Unravel the mystery of Simultaneous Linear Equations, understand their practical applications, and see how these mathematical systems can unlock everyday puzzles.
article, orig pub: 08.11.25, updated: 08.11.25
Unleash the power of grey graphics characters for data plotting, with the same vertical resolution as PLOT commands. Discover how to plot in two shades, creating striking visual effects on a dark background.
article, orig pub: 08.09.25, updated: 08.09.25
This subroutine draws an unbroken line segment between pixel (X1,Y1) and (X2,Y2). It is based on the equation for a straight line, Y=M*X+B where M is the slope and B is the Y-intercept. First the slope is evaluated in line 1020, after making sure that (X2-X1) is non-zero (division by zero is a no-no). If…
article, orig pub: 08.09.25, updated: 08.09.25
This program converts between polar notation (magnitude and angle) and rectangular (or “Cartesian”) notation (“X” and “Y” values) of vector quantities and complex numbers. Many scientific calculators have this function, which often proves useful if you deal with vectors or phasors. On the ZX81, this can be accomplished quite easily using the SIN, COS, ArcTaN,…
article, orig pub: 08.08.25, updated: 08.08.25
Here’s a neat program that Bill has allowed us to print, hoping that some of you will avail yourselves of his other programs. Drop him a line at the above address for his current product list. This program, like all Soft-way programs, is tightly coded and numbered consecutively. You may wish to re-number using a…
article, orig pub: 08.05.25, updated: 08.07.25
Sinclair brought the ZX81 to the show, even though the company does not and will not have a dealer network. Mary Reinman of Sinclair said the company was at CES to get exposure and allow company leaders to meet with others in the industry.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.07.25
You may have wanted to change RAMTOP without wiping out what you have in memory. It is not enough to simply POKE 16388 and 16389 with the desired RAMTOP, since the machine-code stack stays in the same place until you relocate them using NEW. Several “fixes” have been reported, including one using a ROM call…
article, orig pub: 08.03.25, updated: 08.04.25
This simulation of the Acey Ducey card game. In the game, the dealer (the computer), deals two cards face up. You have an option to bet or not to bet depending whether or not you feel the next card dealt will have a value between the first two. Your initial money is set at $100.…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.03.25
I have always been intimidated by computers, and mathematics in general. One look at the Sinclair ZX-80, and I was confused. It wasn’t what I had expected; there were no blinking lights, or humming, and no rows of ceiling high, pulsing units. It looked nothing like my 1950’s science fiction concept of a computer. The…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.03.25
30 Programs for the Sinclair ZX-80, by Melbourne House, Glebe Cottage, Glebe House, Station Road, Cheddington, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, England, distributed in the United States by Image Computer products, 615 Academy Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062, 111 pages, paperback $14.95. 1980. 30 Programs for the Sinclair ZX 80 published by Melbourne House, contains games and utilities…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 08.03.25
Here’s that article, promised in issue 1:3, to help get new 64K RAM owners off the ground. Since the Z80 has 16 address lines, the number of possible address combinations is 2**16=65536 (or 64K, or 10000h; one greater than FFFFh, the highest address). If we look at the possible states of A14 and A15 (the…
article, orig pub: 08.02.25, updated: 08.03.25
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: 08.02.25
The 16K Hot-Z II has a minor “bug” which causes the program to wipe the bytes from 8000h-8020h when you QUIT the program. If you’re storing complete BASIC programs in the 8009-BFFF range, this will “eat” some system variables stored up there. The author supplies this fix: load HOT-Z, and then use it to load…
article, orig pub: 08.02.25, updated: 08.02.25
Here is a program that demonstrates a simple yet effective way to get analog information (data) into your ZX81/TS1000/TS1500 computer, with a minimum of additional hardware. Also included are various plot and display routines so you can get visual and printed output of your acquired data. Along the way it will show you various “tricks”…
article, orig pub: 08.02.25, updated: 08.02.25
The easiest way to connect your computer to a monitor is to simply take the composite video signal from pin 16 of the ULA (“SCL” chip). Since this isn’t capable of much power delivery, it will only work in the “high-impedance” input setting. If your monitor doesn’t have a Hi/Lo-Z switch, open the monitor and…
article, orig pub: 08.02.25, updated: 08.02.25
So far in “The Custom T/S,” I’ve shown you how to overcome problems with all three of the little inline jacks on the left side of your computer, with fixes that handle trouble with power input and tape-recorder functions. There’s only one other connection (other than the rear edge-connector) left to cause any grief; the…
article, orig pub: 08.02.25, updated: 08.02.25
One of the advantages of building a ZX81 from a kit was that you got a schematic with the manual, and you gained some insight into how the machine worked as you put it together. It was evident, for example, that the computer was missing some memory from 8K to 16K — an area transparent…
article, orig pub: 08.02.25, updated: 08.02.25
If you have a VOTEM, or if this article talks you into buying one, here is a simple modification which will extend the board’s utility further, and allow you to start LOADing a program from tape, flip a switch when the loading bars appear on the screen, and walk away; when the program has loaded,…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.02.25
It was interesting to see in page 10 of the 1:1a issue of SyncWare News, a joystick circuit that is a variation of a circuit which I have been using since I customized my Sinclair ZX81 in the summer of 1982. When I moved the ZX PCB in a large keyboard case, together with a…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
Here are a couple articles that introduce you to control applications for the T/S computers (ZX81, TS1000, TS1500) with a minimum of effort and (best of all) at reasonable cost. Before we control something with a computer, we usually need some way of getting information back to the computer; ie, to control an oven, the…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
Yes, folks, there’s plenty of room left in even your tiny “stock” case to include re-chargeable BBU INSIDE THE COMPUTER. This makes it immune even to pulling the plug! My 16K machine has the BBU circuit, exactly as above, “under the hood.” I must say that using AA cells makes things rather tight, and it…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
Onward to replacing our good old wall-plug power supply with something more substantial. You have several ways to go, and I’ll try to touch on some of them here. BE CAREFUL as in this project we’ll be dealing with “raw electricity.” Not to scare you off, but “follow the rules” about insulating connections, observing polarities,…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
