November 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 (362-0632). 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

President's Pondering

by Bob Nunn

What is going to happen in 1990?? Well, if I knew that my life would be a lot different that it is now. I do know some things that will happen for MCUC. Yes, I will run again for President in 1990. One thing that has been on my mind is the future of our club. Commodore has stopped production on the 128D. What does this mean? Not much as long as you already got yours. Sounds rather depressing, doesn't it?

I'd like for you to think one minute, what has that got to do with anything? Does it really matter? I say no. There are still millions of machines out there and about that many people who need help using their machines. So I see 1990 as MCUC's biggest and best year ever. We are still seeing tons of new software being produced. We still are getting quality PD software from all over.

Our associate membership program is beginning to bear fruit. We have just added a remote group to our fold. ICETEA has joined with us, (a small group that just formed in Selmer, TN.) I don't remember exactly what that stands for but hope to have more information about their group in issues to come. We initially added 5 from their group and they now are receiving our newsletter and hopefully will begin participating in the news. They also are buying our disks to distribute with their group. We are planning to approach the Blytheville group and will continue as time allows. This of course means more growth than ever for our group.

Seminars on popular subjects may start taking place this month. We only lack one more person's approval. If all goes well our first will be a 3 hour seminar on using the Write Stuff. Participants will receive a class disk and each person will be working at a 64. The class will last roughly 3 hours long and when you leave I promise you will have learned something new no matter what level you use a word processor for. The fee for the class will likely be $5.00 non-refundable in advance. You can sign up at the November Meeting. There will be limited seats as we want to insure each person has a terminal to work at. It will be first come, first serve. The funds go to pay for the disks and refreshments, along with a donation to the source of the equipment. What other subjects would you like to see? How about some of the new Geos V2.0 series programs? Or perhaps, hardware modifications you can do on sight while having an expert on hand to supervise and help you put it back together? It's really up to you, ask and we'll see. We need teachers on various and sundry computer related subjects, how about you?

Make sure and let the nominating committee know if you are willing to run for office or if you feel that you don't have time, then why not let them know that you are willing to assist. We need assistance in the Newsletter production area, in the Library, and in the Education area. Remember this isn't all work or why would we enjoy doing this so much.

Bob Nunn

Commodore Computer User Holiday Gift Guide

(or what I want for Christmas)

by Bob Nunn

The Hardware for Christmas 1989

COMMODORE 128D Computer

Well this one has been dropped by Commodore so if you wanted to get one you need to do it quick before the market dries up. Special Features of the 128D is that it is really 3 computers in 1! It has a built in 64, 128 mode and C/PM all in one system. The 128D also features a full 64K video chip over the 16K in the regular 128. Only a few programs take advantage of this feature but it is worthwhile if you plan to use any of those that do. I understand Maverick V3.0 uses the extra ram to make copying a bit faster in 64 mode. I also know that BASIC 8, SKETCHPAD 128, and NEWSMAKER 128 all from Free Spirit Software use the extra ram. It also has a built in 1571 drive. The 71 is no longer available also but has the almost unique ability to read other formats, especially useful if you use an IBM or compatible elsewhere. Programs like Big Blue reader allow you to convert files. New price was around $459.00, used price for one in prime condition $300 and this may go up if the demand is out there and the new market dries up.

COMMODORE 64C Computer

The venerable, semi-immortal 64C is still out there and humming along. As long as Commodore continues to sell 1 million a year they say they will keep making it. What can I say about a small computer that is already a legend. New on Sale $109, used 64C in prime condition $75.

1541 II DisK drive

The old basic drive that got us all started is now in this sleek new package. Besides the smaller footprint and better looks, this one's power supply is seperate to keep out the heat. Still as slow as ever. New price $190, good used $125. One thing to check when buying used is head alignment. Take a program disk with you and check to see if it loads ok before buying. Remember a good alignment is $35.00, although you can get bad alignment jobs for half that. Take that much off the price if you suspect alignment problems or at least take that amount into consideration when buying used. It wouldn't hurt to have it cleaned and aligned anyways.

1581 Disk Drive

This 3.5 inch disk drive is the one to have if you are adding on. It holds over 800k of data! which is roughly equal to 4 3/4 of the old 5 1/4" disks. It's faster and quieter than the old 41. If you have a 128 it supports the burst mode or if you have Jiffy Dos then this one flies in all modes! New price $189, good used $125-150. Same alignment notes as above.

