It’s very hard to think about doing anything constructive with your computer during the summer when so many other things confront you that are much more appealing. But never-the-less, I usually use this time of the year to work on one particular project. Something to keep the fingers limber–the brain from going stale, anything to prevent having to re-learn even the simplest procedures by the time “indoor” weather comes around again.
On this thought, I’ve compiled a list of some suggested summer computer projects:
1. “Key-in” (and de-bug) one of those extra long program listings that have appeared in TDM or other publications.
2. Make one of Tim Stoddard‘s modifications to your computer, or build a kit. (Note: If you don’t have experience in this area, get help from someone who does.)
3. Buy your computer a present. How about a disk drive system or new 80 col. printer? Familiarize yourself with the DOS (Disk Operating System), or all of the features of the printer.
4. Tackle Syd Wyncoop‘s series on Z80 Machine Code in TDM (the first lesson is in the March/April ’86 issue).
5. Explore a field of interest you are not familiar with, such as word processing, another computer language (FORTH, PASCAL, C, etc.), computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications.
6. Write a program.
If your feeling very ambitious this Summer, you could also join a computer club, start your own Sinclair user group, revitalize the one your already a member of, start a BBS, and even organize a local Sinclair computer fair.
I would be interested to hear what you came up with this summer. If you have a tip or short program to share with others, send it in, and I’ll print as many as possible in an upcoming issue.
A lot of news items have been filtering across my desk lately, and I’ll try to keep you posted in the “For Your Sinclair” section. The TS world does not stand still. Many of you already know that the fine British magazine, ZX COMPUTING MONTHLY, is no longer being published. We here at TDM, feel this has created a real void for “serious” Sinclair computer users in the U.K. Plans are being carried out presently to unite what we are doing over here, with this international community and perhaps even entice the major hardware and software developers to take part.
Another problem that has erroded over the past couple of months, is the lack of a reputable repair service for our Timex Sinclair computers. I am personally looking into this matter to see if it could be rectified. If you know of anyone who even repairs these machines as a hobby, please drop me a line.
Hope you enjoy the JULY/AUGUST issue. Find some shade, a hammock, a tall glass of ice tea, and give it a good read. We’ll be back next issue.
Tim Woods
Managing Editor
TIME DESIGNS MAGAZINE