Telecommunications II
We sure have some sharp reader’s out there, and I’ve heard from more than just one this past month. It clues me in, that folks really read this magazine, and that I’m not pasting up all of these articles just for my health (which isn’t the case…ask any sort of magazine or newsletter editor!). What happened was, as the deadline approached the critical stage for the last issue (Nov/Dec), we were still missing some key articles on “TS Telecommunications” (some of our writers were running a bit behind…understandable, since this all took place right around the Holidays), and I had badly miscalculated our available ad space. Not to mention that our printer was patiently waiting, and the magazines had to reach the bulk mail center before Thanksgiving, or delivery before Christmas couldn’t be guaranteed.
The result was, after a nightmarish attempt to wrap things up at the last minute, we ended up with much less than the Telecommunications issue we had planned for. And thus, our mailbox was full of good intentioned letters pointing out that “only two and a half articles, does not a theme issue make!”.
Exactly so, and we’ll try to keep our theme issues more on track. However, included in this issue, the “Business” theme, we are also publishing a few of the articles that were omitted last time. Especially the Serial port printer driver program written by John Bell. This is the long-awaited sequel to an article we ran in the March/April ’86 issue. It described how to construct a Serial interface from a surplus Westridge modem board. Now we have the software to really make it fly!
Computer Graphics
Next issue (March/April ’88), will carry the theme of “Computer Graphics”. The TS2068 really shines in this area, so look for some interesting articles on such subjects as wire frame graphics, pull down menus, and grey-scale screen copying. And I’ll bet that Fred Nachbaur won’t let the ZX81/TS1000 go neglected in this area either.
I have an offer for you. If you are a computer artist, here is your chance to be famous. Send us a copy of your original art before the next issue goes to print, and we may use it on the cover or elsewhere in the next issue. If we don’t receive anything, we’ll be stuck with using some of my artwork on the cover…and I’m not an artist! Come on talented people! In fact, we just might through in some sort of a prize to the best artist, who’s creation is selected fbr the front cover. (Note: please provide us with an original copy or a high quality photo-copy of your art, and let us know which software and equipment was used to produce it.)
Send In the Clones
This is a subject that I hesitate to tackle, since it opens such a big can of worms. However, due to some recent correspondence, I felt that it was necessary to bring it up.
Some months back, SYNCWARE NEWS, one of the oldest TS publications still around, announced that they would begin to cover information on IBM PC’s and compatibles. Their decision was a result of a “decreasing subscription base”…and also perhaps because both the editor and publisher have started to tinker with IBM machines.
I don’t want to be judgemental about their decision, because sometimes a person (or company) has to do what they must do. Instead, I carefully monitored the reaction to this from our own readers. I heard everything from “did you see what they did, they’re just selling the TS computers short!”…to, “I think it’s a good idea…I use a TS2068 and a PC clone”.
It’s easy to see the attraction to the IBM market. Just glance through a recent copy of COMPUTER SHOPPER, and you will see a multitude of good bargains. It is the new world standard, and about every new computer to come along can (in some way) utilize PC software and the MS-DOS format.
There are drawbacks too! In many cases, serious software packages for the PC will cost up to twice the amount of what I paid for my entire Timex system. Also the complexity of the computer itself doesn’t easily lend itself to the study of basic computer principals and programming… not like our beloved Sinclair computers. Also, if you have been following along with what’s going on in the market, you may be aware that IBM itself is trying to shake up the very market they spawned with newer models that will be basically incompatible with current technology (that’s right folks, thousand’s of beige-colored orphans!).
This all boils down to just a few points. At this time, I feel that to include IBM information as part of our regular format in TIME DESIGNS isn’t really necessary. There are already hundreds of IBM PC publications, but only a few for the Timex Sinclair.
I do however, feel that it would be beneficial to discuss in TIME DESIGNS ways to adapt some of the bargain RAM boards, circuit cards and PC style keyboards. In fact, I recently discussed with Wes Brzozowski about this possibility, and he assured me that there are several ways of doing this.
I would also be willing to publish information on interfacing the PC to both the Sinclair QL and the new Cambridge Z88. Perhaps we could even review some of the new PC clones from Amstrad, including their new line of portables. After all, Amstrad owns the QL and Spectrum technology now.
It’s true, that many of you use a PC both at home and at work…and I’m sure you could pass along some helpful information to us from time to time. However, to restate our basic philosophy: TIME DESIGNS will remain a Sinclair magazine.
We all need to remain positive! Indeed we are orphans, but we are also the best-supported orphan brand around. I still enjoy my TS equipment and I still learn new things about it all the time, and hope that you share this same view. I have the feeling that 1988 will be a very good year (remember to think positive!).