Howdy T/S 2068 fans! I hope you have all been well. I must apologize for this article being late. I am the Editor for our users group newsletter, the RAMTOP. Let me tell you, that it takes a lot of time! I think at least one-quarter of my time must be trying to convince my…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.09.26
For starters, would you please dig out your October 1986 issue of ZX-Appeal and read Wilf Rigter’s article on pg 9 entitled “Z Voice” ? Thank you! Now I only have to talk about how to assemble the hardware. The schematic has been slightly expanded in detail over the one published in Oct ’86, but…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.09.26
The following is a description of the Real-Time clock section of the D.A.M. board article which appeared in Time Designs Magazine ( March/Apr11 ‘ 87 page 23). The board features a full-function real-time clock with battery back-up and 1s mappable into eight I/0 port blocks. See attached schematic diagram. 8255 PPI The 8255 PPI is…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.09.26
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.09.26
Like many of you, I have been fascinated by the idea of speech synthesis. I even bought a GI SP0256 chip only to have it sit on a shelf, silently gathering dust. After all you need a robot or I/O board to make it work, right? Meantime others were having fun and contributing to the…
article, orig pub: 03.27.21, updated: 08.09.26
To put it simply, the Z-SI/0 Card is the best RS-232C I/F available for your T/S2068 at ANY PRICE. This rugged, well made card, which plugs directly into the expansion port of 2068, will allow you to operate any computer peripherals your that require a serial (RS-232) port on your computer. This includes printers and…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.09.26
This is not a new discovery but thecause it is not mentioned 2068 User Manual, I that it is not used as widely as it might be. Variables may be included in an INPUT prompt by enclosing the prompt in parentheses. That is, with INPUT (X); B the be the prompt will the value of…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.09.26
To see what VAL$ does, enter: RUN the program and see on the display what each function does. You can use this to print both your formula and its number value from a string variable. Succinctly put, VAL$ gives you the string that VAL evaluates, the right-hand side of the equation for A$, by returning…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.09.26
You will recall that at the NOV. meeting there was a discussion on the use of VAL$. Robert Ryan actively entered into the discussion, and offers this further demonstration. This program is a short demonstration of one use for VAL$. It inputs a name and then will print the first, last or middle name from…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.09.26
One of the most powerful, and (Oh, Yes,) useful instructions of the Timex-Sinclair computers is the VAL function Unfortunately, it is also unique to the Timex-Sinclair computers. Te VAL function evaluates an arbitrary numerically-valued string. It only returns an error C, in the case that the string argument does not evaluate to a number. Apparently,…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.09.26
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 the OPEN# command you open up what is called a ‘stream’, or…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.09.26
What is POINT? Our 2068 manual simply states that POINT tells you whether a PLOT point specified by coordinates is PAPER color (0), or INK color (1). The coordinates for x range from o to 255 and y ranges from o to 175. Note: input other than PLOT also is recognized, but the results are…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.09.26
Assembly routines that enable error reporting, character printing, beeping, screen manipulation, drawing, string handling, and numeric operations efficiently.
article, orig pub: 01.23.22, updated: 08.09.26
DEF FN and FN commands define and call functions for math operations, string manipulations, and Boolean logic evaluations in BASIC programming.
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.09.26
On page five of the April issue of The Data Expansion (Timex Tips) a routine to convert binary to decimal was given in response to a question about using BIN in programming mode. This short article describes the format to use to make this function work: When you enter the BIN function in command mode,…
article, orig pub: 07.05.24, updated: 08.09.26
You said that you needed to locate a specific variable in the BASIC VARS area of memory in order to use the data in a machine code program. The following procedure will allow the transfer of the location and size of a simple variable to a BASIC program. If you want to locate a variable…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.08.26
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: 08.08.26
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: 08.08.26
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: 08.08.26
Ultra-Easy Designer Graphics by Paul Bingham When I first ordered my 2068 back in, well, what seems eons ago, one thing I looked forward to most was the machine’s touted User Defined Graphics capabilities. What a boon to an old ZX81 programmer this would be! On the face of it, UDGs looked pretty exciting. No…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.08.26
Amongst the differences between the Spectrum and the 2068, there are the 2068’s video modes. These modes are not directly reached by BASIC. To use them, we must write some routines in machine language. This machine code toolkit is for the mode called “extended color”. If we type in normal mode: CIRCLE 125,87,50:PLOT 0,87:DRAW 1,0,255…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.08.26
Poking MODE The 2068 User Manual indicates that the system variable MODE, at address 23617, specifies the cursor (K, L, C, G, or E), and that “Poking the variable will have no lasting effect.” This is not entirely correct. First, the contents of MODE are determined as follows: CONTENTS BIT SET CURSOR (S) 0 NONE…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.08.26
First the Colors I modified Paul Banisik’s “Second display file initialization routine” from the April RAMTOP (1985), and incorporated it into a BASIC program that would poke attribute values into the second display file. To access this display mode, type “OUT 255,2”. In this mode, the computer looks at the first display file (D_File_1) for…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.08.26
Many people have asked me which computer is the “best” computer. That has always been a tough question to answer. There ara so many computers on the market, so many different software packages for each, The normal response is to say that the computer that I first purchased – the TIMEX – in the best…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.08.26
This month the program ideas and hints are from T/S 2068 Basics and Beyond. I hope you find them useful. This program is written to display the power of the “POINT” command. It will draw a maze; then check for walls with the POINT command, as you guide the dot through the maze with the…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.08.26
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.08.26
First these are machine code programs I got from ZX Computing Magazine and in fact all five programs came from the magazine. The first will break a machine code program that got lost in a loop. The keyboard is scanned by using the interrupt and if break is pressed then it returns to Basic. The…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.08.26
If you have a program in which does a lot of printing to the screen but at certain times you would like it to print to a printer you can do this. OPEN #2, “P” To turn it off again do this. CLOSE #2 If you want to delete a length of code and it…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.08.26
The enclosed hardcopy of my dilemma is rather self explanatory, however just to clarify. Line 10: I want “capacitance” to flash but only until the input is printed. Then it is to remain on the screen in a non-flashing situation. What ever you can do to help would certainly be appreciated. Sincerely, Dave Trevor, Phoenix,…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.08.26
Computer users are painfully aware of the need to input information perfectly if a computer program is to understand them. Here’s a short subroutine that adds intelligence to your programs to make them user friendly. It will compare a user’s input to a list of words that a computer is expecting. If an exact match…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.08.26
To print a digit on the 2068 you must PEEK 23684 + 256 * PEEK 23685. This gives the starting addresss of the display file and must be increased by increments of 256 up until a value of 2048. To print more than one digit you can increase the original address after storing it in…
article, orig pub: 01.23.22, updated: 08.08.26
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.08.26
Are you tired of having to use the 2068’s ON-OFF power switch to reset the computer? Read on, there is a solution. Do you have & Larken disk system and also one common AC power switch to turn on your computer, disk drive, disk controller, monitor. monitor, and all other peripherals? If you do, you’ve…
article, orig pub: 03.27.21, updated: 08.08.26
Most programs require user interaction through the keyboard, and use the INPUT or INKEYS functions to do this job. This article will discuss some alternative ways to input through the keyboard. Method #1 Hardware generated interrupts are used in the 2068 to update the TV frames counter and to scan the keyboard for pressed keys.…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.08.26
Program demonstrates printing with variable-width fonts using PLOT/DRAW.
