(7 . . . (2(8 . . . 8289.. 8292 . . . 8300 8202 ... .... 29.(0 8203 .... .... 38 90 6205 .... .... 2.N 8212 .... 1.71 0214 .... .... 9.71 0216 .... .... 1.75 8224 ... .... 2.20 6226 ... .... 1.75 8228 ... .... 9.41 8237 .... .... 12.00 6903 6304 8307 6306 6310 8311 2.10 1.00 2.00 2.10 3.90 3.(0 (237-5 14.(0 (238 (243 (250 (2(1 . (251* 445 4.45 9.90 3.90 4.45 8700 9741 28.90 6748 10.00 8749 28.90 (75S 23.(0 80000 80186-8 ((.(0 801(6 69.(0 2 MHz Z-80 ZS0-CPU . . Z(0-CTC . . Z(0-0*IT . 280- DM* . . zoo-pio Z80-8I0/0 Z80-8IO/1 Z80-6I0/2 . Z(0-(l0/( 195 195 (95 7.95 195 895 8 95 895 6.95 Z((t-(l0/0 . Z(0*-(l0/l . Z80»-SI0/2 . 780*810/9 . 9.95 9.95 9.95 9.95 6 MHz 4 MHz z(0»-cru . . Z(0»-CTC . ZS0»-0»RT . Z60A-D6U.. Z60*-fl0 2.45 2.45 795 8.95 2.45 Z80B-CPU . . ZS0I-CTC Z60B-PIO ZI0I-DMT . Z80B (10/0 Z(0 810/2 7.(6 895 (.(( 18.95 29.95 29.95 ZILOG Z6I32. 78 671 . 29.95 39.95 MEMORY EXPANSION KIT 4164 200ns 9 for $19.98 DIP SWITCHES 4 POSITION 7 5 position J 6 POSITION I 7 POSITION ( ( POSITION I ZIF SOCKETS 14 pie ZIF 4. 16 811 ZIF 4. 24 pta ZIF 8. 28 ll. ZIF 8. 40 |l» ZIF |. ZIF = TEXTOOL (Zero Insertion Fore IC SOCKETS (1 to 99) lei ST 12 14 pi. ST 14 15 pie ST 11 18 pie ST II 21 MS IT 28 22 III ST 29 24 Hi ST 29 28|*. ST M 40 pa (T .41 ST = Soldertsll 8 pi. WW :4 pi. WW 16 ill WW 18 |li WW 21 pta WW 22 pta WW 24 pta WW 21 pta WW 41 pta WW WW I.' 1.1 Ii Wlrawra CRYSTAL CLOCK OSCILLATORS PA1T NO. FREQUENCY 1.000 1.0000 MHl 1.143 1.1432 NHz 2.000 2.0000 MHz 4.000 4.0000 MHz 8.000 8.0000 NHz 10.000 10.0000 NHz 16.000 16.0000 NHz 18.432 18.4320 MHz 10.0(0 19.6608 NHz 20.000 20.0000 NHz 32.000 32.0000 NHz CRYSTALS 1.0000 NHz . 1.8432 MHz 2.0000 MHz . 2.0972 MHz 2.4576 MHz . 3.2768 MHz . 3.(711 MHz . 4.0000 MHz . 4.1049 NHz . 4.9110 NHz . 5.0000 NHz . 5.0111 MHz . 5.1850 MHz 5.2429 MHz . 5.7149 NHz . 6.0000 NHz . 6.1440 MHz 6.4000 MHz . 6.5596 NHz . .2.68 .2.11 195 1.95 . 1.15 195 .1.11 1.95 . 1.06 .1.16 .1.(6 .1.(1 .1.(1 195 .1.01 .1.95 . 1.95 .1.95 . 1.96 8.0000 NHz. . 10.0000 MHl 10.7386 MHz . 12.0000 MHl 14.3102 MHl. 15.0000 MHz. . 16.0000 NHz.. 17.4300 NHz. 18.0000 N Hz. 16.4320 MHz.. 19.6608 MHz. 20.0000 MHz 22.11(4 MHz. 32.0000 MHz 36.0000 MHz 48.0000 MHz 49.4350 MHz. 49.6900 MHl . 1.1 6.S 6! 6.1 6.! 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.! 6.1 6.1 32.766 KHz II VOLTAGE REGULATOR! 7I01T 74 78N06C 14 7(0(7 74 7(12T 74 7(1ST 74 7I24T 74 7I01K 134 7812* 134 7815K 1.34 7824K 1.34 71105 B8 78112 Jl 78(15 Jl 78H05K S 90 7IHI2K 1.10 7II5T... 7I0IT... 7112T... 7(157... 71247... 7005K. . mil... 7IIIK... 7I24K... 7IL05 . . . 79LI2... 7(116. . LM329K. . 0*78(40 C,T = TO-220 K = TO-3 L = TO-92 506 BYTE • MAY 1985 Inquiry 139 ROBOT KITS! PIPER-MOUSE Controlled by sound sensor and 1 -channel electronic circuit. Use the whistle in this kit and Piper-Mouse follows your commands, turning left or right, stopping and starting. Uses 2 AA and 1 9V battery (not included). MV-915 $44.95 RIBBON CABLE SK6LE COLOR COLO* COOED CONTACTS V 10' r 10" 10 .46 4.30 7« 7.20 16 .60 4.70 .05 1.70 20 .60 6.60 1.15 10.00 25 .70 8.50 1.2? 11.50 26 .70 650 1.27 11.60 34 .03 1.50 1.56 14.40 40 i.n 11.50 1.12 16.70 SO 1.20 12.00 2.40 21.00 RESISTORS V* WATT 5% CARBON FILM ALL STANDARD VALUES FROM1 OHM-10MEGOHM 50 PCS 1.25 100 PCS 2.00 1,000 PCS 15.00 Checkmate Technology, Inc. \PPLE Me Special Extended 80-Col. VIDEO CARD $ 6 g 95 • 64Kto128K* 1ULTIVIEW 80/160 249. 00 0-160 columns with any monitor! > Screens: 80x24, 80x32, 80x48, 96x24, 132x24, 132x30, 180x24 > On-screen BOLD and Underline i Reverse scrolling ' Easy-to-read Wide-angle mode > Apple II and lie compatible ■ Prompt lines ' Upper & lowercase letters APPLE & IBM ACCESSORIES 80 Column Apple 11+ . . . 1 49.95 80 Column Apple HE ... 119.95 Z80 Apple II+ 89.00 Z80 Apple HE 89.00 16KCord 39.95 Cooling Fan 38.95 Power Supply 74.95 Joystick 29.95 RF Modulator 1 3.95 Disk Drive 1 69.95 Controller Card 59.95 Paddles 7.95 ♦ INNOVATORS IN MICROCOMPUTER TECHNOLOCV VIEWMAX-80 M9. 95 80-Column card for Apple II series • Video Soft Switch e Inverse Video e VIDEX's Vldeoterm compatible VIEWMAX-80e 119. 95 80-Column extended video card for Apple He e 64K RAM, expandable to 128K e Double High-resolution circuit e Compatible with Pascal & CP/M PRINTMAX 59. 95 Parallel printer card, Apple II series • Centronics compatible • Variable print widths e Up to 5000 characters/second APPLE & IBM Compatible DISK DRIVES • Shugart mechanism, made in U S.A • Directly replaces Apple Disk II • Fully compatible with Apple Controller or other Apple compatible controllers • One Year Warranty FULL or %- Height 1 6K RAM Card - Apple 11+ • 2-Year Warranty 39.95 APPLE or IBM JOYSTICK 95 $29 Compatible for either: APPLE II and APPLE lie OR IBM-PC, JR., & IBM-XT MULTIFUNCTION CARD • 64K to 384K RAM e Clock Calendar • Parallel Part e Software included • Serial Pert • 1 -Year Warranty $249.95 MEMORY CARD • Expandable to 51 2K • Folly compatible with IBM software • Fully compatible w/IBM diagnostic utilities • Serial Pert Unliable • I -rear Warranty $199.95 MEMORY EXPANSION KIT Assembled & Tested 4164 200ns 9 for $19.98 DISKETTES 5W' ATHANA: ( w/hub rinb ) 25 per package SS/DD 29.75 or 1.19 m. DS/DD 34.75 or 1.39 ei. LIFETIME WARRANTY ON ALL ATHANA DISKETTES Bk.BS> e Ann » SOFT SECTOR » NO LABEL:( w/hub rinb ) 25 per package SS/DD 24.75 or .99 n. DS/DD 29.75 or 1.19 oi. 2-YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL BULK DISKETTES ROBOT KITS! PEPPY 2-way sensor detects noise or solid objects in its path. When front sensor contacts an obstacle or hears a loud noise (hand-clap), Peppy automatically turns to the left. Uses 2 AA and 1 9V battery (not included). MV-916 $24.95 Reg. Power Supply Model 4A/PS (99/4) 3 DC Outputs: 12V @ .4A, +5V@ 1.1 A -5V @ .2A Highly Filtered 6.95 KEYBOARD (99/4) 48kevs4"x10" 6.95 TERMS: Minimum order $10.00 For shipping and handling, include S2 50 for UPS ground or $3.50 for UPS Blue (air) For each additional air pound, add $1 for UPS Blue shipping and handling California residents must include 6% sales tax. Bay area and LA residents in- clude 6'.°c sales tax Prices are subiect to change without notice We are not responsible for typo- graphical errors We reserve the right to limit quantities and to sub- stitute manufacturers All merchan- dise subject to prior sale I CALL for VOLUME Quotes HOURS: Mon. - Fri 7:30 to 5:00 Saturdays 10 00 to 3.00 VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE 2100 De La Cruz Blvd Santa Clara. CA 95050 (408) 988-0697 ALL MERCHANDISE IS 100% GUARANTEED DoKoT" Inquiry 139 MAY 1985 -BY' SPRING CLEANING Call Toll Free Now! PERSONAL SYSTEMS APPLE Apple Professional System incl: Apple ME. 128K, Tilt Monitor.Duo Disk. 80col. card $1375 Mac 128K w/Drive. Mac Write, Mac Paint and mage Writer 2425 FatMac512K,sameasabove 2995 Apple lie 989 Apple He w/Monitor & Stand 1059 IBM IBMPCBarew/Cont.&64K $1345" IBMPC64K, 1 Drive 1475" IBM PC64K, 2 Drives 1575' IBM PC 128K, 1 Drive 1495' IBM PC 256K. 2 Drives 1599" IBM XT. 10 Meg. Floppy &128K 3295" IBM AT Base Call IBM AT Enhanced Call * Call For Current IBM Prices KAYPRO Kaypro II Call KayprollX For Kaypro 4 Current Kaypro 4/88 Price Kaypro 10 And Kaypro 16 Stock SANYO MBC 550-2 w/1 320K Drive & sftwr $ 895 MBC 555-2 w/2 320K Drives & more software 1065 Serial Port for Sanyo 79 Sanyo Video Board 165 TAVA TAVA PC1 Par & 1 Ser. Ports. 128K. 2-320K Drives. Color Card & Monitor $1499 TAVAXTsameasaboveincUOmegHdDisk . . $2495 COMPAQ 256K. w/2- 320K Drives $1945 Desk Top Model 1 1650 Desk Top Model 2 1999 Desk Top Model 3 3795 DeskTopModel4 4995 SOFTWARE LOTUS DEVELOPMENT CORP. Lotus 1-2-3 $ 289 Symphony 434 ASHTON TATE DBase II $329 DBase III 389 PRINTER SWITCHBOX SRS-2 Serial $ 65 SRS-4Serial 89 SCN-2 Parallel 79 SCN-4 Parallel 98 Run 2 to 4 Printers off 1 Computer 20% to 40% OFF LIST ALWAYS PRINTERS OKIDATA ML182A. Replaces 82A New" $ 279 ML83A. 15" Para. & Ser 539 ML92P. 160 cps.Corr. Quality 349 ML92IBMGraphicsComp 349 ML92S. 160 cps.Corr. Quality 465 ML92 Apple Mac. 2K Graphics 475 ML93P.160cps.Corr.Quality 579 ML93IBMGraphicsComp 579 ML93S, 160 cps.Corr. Quality 659 ML84P,200cps 679 ML84IBMGraphicsComp 679 ML84S.200cps 779 Okimate20 139 lnterfaceModuleforOKI20 79 RITEMAN RitemanPlus120cpsw/Tractor $ 257 Riteman Blue Plus 140 cps IBM 342 Ritemanll 160cps.8Kmem. w/Trac 369 Riteman 15. 160cps. 15"carr 549 QUME Letterpro20P Prop. Spc. Enh Prnt $ 399 Sprint 1140+. 2K, 40 cps. 132col. width 1229 STAR MICRONICS SG10Ft.120cps.corr.qual $ 239 SG15Ft.120cps.corr.qual 399 SDIOFt, 160cps, corr. qual 359 SD15Ft, 160cps,corr.qual 475 SR10Ft.200cps.corr.qual 499 SR15Ft,200cps,corr.qual 629 SB10Draft,144cps,NLQ60cps 795 Powertype. 18 cps Bi Di 359 C. ITOH Prowriter8510 AP. 120 cps, Parallel $ 299 Prowriter8510BC2. 120cps. Serial 399 Prowriter8510SP, 180cps, Parallel 399 8510 BPI (IBM Compatible). 120 cps 335 Prowriterll 1550 P. 15" 120 cps. Parallel 445 Prownter II 1550BCD. 15" 120 cps. Serial 499 1550 EP(IBM Compatible). 120cps 445 1 550 SP. 180 cps 549 StarwriterF10-40PU,40cps 869 Starwriter A10,205P,29cps 499 PnntmaslerF10-55PU,55cps 1069 BROTHER HR25, 25 cps $ 629 HR35,36cps 839 DYNAX DX15XLByBrother,20cps $ 379 JUKI 6100. LQ. 18cpsw/proporlionalspc $ 389 6300.40cps 689 TOSHIBA P1351 Dot Matrix. 192 cps. letter quality 100 cps. does graphics. 3 in 1 printer $1 195 Pt340sameasabovebut 10"carr 585 PANASONIC 1091 w/Tractor. 120cps. 1 yr. war $269 1092, 10" car, 180 cps 439 1093, 15" car. 160 cps 669 LEGEND 880. 80 cps. FT 4 Graphics $ 229 1080. 120cps.FT&Graphics 275 CLEARANCE COMPAQ Desktop 1 RGB Comp. & Para. APPLE Professional System $1375 IBM PC 2 Drives, 256K Color Card w/Para. 51 845 ORANGE MICRO Grappler + PARADISE 5 PACK •175 INTEL 8087 S115 PRINTER ACCESSORIES ORANGE MICRO Grappler + $ 85 Buffered Grappler + . 16K exp. 64K 159 TOSHIBA Bi- Directional Tractor $ 149 FontDiskforDownloadingP1351 48 MICROTEK DumptingGX(sameasGrappler +) $ 69 DumphngGXw/16Kbuffer 145 Dumpling GX W/32K bulfer 12 Additional Buffering 16K 16 FOURTH DIMENSION Par. Card & Cable for Apple $ 45 OKIDATA Plug and Play for IBM $ 49 Okigraph I for82A 49 Okigraph I for83A 49 Traclorfor82A&92 49 JUKI Bi-Directional Tractor. 