OTHER COMPATIBLE DISK DRIVES

Excelerator + and a few others like Blue Chip are out there and will save you around $25 - $35 dollars over a Commodore drive. They are not always compatible and are not near as long lasting or reliable. They would be ok for a second drive. Price new around $150, used $75?? (they are usually junk in less than a year of hard use.)

1670 Modem

This modem is becoming a bit dated as it only runs at 1200 baud. This is a good starter modem and is ready to plug in. Price new $75, good used $40-55. If it works then it's ok.

CD2400 Modem

This modem at $100 plus $20 for the interface is the best buy in my book. Computer Direct ofers this one and is the exclusive dealer for it. Availability may vary so call 1-800-BUYWISE and get your order in early. No used modems this fast this cheap!

OTHER MODEMS

Check with other people who have tried out other brands of HAYES compatible 2400's before buying. Remember you have to buy an interface so add that to your price. Modems that take an interface for a Commodore however will plug right up to an IBM or AMIGA so keep that in mind especially if you plan to upgrade in the future.

1351 Mouse

Anyone who uses GEDS regularly needs a mouse. This is the perfect gift for anyone who doesn't have one and does use GEOS. Price around $35 new, no used market.

M-3 Mouse

I picked one of these up the other day at the local software shop. It too is a proportional analogue mouse and seems to be well made. It also includes some useful utilities on an accompanying disk. Price $40.75 retail in the mall.

1802 Monitor

For a 64 owner this one is perfect. It has Magnavox guts and has a good reputation. Price new $200+, used $150. Remember that it doesn't have an RGB mode that can be used with the 128 for 80 column or with an AMIGA.

1084 Monitor

Has RGB mode as well as regular composite hookup. This allows you to use it on AMIGA's as well as 128's and 64's. This one has a good reputation also and it contains Magnavox guts. New price $260.00, good used $175.

1084 S Monitor

Same as above but also has stereo sound output. You will find this helpful with your stereo output Amiga or if you have added as stereo sid cartridge to your 64 or 128. Price $300 no used market.

OTHER MONITORS

Magnavox makes most of Commodore's Monitors so they are a good buy and can be found at discounters at better prices. Remember that you will have to buy the cables to hook up your equipment though and they can be hard to find.

Star Micronics NX1000

This one was my last year's pick of the year and still a favorite of mine. We use one to produce this newsletter. It produces a high quality print with new ribbons. If you are a heavy print producer buy a re-inker as the ribbons are fairly expensive. It has Multiple Fonts, 144 cps draft mode and 36 cps letter quality mode. Price less interface $180, no used market. It is also available in a compatible form that requires no interface for about 10 buck more. (Don't do this, you'll regret it) and a color version that prints in color called the NX1000 Rainbow and it comes in a "C" version also. It is priced around $240.

One other consideration is that Earnheart Computer Repair is an authorized dealer and warranty repair center, so you can get it fixed if you need to.

Panasonic KX-P1180

Comes with a full 2 year warranty and has a speed of 192 cps! Its near letter quality speed is 38 cps. It has multifont capabilities and this one looks like one of the better buys this year. The ribbons on this one though are about twice as expensive as the NX

OTHER PRINTERS

There are tons of printers on the market. Stay away from Okimate Color printers and any thermal type printer. They use expensive paper and the print heads wear out. I don't know about the ribbons but there are only a few program that support color printing.

Panasonic and Star Micronics make good printers, including new 24 wire head printers that allow graphics up to 320 x 320 dots per inch resolution! Both companies also produce Laser Printers if you got the change; they will hook up with a good interface. GEOS v2.0 supports the laser as well as the Write Stuff. Seems kind of silly hooking a $1800 dollar printer up to a $120 dollar computer but if you want typeset quality it is available.

Hewlett Packard Deskjets are coming down in price and offer the same resolution as a laser for under $600.

Bob's All Time Best 64 Dream System 1989!!

My pick for system best buys giving you the best price without sacrificing quality.

1. Commodore 64C
2. Commodore 1541 II Disk Drive
3. Commodore 1802C Monitor
4. Commodore 1670 Modem
5. Star NX1000
6. Xetec Super Graphix Printer Interface
7. Jiffy Dos V6.0
8. Wico Ergostick
9. 1351 Mouse
10. 6 Outlet Surge Suppressor

If you shop around at retail you can expect to pay roughly $925.00 but as my daddy used to say retail is for protestants.

