October 1989 MCU Magazine

GENERAL INFORMATION

MCUC

This newsletter is published monthly for distribution to members of the Memphis Commodore Users Club. It is in no way connected with the Commodore Business Machine Ltd. or Commodore Inc. and Commodore products (CBM, PET, C64, C128, VIC20, Amiga) are registered trademarks of Commodore Inc. The MCUC is a non-profit organization whose purpose is the free exchange of information & knowledge about the use of Commodore computer systems. Memberships are open to anyone; ownership of a computer is not required. Monthly meetings are open to the public & visitors are welcome.

Dues are broken down into three categories. Membership dues may be paid quarterly (3 months) at $6 or annually at $20.00. An associate membership is offered for those living outside a 45 mile radius of Memphis at $10 per year. All memberships are Family Memberships. Dues are not refundable.

Contribution to the MCUC magazine may be in any word processor. You may submit articles on disk, or a hardcopy, or upload to the MCUC BBS (276-6868). Other User Groups are welcome to reprint material from this magazine; we ask only that you give credit to the author and source.

The editor reserves the right to reject material submitted relating to illegal services, products or unethical practices. All material submitted becomes the property of MCUC. The 12th of each month is the DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES.

Meetings

General Membership Meeting - First Tuesday of each month, 7:00 PM in Fulton Auditorium, State Technical Institute.

Beginner's Class - First Saturday after the first Tuesday. 1:00 PM at the Main Library, Peabody and McLean

Board of Director's Meeting - Second Thursday after the General Meeting. 7:30 PM State Tech, in the Cafeteria.

128,CP/M,MS-DOS Sig Classes - Now meeting with the Memphis FOG group. 4th Tuesday of each month at the Whitestation Library. Copy Session at 6 PM, Meeting starts as 7:00 PM.

Millington SIG - 1st Saturday 7:00 pm, Shoney's on Hwy 51 in Millington

Officers

Advertising Rates

All Rates Monthly

Classified to Members FREE
All ads must be in by the 12th.
CIRCULATION: 300 copies

Geos V2.0

by Bob Nunn

I know that a large percentage of people still feel intimiated by GEOS. I used to, but I started using it more and then I just got MAD!! Why would anyone invent a system for which it was so hard to make up a work disk? Why would anyone put so much protection that it was next to impossible to upgrade and anytime you wanted to change things around you always had to have the original boot disk constipating one of your drives with all kinds of unused printer files and other useless crud (desktop accessories) if you didn't need them.

Well folks there is good news! Maybe I should change the name of this article to Maverick V3.0. Maverick has a file copier on the back of the first disk that makes setting up work disks a breeze!! It opens from desktop and you can place the copier and the sector editor on any (I suggest all) of your work disks!

Maverick also backs up your GEOS programs and utilities and magically they all quit looking for that old version that you are trying not to use. My GEOCALC kept insisting I put my v1.2 GEOS disk back in while I was trying to use my version 2.0 system. No more.

Maverick allows you to make a boot file on your 1581 disk! I still haven't done this successfully but I am eiether doing something wrong or it doesn't work. (Maybe the next version of Maverick)

It doesn't really matter because once you install v2.0 of GEOS desktop on your workdisk GEOS doesn't keep looking for the boot disk.

Version 2.0 of GEOS has many new key commands and the C=key and another in combination is the way to fly. It requires you to learn a few new commands but that isn't a problem for most Commodore folks. It greatly speeds up your work. The new version also greatly speeds up applications within it. I don't know how they did it, but it is now a decent program. It doesn't have near as many bizzare lock up problems with those bizzare error messages that all mean one thing "you just screwed up real bad and lost all your work and we aren't going to tell you why".

If you haven't tried out GEOS in a while and have a copy of Maverick I suggest you get out and play with it again. I think you'll at least start to think about using it again. I know that I am. We are using it more and more in the newsletter and with the FX80 double print file and so many fonts available you should see a big improvement.

We are planning a user type demo on GEOS 128 v2.0 in the October meeting. This means we aren't going to show you how to publish a newsletter. We are going to show you how to build a work disk using Maverick and some of the key commands that we use in typing a letter. Time permitting Cheryn may show you a bit of how to use GEOCALC to build a simple spreadsheet.

President's Ponderings

by Bob Nunn

Are you gonna eat breakfast off the buffet?? That's how we were greeted at the motel restaurant, only in this part of the world, buffet is pronounced boo-fay. I asked for a menu and was told we don't start serving off the menu til 7:00. Well, I guess I'll eat off the boo-fay then. Actually, the boo-fay was better than most off the menu things I would have ordered. Give Susie Earnheart a pat on the back for finding good accomodations at a great price. I would have given that great waitress at the restaurant a pat but I think Cheryn would have give me a knot on my noggin'.

The Nashville Convention Center is something to see. It's attached to a Stouffer's Hotel and has a mini mall in with it. The trip to Nashville to see the Commodore Association of the South East's annual show was well worth it just to see a few of the sights. The seminar facilities were excellent! I sat in on several and really enjoyed them.

Jim Butterfield still looked the same with his grisley gray-whtie mustache and curly hair, suspenders and the slight computer paunche. He still handles the crowd as well as he handles a Commodore Computer. I sat in on his Sunday seminar on the C-64. Guess what? I learned something new and great again this year. Ask me sometime and I'll tell you; it's too complex to write in this short article.

Commodore was supposed to be represented, but the guy didn't show. I'd heard that he missed a plane connection, but was never quite sure what happened. All I know is that there were a few Tennesseans that were real disappointed, especially after buying a new rope and all. I guess that they bought all that overipe "fruit and maters" for lunch, cause they didn't have an opportunity to do much else with them. Well, maybe next year.

