FAIR SHARE
I am thoroughly satisfied with my first issue of Timex Sinclair User and impressed with the programs in it. Keep it up! One thing I’ve been worried about is that with the new T/S2000 coming out, your magazine will start to be overrun with T/S2000 programs and articles. This would be totally worthless to T/S1000 owners.
John J. O’Dell
Blacksbury, Virginia
Thanks for the kind words about our premier issue, John. We’re glad you’re enjoying the programs. You refer to Timex Sinclair User as our magazine; let me assure you we are trying as hard as we can to make it your magazine. To that end, there is no way we would abandon T/S1000 owners — quite the contrary! We have some fabulous projects, articles and programs all set to go. Keep reading and we’re sure you’ll see the T/S1000,ZX81 is given its fair share of the pages, and then some!
ON THE 2040
I am puzzled by your statement in the first paragraph of the second column on page five of your second issue.
I assume you mean the 2040, a great machine which I am using to write this letter. How can you say the paper is untreated? There is no ribbon in the machine. This paper prints blue. This must be a thermal printer using treated paper, previous paper was gray. Please clarify in a future issue.
The new magazine is excellent. Very truly yours,
Charles J. Levin
Towson, Maryland
You caught us, Charles! We made an error. I guess perfection is still around the corner for us. Seriously, thanks for showing us the mistake. The 2040 does take treated paper as pointed out in our In-Depth article in issue two.
ON USER SUPPORT
First, let me congratulate you on your fine magazine. I teach programming in Oakland, Maine, and Timex Sinclair User has become an important tool in furthering my programming techniques. My kids really enjoy the game section and spend hours entering and playing the games you publish. Timex Sinclair User is a welcome respite from the overpriced books that are available.
I read Timexpectations in your second issue with interest. I too have found myself a victim of lack of user support. Here in Maine, there are only a few outlets for the T/S1000, and after the sale there is little or no support from the stores. As you might imagine, I am a very frustrated user.
I have written a rather strong letter to Timex asking them to help us loyal users, and referred to your column. I hope it does some good. I hope that many of your readers will also write. We deserve better than we’re getting.
Robert D. Teague
Winthrop, Maine
Thanks for the kind words, Robert. As to Timex support, it seems they have heard you. You can now write or call Timex for help in finding suppliers and service centers. Write to: Timex, P.O. Box 1378, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203.
OVERHEATING
I have just subscribed to your magazine. I think it is great. Most appreciated are the pages of free programs printed and the ads for related products. I had been searching the newsstands for a publication like yours.
I have a question for your Hints & Tips section. I have noticed that after I use my T/S1000 for an hour or more the bottom of the unit gets very warm to the touch. Does this have any effect on the “glitches” that occur from time to time? Should I take any steps to provide an air current in that area?
Thanks for any help in this matter.
William J. Pideck
Mendham, New Jersey
Thanks for the kind words. Compliments are always welcome. About the overheating problem — yes, it can cause all sorts of difficulties. Read Hints & Tips in our second issue. Many ideas on how to overcome the overheating problem were given. Let us know how they work for you.
PROGRAMS IMPROVED
I very much enjoyed your first issue, especially the programs. However, I believe the following four lines will improve the Rear Gunner program:
82 PRINT AT A, B-1; "space"
83 PRINT AT A, B+1; "space"
194 PAUSE 100
195 CLSAlso, if you handle INKEYS in the following manner, you can eliminate two lines:
90 LET A = A - (INKEYS $ = "7") + (INKEYS $ = "6")
100 LET B = B - (INKEYS $ = "5") + (INKEYS = "8")It seems cleaner, don’t you agree? Congratulations on this long awaited magazine.
P.S. More programs by the creator of London Bridge please!
Howard F. Gold
Greenville, S.C.
Thank you — your compliments have been well-received by our hard-working staff! We do agree, your changes to Rear Gunner are good. Instead of more programs from London Bridge author, why not a program from you? Thanks again.
HORSE TRADING
A short time ago, I received an advertisement for Timex Sinclair User. I would very much like to get a subscription to your magazine, as I own a T/S1000 with a 16K memory. The only problem is I spent all but my last dollar purchasing the computer, the 16K RAM pack and a TV set. Perhaps we could work around that minor inconvenience.
What I have in mind is this — sort of a trade. I will give you my program, “Checkbook Calculator,” to do whatever you want with, and what I would like in return is a subscription to your magazine for one year. I am assuming that you are interested in obtaining practical software that has a definite use and also can help the Timex Sinclair user the way a program should be designed.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Freddie T. Reitz
Madison, Wisconsin
Freddie, there is nothing we like better than a little honest “horse trading.” I think we can do something here. We pay $20 for every program we accept for our Program Printout section. If you send in two programs that we print, we’ll pay you $40. The subscription rate to Timex Sinclair User is only $29.95. We get two good programs. You get a subscription plus $10.05 change. Everyone wins!
MORE GAMES
How come so much emphasis on games? After all, we senior citizens like more adult programs also. But thanks!
A.L. Francis
Yucaipa, California
READABILITY
I enjoyed reading/using the programs in your first two issues. The articles are well written and I especially enjoy the programs.
Being in the over-50 group, my eyesight isn’t what it used to be, so I would greatly appreciate it if the programs were in darker and clearer type. I’m sure the many senior readers would really appreciate this change.
Harvey Weitz
La Puenti, California
Harvey, you are right. We will do everything we can in the future to make the programs more readable. Keep in touch and let us know how you think we’re doing. Thanks!
IMPROVEMENT
Just a note to tell you that I think the second issue is a big improvement over the first. Keep up the good work!
David N. Hoshor
Lancaster, Ohio
Improvement is the name of the game around here, David! What do you think of issues 3 and 4?
Write to us
Timex Sinclair User welcomes reader’s comments, compliments, queries and complaints. Letters should be addressed to: The Editor, Timex Sinclair User, 49 La Salle Avenue, Buffalo, N.Y. 14214. Please include your full name and address when writing.