6100/6300 $ 145 Serial Interface 65 BROTHER TractorforDx-15 $ 99 Tractor forHR25 129 Tractor for HR35 129 CulSheetFeederforDXi5 175 Cut Sheet Feeder for HR25/35 199 Keyboard for DX 15 165 STAR MICRONICS Graphstar. Apple Interface $ 69 Universal Atari 79 Universal Commadore 59 Serial Interface Card 59 CABLES IBM PC to Parallel Printer $ 18 SerialCable 18 Cent toCent.M/MorM/F 18 IF YOU SEE IT ADVERTISED FOR LESS, CALL COMPUTER CONNECTION FIRST FOR LOWEST QUOTE! GIVE US A CHANCE TO BEAT THE COMPETITION'S ADVERTISED PRICE. NO SURCHARGE TTT^T FOR CREDfT CARDS VISA We accept VISA. MasterCard, COD [w/deposit]. Certified Checks or Wire Transfers. Minimum Shipping Charge $4.00. Some items sub|ect to back order. California Res. add 6V496 Sales Tax. All returns are sub|ect to a 1 5 % restocking charge and must be authorized by store manager within 1 days. Prices subiect to change without notice. This Ad supersedes all others. CLEARANCE SALE [800] 732-0304 SPECIALS PRINTER BOX A-B Para/Serial S79 / $65 STAR MICROIMICS SG-10Ft S239 PARADISE 5 Pack, Serial, Clock, Cal. 0-384K S175 PANASONIC KXP 1091 S269 TOSHIBA P351 S1295 MPI FOR IBM S75 TEAC 55B S97 APPLE & FRANKLIN ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES Kensington System Saver $ 69 Fan for Apple II & HEw/surge 45 APPLE Super Serial Card $ 139 Cont. Card w/Pro Dos 80 Monitor II 159 80 Col Card 65 ASTAR RF Modulator $ 17 MICRO-SCI 64K. 80 Col Card $ 85 ADVANCED LOGIC SYSTEMS Z Engine 2.2 CPM/3.0 115 245 MICROMAX Viewmax 80e. 128K extended 80 col. card lorApplellE $124 Viewmax80.80Col.CardforApplell&ll+ 139 DISKETTES PC DISKETTES Sgl./Dbl. (Box ol 10) . . . Dbl./Dbl IBoxof 101. 16 18 COMPUTER CONNECTION Sgl./Dbl.(Boxof 10) $ 14 Dbl;Dbl.(Boxof 10) 16 Sgl./Dbl w/DiskCon1ainer(10) 20 Dbl./Dbl. w/DiskConlainer(10) 22 Bulk 50 & Up — Sgl./Dbl 1.25ea. Bulk50& Up — Dbl./Dbl 1.35ea. All Diskettes come w/5 Year Warranty IBM PC ACCESSORIES IBM IBM Mono Card w/Printer Port $ 245 IBM Mono Monitor 225 IBM DOS2.1 59 IBM Dos3.0 69 IBM Tech Ref. for PC 85 AST RESEARCH Six Pak + vy/64K $ 255 Mega Plus II 265 Monograph + 329 PARADISE Modular GraphicsCard $ 265 Module A Paralell or Serial 75 Module B 189 5 Pack 175 PC PEACOCK Color Graphics Card w/Par. Printer Port, Compat. w/AII IBM Software. 2 yr. war $ 199 64K MEMORY UPGRADE 64K (9 chips) 200 ns, 90day war $ 16 QUADRAM Quad Color 1 Board $ 199 Exp. Ouadboard W/64K & Game Porf 249 Quadlink 3000 Run Apple sttwr on IBM 359 VUTEK Vutek - CPS Board. RGB & Composite w/Par. & Ser. Ports. 2 Yr. War $ 239 Color Card (Here, comp.) 1 75 Monographic Card (Here, comp.) 275 TECHMAR Graphics Master $ 459 PERSYST BOARD Bob Hi-Res Display Adp $ 375 KEYTRONICS KB5151 $185 HERCULES Monochrome Graphics Card $ 345 Color Card w/Printer Port 185 ORCHID Blossom, like Six Pak + w/Network capabilities $ 245 DATA PLUS 384KMem. Board w/OK $ 115 XT Short Card, 384K Mem 183 Multiplus, same as Six Pak 199 MICROTEK Monochrome Text Card Par & Ser $ 1 85 Color GraphicsCard 165 MODEMS ANCHOR Mark XII $ 225 Volksmodem XII. 5 yr warranty 185 Express 1200 Call HAYES MICRO 300 Baud Smart Modem $ 205 1200 Baud Smart Modem 399 1200 B for IBM PC 379 2400 Baud Modem 645 Micro Modem ME 259 Chronograph 189 BIZCOMP Intelli Modem ST $ 299 Intelh Modem XL w/Voice 339 Intelli Modem XT Short Modem 369 DISK DRIVES TANDON TM100-2forlBMPC $ 119 TALL GRASS TECHNOLOGIES 25 Meg. HDw/lntegral55 Meg. Tape Backup $2795 ALPHA OMEGA 10MegHDforlBM13MonthWarranty $699 TEAC 55B Double Sided 360K $ 97 Quad Density 169 IBM IBM Logo Disk Drive $ 160 MPI B-52forlBM $ 75 Drives For Apple & Franklin RANA SYSTEMS Elitel $199 Elite II 339 Elite III 389 Controller add 85 MICRO-SCI A-2 $174 A.5C for lie w/cable 185 A.5 V, height for HE 199 Controller Add 59 DISPLAY MONITORS QUADRAM Amber chrome IBM compatible $ 175 AMDEK V300G $ 129 V300A 139 V310AforlBMPC 159 Color300 249 Color600 416 Color 710 545 TAXAN Composite#115. Green $ 120 Composite#1 16. Amber 125 IBMGreenMonochrome#121 139 IBM AmberMonochrome#122 145 RGB IBM w/Cable #420 389 RGBSuper Hi-Res. #415 393 RGB Super Hi-Res. #440 529 RGB/Comp Med. Res. #220 245 PRINCETON GRAPHICS HX-12 for use with IBM PC $ 455 Max12AmberforlBM 175 SR12SuperHi-Res 595 Scan Doubler 185 ACCESSORIES 8087 Malh Chip $ 115 COMPUSERVE Starter Kit Includes; Infoplex. Electronic Conferenc- ing, Professional ForumsandMuch More $ 39 Executive 55y MOST ORDERS SHIPPED SAME DAY MAIL ORDER & WAREHOUSE: 17121 South Central, Unit L Carson, California 90746 CUSTOMER SERVICE: [213] 635-5065 Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Inquiry 95 ORDER LINE (800) 732-0304 [Outside California) (213) 635-2809 [Inside California] Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 'IBM and IBM PC are trademarks of International Business Machines 510 BYTE • MAY 1985 1984 Display Telecommunications Corporation CHOICE OF MAJOR OEM MANUFACTURERS, UNIVERSITIES, RESEARCH LABS ETC A THOROUGHLY FIELD PROVEN DESIGN. "" ^ i-«do t \*. H|QH VOLUME PRODUCTION ENGINEERED. FULL IBM PC-XT* COMPATIBILITY! FULL MEGA-BYTE RAM CAPACITY ON MOTHERBOARD! DEALERS AND OEM MANUFACTURERS QUANTITY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE Eight Compatible I/O Interface Connectors (Full PC compatible) (compatible with all IBM-PC* plug-in cards) THOUSANDS SOLD WORLD WIDE! Hardware Reset . (Overcomes reset flaw in PC) Power Connector (Full IBM* pinout compatible) 8088 Processor (Same as PC) Special J1 Interface (Allows horizontal mount- ing of compatible expan- sion cards for easy bus expansion and custom configuring) (Board has 62 pin gold plated compat ible connector) 8087 Numeric Processor (Same as PC) Peripheral Support Circuits (Same as PC) Extended ROM Capability (Runs all compatible PC ROMS) (Jumper program- mable to accommodate all popular 8K, 16K, 32K and 64K ROM chips and NEW EE ROMS! VPP power pin available for EP ROM burning!) (External VPP voltage required) Configuration Switches (Same as PC) Speaker/Audio Port (Same as PC) Wire Wrap Area To facilitate special custom applications! Triple-tested, fully socketed and assembled with IC's. Full Mega-Byte Ram Capacity! On board! (With parity) □ 256K Bytes using 64K chips □ 1 Mega Bytes using 256K chips Includes highest quality PC board with gold plating, silk screen, solder mask Board Size io.s inch x 13.5 inch □ MEGA-BOARD™ — XT BBARE BOARD KIT $ 99.95 ASSEMBLED AND TESTED SOCKETKIT $199.95 (LESS IC'S) (FULLY SOCKETED) □ ASSEMBLED AND TESTED — COMPLETE $499.95 (INCLUDES USERS MANUAL AND MEGA-BIOS ROM) □ USERS MANUAL WITH THEORY OF OPERATION, SCHEMATICS, BLOCK DIAGRAM, APPLICATION NOTES $ 19.95 □ MEGA-BIOS" ROM (2764) FULLY XT COMPATIBLE, MS-DOS, PC DOS $ 29.95 □ HARD TO GET PARTS CALL FREE! Displaytel™ Exclusive. Our Commitment to Microcomputer Education! FREE Intel 8088 Data Book with each Mega-Board™ Order! ORDER NOW!!! Fast . friend| y service CALL 214-991-1644 L^IGB Immediate shipment! Most instock items shipped same or next day! 10 Day money back guarantee if not completely satisfied! DISPLAY TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION 4100 SPRING VALLEY ROAD TERMS: We accept cash, checks qi iitp Ann money orders, or purchase orders from bUI Ih 400 qualified firms and institutions. Prices DALLAS. TX 75234 and availability subiect to change without (214)991-1644 notice Shipping and handling charges extra. *IBM and IBM PC are trademarks of International Business Machines Inquiry 137 ©1984 Display Telecommunications Corporation MAY 1985 -BYTE 511 California Digital 17700 Figueroa Street # Carson, Calif ornia 90248 SEC RGB,^-* color fyCQ MONITOR The NEC JC-1401D is a 13' medium/high resolution RGB monitor suitable tor use with the Sanyo MBC-550/555 or (he IBM/PC. The monitor features a resolution ol 400 dots by 240 lines. Colors available are Red, Green. Blue. Yellow. Cyan. Magenta, Black and White These monitors are currently being used in applications far more critical than microcomputers The NEC monitor carries the Litton-Monroe label and was originally scheduled tor use in their Office of the Future equipment A change in Monroe s marketing strategy has made these units excess inven- tory which were sold to California Digital We are offering these prime new" RGB monitors at a fraction of then original cost Sanyo com- patible NEC-1401 'S. IBM/PC Computer compatible NEC-1401 /PC MONITORS BMC 1 2A green phosphor ' b MHz composit video BMC 12 h,gn resolution 20MHz Amdek 300C- 1 2 green phosphor Amdek 300A 1 2 amber phos Mi->eso*oi>on Amdek 310A designed to- IBM PC amber Zeni!hZVMt22 Amber Phosphor 12 40 BO column switch Zenith ZVM123 green pnosphor 12 40-BO column switch ' rn phosphor 'ft MHz composit video merna arade comDOSil 12v supply COLOft NEC JC 1401 D Medium. High 13 RGB BMC AU91 91 U Color composn video with sound BMC 9191M RGB designed 'or use with the IBM compute' NEC JC 1 203DM. RGB color monitor NEC JC 1 2 1 5 color composit Zenith ZVM 1 35 RGB & composite suitable id IBM PC Amdek Color I 1 3 composit video Amdek Color II - 13 RGB hi resolution Amdek Color III- 13 RGB medium resolution PnncelonHX-t2 RGB IBM PC compatible BMC i2A BMC -12 EN UW WOG AMK-jOOA AMK-310A ZTH-122 ZTH-ZI23 NEC JB1201 NEC JB12C ■ CON-BW9 NEC- J401. X BMC9191 BMC-9t9tM NEC- 1203 NEC JC12I5 ZTH-Z135 AMK-100 AMK-3O0 PRN HX12 n ■•■:■ IS K ...,. „ 3S I-.. 156 ■■■ BS K ■-':',■ X I19O0 59 DC 259 U0 238 95 379 0O 699 00 339 00 47S00 299 00 419 95 359 95 4 78 95 PRINTERS MATRIX PRINTERS Slat Gemini 10X120 char/sec STR-GtOX Star Gemini 15X 100 char sec 15 paper STR-G15X Slat Gemini Delta 10, 1 60 Char sec STR-D10 ToshibaP1351 192char/sec letter quality TOS-1351 Okidaia 62A serial & parallel 9", paper OKI-62A Okidaia 92A parallel miertace, 160 chare sec OKI-92A Okidaia 83A& parallel i5 paper OKI-83A Okidaia B4A4.parall6l 15 paper OKI-B4A Epson RX-80 10" 120Char/sec EPS-RX80 Epson RX-aO/FT (fictions tractor EPS-RX80FT Epson FX80FT. 10" 160 char; sec withgraphtrax EPS-FX80 Epson FX100FT 15 1 60 char .-sec with graphtra* EPSFX100 EpsonLQ1500. 15 corespondence quality EPS.LQ1500 Epson JX80 Color pnnler EPSJX80 Prownter 8510 parallel 9* -' paper PRO-8510P Prowrner II patallel 15 paper graphics PRO-2P Dataproducts B-60XK3 oand printer 600 LPM DPS-B600 Pnntronix P300 high speed printer 300 lines per minute PTX-P300 Pnntrom* P60O ultra high speed 600 lines per minute PTX-P600 WORD PROCESSING PRINTERS SlarwhierF" 10 parallel JO char sec PRO FlOP NEC861O 55 char second senal interlace NEC-881O NEC8830 55 chat. sec. par I interface NEC-8830 NEC35S0 populat printer designed tor the iBM'PC NEC 3550 NEC2060 deslo620 proportional spacing no'i i ven tap 20cps DBL-620 Juki 6100 18 char.' sec JUK-61OO Juki 63O0 40 char sec t t i! i 'V^i. n Com»eitCR2 5k Duffer proportion* spacing, par l CRX-CR2P TERMINALS 249 00 365 00 359 00, 1495 00 299 00 379 00 '::ty IX) ne power UOS-212LP 319 00 279 00 239 00 75 00 429 00 399 0O 229 00 278 :■" ■ ■•■< , : ■■- .