There has been a considerable amount of questions and interest about Dense Pack programming techniques and the use-of-Boolean logic. While browsing through antique ZX publications I came across an interesting article written in 1983 by Sharon Aker (where are you now Sharon?). Since Sharon’s article merges nicely with my feeble attempts to explain the use…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.05.26
Reference: “Speed Up Basic‘ in Plotter (4/87). The use of Boolean logic with BASIC has not been covered well in computer literature. (Ed. Boolean Logic, named after George Boole, who defined an algebra of logical operations, such as AND, OR, and NOT, on the two values true and false). The Timex Sinclair computers are very…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 07.05.26
The following circuit will allow you to use the memory area above the EXROM, which ocupies the 0 to 8K chunk in that memory bank, as RAM. Cut the traces from pin 22 of the Exrom (mreq) and install the circuit in Figure 1. The easiest place to put this modification is a little left…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.04.26
ESC Escape control code circuit If you have a full-sized printer you might appreciate this circuit which generates the series of characters for the ESC escape control code – CHR$27; – with one keystroke. The circuit can be implemented if you use 4066’s to interface the keyboard with the computer. Here’s how Figure 1 works.…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.04.26
By using a combination of PAPER; INK and UDG screens we can have an almost endless variety of colors. Most color printing we see in magazines, packages etc. are printed using only four colors; cyan, yellow, magenta and black: These are called process colors. The seemingly endless varieties are determined by a combination of screened…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 07.04.26
If you have ever felt limited on the 2068 with only eight colors, here is a way to create up to fifteen NEW colors and twelve new shades of the ones you already have. What’s the catch? Well, actually there are two. One, you are limited to the new color being the size of the…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 07.03.26
This circuit will add 32k of RAM to a 2068 for about $25.00. It can be installed without removing the circuit board from the lower half of the case. The RAM occupies the upper half of the dock bank from 32768 to 65535. It can be disabled if you have something else that uses this…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.03.26
I needed a way to keep track of my growing library of programs. Vu-File seemed like it might do the trick but it was a bit cumbersome to load both files each time. Besides, I’d never written any sort of record program before so I decided to do the definitive BASIC tape record file. (Definitive…
article, orig pub: 06.25.21, updated: 07.03.26
Most printing to the screen involves just 22 lines and 32 columns. One line scrolling is quickly done with RANDOMIZE USR 2361. This program takes scrolling a bit further. It will scroll each scan-line row of any defined block of graphics or text on the screen. The block will wrap around or scroll off the…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.03.26
I recently purchased some Spectrum ROMs from Zebra Systems with the hope that I might be able to make my own Spectrum ROM switching circuit without paying the high price of those circuits that are commercially available. When I examined the TS-2068’s ROM circuitry, I realized that this.was an easier task than I had originally…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 07.03.26
In SWN 2/4 and 2/5, I discussed the construction of an eprom programmer for the 2068 and 1000. Those of you with 2068s should find interest in a way to utilize programs that are burned onto those eproms. The cartridge reader board will give you a way to run “instant software.” If you are knowledgeable…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.03.26
I ran into something I thought was strange. Try this: Run, then rewind the tape, then NEW. This does not work. For some reason, if you SAVE a string using the DATA token, the string is saved and then can be loaded back into the computer, but not in a form that can be used.…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 07.03.26
I’ve known about the Boriel ZX Basic Compiler for a number of years, but I thought I would give it a try myself. It is designed for creating programs on the Spectrum, but it could be adapted to other computers. To test it out, I decided to use my one dimensional celluar automata program that…
article, orig pub: 02.02.22, updated: 07.03.26
Short utility programs. HEX to DEC conversion; COPY 24 lines to the printer; in-line color via the keyboard; increase size of array without losing content; how to use ON ERR; code to save a screen to another location in memory.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.03.26
Let’s get back to some programming for a change. I have two interesting utilities from my notebook. RENUMBER TO 10000+ When you are faced with using the MERGE command to join one of your utilities with another program, the first problem is whether there will be a clash of line numbers. Keeping your utilities (the…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.03.26
The Z80 has three Interrupt modes (IM) two of which are of special interest to the programmer. An “interrupt” is a signal sent to the microprocessог, which generally suspends the execution of the current program without the program being aware of it. IM1 is the normal operating mode for the TS2068 and when an interrupt…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 07.03.26
This bit of code will provide a digital 24-hour clock which can be used in various applications. It uses the Z80’s Interrupt Mode 2 to allow the clock to appear, via multitasking, while another program is operating. The clock will show hours, minutes and seconds in the upper right corner of the screen. An experienced…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.02.26
This is program is based on one by John Gilbert published in Timex Sinclair User VoL. 1 #4. Compared to the slower serial search often used in BASIC programs, the binary method is quite fast, doing its job in about one tenth of the time. The reason is that while the serial method looks at…
article, orig pub: 01.19.22, updated: 07.02.26
120 On the T/S 2068, it is possible to mess up the joystick ports if a wildly erroneous value is put into the SOUND command. Parameters to the SOUND command are not fully validated, therefore it is possible to specify a number beyond the valid range for a given operation and not get an error.…
article, orig pub: 02.07.21, updated: 07.02.26
A circuit diagram for a “Keyboard Interface Circuit” is printed below. The construction method is your choice. (A PC Board for the cartridge slot is a nice idea) I have not included details on re-wiring a keyboard (see March 85 Listing Pg. 18), but used the connection names used in the March issue. All the…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 07.02.26
To increase the volume of SOUND on the 2068, try this little circuit. Circuit placement is not critical, but try to keep the signal lead as short as possible. In place of the #4B connection, you can use a 9 volt battery. The ‘A’ side of the the connector is toward the top of the…
article, orig pub: 01.14.23, updated: 07.02.26
Our 2068’s have a built-in clock, sometimes called the Frame counter. This clock starts at zero every time the computer is turned on. It increments the value at the variable address 23672 every 1/60th of a second until it reaches 255. This takes about 4 1/4 seconds and then resets to zero and increments the…
article, orig pub: 01.19.22, updated: 06.30.26
An advantage of using the IN function instead of INKEY$ is that multiple keys can be sensed. If the keyboard was to be divided into 8 groups so that each group was half a row containing 5 keys, then these groups would be represented by IN addresses as follows: When IN 65278 equals 31 (binary…
article, orig pub: 01.19.22, updated: 06.30.26