Bob's All Time Best 128 Dream System 1989!!

My pick for system best buys giving you the best system without considering price.

1. Commodore 128D
2. Commodore 1581 Disk Drive
3. Commodore 1084S Monitor
4. CD2400 Modem w/Interface
5. Star Micronics Laser Printer
6. Xetec Super Graphix Gold Interface
7. Jiffy Dos V6.0
8. Wico Ergostick
9. M3 Mouse
10. 6 Outlet Surge Suppressor
11. Modem Surge Suppressor

Suggested retail for this baby is $3178.00 and if you have some change left you might add a Xetec Lt Kernal Hard Drive for around $900.00 more for a grand total of $4078, but you can knock off a couple of dollars since you won't need Jiffy Dos or the 1581.

Great Gifts!

By Bob Nunn

About Great Gifts... Most of the prices and items that are listed in this article are from various mail order houses such as TENEX, Computer Direct, and ads found in magazines such as Compute's Gazette, Run Magazine, and Transactor. I make no recommendations for these mail order houses or magazines and suggest that you use caution and good sense in dealing with anyone.

Gifts Under $20

Gifts $25 to $200

Ham Fest 89 Report

by Marilyn Hartley

HAMFEST '89

As reported by your roving reporter Marilyn Hartley KJ 4 GV

Memphis, Tn. (M.C.U.C. Press Service) - On October 14 and 15 The Greater Memphis Hamfest and Computer Show was held at the Pipkin Building of the Mid-South Fairgrounds. The day of set-up is the Friday prior to the show and maybe 20 people are in the building and this reporter scouted out the lay of the land. I could see that this would be a wall to wall hamfest. On Saturday the 14th, I arrived at the door at about 9:10 A.M. There were in the neighborhood of 500 people already in the building looking around and having fun. Usually the first day is not that big, but that was not the case this year. The M.C.U.C. press office was set up in the fire house and had many visitors. Many apllications were handed out and 10 People signed up for club membership on Saturday. Bob and Susie Earnheart were also there with Nunn's (Bob and Cheryn), Jim West, and otheres from the board.

There were goodies all over the place and I even got some of them. There were many good deals to be had from many people for the computerite as well as for the ham. As of this writing this reporter is trying to remember when she last saw her feet when she came to the conclusion that her feet had been ground off just below the knees and that she is very tired.

Compared to the Hamfest of '88 the 'fest of '89 was much better. Sunday at lunch time found your reporter and Cheryn Nunn on the road to buy lunch from John Wills Pit BBQ. Talking about prize winning BBQ. All I can say is that it was very good. If you missed this hamfest then you missed a fine show and you will have to wait till next year. If you missed this one, then you will never know how much fun was missed out on. So until next year, life will be normal, for a while. See you next year.

Write Stuff Seminar!

We will be holding a seminar on how to use "The Write Stuff", the word processor now available from Jim West. This word processor is the best I've seen for the Commodore and is the one used to do all the text part of the newsletter. You will learn how to enter, edit and format text, translate files, do search and replace, and prepare for printing.

We'll review the printer customizer and the outline generator. We'll try to pack as many of the features of this word processor into three hours that we can. Come prepared to learn and you will leave knowing a lot more about this great program!!

Sign up will be at the November meeting. Call me if you have questions or need more information

Cheryn

Great Gifts, AMIGA!

by Bob Nunn

Some of you may be considering purchasing a faster, flashier computer and the Amiga is certainly one to consider. It has many great features and with some additional cards and aftermarket equipment can run MSODS and even MAC software!

I considered for a time not running this article, this being a 64/128 support magazine. I feel that since the 128D is no longer being manufactured however, that upgrading for anyone would be limited and many of our club members and ex club members already own an Amiga and that some would be considering the purchase of one. If you aren't intersted in Amigas then skip this one. One other consideration... you are taking advice from a person who does not own an Amiga so please take that into consideration. I am fairly well read in most computer related subjects but may miss some practical advice that an owner would give you.

AMIGA 500 is the entry level computer in this group. It features 512k of Ram and is expandable externally to 8 megabytes. It comes with a built in 3.5 inch drive and even includes a mouse.

AMIGA Computers all include the 3.5 inch drive, are multi-tasking, include a stereo sound output. The 500 is all but unusable with many software titles without memory expansion so you may want to consider this when purchasing. One drive is also a severe limitation since the computer's operatnig system is on disk. You therefore would spend most of your time swapping disks. A second floppy drive is almost a must, and a hard drive of course is preferable.