-: 495 00 169 00 jle IIE/2 Computer features a 12" non-glare green phosphor CRT. typewriter style keyboard with separate numeric cluster. This unit provides two 5 1/4" drives for a combined storage capacity of 780 K/Byte The computer contains a 4Mh2 Z-80A, DMA disk interlace, two RS-232C serial ports. Centronics printer interface, along with an auxiliary parallel port Software included consists of ULTRACALC electronic spread sheet. SPELLBINDER word processor, CBASIC2. CP/M 2 2, and an exclusive Eagle menu driven utility package. These units are all 'factory new ' and are being ottered far below their suggested price of S2495 This is your opportunity to purchase a complete CP/M system for only $895. Return of a i Smash Hit Sellout DRAGON 99 Compatible with most Radio Shack Color Computer software The world famous Dragon computer is now available in the United Slates Manufactured by the Tano Corp under license of the British Broadcasting Company The Dragon comes complete with 64K Byte of memory, senal modem port along with a Centronics printer interface This unique micro- computer features Motorola s advanced 6809E microprocessor and comes standard with Microsoft Color Basic, data base manager, and a complete word processing package. The computer outputs color composite video along with R.F. video that allows the unit to be used in conjunction with any color television. This is the Ideal low cost computer to be used with any diaj up information system such as the Source. Western Union's EasyLink or any other time share service. TOLL FREE ORDER LINE (800)421-5041 TECHNICAL & CALIFORNIA (213)217-0500 512 B YTE • MAY 1985 California Digital 1 7700 Figueroa Street • Carson, Calif ornia 90248 C.ITOH F10 STARWRITER LETTER QUALITY PRINTER C. Itoh's STARWRITER F-10 is the answer for the perfect daisy wheel printer. The F-10 produces letter quality printing at 40 char- acters per second. Auto installs with Wordstar and Perfect Writter. Features extensive built-in word processing functions that allow easy adaptability and reduced software complexity. Industry stan- dard Centronics interface provides instant compatibility with all com- puters equiped with a parallel printer port. The Starwriter F-10 ac- cepts paper up to 1 5 inches in width. These printers were originally priced to sell at over $1 400. Through a special arrangment California Digital has purchase these units from a major computer manufacturer and is offering these printers at a fraction of their original cost. Options available include tractor feed, buffered memory and an assortment of printer cables for a variety of computers. 10 MEGABYTE WINCHESTER SPECIAL California Digital has re- cently purchased several thousand 10 Megabyte Winchester disk drives. The manufacturer has asked us not to advertise their name. Please tele- phone for details MEMORY DYNAMIC MEMORY 4164 150ns. 64K 128 refresh ICM-41641SO 41256 150ns. 256K ICM-41256150 4116 150ns I6K ICM-41 16150 4116200nS.16K ICI4-41162GO 4128 for IBM. AT ICM-4128150 DP8409 dynamic controller ICT-64D9 STATIC MEMORY 211.02 200ns. IK static 21 L02 450ns IK static 2112450ns. 2K static 211430Ons.1K i i 4044TMS 450ns 4K > 1 5257 300ns. 4K x 1 6116 P4 200ns. 2Kx8 6116 P3 150ns 2Kx 8 2708 450ns. IK i 8 2716 450ns. 2K i 8 2716TMS4S0ns.Tri- 2732 450na. 4K x 8 2764 350ns BK » 8 271 28 350ns. 16Kxi ICM-21 L02200 ICM-21 L02450 ICM-21 12450 ICM-21 14300 ICM-40444SO ICM- 5257300 ICM-61 16200 ICM-61t6150 EPROMS 1CE-2708 fCE-2716 ICE-2716TMS ICE-2732 ICE-2764 ICE -2 71 25 1-31 8.95 3.49 2-50 3 "5 456 1.45 835 29.00 325 235 ug 4 35 3 97 7.25 3.55 6 25 6.95 Shusiart I 'l These""6.7 Megabyte drives B •- I are new units recently re- i 'fe " ■ leased by the Shugart division 1 iPSSdS^' »M of Xerox ' Tne Shugart 604 is s^ameeiSL^ jm f u j|y 506 industry compatible. Each drive is tested before shipment and is supplied with a 90 day warranty. SHU-604 ive Inch Winchester Hard Disk Drives FUJITSU M2235AS 27 Meg. 899 859 RODIME RO-208 53 Meg. 1589 1493 MAXTOR XT10140 140 Meg. 3895 3785 SHUGART 712 1 3 Meg. ' 2 Ht 495 465 SHUGART 604 6.7 Meg. 99 89 TANDON 502 10 Meg. 419 395 TAHDON 503 19 Meg. 695 675 SEAGATE 225 25 Meg. 695 625 I ■ f%W48TPl-96TPI One Two Ten Five Inch Double Sided Drives TEAC FD55B half height 119 115 109 TEAC FD55F 96 TPI, half ht. 119 115 109 CONTROL DATA 9409 PC 169 159 155 SHUGART SA455 Half Height 119 115 109 SHUGART SA465' 2 Ht.96TPI 119 115 109 TANDON 100-2 full height 149 145 139 TANDON 101-4 96TPI full ht. 299 289 279 MITSUBISHI 4851 half height 139 135 129 MITSUBISHI 4853 96/TPIV 2 Ht. 155 149 139 MITSUBISHI 4854 8" elec. 295 285 275 GUME 142 half height 219 205 199 Eight Inch Single Sided Drives SHUGART801R 159 159 154 SIEMENS FDD 100-8 119 115 109 TANDON 848E-1 Half Height 369 359 349 Eight Inch Double Sided Drives SHUGART SA851R 495 485 475 GUME 842 "GUME TRACK 8" 319 319 313 TANDON 848E-2 Half Height 459 447 435 REMEX RFD-4000 219 219 209 MITSUBISHI M2896-63 V: Ht. 459 449 409 Shipping: First five pounds $3.00, each additional pound $.50. Foreign orders: 10% shipping, excess will be refunded. California residents add 6'/2% sales tax. • COD'S discouraged. Open accounts extended to state supported educational institu- tions and companies with a strong "Dun & Bradstreet" rating. California Digital 17700 Figuero a Street m Carson, Calif ornia 90248 IBM COMPATIBLE OPERATES MS/DOS & CPM86 Monitor and Disk Drives included. A 99S The Olympia Computer is a current technology. IBM/PC compatible computer complete with two quad density disk drives. 1 28K/byte of user memory (expandable to 51 2K) and a 1 2 inch high resolution monitor. This unit features a 8086 CPU, a true 1 6 bit microproces- sor, built in RS-232 serial port and a Centronics parallel printer port. The Olympia includes a dual operating system and both MS/DOS 2.1 and CP/M 86 are provided. The computer will also support Concurrent CP/M. And will operate Lotus 1 -2-3 as well as Flight Simulator. The Olympia uses Digital Research's GSX/86 graphics extension system which allows application programs to use the full capabilities of screen graphics. The original suggested list price on the Olympia Computer was $3,595 but California Digital offering these units, while supplies last, at only $995. WINCHESTER SUBSYSTEM jti For r * IBM/PC The California Digital Winchester subsystem provides over 10 megabytes ot memory for only $519 This low cost external hard disk systems is supplied with controller card and operating software. Everything you need to install this Winchester on your IBM/PC is included with the subsystem kit. And at only $51 9, this is by far the best value that has ever been offered m a hard disk system. TELETYPE I ANCHOR AUTOMATION MODEM The Anchor Automation Mark VI is direct connect modem that plus into any slot ofyour IBM/PC This modem supports auto answer and auto dial capabil- ities. Other features include telephone number storage, send / receive tex! files, single key-stroke dialing along with many other functions provided on disk. The Mark VLafls originally priced at over $300. FREE Plastic library case supplied with all diskettes purchased from California Digital. Each box 10 Boxes 100 Boxes Spleen FIVE INCH DOUBLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY MMM>74SiD MMM-745 10 MMM-745/16 VRB-5SO 01 nun io VR8-550M6 Mr. ■ ■■'- 19.95 29.95 29.95 CAL DIGITAL v SCOTCH VERBATIM MAXELL /HD DYSAN DVS 204/2D DYSAN/ 96 K 49.95 47.95 45.75 Other diskettes available include 3W and all 8" formats. Please phone for prices. 18.75| 17.85 27.95 24.75 27.95i23.75 CALL DVS.104 2D DUALTEAC SUBSYSTEM t m The dual Teac 55F subsysiem features two 96 track per inch 5' 4 double sided disk drives. Also supplied within the subsystem is 50 watt power supply and a four foot shielded signal cable m BAR CODE READER For IBM/PC. S9S The Teletype Model 40 printer is continuous heavy duty communication equip- ment that have recently come off lease from a Cado Computer customer It is seldom that California Digital becomes involved in the marketing ol recon- ditioned equipment but we felt that this printer represented such an excep- tional value that we had to offer this equipment to our customers. The full character chain printer is capable of printing text m excess of 300 lines per minute. This printer, long used in high speed mini-computer applications, will provide the small business user with good quality multi-pan printouts at speeds that can not be attained by dot matrix printers. This unit also has a four channel vertical lorms leed controller that allows for quick change of various form lenghts The Teletype Model 40 printer has a proprietary serial Teletype SSI interface and DIP switches are provided for setting baud rates to 9600 An optional RS-232 senal interface is available \\%** The DataLogic bar code reader plugs directly between the keyboard and the mainframe of your IBM/PC All instructions are supplied in firmware built into the reader device By the flip of a dip switch this bar code reader is capable of reading eight different formats of code including UPC, 2/5 and many more. Bar code is suitable for inventory control, freight and invoice records, personal records and other application limited only by imagination. Other DataLogic bar code readers are designed for the Apple II and RS-232 serial terminals Please phone for list of other bar code products available DIGIGRAPHICS f MULTIFUNCTION 179 The Digigraphic 384M multifunction card is a work-a-like to the over priced AST Sixpack Plus but at a much more attractive price. Memory is expandible to 384K/byte. battery backed up clock/calendar, fully programmable RS-232 communication port. Centronics parallel pod. and game port as standard equipment making this card an outstanding value Software is also provided for clock/ calendar functions. RAM-Disk up to 360K. print spooler for up to 3 printers, as well as diagnostic memory tests. Si 79.00 no memory DGC-384/0. S219.00 64K/byie memory DGC-384/64. western union EasyLink EasyLmk gives any personal computer access to over 1 5 million Western Unions World Wide termimals With EasyLmk service you can send Telexs Telegrams and Mailgrams from your own computer Through the use of the Mailbox" messages can be received even when your computer is turned off and picked up at your convenience Joining the World of Western Union's EasyLink is FREE of charge and there is no monthly service fee Sending a domestic Tetex is about $1.75 and a Mailgram has an adverage cost of S2 50 Western Union does require a minimum usage of 525 per month Call California Digital to receive your EasyLink subscriber number CONNECTORS DB25P S-100Gold RIBBON CONNECTORS -30360" . . 