article, orig pub: 08.25.21, updated: 08.07.26
The two joysticks are controlled via Register 14 (I/O Port A) of the Programmable Sound Generator Chip (see Sections 2.1.6 and 2.1.7). Address and respectively. data are passed via Ports 0F5H and 0F6H The joysticks are read by first addressing Register 14 in the PSG by writing a 14 (OEH) to Port 0F5H. data is…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.07.26
In developing an analog joystick using the ZIP compiler, 1 found that the routine included in the instructions for reading the joysticks is silly. The same machine code is produced by the compiler with the BASIC functions and is usable by the BASIC interpreter.
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.07.26
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.07.26
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.07.26
One of the advantages the newer, bigger computers like the ATARI ST and AMIGA have over the TS2068 class of computers is the “User Interface” that their bigger memory and high speed affords them…specifically, such things as a mouse to sweep a cursor around the screen, and a really nice menu structure that “drops down”…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.07.26
Often we get stymied by having a character array file having a wrong dimension for the job we want to do. This tool was made to convert TWO DIMENSION CHARACTER ARRAY FILES to THREE DIM FILES. With minor adjustments the program can be used to convert other dimensions to other dimensions. The program was crafted…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.06.26
SCREEN$ is a very useful function on the TS2068 but it has a few limitations that are well known. It has two principal uses. One is to SAVE a screen to tape. This is explained on pages 160 to 161 and appendix A of the manual. From these sources we learn that… The 6912 bytes…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.06.26
Schematics and machine code to expand the 2068 RAM with port buffer, clock/calendar, 56K or 64K, expansion bank controller and proper address decoding for EXROM.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.06.26
Program find and save VARS for Larken DOS or cassette.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.06.26
TS-2068 PROGRAMING TIPS Reprinted from Synapse 1st + 2nd Displays You can use this routine to move the Function Dispatcher so you can utilize the 2nd Dispatcher. After the 1st use, you then have to use these commands, otherwise you will BOMB OUT! 22nd + 23rd Display Lines If you would like to use the…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.06.26
MEMORY IMPROVES WITH AGE? Crazy? Perhaps so, but survival of our favorite antique TS-2068 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, accessiblity and convenience pver tape recording.…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.06.26
A major barrier to fixing the problems in the HOME ROM is one of access. Even though the ROM is socketed, you still have to open up the case and risk damage. This article shows how to replace the HOME ROM without touching a screw. It is not really necessary to replace ROM with EPROM.…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.06.26
A utility for: data base generation, keyboard reading, character concatenation, screen display, full editing This is an audacious attack upon the most famous weaknesses of the TS-2068, slow data input and poor screen editing. The result is a INPUT SECTION of programming that can be used for many purposes. Programmers have overcome the problems mentioned…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.06.26
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.06.26
In the preceding issue of QuarTerS we pointed out how SCREEN$ sees various characters and learned that it recognizes only those having an ASCII code of 32 to 127. In this lesson, we digress from Print Position to learn more about how to program around some of these short comings. First of all, consider the…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.06.26
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.06.26
The Faint-of-Heart Zone Stay away from advanced video modes at any cost! Who needs them? Besides, what we can already do is all anyone really needs. The screen is divided up into 24 rows of 32 characters, each of which can have 8 ink and paper colors plus bright and flash attributes. In addition, writing…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.06.26
You have Bill Pedersen’s schematics, etc. He, of course, could not physically try them out so I tried out his ideas on my own bypass board until we got it working. Enclosed are the schematics of my version. There doesn’t seem to be any similarity between the two versions but in fact the logic is…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.05.26
The West Coast Sinclair Show was held in Union City, CA, on 5 June 1999, one week after the East Coast Sinclair Show. Most of the European attendees arrived the Monday before the show and spent the week visiting San Francisco. The day before the show was by Bar-B-Q at my house before the show…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.05.26
A major barrier to fixing the problems in INTERNAL ROM is one of access Even though the ROM is socketed, you still have to open the case This risks damage, and even then, replacing ROM with EPROM requires wiring modifications This article shows how to replace HOME ROM and EXROM without touching a screw. It…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.05.26
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.05.26
Part III Before discussing the roll of the SCLD in bank switching, it is desirable to summarize the known functions. 1. Screen Maintenance This is the highest priority operation. The HOME RAM with addresses in chunks 2 & 3 (DRAM) belongs to the SCLD. The CPU has to beg permission to access it. If access…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.05.26
Welcome back! The first installment might have given you the idea that machine code was necessary for understanding bank switching. Would I do that to you? On occasion, machine code will be presented to support “fixes”, but if you don’t actually make the fixes you can skip it without any loss. We previously discussed how…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.05.26
What is bank switching? The TS 2068 contains a thin black rectangular chip that is the “boss” — the Central Processing Unit (CPU). It is of the popular variety Z80A which has a long history of success. It runs just about everything but it takes orders from you. The boss has a filing system in…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.05.26
I ran into something I thought was strange. Try this: Run then rewind the tape and 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: 10.07.22, updated: 08.05.26
Try this for the 2068. This address is used to select the permanent colors for the screen. It could be useful in your programing. Line 50 sets the screen for white paper and black ink. If this is a 7 you will have the oposite. Anything over 127 will be flashing. If you look more…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.05.26
Overprinting A demonstration of the TS2068’s OVER and INVERSE print attributes. A base string A$ is drawn at a fixed screen position, then a second string B$ is drawn on top of it in each of the four combinations of OVER 0/OVER 1 and INVERSE 0/INVERSE 1, with each result labelled by the o and…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.05.26
