Sinclair Micro Update
Sir Clive’s Spectrum 128 will now go the way the “rubber-keyed” Spectrum’s went…”out the door” and priced to sell. The Spectrum 128 must make room for the new SPECTRUM PLUS TWO, which Amstrad has already put into production for the upcoming Christmas season. The new Spectrum will be a repackaged 128, with two genuine joystick ports and a cassette tape recorder built-in.
Industry watchers have commented on the treatment that Amstrad is giving the Sinclair line. One particular expert remarked, “The Spectrum is a full fledged Amstrad now…” It is true, that the similarities between the new Spectrum Plus Two and the Amstrad CPC 464 are remarkable.
WH Smith’s and Dixons (large retail chains) have placed the Spectrum 128 on sale at around £139, and usually packaged with game software or an inexpensive dot matrix printer. The Spectrum Plus goes for about £109 with “extras”, and the British QL is priced at £200 and includes a printer.
In further developments, Sir Clive Sinclair will go ahead and develop the long-awaited portable PANDORA on his own, with a yet un-named financer. Amstrad has expressed no interest in the computer, as it would most likely compete with existing Amstrad models. The Pandora has been announced as using Flat Screen Television technology, but Sir Clive has had a change of mind lately, and is looking at liquid-crystal monitors.
Just before the Sinclair “break-up”, another computer had been on the drawing board, code-named LOKI, and nick-named the “Super Spectrum”. It was rumored to use custom display chips in order to function much like Commodore’s expensive Amiga, and have 256K on board RAM. It is not known at this time, if Amstrad will use the Loki technology, of if Sir Clive will market it himself.
Meet the QL Clones / Support for QL Continues
The QL will continue on as a professional small-systems computer, due to three possible “clone” units slated for production soon. The first to be announced is the CST (a disc manufacturer) and Eidersoft (software company, best known for “ICE”) QL based machine called “THOR”. It includes two units. One housing the QDOS, 3.5 inch floppy drives, 640K RAM, all Input/Output ports and built-in ICE (of course), while the other unit will be a separate IBM-style keyboard attached to the main Thor unit via a telephone cable. Many options are to be planned such as a 68020 processor board, and a 20 mega byte hard disk. The basic model will start at around £550.
Another QL-based microcomputer is being developed by QDOS author Tony Tebby, and called the “QLT”. He will be developing and manufacturing the machine with another company, who will have equal shares in the investment.
A third QL is rumored to be in the works by an un-named American company, who will have the computers manufactured by original QL factories, Thorn in the U.K. and Samsung in Taiwan. The manufactuing rights were being negotiated between the American investors and Amstrad as we went to press.
In a recent gathering of QL software and hardware vendors and manufactures, a general concensus was expressed to continue supporting the QL indefinitely. The caucus met in London, England, and included some representatives from the U.S. Several software houses have now “scaled-down” their operations, and are now based on mail-order sales.
Super ZX81 Support from Scotland
ZX-81 and T/S1000 Users–even though Software Farm (the short-lived ZX software company and support group) of Great Britain has “bought the farm” (as a manner of speaking), there is an excellent source of information and support that you might not be aware of (and just when you thought that the computer world had ignored you for good).
Nick Godwin of Berwickshire, Scotland, has programmed a very extensive “ZX81 EXTENDED BASIC”, that is reported to rival the Spectrum. ZXEB is supplied on tape complete with a ten page users manual. The Extended Basic utility contains 44 additional instructions, including special graphics commands such as FLASH, and machine code routines such as CALL, which permits any user-specified code routine to be called directly from Basic (whether in ROM or RAM). The price of ZXEB is £10.
Also available is an outstanding bi-monthly newsletter called “ZX Broadsheet”. It is simply packed with programs and programming tips. ZX Broadsheet has been around for about five years now, with the latest issue running ten pages. A sample issue is priced at £1.50.
When corresponding with Nick Godwin, be sure to include a S.A.S.E. (with the proper over-seas return postage). Send inquiries to: Nick Godwin, 4 Hurkur Crescent, Eyemouth, Berkwickshire, Scotland, TD14 5AP.
TIME DESIGNS Acquires SUM
Time Designs Magazine Company has acquired SUM Magazine of Gainesville, Florida. SUM (The Sinclair/Timex Users Magazine) has been published for two years, but was previously the newsletter of the T/S Users Group in Gainesville (founded in September 1982). The talents of Joe Williamson, the editor, and Richard Cravy, the publisher, produced a very attractive Sinclair magazine/newsletter, that was mailed on pretty much a monthly basis, and for the most part, was published on time (an unusual occurance in our particular industry).