AMIGA 2000 includes one full megabyte of Ram, expandable to 9 megabytes and has a slot for an additional 3.5 inch drive or a hard drive. This one is the one that you can plug a card into and add a drive to make it MSDOS compatible.

AMIGA 2500 also includes a 40 megabyte hard drive and comes with 3 megabyte of onboard Ram. (expandable to 9) This one includes a clock calendar with battery backup.

WHAT CAN I USE FROM MY 64/128 is a good question to ask. If you own a RGB/Composite monitor for your 128 you are in luck. It should be completely compatible. If you own a composite monitor you can use it to some extent but will not see the high resolution this computer really is famous for. If you are using a TV then you will need an interface that allows regular rf output to come from the Amiga but again no high res. Of course none of your disk drives are usuable, however joysticks will make the crossover. If your modem is the type that requires an interface then you are in luck again. It may require a new cable but your non-commodore compatible modem will work just fine. If you own a printer that requires an interface, the same holds true. If you own a commodore compatible printer I have heard that a company now makes an adapter to allow you to use it on the Amiga, so you may want to look into this. You can consider selling off your 64 and 128 equipment to help finance the conversion.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS are things like basic software to use with your new purchase. You may want to do a bit of shopping before taking the plunge. I have talked to people who leaped before they looked. Sticker shock sometimes occurs in places other than car lots. There is a small amount of PD software out there and some that is very good. But you being spoiled by one of the most supported lowest priced software bases and second to none in the PD area in both quality and quantity will likely be taken off guard if you haven't prepared.

Watching the chess piece that you just took beat the devil out of its opponent, then consume it and belch is truly an experience that is equaled by no other computer, or perhaps running a word processor while you are downloading from a local bbs; do that on a MAC or IBM compatible. The Amiga is the one to beat.

Nominating Committee

This years nominating committee was announced during the October General Meeting. The committee members are:

Guy King, 853-4454
Gary Prudhomme, 755-4534
Charles Wirth, 386-3337
Ralph Phillips, 761-5875
and Wayne Moore, 756-5991.
Andrew George, 367-1266, was named as alternate.

The purpose of the committee is to nominate a member in good standing for each offices to be filled and report its nominations to the members in the December general meeting. Nominiations will also be taken from the floor at this time. If you are interested in running for office or perhaps just helping with an office please let someone in the nominating committee know. Participation makes not only your enjoyment of the club greater it makes better for all the membership.

Disk Order Form

Use this form to order the Disks of the month for October. 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 disks 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.

( ) October GEOS Fonts
( ) October Halloween Fun
( ) October Trouble on Trios
( ) October 128

See the October newsletters for more details about these disks.

Super Snapshot V4.0

A Review by Bob Nunn

I just received my upgrade from version 3 and was anxious to see all the new features. For those of you not familiar with Super Snapshot it is a multi-function cartridge that allows you to do several things. For my money, it is the best cartridge of this type and I have seen all of them including, the Final Cartridge among others.

Super Snapshot Main Features

1. Fast Copy Functions
2. Archival Functions
3. Screen Copy
4. DOS Wedge
5. Code Inspector
6. Boot Sector for the 64!
7. Turbo DOS
8. Extended Life
9. Drive Monitor
10. Other Functions

The FAST COPY FUNCTIONS are mainly what I use the Snapshot Cartridge for. It has a built-in file copier that supports 1541, 1571, 1581 copying from any combination. It supports device numbers 8, 9, 10, 11. The copier is super quick and being able to move files around from my 81 and 41 drives make running a bbs or any job I need to do with the computer faster. Its main drawback here thought is that it will not copy relative files. The file copying functions are there when you boot up the system as the cartridge comes up with the power. No loading programs. The full disk copy features however have been moved to a support disk that accompanies the cartridge and is designed to auto boot on your 64! The file copier has an extended 239 blk buffer thanks to the extra space available in the 8 k of RAM the cartridge boasts. The file copier now supports copying to and from partitions on the 1581!!

