TS1000/TS1500
A comprehensive Timex/Sinclair Public Domain Software Library is maintained by the VISTA (Vashon Island, Washington) group and is available to the general public. Currently there are six 60-minute cassette tapes of programs for the TS1000. Programs for the 2068 will be offered shortly. Tapes can be obtained for a nominal fee that covers the cost of a quality blank tape, postage and handling, etc. For complete details, write to: Tim Ward, 5142-D Ginkgo Dr. S.W., Tacoma, WA 98439; or Tony Willing, PO Box 199, Vashon, WA 98070. The group is also looking for, and will gladly accept program submissions/donations to the library.
TS2068
One of the top stories in our last issue’s news section, was a hardware device and software to allow 2068 users to attach an OKIMATE 20 color printer. The trick was to purchase the optional Commodore (serial) “Plug ‘N Print” package. But now, a much simpler solution has come to light by John McMichael, the same individual who developed the Commodore emulation I/F and software. By selecting the IBM (parallel) “Plug ‘N Print” package, it will adapt directly to an AERCO Centronics/parallel printer interface (or Oliger and Foote Print). No other hardware is required. Standard Aerco-type printing software should work “as is”. However, John McMichael has re-written his COLOR COPY (color screen dump utility) program for this new interface configuration. COLOR COPY is priced at $8.95 ppd. For details, write to John McMichael, 1710 Palmer Dr., Laramie, WY 82070.
There has been a great demand for “serious” 2068 business software. GRAPHIT-1 might just fit the bill. GRAPHIT-1 offers the choice of six different graph types (see examples above), up to 18 separate input values can be graphed, and the full-size printer support section (AERCO I/F compatible) can be user customized. A joystick is required, as the menus are selected similar to the way a “point ‘n click” mouse works. GRAPHIT-1 is reasonably priced at $5.00 + $1 S&H, from a brand new company, BOTTLE CAP SOFTWARE, 1284 Brushwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45224.
An outstanding “excuse” to keep your faithful TS2068 working, rather than trading it in for a new model, is the software coming from BYTE POWER. If the new titles now being released are anything like their previous programs, 2068 fans are in for a real treat. THE PRINT FACTORY will unleash “PRINT SHOP” power and flexibility upon your full-size printer, with eight separate programs, and over 150 graphic
designs included. 2+FAST is a “fast load” software system, that will SAVE and LOAD your tape data up to 2.5 times faster. THE VOICE is a speech development system that includes a headset microphone. BYTE POWER also operates a “software magazine” on tape, with around ten programs per issue. The most recent one contained a very impressive program called SPREADSHEET II (64 columns, joystick controlled). Most all of BYTE POWER’s programs will operate on the Spectrum too. For further details and prices, write to: BYTE POWER, 1748 Meadowview Ave., Pickering, Ontario, CANADA L1V-3G8.
Some pretty fascinating stuff coming out of ZUNK CUSTOM ELECTRONICS (4800 E. Cedar Lane, Norman, OK 73071). Larry Zunk, owner/operator, has developed a software system called CADZ (requires Novelsoft‘s ARTWORX and 32K additional Dock RAM…which is available from various sources, including ZUNK). To prove the usefulness of CADZ, Mr. Zunk has used it to design an electronic fuel injection system, a monitor for a MAZDA rotary engine in an experimental airplane, and a computer-controlled driverless steering system for an experimental mass-transit vehicle. (Note: See the sample screen dump above.) For an information packet, including software/hardware catalog and documentation, send $1 to address posted above. The buck is refunded with any purchase.
Several arcade games for the 2068 and Spectrum are available from MAGICKSOFT (735 S. Cline Ave. #11, Newton, NC 28658). A sample screen from GULF WAR is shown above. Write for further information.
SINCLAIR QL
Serious QL users will be interested in a new catalog that lists many unique and useful software packages, all of which were developed by North American programmers. The catalog lists business and financial titles, disk and programming utilities. Get your free copy today, by writing to: EMSOFT, PO Box 8763, Boston, MA 02114.
META MEDIA PRODUCTIONS (726 West 17th, Vancouver, B.C., CANADA V5Z 1T9) has announced that they are now marketing their Q_LINK terminal software as “shareware”. Q_LINK author, Harvey Taylor, reported that he had learned that his program was being pirated (illegally copied and distributed) around the U.S. Promoting Q_LINK as shareware is the companies response to this nagging problem. Those who wish to officially register their copy of Q_LINK, can send $15, and receive a) copy of the user manual, b) telephone support, c) news about future updates, d) further support wares such Unarc, Uncrunch, Filters, etc., as they become available. Currently, Q_LINK version 1.556 is available.