Jack Dohany
435 Woodward Way
Athens, GA 30606
404-543-5309
January 1990
I’m happy to announce that the USA version of WORD-MASTER is now ready. I believe that this is the finest software ever written for the Spectrum… and I didn’t write it, so I’m not tootin’ my own horn. The software was written by the British firm PCG (Parkinson Computer Graphics), from whom I have authorization to produce and distribute the USA version.
The USA version is meant for use on a T/S 2068 computer with any form of Spectrum emulator, any common printer interface, and any common disk system, or cassette. Actually there’s a separate variety for each disk system: none, Aerco, Larken, Oliger and Zebra.
WHAT IT IS
Word-Master is a word processor with graphics capabilities, and with optional graphic designer, LQ fonts and desktop publisher. While Word-master itself can be used with any big printer, the options require an Epson-type dot matrix printer.
REVIEW COPIES
There’s too little room in this hand-out for a full description of Word-Master. The best way for you to really understand what this program does is to try it on your own computer. I’ll be happy to send you a review copy of Word-Master upon request, with this condition: that you pay for it if you like it, and return it if you don’t. Please be sure to describe your system fully, since your review copy will be customized for your equipment. Please include $3 for shipping. Your review copy will include all options and documentation.
THE PRICE
The price of the Word-Master package ranges from $18 to $67, depending on which options you find useful. If your funds are limited, you can pay for the desired options over a period of time. Details on payment are provided with your review copy.
SPECTRUM EMULATION
If you have AERCO disk, no spectrum emulator is needed, since the AERCO variety of Word-Master comes with a software-based Spectrum emulator, which is shareware by Keith Watson.
If you do not have AERCO DISK, then you need a hardware Spectrum emulator. If you don’t already have one, see page 2.
CONCLUSION
I hope you’ll order your review copy of Word-Master soon. I’m sure that you’ll be as enthusiastic about this software as I am. It brings new life to our beloved old computer.
SPECTRUM EMULATOR
I now have a Spectrum emulator available for the T/S 2068, at low cost. This emulator consists of a 32K eprom, which replaces the 16K rom. The 32K eprom contains the 2068 operating system in the lower half, and the Spectrum operating system in the upper half. Certain errors in both operating systems are corrected. Error correction is detailed in documentation.
The lower or upper half of the 32K eprom is selected by means of a small switch on the back of the 2068. Thus there is no cartridge to insert or remove, and no bulky magnetic switch on the top of the computer, as with the ROMSWITCH emulator. If you have LARKEN disk, you don’t need to modify the LARKEN cartridge.
COMPATIBILITY
This emulator is compatible with all disk systems except AERCO, which requires software emulation instead. The ZEBRA disk system requires that an additional dual eprom be installed in the ZEBRA disk interface. No changes are needed to the controller.
INSTALLATION
The 2068 Spectrum emulator can be easily installed by anyone with soldering experience. Full instructions are included. If you’re doubtful of your capabilities, it may be best to let me do the installation.
Installation of the ZEBRA I/F dual eprom is much more difficult, and is suggested for experienced technicians only. The 24-pin eprom socket must be desoldered and replaced with a 28-pin socket, after drilling 4 precise pin-holes.
LOANERS
If you want me to do an installation for you, you can first order a LOANER 2068 and/or LOANER ZEBRA I/F. When you get the loaner(s), then send your equipment. When you get your equipment back, return the loaner(s). All work is guaranteed.
PRICES including shipping:
KIT INSTALLATION LOANER SPECTRUM EMULATOR $15 $10 $5 (Includes 32K eprom, 2 diodes, switch, wires and instructions.) ZEBRA I/F DUAL EPROM $10 $10 $5 (8K eprom, 28-pin socket, switch, wires and instructions.)
OTHER POSSIBILITIES
It is also possible to install a special AERCO-compatible printer interface inside the 2068, and install a special dual eprom with built-in “native” print driver software. This costs $40.