Jim Oldfield evidently caught a bug and wasn't able to make it. His BBS seminar was one of my favorites last year. One of his friends showed up and filled in though, while he wasn't well prepared he kept it interesting and answered many questions.

Commodore 64 & 128 people and vendors may have been in the majority this year for a change. There were roughly 25 vendors present which was slightly down from last year's 28. We have labored to give you some information on what we considered some of the highlights in this magazine.

The User Group Librarian/Newsletter Editors Seminar was GREAT!! Richard Radon the CASE officer for this group went way beyond the call of duty! He put together the best ideas submitted by other user groups on ideas they use to spice up the newsletter and their user group meetings. This package has loads of great ideas from groups all over. As time goes on you will begin to see many of these ideas adopted for use by our group. Richard also put together a collection of video tapes from all the CASE user groups and as soon as we can, we will add some new titles to our library. Richard gave us a brief opportunity to speak and we shared our 1990 editorial calendar and explained its workings. I also spent a minute or two discussing why MCUC is still growing and prospering. We shared our newletter articles on disk with other editors.

One last minute thing that we did was rent a room back at the motel and invite other user group librarians to come and share their disks with us. While we didn't have a big turnout we did have 3 other user groups stop by. I think if we send out personal invitations next year, participation will go up substantially and make this an event to itself. We got a few new things for our library in return. The main thing we accomplished is we made many new contacts, and we will have even more groups now exchanging with our group. This will DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE our disk of the month's selections and should do the same for their group! We also will add even more new downloads for our BBS! We invested some time and a little money in communicating our willingness to share our ideas and resources. I feel strongly that we shall soon reap the rewards of that effort.

What did you miss at CASE? Well you be the judge from what you see in not only this magaine but what you hear from the members that attended. You won't want to miss the next one.

Secretaries Notes

Secretary Notes 9/14/89

The official board meeting was called to order at 7:35PM by Bob Nunn, President.

Officers present were
Bob Nunn, president
Ron Montgomery, Vice President
Gary Thurman, Treasurer
Dick Coffman, Secretary

A quorum was present.
Visitors were,
Ralph Phillips
Dwayne Moore

A nominating committee will be named by the president.

MCUC will have a booth at the Ham-Fest. Ham-Fest dates are Oct., 14 & 15. Check Newsletter for details.

Demos for October, GEOS 2.0 for the 128, also a game demo to be announced.

A printer will be purchased for the use of the Librarian.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.

Respectively submitted,

Richard Coffman, Secretary

Survival Kit for 5 Bucks

by Ralph Phillips

If your computer system has survived local thunderstorms so far, consider yourself lucky. But unless you take proper precautions, your luck is going to run out sooner or later. My computer system uses a "home brew survival kit" which I deem superior to commercial surge suppressors and which cost me less than $5.00 for added parts. But because I failed to add such protection to my home entertainment system, a late-August thunderstorm knocked out my remote-control TV tuner recently. I knew the risks, I didn't act, and I lost.

Thunderstorms are the principal hazards, but not the only ones. Your air conditioner, washing machine, or refrigerator can kill your comptuer or data bits therein. Any circumstance that can put a high-voltage spike on your power or telephone line can be an assassin. Household devices with control solenoids or powerful motors can accomplish that and result with a phenomenon known as "inductive kick". Automotive ignition systems use that principle to produce the 50,000 volts needed by spark plugs. There is no fuse that can act fast enough to save solid-state devices from spike damage.

To build your "survival kit" you will need the following:

Two metallic-oxide varistor (MOV) spike limiters rated at the peak voltage of the line being protected (15V for AC primary power, 60V for telephone). Price about $1.50 each.

Two capacitors rated at 500-600 volts. 0.01 microfarads for AC primary power, 0.001 microfards (1000 picofarads) for telephone. Price about $0.50 each.

Two ferrite (FB) toroids. Mine cost $1.00/doz at a hamfest, or you can salvage them from a deceased computer or TV, or you can purchase them new if you are feeling extravagant.

Construction is simple, calling for few hand tools. Look at the following circuit diagram within the dotted lines:

This circuit diagram represents the AC power version. Mine was built into a six-outlet power strip with a circuit breaker (CB) and one MOV already installed, which I had bought for about $7.00. I installed the other MOV, the two capacitors (C) and the two ferrities (FB) on the first of the sockets. An MOV protects by "absorbing the jolt" of the spike. The circuit breaker alone will not do the job. It functions only when a spike causes either MOV to place a short circuit of sufficient duration across the power line. Earth ground is identified by a green, insulated wire, a black, insulated wire (sometimes red) is the "hot" power ine, and the white, insulated wire is power neutral return which should also be at ground potential.

The telephone version is similar, except that it does not include a circuit breaker. You can use one, or a one-ampere fuse if you like. Your telephone company is SUPPOSED to use its green, insulated wire for earth ground and negative-polarity terminal, and its red, insulated wire for the "hot" positive-polarity terminal. Check first to be sure; about half the systems I have checked got it backward. For telephone purposes, rename "white" on my diagram to "green" and rename "black" to "red". Earth ground goes to the ground rod installed at your telephone entry, which sometimes uses a yellow-insulated wire. The telephone company's entry box contains "lightning arrestors" and fuses, but their purpose is to keep a lightning strike from setting your house afire. They won't protect your modem.

If you don't want to build your own, you can purchase ready-made "surge suppressors", but check to make sure of their protective capabilities. Many of them are skimpy and offer minimum benefit. A good one will cost a lot more than my "home brew" add-on kit, but even so it will be cheap insurance, compared to computer damage.