At the January meeting of CATUG, Bob Swoger said he would like to see a new article by me for our newsletter. Steve Cooper said, “Why don’t you write about some of the special things you can do with the keys.” I was puzzled about what Steve was referring to, then I remember something I…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
Anyone who uses a wordprocessing program has done it. Greeting card programs even do it. But what if I want to do it in my own programs? If you are not lost yet, what I am speaking of is Left, Center and Right justification of text lines on a screen display or on hardcopy printout.…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
How to Get Straight Columns When Working with Dollar Amounts Once again, programming proves that necessity is the mother of invention. When I began writing my credit card payment program, I knew that I would need a subroutine that would display a ‘dollars and cents’ number on the screen so that all of the numbers…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
After The Editor read thru Syd Wyncoop’s excellent dissertation on using direct ink/paper/flash commands embedded within program lines and trying out his suggestions, I took his advice to experiment. I found that about 2 more bytes would be required to revert to normal ink/paper if more than 1 line was involved and I wanted to…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
Please refer to Syd Wyncoop’s article on Color Codes in the January issue and my article in the December issue (More On Attributes). I recently read more on this subject that sheds additional light on the use of color attributes. This was found in The Art Of Programming The ZX Spectrum by M James, an…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
So you have tried to sort out variables in a long program to determine what the author is doing and maybe make your own changes. And what about using the same variables for different uses? It gets quite confusing to say the least. This program from “The Timex Sinclair 2068” book will give the line…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
This utility when MERGED with a BASIC program will list the flow of the program. If you want to see just how your program works, key in GOTO 9800. First, the machine code will load, then you will be asked for the starting line number. Key in the line number you want the flow to…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
Key in this short listing to trace the variables in your program. Place it in front of your program and GO TO 5 to use it. You will get a list of the lines that the variable you are looking for is in. BASIC Listing
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
QUESTION: What is the STR$ function used for? ANSWER: The argument (the expression following the keyword) of STR$ must be a number or a variable that stands for a number (like X). The STR$ takes that number and changes it to a string and assigns it to a string variable (like X$). It can now…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
Have you ever been frustrated with a program that had run-time errors caused by bad data, parameters, or values? Consider TOGGLING as a potential solution. Some programs which are designed to receive data from keyboard entry endeavor to edit the entered data to prevent subsequent errors. This can be simple or complex programming, it may…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
This is part of a program submitted by Joan Kealy, a member of ISTUG. The entire programs are part of our public domain library which is available to all members. We encourage other members and readers to submit programs to the library. We are particularly looking for ones for the TS1000, the QL and the…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
BURT GERMAIN has some Tandon TM-101-4 disk drives for sale at $30.00 each. These are new, full height, 80 track, quad density, 96-TPI, 5-1/4 inch disk drives which come with a manual. Ed Grey tells me that he has successfully used these drive with the JLO Disk System. Send a check for $30.00 per drive…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
Joan Kealy has reported the she recently spoke with a Timex Customer Service Rep. During which she was told that ai though they no longer will service out-of-warranty computers, they they will continue to honor warranties to the best of their ability. Ron Havlen (4307 Chambers Rd, Horseheads, NY 14845) has Modem-7 and IMP operating…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
The RAMTOP reports that the Nov or Dec issue of Radio Electronics magazine has ZX-81 kits (NEW!) advertized for $49.95! Robert Parrish has announced that he is creating a nation wide user group called The Great American Sinclair User Group. It is suppose to be oriented to telecommunications. So if you desire more information call…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
If the print in this column seems different from usual, it is because this article is being produced on the new 2068 computer from Timex. Sam Barron has received two sample machines from corporate headquarters and he has graciously allowed TIMELINEZ to borrow one. This is probably the first published matter in the world to…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
It has been said here before that the computer is a number oriented machine. Every thing that it does, it does by the manipulation of numbers. Basic is a language akin to English, devised solely for the benefit of us humans. The computer itself doesn’t need Basic, and early models of computers did not have…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
In the preceding chapter we learned that logic is number oriented, and that conditions which are TRUE are replaced by the computer with a logic value of 1, and conditions which are FALSE are replaced by a logic value of 0. Program lines with statements containing a single logic condition usually present no problem to…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
This series of articles is called Timex Logic rather than computer logic because not all computers treat and/or use logic as fully as the Timex computer can. Some of the logic operations described in this series cannot be used on many other computers, including one fruity one, widely pushed onto our public school systems. This…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
If you are like me, you have never used the VAL$ function. There is no good explanation in any of the manuals. The “Quick reference guide” states that the function evaluates a numeric expression without its bounding quotes as a string expression. This is only a partial truth. The function can be used on any…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.04.26
In January SDU Bill discussed the use of SCREEN$ files as a means of conserving RAM in programs such as SMART TEXT. Each SCREEN$, of course, takes 6912 bytes in disk file space or two cylinders in SDOS. The following demo listing shows how up to the maximum of 704 characters in a 32-column text…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.04.26
One Monday morning at the Timex Literature Department Mary was given a task that would normally been assigned to Gus, the Mathematician. Gus had his usual Monday morning problem. Now Mary majored in Greek Literature, not Greek Mathematics symbols. But, never the less, Mary was given the task of writing the part of Appendix A…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.04.26
