Timelinez v7 n4

Date: April 1989
Volume: 7
Issue: 4
See all issues of Timelinez

Articles

TitleDescriptionComputers
"Z88 Computing" Book ReviewReview of the book “Z88 Computing” by Ion Sinclair, covering the Cambridge Z88 portable computer.Cambridge Z88
Back-Up Copying Protected ProgramsExplains techniques for stopping and backing up self-running TS1000 programs, including using the BREAK key, the STOP command for numeric input screens (SHIFT-A), and string input screens (delete quote, type STOP). For machine language programs, uses RAND USR 0 sequence to interrupt, then LIST and SAVE with GOTO line. Introduces a companion reprinted article onTimex/Sinclair 1000
Larken Program TipsTwo practical tips for Larken disk users: (1) Speed improvement for COPY A DISK by changing all FALSE values in BASIC lines 5190 through 5200 to TRUE, cutting copy time approximately in half per a conversation with Larry Kenny; (2) General note that this change does not produce code as fast as machine code butTimex/Sinclair 2068
Newsletter Exchange PageMonthly newsletter exchange column presenting excerpts from exchanged publications. This issue includes items from the Sinclair Louisville Users Group (Sep 88) featuring a tape backup utility, and from the Jan. 89 QZX Newsletter covering tape unlocking and color monitor technical issues with the TS2068.
QL Chaos ProgramSuperBASIC program implementing the logistic map chaotic attractor for the Sinclair QL. Uses WINDOW, FOR/NEXT loops, and POINT commands to visualize the behavior of x = rx(1-x) across parameter values r = 2.978 to 4. The program contains a deliberate or accidental bug; readers are invited to find and correct it. A second shorter variantSinclair QL, Type-in program
S.N.U.G. Election NewsReports complete results of the first Sinclair Northamerica Users Group charter-year officer elections, supervised by a Pasco County deputy election official (Mrs. Julia Bailey). Lists all candidates and vote counts/percentages for five offices: President (Mel Nathanson, 40 votes), First VP, Second VP, Secretary, and Treasurer. Also describes the group’s public domain software library plans and
SAVE the UnSAVEable / LOAD the UnLOADablePresents two versions of a modified LOAD command for the ZX81/TS1000 that copies ROM routines into RAM and adjusts addresses to run there. Version 1 (SAVE the UnSAVEable) enables backup copies of self-running programs by scanning for ‘S’ keypress then jumping to the SAVE routine. Version 2 (LOAD the UnLOADable) recovers programs from tapes withTimex/Sinclair 1000, Type-in program
SincLink Newsletter 8904 / SLIX Contacts March 1989Monthly SincLink contact log for April 1989 covering March 1989 activity. Includes the SincLink file directory listing (Sn894_dir and related files), newsletter exchange summaries, updates on reading/writing various T/S disk formats on the QL, and user group meeting reports. The HATS (Harrisburg Area T/S Users) newsletter exchange is noted.
T/S 2068 Color Monitor DifficultiesTechnical analysis of why some color monitors perform poorly with the T/S 2068 video output. Compares the 2068’s color vector phase angles to NTSC standards (e.g., Blue at 350° vs. 358°, Red at 116° vs. 112°) and identifies three engineering issues: color burst not synchronous with the waveform (3.579545 MHz vs. 14.112 MHz crystals), shortenedTimex/Sinclair 2068
TS1000 Tape UnlockerShort BASIC program using nine POKEs (values 62,0,56,0,64,1,55,0,201 into locations 16514-16522) that permits making backup tapes of programs with non-standard beginnings or endings. After entry, add lines 60-110 to complete the program, which patches the LOAD command routine. Public Domain Library of Tim Ward.Timex/Sinclair 1000, Type-in program
View from the RamtopManaging editor’s column discussing the distraction of spring cycling in the California hills, explaining recent newsletter production delays. Notes an ascent to Lick Observatory and upcoming cycling goals, and announces that the next two TimeLinez issues will be bi-monthly to maintain the annual subscription balance.
Z88 to QL ConnectionsDocuments a cable or connection method for interfacing the Cambridge Z88 portable computer with the Sinclair QL,.Cambridge Z88, Sinclair QL