Now we’ll make some changes and additions to “El Cheapo BBU” that will allow us to use rechargeable “NiCad” cells to provide back-up protection and short-term (up to an hour or so) portable use of your ZX81/TS1000 machine. This approach uses your good old T/S wall-plug supply to power the computer WHILE KEEPING THE BATTERIES…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
The circuit shown is the simplest scheme possible to provide power-down protection for your ZX/TS. You just need a battery holder capable of holding six “one-life” batteries (AA, C or D size), a few silicon diodes (GE531, Radio Shack 276-1141, or other 50 PIV, 2A silicon rectifier) and an on-off switch. An enclosure, some zip…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
It’s sad but true that the ZX81/TS1000 machines tend to be sensitive to overheating in the summer. With a solderless mod, you can in most cases cure the “summertime blues.” No, there’s no drilling and carving involved either. Most overheating problems can be attributed to the “workhorse” chip, or ULA (Uncommitted Logic Array) that co-ordinates…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
Let’s start our series on T/S reliability improvement with some simple but effective ways to make your basic machine virtually crashproof. If you’ve been using your machine for a while you’ve probably had times when the computer suddenly dies and nothing short of starting over will bring it back. I won’t belabor how annoying this…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
It’s a snap to connect an Atari-type joystick to the ZX81/TS1000; all it takes is direct connection to the keyboard lines. The problem with this is that only certain combinations are possible, and you cannot hook it up so that the joystick controls the “arrow” keys 5-8; as a result, software written for the computer,…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
When it comes right down to it, there’s not much the ZX/TS computers can be criticized for. The commonest complaints about the machine are that, by its construction, it is quite prone to crashing (often at a very wrong time) as a result of physical movement. RAM packs are a prime candidate, or anything else…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
Well, folks, we were scooped by James Grosjean in SYNC magazine on the planned subject for this issue. So I’ll refer you to SYNC 3:5 page 80 for all kinds of nifty ways (some of which I hadn’t thought of) to save memory in your programs. We can thus go on to the next step…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
One of the big advantages of the T/S machine is also one of its disadvantages; its five-byte floating point binary numbers allow for 10-place decimal accuracy, but take more space to store than four-byte numbers, What’s more, its BASIC uses floating point numbers, allowing calculated GOTO/GOSUB, FOR/NEXT in fractional steps, and other nifty things, But…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
An important consideration in programming personal computers is memory economy. Unlike the big main-frames that offer virtually unlimited storage, you have only a limited RAM space at your ready disposal. Anyone who’s tackled a large project knows just how small 16K can seem. Fortunately, there are a few relatively “mechanical” techniques you can use to…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
The Memotech WP “Memotext” is the best one I’ve seen for the ZX81/TS1000 to date (and as of Thanksgiving, 1984, still is-ed.); after owning one for some time I can’t imagine life without it. Unfortunately, Memotech only provides the bare minimum of documentation and support needed to get your system working; there is little or…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
So, now that we can do screen dumps and engage the various printer control functions, how about a word processor? Sorry folks, but this is where your BASIC fails you utterly. It is just too slow for most people, especially if there is any input checking. So while there have been several valiant attempts at…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
If you took the trouble to enter an alternate conversion table as described in the last issue, you already have the most of what it takes to do a screen dump. The BASIC “DEMO” listing below, shows the required subroutine at lines 7000-7120. Whenever you want a copy of the screen printed out, GOSUB 7000…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
In this series of articles, I’ll try to give you some information to help you use your printer system “to the max.” We’ll start with a discussion of the ASCII character set, and follow with some information about the Memotech Centronics Interface (CIF) which will demonstrate rudimentary methods of controlling the operation of your printer,…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
I won’t spend much time or space extolling the virtues of a “big” printer for your ZX/TS computer. Suffice it to say that a full-width printer can be the most useful investment you make since you first bought your computer. Such printers allow you to print full-width text and program listings in a variety of…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
by Gary Smith(C) 1983 HAWG WILD Software PO Box 7668 Little Rock, AR 72217 Chet Lambert, the publisher/editor/copyboy/ etc. of COMPUTER TRADER has prompted this article. At first, I resisted because of my identification with FORTH, but relented because there is a need to share information. So there is no misunderstanding, the home computerist’s supply…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
by Gary Smith(C) 1984PO Box 7668 Little Rock, AR 72217 Right now this column is little more than an idea that has been tossed about by myself and your Story Compiler, Fred Nachbaur. Whether is becomes a reality, and a continuing contribution to “SyncWare News” is strictly up to you, the reader. I suppose before…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
I’m sure that many of you have heard rumblings or seen ads for a new computer language called “FORTH,” and are wondering what this is all about. The claims made for it are quite impressive; FORTH enthusiasts are almost evangelical in getting this tool known and used. Three versions (that I know of) exist for…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
With this issue, we start a “mini-series” on improving cassette reliability. I’m sure you’ll agree that unreliable LOADs are perhaps one of the most frustrating aspects of personal computing. With a little knowledge about the SAVE/LOAD process, we can take steps to save ourselves a lot of grief. We’ll start the series with a discussion…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
Had it been possible for SWN to adhere to its originally intended publication schedule, you would have seen a review on this toolkit in the Nov/Dec issue, and a new product announcement and ad in the next issue; this one would have contained the update announcement, But things didn’t work out that way, so now…
article, orig pub: 08.01.25, updated: 08.01.25
Radio Shack’s Thermal paper for their TP-10 (#26-1332) at $5.95 here (Canada) fits the Timex 2040 fine with a bit of squashed corrugated paper at each end, CAI’s paper for their 40 char, printer is the right size. Both are considerably cheaper than the Timex paper, and easier to obtain.