57-303601 maV 20 pii eoge 20 p." socket 26 | - edgi 26 pin socke! 34 pin edge 50 p>n edge 50pmsocke! CNC r36P CNC -36S CNI-DE20 CNI-DS20 CNl-DE2b CNI-DS26 CM DE3J CNI-DS3-J CNIDES0 CNIDS50 5 65 5 25 5 95 5 59 ■ - ..,= f --• 795 6 75 : 4 35 3 30 ; 2 75 1 86 4 95 3 50 ; 350 240 : 4 95 4 50 : 4 SO 3 95 : 5 95 5 60 ■ 4 95 4 60 : AMPHENOL/ CENTRONICS TYPE 57 30360 36 P CNC-36P 7 95 6 35 3 97 IEEE468 C dor CND-24P 7 95 6 35 5 35 TYPE DE9P male Tr-S ■•:--;:- DEhood DAtSPmale DA 1 5S female DAI 5 hoot) DB25P male D825S female DB25bood OC37P male DC37S lemale DC37hood DD50P male DD50riood Hardware 2' se caUlog CND-9P CND-9S CND-9H CND-15P CND-I5S CND-15H CND-25P CND-25S CND25H CND-37P CND-37S CND-37H CN0-50P CND-50H CND-2HS etch 10-99 i»+ 160 I 40 '30 225 200 1 30 1 SO 1 35 1 20 235 2 10 1 90 3 25 3 10 290 1 60 1 35 130 1 95 1 75 1.35 2 95 2 55 1 65 135 1 15 77 4 20 3 95 3 65 5 95 5 75 5 50 2 25 1 95 t 65 5 50 5 10 4 75 2 60 2 40 2 10 89 69 42 Shipping: First five pounds $3.00, each additional pound $.50. Foreign orders: 10% shipping, excess will be refunded. California residents add 6V2% sales tax. • COD's discouraged. Open accounts extended to state supported educational institu- tions and companies with a strong "Dun & Bradstreet" rating. TOLL FREE ORDER LINE (800)421-5041 TECHNICAL & CALIFORNIA (213)217-0500 inQI LTIiyperon cQJoftware Specialising in innovative programming tools ■ Complete documentation and C-source provided (presently DOS only). ■ Reasonable prices ■ High quality and good performance Products currently available C Preprocessor Features include variables and expressions loops and full macros Price- S39 95 General purpose editor Line oriented commands witn a screen oriented submode Command window Price - $29 95 Order from HYPERON SOFTWARE P.O. Box 3349 Costa Mesa. CA 92628 Enclose check or money order California residents add 6°'c 2532 Orange Ave Costa Mesa, CA DISKS AS LOW AS 77* SS/DD BULK Highest quality disks, coaplet* with labels and sleeves. 6tt*r *» teed 1001 error ^fee. Full one year realace*ent warranty' Call for voluae pricing and private labeling. tUDID SS/DD +SLEEVE & LABEL ■UD1N SS/DD NO SLEEVE/LABEL MJD2D DS/DD +SLEEVE & LABEL •UD2N DS/DD NO SLEEVE/LABEL 10/*8.80 500/M20 !'"-'i . 1000/*770 '■ i : 100/(119 RFS ICS 2114 2716 2732 2764 4116 .34 4164-130 1.88 3.00 8253 3.50 3.50 8748 18.50 Pay by nc/Visa/A*ev, COD, or send check with order. Ue charge standard UPS/Postal shipping, ith no handling charge. In the USA, we ship only Money-back 30 day guarantee' 500)343-0472 .sffic jl,20B HURLEY ST CAMBRIDGE, MA 02141 Send for FREE CATALOG listing 1000's of MEMS! Monitor Mover Gives Back the Desk $159. 95 • Models to fit most CRT's • Rotates 360° on base • Adjustable height • Support tray swivels and tilts • Holds up to 50 lbs • Clamp, screw and wall mountings LirffekWlllli P.O. Box 8056 Grand Rapids, Ml 49508 (616) 241-4040 Inquiry I93 Inquiry 404 Inquiry 242 Macintosh' 512K $1995 Call for prices on other Macintosh products. I PC'S LIMITED SIDI TEXAS, OKDEftS ONLY, CALL 1-800-426-51 50 7101 N. Unwr, f 1-100, Ami*, Tex., T07S1. ■ AM cbHi i« tie* Teiai end afl n— -irter bqvlri», ]"__■ B Ml (312| 452-0323. BJJJJ l_L'_, T*l«iNa.«1ft3.0llMKl» ■BE ■« NEW LOW-COST EPROM PROGRAMMER Programs MOS EPROMs and EEPROMs to 256k for only $1,450 (U.S. list price). Full-stroke keyboard • Large alpha display • Full editing • Intelligent algorithms • RS 232C • Remote control. Call (800) 547-4000. Dept. 123** for more information. "In Oregon 1-603 684 3000 DATA I/O 10525 Willows Road N E . PO Box 97046 Redmond, WA 98073 9746 NEW Paper Catcher Stocks printed pages neotly on top of your computer ptinter! • Rests on top of most Epson and Okidata 80 col. and similar printers • Saves space • Eliminates paper stacking problems • Low $49.95 suggested retail price See Paper Catcher ot o dealer near you, Ot contact: Buddy Products 1350 S. Leavitt Street Chicago, II 60608 (312)733-6400 Inquiry 318 Inquiry 452 DSDD-S1 39 IBM PREFORMATTED (360K) $1 55 QUALITY MEDIA-ANY QUANTITY LIFETIME REPLACEMENT GUARANTEE HUB RINGS-TYVEC ENVELOPES Because we buy in huge volume to supply software manufacturers. our prices can't be beat BlACKSHIP COMPUTER SUPPLY PO Box 883362 • San Francisco, CA 94188 (415) 550-0512 Add $3.00 shipping and handling (CA residents add 6.5% ) VISA/MC/COD Guard Your RS-232 Ports Against Costly Damage Caused By Lightning* Voltage Peaks RS-232 SURGE PROTECTOR Only $34.95 Model 232SP. Suppresses voltage above 26 volts without affecting normal RS-232 voltage levels. Protects pins 2, 3, & 7. ORDER NOW! Only $34.95 All cash orders postpaid (IL res add 6% sales tax). MC, Visa ac- cepted. FREE: New illustrated catalog of RS-232 Interface and Monitoring Equipment. Phone: (815)-434-0846 electrnnics P 0. Box 1008B. OTTAWA, IL 61350 NOW C HERE! CROSS SOFTWARE for the NS32000 Also Available for IBM PC INCLUDES: * Cross Assembler * * Cross Linker * * Debugger * * N.S. ISE Support • * Librarian * « Pascal Cross Compiler ♦ » C Cross Compiler * L'.S. prices start at S500 SOLUTIONWARE 1283 ML View Alviso Rd. Suite B Sunnyvale, Calif. 94089 408/745-7818 • TLX 4994264 Inquiry 52 Inquiry 47 Inquiry 370 45 Megabyte Streaming Tape System j ak mr half-hiqh streaming tape drive, tt^^-fiT' M and software. Just plug-in and run. ,,BM PC XT, AT compatible .AuoTatc error checking*, correct** .ZZe year factory «arran2691 5 >379.95 •699. « •119 » •309.95 64K RAM Upgrade Kits for Your $1795 IBM PC "I / High speed RAM upgrade kit with FREE! parity (error detection) and one year warranty. We ship thousands of these kits to satisfied customers every week. LIST JAOE 128K RAM Chip Kit lor AT s 359 '129.95 OC«V QAM rHIn Ui* SAQC, iPR 95 FREE CATALOG! To Get Yours, Just Circle Reader Service #215 On Page 529. GET YOUR IBM PC-AT THE AST Advantage . Up to 3 Megabytes of RAM . Uses standard 64K or 256J< chips . Has PAL lor split-addressing . low power. /bW nigh speed bus . One parallel & one serial port .2nd serial or game port optional 128K, 1 serial, 1 parallel s 595 512K, 1 serial, 1 paralle 13» 1.5 MB, 1 serial, parallel 95 3.0 MB, 1 serial, 1 parallel Expansion Boards for Your IBM-AT JADE AT-Expando Plus AT-Memory Master plus AST Advantage-AT STB Rio Grande 128K to 1.5M STB Grande Byte 128K to 2.5M Quadport-AT 1S, 1P _ 4 Serial port kit Quadmeg-AT 1 MEG Quadmeg-AT 2 MEG Quadmeg-AT 4 MEG 128K Upgrade Kit 20 Megabyte Hard Disk IBM Video Boards Hercules Color Hercules Graphic Plantronics Color Plus AST Preview LIST _ '495 . '495 _ '595 _ '495 _ '395 _ '154 _ '195 '2465 '3495 '7490 _ '395 '1790 AST Monograph Plus Tecmar Graphics Master Quadcolor I Quadcolor II PC Peacock Paradise Graphics Card Paradise Module A Paradise Module B Fvorav Opnhirc Frinp LIST '245 '499 '549 '399 '595 s 699 '295 '275 '299 '395 _ '95 '275 '599 JADE '479 95 >679 95 '989 . 95 '1689.95 JAOE '395.95 •429.95 •479.95 '359.95 '299 , 95 '139. 95 '179.95 '1995.95 '2995.95 CALL •129.95 •895.95 JADE •189.95 '339.95 •379.95 '309.95 '449.95 •499.95 '209.95 '209. 95 •239.95 •319.95 ■87.95 •239.95 •349.95 New PToductslo^ Expand Your PCjr. AST 512K jrCombo w 128K 512K Multifunc. Card w OK External 360KB Disk Drive Parallel Printer Port 8087 Co-Processor Card _ Light Pen System Simultaneous Disk/KeyboanTZ AST-PCnet lljr LAN TECMAR CAPTAINjr. w'128K TECMAR GRAPHICS MASTER - s 395 '299.I - '295 '229.! '499 '369.S . M20 '94.9 M99 '149.9 s 299 >229.9 - '59 '44.9 '495 '399.9 '499 '349.9! s 699 '499.9! JADE 1200 BAUD MODEM Hayes Smartmodem compatible. 1200 BAUD modem at a fraction of the price. FCC approved. JADE 1200 BAUD MODEM $399 '! 10 Megabyte Hard Disk for Your IBM PC s 689 95 Plug-n-run, ready to go. complete with controller card, data cable, and mounting hardware, totally PC/XT compatible, faster than XT, handles 4 different operating systems, streamer tape back-up available. External model includes cabinet & power supply Full one year manufacturers warranty. 10 MEGABYTE Internal 10 MEGABYTE External 15 MEGABYTE Internal 15 MEGABYTE External 20 MEGABYTE Internal 20 MEGABYTE External 33 MEGABYTE Internal 33 MEGABYTE External 10 MEGABYTE Hall-High Tape 20 MB Disk with 10 MB Tape LIST '1350 '1585 '1765 '1897 '1800 '2060 '3298 '3388 '1000 '2980 JADE '689.95 '849.95 •879.95 •1049.95 '999.95 '1249.95 '1569.95 •1999.95 •579.95 '1799.95 KEYTR0NICS Keyboards 5150 5151 LIST JADE '209 '159.95 '299 '199.95 Hayes Smartmodem 2400 BAUD IN STOCK! (At press time we had lOOSmartmodem 2400's in stock and more on their way to us ) SAVE*210 00 List Price s 895 Sale Price s 6799s HAYES Smartmodems Sophisticated direct-connect aut dial modem, touch tone or pulse interface programmable HAYES HAYES HAYES HAYES HAYES HAYES HAYES HAYES HAYES HAYES HAYES Smartmodem 2400 Smartmodem 1200 1200B w/o Smartco m I 1200B for IBM PC Smartmodem 300 Chronograph Micromodem 100 Micromodem lie Smartmodem lie PLEASE Software _ Smartcom II PB0M0DEMS from PROMETHEUS o-answer/auto dialing RS232 LIST JADE '899 '679.95 s 699 '469.95 '539 '369.95 '599 '399.95 '289 •199.95 '249 •199.95 •399 '299.95 '299 '239.95 -399 •249.95 '395 •299.95 •149 '99.95 1200B ProModem for IBM PC 1200 RS-232 ProModem 1200A ProModem for Apple 1200 ProModem lor Macintosh Alpha/num Display Option Options Processor 64K Mem Expansion for Above LIST '399 '495 '449 '495 _ '99 . '99 . '99 JADE '289.95 '349.95 '349.95 •399.95 •79.95 '79.95 •59.95 ^.TTI^lira^lllKI^MH^KM.MIHM.M.HlfiTaiH/.IJh ISO-BAR APPLE Accessories PC MOUSE with Pop-ups PC MOUSE with Paint FIELD MOUSE (male or female) PC PAINT Software MOUSE WINDOW Software POP-UP MENU Software LIST s 195 s 220 '175 - '99 '150 . '50 QUADRAM for IBM PC Quadboard No RAM Ouadboard 64K Quadboard 128K Ouadboard 2S6K Quadboard 384K Quadlink Quad 512 Plus 64K Quad 512 Plus 256K Quad 512 Plus 512K Quadcolor I Quadcolor II LIST _ s 269 _ '395 _ '495 _ '595 _ '795 _ '680 _ '325 _ s 550 - '895 _ '295 _ s 275 . M195 '1995 JADE '139" '159.95 '1 29.9 5 '69.95 '109.35 '39.95 JADE •234.95 '275.95 •319.95 •399.95 •469.95 '449.95 '239.95 •359.95 '549.95 '209.95 '209.95 •995.95 '1695.95 Quad 2 MEG W/512K Quad 2 MEG w/1 MByte 20 MEGABYTE TAPE Low power, half-height tape drive that uses standard audio/data cassettes. Unique flexable software choice of file-by-file or complete mirror-image back- up and retrieval. IBM PC, XT, AT compatible. 