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,! Beyond eyon The 1541: Mass Storage SJfc For The 64 And 128 . 

$2.95 

COMPUTEPs PUTEI' 

$2.95 

5 

February 1986 1986 cg © 

Issue 32, Vol. 4, No. 2 

• 02220 02220 $3.75 S3.75 canada 

Canada 

II 

m'U"%\ 

Commodore 128 

Disk Disk Commands 

Commands 

A tutorial tutorial packed packed with with tips, 

shortcuts, shortcuts, and lots lots of howhowto information infonmation to help help you 

get get the most most out of your 

128 128 and disk drive. 

7U86 2220 

. ' . . ' 

FOR COMMODORE PERSONAL COMPUTER USERS 

Lexitron 

An An exciting word game 

with with some some twists, twists, plus plus 

skill skill level level options. options. For For 

the Commodore Commodore 128, 128, 

64, Plus/4, and 16. 

Commodore 128 

, 0 

Also In This Issue: 

Machine Language For 

Machine Language For 

Beginners: Beginners: Exploring 

The 128's Monitor 

The 128's Monitor 

Computing Computing For 

Families: Homework 

128 Update: An 

Improved CP/M 

Commodore 128 

Commodore 128 

Memory Map 

All the key 

locations. 

locations. 

Families: Homework 

Helpers Disk Editor 

128 Update: An 

Improved CP/M 

And And More More 

Mini-Filer 

Disk Editor 

Examine and alter any byte 

on a disk with ease using 

this powerful utility. For the 

Commodore 64, Plus/4, 

and 16. 

A fast and flexible file manager loaded with 

features. For the Commodore 64.

The brains of Commodore comput 

The brains of Commodore comput 

ers since si nce day one—the one-the 6502/10 

chip powering the PET, CBM, SuperPET, 

VIC, 64, Plus/4, Plus/ 4, 16, and 

now the 128—is 128-is a doomed technology. 

This chip has had immense 

popularity. It was the microproces 

sor inside Apples and Ataris, too. 

But it's a twilight chip now. 

But it's a twilight chip now. 

Looming over the horizon, a 

much bigger and faster chip, the 

68000, 6S000, runs the new generation 

machines: the Apple Macintosh, 

Atari ST, and Commodore Amiga. 

But as often happens, the end 

of an age produces its finest flower. flowe r. 

Commodore's 128 is arguably the 

flower of the 6502 era. Bach's music, 

likewise, was nothing new. It 

was thoroughly baroque in style at 

was thoroughly baroque in style at 

a time when baroque was losing out 

to the emerging popularity of the 

classical style. But few would dispute 

the power and grandeur of 

Bach's compositions. 

Just Just as as Bach summarized summarized and and 

best exemplified the Baroque age in 

best exemplified the Baroque age in 

music, the 128 takes the 6502 chip 

to its limits. It is an economical 

computer, efficient and twice as fast 

as its predecessors, and yet also 

enormously flexible and welldesigned. 

It's reall really y several computers 

in one, and it offers just 

about everything a BASIC or machine 

language programmer could 

ask for. 

ask for. 

When the 128 was first announced, 

it was clearly a dark 

horse. More than one pundit de 

nounced it as an impossible ma 

nounced it as an impossible ma 

chine to market. And consumers 

were lukewarm, too, following the 

notable silence that greeled the ar 

notable silence that greeted the ar 

rival of the Plus/4 and the Commodore 

16. The market for Ihe the home 

computing dollar had grown se 

computing dollar had grown se 

verely restricted. Who would wanl want 

to buy another eight-bit computer? 

to buy another eight-bit computer? 

And most importantly, the Amiga 

was attracting all the attention because 

it was the new age computer, 

a technological giant step forward. 

S COMPUTEI'. Gazlltta Februllty 1966 

6 COMPUTEVs Gazette FebWBry 19B6 

The 128 wasn't radically di{{er 

The 128 wasn't radically differ 

ent like the Amiga. It attempted to 

revive the tired CP/M CP/ M operating operating 

system, and it seemed odd, a bit 

monstrous, with several configurations 

including, including, somehow, somehow, an entire entire 

Commodore Commodore 64 stuck s tuck inside. inside. 

Would all that 64 software really 

run right? Would the new disk 

drive be faster and less prone to 

breakdown than older drives? 

Would an 80-column screen be 

Would an SO-column screen be 

readable? 

readable? 

These These and and other other doubts doubts that that 

clouded the introduction of the 128 12S 

have all but disappeared in the face 

of surprising surprising public public and and critical critical acceptance 

of the computer. It's sell 

ing very well. And, possibly more 

ing very well. And, possibly more 

significant for its long-term success, 

significant for its long-term success, 

people who use use it love it. 

It's multifaceted without becoming 

clumsy, and and allihe all the features 

are are fully fully developed developed and thoughtful 

ly integrated. And because it has 

ly integrated. And because it has 

got many software and and hardware hardware 

switches, you can arrange things 

the way you prefer. There are 

the way you prefer. There are 

switches fo forr a 40- or SO-column 

80-column 

screen, screen, warm warm reset, and and dozens dozens of of 

escape escape sequences sequences from the the key 

board. board. You can quickly erase to the 

start of a line, to the end of the 

screen, to to the end of of a a line, and and so so 

forth. This This multiplicity of ways ways to to 

erase erase is is symbolic symbolic of the many many levels 

of of control control the 128 offers. If If you you 

don't like the the block cursor, cursor, switch switch it 

to to an underline. If you don't like a a 

flashing cursor, switch it to a steady 

flashing cursor, switch it to a steady 

state. You can easily program the 

function keys to perform usefu usefull 

tasks at a single keypress. Programs 

tasks at a single keypress. Programs 

can be made to run at double speed 

by switching to FAST mode. Win 

by switching to FAST mode. Windows 

can make the screen more attractive. 

Programs can be loaded 

and run with a single command. In 

and run with a single command. In 

fact, just turning on the computer 

can boot up a configuration for the 

can boot up a configuration for the 

system from a prepared boot disk. 

Disks with a variety of useful uti li- 

system from a prepared boot disk. 

Disks with a variety of useful utili 

ties-everything from unscratch to 

ties—everything from unscratch to 

selective selective disk-copy—are disk-copy-are included included 

with the machine. Machine Machine language 

programmers will appreciate 

the dozens of internal hooks, doz 

the dozens of internal hooks, dozens 

of vectors, which make custom 

ens of vectors, which make customization 

much mu ch easier. BASIC 

programmers programmers will revel in the many 

new commands and easy to use 

disk instructions. Even SHIFT/ SHIFT / 

RUN has been sensibly changed 

from cassette to disk addressing. 

from cassette to disk addressing. 

It's a computer construction 

It's a computer construction 

set, set, and and the the owner has the the pleasure pleasure 

of participating in the design of his 

personalized computer. That fact, 

the great amount of 100 percent 

compatible compatible 64 software, software, and and its 

speed account for the sudden emer 

gence gence of the the Commodore Commodore 128 128 as as the the 

low-end personal personal computer computer to to 

watch watch in early early 1986 1986 and perhaps perhaps 

beyond. beyond. 

Sources Sources inside Commodore estimate 

that a quarter of a million million 

128s 128s will will be sold by by the end of 

1985, and and this this is responsible responsible for 

putting putting Commodore in the black. black. 

By contrast, the Amiga has reportedly 

sold less than a tenth as many 

units. Both machines came out of 

the starting gate at roughly roughly the 

same time, but the dark horse is 

leading the race at this point. 

leading the race at this point. 

Richard Mansfield 

Richard Mansfield 

Senior Senior Editor

Do Do you you have have it a question question or or a a problem? problem? 

Have Have you you discovered discovered something something that thai 

could could help help other other Commodore Commodore users? users? 

Do Do you you have have a a comment comment about about something 

thing you've you've read read in in COMPUTEr, computed GA ga 

ZETtE? We want to hear from you. 

zette? We want to hear from you. 

Write Write to to Gazette Gazette Feedback, Feedback, COMPUTErs 

computed 

GAZETfE, gazette, P.O. P.O. Box Box 5406, 5406, Greensboro, 

Greensboro, 

NC 27403. We regret thai due to the 

NC 27403. We regret that due to the 

volume of mail received, we cannot 

respond individually to program 

ming questions. 

ming questions. 

Commodore In Spanish 

I work with a children's home in Costa 

Rica Rica and and would would like like to to help help the the children 

get get started started using using computers. computers. I'd I'd like like to to 

buy buy some some Commodore Commodore machines machines if if I 

can car find find any any programs programs wrillen written for use use 

by by Spanish-speaking Spanish-speaking people. 

F. F. Brooks Brooks Herman 

Herman 

Although Although Commodore does 110t not produce produce 

any any software software for Spanis/I-speakillg Spanish-speaking people, 

Sigma, an exclusive Commodore distributor 

based ill in Mexico City, hilS has translated 

i,lIo into Spanish many many of of the most most popular 

Commodore software titles, and has /Ias de de 

Veloped veloped other other programs hi in Spanish. A/so, 

Also, 

Dlle one source at Commodore noted that other 

local distributors ill in Central and South 

America have translated or written Span 

America have trallslated or written Spanisll 

ish software. software. A Sigma representative representative can can 

supply supply more specific specific information information about 

these local distributors. You may contact 

these local distributors. You may contact 

Sigma by phoning plroning 52-5563-4144 (the first 

two digits-52-are digits—52—are Mexico's count country ry 

code), or by writing Sigma, Holbein #257, 

code), or by writing Sigma, Holbein #157, 

CP0381O, CP03810, Mexico DF. DF. 

A A Usc Use for POS POS 

It It seems that that the the POS pas function gets gets little 

or or no no attention attention from books books or or magazines. 

Can you explain POS pas and include 

clude some program program examples? 

examples? 

David David L L. Swain 

Swain 

The P05O() POS(K) function ftmctioll refilms returns the current 

cursor cursor position with within ill the the logical screen screen 

lin line. e. A logical screen screen lille line can can be be aile one or or 

more physical screen lilies. lines. On On the 64, 64, for 

example, example, a BASIC BASIC program progrllm line can can contai,1 

tain up to 80 characters. Tire The 80 characters 

would would take IlIke up up two two screen screen lines, Jines, but would 

would 

be cOllsidered considered ollly only one logica//ine. 

logical line. 

The number after POS pas (in parenthe parentIJeses) 

ses) is is a dummy argumellt argument that's that's ignored 

ignored 

by tlJe the function. fUllclion. You have IIlIve to i",:/ude include a 

10 COMPUTEr, COMPUTE."s Gtl.l:8I!(I Gawffe February 1986 

Editors and Readers 

Editors and Readers 

number, number, but but its its ualue vatue doesn'l doesn't mal/er. mailer. On On 

the 64 alld and tire the VIC, tile the value value retunted relumed by by 

this function fUllclion is is the the same same as as the number /lumber hI in 

locatioll location 211, 211, the Ihe currelll current cursor column. 

011 On tile the 64, 64, POS retums returns a ualue value from from 

o 0 to lo 79. Values from 40 to 79 indicate tire the 

cursor is all on the second secolld physical line. On 

the VIC, POS pas gives you a ualue value from 0 to 

87. Since each logical line con/aills contains 22 

c/raracters characters all on tile the VIC, tile the first physical 

lille line would haue have values values from 0-21, 0-21, the 

second second from 22-43, 22-43, and so so 011. on. 

Admittedly, tire the pas POS function lias has 

few uses. You mig/It might find it helpful in a 

program program thaI that hllndles handles text. Supp Suppose ose 

you've you'ue used used a modem modem 10 to download a text 

file and and wall wanted ted to print the file to tire the 

screen. screen. To prevent words words from wrapping 

wrapping 

around around and and beillg being split al at the end end of of a line, 

you could haue have your yO llr program check check tire the 

current current CIIrsor cursor position POSitiOIl using using POS. pas. If tire the 

value value were were greater tlrall than 30 30 or or so, so, you 

would prillla print a carriage re/um return (CHR$(13», 

(CHRS(13», 

like this: IF POS(O»30 POS(0)>30 THEN PRINT 

CHRS(13). 

CHR$(13>. 

The The Dreaded Dreaded LOAD LOAD ERROR 

Recently, Recently, while while saving saving a a program program to to the the 

twice. twice. Finally, the tape read/write head head 

might might be be dirty. Many MallY record stores slores have /Jave 

tape recorder cleaning/demaglletizing 

cleaning/demagnetizing 

kils kits wllich which will will work work just as as well well all on a 

Datassette. 

Listing Listing Conventions 

Conventions 

I typed in one one of of your your programs programs and and 

came came across across a a line line that that looked looked like like this: 

this: 

PRINT '1 "(

you can increment by ally value you 

you can increment by any value you 

choose, or decrease the score for fo r incorrect 

guesses by changing the plus sign to a mi minus 

/IUS sign as part of another routine in i,r your 

program. 

program. 

Strange Radiation? R.ldiation? 

I have a Commodore 1702 color moni 

tor. When I turn the monitor on and 

tor. When I turn the monitor on and 

hold the back of my hand to the screen, 

the hairs h3irs on the back b3ck of my hand h3nd tingle 

and stand out straight. Is this radiation 

and stand out straight. Is this radiation 

that would be harmful hannful to a person? 

What causes this, and should I be 

concerned? 

William E. Noice 

No need to don your radiation radialio,r suit—al suit-although 

eerie, what whal you're describing describi,rg is an aIr 

effect ca used by slatic eleclricily, alld is 

effect caused by static electricity, and is 

perfectly normal. ,rormol. It's 11'5 no 110 more dangerous 

than /litH! the tire finely lingly feeling fuling you might miglrt get gel from 

rubbing a balloon bal/oo,r on your head. Ireod. Your 

monitor's mOllilor's electron declrOlr guns gUlrs shoot electrons at 

the surface of the glass, making areas of 

the screen light up, and giving it a static sIatic 

clrarge. Whe,r you touclr or move your 

charge. When you touch or move your 

hand 'raud near IIear the Ihe screen, the hairs pick up 

some of 01 that charge. The individual hairs 

have 'lave the lire same Same charge, and alld like charges repel, 

so 50 the hairs 'rairs move as far as possible 

Irom the others. 

from the others. 

This charge all on the screen screw is also a 

powerful dust du st magnet, magllet, which is why wiry TV 

and monitor screens screells get dirty so quickly. quiCkly. 

You can CII II eliminate elimi,rate the problem by USillg 

using 

all an allli-static anti-static cleal/er. cleaner. Also, static slatic electricity 

is only sigllifica,rt in dry wtather. 

tricity is only significant in dry weather. 

If tlure there's 's moiSlure moisture in tire the air, lire the electrical 

charges slowly draill drain away, instead of 

builditrg up. 

building up. 

You may also encounter static dec elec 

tricity wlren when you walk across a carpet alld and 

ground yourself by touching a melal ob 

ground yourself by touching a metal ob 

ject. Although Altlrough tire the voltage may be high, Irigh, 

tile the currellt current is iI/significant, insignificant, so stalk stalic electricity 

is har",less harmless 10 to you. However, semiconductor 

materials, IUaterials, illeludilrg including most of 

your compuler's circuilry, are especially 

your computer's circuitry, are especially 

sellsilive sensitive to the higlr high voltage of static dec elec 

tricity. A good spark between your finger fillger 

a,rd the joystick port is elrough to zap se ll 

and the joystick port is enough to zap sen 

sitive compollents. components. That's why it's a good 

idea to touclr touch a metal object to drain any 

static electricity you may have accumu 

lated before you tou touch cll allY any computer 

equipmellt or a ROM cartridge. 

equipment or a ROM cartridge. 

Speed Control 

My older children like the program 

My older children like the program 

"Character Assassi Assassination" nation" from the 

June 1985 issue. However, it moves too 

fast for my three year old and I haven't 

fast for my three year old and 1 haven't 

figured out how to slow down the fail fall 

ing characters. How would I 1 do that? 

Michael Schultz 

Tlrat program was published with botll a 

That program was published with both a 

VIC alrd and 64 versiorr. version. You didn't specify 

wlrich UlMch computer yOIl you OW own, II, bul but fortllrrately 

fortunately 

12 COMPUTEI'. COMPUTE'S Gazeue Gamte February 1986 

the tllf! modifications modificatiolls are the lire same for both 

programs. 

To slow dowlI Ihe falling characters, 

To slow down the falling characters, 

you need to increase the Ihe value lJalue of the variable 

S5 in ifr line lille 90. This variable is used in 

the tlte delay loop at the thr beginning of line lim' 210: 

FOR TD-G TD - G TOS.NEXT TOS:NEXT TD. This This/oop loop 

starts at lit the FOR statement and alld ends at 

the NEXT. The value vallie of G is always a/ways 1I in ill 

the tire program, progra"" while wlrile S5 can ca ll range rallge from 1-28. 

Say S5 is equal to 28. The index iudex variable TD TO 

would count from'1 from 'J (the (tlte value of OG) to 28 

(the (Ihe value vallie of S). 5). 

This Tlris type Iype of loop, where the tlrr NEXT 

immediately follows fol/auls the FOR command, commalld, is 

often used to create a delay in a program. 

of tell used 10 create a delay ill a program. 

The program pauses while TD TO counts co unts 

from G to S. The higher the value ofS, of S, the 

longer 10llger the delay. 

So, to slow the tire speed of the characlers, 

YO Il lleed to increasr tire value of S. 

ters, you need to increase the value of S. 

We could substitute substitule aII higher higlter number IIIIII/ ber for 

28 in ill the II,e equation for S5 in line 90. A similar 

approach would wollld be to 10 add a variable, 

say DE, to this /llis equation equatioll which could be 

set at the beginning of ol'he the program. To do 

this, add a line 5: 

this, add a lille 5: 

5 DE - 2S: REM SET DE - IOO OR 

5DE = 28: REM SET DE-100 OR 

GREATER FOR fOR YOUNGSTERS 

And change the equatioll illlifre 90 10 

And change the equation in line 90 to 

read read S = - DE - 3*VAL(BS). 3·VAL(BS). 

