spectrum utility - OpenLibra

One of the most eagerly awaited
add-ons for the Timex/Sinclair
computers was the modem.
Timex had announced a modem
that was scheduled for release in
November of 1 983, which was
to be compatible with both the
T/S 1000/1500 (ZX 81 > and
T/S 2068. This was dubbed the
T/S 2050 Telecommunications
Modem. Unfortunately, Timex
went out of the computer
market before they received the
first shipment. After a short
delay, Westridge Communications,
a division of Anchor
Automation, released the
modem that they were producing
for Timex, and the
Timex/Sinclair 2050 is now
known as the Westridge 2050,
The cassette that comes with
the modem (SMART TERMINAL
I) has the T/S 1000/1 500 soft
ware on one side, and the T/S
2068 software on the other. An
advanced version of this soft
ware, called SMART TERMINAL
II, allows for the storage of up to
fourteen telephone numbers
with log on instructions, and the
ability to upload and download.
It attaches to either computer
via a 12 inch RS232C cable
which ends in a Timex interface
(built in) which then connects to
the edge expansion bus. The
connector is of the piggy back
type so that other peripherals
may be added. The set-up for
both computers is identical,
with only the software differing.
The modem connects to Ma
Bell's (the American version of
BT) equipment directly, and has
a phone jack built in so that you
may connect a telephone to
your modem, although that is
not necessary. In fact, you do
not need a telephone at all. Setup
of the modem takes just a
moment and you are ready to
go. A second modem is available
from the Byte-Back Company
(Rt. 3, Box 147, Brodie Rd.,
Leesville, SC 29070; (803)
532-5812) who introduced the
first modem ever available for
the T/S 1000. Their current offering
is compatible with all
modems,
Bulletin Board
Once you are set-up, what can
you do? There are a number of
private Bulletin Boards run by
computer enthusiasts for the
USA NEWS
Across The Pond
Telecomputing across the U.S. by Mark
L. Fendrick
purpose of giving people a place
to get to know others with
similar interests. A number of
these Bulletin Boards (BBS's)
are specialised boards that cater
to either a particular micro or
other interest. Many of these offer
a place to send and receive
messages to and from the other
users, a section to upload (send)
or download (receive) programs
and/or text, or any other type of
section that the SYSOP
(SYStem OPerator) can think of.
Best of all, there is no charge for
the time you spend online, except
those which are levied by
the telephone company for a
regular call. A number of BBS's
exist which contain sub-boards
dedicated to the Timex,'Sinclair
computers, and there is even
one that is entirely devoted to
our micros. This is run by ZEBRA
SYSTEMS, Inc. of Woodhaven,
New York. ZEBRA SYSTEMS is
a company which develops and
sells software and hardware for
the T/S computers. This is a
place where all T/S owners can
log-on and discuss their successes
and ask any questions
they may have about using their
equipment. There are subboards
for each of the T/S computers
as well as a sub-board on
telecommunications. ZEBRA
BBS also has two Sinclair
newsletters that may be accessed.
In addition, there is a Merchandise
section where you can
browse through ZEBRA's
catalogue, and even place an
order while you are online. The
number of this BBS is (718)
296 2229.
MCI Mail
How about sending your mail
directly from your computer
room? There are a number of
services that allow you to do
this, even if the recipient does
not have a computer. The most
comprehensive of these is
known as MCI MAIL. Here too,
there is no charge for online
time, but you pay for the
messages sent, depending on
the type of communication. If
the person you are sending the
mail to has a computer (or terminal),
and is registered on MCI
MAIL, you can send an electronic
message of up to 7500
characters (about 3 typewritten
pages) for a fee of only $ 1.00.
32 ZX COMPUTING APRIL/MAY 1 985