For many of us, computer logic is a bit difficult to understand, and articles like the one reputed to be by Sharon Z. Aker in the July ’88 issue of UPDATE muddies the water more. On page 14, under the title of Priorty, the article states that NOT B<C is interpreted as (NOT B)>C. This…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
Reprinted from CTM, March/April 1985 Some time ago when first attempting to translate a “SPECTRUM” program for operation in the TS-2068, I was exposed to a BASIC command that I had not see before — “IN”. This aroused my curiosity and I began to work with different values and methods of writing the command as…
article, orig pub: 03.23.24, updated: 08.04.26
Timex planned to manufacture and sell a 3068 computer with 1 meg. of memory, 256 colors, and virtual memory for a target price of $199.95. This was just one of the bits of information that was revealed by Mr. Billy Skyrme, the President of Psion America, formerly of the Timex Computer Corp., during the Feb.…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
Last time we found that every BASIC for every computer contains a “BRICK WALL” that can prevent the computer from doing what you want. Since the wall is different for every computer, we concentrated on the TS1000 and we found a couple of places where we could “smash into it”. As mentioned last time, I…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
Here’s a nice beginner’s project for owners of ZX-81s, TS 1000’s and TS 1500’s. Although numerous keyboard expansion articles have been published, all require opening the computer to get at five signals that don’t go to the rear connector. This circuit uses a little extra hardware to produce five equivalent points, so the computer needn’t…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
I really hate this damn machineI really wish they’d sell it.It never does just what I wantbut only what I tell it!! — graffiti written onuniversity computer Actually, that poem is a bit optimistic. Even when you tell your computer to do something, it may instead do something else. It knows nothing about the decimal…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
“When I use a word”, Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less.” “The question is”, said Alice, “whether you can make words mean so many different things.” “The question is”, said Humpty Dumpty, “which is to be master, that’s all.” — Lewis…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.04.26
Shoot everything that moves!!! Don’t let them pass you by or you’ll lose points. Features the famous 3-WAY JOYSTICK SYSTEM! Loading name WEIRDBALLSProgram type Arcade gameWritten by Eric Boisvert
article, orig pub: 02.28.25, updated: 08.03.26
You have heard of shoot’em up games? Well, how about a splash’em down game? Yes, a major breakthrough in computer technology has brought us this weird game!!! All you have to do is to open your hand and let go of the balloon! The faster the pedestrians (notice Eric is one of them, go get…
article, orig pub: 02.28.25, updated: 08.03.26
The mass-market personal computer battle continues to heat up. Timex and Radio Shack have announced new home computers. Radio Shack’s TRS-80 Model MC-10 Micro Color Computer, retailing for $119.95, is now available in all Radio Shack retail stores now. The MC-10 generates eight colors and is aimed at first-time computer buyers. The 4K capacity of…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.03.26
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.03.26
New “Timex 2068” and Disc Drive to Lead the Way In an exclusive interview with the Managing Director of Timex Portugal, Bob Dyl of English Micro Connection has ascertained that the Portuguese division of Timex, which is independent of the American division, plans to enter the American market with a modified version of the 2068…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.03.26
A Project for Advance TS2068 Users True aficionados of the TS2068 will eventually decide that they want to do something with their cartridge port. Although TIMEX produced a few plug in cartridges, many of us have our own special programs in mind. There will be a few people who need a more versatile board, able…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.03.26
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.03.26
Where We’ve Been It’s been wonderful to see how much interest there still is toward TS2068 bank switching. Now it’s time to tie up the loose ends we’ve left, provide a firm direction for your own further study, and close the series up. For those just tuning in, we’ve been discussing the ROM code, searching…
article, orig pub: 08.25.21, updated: 08.03.26
We stopped last time in mid-description. It seems our Good Editor has such a wealth of excellent contributions last issue (besides mine, I mean) that my article had to be cut to fit the space remaining. This is just fine; my volumninous verbage often takes up so much space that I worry that I am…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.03.26
A Hearty Thank You The heading really says it all. I’ve been quite pleased and encouraged by your response to Part 1. This is really turning into an “interactive series”, as I’d hoped, and I want to invite you to keep writing and calling with your ideas and questions. You’re truly making these articles much…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.03.26
The Greetings Welcome back to another episode, as we try to unravel a few more clues about the Extended Bank Switching for the Timex Sinclair 2068. This time, we’ll be getting heavily involved in how the bank switching hardware would have worked, making this installment the most complicated of the series. But this article will…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.03.26
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.03.26
It all began with my attending a B.C. Teachers’ Federation conference on computer technology in 1980. I had previously been attempting to learn about microcomputers by taking courses sponsored by the school board. As a teacher, I could see the potential of these machines, but I was left with a feeling of extreme skepticism. Firstly,…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.03.26
It all began one cold and windy day in Saskatchewan. In fact it was so windy it was the reason for my first name. My childhood days were probably typical of a normal but ugly kid on the prairies. How ugly was I? I was so ugly my mom would have to tie a steak…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.03.26
Having been brought up on the tail-end of an old education system, where electronic calculators and computers were forbidden and slide rulers were the norm, I was very apprehensive about purchasing an electronic calculator let alone purchase a computer. So, back in 1981, when an ad in an electronics magazine tried to convince me to…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.03.26
My first computer was a ZX-81, purchased in early 1983 while I was working on a project in northern Saskatchewan. Due to the difficulty of obtaining software, and the unsatisfactory keyboard, I remained stuck on some very simple applications, using an old black-and-white television set. Later that year, I bought a Zenith green-screen monitor. Just…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.03.26
I had always told myself I would never buy a computer. That is until I saw an ad for a certain item in a Popular Science magazine. Like everyone else, my first computer was a T/S 1000, but perhaps unlike everyone else, I bought mine when they first came out for $250 (including $100 16K…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.03.26