20 MB Cassette BacK-up '995 '64995 55B C SQQ! 360K **** Disk Drive for IBM PC $9995 Double-sided, double density TANDON 100-2 TEAC 55B LIST '299 '249 '279 '299 JADE '129.95 •99.95 •139.95 •149.«5 CDC 1/2 Height CDC Full Height SHUGART 8" Disk Drives SHUGART SA 801A SS/DD (Limited Supply) LIST '502 '399.95 ea . 2 for '389.95 ea . SHUGART SA-851R DS/DD LIST '605 '459.95 ea . 2 for '454.95 ea . Mouse with Word Microsoft Word Mouse a la carte _ LIST '495 '249 '199 JADE '319.95 •339.95 '129.95 BERNOULLI Boxes from IOMEGA 5 Mbyte system Macintosh 10 Mbyte system IBM PC 20 Mbyte system IBM PC Extra 10 Mbyte Cartridge LIST jade '1895 '1695 95 '2695 '2289 95 '3895 >2989 95 MOO >79 95 High-Resolution Monitors Amdek 300G Amdek 300A Amdek 31 0A Amdek Color 300 Amdek Color 500 Amdek Color 600 Amdek Color 710 PGS MAX-12 PGS HX-12 640x240 PGS SR-12 720x480 PGS Scan-Doubler 14 inch Quadchrome II Taxan 440 Ultra Hi-res RGB Taxan 210 RGB/Composite Taxan TV Tuner for RGB Monitor PERSYST Boards Mono display adapter Mono display adapter w/parallel BoB Hi-res display adapter LIST '179 '199 '230 '349 '525 •650 '799 >269 '699 '799 '299 '599 '799 '349 99 JADE '139.95 '149.95 •179.95 '269.95 '399.95 '449.95 '589.95 '189.95 •469.95 '629.95 •199.95 •499.95 •599.95 •289.95 •89.95 LIST JADE '225 '189.95 '250 '199.95 '595 '469.95 '395 '299.95 Time Spectrum SB 384 W/64K High Speed 8087 APU LIST PRICE '293 SALE PRICE '179.95 Place Orders Toll Free! These industrial quality ISO-BARs look like a standard multi-outlet power strip but contain surge suppression circuitry and built-in noisefilters plusa 15 amp circuit breaker. LIST JADE 4 Receptacle Iso-Bar '89 '59.95 8 Receptacle Iso-Bar '99 '69.95 UNINTERRUPTABLE POWER SUPPLY Emergency back-up power to save your computer system and your valuable data. A must for every computer system 200 Watt UPS 425 Watt UPS 1000 Walt UPS . '359 _ '539 s 1179 '279.95 '459.95 •995.95 Full Height Disk Drive Half Height Disk Drive Disk Drive for Apple lie Dual Disk Controller CP/M 3.0 Card with 64K ALS Z Engine 16K RAM Card Best 80 Column Card Printer Card & Cable Fan with Surge Protection Koala Pad Grappler Plus 64K Buffered Grappler w/16K 10 Megabyte Hard Disk LIST '299 . '249 '249 '100 '399 . '299 _ '99 . '219 '109 - '99 . '125 . '175 '275 '1495 JADE '139.95 '149.95 '159.95 '79.95 •269.95 '145.95 •39.95 •139.95 •49.95 •59.95 '89.95 '99.95 '149.95 •995.95 JADEXPC *1295 Ife" rTm, Two 360K Dl»k Drive,, & Pie* Controller JADE XPC IBM PC ► 256K of RAM Expands to 640K on Main Board ► 140 Watt Power Supply ► 4.77 or 7 MHz Clock ► 8 Expansion Slots ► Deluxe Keyboard ► 90 Day Warranty ► 256K of RAM Maximum on Main Board ► 63 Watt Power Supply ► 4.77 MHz Clock ► 5 Expansion Slots ► IBM Keyboard ► 90 Day Warranty OPTION #1 256K of RAM Two 360K Drives Hercules Card Amdek 300 IBM PC $ 1995 JADE XPC -M695 OPTION #2 256K of RAM Two 360K Drives Hercules Card PGS HX-12 Monitor IBM PC $ 2395 JADE XPC _ $ 2095 OPTION #3 256K Expands to 640K 10 Megabyte Hard Disk One 360K Drive 130 Watts of Power Multifunction Card Hercules Card Amdek 300 IBM PC $ 2995 JADE XPC _ $ 2695 Continental U.S.A. Inside California Los Angeles Area (800)421-5500(800)262-1710(213)973-7707 NEW! EPSON LX-80 EPSON P501 45 cps Thermal EPSON LX-80 100 cps. NLO EPSON RX-100F/Tt 100 cps EPSON JX-80- (60 cps. Color EPSON FX-80FT I 160 cps EPSON FX-100Fm 160 cps EPSON LQ-1500 200 cps. NLO SP^S EPSON HI-80 4 Pen Plotter S> EPSON/COMREX 420 cps _ 2K Serial Board for RX/FX _ NLQ Board for RX/FX LetterWriter NLO Kit for FX LX-80 Tractor FX-80 Tractor LQ-1500 Tractor LQ-1500 Sheet Feeder J& #» 71 39 95 , r 6500 1.0 MHz 6502 4.95 65C02(CMOSH2.95 6504 6.95 6505 8.95 6507 9.95 6520 2.95 6522 5.49 6532 9. 95 6545 9.95 6551 9.95 2.0 MHz 6 502 A 5 95 6520A 5.95 6522A 9.95 6532A 11.95 6545A 12.95 6551 A 11.95 3.0 MHz L 6502 B 8.95 UARTS AY5 1013 AY3-101S PT1472 TR1602 2350 2651 IM6402 IM6403 UPD7201 , INS8250 r 6800 68000-8 39 95 6800 2.95 6802 7.95 6803 1995 6808 13.90 6809 8.95 6809E 895 6810 2.95 6820 435 6821 2 95 6828 14.95 6840 12.95 6843 34.95 6844 25.95 6845 12.95 6847 11 95 6850 325 6852 5 75 6860 7.95 6875 695 6880 225 6883 22.95 68047 2495 68488 19 95 6800= MHz 68B00 1095 I 68B02 11.95 68B09E 11.95 68B09 11 95 68B10 5.95 | 68B21 595 68B40 19.95 68B45 1995 68850 5.95 1 68B0O 2 MHz " 8000 8031 29 95 8035 595 8039 5.95 INS 8060 17.95 INS-8073 49.95 8080 3.95 8085 4.95 8085A2 11.95 8086 24.95 8087 3 129.00 8087 6 119.00 8088 19.95 8089 69.95 8155 695 8155 2 7.95 8156 6.95 8185 29.95 81852 39 95 8741 29 95 8748 2495 8749 39 95 .8755 24.95 r MISC TMS99531 9.95 TMS99532 29.95 ULN2003 1 29 3242 7 95 3341 ■1 95 MC3470 4 95 MC3480 9.00 MC3487 2.95 11C90 13 95 95H90 7.95 2513 001 up 9 95 .2513 002 low 9.95 r 8200 8202 24 95 8203 39.95 8205 3.50 8212 1.80 8214 3.85 8216 1 75 8224 2.25 8226 1 80 8228 3.49 8237 13 95 8237-5 15.95 8238 4 49 8243 4.45 8250 1095 8251 3.95 8251 A 4.49 8253 6 95 8253 5 7.95 8255 4.49 8255-5 S 25 8257 795 8257-5 895 8259 6.90 8259 5 750 8271 7995 8272 1995 8274 3995 8275 29 95 8279 6 95 82795 ; 95 8282 650 8283 6.50 8284 5.50 8286 6 50 8287 6.50 8288 14.95 8289 49 95 .8292 1495 32.768 KHz VOMHz 1 8432 2.0 2097152 24576 32768 3579545 4.0 4 032 5.0 5.0688 5 185 5.7143 6.0 6.144 65536 8.0 10.0 10738635 14.31818 15.0 16.0 17.430 18.0 18.432 I 20 i 22.1184 24.0 .32.0 'GENERATORS BIT RATE MC14411 BR1941 4702 COM5016 1 COM8116 , MM5307 11.95 11.95 12.95 16.95 10.95 1095 FUNCTION KEYBOARD CHIPS I AV5 2376 11.95 AYS 3600 STO 11.95 I AY5 3600 PRO 1195 i CLOCK CIRCUITS MM5314 1 MM5369 MM5369 EST I MM537S ! MM58167 MM58174 . MSM5832 r CRYSTAL OSCILLATORS 1 OMHi 7.95 8.0 7.95 1.8432 7 95 100 7 95 2.0 7.95 12.0 795 24576 795 15 7.95 25 7.95 16.0 7.95 4.0 795 18 432 7.95 5.0688 795 20 795 6.0 795 24.0 7.95 6144 7.95 /- ) k T*= — nr \ -5V OUT NCU Ugnd J r CRT CONTROLLERS 6845 12.95 68B45 19 95 6847 11.95 68047 2495 HD46505SP 15 95 MCI 372 695 8275 2995 7220 39 95 CRT5027 19-95 CRT5037 34 95 TMS9918A 39 95 DP83S0 49 95 r DISK CONTROLLER 1771 15 95 1791 2395 1793 2395 1795 2395 1797 23 95 2791 39 95 2793 39 95 2795 39 95 2797 39 95 6843 3495 8272 19 95 UPD765 1995 MB8876 29 95 MB8877 3495 1691 7.95 2143 7,95 74LS00 74LS00 24 74LS189 8.95 74LS01 .25 74LS190 .89 74LS02 25 74LS191 .89 74LS03 .25 74LS192 .79 74LS04 24 74LS193 .79 74LS05 .25 74LS194 .69 74LS08 28 74LS195 .69 74LS09 29 74LS196 .79 74LS10 25 74LS197 .79 74LS11 35 74LS221 .89 74LS12 35 74LS240 .95 74LS13 45 74LS241 .99 74LS14 .59 74LS242 .99 74LS15 .36 74LS243 .99 74LS20 25 74LS244 1.29 74LS21 .29 74LS245 1.49 74LS22 25 74LS247 .75 74LS26 .29 74LS248 99 74LS27 29 74LS249 99 74LS28 .35 74LS251 .59 74LS30 25 74LS253 .59 74LS32 29 74LS257 59 74LS33 55 74LS258 .59 74LS37 35 74LS259 2.75 74LS38 35 74LS260 59 74LS40 2b 74LS261 2.25 74LS42 49 74LS266 .55 74LS47 75 74LS273 1.49 74LS48 75 74LS275 3.35 74LS49 75 74LS279 .49 74LS51 .25 74LS280 1.98 74LS54 29 74LS283 69 74LS55 29 74LS290 .89 74LS63 1 25 74LS293 .89 74LS73 39 74LS295 99 74LS74 35 74LS298 89 74LS75 39 74LS299 1.75 74LS76 39 74LS322 5.95 74LS78 49 74LS323 3 50 74LS83 60 74LS324 175 74LS85 69 74LS348 2.50 74LS86 39 74LS352 1.29 74LS90 .55 74LS353 1.29 74LS91 89 74LS363 1 35 74LS92 .55 74LS364 1.95 74LS93 55 74LS365 49 74LS95 75 74LS366 49 74LS96 89 74LS367 45 74LS107 .39 74LS368 45 74LS109 39 74LS373 1.39 74LS112 39 74LS374 1 39 74LS113 39 74LS375 .95 74LS114 39 74LS377 1.39 74LS122 45 74LS378 1 18 74LS123 .79 74LS379 1.35 74LS124 2.90 74LS385 3.90 74LS125 49 74LS386 .45 74LS126 49 74LS390 1.19 74LS132 .59 74LS393 1.19 74LS133 .59 74LS395 1.19 74LS136 39 74LS396 1.89 74LS137 99 74LS399 149 74LS138 55 74LS424 3 95 74LS139 .55 74LS447 95 74LS145 1 20 74LS490 195 74LS147 2 49 74LS540 1.95 74LS148 1 35 74LS541 195 74LS151 .55 74LS624 3.99 74LS153 .55 74LS640 2.20 74LS154 1 90 74LS645 2.20 74LS155 69 74LS668 169 74LS156 .69 74LS669 1.89 74LS157 .65 74LS670 1.49 74LS158 .59 74LS674 14.95 | 74LS160 69 74LS682 3.20 74LS161 65 74LS683 3.20 74LS162 69 74LS684 3.20 74LS163 65 74LS68S 3.20 74LS164 69 74LS688 2.40 74LS165 .95 74LS689 3.20 74LS166 1 95 81 LS95 1.49 74LS168 1.75 81LS96 1.49 74LS169 1 75 25LS2518 4 13 | 74LS170 1 49 25LS2521 280 74LS173 69 25LS2S38 3 74 1 74LS174 55 25LS2569 2 80 , 74 LSI 75 55 26LS31 2.19 74LS181 2.15 26LS32 2 19 J EfbjDR Microdevices ■ ■ 1224 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128 800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA) • (408) 995-5430 FAX (408) 275-8415 • Telex 171-110 Copyright 1985 JDR Microtia' RETAIL STORE - 1256 S. BASCOM AVENUE HOURS: M-W-F, 9-5 TU-TH, 9-9 SAT, 10-3 PLEASE USE YOUR CUSTOMER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING TERMS: Minimum order $10.00. For shipping and handling include $2.50 tor UPS Ground and $3.50 tor UPS Air. Orders over 1 lb. and foreign orders may require additional shipping charges - please contact our sales department tor the amount. CA residents must include 6% sales Ian. Bay Area and LA residents include 6v//o. All merchandise is warranted tor 90 days unless otherwise stated. Prices are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right to limit quantities and to substitute manufacturer. All merchandise subject to prior sale. 520 BYTE" MAY I985 Inquiry 2I8 HM6264P-1 5 eK iP 1 0.25 SSI263 SPEECH OQQC SYNTHESIZER «3«f.OU 74S00 74S02 74S03 7-1SO-1 74S05 74S08 74S09 74S10 74S11 74S15 74S20 74S22 74S30 74S32 74S37 74S38 74S40 74S51 74S64 74S65 74S74 74S8S 74S86 74S112 74S113 74S114 74S124 74S132 74S133 74S134 74S00 74S135 .89 745138 .85 745139 85 745140 .55 74S151 .95 74S153 74S157 74S158 74S161 74S162 74S163 74S168 74S169 74S174 74S175 745180 11.95 745181 395 745182 2.95 74S185 1695 74S188 195 74S189 74S194 74S195 74S196 74S197 74S201 74S225 74S226 74S240 74S241 CMOS .95 1.95 1 95 1.95 395 395 .95 .95 695 1.49 1 49 1.49 1.49 695 795 399 2.20 2 20 74S244 74S251 74S253 