Program that converts between binary, decimal and hexadecimal numbers and performs math operations across them.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.30.26
Crazy? Perhaps so, but survival of our favorite antique TS2068 computer depends on it to a degree. Two advances are primarily responsible for this. Both extend the amount and speed of available memory, over and beyond that in the DOCK bank. Disc drives improve speed, accessibility and convenience over tape recording. RAMDISK has broken all…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.30.26
Reprint of the same article as it appeared in Update Magazine.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.30.26
Some programs in Basic call in M/C routines for repetitive or special functions. In such cases it is often convenient to create a joint record. The Basic program can include a decimal loader, as shown in lines 9955 to 9975, below. The details of the M/C routine are contained in the Data lines. This permits…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 06.29.26
The April 1986 issue of Your Sinclair had an article and a program listing for a feature which provides for a screen black-out if you don’t do anything for a while. It has an adjustable time-out interval of up to 20 minutes. I found that the program works equally well on the TS2068 and with…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.29.26
Listings #1 and #2 are shown to illustrate but one point. Both are graphically interesting, though this was not my full intention by including them. Often what is most important when one does mathematically generated graphics is speed. Many take the 2068 the better part of an hour to produce — a long time to…
article, orig pub: 08.22.21, updated: 06.29.26
It was on Wednesday the 24th of August that Andy Hradesky called with the news that his ’74 Fiat X1/6 Bertone would be ready. Ready, that is to take the one thousand one hundred and eleven mile trip to Dayton, Ohio – and back again! The occasion being of course, a computer festival, (COMPUTERFEST ’91…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.29.26
It is time for another hardware project: this time a serial interface, for the ZX81, 2068 (and I believe the SPECTRUM). The design is fully hardware and software compatible with the popular TS2050 (TIMEX) modem. As usual, I tried to keep the circuit as simple as possible to make it easy to construct. I have…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.29.26
The following utility really should be in the EXTRA MEMORY section, because it is so useful be able to MOVE a BASIC program to a specific STARTING MEMORY ADDRESS. It is a take off from the “MOVE” utilities issue of UP-DATE given in the January issue of UP-DATE. But, we are discussing the use of…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.29.26
For those who do not wish to go into their computer to connect a new keyboard, here is an interface which you can plug on to the rear expansion buss. You can easily add on one of those TI surplus keyboards which are selling for as low as five dollars. This interface uses the same…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.29.26
Recursion has always held a certain fascination for me because it seemed that it made very complex problems solvable with a simple, almost magical step. I have written about recursion before in a back issue of ZQA! so I won’t be rehashing that material here, but a brief review is in order before we tackle…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.29.26
A neat way of selecting from a menu or a collection of items on the screen is to move the cursor to the desired item. There is nothing new about this idea: many games and commercial programs use this technique. On our keyboard, moving the cursor is somewhat awkward: hold the cap shift down while…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.28.26
The program loading end saving process on the TS2068 is e great improvement over the TS1000. The signal recorded is a series of square pulses, with ones shorter than zeros. There is no DC component and reversing plus and minus has no important effect. Square waves are difficult to record and some tapes are being…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.28.26
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following article describes method of testing for, and repairing a Timex Sinclair 2068 with bad RAM chips. Though it is a simple project that most people with basic soldering skills are capable of completing, and the information presented here is believed to be correct, the author and publisher take no responsibility for…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.28.26
Using the OPEN # and CLOSE # Commands on the TS 2068 Many people who use the 2068 have generally no idea what the commands OPEN# and CLOSE# are for and what they can do. These commands were intended for use with the Microdrives, but we can use them an entirely different way. By using…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.28.26
The text for this tutorial is included in the program itself, and is displayed on the screen as the program is run. The various printouts are reproduced here. The program gives an interesting insight into the way the TS2068 handles the various “attributes” (color, flash, etc.) of the screen display. Unfortunately, the black-and-white printout of…
article, orig pub: 08.28.21, updated: 06.28.26
With the wave of new micros touting their window abilities maybe other 2068 owners like myself have been keeping quiet. Well, if you have been feeling sorry for yourself because you have a computer that “won’t do windows” then cheer up! Those windows are painlessly easy on the mighty 2068! Actually, the normal 24 row…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.28.26
When printing a text to the screen by using the PRINT statement, words at the end of the screen often will be cut off in the middle and continued on the next line. This makes the text difficult to read. This utility will put the entire word at the beginning of the next line so…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.28.26
32K RAM in the cartridge port for Timex Portugal Disk Drives. Spectrum Emulator The Spectrum code can be loaded into RAM and then Spectrum programs run from disc. The pull-up resistors are needed for some Spectrum games. Jack Dohany’s dual Interface is needed to load Spectrum programs. To save the emulator code to disc: To…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.28.26
The 64 column utilities in the 2068 technical manual do work, but they are not easy to use from Basic. There are far too many things to remember, and debugging your programs is a nightmare. This program allows the use of the Basic PRINT command without having to rewrite the ROM. It’s possible to intercept…
article, orig pub: 05.30.22, updated: 06.28.26
How Cliff Danielson expanded his MicroAce to a powerful home computer. Initially purchased to be the front-end to his home-built Z80 computer, he expanded the MicroAce with an 8K ROM, circuit to add FAST mode, 32K RAM, full-size keyboard, interfacing to a second computer.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.28.26
Enclosed are copies of “ctas.Bl” v9.2. If you have sent copies of the previous version to anyone and happen to have a record of who, send me his name and address and I’ll mail him the latest version. Also enclosed is a schematic of ray working version of Bill’s ROM/EXROM bypass board. In case you…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.27.26
The April issue carried a renumbering program for the TS-1000 (or ZX-81) by Mark Fisher. See page 10 of the issue for his discussion and page 17 for his example. This routine will work for the 2068 if you change line 9000. In Mark’s example, the value of X=16509 (for the TS-1000) is the starting…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.27.26
This program was taken, without modification from the December 1986 issue of Sinclair User (Hewson Helpline). It was designed for the Spectrum but works equally well on the 2068. This program will scroll one pixel at a time in any one of four directions.