ARCHIVAL FUNCTIONS are what many people buy this cartridge for. Its Snapshot Process allows you to save all the memory after pressing the break button. What this means to me is that if it takes me unusually long to set up a term program that doesn't have a way to save the configuration, I can snapshot it after setting it up and save it. Then when I load up the program it comes up with my configuration. This allows you to make an unprotected backup of most programs that don't go back to the disk, which loads much faster and doesn't reck your drive heads. This one is as simple as they come. First you configure the memory from the menu prompt, load your program and then press the button at the point you want to freeze it. It will then prompt you for a filename and to insert your disk. What could be easier? It doesn't work with all programs, however. I have been trying to make a 1581 version of Print Shop for some time for example and have yet to accomplish it. They do provide a selection for paramters that allow you to back up many programs. The disk also includes SHOTGUN II! It still is very useful in this area and I wouldn't want to live without it.

SCREEN COPY is what all of you who read this get to see frequently. It allows you to stop a program at any stage and copy the screen. Version 4.0 is much improved here as it now copies sprites. Sprites are anything that moves on the screen like for example a waterfall. With version 3 you missed all that and what you got sometimes was less than adequate. Printer types supported are 1525, 1526 and Epson. This may not sound like much but that covers a broad group. The Epson is compatible with my NX1000 and it also works with the popular Panasonic 1092. In fact, this will support most printers out there. I would suggest you borrow and try one out if unsure. It also appears to me that they have improved the format somehow. The screens printouts seem to be much better than before.

DOS WEDGE is a feature that I use all the time. I use the Wedge built into Jiffy Dos more frequently but this one is adequate and will allow you to get along just fine if you don't have Jiffy Dos.

CODE INSPECTOR is a feature I personally use the least. Unless you know a bit about machine language you will likely feel the same. I hope in the future to learn more as this feature allows you to enter a running program and find out what is going on in the system, and without corrupting it, so you can return to where you were at with the program still running! Also included with this monitor is the ability to edit the track and sector of your choice.

BOOT SECTOR for the 64! Yes, you heard me, now you can have your programs autoboot at powerup just like the 128! This utility is on the accompanying disk and is menu driven and easy to use.

TURBO DOS is what the people at Snapshot call their program that enables fast loading and saving. It works with the 41, 71, 81, and most compatibles. It boasts time savings up to 15 times and is fairly compatible with most but certainly not all programs. They have added utilities to the disk that allows up to make Turbo Booter for most of your favorite programs and these fast loading programs then will work with or without the cartridge.

EXTENDED LIFE is something that some of us would welcome in real life. When you get to a certain place in a game, say near the final level you hit the button. This can give you a breather and then let you resume the game. Or, if you get killed just press the button and instead of starting all over at level 1 you are back were you where!

DRIVE MONITOR is new to version 4. With this module you can examine and modify memory in the drive.

OTHER USEFUL FEATURES include a sprite monitor where you can view all the sprites used in the current program. Included on the disk is a sprite editor, and an extended basic called basic plus.

Lastly, the company provides 24 hour BBS support They boast answers to most question in no more than two or three days. They also say the like for subscribers to offer suggestions so that they may continue to improve the product. My upgrade was well worth $19.95. If you are looking for a cartridge to do more than just speed up a few programs then Super Snapshot V4.0 may well be the one for you. You can order one from Software Support International, 2700 NE Andresan Rd., Vancouver, WA. 98661 for $64.95 and it includes the disk.

128 Your Cartridge

Stolen From RVUG New Jersey

Edited by Bob Nunn

Many of you that have upgraded to a 128 still would like to use cartridges to perform function while in 64 mode, but hate to wear out the cartridge port plugging and unplugging the cartridge to go to 128 mode. Here is a simple modification to the cartridge that allows it to be switched out.

This modification requires removing a portion of the printed circuit board. Those uncomfortable modifying their equipment should leave this to professionals. We make no claims about how safe this modification is. You break it, you own it.

The only hardware needed for this conversion is a SPST toggle switch and a couple of inches of fine hook up wire available almost everywhere. The switch must be small enough to mount in the lower half of the cartridge, so buy a tiny one.