74S257 74S258 74S260 74S273 74S274 74S275 74S280 74S283 74S287 74S288 74S289 74S299 74S301 74S373 74S374 74S381 74S387 74S399 74S412 74S470 74S471 74S472 74S474 74S570 74S571 74S573 87S181 87S185 2.20 95 .95 .95 .95 .79 2.45 19.95 19.95 1.95 3.29 1.90 1.90 6.98 7.35 695 245 2.45 7.95 1 95 2.95 2.98 6.95 4 95 4.95 4.95 2.95 2.95 9.95 1625 16.95 7400 7400 19 7483 50 74172 595 7401 19 7485 59 74173 .75 7402 19 7486 35 74174 89 7403 19 7489 215 74175 89 7404 19 7490 35 74176 89 7405 25 7491 40 74177 .75 7406 29 7492 50 74178 1.15 7407 29 7493 35 74179 1 75 7408 24 7494 65 74180 .75 7409 19 7495 55 74181 2.25 7410 19 7496 .70 74182 .75 7411 25 7497 2 75 74184 200 7412 30 74100 1 75 74185 2 00 7413 35 74105 1.14 74189 2.99 7414 49 74107 .30 74190 1.15 7416 25 74109 45 74191 1.15 7417 25 74110 45 74192 .79 7420 19 74111 55 74193 .79 7421 35 74116 1.55 74194 85 7422 35 74120 1 20 74195 .85 7423 29 74121 29 74196 79 7425 29 74122 45 74197 .75 7426 29 74123 49 74198 1.35 7427 29 74125 45 74199 1.35 7428 45 74126 45 74221 1.35 7430 19 74128 .55 74246 1 35 7432 29 74132 45 74247 1 25 7433 45 74136 50 74248 1.85 7437 29 74141 .65 74249 1.95 7438 29 74142 2.95 74251 75 7439 79 74143 495 74259 2.25 7440 19 74144 295 74265 1.35 7442 49 74145 60 74273 1.95 7443 65 74147 1.75 74276 1.25 7444 69 74148 1 20 74278 3.11 7445 69 74150 1.35 74279 .75 7446 69 74151 .55 74283 200 7447 69 74152 65 74284 3.75 7448 69 74153 55 74285 3.75 7450 19 74154 1 25 74290 95 7451 23 74155 75 74293 75 7453 23 74156 .65 74298 85 7454 .23 74157 .55 74351 2.25 7460 23 74159 1 65 74365 65 7470 35 74160 .85 74366 65 7472 29 74161 69 74367 65 7473 34 74162 .85 74368 65 7474 33 74163 69 74376 2.20 7475 45 74164 85 74390 1.75 7476 35 74165 85 74393 1.35 7480 59 74166 1.00 74425 3.15 7481 1 10 74167 2 96 74426 .85 .7482 95 74170 1.65 74490 255 4000 .29 4531 4001 25 4532 4002 .25 4538 4006 .89 4539 4007 .29 4541 4008 .95 4543 4009 .39 4553 4010 .45 4555 4011 .25 4556 4012 .25 4558 4013 38 4560 4014 79 4569 4015 39 4581 4016 .39 4582 4017 .69 4564 4018 .79 4585 4019 .39 45151 4020 .75 4702 4021 .79 4724 4022 79 74C00 4023 .29 74C02 4024 .65 74C04 4025 29 74C08 4026 1.65 74C10 4027 .45 74C14 4028 .69 74C20 4029 .79 74C30 4030 .39 74C32 4034 1.95 74C42 4035 .85 74C48 4040 .75 74C73 4041 75 74C74 4042 69 74C76 4043 .85 74C83 4044 .79 74C85 4046 .85 74C86 4047 .95 74C89 4048 .69 74C90 4049 35 74C93 4050 35 74C95 4051 .79 74C150 4052 1.99 74C151 4053 79 74C154 4060 89 74C157 4066 .39 74C160 4068 39 74C161 4069 .29 74C162 4070 .35 74C163 4071 29 74C164 4072 .29 74C165 4073 .29 74C173 4075 .29 74C174 4076 .79 74C175 4077 59 74C192 4078 29 74C193 4081 29 74C195 4082 .29 74C200 4085 .95 74C221 4086 95 74C244 4093 .49 74C373 4094 2.99 74C374 4098 249 74C901 4099 1 95 74C902 14409 12.95 74C903 14410 12.95 74C905 14411 11.95 74C906 14412 12.95 74C907 14419 7.95 74C908 14433 14.95 74C909 14490 4.95 74C910 4502 .95 74C911 4503 65 74C912 4507 1.25 74C914 4508 1 95 74C915 4510 85 74C918 4511 .85 74C920 4512 .85 74C921 4514 1 25 74C922 4515 1.79 74C923 4516 1.55 74C925 4518 .89 74C926 4519 39 74C927 4520 .79 74C928 4521 4.99 74C929 4522 1.25 74C930 4526 1.25 80C95 4527 1.95 80C96 4528 1.19 80C97 4529 295 80C98 95 1.95 1 95 1.95 2 64 1.19 579 95 95 2.45 4.25 3.49 1.95 1 95 .75 75 12 95 1295 1.50 35 .35 35 39 1.29 1.99 .39 450 1 19 1 75 99 5.75 2.25 3.25 1 75 1.19 1 19 1.19 1 19 1.39 2.00 .79 1.19 1 19 1.49 1.49 1.39 5.75 1.75 225 245 245 39 .85 85 10.95 95 1 00 200 275 995 895 8.95 1.95 1 19 2.75 17.95 1595 4.49 4.95 5.95 795 795 795 1995 495 85 HIGH SPEED CMOS A new family of high speed CMOS logic featuring the speed o' low power Schonky (Bns typical gate prop agation delay), combined wrth the advantages of CMOS very low power consumption, supenor noise immunity, and improved output drive 74HC00 74HC: Operate at CMOS logic levels and are ideal for new. all-CMOS desigi 74HC00 74HC02 74HC04 74HC08 74HC10 74HC11 74HC14 74HC20 74HC27 74HC30 74HC32 74HC51 74HC74 74HC75 74HC85 74HCB6 74HC93 74HC125 74HC132 74HC138 74HC1 39 74HC151 74HC153 74HC154 74HC157 74HC161 74HC164 74HC166 74HC174 59 69 .85 1 35 69 1 19 1.19 1 19 .89 2.49 89 1.15 1 25 2.95 74HC175 74HC193 74HC194 74HC195 74HC238 74HC240 74HC241 74HC242 74HC243 74HC244 74HC245 74HC251 74HC257 74HC259 74HC273 74HC299 74HC367 74HC373 74HC374 74HC393 74HC4017 74HC4020 74HC4024 74HC4040 74HC4049 74HC4050 74HC4060 74HC4511 74HC4538 .99 1.25 1.04 1.09 1.35 1 89 1.89 1.89 1 89 1 89 1.89 89 85 1.39 1.89 4.99 99 2.29 2 29 1.39 1.99 1.39 1.59 1.39 .89 .89 1.29 2.39 2.29 74HCT00 74HCT: Direct, drop-in repli can be intermixed with 74LS ■ 74HCT00 .69 74HCT02 .69 74HCT04 .69 74HCT08 .69 74HCT10 .69 74HCT11 .69 74HCT14 .89 74HCT20 .69 74HCT27 .69 74HCT30 .69 74HCT32 .79 74HCT51 .69 74HCT74 85 74HCT75 74HCT85 74HCT86 74HCT93 74HCT125 74HCT132 74HCT138 74HCT139 74HCT151 74HCT153 74HCT154 74HCT157 74HCT161 74HCT164 74HCT166 74HCT174 cements for LS TTL and the same circuit. .95 1.49 .79 1.29 1.29 1.29 1.15 1.15 1.05 1.05 2.99 .99 1.29 1.39 305 1 09 74HCT175 74HCT193 74HCT194 74HCT195 74HCT238 74HCT240 74HCT241 74HCT242 74HCT243 74HCT244 74HCT245 74HCT251 74HCT257 74HCT259 74HCT273 74HCT299 74HCT367 74HCT373 74HCT374 74HCT393 74HCT4017 74HCT4020 74HCT4024 74HCT4040 74HCT4049 74HCT4050 74HCT4060 74HCT4511 74HCT4538 1.09 1.39 1.19 1.29 1.49 2.19 2.19 2.19 2.19 2.19 219 1 09 .99 1 59 2.09 5.25 1.09 2.49 2.49 1 59 2.19 1.59 1.79 1.59 99 99 1.49 2.69 2 59 Transistors 2N918 50 2N3772 85 MPS918 25 2N3903 .25 2N2102 75 2N3904 .10 2N2218 50 2N3906 .10 2N2218A .50 2N4122 25 2N2219 50 2N4123 25 2N2219A .50 2N4249 .25 2N2222 .25 2N4304 .75 PN2222 10 2N4401 25 MPS2369 25 2N4402 25 2N2484 .25 2N4403 25 2N2905 .50 2N4857 .00 2N2907 .25 PN4916 25 PN2907 .13 2N5086 25 2IM3055 .79 PN5129 25 3055T 69 PN5139 .26 2N3393 30 2N5209 .26 2N3414 25 2N6028 .35 2N3563 40 2N6043 .75 2 N 3565 .40 2N6045 75 PN3565 .25 MPS AGS .25 MPS3638 .25 MPS A06 .25 MPS3640 .25 MPS-A13 .40 PN3643 .25 MPS-A55 25 PN3644 .25 MPU-131 .99 MPS3704 15 TIP29 65 MPS3706 .15 TIP31 75 TIP32 .79 IC SOCKETS 1 -99 100 8 PIN ST .13 .11 14 PIN ST 15 12 16 PIN ST .17 13 IB PIN ST 20 18 20 PIN ST -29 27 22 PIN ST 30 27 24 PIN ST 30 .27 28 PIN ST .40 .32 40 PIN ST .49 .39 64 PIN ST 4.25CALL STSOIDERTAI1 8 PIN WW .59 .49 14 PIN WW .69 .52 16 PIN WW 69 .58 18 PIN WW .99 .90 20 PIN WW 1 09 98 22 PtN WW 1.39 1.28 24 PIN WW 1.49 1.35 28 PtN WW 1.69 1.49 40 PIN WW 1.99 1.80 . WWWIREWRAP INTERFACE 8T26 1.59 8T28 1 98 8T95 .89 8T96 .89 8T97 89 8T98 89 DM8131 2.95 DP8304 2.29 DS8833 2.25 DS8835 1.99 DS8836 99 DS8837 1.65 DS8838 1.30 INTERSIL IC L 71 06 9.95 ICL7107 12.95 ICL7660 2.95 101 8038 3.95 ICM7207A 5.59 ICM7208 15 95 BSPECTRONICS CORPORATION EPROM ERASERS Capacity Intensity Timer Chip |tiW> Cm*) PE-14 9 8.000 S83.00 PE-14T x 9 8,000 S119.00 PE 24T x 12 9.600 $175.00 PL-265T k 30 9.600 S255.00 PR-125T » 25 17.000 $349.00 . PR 320T x 42 17,000 $595 00 „ SOUND CHIPS r D ATA ACQ^ ADC08O0 1555 ADC0804 3 49 ADC0809 4 49 ADC0816 14.95 ADC0817 9 95 ADC0831 8 95 DAC0800 4 49 DAC0806 1 95 DAC0808 2 95 DAC1020 8 25 DAC1021 795 DAC1022 595 MC1408L6 1 95 MC1408L8 2 95 EXAR XR2206 3.75 XR2207 3.75 XR2208 3.75 i XR2211 5.25 I XR2240 325, r 9000 i 9304 .95 9316 100 9328 1 49 9334 2 50 9368 3 95 9401 9 95 9601 75 9602 1 5(1 9637 2 95 . 96S02 1 95 . OPTO-ISOLATORS 4N26 4N27 4N28 4N33 4N35 4N37 MCT-2 . MCT 6 69 1.75 1.25 1 25 1.00 1 50 MCA-7 MCA 255 IL-1 ILA-30 ILQ 74 H11C5 TIL 111 TIL 113 425 1.75 1.25 1.25 2 75 1 25 1 00 1 75 i I have hadnothingbut good experiences with JDR and look foward to more of the same .It's not often a company is willing to help customers to the extent JDR has . - Stephen £. Uaje Copyright 1985 JDR Mlcrod«wlc«i VOLTAGE REGULATORS TO 220 CASE PACKAGE 7805T .75 7905T 85 7808T 75 7908T 85 781 2T .75 7912T 85 7815T .75 7915T 85 7824T .75 7924T 85 TO 3 CASE PACKAGE 7805K 1.39 7905K 1.49 7812K 1.39 7912K 1.49 7815K 1.39 7915K 1.49 7824K 1.39 7924K 1.49 TO-92 CASE PACKAGE 78L05 .69 79L0S .79 78L12 .69 79L12 .79 78L15 69 79L15 .79 OTHER VOLTAGE REGS 78M0SC 5voii " .■amp TO 220 .35 LM323K 5volt 3amp TO 3 4.95 LM338K Adj. 5amp TO-3 3.95 78H05K 5voh Samp TO 3 9.95 78H12K 12vottSamp TO 3 9.95 78P05K 5voh 10amp TO-3 14.95 UA78S40 FAIRCHILD DIP 1.95, LINEAR LM301 .34 NE570 3.95 LM301H .79 NE571 2.95 LM307 .45 NE590 2.50 LM308 .69 NE592 .98 LM308H 1.15 LNI709 .59 LM309H 1.95 LM710 ■75 LM309K 1 25 LM711 .79 LM310 1.75 LM723 .49 LM311 64 LM723H .55 LM311H .89 LM733 98 LM312H 1.75 UW741 35 LM317K 3.95 LM741N 14 35 LM317T 1.19 LM741H .40 LM318 1.49 LM747 .69 LM318H 1 59 LM748 .59 LM319H 1.90 LM1014 1.19 LM319 1 25 LM1303 1-95 LM320 see7900 LM1310 1.49 LM322 1 65 MC1330 1.69 LM323K 4.95 MCI 341 1.89 LM324 59 MC1350 1.19 LM329 65 MC1358 1.69 LM331 3.95 MCI 372 695 LM334 119 LM1414 1.59 LM335 1 40 LM1458 .59 LM336 1.75 LM1488 .69 LM337T 1.95 LM1489 .69 LM337K 3.95 UM1496 .85 LM338K 3.95 LM1558H 3.10 LM339 .99 LM1800 2.37 LM340 soe7800 LM1812 8.25 LM348 .99 LM1830 3.50 LM350K 4.95 UW1871 5.49 LM350T 4.60 LM1872 5.49 LM358 .69 UW1877 3.52 LM359 1.79 LM1889 1.95 LM376 3.75 LM1896 1.75 LM377 1.95 ULN2003 1.29 LM378 2.50 XR2206 3.75 LM379 450 LM2877 2.05 LM380 89 LM2878 2.25 LM380N-8 1.10 LM2900 .85 LM381 1 60 LM2901 100 LM382 1.60 MPQ2907 1-95 LM383 1 96 LM2917 2.95 LM384 1.95 MC3487 2.95 LM386 .89 LM3900 .59 LM387 1.40 LKI3905 1.25 LM389 1.35 LM3909 .98 LM390 1.95 LM3911 2.25 LM392 .69 LM3914 3.95 LM393 1 29 UV13915 3.95 LM394H 4.60 LM3916 3.95 LM399H 5.00 MC4024 3.95 NE531 2.95 MC4044 4.50 NE55S .34 RC4136 1 25 NE556 .65 RC4151 3.95 NE558 1.50 LM4250 1.75 NE564 295 LM4500 3.25 LM565 .99 RC455S .69 LM566 1 49 LM13600 1.49 LM567 .89 LM13700 1.45 H TO 5 CAN. K TO-3. T=TO 220 RCA CA3023 2.75 CA3083 1.55 CA3039 1 29 CA3086 .80 CA3046 1.25 CA3089 2.99 CA3059 2.90 CA3096 3.49 CA3060 2.90 CA3130 1 30 CA3065 1.75 CA3140 1.15 CA3080 1.10 CA3146 1.85 CA3081 1 65 CA3160 1.19 CA3082 1.65 CA3183 .99 Tl TL494 420 75365 1.95 TL496 1.65 75450 .59 TL497 325 75451 .39 75107 1.49 75452 .39 75108 1.49 75453 .39 75110 1.95 75454 .39 75150 1.95 75477 1.29 75154 1.95 75491 .79 75160 4.95 75492 .79 75188 1 25 75493 89 75189 1 25 75494 89 Bl FET TL066 .99 LF347 2.14 TL071 .79 LF351 .60 TL072 1 19 LF353 1.00 TL074 2.19 LF355 1.10 TL081 .79 LF356 1.10 TL082 1.19 LF357 1.40 TL083 1.19 LF411 1.29 TL084 2 19 LF412 1 99 J Inquiry 218 MAY 1985 -BYTE- 521 \hrXVl FEMALE SOLDER CUP BARGAIM HUNTERS CORNER SPECIAL PURCHASE! TAXAN RGB VISION III $299.95 SUPER HIRES RGB MONITOR ORIGINALLY MADE FOR ACORN COMPUTE R 12" SCREEN - 18 MHz BANDWIDTH 640 x 262 PIXELS • 25 UNES x 80 COL. .38mm DOT PITCH WITH BLACK MATRIX FOR A SHARP IMAGE AND HIGH CONTRAST. NO COD ORDERS PLEASE! ACCESSORIES COLOR DISPLAY ADAPTOR FOR IBM PC XT $129.00 RGB CABLE FOR IBM $16 95 SPECIALS ENDS 6/30/85 RF MODULATOR (ASTECUM1082) QUANTITIES LIMITED ■ PRESET TOCHANNEL3 - USE TO BUILD TV- COMPUTER INTERFACE • »5 VOLT OPERATION $6.95 EMI FILTER - MAJOR MANUFACTURER • LOW COST ^^ "^ ' FITS LC-HP BELOW tfts fcfV S4.95 \*J y LINE CORDS LC-2 2 CONDUCTOR 6 ft .39 LC-3 3 CONDUCTOR 6 ft 99 LC-HP 3 CONDUCTOR WITH STANDARD FEMALE SOCKET 6 ft 1.49 LC-CIR CIGARETTE LIGHTER PLUG WITH 6 FOOT CORD 2.95 MUFFIN FANS 4.68" SQUARE 14.95 3" SQUARE 14.95 HARD TO FIND "SNAPABLE" HEADERS ! Can easily be snapped apart to make ! any si2e header, all with .1" centers 1x40 STRAIGHT LEAD .99 1x40 RIGHT ANGLE 1.49 I 2x40 STRAIGHT LEAD 2.49 | 2x40 RIGHT ANGLE 2.99 SHORTING BLOCKS ___ SPACED AT .1" CENTERS i " $%& IDEAL F0R D| SK DRIVES yy. OR ANY 1" HEADER ^J8* 5/1.00, DIP SWITCHES I 4 POSITION 8! | 5 POSITION 9< | 6 POSITION 91 7 POSITION 9! | 8 POSITION .9! . 