A Little Older

Stolen by Cheryn Nunn

I have become a little older since I saw you last, and a few changes have come into my life since then. Frankly, I have become quite a frivolous old gal. I am seeing five gentlemen every day.

As soon as I wake up WILL POWER helps me get out of bed. Then I go to see JOHN. Then CHARLIE HORSE comes along, and when he is here he takes a lot of my time and attention. When he leaves, ARTHUR RITIS shows up and stays the rest of the day. He doesn't like to stay in one place very long, so he takes me from joint to joint. After such a busy day, I'm really tired and glad to go to bed with BEN GAY. What a life!

P.S. The preacher came to call the other day. He said at my age I should be thinking about the hereafter. I told him, "Oh, I do all the time. No matter where I am, in the parlor, upstairs, in the kitchen, or down in the basement, I ask myself...What am I here after?"

Packet Telecommunications

by Ralph Philips

The "Memfest" (Memphis Amateur Radio Festival) coming up on October 14-15 will feature equipment and symposiums on radio communications and computers. Look in on it!

Computers are being used increasingly as terminals for radio communications, particualrly for radio teletype (RTTY) and packet. Because packet radio offers error-free data exchange, it is displacing RTTY in both amateur and commercial usage. While RTTY is "really smoking" at 100 words per minute, packet can easily operate at ten times that speed, error-free to boot. Packet operates by loading a buffer with data, then transmitting the entire buffer in a burst of about one second. You say that yu can't type that fast? Then there will be lots of time between packets, during which others can share the data channel.

What will you need to operate packet radio? You'll need an appropriate class of radio license, two-way radio, a packet terminal node controller (TNC), and a computer system. The TNC is more than a modem interface - it also controls the computer and the radio. One type of TNC, designated especially for the C64, is about the size of a game cartridge. It plugs into the C64 cassette port and uses its control, read/write, and power connections with wires going to the radio speaker and microphone jacks. Its operating system is self-contained so that no disk program load is needed. Other more elaborate (and expensive) TNC's are available.

Each station (node) has its unique ID, and the TNC routes the packets by flagging each with destination and "via" ID's. Several stations may share a radio channel in various "nettings" without interfering with each other, data packets use "handshake" error checking, and each node can be used as a terminal node or as a digital repeater (digipeater) to extend distance coverage.

At each node station, a computer setup is the input-putput terminal. The TNC assembles the packets, switches between transmit and receive, controls addressing and routing, generates or acknowledges error check-sums, and buffers data between the computer and the radio. The node runs with or without manual intervention. Each node can act as a terminal or as a digipeater. An unmanned terminal can function like a telephone BBS. Packet radio offers chat, conference, BBS or mail drop communications, and in addition it can link together a series of TNC "nodes" as digipeaters.

Do you want to obtain your amateur radio operator license? Self-study computer disks are available, study guide booklets abound, local ham clubs conduct classes and sponsor volunteer examiners. Exams will be administered at the Memfest in October. Exams are also held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Red Cross Building. Get your license and make your capabilities available to public service!

Old Age Value!

Remember, old folks are worth a fortune with silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet, and gas in their stomachs.

Treasurer's Report

TREASURER'S REPORT 8-16-89

GARY THURMAN
TREASURER

Treasurer's Report

TREASURER'S REPORT 9-16-89

GARY THURMAN
TREASURER

4 Mhz 64!

By Bob Nunn

Schnedler Systems is one of the booths I spent some time with. I kept watching their GEOS v2.0 demo running 4 times faster than standard 64! I watched a graphics demo they had prepared that made that 64 look like it was turbocharged. I almost bought one and may still. The area of doubt was the $199.00 price tag. If you are satisfied with the 64's performance then this isn't for you. If you want to speed things up a bit and you have sometimes out-run the capabilities of your 64, then this is a good investment. If you are doing desktop publishing on your 64, you need this device. If you are using this in your business then you'll want to consider purchasing it. I would like to use it on my bbs. At 2400 baud the speedup would be utilized.

I talked a bit with the Schnedler's about compatibility. I have seen their ads before as I'm sure you have but am always afraid that it won't work with the applications that I want to use. It seems the major area of incompatibility is if your program uses a speed dos routine for loading. They have overcome the GEOS problem by building a special patch. If your program is PD or doesn't use them then you are fairly safe. They do offer a 10 day trial, so if you want to give this a try and aren't satisfied then send it back.

Guess what, a faster computer doesn't mean a faster drive, now does it. The Schnedlers have added Jiffy Dos compatibility and all you have to do is ask them to include it on the cartridge at no extra charge! WOW a fast computer and a fast disk operating system! All in one little package! Maybe I talk Cheryn into it.

COMPLETE SPEED-UP SOLUTION FOR YOUR COMMODORE C64

Why upgrade when you can enjoy dazzling perforfance from your C64 now?

TURBO MASTER CPU 4.09 MHz Accelerator Cartridge

Brief Product Description

Turbo Master CPU is sophisticated yet easy-to-use cartridge which includes an on-board replacement microprocessor (CPU) and simply plugs into the expansion port to give you C64 computer four times faster processing speed. Thus your software actually runs four times as fast. In fact, the processing speed is nearly twice as fast as a standard IBM-PC/XT clocked at 4.77 MHz! In addition, Turbo Master CPU includes "turbo" disk routines in ROM for five times faster disk Load and Save, and a convenient DOS "wedge" in ROM. (However, Turbo Master CPU should not be confused with other so-called accelerator cartridges or Kernal ROM replacements which merely speed up the disk drive. Turbo Master is much more.)

What to Expect

Quite simply, your programs will fly. Screen graphics (including GEOS screens) are greatly accelerated. Wordprocessors scroll, search-and-replace and insert much faster. "Number crunching" and spreadsheet recalculation take one-fourth the time. At first you won't believe your eyes. Then you'll get "hooked" and be unable to compute without Turbo Master CPU.