1. With a sharp knife, make a cut through the paper label on the closed end of the cartridge. (I suggest a hairdryer to heat up the label and then carefully peel it off. You can paste it back on this way.)
2. Remove the phillips head screw that holds the case together.
3. Carefully pry the top and bottom halves of the case apart, working evenly around the three edges.
4. Lift the top half of the case off and set aside.
5. Remove the PC board and set it aside, reserving one pint of stock for later. (Maybe this is the wrong recipe?)
6. With a small bit, or pointed implement, (like a knife) cut a small hole (for the switch) in the right side of the bottom half of the case.
7. Solder the fine hookup wire to the switch and mount it in the hole in the case with the toggle action from front to rear.
8. Place the PC board back in the case just like it was before you messed with it. (Discard any leftover stock.)
9. Count in from left to right nine edge connectors. This is the EXROM line, and the one to be modified. The trace from this connector should run diagonally left, then straight back to the first pin on the right side of the smaller of the two IC's. (You need to make durn sure you are working on the EXROM trace, different cartridges will vary!) Page 351 of the 128 user manual has a diagram of the cartridge port and clearly identifies the EXROM line.
10. Cut and remove a hairline section of trace, using a sharp knife.
11. Solder the wires from the switch to this trace, one per side it doesn't matter which. You should remove the protective coating from the surface before attempting to solder. (I suggest you tin the wires and then tin the cleaned surface, apply minimal heat and solder the wires.)
12. Lay the wires so that they will not interfere with the case parts, or the screws.
13. Carefully, press the two case halves back together and install he holding screw.
14. That's it! Replace the label, insert the cartridge and then test it out.

One more observation.. if you have several cartridges that you use frequently on your system you may want to consider adding the switch to the 128 instead. Suitable locations for mounting the switch are available. Follow the same directions in terms of cutting the trace except this time it will be inside the 128. The same instructions for soldering hold true here.

Caution should be used making any hardware modifications. If you are in doubt as to which trace is the EXROM line, I recomend that you not perform this modification. In any case I haven't tested this personally, but feel that the information would be helpful to those who wish to experiment and improve their systems. The advice is sound as far as it goes with my limited electronic knowledge taken into consideration.

Treasurer's Report

TREASURER'S REPORT 10-05-89

GARY THURMAN
TREASURER

VP Comments

This month's theme is Christmas gift ideas. You can never start your Christmas shopping too soon. So, what kind of computer goodies can we look forward to this year.

From Commodore we can get a C-64. a 1541 disk drive, or a mouse. There must be something else. Let's see. How about a C-128D? No, not any more. A 1571 disk drive? Long gone. A 1750 ram expansion unit? Only in your dreams. The 1581 disk drive can still be found occassionally.

It reminds me of some of the good news - bad news jokes. Commodore is the bad news. The good news is that there are some third party vendors that still like the color of our money. There are hardware vendors selling hard drives and Commodore compatible printers. One vendor is selling a 4 megahertz accelerator cartridge for the C-64. Drive speed-up and utility cartridges are available in new versions. Then there's the new version of Jiffy Dos. How about a sid chip cartridge for stereo sound? The software market is really impressive with plenty of new titles, especially if games hit your hot button.

I saved the best news for last. Your user group is alive and well. And with Commodore playing dead, your user group is becoming more and more of the life line for Commodore computers. Nowhere else will you find the resources that can make your computer more useful and fun. Great people, fun activities, and learning opportunities make your user group the best thing going for your computing future. A user group membership may be the best computer accessory you can ask for this year.

Ron Montgomery

Secretaries Notes

Secretaries Minutes, Board Meeting, October 12, 1989

The meeting was called to order by Bob Nunn at 7:35 PM.

Those present were: Ron Montgomery-Vice President, Bob Nunn-President, Cheryn Nunn-Editor, and Andrew George-Sysop.

Last minute needs for the Ham Fest were discussed.

The nominating committee is working on the nominations for the new officers.

Preparation are under way for the annual MCUC Christmas Party, to be held December 9, location to be announced. Ron Montogomery is in charge of locating a facility to use, Susie Earnheart will cater the party with assistance from Cheryn Nunn, Andrew George is in charge of the purchase or donation of door prizes. Anyone who can help in any of these areas, please let that person know.

November 11 will be the date of the Write Stuff Seminar, to be led by Cheryn Nunn. The cost is $5 per person, payable in advance and nonrefundable. The class will be held at Bishop Byrne High School. Each participant will receive a disk to take home with them. First come, first serve basis.

Jim West will order colored disks to have available for Christmas purchases.

It was decided that Jiffy Dos should be installed in the two 1581's for the BBS and is felt this will help clear up the remaining problems with the system.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM.

Repectfully submitted,

Cheryn Nunn for Dick Coffman

Funny Basic

By Mitzi Stevens, from FCUC, Orlando, Fl.

Basic Commands you should find in the manual!

