Probably the least tapped resource by the average TS user is telecommunications (see SWN 4:1). In my case, the problem is primarily one of not having enough information about the subject to comfortably dive in and start communicating. Thanks to the efforts of Pete Fischer, Box 2002, Temple, AZ 85281, and Steve Ishii, 18414 Deloise Ave., Cerritos, CA 90701, anyone who had been hesitant to enter the world of telecommunications no longer has an excuse to take the plunge.
Messrs. Fischer and Ishii have assembled and distributed to every TS User Group they know of, a public domain work entitled “THE GUIDE TO T/S TELECOMMUNICATIONS“. The User’s Groups have been instructed to photocopy and distribute this guide to their membership. If you haven’t seen a copy yet, get on your group’s President or Secretary. If they can’t help you, send $2.00 to either Mr. Fischer or Mr. Ishii to cover copying and postage, and they will send you your own personal copy.
This definitive guide to T/S related Bulletin Board Service(s) (BBS), explains everything from BBS etiquette and how a BBS works for the novice user to downloads, advanced usage, and how to start your own BBS for the experienced user. Also covered are T/S hardware and software, hardware and software modifications, and, of course, the names, phone numbers, and protocol for the many BBS currently catering to the T/S line of computers.
Planned for release in early 1987 is the deluxe edition of the book which will be in an 8-1/2″ x 11″ loose leaf format. It will include all the text of Version 1.0, plus more Boards, complete help files from the popular Boards, listings of available downloads, info on international telecommunications, any corrections received on Version 1.0, and more. The cost for the new deluxe version will be $5.00.
Now is the time to get on the telecommunications band-wagon! TS2050 modems are still relatively easy to come by. Several manufacturers are offering modems and software of equal or better quality than the ‘offically’ supported Timex equipment. A source like Fischer and Ishii’s “THE GUIDE TO T/S TELECOMMUNICATIONS” is all you need to tie it all together.