The whole thing started at the Robson Square Media Centre Computer Fair in mid September 1983. For me the most interesting display was that of the TIMEX-SINCLAIR User’s Group. There was Ken Abramson’s ZX 81 exhibited in a plexiglass case – you could actually look inside and see the works! Also there were a disc…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.03.26
Introduction When Timex released its Technical Manual for the TS2068, we learned how to add memory to and switch between its three internal memory banks. This was wonderful stuff, and it’s given us many excellent TS2068 products long after the “profane world” thought that the Timex computer was dead. Still, if we think back, we…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.03.26
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
Those who’ve manipulated the nice orderly display file on the ZX-81/TS-1000 have been somewhat perplexed by the T/S 2068. Yes, the illustration on page 251 of the user’s manual that comes with the T/S 2068 does explain it. Still, most everyone reacts with the question, “Why?” This configuration was made to dovetail with the Z80…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
Before reading too far into this, go grab a newspaper or some other publication that has print laid out in narrow columns. Count the number of letters and blank spaces on several lines. Chances are, you’ll find that each line contains a DIFFERENT number of characters. This is done with a method called Proportional Printing.…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.02.26
Now we’ll return to the interrupt driven sprite program. When you type RANDOMIZE USR 64776 to start the program, the little sprite will bounce happily around the screen, and will keep bouncing, even while you type in your own BASIC programs and run them. While you run a BEEP command or do I/O to the…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.02.26
Now we’ll cover a couple of tricks we can do because the maskable interrupt is synchronized with the computer’s video output. Since we’re looking at interrupts and video, we should first take a quick look at how a video image is formed. A monochrome television or monitor can only produce a single tiny spot on…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.02.26
Now, it’s time to fire up your T/S 2068. Type in and RUN the listing below. This must be done with the original Timex ROMs in control. When the program runs, it will SAVE to tape a “TS2068 Enulator” program. The program will take a fairly long time to run before the SAVE message appears,…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.02.26
Non-Maskable Interrupts You’ll need an “NMI Switch”, RAM in the DOCK bank and the ability to copy the T/S 2068 HOME ROM to the RAM. Basically, the NMI works as follows. When the NMI line at the rear connector is brought momentarily to ground, the computer stops what its doing and starts executing code at…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.02.26
The interrupt driven print-screen program we’ve been playing with is just about “all used up” as a learning tool. Its main advantage was that it was very short, and could be easily entered. Unfortunately, it required a T/S 2040 printer to operate. Now we’ll learn some new things by working with an interrupt driven sprite…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.02.26
If you try to relocate the machine code to the same 16K memory block as the display file (16-32K), you will notice that the quality of the picture degrades badly when it’s running. The servicing of interrupt mode 2 confuses the hardware that generates the display, when both are trying to operate with the same…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.02.26
Or, The Joy Of Using Interrupts On Your Computer “All right”, comes the chorus, “what’s an interrupt, and why should I care?” I’ll admit, it’s possible to lead a normal, happy life even if you’ve never heard of an interrupt. But in that case, you’ll have missed something that’s at least lots of fun and,…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.02.26
How Does The Demonstrator Work? Pretty well! Seriously, let’s first look at what the demonstrator sets up in memory, and then we’ll see how it all works together. Understanding this description will require a bit of knowledge of machine code, but only a bit. The demonstrator has been written to be understood by as wide…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.02.26
The following will give you some idea of the differences between the Spectrum expansion bus and the 2068’s. This information will help you hack Spectrum hardware onto a 2068. If you’ve never looked at such things, some of the conventions may be unfamiliar. Names with a bar overhead (such as INT) are read “not INT”.…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
I have finished the code to make the Timex run under Gerton’s Z80 emulator and finally debugged the Series One interface code to work with the Timex 2068. The final product is changed greatly from the one that I demonstrated down in Dayton. The machine stack is located where it is suppose to be at…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
Last issue, SyncWare News printed a simple flow chart generating program. Our Editor issued the following challenges to our readers: 1). Reduce the memory required by the example program to the barest minimum, 2). Create a machine code equivalent of the example program, and/or 3). Write an equivalent program for the ZX81/TS1000 in either MC…
article, orig pub: 12.28.24, updated: 08.02.26
On reading the last Issue of Computerchat, I became Interested in the different methods used to create line 0s In listings. The easiest way lo do this is to write a line 1 and then POKE 23756,0. However any line 0 can be removed by POKE 23756,1 or whatever. I put my copyright message at…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
Here we are again, in the Machine Code Corner. This month, I am going to show you some ROM routines that use the TS2040 printer! But first, an apology. Last month, I gave you two routines that scrolled part of the screen left and right. For one reason or another, the BASIC loader did not…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.02.26
If you’ve examined some of your programs for any of the Sinclair computers containing machine code, you’ve probably seen machine code routines called in a variety of ways. The most common calls are: where “n” represents the address where the machine code is located. How do you know which way to call a USR routine?…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
Here is all you wanted to know about saving to tape but didn’t know where to look. Except for minor differences like speed, much of it applies to the microdrive and some disc files. One important function is not immediately evident: the ability to SAVE code from one location, then LOAD it back to another.…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
T/S TINYBOARD was begun as an experiment in how the MODEM works. The first step in the beginning was to find out about the hardware inside the Westridge MODEM. The controlling chip is an 8251 USART. Further information about the 8251 can be found in the Intel 8080 Users Manual. The software in its present…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
Had a couple of to PEOPLE aSK how make 2068 programs that start as soon as they are loaded. The answer to that one is simple but bears repeating. Simply add this LINE to your program: As simple as it may sound, some have had trouble BREAKing an autorun BASIC program on the 2068. On…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