Time Designs has decided to absorb SUM into TDM, instead of publishing two separate magazines. As a result, Time Designs Magazine will be physically larger, and will have the largest circulation of any related magazine in the United States. All previous subscribers to SUM will receive Time Designs, to fulfill their present subscriptions. This will be conducted on a bi-monthly basis as opposed to the monthly format of SUM. All subscribers who received both magazines will have their subscription to Time Designs extended accordingly.
We welcome all SUM subscribers, and would like to mention that we are very committed to publishing a quality magazine for Sinclair enthusiasts. All comments, questions, or subscription service problems can be forwarded to us at–TDM, 29722 Hult Rd., Colton, OR 97017. We would also like to wish Joe Williamson and Richard Cravy the best of luck! Although SUM readers can be assured that they have promised to contribute an article now and then. Be sure to read the following letter from Joe.
–Tim Woods
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR OF SUM MAGAZINE
We at SUM Magazine would like to thank all of you for the support you have shown over the past years. The activity in the Sinclair/Timex market seems to be ever growing, and it is exciting to see so many of you sticking with what many people considered to be a “dead” computer. This tells you something about the “power” of our computers that others just don’t see!
Richard and I have found that you can’t take the work that goes into this magazine lightly. What used to be just a simple part-time job has grown into one that requires full time attention. In the meantime, both Richard and I have taken on more and more responsibility in our full-time jobs and are finding it more and more difficult to find the time it takes to bring you the quality magazine that you have come to expect.
With this in mind, we have worked out an agreement with Time Designs Magazine, where we will merge with them to bring you the largest and most comprehensive magazine in the U.S. Sinclair/Timex market. We, along with the staff of TDM, will continue to bring you the quality reading you have come to expect. The July issue will be the last issue put out by SUM Magazine.
Time Designs Magazine will cover all subscriptions on through to their expiration date. Those who have a subscription to both SUM and TDM will have their subscription extended by the amount of time they have left with SUM. So you will continue to have uninterrupted service of the best resource for your computer around.
Time Designs Magazine is dedicated to the Sinclair/Timex market with coverage on all Sinclair/Timex computers and they are continually expanding. They have top notch writers like Wes Brzozowski, Bob Orrfelt, and Michael Carver and publishing is their only business.
Tim Woods, the editor, along with his wife, Stephanie, the assistant editor, are looking forward to bringing you the best in news, articles, programs and projects available.
Richard and I are sorry that we had to come to this decision, but we both feel that it is the best for everyone involved and we hope that you will understand and support our endeavor to serve you best.
Thank you,
Joe Williamson
Richard Cravy
P.S. Congratulations to Tim and Stephanie on the birth of their son, Timothy Dean Woods, born on June 10th at a healthy eight pounds!
Product/Dealer News
Gulf Micro Electronics, 1317 Stratford Ave., Panama City, FL 32404, has available a comprehensive software package on either cassette or special expanded version on disc for Aerco FD-68 users. Entitled SMART TEXT TS-2068, the author, Bill Jones, refers to the package as “Administrative Software”. There are four operating programs, including a Data Base, a Word Processor, a Mailing List Manager, and a special Printer Patch program. Disc version comes with an automatic, self-adapting version of Printer Patch, and a Program Tutor file. Both versions come with full documentation. Price $34.00 ppd. When requesting information, ask about new versions for the Oliger Disk System and Zebra’s OS-64 Cartridge.
Speaking of Aerco’s popular disc system, there is a specialty user group catering to this system and a newsletter which is publsihed quarterly. Cost for a one year subscription is $15. For information, write to: David Hill, 1159 S. Shore Dr. #12, Holland, MI 49423.
You might also consider subscribing to a cassette-based magazine for the T/S 2068 called BYTE POWER. Each tape has programs ranging from Arcade games to Business programs. There are also reviews and programming tips. One tape (sample issue) is $5.50. Six issues, $29.99, and 12 issues for $49.99. Send check or money order to: Byte Power, 1748 Meadowview Ave., Pickering, Ontario, Canada L1V 3G8.
Sprite graphics, the key to successful game programming is an area that hasn’t been addressed too often for the 2068. Now two programmers (from separate states) have collaborated on a new software development package called SPRITES 2068. It contains several machine code utilities, demos, and a 34 page manual. Priced now at $19 ppd. Send check or money order and inquiries to either: Vern Tidwell, 1303 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040, or Ron Ruegg, 37529 Perkins Road, Prairieville, LA 70769.
Beaver Computer Products, 999 Munroe Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R2K 1J4, the company that features “extended video mode” software for the T/S 2068, has some new titles. “Beaver Writer” is touted as the first 80 column word processor for the 2068, and “Character Font Generator” lets you add character (pun intended) to programs and text. Prices: Beaver Writer, $25 (U.S.), Character Font Generator, $15 (U.S.). A catalog which includes a demo tape is available for $1.50 (U.S.).