article, orig pub: 07.31.25, updated: 08.01.25
I can recommend the Bantam book (paperback, March 1983 @ $3.95) “Mastering Your Timex/Sinclair 1000 Personal Computer” by Tim Hartnell and Dilwyn Jones, If a convention were made that “A” is “Attracted”, “B” is “Beginner”, “C” is “Coming on well”, “D” is “Dependable” and “E” is “Elegant”, then this book is for A through B…
article, orig pub: 07.31.25, updated: 07.31.25
SWN being a technically oriented magazine, it is very fitting to review various hardware efforts reported in other magazines, that may or may not have caught your eye. The unfinished series started in Syntax Quarterly Magazine Winter 1982, by John Oliger, 11601 Whidbey Drive, Cumberland, In. 46229, stands out from the crowd as far as…
article, orig pub: 07.31.25, updated: 07.31.25
By now you should have a pretty good idea of what I’ve been doing; so what’s ol’ Tom been up to? Well, instead of a much-deserved rest from high math writing, Tom has been busy upgrading his hardware with the Oliger system, Starting out as a self described “electronics duffer,” he has succeeded in getting…
article, orig pub: 07.31.25, updated: 07.31.25
Finally! A product that is easy and Straightforward to review. I’m speaking of the BB-1 control module from Byte-Back, Rt. 3 Box 147 Brodie Road, Leesville, SC 29070. It is easy to review because it is easy to understand, easy to build and easy to implement. When you open the package, you find all your…
article, orig pub: 07.31.25, updated: 07.31.25
I’ll start out the software part of the reviews with a package you may have seen the ad for and been a little leery of: a software-only high-resolution program for the ZX81 that sounds too good to be true. After all, how could it possibly do the same thing as those $100 add-ons that turn…
article, orig pub: 07.31.25, updated: 07.31.25
Paul Hunter of 1630 Forest Hills Dr., Okemos, Mi, 48864, with whom I’ve had the pleasure to converse, is a very congenial chap (English accent and all). He has designed an unique add-on board (written up in various magazines), in particular, the Nonvolatile RAM Board, Based on the 2K 6116-P3 chip (low power CMOS) and…
article, orig pub: 07.31.25, updated: 07.31.25
This comes as a sequel to last issues not-a-review on this program, It became apparent to me that I was not the only person that had to reread the Hot Z manual in order to absorb the necessary information. When I got my original version 1.3, about 2 years ago, I was confounded by all…
article, orig pub: 07.31.25, updated: 07.31.25
You may have heard of HOT Z and its decendent, HOT Z-II, and wondered why you haven’t seen any reviews on it. I’ve noticed that other publications are promising reviews “in the next issue,” so I gather others are having the same problem we are; HOT Z is a very difficult program to do justice…
article, orig pub: 07.31.25, updated: 07.31.25
Report Generator BoardENER-Z CompanyPO Box 635Port Washington, PA 19034 FEATURES: Real-time clock, A/D, I/O Ports, parallel printer interfacePRICE: US$ 89.95 A&T, $59.95 kit If you could buy only one peripheral which would let your ZX/TS communicate with the real world, Ener-Z’s Report Generator just might be it. The board’s features include a real-time clock, analog…
article, orig pub: 07.31.25, updated: 07.31.25
Memotext Memotech Corp.99 Cabot StreetNeedham, MA 02194 This word-processor from MEMOTECH is a tough thing to review, as it would take more space than I’ve got left to cover all its features. Sim ply Stated, it is a marvellous piece of work. You could compare Memotext (M/T) against commercial word processors for fancier machines costing…
article, orig pub: 07.31.25, updated: 07.31.25
Well, now you know that SWN is among the publications that survived the Timex “crash.” Thank God that we’re not the only one, though; we are extremely fortunate to have several respectable publications that still support “our” machines, But first, who didn’t make it? At the top of the list, of course, is SYNC Magazine.…
article, orig pub: 07.31.25, updated: 07.31.25
Three years ago, I received my first ZX81 computer kit in the mail. Only three short years ago, I considered myself a computer illiterate. Since then, things have changed somewhat; but before I tell you about that, let me backtrack a little. I hope that in doing so I might help encourage some of you…
article, orig pub: 07.28.25, updated: 07.31.25
Shortly after SWN 1:4 was mailed, letters started coming in from concerned readers, encouraging us to continue publishing. It is largely thanks to those individuals that I can make the following announcement: SyncWare News will continue into its second volume. We have been convinced that there is still plenty of interest in the TS machines,…
article, orig pub: 07.29.25, updated: 07.31.25
As with Fred, my entry into computers came about three years ago, but my reasons were slightly different. A change of jobs brought. me into the computer era, Several college courses in programming and numerical methods helped bring me up to speed. My ZX81 gave me a real edge over my classmates though. Not only…
article, orig pub: 07.28.25, updated: 07.31.25
Well, here it is. You can read Timex 2068 Oliger disks with a QL with nothing more then a disk interface and ToolKit II. This is made easy due to the simplicity of the methods used to store information on the 2068 JLO system. At this time and present configuration a “basic” read is all…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.28.25
I received a pleasant surprise about Thursday of last week, Pete Fischer, co-author of the Telecommunications Guide for Timex Computers, sent me three disks and a letter. | was pleased with all three disks, and was very interested in what he had to say. Some of it you will now find out: Hello David, I…
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.28.25