Most programs require user interaction through the keyboard, and use the INPUT or INKEY$ functions to do this job. This article will discuss some alternative ways to input through the keyboard. Method #1 Hardware generated interrupts are used in the 2068 to update the TV frames counter and to scan the keyboard for pressed keys.…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
Some hams have difficulty using some color monitors with the T/S 2068. There are very good reasons for these difficulties. If the usual standards are not followed, less than perfect quality results. The trouble is deciding what are the usual standards when you are trying to build a computer which can be used any place…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
There have been a number of tips for the 2000 that have shown up at news letter meetings and in outside newsletters. The authors or sources of the tips are given credit where it is known. Tip 1: The Missing Legends If you look at the space above the number keys, you may notice that…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
Here is a program which you can merge with one you have written and which will print out a list of goodies such as how many bytes of BASIC, machine code and free space you have, where the character set you are using is located, et cetera. This program is for the TS 2068 and…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
The loader hex-decodes machine code into memory starting at 64768, then demonstrates a “window micro-scroll” routine: a bordered box is drawn on screen and its contents are scrolled up, then right, then diagonally, by repeated calls to RANDOMIZE USR scroll with the scroll window and direction set beforehand via POKE. BASIC Listing
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.02.26
I am sending copies of the proposed changes to the TS2068 home ROM to those shown on the end of the listing. After receiving comments I’ll send out copies and have the results published. If you have any comments, corrections, or additions please let me know. I am also collecting corrections to the extension ROM.…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
Custom functions for converting Microsoft BASIC LEFT$, RIGHT$, and MID$ to Sinclair BASIC.
article, orig pub: 02.04.24, updated: 08.02.26
STRING$ is a BASIC command used by some BASIC languages and is not the same as STR$. Knowing its meaning is necessary for SINCLAIR BASIC replacement. STRING$ is used to create strings made up of the same character in graphics, as for borders. You define the character and the desired number of repeats. SINCLAIR BASIC…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
There another use of the keyword "LINE" beside starting a program at that line when saving a program. If the word "LINE" is used with a string "INPUT", the input prompt is given without the usual quotation marks.
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
A stream is a dataflow in/out the program. Its home terminal is the program; its remote terminal is deliberately assigned to a channel. A channel is a ML program accessed by the BASIC program via streams. IT IS NOT AN EXTERNAL APPARATUS, like a modem or robot!! The ML program could govern an outside device…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
I’m sure that you all know by now how to drive your printers from a program; you simply replace your customary PRINT statement with a LPRINT statement. Simple, right? But what if you have a program which will print to the printer or to the screen at the user’s option? How do you program this…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
One area which peaked my interest is the idea of adding more memory. I was excited about the idea of going beyond that 72 K boundry. I was not quite ready to take a jump an add a full 64 K, but a leap to 16 K, maybe. I had one of John Oliger’s User…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.02.26
Ever been frustrated with the type of terminal programs available for your computers? Well some years ago, the only terminal programs available for the 2068 were MTERM & MTERM II, the slow key response of either program got to me, so I sat down and wrote my own. Perhaps some of you still remember the…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.02.26
Some more ramblings about things not fully covered in the TIMEX MANUAL this month. Looks like the time between newsletters is shrinking, or else I am to busy with other things. A look at what the Sinclair Manual has to say about mathematical functions which are also only covered in the Timex Manual in Appendices.…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
For this month lets check some of the other fine points of SINCLAIR BASIC not covered in the TIMEX MANUAL, and then some: I’m certain you know that everything that an INPUT statement writes goes to the bottom part of the screen, which acts somewhat independently of the top half. In particular, its lines are…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
I do not know how many of you ever seen the manual that comes with the SPECTRUM COMPUTER? It may surprise you, how much more this manual goes into details. Especially about certain functions which are covered in the TIMEX MANUAL only in appendices. Let’s talk about some of the ones not fully covered in…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
What’s new in the world of Sinclair Computers? Some time ago, one could at least get a hold of a magazine of some sorts to find out. Sure one would have to look for it, or perhaps order it from abroad, but at least there was something. I have not seen anything written about the…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
I mentioned in last month column that I would hope to have VU-Calc +80 all polished up for this month, but no such luck, I could not even find the time to look at it, and rather than publishing something not up to par, I decided to wait. I modified VU-CALC some years ago, but…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
Ever wonder what some of the intended functions for some of the keywords on your computer were? Like the MOVE, ERASE, CAT and FORMAT keys. Well when TIMEX came out with the 2068, there were some peripherals in the planing stage. Some were available before Timex bailed out of the computer market, like the 2020…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
It is not the case that all BASIC programs for the SPECTRUM will run as is on the 2068. The IN function will return different values when used to scan the keyboard. For example, with no keys pressed, the 2068 will return 31 while a SPECTRUM will return either 255 or 191 depending on the…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
In last month’s article, we inadvertently left out the printed circuit board layout, so here it is this month with our apologies. Also I have drawn a side view showing how the chips sit on the board. When installing the chips, always use great care in positioning the chips in the sockets. Generally, the width…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
One of the biggest drawbacks of the 2068 is the selection of software available for it. Timex pulled out a bit too soon before a good selection of software became available. With the project I describe here, You can run many Spectrum (48K) programs on your 2068 (ones that normally don’t run on your 2068)!…
article, orig pub: 01.14.23, updated: 08.01.26
Here are a selection of POKEs and ROM calls for the Spectrum that produce some interesting effects without upsetting the machine.