article, orig pub: 06.26.21, updated: 06.27.26
Corrections to the ROM, in part to support bank-switched memory.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.27.26
Here is a subroutine for the 2068 to simulate the full screen input feature of most other computers. It was originally written for my son to practice his school spelling. Often, these exercises required that whole sentence he typed in and checked for correctness against a master list (data), but the omission of a period…
article, orig pub: 06.21.21, updated: 06.27.26
If you create an array for the storage of data, the chances are that you will dimension the array to be as large as it might need to be some time in the future. In this way, data can be added as needed without having to worry about ‘outgrowing’ the array. However, if you are…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.27.26
This program creates a limited capacity message BBS using a 2068 & 2050 modem. Thanks to Randy and Lucy Gordon for making BBS software available to us. This revised version has new features that will make it easier to use. I hacked the BASIC down some to make more room in memory for messages. I…
article, orig pub: 03.27.21, updated: 06.27.26
In the Z80 microprocessor used in the 2068 is a command called LDIR that may be used to quickly move defined blocks of data from one RAM location to another. The routine listed below moves all or portions of the screen display (DFILE1) to RAM address 30000, from which it may then be moved back…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.27.26
According to Chapter 18, page 163 of the TS 2068 User Manual, you can create and use 21 user defined graphic symbols. Some people may not be aware of the fact that you can do far more than that 21. That chapter goes into how you can, by using BIN, create those graphic character. This…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.27.26
From time to time, I get reader feedback, more information. or notice something I’ve missed mentioning in a previous article. It’s worth collecting such tidbits and presenting them as a group, as I’!i do now. Sincus Light Pen SINCUS NEWS, Sept/Oct 1986On Communicating Computers I suggested the possibility of trying a Radio Shack phototransistor in…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 06.27.26
While there have been reams of information published on various types of interface for the TS2068, the lowly RS-232 port has been almost ignored. This is in spite of the fact that many hardware products contain an RS-232 interface as an “extra”, like the Sinclair Interface One, and the Timex Portugal disk drives In some…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.27.26
After I write the first draft of an article, I go through it, mercilessly scratching out phrases, sentences, and even paragraphs that aren’t absolutely necessary. I do this so as not to take up too much space in the newsletter; others must also have the chance to speak their mind. While this occasionally obscures some…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 06.27.26
Anyone who hesitated to build my Universal LROS/AROS Development Board, (SINCUS NEWS, Nov. 1984), because of the cost may want to look again. Although it can run with 2764 EPROMS (or 8264 EEPROMs, if you’re rich) its real power is shown when it’s run with 6264 RAMs. In the LROS mode, you can load in:…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 06.27.26
Don Lambert wrote me a letter and stated that being a less experienced programmer he could not understand why I used statements with VAL and CODE in them. The answer, Don, is to save program space. Just a couple of bytes saved can sometimes save a whole disk track of 5090 bytes! One of my…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 06.27.26
We had quite a few enquiries at the last meeting on using a large printer from Basic. I have given a solution, verbally, before but it seems there is still a great of confusion. Here is an example program and description to help pave your path to gaining the use you desire from your printer.…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 06.26.26
In the July ’85 LIST, mention was made of a special SIG meeting in which member-designed hardware was demonstrated. In that meeting I demonstrated a hardware tracer for the TS2068. The tracer specs. were drawn by me, and I supervised two of my associates in the design and testing. Further whenever the TS2068 idiosyncracies will…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.25.26
This column is dedicated to you novice programmers to whom BASIC is not so basic. (BASIC is one of the languages your ZX80 understands.) I will also try to simplify concepts in other SYNTAX features so you can get a handle on them and eventually outgrow this column. For-next loops consist of 2 control statements,…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Check Herbach & Rademan’s summer bulletin (Vol. 46 No. 5). Stock # 21K731 C$4.50) holds 8 C size cells and needs rewiring and a new output connector. H&R is in Philadelphia (215/426-1700). If you use alkaline C cells , Eveready E-93 or equal, you can operate 2 1/2 to 6 hours .
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Here is a list of vendors who are more or less active in selling Sinclair equipment, software or services. The list is presented as a service to the reader. It is difficult to keep up with the activities of vendors because their interests (and stock) are continually changing; however I have seen some indication of…
article, orig pub: 01.16.26, updated: 06.21.26
In TS-Horizons #5 it was mistakenly reported that Johnson’s and Swartz’s graphics program for the TS1000/ZX81 would run on the TS 2068. Below is a version of the original program which will run on the TS 2068. Provided by John Marion. Some readers had questions about the program as it originally appeared in T-S Horizons…
article, orig pub: 11.05.25, updated: 06.21.26
Here is a short listing you might find useful. I developed it after trying to find the mistakes, and there were several, in a 12K long program that I hand-loaded from a magazine listing. My eyes could not take the strain of staring at the TV and then the listing, back and forth over and…
article, orig pub: 08.02.25, updated: 06.21.26
As I promised last month, here is the listing for the UDG program. Since it is a rather long program, I won’t explain its operation in detail. However, here are a few things you should know about the program. The UDG’s are saved as 168 bytes of machine code. To use the UDG code in…
article, orig pub: 11.04.25, updated: 06.21.26
The circuit described in the February 1986 issue of SUM was designed around the Sears RGB/TV/Monitor (same as the Sanyo model # 31C426) and the Magnavox (NAP) RGB-40 or 80. Both of these monitors (and the QL monitor as well) take negative-going composite sync and active high RGB signals and have well buffered inputs to…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.21.26
It isn’t considered normal when а magazine like SyncWare gives you а program that’s riddled with bugs. But then, we never promised you a normal magazine. Since this is our special April Fool’s issue, we thought we’d introduce you to SyncWare’s in house bug. Actually he’s a worm–a friendly little fellow–who took up residence in…
article, orig pub: 06.06.22, updated: 06.21.26
Clive Sinclair is now officially worth more than $200 million.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Delivery of the long- awaited T/S2000 series is being moved up by Timex. Demand by dealers and the public for the new series of machines has created pressures to which Timex is trying to respond. Originally scheduled as two machines, the T/S2048 and the T/S2072, Timex has changed this to a single machine, the T/S2068,…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
If the 3-D camera and viewing system invented by [Eric] Howlett really catches on, it will be due in part to … Sinclair ZX80. [The] 3-D lenses could not have been designed and perfected without the use of the calculators and computers — at least not by Howlett. “My nemesis in school always was making…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Sinclair Research has claimed to be the first company to sell more than one million home computers. Since it began selling the ZX80 three years ago it has sold 130,000 ZX80s, 750,000 ZX81s and 200,000 Spectrums, an upgraded version of which is to appear soon in North America as the T/S2000. And these figures do…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Happy Tax Day again. We hope you all have your taxes done for Uncle Sam. If not, you’d better buy TAXIUL and get to it: We have finally received THOR and it is now up and running. All we ordered was a barebones one, without QL circuit board or drives. As THOR comes now, the…
article, orig pub: 02.13.26, updated: 06.21.26
Based on the information on the recorder to computer interface for the ZX81 which appeared in the Jan 8 3 issue of QZX, I have experimentally devised the following simple matching network for my machine. It consists of only two parts aside from the connectors and enclosure – a 0.1 or 0.2 uF capacitor and…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 06.21.26
Well, every time I go out that way, I also visit with Nazir Pashtoon, now the head of CATUG (Chicago Area Timex UG). He gave me a disk that has the long-mysterious & rumored 80 column software driver from Timex of Portugal, no less! 80 column software from Timex themselves! He gave me a demo…
article, orig pub: 01.23.26, updated: 06.21.26
Jeff DeCourtney joined CATUG in the Spring of 1994 while he lived in Elmhurst. In all that time he only missed one meeting! Though his interest at the time was in the ZX81/TS1000, a TS2068 was presented to him by the club. His present main activity with the TS2068 is exploring every program he can…
article, orig pub: 02.12.26, updated: 06.21.26
The original version of this routine does not really go to the next matching file although in most cases it has that effect. In reality it starts a new search from the beginning, but since the edited file is now at the end of the file space, the program does seem to go to the…
article, orig pub: 04.03.23, updated: 06.21.26
The Pixel Print Professional is an integrated program network built around the Pixel Print Plus! Desktop Publisher… and the AERCO DISK SYSTEM! The “HEART’ of the system is an outstanding Font/Graphics editor program. It is EXTREMELY easy to use (WYSIWYG). Here is a list of commands at your control; KEEP, UNDO, SAVE, LOAD, LOAD ICON,…