As written, the program would be set 

As writ/e,r, the program would be sci 

up for your older elzildrtll. If your tllree 

up for your older children. If your threeyear-old 

is playing, playillg, cha,rge change DE to to 100 or 

higher in line 5 to suit his or her playing 

Irigller ill line 5 to suit his or Iler playing 

ability. Furthermore, Furtlremlore, if you like, like, you could 

could 

even elJe/! customize cuSlomize tire the program so that that it 

would request the Ihe name Ilame of the the player and 

adjusl adjust DE DE accordillgly. 

accordingly. 

A Second Second VIC VIC Joystick? 

Joystick? 

I recently bought The VIC-20 Program 

I recently bought The VIC-20 Program 

mer's Reference Referelrce Guide. Guide. It It says says that that a se

. as innovative in form as it is 

.n content. If they're all as goad as 

Mindwheel, we have a lotto look 

-GAMES 

"Technically and artistically, it 

represents the'wave of the present' 

in interactive fiction" 

-QUESTBUSTERS 

"... blazes a whole new frontier in 

computergame design'.' 

-COMPUTER GAMING WORLD 

E L E C T R 

Mindwheel, Essex and Brimstone. 

Fascinating stories, compelling 

characters, intriguing ideas, rich 

MINDWHEEL 

Every mind that has ever hsen 

continues to exist for eternity. 

language, a maelstrom ofconstant Somewhere in this web ofmental 

change - all the elements of the 

energy is the key to civilization's 

best SciFi and fantasy. Combined 

with the interactive possibilities 

you 've always wan ted in 3 great 

VI HKI"Q"< NftrlfL- 

text adventure. 

Electronic Novels are written 

by prize ■ winning published a uth ors. 

They're not "computer versions" 

of existing novels—they're stories 

conceived especially for this new 

medium. 

In the world of Electronic 

Novels, you have a lot more to do 

than "Go south "and "Kill dragon'.' 

You'll find that each character 

has a mind of his own, and nothing 

stays the same for long because 

everything happens in res! time. So 

just because that room was 

empty the last time you entered it, 

don't expect it to be empty this 

time. Everythingyoudo-or fail fo 

do—affects everything else that 

happens. The surprises never end. 

survival. You are the adventurer 

who must travel through four 

unusually powerful minds in 

search of the mysterious Wheel 

of Wisdom. 

synapse l 

A BRgDlRBUNO SOFTWAHF COMPAN1 

OrnnuiuinuKlmh Mismuit n I Inlriri/I hnmilt! Aic'i femvfw. I" t !3Si tr$4ntuitf Scltrirt. It 

You're t!fa;captain of Int 

rescue mission. EyepWote you 

face the deadl?BiinisfsrPgople 

and the vile Volfc/itm, you Ve got 

your own crew to deal with - as 

unlikely 8 bunch of misfits as ever 

sailed the Sirus sector. 

BRIMSTONE 

You play the part of Sir Ga wain, 

proud Knight of the Round Table, in 

a mystical quest for truth, chivalry, 

and a little peace end quiet. All 

you've got to contend with is the 

entire Underworld and every 

monster, ghost end demon known 

to medieval sorcery. 

BEGIN WITH A BOOK 

Set the stage and introduce your 

self to the characters with the 

graphic, hardboundbook included 

with each program. Just whan 

things start getting good, you'll 

switch to your computer—and now, 

you're at the center of the action!

lite;' ■ 

Shake, battle & role. 

Warm up your Commodore* and $&\ ready for 

full-screen graphic action. 

Save tho industrial world from going off the 

deep end of Ihe Richfer scale in Quake Minus 

One. Stop (he terrorists from I ridyHriny a 

massive earthquiike; and toppling civilization. 

In Slmdowiire. Ambassador Kryxi* has 

been kidnapped. You havebu! 100 real-time 

minutes tci assemble a strike force of spe 

cialists and elite fighters to rescue him and 

then destroy the evil Zoff and hisslarship. 

Embarkonao,ufisl lodefeat Doomdark 

in Tbi> Lords of Midnight. Choose your rote. Capture 

the source of Doomdark's power or 

"- r conquer his forces in battle.Over 32.000 

different panoramas ensure a challenge. 

: Vir.il your software dealer. Ask lo see the 

new Beyond Lino from Mindscape. And 

discover graphics.

COMPUTEt's 

Gazette Disk 

COMPUTERS 

Gazette Disk 

Now you can enjoy the exciting programs 

Now you can enjoy the exciting programs 

from COMPUTEl's COMPUTErs Gazette Gazette on a 

ready-to-run disk 

, 

ready-to-run disk 

Every month you can receive COMPUTEt's 

Every month you can receive COMPUTEf's 

Gazette Disk, which includes the fascinating 

and challenging programs published 

in the the corresponding corresponding issue issue of COMPUTEt's 

COMPUTEI's 

Gazette, ready ready to load on your Com- 

modore 64 or VIC-20. 

modore 64 or VIC-20. 

The 5'h-inch floppy disk will arrive in your 

The 514-inch floppy disk will arrive in your 

home home in time for you to enjoy enjoy the quality 

quality 

programs of of COMPUTEt's COMPUTEI's Gazette Gazette without 

having to type a single program. 

having to type a single program.

The The following followilrg program uses uses tile the error 

error 

trapping commands commands to to screen screen out out bad bad user user 

input. 

10 10 TRAP TRAP 100 mo 

20 PRINT "ENTER TWO NUMBERS TO 

20 PRINT "ENTER TWO NUMBERS TO 

BE BE DIVIDED":INPUT DIVIDED":INPUT A,B:C A,B:C -= A/B A/B 

30 30 PRINT PRINT ''THE "THE FIRST FIRST NUMBER 

DIVIDED DIVIDED BY BY THE THE SECOND SECOND IS"iC 

IS";C 

40 END 

40 END 

100 IF ER - 20 THEN PRINT "I 

100 IF ER-20 THEN PRINT "1 

CANNOT CANNOT DIVIDE DIVIDE BY ZERO": 

ZERO"r 

RESUME: RESUME; REM ER -= 20 MEANS 

DIVISION BY ZERO 

DIVISION BY ZERO 

110 PRINT ERRS(ER)" ERR$(ER)" IN L1NE"El LINE"EL : 

REM IN IN CASE CASE OF OF OTHER ERRORS 

ERRORS 

Safeguard Safeguard your your latest latest software software by by 

making making a a backup backup with with 

You Can't Write To ROM 

I was was trying trying to to get get into into ROM and and stumbled 

across the undocumented command 

SYSTEM. Sometimes it makes 

the screen act as though I pressed RUN/ 

STOP-RESTORE. And sometimes it 

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20 20 COMPUTEl'lf COMPUTE! s Gaz"",, Gazeffe F&btvary February 1986 

You Can't Write To ROM 

STOP-RESTORE. And sometimes it 

locks locks up up the the computer. Could Could you you explain 

what this word means? Also, 

could could you you tell tell me me how to to change change ROM? 

I'd I'd like like to to have have the the computer computer print 

"HELLO. I'M READY." when I tum turn it 

on. 

SYSTEM is is not IIOt a lIew new comma command. lid. Wh When ell 

you type the word SYSTEM, the computer 

you type the word SYSTEM, the computer 

finds the command command SYS SYS in in the first part of of 

the word and treats the remainder of the 

word ([EM) (TEM) as a variable. SYS transfers 

control to a machine language roulin routine; e; 

BASIC BASlC is lemporarily temporarily disabled while a 

SYS is in effect. Since you probably have 

SYS is in effect. Since you probably Ilave 

/wt defined the variable TEM, a SYS is 

not defined the variable TEM, a SYS is 

performed performed to address address O. 0. The contents contents of of 

this section of memory changes frequent 

this section of memory changes freque/IIly, 

ly, so so the results results are are unpredictable. 

unpredictable. 

Try Iyping this: TEM - 64738: 

Try typing this: TEM - 64738: 

SYSTEM. In this case, the variable TEM 

has been defined, so tile the computer is sent sellt 

to local location ion 64738 (the cold start routine all on 

the 64). 

The answer answer to to your second secolld question 

is no, tile the computer's ROM cannot be 

changed directly. ROM stands for read 

changed directly. ROM stands for readonly 

only memory. memory. You call can read ii, it, but but not 

write to it. It's possible to change Ihe way 

write to it. It's possible to change the way 

BASIC BASTC works, however. The ROM canllot 

cannot 

be be challged, changed, bul but you call can copy copy the ROM ROM 

illto into the RAM alld and teJl tell the computer to 

fetch its information from RAM instead of 

fetell its illformation from RAM inslead of 

ROM. ROM. Bit Bit 0 0 of of locatio locationII 1 determines 

determines 

whether ROM or RAM is used at locations 

whether ROM or RAM is used at locations 

40960-49151 (where BASIC is located). 

The following fol/owing program copies copies ROM ROM 

into RAM (line 10), selects RAM at loca 

ill to RAM (line 10), selects RAM at location 

40960 40960 (line (line 20) 20) alld and changes changes RAM to 

alter alter tire the READY READY message message (/int (line 30). 30). The 

word word READY READY has has been been cllallged changed to 

HOWDY. 

10 FOR A - 40960 TO 49151: POKE 

10 FOR A = 4096D TO 49151: POKE 

A,PEEK(A): NEXT 

20 POKE 1,PEEK(1) AND 2S4 254 

30 N$-"HOWDY": NS - "HOWOY": FOR A -= I l TO 

LEN(NS): LEN(N$): POKE POKE 41847+ 41B47 + A,ASC 

A,ASC 

{MIDS{NS,A,lII: (MID$(N$,A,1»: NEXT 

Ullfortullately, as SOOIl as the com 

Unfortunately, as soon as the com 

puter is turned off, the memory is cleared. 

In III order order to have have a message message come come up as as 

soon soon as as tile the computer computer is turned on, on, you 

must use an EPROM (erasable program 

must use an EPROM (erasable program 

mable ROM). Whe/lever Whenever tire the computer is 

tumtd turned on, the Ihe cartridge port is checked to 

see if if a cartridge cariridge is is illserted. inserted. If aile one is is pre 

sent, sellt, thell then control of the computer is 

tumed turned over over to tire the cartridge. 

cartridge. 

All An EPROM is a cartridge that call can be 

programmed with a special tool called an 

EPROM bUTller. burner. Tllis This device takes a program 

ill in memory memory alld and burns burns it it into into a cartridge. 

The cartridge can be programmed 

to do anythillg, anything, includillg including customizillg 

customizing 

your BASIC BASIC messages. messages. As As 50011 soon as as the the com 

puter is turned on, the program in the car 

puter is turned on, the program ill tire cartridge 

is is executed. executed. • © 

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Selby Bateman, Features Editor 

'- '■;■■: .■-,■: :■! 

A 3.5-inch microdisk drive for the 64? A hard disk storage system for the 

A 3.5-inch microdisk drive for the 64? A hard disk storage system for the 

128? The The continuing continuing evolution evolution of of personal personal computers computers is is causing causing major major shifts 

shifts 

in the kinds kinds of data storage devices being being used. There are are signs that 

even the familiar 5-1/4-inch floppy disk disk may eventually 

go the the way of punch cards and paper tape 

storage methods. Here's a look at what's 

Why tape recorders? The 

headed your way in the 

emerging microcomputer industry 

Commodore market. 

It's difficult to believe that the 

Commodore market. 

It's difficult to believe that the borrowed ideas from mainframe 

64 and the 1541 are almost four computer systems, and tape storage 

years old. At the Consumer Elec proved to be a natural—inexpen 

natural-inexpentronics 

Show (CES) in January Janua ry sive and dependable. The problem 

onsider the 1541 disk drive: d rive: 1982, Commodore introduced its with tape storage is is its speed. 

It's been called a "toy," " lOY," a new 64K computer at a suggested A tape recorder is is a sequential seqllelltial 

"lumbering "lumbering hippo," and "the " the retail of $595, a breakthrough in access device. That is, is, the magnetic 

rnonSider 

albatross of the Commodore price and power. Commodore also information is is read sequentially 

64." Business users impatiently de introduced a companion for the 64: from the tape as as it it passes in in front of of 

ride its slow operating operating speed. Alter the 1541 drive, a direct descendant a stationary read/write head. To To 

native devices and a n d software softwa r e of earlier drives used with the VIC- get to to a particular program on on the 

speedup schemes have been of 20 and PET computers. 

tape, several other programs may 

fered by other manufacturers. manufacturers. And When first fi rst released, the 1541 have to to slide s lide by by the tape head 

even defenders of the 1541 have sold for almost $600. But prices before it it reaches the the one you want. 

been known to drum their fingers dropped swiftly, just as they did for On On the the other hand, a disk drive 

waiting for it it to load data at a rela the 64 itself. Soon, a 1541 154 1 could be is is a random ralldom access device. The 

tively slow 512 5 12 bytes per second. bought for $399, then $299, 5299, and read/write read/ write head moves across a 

Yet despite the insults hurled $250. Today, a new 1541 can be spinning disk, much like like the the stylus 

at the 1541, one o n e Commodore purchased from some vendors for of of aa record player pla.yer moves across the the 

source estimates that as many as as little as $149, and nnd used 1541s 154 I s fre face face of of an an album. The The result result is is aa 

three-quarters of the five million quently are available for $99. 

much more efficient means of of data 

64s 645 and VIC-20s sold worldwide 

But for many 64 6 4 users, the access than than aa cassette tape. Al Al 

are used with 1541s 15415 (or the earlier ea rlier 1541 was not their first storage dethough the the 1541 is is slower than than oth oth 

1540 drives). The slow but relativevice. Commodore's Datassette tape er er computers' disk disk drives, it it is is much 

ly ly inexpensive 1541 became anoth 

.:moth recorder, aa digital cousin of of the faster than aa Datassette. 

er er salvo in in the continuing battle to to common audio cassette tape re re Despite Des pite its it s slowness, s lowness. the the 

bring down prices and spur concorder, was offered at at even e ven less Datassette and a nd some some third-party 

sumer sales of of computers. 

expense. 

cassette record ers intro duced 

cassette recorders introduced 

COMPUTE'S COMPUTE!'s Gszarts Gazelle February F9bruaIy 1986 1986 23 23

thousands of computer users to 1.;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;=================-=-:::------, 

thousands of computer users to 

data storage in the early years of the 

Commodore 64 and the VIC-20. 

Commercial software was usually 

offered in both tape and disk format 

(and frequently in plug-in ROM 

cartridges). But during the past year 

and a half, virtually all commercial 

software vendors have forsaken 

tape versions of 64 software. The 

thousands of commercial programs 

available for the 64 are almost all 

on disk. And at Commodore, stacks 

of Datassettes Oatassettes sit boxed and ready 

with no place to go. Technology has 

rendered them obsolete. 

m'" computer computer as inexpensive inexpensive as the 

uu64 ill 64 had to have a disk drive in 

the same price range. To cut costs, 

the same price range. To cut costs, 

Commodore equipped the VIC and 

64 drives with serial data transmission 

ports, much slower than the 

IEEE parallel ports used in the earli earHer 

PET disk drives. Adding to the 

er PET disk drives. Adding to the 

problem, Commodore engineers 

reportedly had to slow very slightly 

the original data transfer speed of 

the 1540 (designed for the VIC) in 

order to make the new 1541 drive 

compatible with the 64-an 64—an engineering 

concession to marketing 

plans for the computers. 

plans for the computers. 

A serial connection moves only 

multiple bits sent simultaneously in 

a parallel connection. Further slowing 

serial transfer between the 64 

and the 1541 is the fact that the VIC 

and 64 (and Plusj4 Plus/4 and 16) require 

the computer's main microproces 

sor to disassemble a byte of information 

into its individual bits, add 

several controlling bits, and then 

send the information. This takes extra 

time for the microprocessor. A 

special-purpose hardware serial de 

vice could accomplish this much 

faster. 

That's exactly what Commodore 

has done in the ne\v new 128 computer 

and its 1571 disk drive. 

Special hardware takes care of most 

communication handling (the first 

CIA chip takes on extra work), freeing 

the microprocessor from these 

chores and thus increasing the 

speed of transfer. Commodore calls 

th this is serial fast mode as opposed to 

the 64/1541 slow mode. As 1571 

owners know, their disk drives can 

actually work at different speeds, 

depending on whether it's in 1571 

mode for the 128, 1541 mode for 

26 26 COMPUTEf6 COMPUTE!lsGazelle Gazette February 1986 19B6 

m \ [ "T i 

Tile BCD/5.25 disk drive from Blue Chip Electronics is oue of several Commodorecompatible 

drives for the 64 II,al offer fasler speeds Ilrall Commodore's 1541 drive. 

The BCD/5.25 disk drive from Blue Chip Electronics is one of several Commodorecompatible 

drives for the 64 that offer faster speeds than Commodore's 1541 drive. 

A serial connection moves on ly f------------- ------------- -----' 

one bit of data at a time, rather than 

multiple bits sent Simultaneously in 

the computer's main microproces 

several controlling bits, and then 

special-purpose hardware serial de 

owners know, their disk drives can 

actually work at different speeds, 

depending on whether it's in 1571 

the 64 or 128, or CP j M mode. 

the 64 or 128, or CP/M mode. 

A number number of of companies have have 

produced Commodore-compatible 

produced Commodore-compatible 

disk drives in an attempt to im 

disk drives in an attempt to im 

prove prove on the 1541. The BCO-5.25 

BCD-5.25 

drive from Bl Blue ue Ch Chip ip Electronics, 

the Indus Indus GT from Indus Indus Systems, 

Systems, 

the MsO MSD 50-1 SD-1 (single drive) and 

SO-2 SD-2 (dual drives) from MsD MSD Systems, 

tems, the Enhancer Enhancer 2000 from The The 

Com Comtel tel Group, Group, and the Clone II 

disk drive from HBH Sales Corp. 

are among the best known of these 

are among the best known of these 

alternative disk drives. As a group, 

alternative disk drives. As a group, 

they offer considerably faster oper 

ating speeds and a variety of extra 

ating speeds and a variety of extra 

features. 