Some very exciting software has been developed by another Canadian company called Novelsoft (106 Seventh Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M8V 3B4). Some of you may be familiar with David C. Ridge, who has had his ARTWORX marketed in Great Britain for the Spectrum, and is currently the Senior Programmer for Novelsoft. Now there is an improved version of his popular graphics package for the T/S 2068 called ARTWORX version 1.1. It is priced at $19.95 (U.S.) + $3 postage. Another program being offered for the 2068, and should sell quite well here in the states, is a Basic Compiler called TIMACHINE and is reported to outperform any compiler on the market today for the Timex. Timachine will handle all Basic commands (except I/O), and will convert your program to fast machine code in seconds. The program is priced at $19.95 (U.S.) + $3 postage.
A.F.R. Software, 1605 Pennsylvania Ave. #204, Miami Beach, FL 33139, has three software programs for the T/S 1000/1500/ZX81 (and versions for the 2068). ZX-TEXT is a word processor, ZX-CALC is professional spreadsheet program and accounting model package, and ZX-CALENDER is time-management program. All three titles are priced at $16.95 each + $3 postage.
BF Kimbrough KEL “In-Memory Operating System Ver. 1.0” for the T/S 1000 and ZX81, is an interesting software utility. It is written in relocatable machine code and operates in BASIC or user defined area. The operating system also features ten user-definable function keys. Price: $7.97. Send check or money order to: BF Kimbrough, 723 Roselle Ave. Flr 2, Akron, OH 44307.
COMLINK I is an RS-232 serial communications interface for the T/S 1000 and ZX81. All software is in EPROM for instant loading, and COMLINK I can be used with any 300 baud modem. All operating power is derived from the Sinclair. The advanced software is menu-driven and has many features including user defined Macro keys, auto-repeat, expanded character set, and more. For further information and prices, write to: A. Eckhardt, 918 Anna Street, Boalsburg, PA 16827.
Curry Computer, PO Box 5607, Glendale, AZ 85312, has obtained the exclusive marketing rights to an outstanding line of software developed in France. Pyramide Software for the QL, is popular in Europe, and has now come to America (thanks to Curry). WANDERER is a 3-D space arcade game that requires the user to wear the supplied red/blue glasses. VROOM is a racing simulation. The driver sits in a Grand Prix racer, and maneuvers around five different tracks. QL-PEINTRE is a graphic-design package that is very similar to MacDraw and MacPaint. OTHELLO is a 3-D (no glasses required with this one) version of the classic game. Write to Curry for a complete catalog with prices.
PCIMPORT is a program that permits your QL to download ASCII files from an IBM PC via direct link. This permits the transfer of documents, program source code or any other ASCII encoded file from the IBM PC to the QL. Also included is a conversion program that converts Micro Soft Basic to QL Super Basic. For a catalog of QL items and prices (including PCIMPORT), write to: MIN-NY Electronics Inc., 7332 Douglas Dr., No. Brooklyn Park, MN 55443.
A+ Computer Response of Keene, New Hampshire, has added five new American QL dealers to their list, making a total of 17. The new dealers are: Markel Enterprises, PO Box 2392, Secaucus, NJ 07094; C.W. Associates, 419 N. Johnson St., Ada, OH 45810; Variety Sales, 325 W. Jersey St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202; Quantum Computing, 8 Gillen Street, Mine Hill, NJ 07801; and Info-Mation, RR#1 Box 260, California, MO 65018.
The Second Annual Mid-West Timex/Sinclair Computerfest will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana on the first weekend of May 1987. The core of organizers for the Cincinnati show are currently slating plans for the 1987 “reunion” of dealers, exhibitors, and Sinclair fans from the mid-west and virtually everywhere else. If you would like to obtain some preliminary information…write to: Frank Davis, [address omitted], Peru, IN 46970 (send a S.A.S.E.) or call (evenings) [phone number omitted]. There has been interest expressed in T/S Computerfests for the New York/New Jersey area, and for the west coast (possibly San Francisco?), but so far, nothing definite has been planned.
“Commrades…all together now…enter the keyword [PRINT] and followed by CARL MARX in quotations.” And its all for the good of the party! Whats going on here? The Polish government is about to receive 800,000 Timex 2068’s and 200,000 FDD-3000 Dual 3″ Disk Drive Systems, to be used in public schools and institutions. The “iron curtain” deal was recently struck between the Timex Corporation and a Polish industrial firm (through a neutral distribution agency. O.K., now how many issues of TDM should be shipped?
The temporary shortage of three inch (Hitachi type) floppy disks is over…and supplys are very good. The following companies have the “special” disks in stock for immediate shipping: Zebra Systems Inc., (718) 296-2385; Peripherals Direct, (312) 498-9244; Speedysoft (London, England) 01-789-8546; various other dealers around Great Britain. Resulting from a recent deal struck between Amstrad International and Sears, various selected Sears outlets will carry the 3″ disks.