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
At the round-table discussion during the NW Mini-Fair it was suggested that the Timex community form national BBS/Electronic means communication. The “draft” following is of the announcement prepared for Ed Grey (it was posted on RMG’S BBS where Ed obtained copy). To all dedicated Timex/Sinclair users For Immediate Release As our user base seems to…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
Although we seem to concentrate on the TS2068, many if not all of us have some sort of Spectrum ROM or emulator on our TS2068 (or even QL and IBM PC). The following is a group of Sinclair Spectrum tips which were found in the September 1989 issue of the LISTing newsletter. These tips come…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
A COMMENT When writing an article I always try to do something which will encourage others to try their hand at learning to program for themself. While SOUNDER is a working program, it is open to improvement and I hope some of you will do just that. You may want to allow for larger files,…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
One of the things that caught my attention when I was deciding on which computer to buy three years ago was the fact that the 2068 had not one, but two means of producing sound. The “Spectrum Beep” and the sophisticated General Instrument PSG. Being that I am a musician of eight years, I wanted…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
It you look at the program below, you are inclined to doubt the good judgement of the author, putting “VAL” all over. But when you program it and compare it with the way it is normally written, you find that it uses 14 BASIC bytes (12 %) less than the conventional program with 139 bytes.…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.01.26
Here is a code for the 2068 that will produce snowflake-like patterns. Each run will produce a different pattern. The dendrites are produced on lines 80 to 160. The pattern is then developed from line 170 on, with the subroutine starting at line 300 making the copies of the different angles. The code will keep…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
Message #251 "SINCLAIR" Date: 10-Mar-90 15:54 From: Tim Ward To: A11 Subj: Public Domain Libraries, 1000 and 2068 Hello to all dedicated T/S Users. Tim Ward and Tony Willing have discovered the Sinclair Users Echo! Glad to be here and reading the messages. We just picked up MAXCOM and a 2068 LKDOS (from RMG Ent.,…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
The Sinclair Echo is now in the Seattle area, Puyallup to be precise. For those of you who use your modems the Echo will be of interest to you. Simply described the Echo provides Sinclair users with a way to contact other Sinclair users across the country without the large long-distance telephone bills. The system…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
As stated in part 1, the outputs of the Port or latch can drive LEDs directly however, it would be preferred to isolate the output circuitry using optoisolaters. Refer to diagrams. The Port circuit can be connected to eight (8) opto devices since their is adequate power from the 5 volt computer power supply. External…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 08.01.26
Before your T/S 2068 computer can be used to perform real tasks instead of playing games or to cary out simple calculations it needs some means for actuating external devices. Our simple Out Port provides the interface between the 2068 and whatever external item you wish to control (turn ‘on’ or ‘off’). The IC used…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
Our Friend Eric Yruegas sent this to me. THANKS! ERIC! This month I was rattin’ around my program files and found a few programs that I haven’t used in a while. I thought that I’d share them with you. Bold Characters The first is a short machine code routine that makes bold characters on the…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
See Mark Fisher’s article in the March/April issue of Sync magazine. The Timex/Sinclair has scroll controls as used in listing number 1. This program lists the addresses, character code, and symbols of the program, and scrolls until the last line is printed. The 2068 does not provide this continuous scroll unless a key is held…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
The SCROLL operation in the 1000 can be obtained in the 2068 by: Try using m=1 and m=2 to see what the difference is.
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
Screen Store Program for TS2068 Here’s a piece of a program that may interest some of your readers. It’s designed to store the screen contents of the TS 2068. The cute thing about the program is that it stores the machine code routine and the data together in one string (A$). With this approach you…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 08.01.26
Type in this program for the 48K Spectrum and save it as SAVE "ORGANISER" LINE 1. But do not forget that this program goes along with the SCREEN SPLITTER program by the same two people, and must have in memory the LOADCODE: BASIC Listing
article, orig pub: 07.24.25, updated: 08.01.26
Using this amazing Screen Splitting utility routine enables you to save a SCREEN$ in one of 30 different ways, combinations of top pixels, middle pixels, bottom pixels, and attributes. To show you what good value we offer you, this is two programs for the price of one. The main program lets you LOAD a screen…
article, orig pub: 07.05.24, updated: 08.01.26
Utility routine that enables you to save a SCREEN$ in one of 30 different ways, combinations of top pixels, middle pixels, bottom pixels, and attributes.
article, orig pub: 07.24.25, updated: 08.01.26
The following is a routine that will work on the TS 2068, and with address modifications, on the IS 1000. You can save screen displays, or use it to relocate a program in memory from one address to another. The program as it is written here, will allow three screen displays to be stored and…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.31.26
Many times a program is written that requires the input of data that is then used in some manner. If you then turn your computer off, the program and the data are lost, unless you SAVEd the entire program to tape or made a hard copy of the output of your program. However this leads…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.31.26
Have you ever written a BASIC program and have used up al! of the available memory and are still not finished? This happened to me a while back. I wrote a Macintosh type display program on Weld Design only to find about three fourths of the way through that I had only 320 bytes left.…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.31.26
MC – machine code program nameBasic – basic program nameScreen – screen string program name Load the program until the screen display is displayed then BREAK and LIST. This listing will give you the starting address of the machine code (found in the line RAND USR #), the name of the machine code and the…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.30.26
Many of you have purchased commercial programs that appear to be unlistable, yet they run fine. One of the ways to accomplish this is to use ‘buried’ color codes in the listing. What are buried color codes and how do I use them? They are the equivalent of the color commands you are used to…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.30.26
Relocates a machine code program to new location in RAM.