You are all cordially invited to attend THE THIRD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL/GREAT NW TS MINI-FAIR to be held at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Portland, OR, on August 6th and 7th of this year. As planned, this two day event should be the high point of your 1988 computing year! Plans include the following: SEMINARS: Speakers committed…
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.27.25
Naturally during the weekends, I put in some time on the modem downloading some software and utilities that I am not familiar with. Most of these, from the FUKUG MBBS & PSDE, have become quite handy for me to have. They have become so handy that I have changed my normal BOOT disk to contain…
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.27.25
Please come to the April meeting for a demonstration of the Amstrad PPC 640 Portable Personal Computer. Priced at less than $1000, the new laptop is as full-featured as any Desktop PC compatible, right down to the no-compromise keyboard. Yet you can run it from the cigarette lighter in your car, as well as (by…
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.27.25
John Battey, our Dallas edition editor, has taken on a new employer, and therefore new responsibilities, many of them ‘on the road’. John states that he had a great time as co-editor, but regretfully, will be unable to continue production of the newsletter. We fully understand the call of a career, and wish him well…
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.27.25
I found a fascinating article by David Barry from the St. Louis Osborne Group on the CP/M memory map and how various Iocations are used. It was even simple, enough that I grasped it the first time! Did you ever want to get a directory while in the middle of something like PIP or COPY?…
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.27.25
I am just back from the Orlando Winter Fest where all TS-2068 and QL products were selling like hot-cakes. Even this old cheap skate bought a QL plus about $400.00 of accessories. How gotta enter the learning curve again, durn it! Due to the vigor and numbers of the QL users, and the fact that…
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.27.25
Did you ever want to clear just the bottom portion of the screen during a BASIC program? Perhaps you have a title across the top line or two and would like for it to remain during the entire program. This little six byte machine code routine will allow just that. That’s right SIX BYTES! Actually…
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.27.25
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: 07.27.25
The first time I knew that CP/M was available to us via the AERCO disk system and the ZEBRA FDD 3000, I wondered what version of CP/M it was. I soon found out it was CP/M 2.2. 1 spoke with Ron Lane, SYSOP of the FWKUG MBBS & PSDE, and he told me that as…
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.27.25
The last time I said that we needed to get going on the main module of the program, but it was going to take more than I thought it would. Now I have decided exactly what I want in the MENU module, which is part of the main module.
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.27.25
The CP/M resident DIR command is very limited. Files are listed in the order they vere put on the disk, unless you run a program to alphabetize the directory. File size isn’t shown. Remaining directory and disk space isn’t shown.
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.27.25
I wanted to try backing the form in my printer, but the Gemini 10X doesn’t have the capability. If there is anyone out there with that capability, give it a try and let me know the results. I might just have to get that printer. A couple of hints for MSCRIPT IF you write a…
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.27.25
How would you like a dirt-cheap computer system that has a real keyboard, high-res (256×192) or very-high-res (640×256) screen display, runs fast, has oodles of memory (typically 256K), hardware options up the gazpp, and firmly yet gracefully thumbs its nose at Big Blue? What if this computer had TONS of public-domain software and shareware available…
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.27.25
To determine the address of ‘UPLOAD’, PEEK 16511 + 256 x PEEK 16512 + 4 using a direct command. Then add this number to 16514. The result will be the required address. In my example there are no extra bytes in 1 REM. Therefore the PEEK would give 86. 16514 + 86 = 16600.
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.27.25
The meeting was the joint meeting of the Fort Worth and Dallas Timex/Sinclair groups. The Fort Worth contingency made it to the Dallas Infomart at approximately 1030 A.M., the starting time of the Dallas meeting. There was a confusion of time elements for the joint meeting. We (Chuck Dawson, Frank Bouldin, and myself, David Baulch)…
article, orig pub: 07.27.25, updated: 07.27.25
There has been quite a bit on my mind as of late, and of course, it involves the Timex computers we all know and love. I have been reading, with ə great deal of skepticism, other newsletters that have been be-littling the CP/M mode that you can have with the Aerco Disk system, the Zebra…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.27.25
Here is a little function, which may be placed at the beginning or within a machine code program, to stop the program until the tape player starts inputting data. Where XXXX represents the address. This is a routine to set RAMTOP and then install your machine code above it. As an example, let’s say that…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
In the days of David AhI’s Creative Computing, they occasionally published a test of computation speed and accuracy. The algorithm is repeated here in Sinclair Basic. Timex/Sinclair computers are not speed demons, but they are not bad as number crunchers.