But, as some GAZETTE readers 

have discovered, these "Commo 

features. 

But, as some GAZETTE readers 

have discovered, these "Commo 

dore compatible" drives aren't always 

" "1541 1541 compatible," compatible," a big 

difference when it comes to loading 

and using some commercial software. 

There are even a few commercial 

programs that won't load 

on the 1571 in 154 1541 1 mode. Compatibility 

problems usually crop up 

when a commercial software pro 

when a commercial software pro- 

ducer has copy-protected disks in 

ducer has copy-pro tec ted disks in 

such a way that the program checks 

for the ROM (Read-Only Memory) 

routines to be found in the 1541 1541 

drive. Since the other disk drive 

makers are forb forbidden idden by by copyright 

law from copying Commodore's 

1541 ROM exactly, they have slight 

diCferences differences in the way they operate. 

Sometimes, these differences are 

enough to make the software fail to 

load properly. Although most of 

load properly. Although most of 

the drive manufacturers do extensive 

testing of commercial software 

before releasing the drive, new pro 

the drive manufacturers do exten 

sive testing of commercial software 

before releasing the drive, new pro 

tection schemes arrive every day. 

But for many users, the problem 

of commercial software incompatibility 

is not sufficient to keep 

them from using these faster and 

them from using these faster and 

often more reliable drives. 

often more reliable drives. 

Another way around the 

1541 1541's 's weaknesses has been offered 

by several software manufa manufac cturers: 

cartridge- or disk-based 

programs which speed up the data 

programs wh ich speed up the data 

transfer rate between the computer 

and the disk drive. Among these

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Using Commodore 64 Peripherals On The 128 

Using Commodore 64 Peripherals On The 128 

The Weil-Connected Well-Connected Computer 

Kathy Yakai, 

Assistant Features Editor 

Kathy Yakal, 

Assistant Features Editor 

If you're considering 

buying a 128 and have 

already spent a lot of 

money money on on peripherals 

for your Commodore 

64, you may be con· 

64, you may be con 

cerned about compati· 

compati 

bility. Will your old 

bility. Will your old 

printer and monitor 

printer and monitor 

and disk drive suffice? 

For most applications, 

For most applications, 

the answer answer is yes. 

34 COMPUTEt', COMPUTEl's Gazotto Gezene Febfuary February 1986 19B6 

Peripheral compatibility 

between between the Commodore 

64 and 128 is not as sim 

64 and 128 is not as sim 

ple ple an an issue issue as as it was was between 

the VIC-20 and 64, though, 

in in most cases, the the peripherals peripherals arc are 

interchangeable. interchangeable. The The only only real 

problems problems arise arise if you you want to to take take 

full advantage advantage of of the the 128'5 128's special 

features, like like its its SO-column 80-column screen 

and CP/M capability. 

and CP 1M capability. 

One of Commodore's prime prime 

objectives in designing the 128 was 

objectives in designing the 128 was 

" "to to maintain maintain hardware hardware and and software 

ware compatibility compatibility with with the the 64," 64," 

according according to to preliminary preliminary technical 

documentation. documentation. With millions of 

active active 64 users out there, there, and hundreds 

dreds of popular software packages 

packages 

and peripherals in place, that cer 

and peripherals in place, that certainly 

makes sense. 

tainly makes sense. 

With one exception, the ports 

and switches on the 128 are identical 

to to those found on the the 64. Starting 

at the lower right side side of the 

128, 128, let's move around co counter unterclockwise 

and have a look at which 

peripherals work with the 128. 

peripherals work with the 128. 

Joystick Ports 

Control ports 1 and 2, as they're la 

Control ports 1 and 2, as they're la 

beled beled on the 128, 128, read the signals 

sent to the computer by either 

sent to the computer by either 

switches or potentiometers (a po 

switches or potentiometers (a po 

tentiometer is li like ke the dimmer 

switch switch in in an an overhead overhead dining dining room 

light light fixture). These These signals signals are are sent sent 

out from joysticks, joysticks, paddles, paddles, track 

balls, graphics tablets, light pens, 

balls, graphics tablets, light pens, 

and and Commodore's new mouse, 

which which is like an upside-down 

trackball. 

trackball. 

There was a bit bit of an outcry 

when the Plus/ Plus/44 and and 16 were released 

leased because because the machines' joystick 

ports ports were were not compatible 

with with existing existing joysticks. But But any of 

the above that that you might might have have pur pur 

chased for your VIC or 64 will work 

chased (or your VIC or 64 will work 

on the 128. 128. 

On/Off On/Off Switch 

This has the same function as the 

This has the same function as the 

64, 64, to to tum turn on the computer. There's 

There's 

also also a reset reset switch switch (not (not available on 

the 64) that wo works rks basicall basically y the the 

same as the on/off switch. 

same as the on/off switch.

I Power 

Supply Port 

You can't use the original two-pin 

Power Supply Port 

You can't use the original two-pin 

VIC-20 VIC·20 power supply on a Commodore 

64 (although the newer VICs VIes 

use the same seven-pin plug as the 

64), and you can't use a 64 power 

supply on a 128 because of their 

different voltage and current requirements. 

The power supply is 

not really considered a peripher 

al—it's al-it's a standard accessory that 

comes with the machine. 

Expansion Port 

Again, this is not really a peripheral 

Again, this is not really a peripheral 

port, since it's most often used for 

cartridge-based software. Many 

cartridges are afe auto-booting, meaning 

you plug it in, turn tum on the computer, 

and it boots itself up without 

a RUN or SYS command. 

Though the 128 automatically 

starts out in 128 mode, it can detect 

the presence of a cartridge for the 

64 and switch into 64 mode, allowing 

the cartridge to auto-boot. 

ing the cartridge to auto-boot. 

Voice synthesizers, some of 

which plug into this port, could be 

considered peripherals. There ap 

pears to be no problem using them 

on the 128. 

on the 128. 

Cassette Port 

Two types of peripherals can be 

Two types of peripherals can be 

plugged into this port: the Commo 

dore 64 Datassette and certain 

dore 64 Datassette and certain 

printer interfaces which draw power 

from one of the pins. A VIC or 64 

Datassette is compatible (but not 

the cassette drive designed for use 

with the Plus/4 and 16) as are the 

printer interfaces. 

Serial Port 

This port is also used for printer in 

This port is also used for printer in 

terfaces, as well as for disk drives. 

Both the 1541 and 1571 disk drive 

have two ports on the back: One receives 

the cable running from the 

computer, and the other can act as a 

computer, and the other can act as a 

substitute serial port for additional 

disk drives or printers. If you have 

both a printer and a disk drive, you 

plug the disk drive cable into the se 

plug the disk drive cable into the se 

rial port of the computer and the 

printer cable into the back of the 

disk drive. The disk drive, in effect, 

relays commands from the printer 

to the computer and vice versa. 

Compatibility does not appear to be 

a problem, although you may have 

to turn off your printer before 

powering on or resetting the 128. 

However, the speed of your 

drive will vary, depending on the 

:l6 36 COMPUTEflJ COMPUTE'SGazelle Gazeffe February 1986 19B6 

combination of computer/disk 

computer/disk 

drive. The new protocol on the 

1571 makes a combination of the 

128/1571 128/1571 very fast (and it's even 

faster when the 128 is in CP/M 

drive. The new protocol on the 

1571 makes a combination of the 

faster when the 128 is in CP/M 

mode). Combinations of 64/1541, 

64/1571, 64/ 1571, and 128/1541 128/1541 all yield 

relatively slow transfer speed (300 

characters per second in 64 mode, 

as opposed to approximately 2000 

as opposed to approximately 2000 

in CP/M mode). 

in CP/M mode). 

Also, the 1571 can read double-sided 

disks, where the 1541 

cannot. This may cause some software 

incompatibility in the future if 

developers create software that 

uses both sides of a disk. 

uses both sides of a disk. 

Video Port 

This port, which sends a signal to 

either a composite or a mono 

either a composite or a mono 

chrome monitor, is wired exactly 

the same on both the 64 and 128. 

Whatever you're using now with 

your 64 should work fine on the 

your 64 should work fine on the 

128. 

128. 

Commodore's 1660 modem 

also connects to to the the audio pin on 

this this port in order to to emulate touchtouchtone dialing sounds. It works with 

tone dialing sounds. It works with 

both both machines. 

Low/High Switch 

Switch 

This switch is the same on both 

This switch is the same on both 

computers. computers. It It ssimply imply lets you you 

choose choose which channel, channel, 3 or or 4, 4, will will 

receive a signal if you're using a TV 

receive a signal if you're using a TV 

for video display. 

RF Port 

If you don't own a monitor, this is 

If you don't own a monitor, this is 

where where you you plug plug in your your television. 

The The cabl cablee that pplugs lugs into into the 

TV/computer TV/computer switch switch box plugs plugs in 

here on both the 64 and 128. 

here on both the 64 and 128. 

RGBI Port 

This port does not exist on the 64. 

This port does not exist on the 64. 

On the 128, it sends out two signals. 

Both allow for 80 columns, 

columns, 

one in monochrome monochrome (black and 

white) and one in color. 

If 80 columns columns in monochrome 

monochrome 

is good enough enough for you, you can 

continue to use either a composite 

composite 

monitor, like the 1701 or 1702, or ora a 

monochrome monitor. But if you 

want 80 columns in color, you'll 

need an RGBI monitor like Com 

need an RCBI monitor like Commodore's 

new 1901. 

modore's new 1901. 

At least two companies companies have 

manufactured manufactured monitor cables that 

give you 80-column capability. 

Cardco's C128/80 ($9.95) is a single 

cable that connects the 128's 

RGBI port to the video-in plug on a 

RGBI port to the video-in plug on a 

monitor. To switch from 40 to 80 

monitor. To switch from 40 to 80 

columns, you unplug the 40-column 

input before inserting the 80column 

plug (or, if you have a 

Commodore monitor, you can use 

the front connections for 80-columns 

and the rear connections for 

40, 40. and flip the switch on the back 

of the monitor to go between the 

of the monitor to go between the 

two screens). Microvation's 40/80 

two screens). Microvation's 40/80 

Switch ($14.95) consists of a small 

switch box with three cables running 

out. One plugs into the monitor, 

and the other two connect to 

the 128: one into the video port and 

one into the RGBI port. By flipping 

the switch on the interface, interface. you can 

switch between 40 and 80 columns. 

(For more information, contact 

(For more information. contact 

Cardco, 300 S. Topeka, Wichita, KS 

67202, or Microvations. 8920 Arctu 

67202, or Microvations, 8920 Arcturus 

Way, San Diego, CA 92126.) 

Unfortunately, there is no 

practical way to get 80 columns if 

you're using a television set. 

you're using a television set. 

User User Port Port 

This port is used almost exclusively 

This port is used almost exclusively 

for plugging in direct-connect mo 

dems. The compatibility situation 

dems. The compatibility situation 

looks good here, here. as as long as as you are 

telecommunicating in 64 or 128 128 

mode. 

But the original release of 

CP/M fo forr the 128 does does not support 

telecommunications. This is not a 

telecommunications. This is not a 

problem problem with the hardware. hardware, but but 

with the software. The upgraded 

upgraded 

CP/ CP/M M release has reportedly corrected 

rected this. this, and includes a terminal 

program program called MDM730, which 

should be be compatible with all Commodore 

modems. modems. (For further information,mation, 

see " "128 128 Update: Update: An An 

Improved CP/M" on page 38.) 

Improved CP/ M" on page 38.) 

Though create very few problems as 

you upgrade to a 128, you may run 

Though compatibility should 

create very few problems as 

you upgrade to a 128, you may run 

into some annoying minor problems. 

For instance, some software 

packages require you to plug a dongle 

(a small plastic box used for 

copy protection) into the user port 

copy protection) into the user port 

before running the program. Be 

before running the program. Be 

cause of the differences in the plastic 

casing of the 64 and 128. 128, it may 

be difficult to plug in the dongle. 

be difficult to plug in the dongle. 

But remember, the 128 was de 

But remember, the 128 was de 

signed to allow 64 owners to upgrade 

without having to sink a lot of 

money into new peripherals, and 

Commodore's plan appears to have 

been successful. a 

been successful. •

128 Update: 

128 Update: 

An An Improved CP/M 

Kathy Yakal, Assistant Features Features Editor 

Editor 

Commodore 128 owners 

Commodore 128 owners 

who who may have have been been frustrated 

trated by by certain certain limitations 

tions in in the original original CP CP/M 1M 

software software for their their machines machines should 

be be able able to to get get a significantly significantly im 

proved version by the time they 

proved version by the time they 

read this. 

read this. 

Commodore Commodore is is planning to to release 

lease an an upgraded upgraded CP CP/M jM for interested 

128 owners which will, 

among other things, allow down 

loading of CP/M files for use in the 

loading of CP 1M files for use in the 

128, 128, storage storage in in the the 1571 1571 disk disk drive, 

drive, 

and and hard hard copy copy printouts. Commodore 

dore sources indicate that that the the new new 

Cp CP/M 1M version version will will oHer offer Commodore 

dore RS-232 compatibility, compatibility, will 

work w ith a new Commodore 

work with a new Commodore 

Xmodem Xmodem terminal terminal program, and and 

will also make the keyboard scan 

ning function slightly quicker. 

ning function slightly quicker. 

Final details had not been 

Final details had not been 

nailed down by Commodore at 

press press time, time, but but indications indications are are that that 

the upgrade will be free (or perhaps 

the upgrade will be free (or perhaps 

'for the cost of the disk itself and 

for the cost of the disk itself and 

shipping/handling shipping/handling charges) charges) to to 

those those who who have have purchased purchased 128s. 

128s. 

Owners can receive the upgrade by 

Owners can receive the upgrade by 

calling Commodore Customer Sup 

calling Commodore Customer Sup 

port. One One source source indicates indicates that that 

Commodore Commodore may may even place place the the 

new new CP CP/M 1M telecommunications 

telecommunications 

program in the public domain. 

program in the public domain. 

One of the reasons for the up 

One of the reasons for the up 

grade grade stems from the the original 

original 

CP CP/M's 1M's lack of of any any telecommunications 

cations capabilities. capabilities. A tremendous 

tremendous 

amount amount of of CP CP/M 1M software software is is in in the the 

public domain and available 

through through online online bulletin boards, boards, 

making making telecommunications telecommunications access 

access 

almost almost a a necessity for people people who who 

want want to to do more with with CP CP/M. 1M. 

For those relatively new to 

For those relatively new to 

CP 1M on the 128, CP 1M stands for 

CP/M on the 128, CP/M stands for 

Control Program for Microcomputers. 

38 COMPUTErs COMPUTE'S G,uette Gazette February 1986 

Developed in 1975 by Gary Kildall 

Developed in 1975 by Gary Kildall 

for Intel's Intel's 8080 8080 microprocessor, 

CP CP/M 1M became the the first disk-operating 

ing system system (DOS) (DOS) available. available. KildaWsdall's 

company, company, Digital Digital Research, 

Research, 

later upgraded CP/M for the Zilog 

later upgraded CP/M for the 2ilog 

280 chip. In those days, most com 

Z80 chip. In those days, most com 

puters puters used used one one of of the two two chips, chips, so so 

software software written written for CP/M CP/M ran ran on on 

most microcomputers. microcomputers. In In fact, 

many early sales of the 6502-based 

many early sales of the 6502-based 

Apple series were attributed to the 

Apple series were attributed to the 

availability availability of of a a 280 Z80 plug-in plug-in card card 

that let Apple owners run the substantiallibrary 

stantial library of of CP/ CP/M M programs. 

Obviously, there's been a lot of 

CP CP/M 1M software out out there there for a long long 

time, both commercial packages 

(many (many of of which are are businessbusinessoriented) and public domain pro 

grams. Much of it, but not all, runs 

grams. Much of it, but not al\, runs 

on on the the 128. 128. 

TThehe Commodore Commodore 128 128 is not not the the 

first Commodore product product that 

can run CP/M. Commodore sell s a 

can run CP/M. Commodore sells a 

package package for the the 64 64 that that includes includes a a 

Z80 microprocessor on a cartridge 

280 microprocessor on a cartridge 

and the the CP/M operating operating system system on on 

disk. 

disk. 

Some Some CP CP/M 1M software software has has been 

designed designed for it, it, but but there there are are problems. 

CP 1M requires heavy access 

lems. CP/M requires heavy access 

to disk, so running it on the relatively 

slow 1541 means a lot of 

down time for the user. Also, most 

down time for the user. Also, most 

CP CP/M-based 1M-based computers use use a a 64-or 

64-or 

80-column screen, as opposed to 

80-column screen, as opposed to 

the 64's 64's 40 columns. columns. And And since since the the 

1541 disk drive drive can't can't read a a CP/M CP/M 

disk, disk, you're you're pretty much much limited to to 

just just programming programming the the 280 Z80 chip, chip, and and 

not not running running commercial software. 

software. 

The The 128 128 is is a a more suitable CP CP/M 1M 

machine because of its 80-column 

machine because of its 80-column 

screen and fast 1571 disk drive. 

The The CP/M CP/M disk disk that that comes 

comes 

with the 128 (Digital Research 

with the 128 (Digital Research 

CP CP/M 1M Version Version 3) includes includes the the oper 

ating system and a few utilities to 

ating system and a few utilities}o 

get get you you started. started. However, Commodore 

dore offers, offers, for $20, $20, two two more more 

CP 1M system disks and a large 

CP/M system disks and a large 

System System/User's/Programmer's 

I User's I P rogra m m er' s 

Guide Guide to to CP CP/M 1M which which details details how how 

to use and program that operating 

to use and program that operating 

system. (You can get this by send 

system. (You can get this by send 

ing ing in in the the CP/M CP/M card card that that comes 

comes 

with your 128.) This extra information 

mation can can be extremely extremely helpful, 

especially if you want to do any 

especially if you want to do any 

programming. 

programming. 

