E-Z Key
Suite 75, 711 South Artery,
Quincy, MA 02169
Program Type: Utility (Program Conversion)
Machine: TS2068
Price: $19.95 (Optional Load filter $9.95)
If you’re like me, the TS2068 is not the first computer you have owned. You probably have a ZX81 or TS1000, with plenty of programs to run on it. Now that you’ve moved on to the more sophisticated TS2068, you probably think that in order to build a library for it, you’ll have to start from scratch. Right?
WRONG! Almost any program you have in BASIC for the ZX81/TS1000 can now be used on the TS2068 with the use of UPLOAD2000. This is a program that allows you to convert most BASIC 1000 programs into working versions for the 2068.
Notice I said BASIC program. The program must be written totally in BASIC, with no machine code.
The procedure to translate is quite simple.
1) First, you load UPLOAD2000 into your computer.
2) Next, you type a RAND USR command given.
3) Then load in your TS1000 program.
4) After it finishes loading, list the program. It should look exactly like it does in the 1000.
5) Next, you will have to edit the program. Remove all FAST and SLOW commands. Other keywords, such as CHR$, CODE, PEEK and POKE will have to be modified to fit 2068 code. [You will also have to change scaling, etc. for PLOT/UNPLOT, and change any code that uses SCROLL. You might also want to place entire subroutines into multi-statement lines, modify INPUT prompts and commands, and modify legends, etc. to include lower case. -ed.]
6) Once you have finished the “mandatory” editing, you can save this new version for use, or you may wish to modify it further. How about adding color and sound?
Depending on the length of the program, editing may be from none to quite a bit. However, I would rather edit a working version than re-key an entire program.
I have used UPLOAD2000 on numerous occasions, and the results have been very good. To insure a good load with your 1000 program, I recommend getting the LOAD FILTER that E-Z KEY has available. It plugs in line with the cord between the computer and the cassette recorder.
I feel that UPLOAD2000 is a very good utility, and recommend it to those who want to make use of their TS1000 BASIC programs in the TS2068.
Reviewed by:
Bill Ferrebee [address omitted]
River Cities Smart BBS (304) 652-1416