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.30.26
Detecting multiple keys on the TS1000.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.30.26
Your 2068 uses ports to scan its keyboard, as do all Sinclairs. Each uses the same addresses, but the data differs. As you know, Sinclair uses the CPU to scan its matrix keyboard. Forty keys, arranged as 8 half-rows of 5 keys each, provide all the functions. Additional keys simply connect parallel to a primary…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.30.26
Your TS2068 can display lines of 64 characters, more detailed color, or a completely separate display file. We show you how to activate these functions and plot hi-res (512×192) points. First, use program 1 to move system variables out of the area used by DFILE 2, change video mode, and clear DFILE 2. Timex supplied…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.30.26
The two joysticks are controlled via Register 14 (I/O Port A) of the Programmable Sound Generator Chip (see Sections 2.1.6 and 2.1.7 of the TS2068 Technical Manual). Address and data are passed via Ports 0F5H and 0F6H respectively. The joysticks are read by first addressing Register l4 in the PSG by writing a 14 (0EH)…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.30.26
In writing programs in Machine Code it is sometimes necessary to bring in data from a BASIC program or from direct input. A simple way is to go to M/C with RANDOMIZE X+USR 65000. That puts X on the calculator stack, from which it may be drawn and used within the M/C program. X may…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.30.26
by H. L. Schaaf A few months ago Duane Parker and I had been talking about random numbers. I told him about a program that I had done which gives the seed of any random number, that is to say it works in reverse of the random number generator. Others may also be interested, so…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.30.26
If you are looking for a way to rapidly store and retrieve an entire screen display, then this approach may be useful to you. It moves the 6912 bytes of the normal screen display file (DFILE) to an address in RAM, from which it may then be retrieved as one block of data and reinserted…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.29.26
MSCRIPT is a very useful program. This article is for improving MSCRIPT, although it does not change any of the coding. What we are going to do is make it load faster by transferring it to an EPROM. The following for putting MSCRIPT on an EPROM is only for the original tape version. It will…
article, orig pub: 06.13.22, updated: 07.29.26
ON ERR….. The ON ERR… command on the TS 2068 can be used to make your programs essentially “unbreakable”. If the first line of your program, for example, is: and there is a line 9000 of this sort; any time a “break” error occurs the program will “CONTINUE” Slightly nastier, and certainly terminal, is this…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.29.26
The statements in “Programming tips, part 2” apply to the 2068 as WELL. However, at additional tip for the long PRINT statement is the use of the print apostrophe, which moves the print position to the beginning of the next line regardless of the previous print position. The statement “Programming tips, part 2” can be…
article, orig pub: 02.07.21, updated: 07.29.26
Sometimes a programming problem can be easily solved by using certain tricks. Here are a few tips and techniques to help you possibly the next time you get stuck. I hope you will find them useful. The Save Problem To replace the message “Start tape then press Enter” you just need to POKE 26689,38. Try:…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.29.26
Sinclair Research Ltd., the UK home computer maker, it was reported, in the last issue was being purchased by Robert Maxwell. Mr Maxwell recent bid of 12M pounds has been withdrawn. An agreement has been reach with Thorn EMI, Timex, Datatech, AB Electronics, plus Barclays and Citibank Banks, once again pledging their support to the…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.29.26
Some tricks I have picked up over the years are ways to save memory on your TS Computer. This are great to know tricks when dealing with low memory systems like TS 1000, TS 1500 and ZX 81 computers. It is also helpful on the TS 2068 when the out of memory error appears. The…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.29.26
In honor of the “October is TS 2068 Month” movement, CATS is happy to present the following collection of tips, aids, and utilities which should prove helpful with any TS 2068 programming. These gems come to us from the archives of TIMELINEZ and SINC TIMES.
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 07.29.26
List of user groups that had contacted QuarTerS.
article, orig pub: 07.29.26, updated: 07.29.26
Supertape is a collection of programs specifically designed for the TS1000 computer. The tape is analogous to a magazine printed onto a cassette tape.
article, orig pub: 07.29.26, updated: 07.29.26
ATTRIBUTES & PRINT POSITION In the last issue we discussed the limitations of SCREEN$ in detecting and/or recognizing the presence of a character in the PRINT POSITION. We further defined PRINT POSITION as that block on the 32 X 24 grid of the screen where the very next character will be printed. PRINT POSITION is…
article, orig pub: 07.28.26, updated: 07.29.26
Finally, a speech synthesis program has come of age for us TS1000 users. It is also easy to use and affordable. The speech synthesis package consists of a 2K demonstration, which speaks “I am your computer” in repetition, a biorythym prediction program which also speaks your age based on your birthdate and the day’s date…
article, orig pub: 07.29.26, updated: 07.29.26
Upon loading the program auto-runs and you are faced choices with the menu. Five choices are subdivided into 2 categories. The first category gives you the choice of beginning a file, displaying the current file, and saving a file. tThe second category gives you two choices of printing in double or single spacing.
article, orig pub: 07.29.26, updated: 07.29.26
The map above shows’ thunderstorms reported by the National Weather Service. It was created by the TS2068 from data transmitted by CompuServe using the 2050 Modem and Smartterm II software.
article, orig pub: 07.28.26, updated: 07.28.26
It seems that you are the commander of an experimental space ship that is invisible to enemy ships’ detection. On your first voyage your. ship experiences an electrical fire which cripples the main engine, laser, and autopilot controls. Leaving you with only 30 pounds of fuel to operate with. The only controls’ that are functioning…
article, orig pub: 07.28.26, updated: 07.28.26