The difference between Commodore 

64 or 128 software and 

CP CP/M 1M software is is like like the the difference 

between Apple software and 

IBM software; the programs are 

configured configured to to run within operating 

operating 

systems based on different micro 

systems based on different microprocessors. 

There are word proces 

processors. There are word proces 

sors, sors, games, games, educational educational pieces, pieces, 

spreadsheets, and software for 

spreadsheets, and software for 

many many other other applications, applications, but but they they 

were were written written for another another operating 

operating 

system, system, so will will only only run on on a machine 

that uses it. You can run 

chine that uses it. You can run 

PaperCHp PaperClip on both an Apple and a 

Commodore, but you have to have 

the right version for your computer. 

the right version for your computer. 

WWhat hat works works on the the 128? 128? 

That's That's the the big question. question. The The 

best way to find out is to test a vari 

best way to find out is to test a vari 

ety ety of of programs, programs, and and the the 128 128 has has 

hardly been available long enough 

hardly been available long enough 

to do extensive testing. 

to do extensive testing. 

Commodore has has released released a a list list 

of of commercial commercial packages packages that that will 

run in CP CP/M 1M on the 128. The list 

list— 

with product name, company, for 

mat, and description—includes: 

mat, and description-includes: 

• • WordStar (Micro (MicroPro) Pro) Osborne Osborne I 

format recommended; a word word 

processor. processor. 

• SuperCalc (Sorcim) Osborne Osborne I; I; a a 

spreadsheet. 

spreadsheet.

• dBase II (Ashton-Tate) Osborne I 

and Kaypro IV; a database. 

• SpellgllDrd (Sorcim) Osborne I; a 

• dBase II (Ashton-Tate) Osborne I 

and Kaypro IV; a database. 

• Spellguard (Sorcim) Osborne I; a 

spelling checker. 

• Electric Web ster (Cornucopia) Os 

• Electric Webster (Cornucopia) Os 

borne bome I; a word processing aid. 

• Punctuation Punctuatioll Style Style (Oasis Systems) 

Osborne Osborne I; a a word processing processing aid. aid. 

• Grammatik (Aspen) Osborne I; a 

• Grammatik (Aspen) Osborne I; a 

writing style analyzer. 

• Disk Doctor (SuperSoft) Osborne I; 

• Disk Doctor (SuperSoft) Osborne I; 

a utilities package for recovering 

lost files from damaged disks. 

lost files from damaged disks. 

• MBasic MBa s;c (Microsoft) Osborne I; a 

BASIC BASIC programming programming language. 

• The Perfect Perfect Series (Commodore) 

Developed for the 128; several pro 

Developed for the 128; several pro 

ductivity packages. 

• Turbo PASCAL (Borland Interna 

• Turbo PASCAL (Borland Interna 

tional) tional) Kaypro IV; IV; a a Pa Pascal scal programming 

gramming language. 

language. 

• Zark Zork (Infocom) (Infocom) Format Format uncertain; 

a a text text adventure series. 

There are certai nly many other 

There are certainly many other 

programs that that will will work. But But discovering 

what will and won't be 

compatible can be a bit frustrating. 

compatible ca n be a bit frustrating. 

One One way way to to go go about finding even 

more more programs programs is is to to find a a dealer 

dealer 

who will let you do some checking 

before you purchase the program. 

If you don't regularly use CP/M 

software on a di different fferent computer 

at work or home, and don't 

want to spend money just to see 

what's available, you still have ac 

cess to thousands of CP/M pro 

grams in the public domain domain. . If 

there's a CP CP/M 1M user group in your 

area (or a user group for a specific 

CP CP/M 1M machine, like like Osborne Osborne or or 

Kaypro), you might want to attend 

community service publications 

often often list meeting meeting times times for such such activities; 

you could also check with 

th thee computer computer science science department department of of 

a a local high high school or or college college to to see see 

if such a group meets. 

In addition, there are hundreds 

of CP/M bulletin board systems 

word; PAMS) and either search in 

your area code or download the list 

of CP/M bulletin boards from 

information services, like Compu 

Serve and The Source, have Special 

Interest Groups (SIGs) online that 

offer public domain software. 

doesn't "recognize" modems, 

which means you can't telecommunicate 

municate while operating operating in in CP CP/M 1M 

mode. As mentioned above, the addition 

dition of of telecommunications telecommunications capa 

bility bility is one one of of the the changes that that 

Commodore Commodore has has announced announced for the the 

new CP/M version. 

programs downloaded in 64 or 128 

mode mode to to CP CP/M 1M format. (One (One such 

board in the Atlanta area can be 

these conversion programs, then 

downloading downloading a CP CP/M 1 M program program 

while in in 64 64 or 128 format on on a regular 

lar disk. disk. After After disconnecting from 

the network, you load the conversion 

sion program, program, and and it it will will copy copy the the 

downloaded downloaded program program to to a CP CP/M 1M 

disk in CP/M format. a 

Enom the designers of ELTDON 

ELECTROSOUND 

Turn Turn your your Commodore Commodore 64' 64* 

into into a a powerfu powerfull synlhesiser 

synthesiser 

--50 50 preset sounds 

sounds 

- 24 percussion percussion sounds 

- 8 8 octaves 

octaves 

--55 types types of of modulation, 

modulation, 

compete compete with with 35 35 page page 

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PRICE: U.S. 

$30.00 

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CDN. 

$40.00 

$40.00 

who will let you do some Checking 

I 

f you don't regularly use CP 1M 

what's available, you still have access 

to thousands of CP 1M pro 

Kaypro), you might want to attend 

a meeting to see what's in their li 

brary. brary. Local newspapers newspapers and and other 

other 

community service publications 

of CP 1M bulletin board systems 

across across the the country. country. To To find one one in in 

your area, call the Peoples' Message 

sage Service, Service, an an electronic electronic bulletin bulletin 

board, at at (619) (619) 444-7006 (Password: 

PAMS) and either search in 

of CP 1M bulletin boards fr om 

around around the the nation. nation. Many Many online 

online 

information services, like Compu 

offer public doma in software. 

Remember, Remember, however, that that the the 

initial release release of CP CP/M 1M for the the 128 128 

doesn' t " recognize" modems, 

new CP 1M version. 

In the the meantime, meantime, there there are are programs 

on CompuServe and several 

BBS's BBS's that make make it possible to to copy copy 

programs downloaded in 64 or 128 

board in the Atlanta area can be 

reached reached at at 404-995-0182.) 404-995-0182.) The The process 

cess involves downloading downloading one one of 

these conversion programs, then 

disk in CP 1M format. • 

From the designers of EI ,11 x)N 

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'Commodore 64 is a trademark ol 

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r ELECTROSOUND No. of Copies 

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You no longer need to bm an EGGHEAD to read Machine Language. 

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Heart of of Africa Africa 

You've found it! The fab fabled led tomb of 

Pharaoh Pharaoh Ahnk Ahnk Ahnk Ahnk is lost lost no no more. 

more. 

Had he not perished in the search, your 

mysterious mysterious benefactor, benefactor, Hiram Hiram Primm, 

Primm, 

would would have have reveled in in the the secrets secrets of 

those those popular popular and and efficacious Egyptian 

Egyptian 

embalming fluids. As As for you-well, 

you—-wall, 

perhaps you can content yourself with 

perhaps you can con lent yourself with 

immeasurable wealth and the undying 

immeasurable wealth and the undying 

celebrity celebrity of your your discovery. discovery. And-just 

And—just 

maybe-begin maybe—begin to to forget the the harsh harsh tra 

vails of your journey. 

vails of your journey. 

The legendary tomb is your goal in 

The legendary tomb is your goal in 

Heart Hearl of Africa, a delightful new offer 

ing from Electronic Arts. The game is a 

ing from Electronic Arts. The game is a 

successor to Ozark Softscape's Sevell 

successor to Ozark Softscape's Seven 

Cities of Gold, and the two share a 

strong superficial resemblance. Overall 

game game mechanics mechanics are are similar. similar. In In both, both, 

the player must traverse territory repre 

sented by thousands of screens of 

sented by thousands of screens of 

scroBing scrolling maps. maps. Success Success is measured by by 

the extent of your discoveries and the 

wealth wealth you you amass, amass, and and by by your your ability 

to manage your resources and master 

to manage your resources and master 

the the logistics involved involved in exploring exploring vast vast 

and and dangerous dangerous regions. 

regions. 

Beyond this, the differences be 

come come significant. significant. Seven Cities Cities of Gold Gold is is 

a a game game of of conquest conquest and and greater greater scale. 

scale. 

Violence against the natives is an indis 

Violence against the natives is an indis 

pensable pensable tool, tool, and and you you have have 60 years years in in 

which to dominate two uncharted con 

which to dominate two uncharted continents 

tinents and and their their inhabitants. In In real real 

time, time, it it may may take take 15 15 hours hours and several 

several 

sessions sessions before you you and and your your small 

small 

army army are are suitably suitably rewarded rewarded by by the the hypocritical 

ocritical court court back back home home in in Europe. 

Europe. 

Heart of Africa offers satisfaction on 

Heart of Africa offers satisfaction on 

an individual level. It's 1890, about 20 

years after Stanley's famous search for 

years after Stanley'S famous search for 

Livingstone, when you arrive in Cairo 

Livingstone, when you arrive in Cairo— 

totally totally alone, as as you you will will be be throughout 

throughout 

the game. All you've got to go on are 

vague rumors about the tomb, and the 

meagre funds provided for you from 

Primm's will. And you've only got five 

Primm's will. And you've only got five 

years years to to complete complete your your quest. 

quest. 

During that period, you'll need to 

During that period, you'll need to 

cover thousands of miles, meet and talk 

to numerous different tribes, finance 

your trip, figure out where the elusive 

your trip, figure out where the elusive 

tomb tomb lies, lies, and and stride stride carefully carefully through through a a 

continent as rich in peril as it is in mys 

continent as rich in peril as it is in mys 

tery. It's a difficult balancing act, made 

worse by a severe shortage of time. If 

worse by a severe Shortage of time. If 

68 68 COMPUfE!'s COMPUTE!1* Gazette Gazette Februaf)' February 1986 1986 

you you fail. fail, you die, die, lost lost like like Primm Primm himself, 

a man whose mettle could not 

match his vision. 

match his vision. 

In that that case, case, you'll you'll want 10 to play play 

again. Although the African continent 

again. Although the African continent 

remains the the same same (it's (it's geographically 

geographically 

accurate), the locations of the tomb and 

valuable commodities commodities are are shifted for for 

every every game, game, as as are are messages messages and and clues. 

Marvellous surprises may spring up at 

Marvellous surprises may spring up at 

any time, but remember- remember—pestilence, pestilence, 

disease, treachery, and disaster will also 

disease, treachery, and disaster will also 

strike in an an equally equally unexpected unexpected manner. 

Although it wouldn't be fair to give 

away away too too many many specifics specifics or or details details of of 

game strategy, strategy, there there are are some some general 

general 

features ooff the the program program that that bear bear 

mentioning. 

mentioning. 

■ 

m 

w 

- ' 

F 

K 

_i 

L'.U , 

SOU 

Mfli 

L 

I THtf 

L_ 

miinc it cinot . 

rta. - 

B 

i-H 

-t an f 1 

an it 

» ua'f. 

f jc(* n.*l-c , (HArtTUM HiaJDJL 

fit £Ji AU7TCFI 

1 UlfJIS *03B 

1 nancy 

weary traveller, the computer provides 

you you with with a a constantly constantly updated updated diary diary of of 

events and clues, all described in ornate 

there's a lot of trading involved. In this 

case, it's more critical than usual because 

your resources are limited, and 

cause your resources are limited, and 

you can carry only what will fit into 

your pack. You're helped a little by the 

your pack. You're helped a little by the 

ability ability to to cache cache supplies supplies anywhere, anywhere, but but 

hindered hindered severely severely by by the the perishability 

perishability 

of of foodstuffs in in the the African African heat. heat. There 

There 

are also some strange and terrible afflictions 

tions awaiting awaiting you, you, but but surely surely you're 

you're 

not the type to tum back now. 

not the type to turn back now. 

This game is a real pleasure to 

play, especially when fate turns evil 

play, especially when fate turns evil 

and and the the only only hope hope is is your your own own fie fierce rce resolve 

to get to the tomb. A fun game can 

solve to get to the tomb. A full game can 

be played in about three-and-a-half 

hours, and it can be saved at just about 

any any point, making making it it conSiderably considerably more more 

manageable manageable than than its its predecesso predecessor. r. 

In In the the end, end, it it is a a hopeful hopeful game, 

game, 

and and certainly certainly not not for conquistadors. conquistadors. Violence 

olence will will avail avail nothing, nothing, except for 

some some suitably suitably sardonic sardonic screen screen messages 

messages 

or or possibly possibly your your own demise. In a a time time 

of of very real drought drought and and famine in in Africa, 

It's useful to be reminded of the long 

ca, it's useful to be reminded of the long 

history history of of this great great continent. continent. Admira 

bly and entertainingly, Heart of Africa 

bly and entertainingly, Heart of Africa 

also reminds us that the role of the "civ 

also reminds us that the role of the "civ 

ilized" explorer need not be one of 

bloodshed and plunder. This is a game 

bloodshed and plunder. This is a game 

of of wonder wonder and and discovery. 

-—Lee Lee Noel, Jr. 

Electronic Eltctronic Arts 

2755 CQ Campus mpus Drive Drillt 

5an Sun Mauo, Maleo, CA CA 944 94403 03- 

$J1.95 532.95 (disk) 

Most cruclal crucial of all, you must immerse 

merse yourself yourself in in the the native native cultures to to 

survive. survive. The The aability bility to to resupply resupply de 

pends pends largely on the friendliness of f-----------------j 

your relations with the Africans. Dealing 

diplomatically with the tribes and 

their their various various customs customs and and languages languages is is 

the the key to to tracking tracking down the the legend of Hardball 

of 

Ahnk Ahnk. You'll explore cities and 

villages, enter buildings, and talk di 

Growing Growing up up around around baseball baseball was was lots lots of of 

re rectly ctly with with individual natives. natives. And And fun. Being the batboy batboy for my home 

you'll see all this in detailed, close-up 

town's minor league team, I learned 

graphics. Several Several geographical geographical aids aids are are lots lots of of things things about about the the game game that casu 

available to you, but you must rememal 

onlookers never pick up. Upon seeber 

to to include include them in in your your pack pack before before 

you you set forth. As As a a further boon boon to to the the 

weary traveller, the computer provides 

events and clues, all described in ornate 

late-Victorian prose. This record, like 

the the other other features, is accessed accessed through 

joystick ('ontrol control of icons and multiple 

screen windows. It's fa fast, st, flashy, and 

very easy easy to to use. usc. 

As with with all Ozark Ozark Softscape Softscape games, 

there's a lot of trading involved. In this 

al onlookers never pick up. Upon see 

ing Accolade's Hardball for the first 

time, the memories started to flow. 

Chasing fly balls, bans, picking up bats, stealing 

signs, watching a pitcher's "stuff," 

standing standing in in as as a practice batter batter for the the 

players—it players-it all all came came back. This This is is where 

where 

1 I learned to appreciate the art of pitching 

ing and and the art art of of batting, batting, and and the the feel of of 

those those days days of of my my youth youth returned returned as as I 

looked looked at at that that screen screen for the the first time. time. If If 

there's a better baseball simulation on 

the the market, I 1 haven't haven't had had the the pleasure.

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i c r o n i < %

Snapshot 

Here's a program that can be a real 

boon boon to to programmers. programmers. "Snapshot" 

"Snapshot" 

is a a machine machine language language utility utility that that 

stores stores whatever you you have have on on the the 

text screen, including colors, into 

the unused RAM which underlies 

BASIC. It can store and retrieve up 

to to 56 56 screens. screens. And And you can save save the the 

screens to tape or disk. It crunches 

Since Snapshot is written en 

tirely in machine language, it works 

fast. It can print a screen more than 

twice twice as as fast as as the the equivalent 

equivalent 

BASIC PRINT statements, and far 

faster than POKEing data to screen 

Two Modes 

"MLX," "MLX," the the machine machine language language entry 

program (found elsewhere in 

this this issue), issue), is is required required to to type type in in 

Snapshot. After After loading loading and and run· run 

ning ning MLX, answer answer the the prompts prompts for 

the the starting starting and and ending ending addresses 

addresses 

with C124 and C983, respectively. 

Alter After typing typing it it in, in, save save a copy. 

copy. 

Snapshot can can be be used used in either 

either 

program or immediate mode. The 

commands are slightly dif{erent different in 

each each mode. mode. (See (See the the accompanying 

accompanying 

table table for a a list of of commands.) commands.) Immediate 

mode uses the CONTROL 

key to to input input commands. commands. In In program program 

78 COMPUTEI', COMPUTEI's Gazella Gazette February 1986 

Clayton Clayton R. Newman 

This This clever clever utility utility can can store store up up to to 56 56 different 

different 

screens screens in in memory memory and and instantly instantly retrieve retrieve anyone 

any one 

for display. display. For For the the Commodore Commodore 64 64 and and 128 (in (in 64 64 

mode). 

Here's a program that can be a real 

the unused RAM which underlies 

BASIC. It can store and retrieve up 

screens to tape or disk. It crunches 

the the information for the screen, screen, storing 

ing up up to to 255 empty empty spaces spaces or or re 

peated peated characters characters in in only only th three ree 

bytes. bytes. 

Since Snapshot is written en 

faster than POKEing data to screen 

memory. 

memory. 

Two Modes 

mode, several SYS commands are 

mode, several SYS commands are 

required. 

To To use use it it in in immediate immediate mode, 

mode, 

load load Snapshot Snapshot by by typing typing LOAD LOAD 

"fi/enamel/,B, " filename",%,\ 1 (disk) or LOAD 

'filename", 1,1 (tape), then NEW 

"filename", I ,1 (tape), then NEW 

and SYS 49444 . Then, create or dis 

and SYS 49444. Then, create or dis 

play the the screen screen you want wa nt copied. 