10 POSITION 1.29 . VIDEO RFOUT EDGECARD CONNECTORS S- 100 ST S 100 S 100 WW S 100 72 PIN ST 72 PIN WW 62 PIN ST IBM PC 50 PIN ST APPLE 44 PIN ST .44 PIN WW 3.95 4.95 6.95 7.95 4.95 4.95 2.95 4.95 t 36 PIN CENTRONICS IDCEN36 IDCEN36 . CEN36 RIBBON CABLE MALE RIBBON CABLE FEMALE SOLDER CUP MALE 8.95 8.95 7.95 DIP CONNECTORS DESCRIPTION ORDER BY CONTACTS 8 11 1fi 18 20 22 24 28 40 HIGH RELIABILITY TOOLED ST IC SOCKETS AUGATxxST .99 .99 .99 1.69 1.89 1.89 1.99 2.49 2.99 HIGH RELIABILITY TOOLED WW IC SOCKETS AUGATxxWW 1.30 1.80 2.10 240 2.50 2.90 3.15 3.70 5.40 COMPONENT CARRIES (DIP HEADERS) ICCxx .49 .59 .69 .99 .99 .99 .99 1.09 1.49 RIBBON CABLE DIP PLUGS (IDC) IDPxx .95 .95 1.75 2.95 FOR ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS SEE IDC CONNECTORS BELOW D-SUBMINIATURE DESCRIPTION ORDER BY CONTACTS 9 15 25 37 50 SOLDER CUP MALE DBxxP 1.19 1.59 1.90 285 4.25 FEMALE DBxxS 1.50 1.85 2.25 3.90 5.25 RIGHT ANGLE PC SOLDER MALE DBxxPR 1.65 2.20 300 4.83 FEMALE DBxxSR 2.18 3.03 3.00 6 19 WIRE WRAP MALE DBxxPWW 1.69 2.56 3.89 5.60 FEMALE DBxxSWW 2.76 4.27 6.84 9.95 IDC RIBBON CABLE MALE IDBxxP 2.95 390 4.75 6.95 FEMALE IDBxxS 3.25 4.29 5.25 7 95 BLACK HOOD-B — j .99 GREY HOOD** 89 .99 j .99 1.09 1.19 MOUNTING HARDWARE S 1.00 fOfl ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS SEE IDC CONNECTORS BELOW RS232 1 Qfl MALE SOLDER CUP l.tJU CAPACITORS RESISTORS ■ « WATT 5% CARBON FILM ALL STANDARD VALUES FROM 1 OHM TO 10 MEG OHM 50 PIECES SAME VALUE .025 100 PIECES SAME VALUE .02 .1000 PIECES SAME VALUE .015 BYPASS CAPS 1 .01 ,yf DISC 10C $6.00 1 1 .01 tt\ MONOLITHIC 100 $12.00 I I .1 f A DISC IOC $8.00 I I 1 tA MONOLITHIC 100/ SI 5.00 J DIODES 1N751 5.1 VOLT ZENER 25 1N759 120 VOLT ZENER .25 1N4148 |1N914)SWITCHING 25 1.00 1N4001 50PIV 1A 12 1.00 1N4004 400PIV RECTIFIER 10 1.00 1N5402 200PIV 3A .25 KBP02 200P1V 1.5A BRIDGE 49 KBP04 400PIV 1.5A BRIDGE .55 MDA801 50PIV 12A BRIDGE 1.39 MDA980-1 50PIV 12A BRIDGE 1.95 MDA980^2 100PIV 12A BRIDGE 2.25 . VM48 DIP BRIDGE .35 J TO 220 TO-220 TO 3 TO 220 TO 3 HEAT SINKS SCREW ON CLIP ON SCREW ON INSULATOR INSULATOR 10 1 00 10 1.00 SWITCHES SPOT MINI TOGGLE ON-ON DPDT MINI-TOGGLE ON ON DPDT MINI TOGGLE ON OFF ON SPST MINI PUSHBUTTON NO. SPST MINI-PUSHBUTTON N.C. , BCD OUT 10 POSITION 6 PIN DIP 1.25 1 50 1.75 1.0//I I 6.8 TANTALUM 15V .40 15V .70 15V .80 15V 1.35 35V .40 35V 1.0 35V 2.2 35V 4.7 35V 10 35V 1 50V 50V 50V 90V 50V 50V 50V 50V 50V 50V 50V DISC 05 560 05 680 05 820 05 .00M 05 .0015 05 .0022 05 .005 05 .01 05 .02 50V 50V 50V 50V 50V 50V 50V 50V 50 V 50V 12V MONOLITHIC 50V .14 .VI 50V 18 50V .15 .47//f 50V .25 ELECTROLYTIC RADIAL AXIAL •tfil 25V .14 M 50V .14 2.2 35V .15 4 7 1ft V .14 4.7 50V .15 10 16V 14 10 50V .15 10 50V 16 47 35V .18 22 16V .14 100 16V 18 47 ROV .20 220 35V 20 100 15V 20 470 25V .30 100 19V .25 2200 16V .60 220 25V 30 COMPUTER 330 500 16V 1RV 40 .42 GRADE 1000 2200 16V 16V 60 70 44,000<;f 30V 3.95 6000 16V .85 LED DISPLAYS HP5082-7760 CC .43" 1.29 MAN 72 CA .3 99 MAN-74 CC .3 99 FND-3571359) CC .375" 1 25 FND-500(503) CC .5 1.49 FND-507(510) CA .5 1.49 TIL-311 4x7 HEX W LOGIC .270" 9.95 DIFFUSED LEDS 99 100-up JUMBO RED 1 W Id 09 JUMBO GREEN T 3 /« 18 15 JUMBO YELLOW T U 18 15 MOUNTING HDW T V, 10 09 MINI RED T 10 09 VliMI GREEN T 18 15 MINI YELLOW T 18 15 RECT RED 2* 5rr 25 22 RECT GREEN 2* 5mm 30 27 RECT YELLOW 2. 5mm 30 27 TEXTOOLZERO INSERTION FORCE SOCKETS AND RECEPTACLES ~^=r" \, r~S '•" i ; 5 ?i SCREWDRIVER CLAMP ECONOZIF LEVER CLAMP ZIF SOCKET WW RECEPTACLES ZIF RECEPTACLE TYPE CONTACTS 14 ,6 24 28 40 ECONOZIF 4.95 6.75 7 75 9.95 ZIF SOCKET 4.95 4.95 5.95 6.95 9.95 iZIF Hf CFPTACLE 8.25 8. 75 9.75 16.50 12 75 IDC CONNECTORS DESCRIPTION ORDER BY CONTACTS 10 20 26 3 4 40 50 SOLDER HEADER IDHxxS 82 1 29 1.68 2.20 2.58 3.24 RIGHT ANGLE SOLDER HEADER IDHxxSR .85 1.35 1.76 2.31 2.72 3.39 WW HEADER IDHxxW 1 86 2 98 3.84 4.50 5 28 6.63 RIGHT ANGLE WW HEADER IDKxxWR 2.05 3.28 4.22 4.45 4.80 7.56 RIBBON HEADER SOCKET IDSxx 79 .99 1.39 1.59 1.99 226 RIBBON HEADER IDMxx 5.50 6.25 7.06 756 8 50 RIBBON EDGE CARD IDExx 1.75 2.25 2.65 275 3 80 3.95 ORDERING INSTUCTIONS. INSERT THE NUMBER OF CONTACTS IN THE POSITION MARKED "xx" OF THE "ORDER BY' PART NUMBER LISTED EXAMPLE A 10 PIN RIGHT ANGLE HOLDER STYLE WOULD BE IDH10SR RIBBON CABLE CONTACTS SINGLE COLOR COLOR CODED V 10 1 r 10' 10 .18 1.60 .83 7.30 16 2H 2 50 1 00 a 80 20 .36 3 20 1.25 11 00 25 .45 4 00 1 32 11 60 26 .46 4 10 1.32 11 60 34 .61 5 40 1.65 14 50 40 72 6.40 1 92 16.80 50 89 7 50 2 50 22.00 SffcjDR Microdevices ■ ■ 1224 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128 800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA) • (408) 995-5430 FAX (408) 275-8415 • Telex 171-110 RETAIL STORE - 1256 S. BASCOM AVENUE HOURS: M-W-F, 9-5 TU-TH, 9-9 SAT, 10-3 PLEASE USE YOUR CUSTOMER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING TERMS: Minimum order $10.00. For shipping and handling include $2.50 tor UPS Ground and $3.50 for UPS Air. Orders over 1 lb. and foreign orders may require additional shipping charges - please contact our sales department for the amount. CA. residents must include 6% sales tax. Bay Area and LA residents include 6Vi%. All merchandise is warranted for 90 days unless otherwise stated. Prices are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right to limit quantities and to substitute manufacturer. AN merchandise subject to prior sale. Copyright 1985 JDR Mlcrodcvlcai 522 BYTE • MAY 1985 Inquiry 219 IBM PC PROTOTYPE CARD WITH DECODING CIRCUITRY $29.95 WIRE WRAP PROTOTYPE CARDS FR-4 EPOXY GLASS LAMINATE WITH GOLD-PLATED EDGE-CARD FINGERS ,8MPR2 IBM BOTH CARDS HAVE SILK SCREENED LEGENDS AND INCLUDES MOUNTING BRACKET IBM PR 1 WITH *SV AND GROUND PLANE .... $27.95 IBM PR2 AS ABOVE WITH DECODING LAYOUT S29.95 S-100 ] PI 00 1 BARE - NO FOIL PADS $15.15 P100 2 HORIZONTAL BUS S21.80 P100 3 VERTICAL BUS S21.80 P100 4 SINGLE FOIL PADS PER HOLE S22.75 APPLE P500 1 BARE NO FOIL PADS S15.15 P500-3 HORIZONTAL BUS $22.75 P500 4 SINGLE FOIL PADS PER HOLE S21.80 ] 7060-45 FOR APPLE lie AUX SLOT $30.00 GENERAL PURPOSE 22/44 PIN EDGE-CARD ( T56" SPACING) P441-1 BARE - NO FOIL PADS 4.5" x 6.0" S9.45 P441 3 VERTICAL BUS 4.5" x 6.0" SI 3.95 | P441-4 SINGLE FOIL PADS 4 5" « 6.0" S14.20 P442 1 BARE NO FOIL PADS 4.5" x 9.0" .... S10.40 P442 3 VERTICAL BUS 4.5" x 9.0" $14.20 P442 4 SINGLE FOIL PADS 4.5" x 9.0" S13.50 36.'72 PIN EDGE-CARD { 1 " SPACING) I P721-1 BARE NO FOIL PADS4.5" x 6.0" $9.45 | P721-3 VERTICAL BUS 4.5" x 6.0" S13.25 P721-4 SINGLE FOIL PADS 4.5" x 6.0" $14.20 1 P722-1 BARE NO FOIL PADS 4. 5" x 9.0" .... $10.40 P722-3 VERTICAL BUS 4.5" x 9.0" S14.20 | P722 4 SINGLE FOIL PADS 4 5" x 9.0" S15 15 BARE GLASS BOARDS EXTENDER NO EDGE-CARD FINGERS OR FOIL CARDS P25x45 2 5" x 4.5" S2.40 IBM $45 00 ] P45x65 4.5" x 6.5" S4 70 APPLE S45.00 | P45x85 4.5" x 8.5" S6.20 MULTIBUS S86.00 P45x170 4.5" x 17.0" S1 1.35 , P85x170 8.5" x 17.0" $18.95 TM 100-1 5' TM 100-2 5 MPI-B52 b DISK DRIVES TANDON (FOR IBM) SS DD (FOR IBM) DS DO MP I S139.95 $159.95 S109.95 S119.95 S1 39.95 S199.95 S199.95 '(FOR IBM) DS DD TEAC FD-55B ' > HEIGHT DS DD FD-55F ! i HEIGHT OS QUAD SHUGART SAaOOLS'^'dOTRACKlSS DD SA 460 5 V (80 TRACK) DS QUAD 8" DISK DRIVES FD100-8 BY SIEMENS. SHUGART 801 EQUIV SS DD $129.00 FD200-8 BY SIEMENS. SHUGART 851 EQUIV DS DD S1 80.00 JFORMAT-2 $49.95 SUPPORT FOR QUAD DENSITY DRIVES FROM TALL TREE SYSTEMS TEAC FD-55B TANDON TM100-2 PLEASE INCLUDE SUFFICENT AMOUNT FOR SHIPPING ON ABOVE ITEMS DISK DRIVE CABINETS $29.95 "disk drive $79.00 CABINET #1 • Fits one full height 5' • Color matches Appte CABINET #2 • Fits one full height 5' Vdrsk drive • Complete with power supply, switch, line cord, fuse and standard power connector • Please specify Grey or Tan CABINET #3 S89.95 • Fits two half height 5' Vdisk drives • Complete with power supply, switch, line cord, fuse and standard power connectors 8" DISK DRIVE CABINETS ALSO AVAILABLE PLEASE CALL PLEASE INCLUDE SUFFICIENT AMOUNT FOR SHIPPING ON ABOVE ITEMS SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES PS-IBM $159.95 tf£ ■ FOR IBM PC-XT COMPATIBLE ■ 130 WATTS ■ -5V @ 15A, 12V @ 4.2A -SV(3 .5A, 12V fa ,5A ■ ONE YEAR WARRANTY PS A $49.95 • USE TO POWER APPLE TYPE SYSTEMS • t-5V(S 4A, <12V @ 2.5A ■5V or fill out the reader service card. I vided following this reader service i tional service by the publisher. wh< omissions. 'Correspond directly w aroducts advertised in BYTE, either J use TIPS (if you are a subscriber), ther way full instructions are pro- dex which is provided as an addi- assumes no liability for errors or t company. Inquiry No. Page No. 448 234 235 236 237 238 239 241 242 243 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 464 272 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 286 287 288 289 88 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 300 104 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 LARK SOFTWARE 438 LATTICE. INC 400 LAWSON LABS. INC 500 LEADING EDGE PROD 49 LEADING EDGE PROD. 71 LEVEL 5 RESEARCH 364 LIFEBOAT ASSOCIATES 18 LIFEBOAT ASSOCIATES 469 LINTEK INC 515 LIVING VIDEOTEX 432 LOGICAL DEVICES 240 LOGICAL DEVICES 498 LOMAS DATA PRODUCTS 197 LYBEN COMP. SYS 502 LYBEN COMP SYS 448 LYCO COMPUTER 459 MANAGEMENT INFO SOURCE . 