Price and Guarantee

The introductory price is only $199, shipping prepaid to US addresses. Order directly by telephone or mail. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Ten-day satisfaction or money back guarantee. Order now.

SCHNEDLER SYSTEMS
25 Eastwood Road · P.O. Box 5964 · Ashevile, North Carolina 28813
Telephone (704) 274-4646
"We engineer miracles"

Shipment from stock within 24 hours via UPS.

Software Compatibility

Turbo Master CPU is compatible with nearly all Commodore C64 software. This includes programs written in Basic, machine-language programs, GEOS, programs which use bank switching to access RAM under ROM, programs which move screen memory, and bit-mapped graphics screens. The main limitation is that the few assembly-language programs which use "illegal" or undocumented 6502 op-codes will not run because Turbo Master CPU uses an enhanced 65C02 microprocessor in which many previously undocumented op-codes are now officialy assigned as useful instrucitions. Fortunately such programs are rare.

Computer Compatibility

Turbo Master CPU is intended for Commodore 64 and 64C computers. It also works with SX-64 portable, as well as the C128 (in C64 mode). The "turbo" disk Load and Save routines are for a 1541 disk drive, or close compatible. The "turbo" disk routines can easily be turned off if you are using a different drive, and you will still have the benefit of the four times faster processing speed. Cassette tape cannot be used with Turbo Master CPU. (The slow cassette tape is inconsistent with anything "turbo".) Turbo Master CPU can be used with Schnedler Systems data acquisition and control interface boards, but not with other cartridges. (We are considering a re-design of the accelerator to allow use in conjunction with a 1764 Ram Expansion Unit. If that is accomplished a reasonable-cost upgrade will be offered, possible because most of the expensive ICs can simply be swapped to a replacement circuit board.)

Physical Size

Turbo Master CPU is nearly exactly the size of a Commodore 1764 Ram Expansion Unit. It has a metal case approximately 4 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches, with a gold-plated circuit board edge connector extending about 1 1/2 inches.

Technical Details

In addition to a Rockwell R65C02P4 microprocessor clocked at 4.09 MHz, Turbo Master includes its own 64K of fast static RAM (120 ns) and a 32K EPROM. The on-chip port on the regular 6510 processor in the C64 is emulated with TTL logic for bank switching. There are 16 ICs in total. In fact, Turbo Master CPU is practically a complete 64K microcomputer, lacking only a keyboard and screen. During opertion of Turbo Master CPU, the 6510 microprocessor in the C64 is completely bypassed, while the VIC (video) chip, SID (sound) chip, keyboard and serial bus port are all accessed by Turbo Master CPU and operate normally. The 6526 CIA timers in the C64 continue to be clocked at their usual 1.0225 MHz rate. Speed change between the standard 1.0225 MHz processor clock rate and the fast 4.09 MHz clock rate can be accomplished either manually using the switches, or by software. (The software speed switch is Bit 7 of memory address $00.) Assembly-language programmers can use the full enhanced 65C02 instruciton set, and we have a 65C02 assembler available (MAE).

ROM 1 / ROM 2 Switch

From the photograph on the other side you may have noticed a switch for selecting either ROM 1 or ROM 2. These are two versions of the C64 Kernal. ROM 1 is a "feature" ROM. The cassette tape routines have all been removed and replaced by fast disk Load and Save routines and by a DOS wedge. ROM 1 is highly compatible with most programs. ROM 2, which is a "compatibility" ROM, is nevertheless provided. The cassette tape routines are present, but are disabled. ROM 2 does not have any extra features compared to a standard C64 Kernel ROM, but you still have the benefit of four times faster processing speed.

JiffyDOS Compatibility Option

An excellent disk speed up that works well in combination with the Turbo Master CPU processor accelerator to give you the best of both worlds is JiffyDOS from Creative Micro Designs (P.O. Box 789, Wilbraham, MA 01095; telephone (413) 525-0023). JiffyDOS differs from a simple "turbo" disk load and save in that is also speeds up disk operations from within programs. JiffyDOS does not require additional cables, but it does require you to replace ROMs inside your computer and inside your disk drive. Here's the deal: if you have or are buying JiffyDOS from Creative Micro Design, tell us and we can supply a Turbo Master CPU with a JiffyDOS-compatible ROM in the "ROM 1" switch position in place of our standard "feature" ROM at no additional cost. Note that you must have the basic JiffyDOS system from Creative Micro Designs for this option to be of benefit; otherwise you will not have a fast loader at all without our standard ROM 1.

Manual and Disk

Opertion of Turbo Master CPU is quite simple and nearly self-evident. A single sheet of instructions would be enough. Neverthless the manual is 24 pages in length, in an attempt to place in your hands all the information you might need. A disk is included with a few demo and utility programs, as well as text files for asemble-language programmers documenting the enhanced 65C02 instruction set.

Case Highlights

[Photo: A rare photo of Bob Earnheart actually using a computer.]

[Photo: Bob Nunn and Allen Cary discussing Jiffy Dos V6.0 upgrade.]

[Photo: Andrew George, our new sysop, made the show with his wife, Beth (not pictured)]

[Photo: Allen Cary demonstrates some MS-DOS software on the Commodore PC-10.]

[Photo: The Moore's made it to the show.]

[Photo: Kevin Dunn says "How"?]

[Photo: Bob meets Jim Butterfield and passes on our newsletter.]

[Photo: Harv and Connie Slemmons attended all of Jim Butterfield's seminars.]

[Photo: Susie Earnheart and Charlie Wirth with Tom Kujawa, president of CASE.]