When the the screen screen is is ready, ready, press press 

CONTROL·C. CONTROL-C. Snapshot Snapshot copies the the 

screen screen to to memory and and asks asks you you for 

a a screen screen name. name. All All Snapshot Snapshot screen 

screen 

names must be two characters long. 

Any two characters, except aster 

Any two characters, except asterisks, 

isks, may may be used. used. If If you choose choose a a 

name name that's that's already already been been used, used, the 

old old screen screen will will be replaced replaced by by the the 

new new one. Use Use the the INSTjDEL IN5T/DEL key to to 

make corrections corrections when when entering entering the the 

name. name. If If you decide decide not not to to save save the 

screen screen at at aU, all, just just press RETURN 

RETURN 

with with no name name and and it will cancel cancel the the 

command. command. This This escape escape works works with with 

all commands. 

all commands. 

To To recall recall a screen, screen, press press 

CONTROL·P CONTROL-P and and enter enter the two· two- 

character character screen screen name. name. CONTROL·! 

CONTROL-I 

displays displays an an index or directory directory of of 

your screen names. To delete a 

your screen names. To delete a 

screen, press CONTROL·D and en· 

screen, press CONTROL-D and en 

ter ter the the name. name. To To delete all all of of your your 

screens, enter an asterisk (-) (*) as your 

screen name. (Individual screen 

names names should should not not contain an an asterisk.) 

isk.) 

CONTROL-S and CONTROL 

CONTROL- 

L are are used used to to save save and load load the the en 

tire group of screens on tape or 

tire group of screens on tape or 

disk. You're asked for a {i\ename 

disk. You're asked for a filename— 

for the entire group of screens 

screens— 

and whether you're using tape or 

and whether you're using tape or 

disk. (Tape users: you must enter a 

disk. (Tape users: you must enter a 

filename, since pressing RETURN 

with no input aborts the com 

with no input aborts the command.) 

mand.) 

If If you wish, wish, you you can can copy copy only only 

part of of the the screen. screen. To To do this, this, position 

the the cursor cursor at at the the start start of of the 

section you you want want to to save save and and press press 

CONTROL-F. CONTROL-R The cursor cursor changes 

changes 

color. Now move the cursor to the 

position position after after the the last last character character you 

want saved and press RETURN. 

When these these fractional copies copies are are 

printed, printed, they're they're returned returned to to the the 

screen in the the same same location from 

which they were saved. 

If If you're you're working working with with graphics, 

ics, you you may may often often want want to to change 

change 

the the screen screen location location or or redefine redefine the 

character set. Snapshot will work in 

either either case, case, but but remember remember that 

screens screens aare re printed printed to to the the same 

screen screen location location from which they they 

were were originally originally copied. copied. You You could 

could 

set up up several screens screens ahead ahead of of time time 

and and scroll scroll through through them them by by changing 

ing screen screen locations. locations. But But remember 

that aall ll screen locations use the 

same same color color memory, so so if if the the screen 

screen 

being printed printed has has different different colored 

colored 

characters characters than than the screen screen currently 

currently 

displayed, displayed, the the colors colors on on the the current 

current 

screen screen will change change too. too. 

The The program mode mode commands 

commands 

are are very very similar similar to to immediate 

immediate 

mode. The format is SYS 51000, 

command, name. flame. For example, to 

print a screen named AB, use SYS 

SIOOO,P,AB 51000,P,AB (P is is for Print). Print). You You can can 

use use a a string string variable variable for the the screen 

screen 

name, name, as as in in SYS SYS 51000,C,AS. 51000,C,A$. Array 

Array 

variables variables cannot cannot be be used, used, so so if if you you 

want want an an array array of of screen screen names names you you 

must must assign assign the the array array variable variable to to a 

regular string variable: AS A$ -= B$(20). 

For For loading loading or or saving, saving, add add T T (tape) 

(tape) 

or or D (disk): (disk): SYS SYS SIOOO,S,file"ame, 

51000,S,///enflwe, 

D. D. Do Do not not use use quotes quotes for the the filename. 

name. Also, Also, you you don't don't need need to to SYS SYS 

49444 (the command that activates 

Snapshot) Snapshot) in in program program mode. 

mode. 

Making It Useful 

Making It Useful 

Snapshot Snapshot has has numerous numerous applications. 

One is displaying back backgrounds 

for arcade games or text 

adventures. adventures. By By using using a a redefi redefined ned 

character character set, set, very complex complex screens 

screens 

can can be be drawn, drawn, ri rivaling va ling high· 

high- 

resolution screens. Many commercial 

cial games games use screens screens drawn drawn this

Commodore 128 Memory Map 

Important Locations 

Commodore 128 Memory Map 

Jim Butterfield Butterfield 

Here's an abridged memory map that shows key locations of the Commodore 

Here's an abridged memory map that shows key locations of the Commodore 

128 in 128 mode. mode. Included Included are are decimal decimal and hexadecimal hexadecimal addresses, addresses, and brief 

descriptions of the functions of each location. 

descriptions of the functions of each location. 

Memory Map 

This memory map applies to the Commodore 128 

when used in the 128 mode. In 64 mode, the ma ma- 

chine's map is identical to that of the Commodore 64. 

There are 28 pages (256 bytes each) of overhead 

before the slart start of BASIC. The following list shows 

some of the more important locations. 

Architecture " "Bank Bank numbers" as used in the BASIC BANK com- com 

mand and the built-in machine language monitor's 

addressing scheme are misleading; in fact, they're 

more correctly called "configuration numbers." Bank 

o 0 shows RAM level 0, which contains work areas and 

the user's BASIC program. Bank 1 also shows RAM, 

this time (for addresses above hexadecimal S0400) 

$0400) 

level 1. 1, which contains variables. variables, arrays. arrays, and strings. 

Other "banks" are really configurations, with various 

types of ROM or I/ I/O O overlaying RAM. Thus, bank 15 

(the most popular) is ROM and I/ I/O O covering RAM 

bank O. 0. Bank 14. 14, however, is ROM and the character 

generator overlaying RAM bank O. 0. Architecture is set 

so that addresses below $0400 reference bank 0 only. 

Other bank switching (more complex than the simplified 

16-bank concept) is accomplished via storing a 

mask to address $FFOO, $FF00, or calling up prestored masks 

by writing to SFFO $FF01-FF04. I-FF04 . 

Memory Map 

Hex Hex 

All Banks: 

0000-0001 0000-0001 

OOOF 000F 

0010 0015 0016-0017 002D-002R 002D-002E 

002F-0030 002F-0030 

0031-0032 0031-0032 

0033-0034 0033-0034 

0035-0036 0039-003A 003B-003C 003D-003E Decimal Decimal 

0-1 15 15 

16 21 22-23 45-46 47- 47-48 48 

49-50 51-52 53-54 53-54 

57-58 59-60 61-62 Description 

I/O 1/0 port, similar to to 

64 

Type: FF=string; FF-string; 

aO 00 -= numeric 

Type: BO 80 -= integer; 

OO=£loating 00=ftoating point 

Current I/O prompt prompt 

nag flag 

Integer value 

Pointer: start-of- 

start-of- 

BASIC (for bank 0) 

Pointer: start-of- 

variables (bank 1) 

Pointer: Pointer: start-of- 

start-of- 

arrays 

Pointer: end-of- 

end-of- 

arrays 

Pointer: string- 

storage (moving 

down) down) 

Pointer: limit-of- 

memory memory (bank 1) 

Current BASIC line 

number 

number 

Textpointer: BASIC 

0041-0042 65-66 65-66 

work pointer 

Current DATA line 

0043-0044 0043-0044 67-6B 67-68 

number 

Current DATA 

0047-0048 71-72 address 

Current variable 

variable 

name 

name

Blink Color (1024)-When you 

Blink Color (1024)—When you 

want want to to make a a specific specific color color blink blink 

to another color, you must use this 

to another color, you must use this 

command. Just add to the com 

command. Just add to the com 

mand number number (1024) (1024) the the number number of of 

the color you want to blink. Then 

add 16 times the number of the 

color you wish to blink to. For ex 

color you wish to blink to. For example, 

if if you you want want the the color color white 

white 

(color 1) to blink to black (color 0), 

(color 1) to blink to black (color 0), 

you would send tthe he following 

command: 

command: 

x X-USRI1024+ - USR(]024 + (]6·0)+ (16*01 + 1) 

(Note that color numbers range 

(Note that color numbers range 

from 0-15 0-15 on on the the 64, Plus/4, and and 

16; from 0-7 on the VIC.) The origi 

16; from 0-7 on the VIC.) The original 

nal color color and the the color color you you want want it it 

to to blink blink to to should should aalways l ways be be 

different. 

different. 

Stop Color From Blinking 

Stop Color From Blinking 

(2048)-lf (2048)-—If you you want want to to stop stop a a specif 

ic color from blinking, then send 

ic color from blinking, then send 

this this command. command. Just Just add the the number 

number 

of of the the color color you you want want to to stop stop blinking 

ing to to the the command command number number (2048). 

(2048). 

For instance, if you wanted to slap 

For instance, if you wanted to stop 

cyan cyan from from blinking blinking to to some some other 

other 

color, you would send X- X = US USRR 

(2048+3). (2048 + 3). Three Three is the the color color num 

ber for cyan. It's important to note 

ber for cyan. It's important to note 

that you you should should only only turn rum off off a a color 

color 

that was set to blink, not the color it 

that was set to blink, not the color it 

was blinking bUnking to. In other words, if 

you you tell tell cyan cyan to to blink blink to to red, red, you you 

should should teU tel! cyan cyan to to stop stop blinking. blinking. 

This command will wait until all 

characters typed in the requested 

characters typed in the requested 

color color have returned returned to to that that color 

color 

before before stopping it it from blinking. blinking. 

For example, if green is told to blink 

For example, if green is told to blink 

to to black, black, and and a a "stop "stop green green from 

blinking" command is sent, Blink 

Mode will wait until black charac 

Mode will wait until black characters 

ha ve turned back to green 

ters have turned back to green 

before before stopping stopping ggreen re en from 

blinking. 

blinking. 

Set Delay (16384)- This command 

Set Delay (16384)—This command 

allows allows you you to to set set the the time time it it takes takes to to 

blink between two colors. Th This is time 

ranges from 1/60 of a second to 

ranges from 1/60 of a second to 

about about 4.5 minutes. (Note (Note that that all all 

blinking colors will blink at the 

blinking colors will blink at the 

same same rate.) rate.) Vou You send send this this command 

command 

by by passing passing the the command command number 

number 

(16384) (16384) plus plus the the time value. value. The The 

time values range from 1, which 

sets the time delay to about 1/60 of 

sets the time delay to about 1/60 of 

a second, to 16383, which sets the 

a second, to 16383, which sets the 

delay delay to to about about 16383/60 16383/60 seconds 

seconds 

(4.5 minutes). Every time you add 

one one to the the time time value, you you add add 1/60 

1 /60 

of of a second to to the the delay. The The number 

60 will make the blink time 

about one second. You send this 

about one second. You send this 

94 94 COMPUTEt's COMPU TE! s GBl&U& Gazelle F&bruary February 1986 

command like this: X - USR 

command like this: X = USR 

(16384 (16384 + 2). 2). In In this this example, example, this this 

call would set the time between 

color changes to 2/60 of a second. 

Note that that the the lower lower this number, 

the faster the blink, but the slower 

everything everything else else (like (like your BASIC 

program). This is because Blink 

p rogram). This is because Blink 

Mode Mode must must update the the entire entire color 

color 

screen whenever the time va lue 

screen whenever the time value 

you you set set runs out. out. If If the the time time value value is 

very ssmall, mall , you' you'll ll notice things 

slowing slowing down because because Blink Mode Mode 

is running more frequently. 

is running more frequently. 

Return Value (512)-Normally, 

(512)—Normally, 

when when you're you're using using Blink Blink Mode, Mode, the the 

command X=USR (command) will 

command X = USR (command) will 

make make X either either 1 or 0, 0, depending depending on on 

whether or not Blink Mode under 

whether or not Blink Mode understood 

stood the command. command. However, However, we we 

can can also also pass pass back back other values. 

values. 

Let's say at some point in your pro 

Let's say at some point in your pro 

gram you wanted to know which 

color blue was blinking to. With the 

Return Value Value command, command, you you can do 

this. Simply send the command 

this. Simply send the command 

number (5 12), plus the number of 

number (512), plus the number of 

the color to check. For instance, the 

command X- X = USR(512+6) USR(512 + 6) will as 

sign to X the color number that blue 

sign to X the color number that blue 

was told told to to blink blink to. Note Note that if if a a 

color is not blinking to another 

color is not blinking to another 

color, it it will will then then return return itself. itself. For For 

example, example, if if green green is not not blinking blinking to to 

another color, X X-USR(512 ... U5R(512 +5) + 5) 

should return 5, the number for 

should return 5, the number for 

green. 

Reset All Colors (256)- There will 

Reset All Colors (256)—There will 

be certain times when you're ex 

perimenting perimenting with with different different colors 

and and things things just get out of of hand. hand. If If 

this happens, this command will re 

this happens, this command will reset 

all the colors to blink to them 

set all the colors to blink to them 

selves, selves, thus making making it it appear appear that that 

none of them are blinking. To use 

none of them are blinking. To use 

this this command, command, send send the the command 

command 

number (256) (256) to to Blink Blink Mode. Mode. As As 

with with the the Stop Stop Blinking command, 

command, 

this this command command will will wait wait until until the the 

colors have returned to their origi 

colors have returned to their origi 

nal values before resetting them. 

Using Using Blink Blink Mode Mode In In Your Your 

Own Programs 

Own Programs 

There There are are a a few few important items to to 

keep keep in in mind mind when you you write write programs 

grams to to use use with with Blink Blink Mode. Mode. First, 

First, 

each color can blink only to one 

oth other er color. Second, each color 

must must blink to to a a color color that that no no other 

other 

color color is is blinking blinking to. to. For For instance, instance, if if 

you you have have green green blinking blinking to to red, you you 

should not try to have white blinking 

ing to to red red also. If If you you do do this, this, you' you'll ll 

get strange (but often interesting) 

get strange (but often interesting) 

results. 

results. 

You You should should always always reset reset a a 

color from blinking before making 

it it blink blink to another another color. Because 

Because 

Blink Mode Mode waits waits until until the the color color has has 

returned returned to to its original original value, however, 

this this command command may may take take a a 

while while (depending (depending on on the the time time delay 

delay 

between between blinks). blinks). One One way way to to get 

around this is to use the following 

code: 

code: 

10 x - USR (2048 + 6); REM STOP BLUE 

10 X - USR (2048 + 6): REM STOP BLUE 

FROM BLlNKNG 

BLINKNG 

20 20 X -=■ USR USR (16384+1); (16384 + 1): REM SET SET 

DELAY DELAY TO TO MIN. M1N. 

30 X - USR (512+6); (512 + 6): IF X6 THEN 30: 

REM WAIT WAIT 

40 40 X -= USR USR 116384 (16384 + 6(0); 600): REM RESET 

RESET 

ORIGINAL BLINK DELAY 

DELAY 

Le t's assume you've set the 

Let's assume you've set the 

time time delay delay to a a very very high high value value (say (say 

ten ten seconds). seconds). When When you you send send the 

"stop blue from blinking" command, 

it could take up to ten seconds 

onds for blue blue to stop stop Winking. blinking. (For (For 

example, example, if Blink Blink Mode Mode had had just just 

changed all the blue to red and you 

changed all the blue to red and you 

send this command, it will be ten 

send this command, it wil! be ten 

seconds before Blink Mode can 

change all the red back to blue. 

change all the red back to blue. 

Once Once it it does does that, that, it it will stop stop blue 

from from blinking blinking to to red). So, in order order to to 

speed things up a bit, I set the time 

speed things up a bit, I set the time 

delay delay to to a minimum; minimum; this this stops stops blue blue 

from from blinking blinking almost almost immediately. 

immediately. 

Line Line 30 30 checks checks the the value value of of the 

color that blue is blinking to. If blue 

has been reset, then it will be blink 

has been reset, then it will be blinking 

to blue. If it hasn't been reset 

ing to blue. If it hasn't been reset 

yet, then we simply keep running 

line 30 until it has has. . Line 40 resets 

the the time time delay delay to to its its original original value. 

value. 

(These (These BASIC lines can can also also be be used 

with the Reset All Colors 

command.) 

If If you you don't don't care care whether whether the the 

color gets reset (to its original color) 

color gets reset (to its original color) 

before it stops blinking, blinking, then you you 

can can use use the the following foll owing code. 

code. 

10 x - USR (102" + (16·6)+6): REM 

10 X - USR (102* + U6'6> + 6>: REM 

lILiNK BLINK lILUE BLUE TO TO BLUE BLUE 

20 20 X -= USR USR (102" (1024 + 116·3) (16"3) + 3): 3): REM 

HLiNK BLINK CYAN TO CYAN . 

In this example, we assume 

In this example, we assume 

that blue has been told to blink to 

cyan. What this code does is manuall 

uallyy reset th thee colors colors by by telling 

telling 

them them to to blink blink to to themselves. themselves. The The 

benefit of this sequence of commands 

is that that it it happens happens immediately: 

ately: no no waiting waiting for the the time time delay. 

Unfortunately, there's no guarantee 

that the cyan will have blinked 

tha t the cyan will have blinked 

back to blue blue when when you you send send this this 

command. 

command.

Mini-Filer 

Kevin Martin 

This flexible file manager for the Commodore 64 

and 128 (in 64 mode) is fast and easy to use. Single 

viding various single-key com 

mands for creating, creating, adding, adding, editing, 

editing, 

searching, searching, and and printing printing out. out. 

Because Mini-Filer is a general- 

purpose file manager, it can be used 

for many applications. It's not de 

signed to fulfill a specific purpose, 

so it's general enough to handle 

many many different different types types of of files. For For 

example, example, you you could create create a a name name 

and address file (name, street, city, 

state, zip code, and phone number), 

a file for your garden (plant na name, me, 

gestation, watering/ watering/feeding feeding needs, 

needs, 

and harvest time), and a file for 

your library (title, author, publica 

tion tion date, date, publisher, publisher, and and subject). 

subject). 