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
A long time ago I saw a note by Mike de Sosa on the lack of the VAL string function on the QL. At the time Į didn’t have one, but with the recent price cuts I’ve added a QL to my “home for orphan computers”. Although I ordered one with software and QL User…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
These were inadvertently left out from the original MAILBAG. I think they needed to be added in. I, again, am attempting to show many people how busy and informative the FWKUG MBBS & PSDE really is. When you have this type of a BBS in your area, I highly suggest that you patronize on a…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
The following program was written on an old model Zebra Disk Drive. Owners of the-newer FDD 3000 may wish to run this program and report on the results. I don’t know whether there are any software differences between the two models. The disk drive controller formats the 3 inch disk into 40 tracks, numbered 0…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
During this month I have, upon occasion, found myself coming across some problems and not being able to figure them out. But, little by little, I am using my computer and learning a bit more about using the CP/M disk system. I had asked Charles Stelding and Chuck Dawson about how you go adding the…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
I read the “new” ASK CHUCK column for this month. I was curious about the DEL.EXE or ERA.EXE which is similar to my DEL..COM and ERA. I, too can call up only certain files on the directory if I ask for those. Then I can erase them all at one time, or one at a…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
CP/M is dead; long live CP/M. Just as the funeral peroration for CP/M was fading in our ears, there came a small jubilant horn toot out ot the south-west and west (Dallas and Los Altos) reporting sightings of unusual news from Winnipeg about products from Redding and Campbell (Californias, you all!). To wit: Zilog, Inc.,…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
With only 8K of ROM in the TS/1000 it’s little wonder that it hasn’t a verify command. This little program will take care of that omission. This routine is based on the LOAD routine in ROM. The change is when a byte is read off the tape. Instead of putting the byte into the appropriate…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
When writing in Pascal, you should use what is called the. *top-down” design method using modular building blacks. The top-down method is building your programs in modules using levels of work.
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
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: 07.26.25
Here are two hints and two routines which you might find useful.
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
Chuck Dawson answers questions about MS Basic.
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
When I picked up the MARCH 1988 issue of the COMPUTER SHOPPER from my mailbox, what did I see on the cover but the new AMSTRAD PC 1640 snd a banner proclaiming “SIR CLIVE RETURNS WITH NEW LAPTOP”. Of course, the first thing I read was the review of the Amstrad 1640. Reviewer Rich Fields…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
I have become aware in the last few months of the demise of the Timex computers. I know that it truly took place about three years ago, but it seems to have risen again. I also know that I have commented about this before, but bear with me as I comment on it again. We…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
We had a very small turnout, possibly because this was the first time in a while that the weather was so nice. Ellis Saunders was unable to make the meeting because of a prior commitment. Others have just been lax. in attendance. Chuck Dawson started us on the discussion section of the meeting anyway. Fred…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
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: 07.26.25
In the December issue of the newsletter, John Battey, my CO-EDITOR, came up with an exceptional program called OVERLOADER. When you download an ASCII file that is longer that the 15500 bytes that will comfortably fit in an MSCRIPT file, you must divide that file. John came up with an appropriate program to allow the…
article, orig pub: 07.26.25, updated: 07.26.25
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: 07.26.25
Why would one want to relocate machine code? Many M/C programs written for the 2068 are located in the same area of RAM. Sometimes one might want to use both if they can be used that way. If you relocate one, you may be able to use both. I had previously purchased the ZEAL disassembler…
article, orig pub: 07.24.25, updated: 07.25.25
Ron Havlen (Editor of the Zebra FDD Newsletter) has adapted two CP/M telecommunications terminal programs to the Zebra FDD system (CP/M mode only). This allows the Zebra FDD users to download and use public domain CP/M software with their systems.
article, orig pub: 07.24.25, updated: 07.24.25
Customized MScript Version 6 is still in the works. In some, ways it’ll be a whole new program. I’m in the process of totally re-writing the Mscript machine code… not an easy task. I hope to find and correct some of the quirks and inconsistencies that have existed in Mscript since the beginning.
article, orig pub: 07.24.25, updated: 07.24.25
THE PURGE So who’s left? Did you get a MAC II for Christmas? I’m updating my mailing list. If you want to remain on it, please say so. NEW CATALOG I’m not budgeted to do mass-mailings of my catalog. It gets revised frequently. Whenever you want the latest FAIRWARE catalog, please send $1.00 and a…
article, orig pub: 07.24.25, updated: 07.24.25
Have you even wondered how other computer owners get their machines to do something when they do not have BASIC in the ROM like the Sinclair and Timex does. Where do you put the command line? The answer is by using a utility like SUBREN. All this does is chain a number of programs or…
article, orig pub: 07.24.25, updated: 07.24.25
I said that last time we might actually begin writting a program in PASCAL using the JRT PASCAL system for CP/M and the AERCO RP/M disk system. What I am going to do is to actually “walk” you through a demo program, and a very simple one, that will show you what actually takes place…
article, orig pub: 07.24.25, updated: 07.24.25
Simple terminal program. Reprinted from the May 1988 issue of Nite-Time News, which itself was reprinted from the Data Expansion, the newsletter of the Dallas/Fort Worth group.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.24.25
The QL, for all its power and versatility, is limited in telecommunicating at 300 baud without a hardware link between the serial port and the modem. Michael Mitchell submitted the following. It will get you on line at 300 (or even 1200) baud with a Hayes compatible modem.
article, orig pub: 07.24.25, updated: 07.24.25
I wrote this program one day while trying to figure out how to read the TS 1000 display file. The point of this program is to figure out what is on the screen at a particular print position. It’s a game of driving a jeep through a minefield. Use arrow keys to avoid the mines.…
article, orig pub: 07.24.25, updated: 07.24.25
Utility routine that enables you to save a SCREEN$ in one of 30 different ways, combinations of top pixels, middle pixels, bottom pixels, and attributes.
article, orig pub: 07.05.24, updated: 07.24.25
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.