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 06.21.26
In some postings in on Usenet, there have been some conversations about converting from different bases. I found this task interesting and thought I’d give it a try. I did fairly well in writing a routine that would convert from Base X to Base 10. Converting from base 10 to base X was more difficult.…
article, orig pub: 11.30.25, updated: 06.21.26
Description: In Night Gunner, you are the pilot of an airplane in combat with four enemy planes. At the center of the screen is your firing sight, a cross used for aiming. Using the cursor keys, you maneuver your airplane to get the enemy aircraft within your sights, and then you fire. The object is…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Beethoven is a remarkable program which allows you to produce music from your T/S1000/ZX81. Stephane Crainic of Paris has linked hex values to the tones available from the speaker of your television set and has produced a table allowing you to convert the notes of the musical scale into those values. When you have typed…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Description: You are in charge of a missile launcher and must save Earth from invading spaceships. With 15 rockets, you must choose a velocity to shoot down the invaders. The direction of each rocket is determined by the velocity you choose for it. If that sounds like an exciting game, then you would probably like…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Check out the new toolkit by Pete Hoffman, Delphic Enterprises, Box 72205, Corpus Christie, 78472. They supply EPROMs for $18, with the Hunter board specifically in mind. It includes the best renumber routine I’ve seen yet (lets you renumber only part of a program if you want) as well free bytes, protect (extract) as and…
article, orig pub: 01.16.26, updated: 06.21.26
PC8300 VIDEO FIX One of the most common complaints with the PC8300 is that the characters tend to have a “splayed” look, with horizontal lines sticking out to the right. No, it’s not because the Chinese designers didn’t know how the characters are shaped. It’s simply a matter of overdrive (video level or “contrast” too…
article, orig pub: 02.15.26, updated: 06.21.26
This has been a fairly exhausting month. There has been so much going on that I really do not know where to start. I finally got BOTH the December and January newsletters out. That was a job in itself. The December newsletter, if you remember, was late because my disk interface needed to be repaired…
article, orig pub: 07.24.25, updated: 06.21.26
“The Working Timex Sinclair 2068” is a very commendable effort to supply the 2068 user with a “library” of useful programs. Each of the six chapters covers a different area of usage. A rather unique index references module numbers rather than page numbers, as all the programs are in the “modular” style. Chapter 1 contains…
article, orig pub: 11.05.25, updated: 06.21.26
The following is only for those who have added the TALLY routine from the manual AND the MACHINE CODE SORT routine from Tom Woods’ Breakthrough newsletter. When the mc sort is added to a program containing the tally function two bugs appear. The first and most important is that you can no longer do an…
article, orig pub: 04.03.23, updated: 06.21.26
This has been an interesting past month. I have had а few special phone calls and letters from people concerning thesub-board that we have on the Kaypro BBS. Ed Gray, the SYSOP of the Timex sub-board on the YARBBS, was finally able to get on line calling through Dallas using PC PURSUIT. I do not…
article, orig pub: 02.13.24, updated: 06.21.26
Softsync, a New York-based producer of TS 1000 software, is feeling the heat. “The Timex/Sinclair 1000 has petered right out,” says Ken Coach, marketing and sales director of Softsync. Coach says that although the T/S 1000 was “a nice computer to get if you wanted to find out about computers, people want more bells and…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
John Willi, Louisville, KY, and Phil Williams, Wilmington, DE, sent these instructions to make PRO/FILE work with Q-SAVE. Willi comments, “I Dimmed D$ to 9700 characters to allow 100 bytes for the NOT search and 500 for the file count. One could otherwise probably increase D$’s length. Load time is 27 seconds!” Williams adds, “According…
article, orig pub: 01.28.24, updated: 06.21.26
Welcome to this month’s column! I have a lot of interesting information for those of you that have already joined the ranks of “T/S Telecommunicators”. And for those of you that have yet to get your modem, I think that this column will make you interested enough to make a modem your next purchase. First,…
article, orig pub: 11.05.25, updated: 06.21.26
First, I want to apologize for the late issue. I do have several legitimate ‘excuses’, but the predominant one being an urgent desire to ‘take a short breather’ after getting an already late issue out. In an attempt to get caught up, Alex and I are already putting the November issue together and hope to…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 06.21.26
Regretfully, I must announce Vernon Smith’s resignation as Newsletter Editor. He details his reasons elsewhere in this issue and is also offering future help with the actual publishing of this organ. His years of producing an outstanding publication have brought accolades not only from our members, but from Editors of other UG Newsletters as well.…
article, orig pub: 01.21.26, updated: 06.21.26
In the first issue of IQLR, eighteen months ago, we encouraged QL users to support a new group being organized by Dr. Sohail S. Bhatti, to be known as the QL Advancement Working Group (QLAW). The stated goal of this group was to create a SuperQL by pooling resources. Included with the announcement was a…
article, orig pub: 02.07.26, updated: 06.21.26
Sinclair Research has lowered its price to $299 on the Sinclair QL computer, see page 16 for details. For this low price you get not only the QL but also four of the most used software packages: Word Processor, Data Base, Spreadsheet and Graphics package. Within 10 minutes you can have the QL hooked-up ans…
article, orig pub: 03.09.26, updated: 06.21.26
This utility is used as a boot program for the LARKEN LKDOS cartridge (ALL CARTRIDGES!) To transfer the program to disk use LIST 9999 and change the name to whatever you want it to be and RUN 9999. You should also put an AUTOSTART file on the disk, to do this, after saving HELLO!, enter…
article, orig pub: 02.28.25, updated: 06.21.26
I received some interesting things in the mailbag this week. I have been on the Kaypro board keeping in contact with our old friend Charles Stelding and Ed Grey. I had asked Charles if the AERCO system would really READ a Morrow MD3 format as it is advertised to do. It is nice to have…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 06.21.26
When you set up the print format, you can just enter ALL to print out the whole file. Unfortunately, no space is printed between files. I could be wrong, but I think in most cases a space would be desired so I changed the routine so that whenever ALL is the print format, a blank…
article, orig pub: 10.25.25, updated: 06.21.26
In early May I packed up my bags and headed for Cincinnati, Ohio to attend the Mid-West TS Computerfest. What a blast it was! The whole affair took on the characteristics of a big party for Timex owners. Over 250 people turned out for the event. It must have been the biggest gathering of the…
article, orig pub: 10.11.25, updated: 06.21.26
In Volume 1, I ran a series on getting the most out of your ZX/TS with full-size printer and Memotech Centronics interface. Since then, this CIF has become unavailable. Fortunately, several other printer interfaces (both parallel and serial) are available. These include Centronics Parallel IF’s by Aerco, Byte-Back, John Oliger, and Tasman, and serial IF’s…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
This program will help you redesign your own character set. After loading your will be asked to enter the address where the codes will be stored. [Default number:50000] There are 4 commands, Next, File, Edit and Move cursor. To choose any of the commands just press the first letter. The “Next” command will compile the…
article, orig pub: 01.25.26, updated: 06.21.26
In Galactic Invaders, seven alien crafts fly randomly around the screen, and fire at your laser base. The base can withstand seven hits before it is destroyed. After all seven crafts are destroyed, seven more appear and move at a higher speed. The player scores one point for each craft shot down. Evaluation: Although this…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
The TIMEX 2040 thermal printer is the standard printer used with the American version of the ZX-81. The US version of the Spectrum had yet to appear at the time of writing. It works with a different paper, 4 1/2 in. wide plain white paper with a special coating sprayed on to the top of…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
I wished to upgrade a three page essay that I had written several montns ago on the Textwriter word processor. The only catch was I am now using Tasword and preferred using it over Textwriter. I did not relish the idea of retyping the essay, so I scanned the leader of the Textwriter text code…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.21.26
If any one factor can be said to have made the Pixel Print Prof. series of software possible, it would be the ability to hold the LEFT and RIGHT columns in memory at the same time, 48128 bytes of data plus the program! This was only possible with add-on memory and a programing tool called…
article, orig pub: 02.04.26, updated: 06.21.26
During a recent phone conversation between myself and our esteemed editor I was asked to write something about how I use my little black box – but before I do that here is a little history. In the early eighties I was singing in a rock’n’roll band as well as learning the beginnings of my…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 06.21.26
We meet every other month, but there’s been a lot of talk about more frequent meetings. Some of the proposals: All of the above have my support and perhaps someone has a better idea. I like best going to members houses and seeing how their QL is set up. What do you think?