138 MANX SOFTWARE SYS 53 MARK WILLIAMS CO 75 MARYMAC INDUSTRIES INC . . 498 MASTERBYTE COMP OF NY. . . 502 MAXELL DATA PRODUCTS 7 MAYNARD ELECTRONIX 15 MCGRAW-HILL CEC 353 MEGATEL COMPUTER TECH. ... 86 MERRITT COMP. PRODUCTS ... 492 METALINK CORP. 519 MFI ENTERPRISES INC 91 M1CRAY ELECTRONIX 246 MICRO DATA BASE SYS. . . 450. 451 MICRO DESIGN INTL 431 MICRO MART. INC 72, 73 MICRO PRODUCTS, INC 495 MICRO WORLD ELECTRONIX . . 519 MICROCOMPUTER ACCESSORIES . 336 MICROCOMPUTER ACCESSORIES . 336 MICROGRAFX 135 M1CROMINT INC 410 MICROPROCESSORS UNLTD. .490 MICROSCOPE 430 MICROSHOP 478 MICROSOFT CORP 126. 127 MICROSOFT CORP 283 MICROSOFT CORP. 285 MICROSOFT CORP 287 MICROSOFT CORP PRESS 306 MICROSTUF. INC 384 MICROTIME 92 MICROWAY 218 MICROWAY 413 MIDWEST MICRO-PERIPHERALS . . 34 MINORITY HI-TECH INDUSTRIES . 281 MOTEL COMPUTERS LTD 500 MOUNTAIN VIEW PRESS 77 MTI SYSTEMS CORP. 146 MULTI-TECH SYSTEMS 234 NANTUCKET 184 NANTUCKET 184 NATL PUBUC DOMAIN SFTW ... 86 NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS 125 NCDA 494 NEC HOME INFORMATION SYS. CHI NESTAR SYSTEMS INC 453 NEW GENERATION SYS 250 NEWSNET INC 55 NICOLET PARATRONICS 30 NIGHTOWL SOFTWARE 253 NORTH HILLS CORP. 492 NORTH HILLS CORP. 494 NORTHROP 473 NRI SCHOOLS ELECTR. DIV , . . 449 OBERON INTERNATIONAL ... 370 OLDEN 181 OPUS COMP PROD 16 ORCHID TECHNOLOGY 131 ORCHID TECHNOLOGY 321 ORION INSTRUMENTS 198 ORYX SYSTEMS 254. 255 ORYX SYSTEMS 254, 255 ORYX SYSTEMS 254, 255 OZISOFT 490 PC. HORIZONS. INC 496 PC NETWORK 344. 345 PACIFIC EXCHANGES 488. 492. 496. 519 PACIFIC PAYROLL SYSTEMS 92 MAY 1985 -BYTE 527 READER SERVICE Inquiry No Page No 312 PACIFIC PAYROLL SYSTEMS . . 92 • PALADIN SOFTWARE 316. J17 114 PANASONIC SENIOR PARTNER 93 315 PARAGON COURSEWARE 488 • PASCOM COMPUTING 51 316 PC PIPELINE 488 317 PC S LIMITED 477 318 PCS LIMITED 515 319 PERSOFT INC 61 320 PINNACLE SYSTEMS. INC 324 322 POCKET TECHNOLOGY 295 447 POLAROID CORP 208 209 323 PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS .... 207 324 PRINCETON GRAPHIC SYS 191 325 PRINCETON GRAPHIC SYS 325. 327. 329. 331. 333 326 PRIORITY ONE 503 329 PROGRAMMERS SHOP 309 330 PROGRESSIVE MICRO DISTR 485 331 PROMETHEUS PRODUCTS 17 332 OANTEX DIV 193 333 QIC RESEARCH 427 334 QUADRAM CORP 106. 107 335 OUADRAM CORP 401 336 QUALITY PRINTERS 496 337 QUANT SYSTEMS 496 338 QUARK INCORPORATED 409 339 OUBIE 20.21 340 RADIO SHACK CIV 341 RAINBOW TECHNOLOGIES. . 498 342 RATIONAL SYSTEMS 300 343 RE ADIWARE SYSTEMS INC. . 311 344 RELAX TECHNOLOGY 374 345 ROLAND CORP 407 453 ROSE ELECTRONICS 519 430 S-100 DIV 696 CORP 60 431 S-100 DIV 696 CORP 60 Inquiry No. Page No 434 S-100 DIV. 696 CORP 501 435 S-100 DIV 696 CORP 501 350 SAB-LINK. INC 492 351 SAFEWARE 494 352 SAFT AMERICA INC 445 353 SATELLITE SOFTWARE 346 354 SAVON COMPUTERS 491 • SCOTTSDALE SYSTEMS 82 355 SEMIDISK SYSTEMS 189 • SILICON SPECIALTIES 387 • SILVER FOX 50 357 SLICER COMPUTERS 26 358 SLR SYSTEMS 350 359 SMALL BUSINESS COMP SYS. . 492 360 SOCIETY-APPLIED LRNG.TECH. . 452 361 SOFTCRAFT INC |TX) 24 • SOFTCRAFT INC. (Wl) 235 • SOFTLINE CORP. 87 363 SOFTWARE BOTTLING 301 364 SOFTWARE GALORE 314 365 SOFTWARE GALORE 314 366 SOFTWARE LINK, THE 443 367 SOFTWARE PLUS 490 368 SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS INC . 377 369 SOLA ELECTRIC 31 327 SOLUTION SYSTEMS 308 328 SOLUTION SYSTEMS 308 370 SOLUT10NWARE CORP 515 371 SONY CORP OF AMERICA 182. 183 372 SORCIM 142 373 SORD COMPUTER OF AMERICA293 374 SPECTRUM SOFTWARE 203 445 SPERRY CORP 79 375 SPSS 437 376 STARBUCK DATA CO . 494 446 STB SYSTEMS 334. 335 377 STRIDE MICRO 210 Inquiry No. Page No. 378 STRIDE MICRO 211 379 STSC INC 326 449 SUMICON 386 450 SUMICON 386 380 SUMMIT SOFTWARE TECHN. INC 406 381 SUNNY INT L 484 " SUNNYVALE COMM. CO. 213 382 SUNTRONICS CO. INC 478 383 SUPERSOFT 405 384 SYNALTA SYSTEMS 496 • SYSGEN INC 290 385 SYSTEMS AUTOMATION CORP . 447 386 SYSTEMS MANAGMNT ASSOC .467 387 TAPE WORLD 488 388 TATUM LABS 500 389 TATUNG 32 390 TAXAN CORP 249 391 TAXAN CORP 249 392 TCI SOFTWARE RESEARCH 54 393 TDK ELECTRONICS 471 • TEKTRONIX INC 435 • TELCOR AMERICA 412 394 TELEBYTE TECHNOLOGY INC. . 84 395 TELEBYTE TECHNOLOGY INC. 448 • TELEVIDEO SYSTEMS 351 • TEXAS INSTRUMENTS II ' TEXAS INSTRUMENTS . 296. 297 397 THREE M COMPANY ... 302. 303 154 TIGERTRONICS 494 • TINNEY. ROBERT GRAPHICS. 480 398 TOSHIBA AMERICA INC. . . 276. 277 400 TRANSTECTOR SYSTEMS. INC. . 223 401 TRIFOX 490 402 US. ROBOTICS 67 283 U.S. SERVEX 322 403 UN1SOURCE 59 404 UNITECH 515 Page No. 27 Inquiry No. 406 VEN-TEL INC 407 VERTEX SYSTEMS 444 408 VIASYN 369 409 VIASYN 371 410 VIASYN 373 411 VIASYN 375 412 VIASYN 391 413 VICTORY ENT TECHNOLOGY 68 414 VLM COMPUTER ELECTR . . 498 413 VCTRAX. INC 403 416 WADSWORTH PROFESSNAL SFTW4I6 417 WALLING COMPANY 519 • WAREHOUSE DATA PRODUCTS 227 418 WESTERN TELEMATIC INC 200 419 WINTEK CORP 330 420 WINTEK CORP 500 421 WORKMAN & ASSOCIATES. .500 424 XEROX CORP 140, 141 425 YET1WARE 490 426 ZSTEM COMMUNICATIONS DIV 496 • Correspond directly with company INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING SECTION 500 AMERICAN BUYING & EXPORT288B • BYTE 288D. 288|. 288K 501 CASIO COMPUTER CO. 288C 504 DYADIC SYSTEMS LTD. 288F 505 ENTER COMPUTER 288L 506 ENTER COMPUTER 288L 503 GREY MATTER 288F 502 HELIX EXPERT SYSTEMS .... 288E • MICROMINT 288H 512 MULTITECH INDUSTRIAL CORP288C 522 MULTITECH INDUSTRIAL CORP 2881 No domestic inauines ptease. TIPS SEND FOR YOUR 1) SUBSCRIBER I.D. CARD SUBSCRIBERS ONLY!* Use BYTE's Telephone Inquiry Pixtcessing System Using TIPS can bring product information as much as 10 days earlier. If you are a new subscriber or have lost your I.D. card, circle #1 on the Reader Service Card; attach mailer label. We will immediately send your personal TIPS subscriber card. GET PREPARED 2) Write your Subscriber Number, as printed on your Subscriber I.D. Card, in boxes in Step 5 below. (Do not add O's to fill in blank boxes) 3) Write numbers for information desired in boxes in Step 7b below. (Do not add O's to fill in blank boxes.) CALL TIPS 4) Now, on a Touch-Tone telephone dial: (413) 442-2668 and wait for voice commands. ENTER YOUR SUBSCRIBER AND ISSUE NUMBERS 5) When TIPS says: "Enter Subscriber Number" (Enter by pushing the numbers and symbols [# or * enclosed in the boxes] on telephone pad ignoring blank boxes) Enter DDDDDDDDIi 6) When TIPS says "Enter magazine code & issue code" Enter CD X IS H IS IE ENTER YOUR INQUIRIES 7a) When TIPS says "Enter (next) Inquiry Number" Enter one inquiry selection from below (ignore blank boxes) b) Repeat 7a as needed (maximum 17 inquiry numbers) 10. □□□US] 14. D D D 3 11. DO DSBll 15.DDD 1 12.DDGil 16. D D D ] 13. □□□HB] 17. □□□ 1. DDDil 6. DDD 2. DDDfflffl 7. □ DD 3. DDDII1 8. GGG 4. DDD1I1 9. DDD 5. DDDil END SESSION 8) End session by entering E E BE LI IB BE 9) Hang up after hearing final message If you are a subscriber and need assistance, call (603) 924-9281. If you are not a subscriber fill out the subscription card found in this issue or, call BYTE Circulation 800-258-5485. •Domestic and Canadian Subscribers Only! 528 BYTE- MAY 1985 ONLY PINWRITER DOT MATRIX PRINTERS CAN SAY All THIS. 44 Pmwr iter printers are available m black & while and color models u The reason most people buy a dot matrix printer is for versatility. And that's exactly why you should buy an NEC Pinwriter™ printer. Pinwriters are the final word in versatility. The Pinwriter lets you do more than any other dot matrix printer. Three different speeds cover all your needs— 300, 900 or 1800 words per minute. Pinwriter printers also let you create unbelievably clear graphics . In black and vtt white. Or in seven * * crisp colors. But that's not all. Every Pinwriter gives you a choice of 8 different type styles. Plus, you can choose from a wide range of easy-to- I CAN PRINT PICA HIGH SPEED, OR PICA CORRESPONDENCE QUALITY OR PICA NEAR LETTER QUALITY OR ELITE CORRESPONDENCE QUALITY OR ELITE HEAR LETTER QUALITY OR PROPORTIONALLY SPACED CORRESPONDENCE OR PROPORTIONALLY SPACED NEAR LETTER QUALITY OR ANY PROGRAMMABLE TYPEFACE The Pinwriter prints in 8 different typefaces at the touch ol a button The quick brown fox The quicker broun fox The quickest brown to Three printing speeds cover all you' needs With Pmvur ■:■ i . . jjgES use NEC f° rms and speed with One finger handlers. And to make things even easier, Pinwriter printers work with the most popular PCs and software packages. All the controls at your fingertips. The Pinwriter is also much easier to use than any other dot matrix printer. Press a button and you can change typefaces. Or speeds. Even spacing and pitch selection. And that's a refresh- ing change. Of course, you can do it through your software, too. See your dealer for a quote. For all this versatility, you might expect to pay a bundle for a Pinwriter printer. Not so. Pinwriter prices are also easy to handle. For more ^ tY^S* information, call l^y M4 # 1-800-343-4418 V f M2d* (in MA call 617- 264-8635). And find out why more and more PC owners are saying, "NEC and me'.' w ff AND ME Pinwriter is a trademark of NEC Corp NEC Information Systems, Inc. 14 14 Massachusetts Ave. Department 1610 Boxborough. MA 01719 Inquiry 290 A STAR IS BORN Out of Radio Shack's Famed Model 100 Evolves the Advanced Technology Tandy 200 Our new Advanced Technology Tandy 200 portable computer does what no other computer could. It takes our amazing Model 100 one step further. Get Much More Power -. A new 40- character by 16-line flip-up — screen gives the Tandy 200 improved text and graphics. The 24K memory (ex- pandable to 72K) is great for data storage and other big jobs, and the built-in Multiplan software makes the Tandy 200 a portable spread- sheet analysis tool. Five other "instant-on" programs include an improved version of the Model 100 word processor, a tele- communications program, a per- sonal calendar and a telephone and appointment file. You can even write your own programs in BASIC. And the Tandy 200's tone-dialing feature lets you use long-distance phone services. See It Today Get a hands-on demonstration of the Tandy 200 (26-3860, $999) at any Radio Shack Computer Center or participating Radio Shack store or dealer. Radio /hack The Technology Store A DIVISION OF TANDY CORPORATION Prices apply at Radio Shack Computer Centers and at participating stores and dealers Inquiry 340