We hope that this issue of SYNC will put to rest the complaints we hear from time to time that there is no support for the Sinclair and Timex/Sinclair computers. The response to our invitation to submit product descriptions has been overwhelming. In fact, we could not include them all in this issue. So our next Resources Column will be a “Buyers Guide Supplement” to complete the listings along with any new product notices we receive.
The following categories could not be included. You can contact the suppliers for further information.
Horse Racing (from CRC, A. Doty, M. H. Marks, 3G, UAS).
Biorhythms (from Fisher-Marriott, Gladstone, Orbyte, Softsync, Syber, UAS).
Astronomy (from Bug-Byte, Gladstone, Kamel, Robert C. Moler, Bob Woish, Z-West).
Hangman (from American Micro, Gladstone, Haymarket, R. Midura, Softsync, Z-West).
Golf (from Asia Tsucho, Computronics, Emvee, Mindware, R. Midura).
Books, publications.
How to Use the Buyers Guide
First, the Buyers Guide is a listing of products and services available for the Sinclair ZX81 and the Timex/Sinclair 1000. It is not a catalog. We cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information printed. If you see a product that is of interest, we suggest that you make an inquiry of the supplier before sending off an order with a check. Our aim has been to give you as complete a listing of resources as possible with an indication of cost.
Next, the products are arranged in categories. Since some products could easily be listed in several categories, check in more than one place.
The listings follow this format:
1) Supplier’s name in bold face type. The suppliers in a given category are arranged alphabetically. All the products from one supplier in a given category are listed together. Consult the Directory of Suppliers for the address. This Directory is arranged in alphabetical order by company name. If the supplier name is a personal name or includes a personal name, the entry should be found under the last name.
2) The product name. Programs and books are italicized. The supplier’s number, if any, follows in parentheses.
3) RAM pack requirements are for the ZX81/TS1000. A few products are for the Spectrum and so indicated. The format of the material follows. This was not always clear in the information we received.
4) Prices in dollars, pounds or, in a few cases, Canadian dollars indicated by (Can). Suppliers will usually take checks; a few specified money orders only. The buyer is also responsible for any sales taxes on orders from suppliers from the same state.
5) Shipping and handling. “pp.” indicate postpaid. “s&h” means that there is a separate charge for postage, shipping, and handling. This also was not always clear in the information we received.
6) Product description.
Next Issue
The theme section of our next issue will be “SYNC at the Workbench,” featuring hardware articles ranging from building a robot to making minor modifications of your computer. We will also include the “supplement” to our Buyer’s Guide issue.
The TS1000 for $69.95
Timex announced on March 11 that the suggested retail price for the TS1000 has been reduced to $69.95 and that the rebate program of $15 would continue through April as announced earlier.
Glitchoidz Report
Minotaur, 3:2, p. 80.
The list of variables required is as follows:
Enter in the immediate mode:
LET A=1
LET B=1 LET L=33
LET C=1 LET O=0
LET D=1 LET P=1
LET E=1 LET Q=2
LET F=1 LET R=3
LET G=1 LET S=5
LET H=1 LET T=20
LET I=1 LET U=31
LET J=512 LET V=128
LET K=16396 LET DN=.3Do not use RUN to start. Use GOTO 10 (to input density) or GOTO 20 (to use the same density).
Printers
One of the most frequent questions we get is, “What about printers?” In addition to the Sinclair ZX Printer and the Timex/Sinclair 2040 printer, we have received the entries below. We note also that several suppliers are offering interfaces for standard printers.
E. Alvarez
Paper for ZX Printer
3 roll pac for $12 pp.
Paper rolls in exact size for the ZX Printer. Sharp, bold characters on pale metallized stock. Same day service, and economy.
CAI Instruments Inc.
CAI/P40 Printer. $119.95.
The CAI/P40 printer is a 40-column thermal printer that prints all TS1000 and ZX81 alpha-numerics and graphics. Used with either a mini-interface ($20) or the CAI/0 board. Printer has six modes of print: screen dump, print listing, and print string, each of which may be printed in normal or expanded style.
Memotech Corporation
Seikosha GP-100A Printer Package.
$399.
The Seikosha GP-100A uses a 5 x 7 dot matrix printing format with ASCII standard upper and lower case character set. Printing speed is 30 characters/second with a maximum width of 80 characters. It uses standard fanfold paper up to 9½ inches wide. The GP100A is offered as a package including cable and interface.
Seikosha GP 250X Printer Package.
$449
The Seikosha GP-250X uses a 5 x 8 dot matrix printing format with ASCII standard upper and lower case character set. Printing speed is 50 characters/second with a maximum width of 80 characters. It uses standard fanfold paper up to 9½ inches wide. The GP 250X is offered as a package including cable and Centronics interface.
Mindware Inc.
From Eagle Sales
The MW-100 Printer. $119 plus s&h; includes 5 rolls of paper and any 2 software programs.
The only ZX81/TS1000 plain paper printer available in the U.S. Dot matrix. Uses keyboard printing commands. Standard 1 3/4 inch paper rolls. Ribbons readily available. Needs no interface. Three modes: Mode 0: Prints each 32 character line using 2 lines on the tape for each screen line. Mode 1: Divides the screen in half vertically; prints each; then tape them together for full screen. Mode 3: Prints 16 character lines.