34 Columns

A tiny typewriter for the 8K ROM. RUN, then type: each key you press is POKEd straight into the display file, so the text runs 34 characters to a line instead of 32, and ENTER starts a new line. Shift 1 types a space and shift 0 backspaces. There is no input prompt.

Depending on your TV, the 34th column may be cut off. Don’t type keywords such as STOP. The article advises SAVEing the program before you run it, since the computer sometimes crashes when you leave it.

The article says the program fits in 2K, but it needs a full display file: on a ZX81 with less than about 3.25K the display is collapsed, and the POKEs overwrite it and crash the machine. It works in 16K.

Published in Syntax April 1982 (34 Columns — 8K).

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34 Columns — 8K

Program allowing text entry in a 34-column by 22-line display format within 2K RAM. Uses shift keys for space and backspace control. Includes the complete listing and instructions for loading and operating.

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Source Code

   1 FOR I=1 TO 747
   2 PAUSE 900
   3 LET A$=INKEY$
   4 IF CODE A$=117 THEN LET A$=" "
   5 IF CODE A$=119 THEN LET I=I-1
   6 IF CODE A$=119 THEN LET A$=""
   7 IF A$="" THEN GOTO 2
   8 POKE (PEEK 16396+256*PEEK 16397)+I,CODE A$
   9 NEXT I

Note: Type-in program listings on this website use ZMAKEBAS notation for graphics characters.