article, orig pub: 07.24.25, updated: 07.24.25
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: 07.24.25
The meeting convened in MEETING ROOM ‘A* of the Fort worth Public Library at 300 Taylor Street in downtown Fort Worth. The next meeting is scheduled for MARCH 12, 1988 in MEETING ROOM “A”. The meetings are on the second Saturday of every month from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. The meetings are open to…
article, orig pub: 07.24.25, updated: 07.24.25
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: 07.24.25
4K and 8K ROM Command Conversions 4K and 8KROM Command Conversions In the last issue of SYNC (1 :6) I began a discussion of the conversion of programs from the 4K Integer Basic to the 8K F.P. (Floating Point) Basic and covered expressions and functions. In this issue I will conclude the discussion by detailing…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.22.25
How to check for defective 8K ROM.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.22.25
MicroAce Discontinues U.S. Operations; Sinclair to Replace Defective MicroAce 8K ROMs; Sinclair Policy Change on Technical Phone Inquiries; Sync Notes U.K. Win a 1000 pounds
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.22.25
8K ROM Double Images; Taxman; An Inventory System; Hampson's Plane; Flag Use Tip; ZX80/81 World; The Great Circle Route.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.22.25
David describes the ways he uses his TS 2068 in his business.
article, orig pub: 02.20.24, updated: 07.17.25
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: 07.15.25
A fun crossword featuring the Timex/Sinclair computers.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
This is a look at the DEF FN keyword of Sinclair BASIC and its companion function FN because it was a feature I used very little, and that I recently dug into and found some surprises.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
As mentioned previously, I was drawn to computers for their mathematical side rather than games. When looking through the newsletters that David Anderson has scanned and posted to The Internet Archive, I ran across a number of math articles and I thought I would document them here.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I thought about playing more with sound on the ZX81 or T/S 2068. The Zon X-81 and the T/S 2068 both use the AY-3-8910 Programmable Sound Generator (PSG) and they both interface with the PSG by using the PSG registers, so any sound settings will be usable on both. I tried the SOUND command on…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
Dr. Beep (Johan Koelman) has released 1K versions of two classic arcade games, Asteroids and Missile Command. These games are normal resolution games that fit in 1K (vs his Hi-Res 1K games).
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I like good documentation. With the QL, as I used different software, like the Small-C or C68 compilers, I reformatted their documentation with a word processor like OpenOffice. This produced a nice, professional looking document.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
The Digital Antiquarian is a blog written by Jimmy Maher. His main interest is the history of interactive fiction, what was originally known as computer adventure games. He titled his blog with the tag line of “A history of computer entertainment and digital culture.” His blog covers the topic from as far back as 1966…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
As I was reading some computer history articles, I was thinking about porting some older BASIC software to Sinclair systems. I was looking at ELIZA, “The Oregon Trail”, and others. When looking at these programs, modifications must be made to convert the syntax of the BASIC programs to meet the syntax of Sinclair BASIC.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
While trolling the Internet, I came across the ROM file for the Memotech Memocalc expansion unit. I’m always a sucker for another Sinclair spreadsheet, so I downloaded the ROM file and the manual.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I have previously expressed my interest in using Sinclair computers for more serious work and not just playing games. I’ve been collecting any Sinclair related books that are more into the scientific side. While digging around the book archive of the “World of Spectrum” website, I found a couple of books that led me to…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I’m not much into hardware, but I believe that things should be documented. After some discussions during the T/S group Zoom meetings, I thought I would see about documenting some ZX81 and T/S 1000 hardware aspects. On the Sinclair ZX World forums there is a fair bit of information about ZX81’s. Those folks are much…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
With the recent lunar eclipse (March 2025) I was thinking about astronomy software for the T/S 2068. One author that did a program for solar and lunar eclipses was Imre Auersbacher.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I’ve been using the tool ZXPaintyOne to create ZX81 graphics. The tool creates a long string of numbers to represent the value of the characters painted on the screen. I wrote zxpaintl.c to take the output of ZXPaintyOne and create a screen file (.scr) that could be directly loaded into the ZX81. I wrote zxpaint2.c…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
Sue Currier came from Australia to the United States to pursue a career in modeling. She was discovered by the Eileen Ford Agency in Melbourne. She flew to New York City to sign with them and worked with them from 1971 to 1974. In 1974, Sue married Ken Currier on the 86th floor Observation deck…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I’ve been interested in dice mathematically for years. In wargaming, you win or lose based on the results of a 6-sided die. A role-playing game that I used to tinker with used multiple 6-sided die instead of multiple-sided dice. Back then I wanted to determine a percentile based on a two-die roll. I wrote a…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
n looking through the downloadable programs on timexsinclair.com, I found a memory scan program that provided a graphical view of the contents of memory. I thought I would try something similar for the ZX81.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
Carlos Delhez, writer of Xtricator and Xtender ZX81 emulators, wrote a programming tool that provides an updated version of BASIC for the ZX81, Coral Basic Interpreter (CBI). CBI lets you enter BASIC programs without keyboard entry, meaning that all keywords need to be typed out.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
The hard copy of Issue #11 went well. There were a number of people that were part of the T/S group but not regular attendees to the Zoom meetings, for these folks it was a surprise to see the hard copy show up their mailbox. A few copies also made their way to a number…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
While working on a game project, I needed a way to time what a user was doing, all in Z80 assembly. The ZX81 does not have a clock mechanism, but it has something close.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
Not too long ago I discovered the Dr. Beep did a 1K version of Othello. I thought I would look into the game and see how good it is. The game will play either the white or the black side. It uses high resolution graphics to display the board. The whole game fits into 893…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
A bunch of years ago, in the process of building timexsinclair.com, I added some disassemblies of the Timex/Sinclair 2068 ROMs to the site. I was never too happy with them because there were whole passages without comments. A few years later, I added some new disassemblies, one by Bob Orrfelt, the other by Lloyd Dreger.…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
One of the modules that Memotech created for the ZX81 was the Z80 Assembler that plugged into the back of ZX81. The assembler had a menu system that allowed the user to create, edit, list and compile z80 assembler programs.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