[Photo: A new friend from another user group.]

[Photo: Margaret and Gene Flake drove up to buy a new modem and see the sights.]

[Photo: Fran Buford reads and waits patiently while Matt looks at all the goodies.]

[Photo: Electronic Sign Maintenance, owner Sonny Hill, is president of the East Tennessee Commodore Club.]

[Photo: Softech, one of the full-line distributors at the show.]

[Photo: Computer Shopper was there with a good discount.]

[Photo: Bobco Software featured educational software.]

MCUC BBS Report

by Andrew George

I have had my 64 for about 3 years now and before I ever used a computer extensively I had heard remarks like, "#@!# computer!!!". I never had a problem the whole time I used mine except for the occasional number 23 read error or not checking the disk drive before I issued that N0: command. One night I got a call from Bob Nunn and he told me of John Blackmer's problems and asked if I would take the BBS. Well never having actually run one I sprang at the opportunity. My life is now changed!

I must say that Bob has been extremely helpful with problems that have come up, and I really appreciate the help. Bob cannot, however, fix an ill drive(s). I believe that there are gremlins in the system drive. I have lost several directories and remade the system many times. I am improving and the system is now up more than not; also Bob is giving more software to the BBS. Things are getting better!!!

All this is a polite, drawn out way of saying please be patient! Bob Earnheart has the other download drive and when it comes back I will give him the system drive to evict the gremlins that live there.

Lastly a thank you to the club as a whole for thinking I can operate the system, the supersnapshot cartridge that made my life easier, and the patience of the users. The BBS will become reliable again and when that time is upon us I will have the option to create more sub-boards. Any suggestions anybody? If you do call and tell us about it 901-362-0632. And not once will you see a commercial for a 1-900 line!!!!!!!!!!

Disk of the Month Order Form

Use this form to order the Disks of the month for September. Mail to MCUC PO Box 34095, Memphis, TN 38134-0095.

Prices are $2/disk, $3/5 to members $3/disk, 3/$6 to non-members. Clubs may obtain sisks on a 1 to 1 exchange basis by sending copies of their disk(s) of the month. Add $1 P & H for 1-3 disks, $.25 for each additional disk.

( ) 64 Ham Disk
( ) 64 Miscellaneous Disk
( ) 64 Utilities Disk
( ) 64 Term Disk
( ) 128 Term Disk
( ) 128 Miscellaneous Disk

See the September newsletter for full details about these disks.

JiffyDOS Version 6.0!

A Review by Bob Nunn

How do you take something nearly perfect and make it even better? Quite a challenge but the folks at Jiffy Dos have been burning the midnight oil again and have done it! Bob & Susie Earnheart let us (MCUC) have a corner of their booth to pass out club information and just visit with folks at the show. We of course helped them out a bit and Bob E. knew that my love of JIffy Dos should help them as they were representing Creative Micro Designs, Inc. who manufacture Jiffy Dos. I have the opportunity to be one of the first to try out this new version as I demo'ed Jiffy Dos V6.01 for the folks at CASE.

NEW FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS ARE:

1. Built in, full featured two drive file copier! It copies PRG, SEQ, USR, and even those tough to copy REL files!!!!!!
2. New commands to support the REU's running under RAMDOS! Finally help with your ram expansion unit!
3. Reprogrammable function keys now allow you to change them to support what you want. (64 mode only)
4. Quick printer/screen output toggle. Ideal for printing directories, BASIC programs, and ASCII text files.
5. Automatic sensing and printing of uppercase/graphics and lowercase modes during screen dumps.
6. Adjustable sector interleave for 1541/71 drives for increased performance on those hard to speed up programs!

All this is great, right? But what does it mean to me? I'm not going to rewrite the manual for them but I can tell you what it does for me.

I just backed up my BBS program that is partitioned on a 1581 disk. It has ALL file types including REL and it took about 25 minutes and perfectly performed! I normally use at least two different programs to do this and I didn't have to load anything! When I want to go to a partition I just hit the @ key and type /0:filename to enter any partition. I used to have to type in several lines or load a program to just look at the directory. Well no more and no more copy programs for normal file copying! Is it fast? It's about twice as fast or more than a normal dos type copies owing much to the speedup process that the chips normally provide. I saved time though by not having to load any program, and even more time by not having to holler at Cheryn to come find my copy disk!

Did you ever want to look at the documentation on a program but didn't because it was so much trouble to find and load a word processor or doc reader? No more; just hit F4 and type in the filename or even easier hit F1 for a directory and then cursor up to the filename and hit F4 and return! It lists it right to the screen!

F2 now lists a basic program directly from the disk! Hit Ctrl P and you now have a copy on our printer.

No Free Lunch! It took a bit of space to add these other great features so we lost a couple of commands that I personally never used anyways. No more & and ! command. I always used the % command which does the same thing. That of course loads an ml program. One other change is that to get status after scratching you have to hit the @ sign again. No big deal either. They list a couple more that I consider less important than above which isn't important to anyone except perhaps someone thrashing a program in Jiffy code.

If I can, I will demo this new version at the next available meeting time which should be this October.

JIFFY UPGRADE SPECIAL FOR THE CLUB

I know that one question that all of you will have is "what is Jiffy's upgrade policy?" Well as I'm writing this looking at 2 computers and 5 drives, I'm wondering the same thing. The good news is that your old drive chips work just fine with the new version. To add version 6.0 to your system all you need to do is replace version 5.0 kernal inside your computer with the new version 6.0 chip, or chips on the 128!

BRING YOUR COMPUTER OR IF YOU CAN TAKE THEM OUT WITHOUT DAMAGE, BRING THE JIFFY DOS CHIP & SWITCH ASSEMBLY FROM YOUR COMPUTER TO THE NEXT MEETING.