article, orig pub: 02.18.26, updated: 06.21.26
While getting on RTTY remains on ‘the front burner’, I have been fiddling a bit with a few machine language programs. I had a lot of fun with the Scientific Software’s Disassembler reviewed in the last issue, it came in pretty handy making back-up copies of all my ‘protected’ tapes. Next, I became intrigued with…
article, orig pub: 01.16.26, updated: 06.21.26
Program Type: Arcade Game From: DURELL Critical Mass is a very fast action game with SUPERB graphics. The goal of the game is to destroy the anti-matter converter before it reaches critical mass. Believe me it is not very easy to do! The game is even a little frustrating near the end (especially when you…
article, orig pub: 01.25.26, updated: 06.21.26
The SMUGFest was a success according to most of our members. Meeting people we’d only known by name but had never met before was a definite plus. Bob Swoger was very happy with it because just about everyone with a LarKen disc system for the TS2068 who saw LogiCall, his program, bought it. He knew…
article, orig pub: 02.12.26, updated: 06.21.26
This article is a continuation of the series which began in the October 1989 issue of QZX. The purpose is to explain the function of the SCL logic chip in the ZX and TS1000 series of Sinclair computers. This chip is a custom chip designed particularly for our computers. The previous articles gave some background…
article, orig pub: 01.11.26, updated: 06.21.26
This month a look at another program that has been around for a while, but does not support the new gismos wе have hung onto the 2068, such as a centronics type printer. I am sure you all have a copy of it since it has been one of the first programs released for the…
article, orig pub: 02.04.26, updated: 06.21.26
Anxious to find someone to repair her Timex Sinclair she inquired at the Commodore Users Group and was referred to R.L. Humphreys of V.S.U.G. She arrived at her first meeting computer in hand —-problem solved. She feels very humble listening to this august assembly of technicians and programmers. Nothing like learning from experts. As perhaps…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 06.21.26
You should always make a back-up or archive copy of your favorite or most-often-used programs. I know that, after a few times of having to do the programs all over again, I now am making back-up copies to everything that I record or write. “Once burned” is enough of a lesson for me to learn.…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 06.21.26
This program will choose random number selections. You can define how many numbers in a selections and between what numbers. The Menu 1- Choose number selections. The first thing you have to enter is between what number the computer has to choose from (15-99). Second, you have to enter how many numbers per selections (1-10).…
article, orig pub: 02.28.25, updated: 06.21.26
Here is a simple sketch on how you can provide battery backup for your computer. Cost of parts is small, the 2N5193 can be replaced by almost any 3 to 4 amp PNP transistor. Also included is a short routine illustrating the usefullness of the CODE function in devising a “goof-proof” data entry method. As…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 06.21.26
First, IF THERE ARE ANY ERRORS IN YOUR QZX EXPIRATION DATES, LET ME KNOW. We are going thru a transition period on our mailing labels programs and screw ups are likely! If you have not been contacted about ‘payment’ for articles submitted and printed in QZX thru the OCT 83 issue, LET ME KNOW. If…
article, orig pub: 01.16.26, updated: 06.21.26
I, too, have a Compusa Disk system for my TS 1500. I use a different method to save to disk which allows me to save to tape if I want to. The method described in Updates 1:3 forces you to delete old data BEFORE you save the new data. That practice could lead to disaster.…
article, orig pub: 01.28.24, updated: 06.21.26
I discovered something very peculiar about the 2068 when I tried to put some machine code into the area of memory normally occupied by the RAM-resident code “function dispatcher”. It seems as if machine code routines in this area (6200 hex or greater) run more slowly than identical rountines elsewhere in memory. To see this…
article, orig pub: 01.09.22, updated: 06.21.26
Here are two programs that give a moving graphics representation of the holiday spirit. The first version is for the 1000 series of computers and the second is for the TS-2068. In the 2068 version, the graphics characters are entered in the following manner – press SHIFT “9” to get into the graphics mode (remember…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
So it is August and within the last month the 68000 market has really heated up! Commodore unveiled the highly touted (and highly priced) Amiga on July 23rd in Lincoln Center, but probably will not begin shipping until September. Atari shipped a couple of thousand 520 ST’s to distributers last week and promised to ship…
article, orig pub: 02.13.26, updated: 06.21.26
When Timex and Sinclair introduced the affordable home computer, it was based on technology developed by Clive Sinclair and Sinclair Research.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Well, I did get a new printer. However it had a completely differ at set of operating codes so I had to reformat QZX, a time consuming job. However it is a faster, easier to wu printer so I wil get that time back in the coming months. The type is a little easier to…
article, orig pub: 01.16.26, updated: 06.21.26
I have noted as the years pass that Computer Fests are taking on an atmosphere of a “family reunion”. I LIKE THAT! Tim Swenson and his wife add to the Dayton ComputerFest each year by providing a nice quiet place in their back yard with good food to eat and plenty of Sinclair users to…
article, orig pub: 02.12.26, updated: 06.21.26
The club is selling digitizer boards. – For one assembled, tested and shipped the cost will be $49.95 + $3 shipping and handling. If you only want the bare board it will be $19.95 + $3 s&h. The board has a leading edge connector and is ready for a mother board. If you want a…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 06.21.26
Budget Robotics & Computing of Tucson, AZ has purchased the rights to manufacture and sell the Computer Continuum Buffered Buss Development Board. This expansion buffered buss board is available as a bare board with complete documentation and parts list. This board is compatible with the ZX80, ZX81, TS1000, and TS1500 computers, all for $40 ea.…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 06.21.26
Structured SuperBasic is a utility that has been printed a couple of times in this newsletter. I have recently dusted the program off and completed a new version. SSB 2.6 has all of the functionality of SSB 2.5, but I have added a lot of error checking, fixed a few bugs, added Config Block support,…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 06.21.26
OK, already I can hear you ask, “Why are you writing about the IBM PC in a Timex publication?” The short answer is that we are trying a little experiment to see what your reaction will be. The long answer is that for the past couple years, we have witnessed a slow but steady decline…
article, orig pub: 02.15.26, updated: 06.21.26
Some of us, who have visited Tom Bent at home, are greeted by him in bare feet. He explains, “I am working on QL’s and I keep my feet bare to prevent static electricity.” I always thought, “Yeah, sure, don’t admit you’re hillbilly!” Well Tom, you’re right, we do need to take precautions to prevent…
article, orig pub: 01.21.26, updated: 06.21.26
Tax programs. Basicare modules from Gladstone. New products from Memotech. TS 2040 printer available. TS 1500 printer announcement. TS 2000 delays; Sinclair’s ZX-83 and Timex’s TS 3000 under wraps. TS-2000 & TS-3000 NEWS Don’t expect to see the TS 2000 hit the streets until the final quarter of this year. Apparently, the 2000 will be…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Welcome again to the column, and this month I will “shift gears in midstream”, so to say. Originally I had planned to review the new SMART II software for the Westridge 2050 modem, Anchor finally released it, and many of you may already have it. I was promised a review copy of SMART II from…