Each Each grouping grouping of information 

information 

within a file is a record. For ex 

ample, "John Doe, 123 Main Street, 

Anywhere, USA 11111, 888-999- 

9999)" could be one record within 

an an address address file. When When you you enter enter a 

new name, address, and so on, 

you're adding another record. In 

Mini-Filer, there's no restriction to 

the number of records (outside of 

the normal limitations of computer 

memory memory and and disk space), space), but but exercise 

common sense when creating a 

file. fil e. Re Remember, membe r, the the longer longer yo your ur 

file, file, the longer longer the the search search time to to 

find a a record. record . And if if the the record record size size 

is fairly small, you'll be able to fit 

more more records into into available available memory. 

Finally, Finally, each each record record contains 

contains 

one or more fields. fields . In the examples 

above, above, name, name, street, and city city are are 

fields within the address file, and 

author and publisher arc are fields in 

the library file. The fields can be 

i-Filer 

This flexible file manager for the Commodore 64 

and 128 (in 64 model is fast and easy to use. Single 

key commands commands allow allow you you to to create, create, add, add, edit, 

edit, 

search, load, save, and print out. A disk drive 

is required. 

Databases Databases are are powerful powerful tools tools for 

many many applications. They can manage 

age any any information information you you need need toto- alphanumeric, alphanumeric, meaning meaning any characters 

are allowed, or mmleric, numeric, conta 

taining ining numbers numbers only. 

store and retrieve, retrieve. "Mini-Fil "Mini-Filer," er," Think Think of of the structure structure as as a reci 

while not a full-featured database, 

pe pe card box. box. The The entire entire collection collection of of 

allows allows you you to to easily easily create create and and cards cards is the the file. Each card card is is a a re 

manage any any number of of files by by providing 

various s ingle-key comcord 

inside the file. And each line 

Because Mini-Filer is a general 

purpose file manager, it can be used 

signed to fulfill a specific purpose, 

so it's general enough to handle 

and harvest time), and a file for 

your library (title, author, publica 

ample, "John Doe, 123 Main Street, 

Anywhere, USA 11111 , 888-999- 

the number of records (outside of 

the normal limitations of computer 

the library file. The fields can be 

cord inside the file. And each line 

on the card is a field. 

If you see how all this infor 

mation is organized, you can sec 

mation is organized, you can see 

how how useful a a file fil e manager manager like like 

Mini-Filer can be. There are a multitude 

of applications. Aside from 

those noted above, you can create a 

file for home inventory, collections 

(cards, {cards, coins, stamps, record albums, 

and so on), gifts, recipes, Christmas 

cards, cards, and and mailing mailing labels, labels, to to name name a a 

few. 

few. 

A Few Steps 

A Few Steps 

Using Using Mini-Filer Mini-Filer requires requires three 

three 

basic basic steps: steps: create create a a file structure, 

enter records, and save these records 

to disk for later use. Mini 

Mini- 

Filer Filer also also allows allows you you to to print print out out a 

single single record record or or an an entire entire file at at the the 

stroke of of a a single key. key. A printer is is 

not not required required for use use with the the program, 

gram, however. 

Mini-Filer is written entirely in 

machine machine language and and must must be entered 

tered with with " "MLX," MLX," the the machine 

machine 

language language entry entry program, program, found 

elsewhere in this issue. After loading 

MLX, respond to the prompts 

for starting and ending addresses 

with with 0801 and 10B8 respectively. 

respectively. 

After typing in the program, save a 

copy copy on on disk. disk. To To load load and and run run Mini 

Mini- 

Filer, Filer, type type LOAD"filename",8 LOAD"filellame",8 and and 

RUN. 

Creating A File 

Creating A File 

After After running running Mini-Filer, Mini-Filer, you'll you'll see see 

a gray screen screen with with a command command line line 

at the top which includes a series of 

letters, letters, each each of of which represents a a 

command: A (add or enter), C (cre 

command: A (add or enter), C (cre 

ate), F (find), P (print a record), R 

(print a fi file), le), f7 i7 (load a file from 

disk), f8 (save a file to disk), CLR 

(clear data from memory), up (cursor 

up), and down (cursor down). 

For a complete list with more detailed 

explanations, see the Mini- Mini 

Filer Commands chart elsewhere in 

Filer Commands chart elsewhere in 

this article. 

this article. 

To To get get started, started, press C C to to create 

a file. You'll notice that the command 

line has changed to read 

"CREATE: Enter record format, f1 fl 

to to exit." (If (If you you have have a a file already 

already 

in memory, memory, this this option is not allowed.) 

You'll notice the cursor at 

the the top top left left corner corner of of the the screen, screen, be 

neath neath the the command command line. Think Think of of 

the the screen screen as a blank blank file card card on on 

which you can write anywhere. 

w hich you can write anywhere. 

Using the the cursor cursor keys, keys, move the the 

cursor to where you wish to begin. 

cursor to where you wish to begin. 

Any Any location on on the screen screen is is acceptable, 

but note tha thatt each record 

is restricted to one screen of informa 

tion. 

tion. 

First type a label that describes 

First type a label that describes 

the the information in in the the field that that will will 

follow. Determine Determine the the maximum 

maximum 

number of cha characters ra cters you' you'll ll need 

(up to 128 characters per field). For 

example, example, in in creating creating a a name name and and 

address address file, fil e, you you mig might ht type type 

" "Name:" Name:" and decide that 18 characters 

would be enough for even 

the longest name you'd enter. Next, 

press SHIFT and the space bar to allocate 

locate the number number of of spaces spaces for the the 

field length. length. In our our example, example, you you 

would hold down the SHIFT key 

and press the space bar 18 times. 

Your result will look like this: 

Your result will look like this: 

COMPUTEl'a COMPUTEIS Galerre GHzens February February 1986 1986 99 

99

If you've made any typing er 

If you've made any typing er 

rors, use the INSerT/DELete INSerT/ DELete key to 

edit. Press RETURN when you've 

finished defining the length of a 

field. (In our example, press RE RE 

TURN after the eighteenth space 

has been entered.) The cursor will 

then jump to the beginning of the the 

line below. Next, move the cursor cu rsor 

to where you want to type the name 

of the next field fie ld label. Repeat the 

procedure just described until 

you've completed a record. 

If you plan to use a numeric 

field (like a phone number or zip 

code), press the Commodore key 

code), press the Commodore key 

and the space bar rather than a 

shifted space. (A numeric field appears 

as reverse periods; an alpha 

pears as reverse periods; an alpha 

numeric field field- — letters and/or and /or 

numbers numbers-appea — appears rs as reverse 

spaces.) A typical name and address 

file record might look like 

this: 

The command line at the top of 

The command line at the top of 

the screen reminds you to press fl 

to exit the fo format rmat creation mode. 

Now you're ready to en ter data. 

Now you're ready to enter data. 

The original command line will reappear. 

Press A (for adding or editing 

a record). This puts you in Add 

mode. You'll see "ADD Record" 

appear in the command line, and 

the the cursor cursor will will immediately immediately go go to to 

the fir first st space in the fi first rst fie field ld 

you've defined. 

Now Now begin begin entering entering informa 

tion. After typing in the data for one 

tion. After typing in the data for one 

field, press RETURN. The cursor 

field, press RETURN. The cursor 

will automatically jump to the first 

space in the next field. If you reach 

space in the next fie ld. If you reach 

the last avai lable space in the field 

the last available space in the field 

and type a character, the cursor will 

jump to the first space in the next 

fie field. ld. The The INSerT/ INSerT/DELete DELete key may 

be used in case of of typing typing errors. If 

you've defined a field as numeric 

only {appearing as reverse periods), 

only (appearing as reverse periods), 

it will accept only numeric characters. 

Continlle en tering informatiol' 

Continue entering information 

lIntil until all fie fields lds in the record have 

been entered. Pressing RETURN 

been entered. Pressi ng RETURN 

100 COMPUTE!', COMPUTE'S GIIZllfl1l Gazette FeDrtllllY February 1986 

when you're at the last character of 

the last field fie ld will return the cursor 

to the first character of the first 

field. At this point, you should 

proofread the record just entered. If 

you've discovered a typing error, 

press RETURN until you're at the 

beginning of the field that contains 

an error and move to the unwanted 

character with the cursor-right key. 

After After making making the correction, correction, press 

RETURN. 

To proceed proceed. to the next record, 

press f7. You'll see the formatted 

fields with the cursor in the first fi rst position 

of the first field. fie ld. After completing 

the record, you you can proceed 

to enter another by pressing f7, or 

you may exit the the Add mode by 

pressing fl. The latter choice will 

return return the the original command line. 

At this point, you yo u can can move 

through th rough all records records by pressing the the 

cursor-up cu rsor-up key to to read the the previous 

record, record, or the the cursor-down key to to 

move to to the next record. When the 

screen shows the format field—the fie ld-the 

fields with no entries—you're entries-you're at 

the the last position position in the the file. file. At this 

point, if you you wish to to enter a a new new re 

Saving And Loading loading 

From the main command command line, you you 

can load load or save save a file at any any time. time. 

To save a file, press f8. fB. You'll be 

prompted prompted for a filename. filename. After typing 

one in, press RETURN and the 

file will be saved saved to disk disk as a program 

file with with the name you speci specified. 

To load load a file file from from disk, disk, press press 

f7. You'll be prompted for fo r a filename. 

After entering one, press RE RE 

TURN and Mini-Filer will load the 

file from from disk. disk. After After the file file has 

loaded, the the first record in the file 

will will be displayed. displayed. Press Press any any key key to to 

get get the the main command command line. line. 

Should Should you mistakenly mistakenly press 

(7 f7 or or f8 and and get get a LOAD LOAD or SAVE SAVE 

prompt, prompt, press press RETURN RETURN to get back back 

to to the the main main command command line. line. 

Printing Printing Options Options 

To print print the current current record, record, the one one 

displayed, displayed, press P. This prints only 

the current record. record. To print the entire 

file, press R (for Report), Report). The 

printed characters will appear just 

as they they do on the screen. screen. 

cord, cord, press A and type in in new data. 

data. 

If If you you wish to to edit edit a record, record, press A 

while the record record you you wish to edit edit is is 

on the the screen. 

screen. 

Erasing Erasing A File 

At some some point, you you may may wish to to 

erase the data in a file file from memory memory 

and and start over. To To do this, this, press press 

Searching For For Data Data 

CLR (SHIFT (SHIFT-CLR/HOME). -CLR/ HOME). You're 

asked "Are You Sure?" Press Y if 

To search for any information, 

asked" Are You Sure?" Press Y if 

you wish to erase it or N if you'd 

press press F (for (for Find). Find). You're You're then 

you wish to erase it or N if you'd 

rather reconsider. CLR is also use 

prompted prompted to to enter enter the the characters 

ra ther reconsider. CLR is also use 

characters 

ful if you plan to work with more 

you wish wish to to search search for. After After enterful 

if you plan to work with more 

enter 

than one file in a single sitting. You 

ing ing them, them, press press RETU RETURN. RN. Min Mini- i 

than one file in a single sitting. You 

create the first, save to disk, and 

File Filerr will will instantly instantly find the 

create the first, save to disk, and 

the 

then press CLR. You can now load 

requested information and display 

then press CLR. You can now load 

display 

(or create) the second file. 

the the record which contains contains it. it. The 

(or create) the second file. 

The 

original command line is then re- re 1----------------1 

turned. To search for any subse- subse Mini-Filer Commands 

quent occurrences, press SHIFT SHIFT-F. -F. A-Idd A—add or or edit edit dilta data 

The search will continue from the C-crute C—cieate I a dl database tabue file 

next F—find a field (any string of characters) 

next record, record, and and so so on. on. 

F-find I fie ld (any .trlng of charlcters) 

SHIFT-F-contlnue SHIFT-F—continue .earching searching for for next next 

If the information requested is occunence occurrence (may be used only afler aficr F) 

not in in the the file, the command command line line P-prlntlhe P—print [he record record displayed 

will display "Not Found." (When R-prlnt R—print the file 

f'7-ldd f7—add I a record (in (in Add model; mode); load load I a 

searching, be be sure to enter the word file file from from dJsk disk (from (from mdn main command 

command 

you're looking for with the exact line) f8-uve fS—save iI a file to disk 

spelling, including including capi capital tal and low- low CLR-dtu CLR—clear illl all file dilta data from memory 

ercase letters-"Spanish" letters—"Spanish" will not up (cursor key)-move key)—move the CUrlOr cursor up up 

(from Create mode) or move to the 

be found if you enter "spanish.") (fro m Cru te mode) or move to the 

previous record (from (from mlln main comml command nd 

Also, Mini-Filer Mini-Filer will will find a string string of line) 

line) 

data data within a field. field. For For example, example, if down (cursor key)-move key)—move the cursor 

you're searching for an area code- code— down down (from (from Crnte Create mode) mode) or move move 10 to 

which is a portion of the phone the the next next record record (from mlln main commlnd 

command 

number line) 

number field-you field—you would type' type the I-_ 

three-digit code and Mini-Filer will 

find it. 

See program listing on page 120. 

IIn _'_' ___________ --I 

three-d igit code and Mini-Fil er will 

find it. Sec program listillg 011 page 120. •

music and sound effects, and hi-res 

graphics. graphics. The The glamour of of these 

these 

powerful keywords can casily easily be 

witch a new 128 owner. 

Disk commands, on the other 

hhand, and, are are just disk disk commands. 

commands. 

They're They're mundane. mundane. But But if if you you learn 

learn 

ahout about the new ways of of loading, loading, sa savv 

ing, and handling files, you'll save a 

lot of time, time that could be spent 

sprites, music, and hi-res graphics. 

We'l] We'll concentrate on using the 

128 128 disk disk commands, commands, most most of of which 

which 

work equally well on the 1541 disk 

drive or the new 1571. But we'll 

also also touch touch briefly briefly on on a a few of of the 

new 1571 DOS commands. 

A Dozen Ways To Load 

If If you you want want to to load load a a BASIC BASIC program, 

you you have have four choices: 

choices: 

1. LOAD load "filtnllme",8 

"filename"A 

2. DLOAD "filename" 

3. RUN "filenam "filename" t" 

4. Press Press SHIFT-RUN/STOP 

SHIFT-RUN/STOP 

For machine language or bina 

ry fil files: es: 

5. 

Disk Commands On The 128 

Todd Todd Heimarck, Assistant Assistant Editor 

Editor 

Whether Whether you you have have a a 1541 disk disk drive drive or or a a new new 

1571, this this article article will show show you how to to use the the 

powerful disk commands of the 128. A number of 

useful useful hints hints and and shortcuts shortcuts are included. 

The Commodore 128's BASIC 7.0 is 

a a vast vast improvement improvement over over previous 

Commodore Commodore BASICs. BASICs. The The computer 

has has its share share of of flashy new new 

commands, the ones that give you 

POKEless POKEless sprites, sprites, easy to to program program 

music and sound effects, and hi-res 

witch a new 128 owner. 

Disk commands, on the other 

101 of time, time thai could be spent 

programming—or programming-or playing with 

sprites, music, and hi-res graphics. 

work equally well on the 1541 disk 

drive or the new 1571. But we'll 

new 1571 DOS commands. 

A Dozen Ways To load 

For machine language or bina 

5. LOAD "filt llamt",8.1 

6. BLOAD "filtllame" 

-filename" 

7. 7. BLOAD BLOAD "/i/Mantt", "filename", Bbank, Bbanl:, Paddress Paddrtss 

8. 8. BOOVfiiename" 

BOOr/ilename" 

From within the machine language 

monitor: 

guage monitor: 

9. L I "/ilellamt",8 

"filename",8 

10. 10. L L "filtnam "filename",B,address e",8.addreS5 

Finally, there are two ways to 

start up auto-boot programs: 

11. 11. BOOT BOOT 

Finally, there are two ways to 

12. Tum Turn on on or or reset reset the the computer computer with with an an 

autoboot autoboot disk disk in in the the drive. 

Loading BASIC Programs 

Loading BASIC Programs 

As in BASIC 2.0, the LOAD command 

defaults defaults to to tape, tape, so so you you must must 

include the the device device number number when when 

loading loading from disk. disk. But But LOAD LOAD 

should should never never be be necessary when 

DLOAD DLOAD and and RUN are are available. 

DLOAD is a new command; 

the D stands for "Disk" and it defaults 

to to drive drive 0, 0, device device 8. If If you you 

own own a a dual dual drive, drive, you you can can add add a a 

comma comma and and either either DO DO or or 01 Dl to to pick 

a a drive drive for loading. loading. Unfortunately, 

Unfortunately, 

128 owners may never see the 1572 

dual dual drive; drive; as as of of this this writing, writing, Commodore 

modore has apparently apparently decided decided not not 

to to manufacture manufacture it. it. You You can can still still add add 

single single drives drives to to your your system, 

system, 

though. To access a a second or third 

drive, drive, follow DLOAD DLOAD with a a comma 

and and U9, U9, UI0, U10, etc. The The current 

device number of the 1571 can be 

device number of the 1571 can be 

selected selected by flipping switches switches on on the the 

back. To change to device nine, for 

example, make sure it's turned off 

and flip the switch nearest to the 

cords cords down. This This is is much much simpler 

simpler 

than what's required to modify a 

than what's required to modify a 

1541. 1541, opening opening it up up and and cutting cutting a a 

solder solder trace. 

trace. 

The next command on the list, 

The next command on the list, 

RUN, has been modified. By itself, 

it it still still runs a a program, program, but if if you you 

add add a a program program name, name, the the program program 

loads and runs. Like DLOAD and 

loads and runs. Like OLOAO and 

most other disk commands, you 

most other disk commands, you 

can can specify a a drive drive number number with 0 D 

or a a device number with U after the 

program program name. 

In 64 mode, pressing SHIFT 

In 64 mode, pressing SHIFT- 

RUN/STOP still loads and runs the 

first program program from tape. tape. But But in 128 

mode, this combination loads and 

mode, this combination loads and 

runs the the first program program on on disk. 

disk. 