We have one shot only at the special offer of $21.95 w/tradein on the 64, 64C, SX64, or $29.95 for the 128 or 128D.

YOU MUST HAVE THE WORKING CHIP WITH YOU AT THE NEXT MEETING! (Or your computer so we can remove it). YOU MUST ALSO MAKE PAYMENT IN FULL AT THIS TIME CASH OR PERSONAL CHECK.

We cannot accept modified chips and the chip has to be tested good, this means different switches, bent legs or custom paint jobs are not allowed!

THIS IS A ONE SHOT OFFER!!!! If you cannot attend the meeting then get someone else to do it for you. You must also be a current paid up member of MCUC. The folks at Jiffy Dos have gone out of their way to make this offer, and I feel obligated to insure we follow their requests.

Creative Micro Designs no longer offers user group purchasing as they have done in the past. Many thanks to Bob Earnheart for making this special offer possible. If you are interested in ordering Jiffy for your system or perhaps adding a drive rom to one of your other drives, see Bob Earnheart Computer Repairs ad in this issue. Bob is the authorized dealer for Creative Micro Designs.

I have included some of Jiffy's newest information. If you haven't heard of Jiffy Dos before then you'll want to study it. It makes using the Commodore 64 or 128 a new experience. You'll be working or playing instead of waiting for that drive to load!

JiffyDOS Disk Drive Speed Enhancement System for Coommodore Computers

• Speeds up ALL disk operations
• Load, Save, Format, Scratch, and access PRG, SEQ, REL & USR files up to 15 times faster
• Compatible with virtually all C-64 and C-128 hardware and software
• Uses no memory or ports
• Requires no extra cabling
• Built-in DOS Wedge with 17 additional commands
• Built-in file copier, screen dump, and single-key command entry
• 128 version speeds up disk access in both 64 and 128 modes
• Easy, do-it-yourself installation
• 30-day, money-back Compatibility Guarantee

What is JiffyDOS?

JiffyDOS is an enhanced Disk Operating System that gives your C64 or C128 the disk-access speed is has always needed. A chip-for-chip replacement for the Kernal ROM in your computer and the DOS ROM in your disk drive(s), Jiffy DOS achieves levels of performance and compatibility unmatched by other speed-enhancement products. Outstanding speed, compatibility with virtually all hardware and software, and a new set of desparately-needed commands and features give your systems a new lease on life and the power to comptete with today's newer, more-expensive machines.

Why is JiffyDOS different?

JiffyDOS should not be confused with Cartridges, Turbo ROMs, Burst ROMS or "Parallel" systems. Ultra-high-speed multi-line serial technology enables JiffyDOS to outperform these products without any of their inherent disadvantages. JiffyDOS leaves all ports on your computer open, works with virtually all software, speeds up PRG, SEQ, REL and USR files, and does not require any extra cabling. Owning JiffyDOS also gives you access to some of the best product support available.

Available for virtually all Computers and Drives

JiffyDOS Kernal and disk drive DOS ROM's are available for all Commodore 64 and 128 computers as well as most Commodore disk drives, including:

• C64, 64C, SX-64
• C128, 128-D
• 1541, 1541C, 1541-II, 1571, 1581 & more

Built-in Commands and Features that make it easy

In addition to speeding up disk access, JiffyDOS makes using your computer easier and more enjoyable. The built-in commands enable you to perform everyday disk-housekeeping chores without having to write programs in BASIC. With JiffyDOS, you can format disks, load, save, scratch and rename files with just a few kekystrokes. In addition, a full complement of convenience features make things even easier. These features include: Directory listing to screen or printer (memory not affected), function key definitions that work with the directory listing (eliminates the need to type lengthy filenames), a screendump, built-in file copier and more.

Speed plus Compatibility

Besides being fast, JiffyDOS is also the most compatible speed-enhancement system available. Designed on the premise that compatiblitity is just as important as speed, JiffyDOS loads and operates with virtually all software (including copy-protected commercial programs), and is compatible with all Commodore 64/128 hardware and peripherals. No other disk drive speed enhancement system can come close to working with as much hardware and software. And, we back up our claims with a 30-day, money-back compatibility guarantee.

Easy Installation

JiffyDOS is surprisingly easy to install. Clearly-written, illustrated, step-by-step instructions are proveded to guide you through the process of installing the JiffyDOS ROMs in your computer and disk drive(s). Even those who have never seen the inside of a computer before can complete the installation in less than one hour and will find the experience interesting and rewarding. And, if any questions happen to arise, our product support staff is on hand to provide you with the help you need.

JiffyDOS - Speed that works all of the time

Load programs and data files up to 15 time faster

JiffyDOS speeds the loading of BASIC programs, public-domain software, data files, and virtually all commercial software - including programs that are heavily copy-protected. Unlike cartridges, JiffyDOS becomes an integral part of your system, and cannot be rendered ineffective by complex multiple-file load sequences or copy-protection schemes. And, JiffyDOS keeps working even after a program is up and running - enabling you to load data files, overlays and program modules at maximum speed.

Save programs and data files up to 4 time faster

Faster saving with JiffyDOS is automatic and works for you at all times - even from within other programs. This means that all your data files and programs will be saved at maximum speed. And, unlike other products that boast quicker saving, JiffyDOS does not bypass any error checking routines.

Speed up PRG, SEQ, REL and USR file access

Perhaps the most important feature of JiffyDOS is its ability to speed up all disk accesses - including the reading and writing of PRG, SEQ, USR, REL and direct-access files. Unlike Cartridges and Turbo ROMs, JiffyDOS is effective in speed up the many disk-intensive programs that use these file types - including databases, spread-sheets, wordprocessors, and MIDI software.