article, orig pub: 11.05.25, updated: 06.21.26
Bill Jones of Panama City, FL sent an interesting note. He says, “UPDATES has the potential of being a National Newsletter for Sinclair Computer Information. Looking further down the road, UPDATES could be a vehicle to start up a National Sinclair Computer Club.” Funny you should mention that, Bill. While UPDATES is definitely not ever…
article, orig pub: 01.28.24, updated: 06.21.26
Taken from the June 1989 issue of ZX-Appeal – Newsletter of the Vancouver Sinclair Users Group. INSOMNIAC ELECTRONICS UPDATE Gerd and I have been able to contact Jim Horne and are helping Jim straighten things out. Jim was not keeping very good records for a while and has lost track of some of the orders…
article, orig pub: 01.24.26, updated: 06.21.26
The CQVI video digitizer package consists of the CQV1 hardware, a 3.5″ disk and an 8 page manual. The CQV1 electronics are installed in a black plastic case, measuring 7″(18cm)x4-1/4″ (11cm)x2″(5.5cm). A male edge connector extends out of the front of the case to mate with the ROM Port at the rear of the QL.…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 06.21.26
Description: In Invasion Force, you control a laser base and must shoot through a moving force field and destroy an alien ship. If you hit a black blob in the moving force field, all your damage to the ship is repaired. Smaller ships fly by and drop bombs on vou. The game ends when you…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Curry Computer is now the U.S. distributor for Pyramide Software of Paris France. Curry now has their first program for the QL: WANDERER, a three dimensional graphies program for an RGB color monitor. The program comes with 3D glasses and gives the impression of the display “floating” somewhere between your computer and your monitor. It…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
This meeting marks the first anniversary of the Sinclair/Timex User Group. We are planning a big celebration, and have executives of both Sinclair Research, Ltd. and Timex Computer Corporation coming to our meeting: We are looking forward to what these two have to say about their companies and products. In addition, we have asked representatives…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Mister Butterfly is looking for his 5 children, can you help him find them? They were playing with their balloons in the field and they found this entrance to some sort of cavern. They decided to explore it and all went in a different direction. As luck would have it, they got lost! Now you…
article, orig pub: 01.25.26, updated: 06.21.26
Bob Dyl of English Micro Connection (EMC), 15 Kilburn Ct., Newport, RI 02840 401/849-3805 reports that they are an agent for Sinclair (and other English) computers. The Spectrum+ sells for $159.95 postage paid and has an average delivery time of less than three weeks. He also has the Interface I and microdrive kit (includes four…
article, orig pub: 02.14.26, updated: 06.21.26
Bob Dyl of the English Micro Connection is helping lead the way in bringing the full range of Spectrum products to our shores. Already it is possible to get the new Spectrum Plus, Sinclair microdrives and other peripherals through EMC. Now comes the announcement that any 2068 with a Spectrum ROM, ROM Switch, or Emulator…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.21.26
Last month you may have noticed—at least I hope you did—that we didn’t publish a newsletter. This is only the second time in six years that we have missed an issue and like the first, there is a very good reason. Our newsletter is published by the folks at Montgomery County Mental Health. I imagine…
article, orig pub: 01.19.26, updated: 06.21.26
QUBIDE is an IDE hard disk interface for the QL. Before describing it in detail, I’d like to explain how this interface ever came into existence. Months ago, one of the discussion threads on QBox was some wishful thinking about using IDE drives on the QL. IDE was discussed for some time when Zelijko Nastasic…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 06.21.26
Find enclosed a check to enroll me as a member of [NESQLUG]. I am 64 years old and retired. The only experience with computer programming that I have started in 1982 with the ZX-81. With publications such as SYNTAX and SYNC I became very familiar with it and was hooked on Sinclairs as a hobby.…
article, orig pub: 02.22.26, updated: 06.21.26
The renewals continue to come in although the renewal rate (about 50%) is not fantastic as people change computers. We really appreciate the good words that many enclose. I am tempted to put more of them in the friends column, but do not like it when other magazines publish congratulatory letters so I have refrained.…
article, orig pub: 01.16.26, updated: 06.21.26
Happy Holidays to all of you out there. It’s hard te believe this issue marks the end of almost two full years of publishing the QLR. The January issue will mark the beginning of our third rear as the oldest QL periodical in the States. We thank all of you for subscribing and hope you…
article, orig pub: 02.13.26, updated: 06.21.26
On 4/24/84, I spoke with David Higgenbottom from the Los Angeles area. He is organizing a venture capitalist effort to acquire the licensing rights from TIMEX COMPUTER CORP. This endeavor combines some 47 companies into a publicly held subsidiary of Trinity Magnum of San Diego, CA. There are plans to open a nation wide chain…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 06.21.26
In QHJ #3, I reported on some benchmarks that I ran on Lattice C and Small-C. Now that I had C68, I decided to run the benchmarks against it to see how it compares with the other two compilers. Here is how all three compilers compare: Prime Numbers Small-C Lattice C C68 29000-32767 5 Sec…
article, orig pub: 11.26.25, updated: 06.21.26
Some time ago we asked for program ideas for the magazine, we received a lot of neat ideas. We can’t promise we’ll do them all but we will try! Anyways, send some more or better than that, send programs or articles (SEE SPECIAL NOTE). You probably noticed that on the cover it says DECEMBER/JANUARY 1987.…
article, orig pub: 01.25.26, updated: 06.21.26
If you happen to own a Miracle hard drive or the new ED (3.2 meg) drives you’re going to eventually be looking at making backups of the files you’ve configured and use. As anyone who has used a computer knows….there always comes a time when something goes wrong. This may be as simple as a…
article, orig pub: 02.08.26, updated: 06.21.26
Before I begin I would like to thank Bill Miller of SINCLINK for getting me involved with this project in the first place. I would also like to thank Mark Wahl also of SINCLINK for writing the initial program that I used to get started in the right direction. All I really did was debug…
article, orig pub: 01.23.26, updated: 06.21.26
Being a band director, I often made printouts of my students by instrument. First I would print all the flute players, then clarinets, etc. However, I always had SEARCH IS COMPLETE printed in between each section. Also, I use a number of codes in my files, so to help me keep track of their meaning…
article, orig pub: 04.03.23, updated: 06.21.26
Add or alter these lines of ZX PRO/FILE to make it work with Byte-Back’s P-2 serial print< er driver. P-2 can be located in any convenient memory location. Once you decide where you want it to be, determine the address of both the LPRINT and the LCOPY routines. The address for LCOPY will be stored…
article, orig pub: 01.28.24, updated: 06.21.26
GREAT NEWS! TIMEX SINCLAIR USER magazine does NOT appear to be dead, as we last reported, but it may be changing colors! We hope to be hearing from them soon: though in the newsletter press there is some skepticism about this magazine’s reappearance in its original form, now that TIMEX is joined by SYNC who…
article, orig pub: 11.15.24, updated: 06.21.26
