SMART SOFTWARE FOR THE WESTRIDGE TS 2050 MODEM AND THE TIMEX/SINCLAIR 2068
I was really pleased with my Westridge TS 2050 Modem when it arrived the middle of last summer. Putting it through the paces was a breeze. I felt that the whole package including the MTERM/T Smart Terminal Software was really top-notch. The user manual was very clear and self-explanatory. A slick phrase came to my mind. One that had been printed in the sales brochures of the TS 2068…”nothing so smart was ever so simple.” Oddly enough, it seemed to fit.
Take two. Enter the MTERM II, the optional Smart Terminal Software from Westridge Communications (licensed from Micro-Soft, Inc.) for the TS 2050 Modem and the TS 2068 Color Computer. For many months, reports had been circulating about the soon-to-arrive “Smart II” modem software, and how many wonerous feats it performs. I was finally able to obtain a copy from a local dealer for $30. Upon first glance, I noticed that it wasn’t called “Smart II” after all, but MTERM II instead. Opening up the little stubby user manual (I usually make a habit of reading the manual first, it really does save time in the long run) a funny but distraught feeling came over me. Here was a program with perhaps ten times the complexity of the stock software that comes with the Westridge modem, and it is supplied with a manual that is only nine pages longer than the original user manual, with much smaller pages at that!
On page one of the user manual is an outline of the features incorporated in the MTERM II:
- 1. automatic computer answering
- 2. automatic computer dialing
- 3. auto-dial directory
- 4. 27k receive/send buffer
- 5. buffer can be erased, viewed, printed or transmitted
- 6. 10 Macro Keys, each hold up to 53 characters for auto-logon, codes, ect.
- 7. go in and out of the program, change settings, turn buffer on and off, without losing data.
- 8. command line, displaying status of functions and features.
- 9. a HEX or REM conversion routine.
So the features are all there, learning how to access and utilize them is a whole different story. Apparently, Westridge has intentionally (or unintentionally) omitted page after page of vital information, especially pertaining to up-loading and down-loading of data. In fact, complete volumes could be penned about the MTERM II! Essentially, all of the standard features of the original software are there, along with a host of new ones. There are a few more sub-menus too. Loading the cassette tape takes around 50 seconds (thats fast!). The program is almost 100% Machine Code.
After about a week of experimenting, and a good deal of “touch and go”, I was able to execute about 3/4 of the program. Also, to my good fortune, I was given a sheet of instructions that were written by a Mr. Dave Clifford, [address omitted], Gardena, CA. Evidently, Mr. Clifford has done a lot of homework on the MTERM II, and has discovered most of the missing procedures. The functions that are noted on the sheet are 1. how to exchange a BASIC program via the buffer transmitter, and 2. how to do a “page send”. There are also [illegible]me extra control codes that are mentioned. EDITOR NOTE: When we contacted Mr. Clifford by phone, he said that he would be more than happy to pass on this information to anyone who sends him a request and includes a business size self-addressed and stamped envelope. Since this review was written, he has also figured out the routine for writing text in REM statements, then uploading or downloading at the users convenience. Mr. Clifford also reported on a utility program that is available from Micro-Soft that can be merged with the MTERM II, and will allow the user to upload Machine Code and stored variables.
In conclusion, I don’t feel this program is for everyone. It provokes some frustration. Most average users of the Westridge TS 2050 Modem would be just as happy using the software that came with their modem. However, if the added benefits of memory storage to assist you in loging-on to your favorite BBS, and uploading and downloading of data (like BASIC programs) interests you, then this software package is for you. But you will be spending some time with it. In the meatime, Westridge Communications should rewrite their user manual, and include several items that they forgot to explain. I’m sure it had to do with their hastiness in coming out with the MTERM II.
Actually, after awhile, and when several things had been worked out, I began to feel more comfortable with the MTERM II. I really like the “command line” feature at the bottom of the main menu. Among the reports it gives, is how many bits have been used in the buffer (a buffer by the way, is a kind of temporary memory). With all of the complexity of this program, there still is a small degree of user-friendliness tucked away in there.