QZX newsletter was a Sinclair newsletter for folks that like HAM or amateur radios. The idea was to combine radios with Sinclair computers.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
ZXBETA is a music tracker software for the ZX81 with the ZonX-81 sound system. The user guide and tutorial was published on my website a few months after the last issue of ZXzine, but I thought I would document it here for those that might have missed the announcement.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
In early 1985, Tom Bent released an EPROM with an upgraded version of the ZX81/T/S 1000 ROM. It was released as the “Sinclair ZX 8K ROM Upgrade”. The package contained an EPROM and an adapter board to fit the ROM into the socket of the old ROM.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
MSCRIPT is the only word processor that uses the 64 character mode on the T/S 2068. When released it was also the most expensive word process for the T/S 2068.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I have been active in the T/S community since I first joined a user group in 1986. I have subscribed to a number of Sinclair magazines and newsletters since 1982. When I started digging a bit into T/S 2068 assembly programming and the ROM, I was surprised to find the works of Dr. Lloyd Dreger.…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I had the urge to port a few more games from the Speccy to the T/S 2068. This time I wanted to do more than just a demo game. I browsed the web looking for Spectrum games with assembly source code. I ran across two programs from Jonathan Cauldwell, Area 51 and Turbomania.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I have long found it challenging to learn Z80 assembly language. I read Z80 Assembly Language Programming by Lance Leventhal and Programming the Z80 by Rodney Zaks. Both were good but were not specific to the ZX81, so it was difficult to apply what I learned to my computer.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I recently started getting into the game of Gomoku and wrote a paper on the history of computer implementations of Gomoku. I ran across a number of version of Gomoku written in BASIC.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
With a lot of Open Source programs, finding good documentation can be hard. Juan Duran has fixed that problem for Boriel’s ZX Basic with his recent book. The book was released in December 2023 in Spanish and in English in June 2024. The book is large with 678 pages.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
When the T/S 1500 was released, Timex also released the T/S 1510 cartridge system. The T/S 1510 was a cartridge dock that plugged into a 1500 or 1000. Game cartridges were then plugged into the dock and when the 1500 was powered up, the game on the cartridge started up. For the 1000, a USR…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
The TS Pico story starts in 2021, when Ricardo Calcagno emailed me to ask if anyone had designed a modern alternative to the disk systems that were once available for the Timex/Sinclair 2068.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
At the Timex/Sinclair User Group zoom meetings there has been discussion of a printed magazine with ZXzine suggested as the source. I am hoping to get others to write for this print version to make it more encompassing of the T/S scene.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I thought I would take another crack at TimeMachine, the Basic compiler for the T/S 2068 and with some pointers from David Anderson, I was able to get it working. Here is how I got it working on Zesarux.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
In the last year I picked up two books by Mark Jones Lorenzo, “Endless Loop: The History of the BASIC Programming Language” and “Gosub Without Return: Between the Lines of the BASIC Programming Language.”
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I am writing a assembly language routine that needs to send data back to a BASIC program and to get data from a BASIC program. Getting data from the routine is fairly simple if it a single value. Getting data to the routine is more complex as the USR call does not allow for arguments.…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
Recently the book “50 years of Text Games” by Aaron Reed, was released via Kickstarter and I was able to get a copy. The book starts off with some of early and better known text-based computer games (at least for someone that got into computers in the early 80’s). The second game documented is ROCKET,…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
There are two available BASIC compilers for the T/ S 2068, TimeMachine and ZXbasic. TimeMachine is native on the T/S 2068 and ZXbasic is a cross compiler, written in Python, that runs on Windows, Linux and MacOS. This article will do a short comparision between them.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
Something recently got me thinking about having a mouse on a ZX81. At first I was thinking of a traditional mouse with a movable arrow. This might be possible with hi-res graphics, but I’ve never tried using hi-res graphics.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
In looking for something to do I found myself reading back issues of SyncWare News for articles passed over the first time around. The Mandelbrot Plot program in Volume 3 Number 5 caught my eye. Those who read the article by Mr. Nachbaur will remember that the Mandelbrot program creates “computer art”, mathematically created patterns…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I thought I would tinker with Zebra’s OS-64 cartridge (as a DOCK file) with Zesarux emulator. I have not used it so I wanted to see what it could do.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
After tinkering with fonts on the T/S 2068, I was wondering if something could be done on the ZX81 to change its fonts. The ZX81 does not have a way to define a new font, so another method would have to be tried.. Since I am using emulators, the ZX81 ROM is really nothing more…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
While scanning some Capital Area Timex Sinclair (CATS) newsletters I ran across this program that will predict lunar eclipses for a given year. All though I found it in the CATS newsletter, the program was originally published in Sinc-Link newsletter by Mel Richardson. The original code was written by Herbert Raab of Austria, using different…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
While scanning some TimeLinez newsletters, I came across an book review by Walt Gaby of the book “Timex Sinclair Color Graphics” by Nick Hampshire. In his review, Walt included a program that helps define the codes needed with User Defined Graphics (UDGs). Having touched on T/S 2068 fonts (which are similar to UDGs), I thought…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I’ve done a number of astronomy programs on the ZX81, but really have not ported any to the T/S 2068. I found two programs that would do well with a port and they would benefit from the better graphics on the T/S 2068.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
Back in college I took a Computer Graphics class. One of the items covered was wireframe 3D graphics (well, 3D showing in 2D). I wrote a program for the QL using the technique used in the book from that class. I decided to port the program over to the T/S 2068.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
One feature of the T/S 2068 that I had never tinkered with is using a different font. I knew a number of Spectrum games that used a different font, but I had not thought about it on the T/S 2068. The general process is the same on the T/S 2068 as it is on the…
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
I’ve been having Zoom meeting with other T/S 2068 enthusiasts. David Anderson, who hosts www.timexsinclair.org, started the meetings. He’s been beating the drum of preservation to the team. He’s looking for Timex/Sinclair books, programs, newsletters, etc. to preserve. Some of the meeting attendees have come up with some good documents.
article, orig pub: 07.11.25, updated: 07.11.25
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: 07.11.25
Provides the status of Z80 registers at any point.