BLOADing Binary Files 

BLOADing Binary Files 

A binary binary file is is most most often a a machine 

language language program, program, although 

although 

there there are are several several other other possibilities: 

sprite shapes, redefined characters, 

function key definitions, definitions, hi-res pictures, 

to to name name just a a few. With binary 

files it's it's usually usually important important that that 

they load into a specific area of 

memory. 

memory. 

If If you're you're familiar familiar with with the VIC 

or or 64, 64, you'll you'll recognize recognize LOAD"/j7e- LOAD"file 

"ame",8,1. name",8,1- It loads a file back into 

the the part of memory memory from which it it 

was saved. 

saved. 

BLOAD BLOAD does does the the same same thing, 

thing, 

but but you you don't don't have have to to include include the the 8 8 

and the 1. BLOAO BLOAD can also send a 

COMPUTEr, COMPUTE! s Gillette Gazette February 1986 19B6 101

with with SPRDEF SPRDEF for a a game, game, you you can can 

BSAVE BSAVE the the sprite area area to to disk. disk. In 

the game, you would then BtoAD 

the game, you would then BLOAD 

them back into memory. This 

works a lot faster than POKEing 

works a lot faster than POKEing 

them them into into memory memory or or reading reading a a se· se 

quential quential file, especiall especially y if if you're 

you're 

using a 1571. 

using a 1571. 

In case you' you're re wondering 

about the reference above to ten 

function keys, yes, there are ten re- 

function keys, yes, there are ten re· 

definable keys. There are the eight 

definable keys. There are the eight 

you you can can define define with with the the KEY com· com 

mand (labeled fl fl-f8), - (8), but also 

SHIFT-RUN/STOP SHIFT-RUN/STOP and and HELP. If If 

you go go into into the the monitor monitor and and do a 

memory memory display display of of 1000-1 1000-10FF, OFF, you 

can can see see the the ten ten key definitions. definitions. The The 

first ten ten bytes bytes in in th this is area area list list the the 

length length of of each each function key. The The 

rest are the actual characters that 

print print when when you you press one of of them. 

them. 

The The number number 13 13 is is ASel! ASCII for a a car· car 

riage riage return, return, the the equivalent equivalent of of 

pressing pressing the the RETURN RETURN key. key. After After re· re 

defining defining the keys, keys, you you can can BSAVE 

BSAVE 

their new va values. lues. To retrieve the 

previous key definitions, use 

previous key definitions, use 

BLOAD. BWAD. 

Handling Sequential Files 

Handling Sequential Files 

DOPEN DOPEN and and DCtoSE DCLOSE are are new new ways ways 

of of establishing and and breaking connections 

nections with with a sequential sequential file. 

There's There's not much much to to say say about 

about 

them; if you already know how to 

OPEN OPEN and and CLOSE CLOSE sequential sequential files, 

you'll catch catch on on quickly. quickly. The The difference 

in syntax is illustrated beiow: below: 

OPEN 3,8,4,"fi1elramf,S,W" 

DOPEN #3,"filfllnme", W 

OPEN 3,S,i."fHename,S,W 

Note Note that DOPEN DOPEN doesn't 

doesn't 

need as much information information as 

OPEN. OPEN is a general-purpose 

OPEN. OPEN is a general-purpose 

command; command; it it can can set set up up a a logical logical file file 

to a disk file, a tape file, a printer, a 

modem, and so on. DOPEN, on the 

other hand, is for disk files only. So 

OPEN needs the device number and 

disk channel (,8,4), but DOPEN 

disk channel (,8,4), but DOPEN 

doesn't. The S after the file name 

doesn't. The S after the file name 

indicates indicates that that a a sequential sequential file will will 

be be opened. opened. Since Since DOPEN defaults 

defaults 

to to sequential sequential files, it it too too is unnecessary. 

Also, note that the W for Write 

is outside the quotation marks in 

is outside the quotation marks in 

the the second second example. 

example. 

APPEND is a va variation riation on 

DOPE DOPEN. N. It It opens opens an an already already existing 

disk file for a write operation. 

ing disk file for a write operation. 

Any Any information information written written to to the the sequential 

file is added to the end. 

Data at the beginning of the file is 

safe and unchanged. 

There There aren't aren't any any new new ways ways of of 

reading or writing files. You still 

reading or writing files. You still 

PRINT# to send data and either IN IN 

PUT* or GET# to read a file. 

PUT# or GET# to read a file. 

Relative Files Are Much Easier 

Relative Files Are Much Easier 

Being Being able able to to randomly randomly access access records 

in in a a file can can sometimes sometimes greatly 

ly speed speed up up a program. program. With With 

sequential sequential files, you may may sometimes 

times have have to to read read through through 50 50 records 

cords just just to to get get to to the the 51st. 51st. A 

relative relative file allows allows you you to to obtain obtain the the 

informat information ion you you need need almost 

almost 

immediately. 

immediately. 

In In BASIC BASIC 2.0, 2.0, creating creating and and 

maintain maintaining ing a a relative relative file requires 

requires 

sending sending a a number number of of CHR$ CHR$ codes. 

codes. 

If you write programs fo forr relative 

files files in in 64 mode, mode, you'll you'll have have to to 

learn learn the the complexities complexities of of relative 

relative 

files. But But not on on the the 128. 128. In just a 

few few lines, lines, you you can can open open and and write write to to 

a relative file. Let's say you wanted 

100 100 records records with with 20 20 characters characters in 

each each record. record. Your Your program program to to set set up up 

a file would would look look something something like like 

this: 

to 10 DOPEN#3,"XYlFILE",L20 

DOPEN#3,"XYZFILE",L20 

20 20 RECORD#l,l00 

RECORD#3,100 

30 PRINT#l,"LAST PRINT#3,"LAST RECORD" 

40 RECORD#3,lOO 

RECORD#3,100 

50 50 CLOSE3 

That's all there is to it. When 

That's all there is to it. When 

DOPEN is followed by an L and a 

number, number, it it opens opens a relative relative file. The The 

length of each record is set by L20. 

Records can be from 1 to 254 bytes 

Records can be from 1 to 254 bytes 

long. long. Because Because the the record record length is is 

stored stored in in the the directory, directory, you you need need to to 

use the the L parameter parameter only when when the the 

file is is first created. 

RECORD# positions the point 

RECORD# positions the point 

er er to to the the desired desired record record (up (up to to 

65535 can be accessed, depending 

65535 can be accessed, depending 

on on the the record record length). length). You You must include 

clude the the logical file number number and and 

the the record record number. A third number 

number 

can can be be added added if if you you want want to start 

start 

reading or writing partway into the 

reading or writing partway into the 

record. If this number is omitted, 

you'll begin at the first byte of the 

you'll begin at the first byte of the 

record. 

record. 

In line li ne 30, we PRINT# to record 

cord number number 100. 100. Printing Printing to to a a previously 

nonexistent nonexistent record record forces 

the disk drive to create that record 

and all previous records. Line 40 

and all previous records. Line 40 

positions the pointer again, to avoid 

positions the pointer again, to avoid 

a rare rare bug bug that sometimes sometimes corrupts 

corrupts 

files and then file three is closed. 

(See "Relative Files: Speed And 

(See " Relative Files: Speed And 

Economy" in in the the June June 1985 1985 issue 

issue 

for more about the 64's relative file 

for more about the 64's relative file 

bug.) 

bug.) 

Once the file is created, you 

Once the file is created, you 

can easily access records wwith ith 

DOPEN and RECORD#. You 

PRINT# PRINT* to write and either GET# 

or INPUT# to read records. 

Utilities 

Utilities 

There There are are more more new new commands 

commands 

that that help when when you're you're programming. 

ming. The The f3 key is is defined defined to to print print 

DIRECTORY. So, with the press of 

a single single key, you you can can see see what's what's on on 

a disk. 

Two Two very useful useful reserved reserved variables 

are DS (short for Disk Status) 

and and DS$. DS$. The The first returns returns the the disk disk 

error error number, number, the the second second prints out out 

the the error error message. message. If If the the red red light 

light 

on a 1541 starts flashing (the green 

light on on a a 1571), 1571), just enter enter PRINT 

05$ DS$ and and you you can can see see what what went 

wrong. wrong. Consult Consult your your disk disk drive 

drive 

manual manual for a a complete complete list list of of error 

error 

messages. 

Within a program, program , OS DS is 

usually more more helpful helpful than than DS$ DS$. . 

After After a disk operation, operation, add add a a line IF IF 

05>19 DS>19 THEN 500, where line 500 

is the the beginning beginning of of an an errorerrorhandlinghandling 

routine. 

The The variable variable DS will will normally 

normally 

hold hold a 0 if if no no errors errors occurred. occurred. But But if if 

DS 05 is is equal to to 20 20 or or more, more, something 

has gone wrong. There are a 

few exceptions, exceptions, though: though: Error 01 01 is is 

not not an an error, error, it's it's triggered triggered after after a a 

SCRATCH operation. The error 

message message will will be be FILES 

SCRATCHED, followed by a com· com 

rna ma and the number of files that 

were scratched. Error 50 (RECORD 

NOT PRESENT) is no matter for 

concern concern if if you've you've just created created or ex 

panded panded a a relative relative file. If If you you write 

write 

to to a a previously nonexistent nonexistent record 

record 

in a relative file, it's added to the 

disk. The record was not present 

before the operation and tthus h us 

causes the error 50. Finally, when 

you you first turn turn on on or or reset a a disk 

drive, you'll receive an error 73, 

which is simply an announcement 

of which version of DOS is inside 

the the drive. 

drive. 

Several Several other other new new commands 

commands 

make make file management easier. RE RE 

NAME and SCRATCH are fairly 

straightforward. SCRATCH is fo foll 

lowed by a filename inside quotation 

tion marks. marks. Pattern Pattern matching, matching, using 

using 

wild cards like question marks or 

asterisks, is available for those 

COMPUTEr, COMPUTE'S Gazette Gazette FebruaJy February 1986 1986 103 100

times when you want to scratch 

times when you want to scratch 

several files with similar names. To 

change change the the name name of of a a file, RE RE 

NAME "oldllame" "oldname" TO "IlCWllame." 

"newnatne." 

This syntax is certainly easier to remember 

than OPEN 15,8,15, 

"RO:lleWllame "~RO;newname = oldllame," oldname," the re 

quired syntax on the VIC or 64. 

quired syntax on the VIC or 64. 

COLLECT COLLECT validates validates the the disk. 

disk. 

It's used mostly for cleaning up the 

It's used mostly for cleaning up the 

Block Block Allocation Allocation Map (BAM) (BAM) to to get get 

rid of of improperly improperly closed closed files. These 

These 

were formerly called "poison files," 

were formerly called "poison files," 

but the 1571 disk drive manual re 

but the 1571 disk drive manual re 

fers to them as "splat fil files." es." They're 

marked marked by by an an asterisk asterisk in in the the directory, 

·PRG, for example. 

tory, *PRG, for example. 

DCLEAR initializes the disk; 

it's the same as sending "10" to 

channel channel 15. 

CONCAT combines the con 

CONCAT combines the contents 

of two sequential files. You 

tents of two sequential files. You 

can can use use it on on program program files, but but the the 

result won't be a merged program 

result won't be a merged program 

because because the two zeros that that mark the 

end end of of a a BASIC BASIC program program get get in the the 

way. way. 

Two disk commands designed 

primarily primarily for dual drives drives are are COPY COPY 

and BACKUP. The first copies a file 

from one one drive drive to to another. But But you you 

must must use use a a dual dual drive-COPY 

drive—COPY 

won't work work with with two two single single drives. 

drives. 

It can can also also make make a copy copy to the the original 

disk disk (if (if you you want want to to rearrange rearrange a a 

directory, directory, for example). example). BACKUP 

BACKUP 

copies copies a whole whole disk. disk. It It too too requires 

requires 

a dual drive. 

a dual drive. 

A Few Quirks 

A Few Quirks 

There There are are a a few annoying annoying features 

features 

of of the the 128- 128—not not bugs, bugs, just just bothersome 

some quirks. 

quirks. 

The The most most serious of of these these is 

that that SHIFT-RUN/STOP loads loads and and 

runs the the first file on on disk. disk. A A nice nice feature 

if that's what yOU you want, but 

sooner or later, while programming, 

ming, you'll you'll accidentally accidentally press press 

SHIFT-LOCK SHIFT-LOCK and RUN/STOP RUN/STOP or or 

the Commodore Commodore key and and RUN/ RUN/ 

STOP. When the disk drive starts 

spinning, spinning, you you have have only only a a few seconds 

to unlock the SHIFT SHIFT-LOCK -LOCK 

key and and press press STOP STOP to to prevent prevent the the 

first program progral1l from loading. loading. If If you you 

fail to to stop it, it, the the program program loads loads and and 

runs and and you've you've lost lost any part part of of 

your your other other program that that was was not 

saved. To To avoid avoid this this situation, situation, you you 

may may want want to to put put a a sequential sequential file at at 

the the beginning beginning of of a a disk. If If you you accidentally 

dentally type type SHIFT-RUN/STOP, 

SHIFT-RUN/STOP, 

the the computer computer will will try try to to load the the se- se- 

104 COMPUTErs COMPUTE'S G8l9tr9 Gazette F&bfuary February 1986 19B6 

quential file, but it won't work. The 

quential file, but it won't work. The 

program program you're working on on will will be be 

safe safe if this this precaution precaution is taken. 

taken. 

You You can can also accidentally accidentally save save 

a program. The default values for (7 

a program. The default values for f7 

and and f3 are are LIST and and DIRECTORY. 

Very Very helpful helpful when when you you want to to take take 

a look at what's on a disk or what's 

a look at what's on a disk or what's 

in in a a program. program. But in between between these 

these 

two keys is fS, f5, which is defined as 

DSAVE. If If you you reach reach up up to to list list a 

program and and accidentally press press f5 

and and f7, 17, the the computer computer will will print print 

DSAVE"LI5T DSAVE"LIST and begin saving 

your your program program under under that that name. 

VERIFY and DVERIFY don't 

always work as you would expect. 

Each line of a BASIC program con 

Each line of a BASIC program contains 

tains a memory pointer pointer to to the the beginning 

of the next line. When you 

ginning of the next line. When you 

allocate a a graphics graphics area, area, the the BASIC 

BASIC 

program is moved up by 9K and all 

program is moved up by 9K and all 

the line links change. Line links 

the line links change. Line links 

that don't match will wUllead lead to a false 

VERIFY ERROR. You can test this 

by by entering entering a a one one line line program and and 

saving saving it it to to disk. disk. Now type type 

GRAPHICl: GRAPHIC1: GRAPHICO GRAPHICO to to allocate 

allocate 

a graphics area. List the program 

and use DVERIFY to check your 

and use DVERIFY to check your 

save. save. You should see see an error 

error 

message. 

message. 

Something to remember when 

Something to remember when 

you're you're using using disk disk commands commands is is that that 

variables must be enclosed in pa 

rentheses. The following two exam 

rentheses. The following two exam 

ples ples show show the the right right and and wrong 

wrong 

ways ways to use use variables: 

variables: 

RENAME RENAME H$ TO TO "FINALFINAL": "FINALF1NAL": REM REM 

WRONG 

WRONG 

RENAME (H$) TO "MOSTRECENT": 

RENAME TO "MOSTRECENT": 

REM CORRECT 

Another minor annoyance is 

Another minor annoyance is 

that large relative files have a limit 

of 720 disk sectors. Relative files 

contain contain up to six six side side sectors sectors which 

which 

can keep track of 120 sectors each. 

A formatted 1541 disk has 664 

A formatted 1541 disk has 664 

blocks free, so so you'll you'll run out out of of disk disk 

space space before before you you reach reach the the 720 720 sector 

tor limit. limit. But But the the 1571 1571 formats formats both both 

sides sides of of a disk, disk, for 1328 1328 blocks blocks free. 

It's unfortunate that you you can't can't use use 

all all of of that that space space for a a relative relative file file. . 

You're limited to about 180K per 

file. The The 720 720 sector sector limit limit gets gets in in the the 

way. 

How Fast Is The 1571l 

1571? 

If you already own a 1541 drive, 

you can use it with a 128. You don't 

need to to buy buy a a 1571, 1571, unless unless speed speed is is 

important. Here's how the two 

drives drives compare: 

compare: 

1541 1541 

1571 1571 

9KWAD 9K LOAD 27 27 seconds seconds 4 seconds 

seconds 

(hi-res (hi-tes screen) 

screen) 

Disk Disk format 89 seconds 43 43 seconds 

seconds 

(one (one side) side) (lwO (two sides) 

Quick formal 2.5 2.5 seconds seconds 3.4 3.4 seconds 

seconds 

(no ID) 

(one side) (two sides) 

(no ID) (one side) (two sides) 

Going Going into into 80 80 columns columns and and 

using using the the FAST FAST command command to to dou 

ble ble the the speed speed of of the the microprocessor 

microprocessor 

saves saves only only a few tenths tenths of of a second 

second 

on on disk disk operations. So So the the speed speed of of 

the the computer computer is is not not a a factor. The The 

bottleneck is the speed at which the 

bottleneck is the speed at which the 

data data travels through through the the serial 

serial 

cable. 

cable. 

Note that formatting, which is 

Note that formatting, which is 

handled handled completely completely within within the the disk disk 

drive, is twice as fast for twice the 

disk disk capacity. This This suggests suggests that that 

writing writing operations operations are quicker quicker on on 

the 1571. 

the 1571. 

Even when you send the command 

to make the 1571 act like a 

1541, 1541, it's it's faster. A 1541 takes takes nearly nearly 

a minute and a half to format a disk. 

a minute and a half to format a disk. 

The The 1571 1571 in in 1541 1541 mode mode takes only only 

one minute and twelve seconds. 

one minute and twelve seconds. 

The "act like a 1541" command 

is OPEN 15,8,15: 15,8,15= PRINT#15, 

"UO>MO". "U0>MO". To reset to 1571 mode, 

PRINT#15, "UO>Ml" "U0>Ml" (these {these com 

mands can be used in 64 mode as 

mands can be used in 64 mode as 

well). 

well). 