“Imagine pressing a key on your computer and being in touch with…” the WORLD! This is a slight paraphrase of an ad that Timex released when the TS 2068 was introduced. According to that ad, any T/S computer could be used to access any number of national and regional databases, and local BBSs (Bulletin Board…
article, orig pub: 11.05.25, updated: 06.21.26
In a back issue of the QHJ I wrote a SuperBasic program that saves a section of the screen to memory and brings it back again. This allows you to save a section of the screen where you are about the put a new window, draw to window, and then bring back what was under…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 06.21.26
A few weeks ago Rusty Townsend of Richmond, B.C., let us know about a BUG in the spreadsheet we published in the FEBRUARY 1987 issue. The BUG was that you could not divide anything by anything! Of course, Kris, the author of the BUG, fixed it and is now telling you how to do it…
article, orig pub: 02.23.25, updated: 06.21.26
We lead off this issue with the exciting news that finally you can use your QL for telecommunications. We have successfully connected a modem using a special piece of hardware. This adapter plugs into serial 2 and can be set for either 300 or 1200 baud. The other end has a standard DB-25 male connecter.…
article, orig pub: 02.13.26, updated: 06.21.26
Greetings from London! This issue we are “on the road” attending the PCW Show at the Olympia in London. We will be giving a full report on the show, on the status of the QL, and on new hardware and software, later in this issue. First, though, some news of interest. We have been experimenting…
article, orig pub: 02.13.26, updated: 06.21.26
This utility is mostly used for error trapping on the Spectrum but can be used on a TS2068 also. It features 2 modes: On Error – Go to and On Error – Continue. The codes are completely relocatable and are 123 bytes long. To load these codes just CLEAR base-1 (if over 23756): LOAD “ON…
article, orig pub: 01.25.26, updated: 06.21.26
Using the A & J Microdrive to load Tasword II takes less than 30 seconds! But to SAVE the program and files created by it requires some modifications to the BASIC part of Tasword II. To make the changes, LOAD Tas- word off tape and choose the BASIC option. DELETE lines 11, 15, 700 and…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 06.21.26
Editor’s Note: The following article was written by Larry Desch for the newsletter of his local KAYPRO user group in Iowa City, and is reprinted here with the gracious permission of the author. What computer has 16K, expandable to 64K, weighs in at less than 5 pounds and has a small “footprint”? Am I talking…
article, orig pub: 11.06.25, updated: 06.21.26
Description: With the Flight Simulation program you must land your airplane successfully on the runway without crashing. Sitting in the cockpit, your control panel shows your speed, altitude, fuel and power. The top of your screen is your viewing window for the landing. The player is given the option of flying just the final approach.…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Now I’ve heard everything! A computer that talks back to me? why not…everybody else does! Tad Painter has done the “unheard” of by digitizing the human voice for T/S computers. His SPEECH SYNTHESIZER program does the job without the need for expensive additional hardware. It’s all software generated. SPEECH SYNTHESIZER is available for the TS…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Sue Mahoney opened the meeting with an update on the status of the new Timex computers. She said the TS-1500 and the TS-2000 series would be shipped to the distributors in August. The TS-1500 is an upgraded version of the TS-1000. It has movable keys and 16K of built-in RAM memory. Sue said she has…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
New Modem and Printers from Timex Timex was again showing the 2068 and 1500 computers, but were emphasizing a new TS 2050 modem (S119.95), TS 2080 80-column dot matrix printer, TS 2040 32-column thermal printer (S99.95), and an expanded selection of software. The 2050 is a 300-baud modem with auto-dial, auto-answer, built-in modular phone jacks,…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
This three-part program returns correct day name, changes Gregorian dates to corresponding Julian day numbers, and computes total days between any two dates from Jan. 1 AD to Feb. 2300. To use, type the month number (NL) , day number (NL) , and fourdigit year (NL) . ZX80 returns the correct day name, followed by…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Where, 0, Where are the TS2068 technical manuals? I’ve spoken with many people who ordered the new tech manual from Little Rock in April or May and still have not received them, while several other persons have. Why should this be? It turns out that Timex originally produced 200 copies of the approximately 300-page manual…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Rick, If its OK with you, I would like you to print this comment in the next issue, I want to thank all of those who have spent their time calling, writing and showing their interest in software I have written or articles that have appeared here in TSH. Many have offered suggestions to help…
article, orig pub: 11.05.25, updated: 06.21.26
Q-SAVE is a speedy loader device for the TS 1000/ZX81. It can load a 16K program in about 25 seconds (compared to 6 minutes with the normal loading time that’s quite a difference). Q-SAVE is a hardware/software combination. The hardware supplied is a filter/amplifier. It greatly increases the chances of a load (with a Q-SAVE…
article, orig pub: 11.05.25, updated: 06.21.26
One of the ways in which a TS2068 can be put to use in an unconventional manner is to replace the internal ROM chips with EPROM chips containing the program for the custom application. There are two of these ROM chips in the TS2068. The first figure shows where in the 64K byte address space…
article, orig pub: 01.17.26, updated: 06.21.26
Can you help a family get to their home? See, they’re trapped on the side of a mountain and some mean old guy blew up the bridges and now they can’t cross the valleys that separate them from their house. You will be given three choppers to carry the pieces of the bridges that you…
article, orig pub: 01.25.26, updated: 06.21.26
We received a nice reply to our puzzle about 12 coins of equal denomination but one was a counterfeit. With a balance, determine which is the counterfeit coin, bearing in mind that this coin can be lighter or heavier than the others. George Chambers from the Toronto Timex Sinclair Club took the time to develop…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 06.21.26
Myles Cohen from New York uses the ADD modification given in UPDATES vol. 1, #3, to simulate “labels” such as those used in old, outmoded and obsolete data base programs like Vu-File. Cohen added one file which holds the label names on the line he wishes them to be printed on. Then when he is…
article, orig pub: 01.28.24, updated: 06.21.26
Probably most of you have received notice of the bankruptcy of QUANTUM COMPUTING. Apparently, the notices were sent to everyone on the company’s customer list. I doubt that there is much hope of collecting anything from the company, as the notice listed unsecured debts as over $60,000, with total assets of $0.01 (that’s one cent).…
article, orig pub: 12.28.24, updated: 06.21.26
Croaka Crawla is not just another “FROGGER” imitation. This is THE best I’ve seen. It is fast, and the graphics are very good. It is also very difficult. I have not yet been able to reach the 3rd level. The 6-7-8-9 keys are used (I don’t know why. It sure is a weird combination), and…
article, orig pub: 11.05.25, updated: 06.21.26
185 A little mineral oil spread on the fingers only of the ZX81 RAM pack will reduce the number of crashes. 186 To put the TS2068 into CAPS lock mode POKE 23658,8. To take it out of that mode POKE 23658,0 187 To cause the TS2068 to PAUSE until a key is pressed (any key)…
article, orig pub: 01.16.26, updated: 06.21.26
