Being a conveniently intermittent column of rantings, ravings, and free advertising for those who catch the attention of —- Wes Brzozowski
It’s been along time since this column appeared here, but new developments in the home computer world continue to emerge. For the TS1000 users out there, Software Farm (in England) has produced a third new high resolution graphics game for your machine. For those just tuning in, it’s possible through some clever and incredibly perverse software tricks to coax high resolution graphics out of the TS1000. Though the hardware wasn’t designed for it, there isn’t a very unobvious way to do the job, and the folks at Software Farm are going all out to make use of it.
The new program is called ZXtricator (the other two are Forty Niner and Rocket Man). I’ve heard that some U. S. distributors carry these programs, but I have no names just now. Any dealer who carries them can get a free mention here just by writing and telling me. In the mean time, I’d suggest checking flyers of the larger dealers.
TS2068 users will be pleased to hear that various Spectrum programs are being translated to work on a standard TS2068 (so that no Spectrum emulator is required). I’ve seen Fighter Pilot, a simulation of the F-15, and it’s quite impressive. The option to use the TIMEX joystick ports is not only thoughtful, it’s absolutely necessary. Flying the beast from the keyboard just can’t be done by ordinary mortals. Our friends at the Knighted Computers get the praises for this one, and they’re working on others. Check it out!
Speaking of joysticks, most users of Spectrum Emulators know by now that the TIMEX joystick ports don’t work with Spectrum software. The Spectrum doesn’t have a built in port, and Sinclair waited so long that before introducing one that several other outfits have produced their own. As a result, there are several (totally incompatible) joystick standards for the Spectrum, and many British programs start by asking which joystick you have. (The big menu that first comes up on the excellent Sabre Wolf is a prime example of this very sad situation.)
Nevertheless, the dominant format is called Kempston standard, and that’s the one to have. A gentleman by the name of Steve Wyatt is producing “Kempston type” interfaces for the TS2068 to solve the Spectrum woes on this side of the Atlantic. Steve has sent me a sample of his interface, and I just can;t express the fantastic difference it makes. It’s great. Steve produces two versions of his product. One, which plugs into the cartridge port, is available from Russell Electronics, for $19.95. This is fine for use with the Russell Romswitch, which doesn’t use the cartridge slot, but it’s obviously incompatible with cartridge based emulators. (I don’t think Russell minds.)
Steve also makes a version that plugs into the TS2068 backplane, and he’ll sell you either version directly for $19.95. Be sure to specify which type you want. Since he’s never been mentioned in this column before, his address is:
Steve Wyatt
4306 Jefferson St.
Hyattsville, MD 20781
and he won’t mind you calling him at 301-779-7743.
It should also be pointed out that the Kempston standard does not completely decode the I/O port, causing possible conflict with other peripherals. Steve’s interface mimics the Kempston standard exactly, although he can also supply a decoded version should you prefer one. Check with him for pricing and availability on these.
As hinted above, I try not to give a dealer’s address more than once ever in this column, so if I’ve given it in the past, I’ll only mention the name in upcoming installments. This reduces the appearance of favoritism, which I avoid as best I can. Nevertheless, in a good cause and under proper circumstances, the rules should be trashed.
As usual, I love to get mail and phone calls. Anyone with questions or comments is welcome to write me:
Wes Brzozowski
[address omitted]
Like always. I freely correspond with anyone who wants to swap ideas or information, and will answer letters that just contain questions provided that they contain stamped, self-addressed envelopes. My phone number is [phone number omitted], and I do enjoy phone calls. Just try to call before 9:00 PM,EST.and don’t call collect. Hope to hear from you.