Fast formatting on 1541 and 1571 disk drives

A JiffyDOS-equipped 1541 (or compatible) will format a disk in about 21 seconds. A 1571 with JiffyDOS will format one side in 21 seconds and both sides in about 42 seconds - even with a C-64 or C-128 in 64 mode! And, unlike the 9-second format utilities, the JiffyDOS format is built in, will work from within programs, and does not bypass the error checking that ensures you of a properly formatted disk.

Simultaneously speed up 1541, 1571, and 1581 drives

JiffyDOS is the only system that is able to simultaneously speed up 1541, 1571 and 1581 drives (and compatibles) with C-64's, 64C's, SX-64's, and C-128's in both 64 and 128 modes. With JiffyDOS, a 1541 becomes faster than a stock 1571 in 128 mode. And, JiffyDOS-equipped 1571 and 1581 drives become even faster than they already are with a C-128 in 128 mode!

Special features for 1571 disk drives

• Allows you to automatically access and format both sides of a disk at all times - even with a C-64 or a C-128 in 64 mode.
• Incorporates the latest Commodore ROM upgrade which eliminates bugs affecting Relative files, drive initialization, etc.
• Solves the problems with disk backup utilities (Fast Hack'em, etc.) caused by the Commodore upgrade.

Compatibility by design

Money-Back Compatibility Guarantee

The JiffyDOS guarantee is simple: If you are dissatisfied because of incompatibility with any of your C-64/C-128 hardware or software, simply return your JiffyDOS system in its original condition within 30 days of purchase for a complete refund.

We are able to offer this guarantee because JiffyDOS was designed on the premise that compatibility is just as important as speed (what good is a speedup system if it only works with a few programs?). As a result, JiffyDOS is the most compatible, speed-enhancement system available - no Cartridge, Turbo ROM, Burst ROM or Parallel system can come close to working with as much hardware and software.

Uses no ports, memory or extra cabling

All ports on your computer are left open, enabling you to use JiffyDOS with modems, RAM expanders, cartridges, ect. No extra memory is required, which leaves maximum ROM and RAM available for use by other programs. And, unlike "parallel" speedup systems, no extra cebeling is required between your computer and drives.

Does not bypass any error checking routines

All JiffyDOS operations retain the built-in error checking routines that are a necessary part of any reliable data storage system. Unlike other products that bypass these routines, JiffyDOS provides speed without jeopardizing the integrity of your data.

Uses stock disks & file formats

This feature enables you to speed up all your existing programs and files wihout having to modify them in any way. Also, you will have no problem using disks and files you create with JiffyDOS on stock systems.

Can be easily switched out

Jiffy DOS includes a unique, easy-to-use switching system that enables you to select either JiffyDOS or the stock DOS with the flip of a switch. Although switching to stock mode is rarely required, this feature ensures that you will be able to load all your present and future software. And, you can use the switch even while a program is running - without having to power down or reset!

Incorporates the latest Commodore ROM upgrades

If your computer or disk drive is equipped with older ROMS, installing JiffyDOS is like getting a free upgrade. Each JiffyDOS system incoporates the latest Commodore upgrades, and will bring your Kernal and DOS ROMs up to the latest revision level.

Software Compatibility

JiffyDOS will speed up the initial loading and file access operation of virtually every program you own. This even includes the many copy-protected commercial programs that cannot be loaded by other speedup systems. Programs like Pocket Writer, Pocket Filer, Word Writer, Multiplan, Swiftcalc, Data Manager, Superbase, Printshop and Fast Hack'Em (to name just a few) are all compatible with Jiffy DOS.

CP/M and GEOS compatible

JiffyDOS is completely compatible with CP/M on the C-128 and provides speedups with 1541, 1571 and 1581 drives. JiffyDOS is also GEOS compatible and speeds up the operation of GEOS-128 with 1571 and 1581 drives (GEOS-64 includes its own built-in speedup system that bypasses JiffyDOS).

Save time on line

If you own a modem you'll soon discover that JiffyDOS can save you money. Disk access during uploading and downloading take place faster, enabling you to save up to 40% on long distance and on-line charges.

Below is just a partial list of the various types of JiffyDOS-compatible programs. Even if you own a program that does not fall into any of these categories, chances are excellent that it is compatible with JiffyDOS. Please call or write for more information.

• Wordprocessors
• Spreadsheets
• Graphics programs
• Games
• BASIC programs
• Programming languages
• Copy programs
• Disk utilities
• MIDI software
• Bulletin board systems
• Q-Link/Cumpuserver/GEnie

Hardware Compatibility

JiffyDOS is designed to with with all C-64 and C-128 hardware and peripherals. Unlike cartridges and "parallel" systems, JiffyDOS installs internally and does not require the use of any ports on your computer. This enables JiffyDOS to work in conjunction with all serial bus devices as well as with the wide variety of devices that plug directly into the Cartridge, User, and Cassette Ports on your machine. A partial list of compatible hardware includes:

• Modems
• Printers
• Printer Interfaces
• Cartridges
• Commodore RAM Expanders
• Quick Brown Box RAM units
• Parallel disk-backup systems
• EPROM programmers
• MIDI Interfaces
• C-128 "spare socket" ROMs
• Speech synthesizers
• Digitizers

Compatible with all stock serial bus devices

JiffyDOS systems are compatible with all stock serial bus periperals. Printers, printer interfaces, and all types of disk drives will work in conjunction with JiffyDOS on the serial bus without presenting any compatibility problems. JiffyDOS-equipped computers and drives automatically sense whether they are communicating with JiffyDOS or stock devices. This enables JiffyDOS to select the proper data transfer rate at all times - which meas that you will be able to mix stock equipment (disk drives, printers, computers, etc.) with your JiffyDOS equipment and not experience any compatibility conflicts.