You will probably recognize Surround as soon as you RUN it. It is a version of a fairly standard routine in which you are required to surround your adversary before he can surround you. Both players are in continuous motion and are not allowed to cross their tracks or those of their opponent, or to…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
The default music device on the ZK81 is the Zon X-81. It was an add-on that came with an AY chhip and built-in speaker. Many emulators and ZXpand emulate the Zon X-81. To create music, Andy Rea has created ZXbeta, a music tracker program for the ZX81. It can be used to create your own…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 06.21.26
Timex has reached a $50m agreement with an unnamed Polish industrial firm — via its European agent Takis Patrikarakos of Micro Interface — to supply 800,000 Timex 2068 machines and 200,000 FDD 3000 twin 3inch floppy disc drives to the Polish government. The credibility of Amstrad’s deal with Sinclair has been further eroded with news…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 06.21.26
Jim Cripps of Central Islip, NY has compiled a large foreign language translation data base using ZX PRO/FILE. His family uses it to improve their language skills in any of the five different languages held in the program. For each word, a two line file is created. The first line holds the initial of the…
article, orig pub: 01.28.24, updated: 06.21.26
Timex reports it will begin sales this August of TS2000s with 16K or 48K RAM, color/sound capabilities and bank-switching. The 16K version will sell for $149.95; the 48K for $199.95, says Timex. Both versions contain 24K ROM, including 8K ROM for cartridge capabilities and bank-switching. With bank-switching the computer can potentially use up to 256…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
THE MESSAGE of Sinclair is spreading quickly all over the world. On the basis of sales of Sinclair User, ZX-81s are being plugged into television sets throughout most of the developed and developing world. The magazine now sells about 4,000 copies each month overseas. The largest number goes to the Scandinavian countries — Sweden, Norway,…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Although VU-3D is billed as a business program, many of you will have fun with tinkering around and showing off the program to your friends. This program sure shows off the stuff a TS 2068 can do! VUU-3D is a program that allows you to draw and view figures in a 3 dimensional perspective. The…
article, orig pub: 11.05.25, updated: 06.21.26
Here’s your chance to let your ambitions and accomplishments be known. Feel free to let us know what you are up to, and to contact those ‘doing your thing’.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 06.21.26
Finally the GL is shipping. These last few months have been chaotic to say the least. In the August Report we stated that Robert Maxwell had purchased a controlling interest in Sinclair Research. In early August Maxwell withdrew his offer which was to have been finalized in September. Although still suffering from acute cash flow…
article, orig pub: 02.13.26, updated: 06.21.26
Happy New Year to all of you. We want to start 1986 by thanking all of you for subscribing to our Report. Monthly you will be kept up to date on all the latest software and hardware for the QL. In addition, we will keep you informed on the latest news pertaining to Sinclair Research…
article, orig pub: 02.13.26, updated: 06.21.26
Description: Labyrinth is a game sold by Mindware that creates a maze which the player must go through. At the start of the game, the player must choose the width and height of the maze. Before entering the maze, the player is given the option of seeing it first This gives the player plenty of…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
I purchased a Model No. 4084 TV/ monitor from Sears ($364.00 including tax) together with RGB Cable Model 6529 ($18.00). I had to modify my computer using an RGB Conversion kit #220-453 from Arthur Brown Co., 1702 Oak Knoll Drive, Alexandria MN S6208 ($19.95). This kit requires opening the computer and doing some soldering inside.…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.21.26
How ’bout some comments on Timex hardware suppliers? There are lots of ads in SYNC and elsewhere, but who is reliable and who is not. Richard E. KoehlerIndianapolis, IN Finding reliable hardware (and software) is frustrating for all of us. UPDATES definitely will comment on hardware, software and everything else that enhances ZX PRO/FILE, but…
article, orig pub: 01.28.24, updated: 06.21.26
Last month we explored the world of music through the program MUSICOLA for the TS2068. This month we continue our journey through the “Computer Cultural Corner” with a look at another program that allows us to express our artistic tendencies. ART FOR ALL AGES is a program for the TS2068 that allows you to turn…
article, orig pub: 11.05.25, updated: 06.21.26
A NEW MAGAZINE for the owners of Timex/Sinclair machines in the U.S. has been launched by ECC Publications, the publishers of Sinclair User. Timex/Sinclair User was launched in April and includes much the same mixture of reviews, projects and articles for which Sinclair User has become known. Terry Cartwright, managing director of ECC, believes that…
article, orig pub: 02.08.23, updated: 06.21.26
A fleet of 20 "X” ships is attacking you. You must destroy at least 15 of them or be destroyed.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
In our vendor reports last month, SYNTAX said Timex software doesn’t come in baggies. Yes it does, and honest stuff, too. Yes it does, and honest stuff, too. As Marty Warner-DuBay pointed out to us after getting a flurry of phone calls from her dealers for the licensed programs she sold in baggies, with photocopied…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.21.26
Well, we’re back from the Computerfest! It was a long way to go but it was certainly worth it to meet a lot of you face to face. We hope next year to see even more of you. For those of you who were unable to attend, sit back and relax and we’ll tell you…
article, orig pub: 02.13.26, updated: 06.21.26
We will have the Timex modem on hand far a hands on demonstration, continue with the software sharing that went on last meeting, and we will come up with a group project that can be done in a one to two month time period. We will also have an auction of donated materials: Step, Rampager,…
article, orig pub: 11.10.24, updated: 06.21.26
Year 2986, equipped with the most powerful computer ever known on Earth, a TS2068, a spaceship is launched into deep space with you on board as the commander. You were sent on a mission to destroy the fleet of Zortron, the deadliest army in the 6th solar system of a Galaxy called Zykron. The fleet…
article, orig pub: 02.23.25, updated: 06.21.26
Printer & DOS Routines In Part 1 (SWN Vol, 5 No. 5) of this intro to Beta Basic (BB) we looked at some of the editing and data-manipulation features which may be used on programs entered in T/S mode as well as those written in BB. This time let’s see how it may be adapted…
article, orig pub: 12.28.24, updated: 06.21.26
In the unclassifieds there has been offered a FREE 16 K RAM for some time. Anybody want it? I am getting tired of printing that ad. The “Hacker” is back. Some of you will remember the Hacker as one of the better newsletters published by Timex-Sinclair clubs. It expanded its coverage to include MS-DOS machines…
article, orig pub: 01.16.26, updated: 06.21.26
After much deliberation, the winners of The SyncWare News 2nd (sort of) Annual Programmers’ Competition have been decided. The winning programs are presented in this issue for your use and amusement, First place in the TS1000/1500 category goes to Alex R. Sweitzer for his program “Multsteps” which teaches students to multiply a 3 digit X…
article, orig pub: 02.15.26, updated: 06.21.26
Since getting a corrected version of MODEM7 to work with the AERCO disk system with RP/M and the 2050 modem, I have done a great deal of downloading Public Domain programs. If you thought that MTERM II was confusing at times, that is nothing compared to MODEM7. I also thought that Specterm-64 took some time…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 06.21.26