Random Access From Our Readers

One of our readers (whom I won’t identify) wrote to point out that I had omitted the letter “u” from “florescent” in one of our recent issues, Seemed to think that I might have left it out on purpose, to avoid running the risk of the common misspelling, “flourescent”. Sorry about that, but they’re two different words. I meant “florescent”, as contrasted with “budding”. But it is temptimg to expect that the familiar word was intended when you encounter a seeming aberration like “cryptogam” or “Calvary”. Or, as Leslie Charteris pointed out, “formication”.

To Warren Fricke, of Depew, NY: Thanks for your offer of help, and for the fine words you had for SyneWare News, You have been a true friend. I’m sorry that we aren’t able to take advantage of your offer this time.

My question is on using a monitor like the one you can get from BG Micro, How would you construct an interface to drive one? I’m talking about the type of TTL CRT that would require you to take the NTSC signal from the 2068 and split it out to drive this “monitor”. I actually know too little of what I’m talking about and so the question.

John J. Shephard, III
Coldwater, MS 38618

I had the good luck this summer to attend both of the big Summer shows–Portland and Cleveland. Both were well presented, and gave me a chance to pick up some bargains, as well as to talk with old (and new) friends. Attendance at each show was reported at about 150, and each show was complemented by a series of seminars led by the big names in the field.

By far the steilar attraction at both shows was Nigel Searle. Nigel has been associated with Sir Clive Sinclair for many years, and has a wealth of anecdotes that kept the audience both informed and entertained. Nigel is a virtuoso speaker–he could make an adventure out of reading a circuit diagram. If you ever have a chance to hear him, RUN–don’t walk.

Mel Nathanson made a telling presentation for SNUG (Sinclair National–or North American–Users’ Group) at the Cleveland show, provoking a lot of serious discussion. Clearly, SNUG is now in about the same position that our Constitution was in when the Continental Congress was convened. And much of the debate centered on the same question–in those days, whether the new Union would represent the states or the people. In the SNUG context, the controversy centers on whether membership will be open to UG’s or individuals, or both. My own suggestion is that SNUG should be redefined as Syndicate of North American Users’ Groups, but that + affiliation should be available to individuals as well, (Or could you regard an individual as a User’s Group with a membership of one?)

At any rate, what is needed (I think) is a re-enactment of that Continental Congress I mentioned above. It doesn’t have to be an actual assembly of persons–in these days, communications permit a meeting of the minds by remote control. Maybe someone will volunteer to be their Thomas Jefferson, and submit a set of proposals that the assembly can discuss. Maybe there’ll be several such volunteers.

In the meantime, SNUG needs some money to get things going. Mel has suggested an interim annual dues structure of $12 per person, and $15 per group. Make your checks out to SNUG. I have already given him mine. Mel has promised that he’ll return all money (I’d forgive him if he deducted the cost of returning the check) if the project doesn’t appear to be off the ground by New Year’s. His idea of off the ground is 100 members by the first of January.

In answer to Gerard Tripptree’s request for information to modify a TS 1500 to drive a composite monitor, there is a simple and easy hardware solution, Time Designs magazine, Sept-Oct, 1985 published an article I wrote on the subject so interested readers could go to this back issue for details,

However, here is enough information for readers with some expertise with a soldering iron and electronics to do the job. The method is that used to connect the computer signal of a TS 1000 to a monitor by using an emitter follower amplifier.

The diagram shows the simple amplifier used–a 2N2222 transistor (Radio Shack 276-2009), and a 220-330 ohm one quarter watt resistor. I assembled this by bending one resistor lead close at right angles and soldering it to the transistor emitter lead close to the bottom of the transistor and so the resistor is tight to the flat of the transistor. Clip the resistor wire close to the emitter lead. This is the amplifier that receives the signal on its base, *5 volts on the collector, and output from the emitter lead with the resistor terminated to ground, Suitably insulate with plastic tape, shrink tubing, etc. This amplifier works on composite signal monitors designed for 75 ohm input impedance.

Computer resistor R30 is the signal source for the TV modulator. This resistor is near the lower right corner of the modulator box on the circuit board component side, The left end nearest the box is the signal end and the right end is +5 volts. Connect the amplifier to the two leads of R30 as per the diagram. Use a low heat Soldering iron for all soldering, and of course only rosin solder.

Various methods can be used to connect the amplifier emitter to the monitor. I prefer to use a 6-8 inch shielded lead with a molded RCA phono jack such as RS 274-337 cable so the regular TS TV cable can be used, The center lead is connected to the transistor emitter. The woven shield is soldered to the ground terminal of the near jack as shown. This is also a good strain relief,

The shielded cable will exit from the rear of the case. File a suitable notch in the case edge between the jack and the TV modulator box to fit the cable. Be very careful in replacing the keyboard ribbon cables, Long nose pliers may be helpful in this task.

RMG Enterprises will do this conversion for readers not wishing to do the work themselves. Ship your TS 1500 computer (no power supply) to Oregon City. They will quickly return your computer with conversion, including a 6-8 inch long cable with RCA type jack connection.

Dick F. Wagner
Canby, OR 97013