Supports multiple drives

Adding JiffyDOS to a second, third, or fourth drive is as easy as installing another ROM. JiffyDOS can be installed regardless of device numbers. And, you can still change device numbers via software or hardware on JiffyDOS-equipped drivers.

Supports RAM expanders

JiffyDOS speeds up data transfers to and from RAM expansion units (1700, 1750, 1764, and Quick Brown Boxes). In addition, JiffyDOS is the only speed-enhancement system that includes a built-in DOS Wedge that supports Commodore's RAMDOS.

Easy to use

No new commands or procedures to learn

After you install JiffyDOS, you can use your computer immediately and still gain the full benefit of increased speed - without having to learn a single command. However, to make using your computer even easier, we have added a number of commands and features that can be used at your discretion.

Disk directory

The "@$" command enables you to list the disk directory to the screen (or to a printer) without disturbing your computer's memory.

Built-in file copier

JiffyDOS incorporates a built-in file copier that enables you to copy files (PRG, SEQ, USR, REL) between any two disk drives (or to and from REU's). Control-key combinations that work with the directory make it easy to select the files you want to copy.

One-key loading

You can load and run the first program on disk by pressing SHIFT-RUN/STOP. If the program you want to run is not the first one on disk, you can list the directory and use the appropriate function key (see below).

Function key definitions

The JiffyDOS function keys work with the directory and enable you to load, save, scratch, run & list files with a single keystroke. In 128 mode, the keys can be easily switched back to the stock definitions (or reprogrammed). In 64 mode (or with a C-64) the keys can be reprogrammed or disabled.

Screen Dump

Prints text screens (uppercase/graphics or lower case) from within most programs.

Built-in Commands

JiffyDOS makes disk housekeeping easy. Instead of having to write program to perform everyday DOS functions (like scratching files), you can enter simple, one-line commands that are easy to learn and remember. The Commodore DOS 5.1 Wedge is included along with a series of powerful new commands. Perhaps the best thing about the JiffyDOS commands is that they are built-in - which means, that you can use them immediately after turning your computer on, without the bother of having to load a memory-consuming utility from disk. As an additional feature, you can also use the commands within you own BASIC programs.

Commodore DOS Wedge Commands

Additional JiffyDOS Commands

Easy to install

No technical experience or special tools necessary

Installation is a do-it-yourself operation and can be performed in less than one hour. Complete, illustrated, step-by-step instructions are provided to guide you through the process of opening up your computer and drive, locating the stock ROMs and replacing them with the JiffyDOS ROMs. If you have any questions, our product support staff will provide you with the answers. To give you an idea of how easy it is to install JiffyDOS, we have outlined the five basic installation steps:

1. Open up the cases of your computer and disk drive(s). This requires only a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the computer and disk drive cases together.
2. Locate and remove the Kernal ROM and disk drive DOS ROM. Diagrams of the circuit boards in your computer and disk drive are provided, making it easy to locate the position of the ROMs. Use a small, flat bladed screwdriver to pry the stock ROMs from their sockets. Note: Some C-64's have the Kernal ROM soldered directly to the circuit board. In these cases, it may be necessary to acquire assistance in removing the Kernal ROM. All other computer and disk drive ROMs are socketed (no soldering required).
3. Replace the stock ROMs with the JiffyDOS ROM assemblies. Press the JiffyDOS ROM assemblies into the sockets that held the stock ROMs.
4. Mount the ROM selector switches. The ROM selector switches may be mounted through the plastic computer and disk drive cases (requiring a 1/4" drill); or they may be routed outside of the computer and drive (no drilling required).
5. Close up your computer and disk drive. You are ready to use and enjoy JiffyDOS.

Creative Micro Designs, Inc.
50 Industrial Drive
PO Box 646
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Phone: 413-525-0023
Fax: 413-525-0147

Disks of the Month

Disk 1 - Geos Fonts

This is a collection of public domain geos fonts, best of the best personally tested by your editor.

Fonts include Music Scale, Music Key, Dungeon, Spook, Script 16, Popsicle 24, C= Chars, Joker 24, Arrow 24, Garnet, Cubic, Monogram, Regal, Storybook 1 & 2, Story 36, DQ-Roma, DQ-R/Deutsch, DQ-R/Spamisch, Peignot, Doors 20, Identifontx21, Shadow, Roco, Wall, Font Codes, Olde English 48 and Microfont.

Disk 2 - Halloween Fun

This disk contains some spooktacular Halloween graphics, a collection of music used in some of the most popular games and a great new game for the 64 and more.

0r"october disk    " 89 2a
18  "boot"             prg
8   "menu"             prg
0   "                " seq
10  "spookshow"        prg
26  "ggwitch"          prg
14  "jjpumkin"         prg
21  "ggzone"           prg
21  "ggmonmash"        prg
22  "jjwebskull"       prg
20  "ggevilkin"        prg
17  "ggtrickortreat"   prg
29  "gggrim ghosts"    prg
0   "                " seq
69  "fred krueger/lod" prg
0   "                " seq
138 "game music 5"     prg
0   "                " seq
92  "rock crash"       prg
0   "                " seq
53  "eyeway to hell"   prg
0   "                " seq
4   "-read me"         prg
35  "october notes"    prg

Disk 3 - Troubles On Trios

A demo for a new programming type environment. This full disk side in one of the best I've ever seen and you're sure to be impressed by not only the graphics, but also the music and animation. MUST HAVE!!!

Disk 4 - October 128

Wait and See!

Index