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 07.10.25
Program that compiles PRINT statements into machine language equivalent that uses the ROM's PRINT routine.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 07.09.25
The Timex Sinclair 1000 is a useful learning tool and a calculating device. It is a low cost alternative for simple applications.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.20.25
If you get the chance, look inside an IBM PC. You’ll see acres of board covered with countless chips, resistors, capacitors and the like. It all looks very mysterious and impressive. Instead of staring open-mouthed in awe and dreaming wistfully of the day you own one, comfort yourself with the knowledge that your seemingly lowly…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.20.25
The battle for supremacy among very-low-cost microcomputers heats up as Texas Instruments' 99/2 goes head to head with the Timex Sinclair 1000; and the TS2000 and Mattel's Aquarius square off against the Commodore VIC-20 and the TI 99/4A.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.20.25
Tired of trying to achieve a reasonable typing speed on the ZX-81 or T/S 1000 keyboard? Forget the idea, give up, no way Jose! To get real action from your little machine, treat it to a surplus, full size keyboard. It’s easier than you think! A good first step, especially for the non-technician, is to…
article, orig pub: 07.08.23, updated: 06.20.25
Clever hardvare construction, both mechanical end electronic, and a solid comprehension of both 6502 (the ATARI 2600's CPU) and Z80 (TIMEX) programming are combined to produce the very powerful "Came Changer Interface".
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.20.25
Clever hardware construction, both mechanical and electronic, and a solid comprehension of both 6502 (the Atari 2600 CPU) and Z80 programming combine to produce the very powerful "Game Changer Interface".
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.20.25
What you see on the left is a series of “screens” which I dumped to my printer while signed on to Compuserve’s demo area. Two hours of connect time, to that area only, are provided with Byte Back Md-2 Modem. The MD-2 has been reviewed in Syntax and other magazines and is an excellent piece…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 06.20.25
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: 06.20.25
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: 06.20.25
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: 06.19.25
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: 06.14.25
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: 06.14.25
Calling it a “milestone in the 125-year history of the Timex Corporation,” Timex introduced a $99.95 personal computer with 2K memory, which was developed by Sinclair Research and is essentially an upgrade of the Sinclair ZX81 micro. The Timex Sinclair 1000, as the computer is called, adds an extra 1K memory to the ZX81. Further…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.13.25
What can you get for S99 these days? Dinner for two at a fancy New York restaurant. A few pairs of designer jeans. A couple of speeding tickets if you’re lucky. But that’s not all. Timex, the company that until now was perfectly content to strap its watches onto outboard motors, has come out with…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 06.13.25
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: 04.22.25
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 04.16.25
article, orig pub: 10.15.22, updated: 04.06.25
From my own personal experience and information gleaned from articles, it is clear that the method of powering the 2068 has serious problems. My solution to these problems is to provide a husky linear power supply to the computer, printer and accessories.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.30.25
After a long wait, the Timex/Sinclair 2040 Personal Printer is finally available in the United States at most outlets that carry the TS1000. However, there is both good news and bad news with regards to this little beauty, I’m afraid. At $99.95, the 2040 is the cheapest printer on the market designed specifically for the…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.29.25
Cyborgwars is a strategic game in which four warring cybernetic empires each call upon a human leader to take control and become the supreme leader. This game is the managing an economy, resource allocated type. The resources, in this case, are the robots themselves. The empires are based on a hierarchy of robots: breeders, farmers,…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.29.25
Review of the AERCO disk drive system for the TS 1000.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.29.25
Do you want to store and retrieve information with your computer? This program uses a machine language search routine that is so fast you can blitz through a full 13000 bytes of files to find the one you want in less than a second!
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.29.25
The Bi-Pak ZON promises a "huge range of possible sounds." It certainly has great potential, but that potential is not so easily realized.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.29.25
Your ZX/TS computer can talk to you, with the help of a 'Speech Synthesizer' system. Speech or voice synthesis systems are combinations of hardware and software which, when tied in with your computer, can put electronically generated sounds and noises together into intelligible words and phrases.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.29.25
Simple speech recognition hardware and program for ZX/TS computers (with at least 16K RAM).
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.29.25
Programming the ZON, Bi-Pak’s sound generator, to play a simple tune is no simple task. On the other hand, it is far from impossible, and this article should be of help to aspiring computer musicians. Channel Tuning Although many ZON registers are involved in programming a melody, the most confusing to deal with are the…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.28.25
"Staff" is a versatile music education program that reviews notes from the first ledger line below the staff to the first ledger line above.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.28.25
The Fantastic Music Machine is a unique program that transforms your computer keyboard into a 3-octave musical instrument with reasonably good tonal quality with 16K it can handle up to 7000 notes.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.28.25
Program to calculate the lengths of tubing for wind chimes.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.28.25
29 byte machine code routine that allows you to store audio frequency data and to synthesize the facsimile sound at will.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.28.25
Looks at ‘ROM calls’ the machine code subroutines stored in the ROM of your computer. They can help keep your Z80 programs shorter, and save programming time and effort.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.28.25
65 byte machine code routine that allows you to digitize and store the data for any sound phrase on your ZX/TS computer with 16K RAM.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 03.28.25