Sync Notes

SYNC at the Keyboard

Mark Fisher leads off our theme section “SYNC at the Keyboard” by revealing the hidden parts of the program line. Then Richard Tracy helps us sort things out, Sharon Aker sets up some arrays, and Edward Beeler shows how to get more into our RAM packs. “Knight’s Tour” by Robert Midura lets us watch the computer working out a problem. In “Meteors” Michael Williams shows yet another way of squeezing more into 1K RAM. For TS2068 users, Sharon Aker shares some programming tips, and Robert Hartung develops his method of using the user defined graphics capability. Realizing the power of your computer involves understanding how to use the memory space more fully so V. B. Rice unravels the mysteries of ROM and RAM addressing, and Randall Glidden answers the question of how to use the RAM disabled by your RAM pack. New programming languages also extend the power of your computer as Robert Trelease shows in his discussion of Forth. Finally, we take a break with George Milonas and see how the game Boule can be programmed to the computer.

Coming issues

Our next theme section will be “SYNC on the Job,” We will look at how the computer is being used in work situations —both conventional and unconventional. Other themes under consideration for subsequent issues include: “SYNC at the Arcade,” “SYNC Goes Shopping” (a buyer’s guide to TS2068 products), and “SYNC in the Classroom.”

Timex Developments

Timex Command Cartridge

TS1000 and T5I500 users will now be able to enjoy cartridge software. The Timex Sinclair 1510 Cartridge Player (T-Dock for short) plugs firmly into the expansion port of your computer and allows the use of Timex’s new line of cartridge software. The unit measures 3 1/4×3 5/8 x 1 1/4 inches, not including the cartridge slot extension, (See photo.)

On the TS1500 you need only the TDock, but on the TS1000 you must use your 16K RAM pack. We had no problem with RAM pack wobble, but precaution must still be taken. The unit also has a reset button. Some users may want to keep the T-Dock plugged into the computer all the time in order to have the reset capability even though cartridge use is not planned.

The Command Cartridge measures 2 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 3/16 inches. It has a handle on the top for getting a good grip for removal. A board extends out the bottom about 3/16 of an inch. This plugs into the vertical socket on the T-Dock. A sleeve protects the board until the cartridge is inserted in the socket. Although the cartridge looks identical to those for the TS2068, there is no danger of making a mistake because the boards are different and cannot be plugged into the wrong machine.

On the TS1500 you turn the computer power on, the cartridge loads almost instantly, and the program screen comes up. On the TS1000 you must load the program with a USR call. This may take several seconds, but it is significantly faster than tape loading.

The limitation of the T-Dock system is, of course, that you cannot save a program with your data back to the cartridge. Nevertheless at 519.95 the T-Dock promises to save substantial time and relieve much user frustration in loading software.

Cartridge Software

As samples of what is to come from Timex’s cartridge software, Timex’s winter catalog includes seven cartridges for the TS2068 and four for the TS1O0O/TS15OO in its list of over 100 software packages. The prices are generally in the SI 9.95 range. We have seen “Crazy bugs” for the TS2068 (see review on p. 32) and for the TS1000/TS1500 “Supermath,” “States and Capitals,” and “Flight Simulator” (reviewed in the cassette version in SYNC 3:2).

Third Party Support

However, more important is that third party vendors will be able to offer programs in the Command Cartridge format. Interested vendors should request information on their official letterhead from Billy Skryme at Timex. Third party vendors may also request (on letterhead) information on the hardware/software guide from Billy Skryme and on schematics from Doug Smith (Timex Computer Corp., Waterbury, CT 06725 ) ,