While the the 1571 is emulating 

emulating 

the 1541, you can choose which 

read/write head is used with 

read/write head is used with 

PRINT#15, "UO>HO" or 

PRINT#15, "U0>H0" or 

PRINT#15, "UO>Hl." "U0>Hl." By switching 

ing heads, you can can format both 

sides sides of a a disk disk as as if if they were were separate 

disks. This isn't especially useful, 

but but it it suggests suggests a a solution solution for the 

720 sector limit on relative files. 

You could format both sides of the 

disk disk with with separate separate names names and and IDs IDs 

and and then then create create a a relative relative file on on 

each each side. side. Within Within the the program, program, 

you'd you'd need need to to figure out out which which side side 

of the disk contains the information 

and switch back and forth. You 

might lose some time in the head 

might lose some time in the head 

switching, but you'd be able to ex 

switching, but you'd be able to ex 

pand a relative file to about 330K. 

Another plus plus for the the 1571 1571 is is its its 

ability ability to to read read a a variety variety of CP/M 

formats. If you plan to do much 

with CP/M, the 1571 provides 

more flexibility. Even if you don't, 

it's faster and can handle more data 

than· than-the the 1541. 1541. a 

Q

SfealthTec Transparent 

StealthTec Transparent 

Commodore Utilities 

Cardco, Cardco, Inc., is is introducing introducing Iwo two new 

utilities for the the Commodore Commodore 64 64 (12S (128 

versions versions to to follow soon), soon), based based on on the the 

company's new new SttalthTtc StealthTec transparent 

transparent 

program program interrupl interrupt Ie

data data transfer transfer and and capture, capture, and and operates 

operates 

with most most brands of printers. The The package 

also contains a keyboard overlay 

age also contains a keyboard overlay 

for ease of use, and comes with a 48page 

manual. Kimber-Link lets you store 

page manual. Kimber-Link lets you store 

all variable parameters pa rameters for customtailored 

set-ups, and then reloads them 

whenever whenever you you use use the the program. 

The price is $29.95 (plus $3 shipping 

and handling). Pennsylvania residents 

dents must must add add six six percent sales sales tax. 

Kimbertek, Kimbtrtek, luc., Inc., P.O. Box 743, 

Phoenixville, PIJoeuixville, PA 19460. 

Circle Ruder Reader Service Service Number Number 232. 232. 

Printer Re-Inkers 

Printer Re-Inkers 

New New life fo forr fading computer computer printer 

ribbons ribbons is is avai.lable available from Computer 

Computer 

Friends, developers of the Mac Inker 

UC UC (Universal (Universal Cartridge) for almost all all 

fabric ribbon cartridges cartridges and and the the Mac Mac 

Inker Inker US US (Universal Spool) for for all all fabri fabricc 

ribbon spools spools (up (up to to one one inch inch in in width 

width 

and and up up to to four inches in in diameter). diameter). Ribbons 

are loaded onto the Mac Inker ta 

ble ble and and wound wound around around an an inking 

inking 

element. A few drops of ink are added 

to to the the ink ink reservoir, reservoir, and and the the ribbon is is 

then then passed passro around around the the inking inking element 

element 

for even ink distribution. The re-inkers 

work work with with both both dot matrix and and daisy 

daisy 

wheel printers. 

Suggested retail price for the Mac 

Inker Inker UC UC is is $60; $60; for the the Mac Mac Inker Inker US, US, 

$66.95 £66.95. . Two-ounce Two-ounce bottles bottles of ink ink are are 

available for $3.00; pints for $18.50. 

(There (There is is a $3 $3 shipping shipping and and handling 

handling 

charge.) 

charge.) 

Computer Computer Friends, 6415 6415 SW SW Cunyon 

Canyon 

Ct., G., Suite Suite #10, #20, Portland, Portlulld, OR OR 97221. 

Circle Ru Reader der Service Service Number Number 233. Z33. 

SpeedScript Enhancer 

SpeedScript Enhancer 

SPEfDPAK, SPEEDPAK, an an enhancement enhancement program program 

for use use with with the the SpeedScript word processor 

(versions 3.0-3.2), adds six new 

commands, three printer codes, and 

eight user-definable 31-character macro 

phrase phrase keys. Among Among the the features features for 

use use with SpecdScript SpeedScript are are alternate 

alternate 

screens screens (allows (allows you you to to edit and and switch 

switch 

between two documents), help screen 

and and onscreen onscreen font in installer stalle r (four of of 

each), each), encryption encryption (32-character secret 

secret 

code), code conversion (to Commodore 

ASC ASCII II or screen codes), default selection 

tion (to (to disk/tape disk/tape storage, storage, set printer printer 

device and secondary address), and a 

Dvorak Dvorak keyboard keyboard option. Three Three additional 

printer codes work with the alternate 

nate screen screen to provide a a RAM-based 

RAM-based 

form letter letter mail mail merge merge capability. 

capability. 

The The package, package, priced priced at at $15, $15, includes 

three disk-based tutorials and 

three three sample sample files. 

Upstart Publishing, Dept. SP-NP2, 

P.O. Box 22022. 22022, Greellsboro, Greensboro, NC 27420. 

Circle Circle Ruder Reader Service Service Number 234. 234. 

106 COMPUTEr, COMPUTE'S G".le1l8 Gazette February Fettuary 1986 

Jet let Fighte Fighterr Game 

Flyer Fox is is a a new new jet fighter action 

action 

game game from Tymac Tymac that that puts you you in in the the 

pilot's scat, seat, defending international 

skies from Mig Mig fighters. fighters. The The game game offers 

full view view of of the the cockpit cockpit and and three 

three 

window window views. views. In addition addition to to music 

music 

and and sound sound effects, effects, Flyer Fox contains 

contains 

software-generated software-generated speech. speech. The The game game 

is is joys joystick-controlled tick-control led and and is is available 

available 

on on disk disk and and tape. 

Suggested Suggested retail retail is is $39.95. 

$39.95. 

Tymac COli Controls trots Co Corporation, rporat joll, 127 

Main Maill St., St., Franklin, FWlklirl, NJ N} 07416. 

07416. 

Thr virw from tlu cockp;1 ;/1 Tymllc's Flyer 

The vino from the cockpit in Tymac's Flyer 

FolC. Fox. 

Circle Circle Reader Reader Service Service Number Number 235. 

Chris Evert-Lloyd On The 64 

Chris Evert-Lloyd On The 64 

Avant-Garde Avant-Garde Publishing Publishing has has introduced 

duced a tennis training training guide featuring 

tennis tennis great great Chris Chris Evert-Lloyd. Demonstrations 

strations of of grip, stroke, game game strategy, 

strategy, 

and and specialized specialized exercises exercises are used used to to 

teach both fundamental and advanced 

techniques. techniques. Al Also so covered covered are are equipment. 

ment, game game rules, rules, and and improving improving concentration. 

The game uses live-action 

color color graphics, graphics, and and includes includes a test 

mat match ch for trying trying out out the the various 

techniques. 

Previous Previous Avant-Garde releases releases include 

clude Dune Dave Willfield's Winfield's Batter Batter Up! and and joe Joe 

TheiSIIIIlIIII'S Theisinatm's Pro Football. Suggested Suggested retail 

price for Cllris Chris Evert-Lloyd Tennis is 

$34.95. 

Avant Avallt Garde Garde Publishing Publisl/irlg Corp., 37B 37B 

COII/merciai Commercial Blvd., Blvd., Novato, 0\ CA 94947. 

94947. 

Circle Circle Ruder Reader Service Service Number Number 236. 236. 

Talking Terminal 

Talking Terminal 

A new new telecommunications telecommunications package package 

from Welwyn Wclwyn Currah, Currah, called called the the Intelligent 

gent Talking Talking Terminal. Terminal, enables enables you you to to 

receive modem-transmitted data ver 

bally bally or or as as text text on on screen. screen. Compatible 

Compatible 

with either the Commodore 64 or 128, 

the package package includes includes the the Voice Voice Messenger 

speech synthesizer, a telecommunications 

cations program, program, and and Easy Easy Spuc/l, Speech, a a 

program program that that enables most most pre-existing 

text-driven software to speak. 

The The program program can can be be used used to to hear hear 

messages, messages, games, games, or or information information from 

subscription subscription services services such such as as The The 

Source Source or or CompuServe. The The package package 

sells for $29.95. 

We/wyll Welwyn Curra/!, Currah, 104 W. Fourth St., 

Royal Roya/ Oak, Oak, MI 48067. 

48067. 

Clrd e Reader Service Number 237. 

Circle Reader Service Number 237. 

Three From 5S1 

Three From SSI 

Strategic Strategic Simulations, Simulations, Inc., has has announced 

the release of three new strategic 

war games for the 64. Battle Baltle of 

Antietam Autietam ($49.95) ($49.95) recreates recreates the the famous 

civil civil war war battle; battle; Norway Norway 1985 1985 ($34.95), 

($34.95), 

the fourth game in the "When Super 

powers powers Collide" Collide" series series by by Roger Roger Keating. 

ing, simulates simulates the the Soviet Soviet occupation occupation of of 

Norway Norwa y and NATO's counterattack; 

United States Army Army Air Air Force Force ($59.95) ($59.95) is is 

an an advanced advanced simulation simulation of of daylight 

daylight 

bombing bombing of of German German industry industry from 

1943-45, 1943-45, featuring featuring 24 24 aircraft aircraft types. 

types. 

Each Each game game can can be played played with with one one or or 

two two players. players. 

Strategic SimulatiQlIS Simulations IIlC., Inc., 883 883 Stier 

Stier- 

IiI! lin Rd., Rd., Bldg. Bldg. A-200, A.·200, Mountain Moulltaill View, CA. CA 

94043-1983. 



64 Modem Software 

64 Modem Software 

Sixth Sense, a new telecommunications 

program from Microtechnic Solutions, 

comes with programmable macro keys 

that enable enable many many unattended modem 

modem 

operations. operations. The The macro keys keys are are easily 

easily 

programmed programmed with with a set set of macro macro templates. 

Among the other functions included 

cluded in in Sixth Sixth Sense are are multiple multiple data data 

paths, paths, split-screen split-screen line input, input, a a 700-Jine 

700-line 

virtual screen, and a user-programmable 

counter. 

counter. 

Suggested re retail tail price for Sixth 

Se'l Sense se is $89.95; or $71.95 for those who 

already already have have the the Smart Smart 64 Terminal. 

Terminal. 

An An additional additional $9 $9 can can be be deducted deducted fo forr 

prepaid prepaid orders. 

orders. 

Microtechnic Micro/ee/mic SolutiQlls, Solutions, IInc., IlC., P.O. 

Box Box 2940, New Haven, Havell, cr CT 06515. 

Circle Circle Reader Service Number 239. 

MasterType's Writer 

MasterType's Writer 

A so sophisticated phisticated word word processor, processor, 

MasterType's Writer, Writer, has has been been released 

from Scarborough Scarborough Systems. The The program 

features dual windows for outlining 

ing text, text, color color highlighting, highlighting, multiple 

multiple 

typefaces, typefaces, macro commands commands for frequently 

quently used used words words and and phrases, phrases, and and 

an on-disk tutorial. A print preview option 

tion is included, included, and and linked linked files can can be be 

printed printed out. out. 

MasterType's MaslerType's Writ Writer er is available for 

the Commodore 64 for $44.95. 

Scarborough Systems, Systems, Inc., /IIC., 55 55 S. S. 

Broadway, TarrytowlI, Tarn/town, NY 10591. 

10591. 


•

The New Automatic 

programs for Commodore computers. This com 

pletely new version of "The Automatic Proofread 

er" works on all eight-bit Commodores (the 128, 

64, Plus/4,16, and VIC-20) and alerts you to al 

most every typing mistake you might make. It 

can even be used with other programming utili 

ties like "MetaBASIC" and the "DOS Wedge." 

"The New Automatic Proofreader" 

helps you you type type in in program program listings 

listings 

without typing mistakes. It's a short 

error-checking program that con 

ceals ceals itself itself in in memory memory and and adheres 

adheres 

to your Commodore's operating 

system. Each time you press RE 

on your screen doesn't match the 

one in the printed listing, you've 

typed the line incorrectly-it's incorrectly—it's tha thatt 

simple. simple. You You don't don't have have to to use use the the 

Proofreader Proofreader to to enter enter printed listings, 

ings, but but doing doing so so greatly greatly reduces 

your chances of making a typo. 

Getting Started 

First, type in the Commodore Automatic 

Proofreader Program exactly 

as it appears in the listing. Since the 

Proofreader can't check itself, type 

carefu carefully ll y to avoid mistakes. Don't 

omit any lines, even if they contain 

unfamiliar commands or you think 

they they don't don't apply apply to your your computer. 

computer. 

As 500n soon as you're finished typi typing ng 

the the Proofreader, Proofreader, save save at least least two two 

copies copies on on disk disk or or tape tape before running 

it the first time. This is very 

important because the Proofreader 

erases erases the the BASIC BASiC portion portion of of itself 

itself 

Proofreader 

Philip Philip I. I. Nelson, Assistant Assistant Editor 

Editor 

Now it's it's easier easier than than ever ever to to type type in in and and enjoy 

enjoy 

programs for Commodore computers. This completely 

new version of "The Automatic Proofreader" 

works on all eight-bit Commodores (the 128, 

64, Plus/4, 16, and VIC-20) and alerts you to al 

can even be used with other programming utilities 

like "MetaBASIC" and the "DOS Wedge." 

"The New Automatic Proofreader" 

without typing mistakes. It's a short 

error-checking progra m th at con 

system. Each time you press RE 

TURN TURN to to enter enter a a program program line, line, the the 

Proofreader Proofreader displays displays a a two-lette two-letterr 

checksum checksum in reverse reverse video video at at the the 

top top of of your your screen. If If the the checksum 

checksum 

on your screen doesn't match the 

your chances of making a typo. 

Getling Started 

108 108 COMPUTEI'$ COMPUTED Gazette Gazette Febr\Iaty February 1986 1986 

when you run it, leaving only the 

machine language (ML) portion in 

memory. 

When that's done, type RUN 

when you run it, leaving only the 

machine language (ML) portion in 

When that's done, type RUN 

and and press p ress RETUR RETURN. N. Afte Afterr announcing 

nouncing which which computer computer it's it's fun run 

ning on, the Proofreader installs the 

ML routine in memory, displays the 

message PROOFREADER ACTIVE, 

erases the BASIC portion of itself, 

and and ends. ends. If If you you type LIST LIST and and 

press RETURN, you'll see that no 

BASIC program program remains remains in in memo 

ry. The computer is ready for you to 

ry. The computer is ready for you to 

type type in in a a new new BASIC program. 

Entering Programs 

Entering Programs 

Once Once the the Proofreader Proofreader is is active, you you 

can can begin begin typing typing in in a a BASiC BASIC program 

gram as usual. usual. Every Every time time you you finiish 

s h ttyping yp i ng a a lin linee and and press press 

RETURN, the the Proofreader displays 

displays 

a a two-letter checksum (reverse video 

eo letters) letters) in in the the upper upper left comer corner of of 

the the screen. Compare Compare this this checksum 

checksum 

with with the the two-letter two-letter checksum checksum printed 

ed to to the Jeft left of of the corresponding 

corresponding 

line line in in the the program program listing. listing. If If the the 

letters match, it's almost certain the 

line line was was typed typed correctly. correctly. If the the letters 

ters don't don't match, check check for your your 

mistake and and correct correct the the line. 

line. 

The Proofreader ignor ignores es 

spaces that aren't enclosed in quo 

spaces that aren't enclosed in quo 

tation marks, so you can omit 

spaces (or add extra ones) between 

spaces (or add extra ones) between 

keywords keywords and and still still see see a a matching 

matching 

checksum. For exa mple, these two 

checksum. For example, these two 

lines generate the same checksum: 

10 PRINT"THIS IS BASIC" 

10 PRINT "THIS IS BASIC" 

10 PRINT'THIS IS BASIC" 

10 PRINT 'THIS IS BASIC" 

However, since spaces inside 

However, since spaces inside 

quotation quotation marks marks are are almost almost always 

always 

significant, significant, the the Proofreader Proofreader pays pays attention 

to them. For instance, these 

tw twoo lines lines gene generate ra te different 

different 

checksums: 

checksums: 

10 10 PRINT"THIS PRINT'THIS IS BASIC" 

10 10 PRINT"THIS PRINT'THIS ISBA ISBA SIC" SIC" 

AA common common typing typing mistake mistake is 

transposition-typing transposition—typing two two successive 

characters in the wrong order, 

like PIRNT instead of PRINT or 

64378 instead of 64 738. A check 

sive characters in the wrong order, 

like PIRNT instead of PRINT or 

64378 instead of 64738. A check 

sum sum program program that that adds adds up up the the val 

ues of all the characters in a line 

ues of aU the characters in a line 

can't possibly detect transposition 

can't possibly detect transposition 

errors errors (it (it can can only only tell whether whether the the 

right right characters characters are are present, present, regard 

less of what order they're in). Be 

less of what order they're in). Because 

the Proofreader computes the 

cause the Proofreader computes the 

checksum checksum with with a a more more sophisticated 

formula, it is also sensitive to the 

position of each character within the 

positio,1 of each character within the 

line line and and thus catches transposition 

errors. 

The Proofreader does IIOt ac 

The Proofreader does not ac 

cept keyword abbreviations abbreviations (for (for example, 

? instead instead of of PRINT). If If you you 

prefer prefer to to use use abbreviations, abbreviations, you can 

still still check check the the line line with with the the Proofreader: 

Simply LIST the line after 

typing typing it, move move the the cursor cursor back back onto onto 

the the line, line, and and press RETURN. RETURN. LISTLISTing 

the line substitutes the full keyword 

word for the the abbreviation abbreviation and and alJows 

allows 

the Proofreader to work properly. 

the Proofreader to work properly.

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