APT

similar to HOME except the cursor moves to a rented spot.

DTAB

diagonal tab

DIETAB

Save calories

CHARGETAB

allows the tab to be deferred until the end of the month when the user will be billed.

DEL!

goes through a program and deletes all the !

GAZE

used in the form GAZE x where x is a memory location. This command makes the computer take a good long look at whatever is in that location, pausing to admire the beauty of it all.

GOFROM

Example: 200 GOFROM 200 will cause the computer to move somewhere else, adding excitement and upredictability to a hum drum program.

ORELSE

used in direct mode to threaten an uncooperative computer. Example: LOAD OR ELSE.

BUS

rearranges memory locations in desegregated order.

DIM

not to be confused with DIM x. This command drains current from the room causing the lights to dim.

USSR

this machine language subroutine translates a program into Russian; Reconversion is acheived using USA.

DISCOUNTSTORE

reduces the overhead in a SAVE, though there might be a drop in the quality of the data.

CREDIT

automatically prints the programmers name to the screen at the execution of each line. (Said to have been developed by Jim Butterfield)

GIT

takes an input, goes away and doesn't return.

Big Improvements on M.C.U.C. B.B.S.!

Activity on the BBS is up now due increased reliability. We will soon be on Jiffy DOS and the speed will be up with the 2400 baud standard (so that loading module message will hardly be noticable). The new version of Ivory allows for fifteen subboards. I have reconfigured to these new subs; Audio, Hey Ladies, Hamatuers, Tips and Tricks, Other Systems, and MS/DOS. This will add a little more variety to the board and open more avenues for discussion. That, to me is the whole point of a BBS. I have enjoyed conversations on the boards for a long while now and as a result I have met new people.

     Available Boards:

 1. FORUM          Msgs: 39
 2. FOR SALE       Msgs: 27
 3. MCUC Magazine  Msgs: 9
 4. SYSOPS Sub     Msgs: 21
 5. HARD PARTS     Msgs: 13
 6. Entertainment  Msgs: 9
 7. AMIGA          Msgs: 9 
 8. LEVEL 7        Msgs: 7
 9. GEOSTUFF       Msgs: 10
10. AUDIO          Msgs: 3
11. Hey Ladies     Msgs: 23
12. Hamatuers      Msgs: 6
13. Tips + Tracks  Msgs: 3
14. Other Systems  Msgs: 5
15. MS/DOS         Msgs: 6

The BBS Now Supports 15! Sub-Boards!!

The other aspect of the BBS is the transfer of programs. I must admit that I have aquired much software from BBS's in teh past, so much in fact that I am being chased out of my house by the mass amount of floppies. Some of it was not worth the time it took to get but most of it has been very good! There is a lot of good stuff out there. Bob is bringing more in and the overflow is going up on the boards. If you haven't logged on try it! After all it is your system and you should use it and I am happy to have new people log on!

I am in the process of going through the system files and updating them so from time to time it maybe offline for a while but don't give up as it will be back in no time!!

Lastly, we have a new co-sysop. Kevin Dunn, our resident programming whiz is now helping me with the system. His first contribution was a great opening screen with a Holloween motif. Let me be the first to say great job Kevin and THANKS.

Andrew

Disks of the Month!

November 64 Disk

november 64 - This is one of the best 64 disks we've put together lately. You won't want to miss this one!!

modem games

telo-chess 1.4 - play chess via modem

chess.chrset

tele-chess.doc

modem battleship - another modem game

music ,8 & run

piano.c - play and record songs

sound-a-rama - synthesized sounds

sound - more synthesized sounds

linus & lucy - peanuts song

bad medicine/vi - Bon Jovi's Best?

swan song - with swimming sawn

games!!!

space arena - shoot 'em up

zorphon game - super space game

kwix - recently revived in the arcades, sure to knock your socks off!

luck machine - one armed bandido

spike - super game, an all time favorite!

-November Notes read me

November 128 Disk

128 nov 89

neat80.c128 - screen display program

labelle de lucie - hard to win solitaire

match wits - number game, you vs computer

mastermind 128 - guess color combination

teaser128 - mvoe numbers to win

foreign exchange - trade and make money

foreign ex.docs

megaboot ii - for 128D with one ext. drive

megaboot iii - for 128D with 2 ext. drives

megaboot.docs

megaiii.btp.v3.0 - 128D Bob's Pro term

auto ramdos v2 - installs REU and programs

Index