Pro/File Updates

Publisher: Thomas B. Woods

Quarterly published by Tom Woods. Provided updates and more to owners of ZX Pro/File databases. In 1986, the newsletter was renamed to Computer Updates and expanded to include updates to all software published by Tom Woods.

Articles

  • "DO Files" RevisitedTS 1000 Type-in program
    Perhaps the most powerful, but also the most under-used and misunderstood function in the Pro/File program is the “DO File”.
  • "DO" The Menu ApproachTS 1000 Type-in program
    There is nothing to prevent a “DO FILE” from branching to a menu of options. Leonard G. Holmes, a clinical psychologist in Williamsburg, VA, uses Pro/File to hold billing information and he uses this “DO” menu technique to print out various kinds of statements.
  • A Forum on Hardware Suppliers?TS 1000
    How ’bout some comments on Timex hardware suppliers? There are lots of ads in SYNC and elsewhere, but who is reliable and who is not.
  • A Hearty Welcome!
    Welcome to Pro/file Updates! Charter subscribers are members of a very exclusive group, indeed: 123 people world-wide. Keep the faith, numbers will grow–especially if you tell your friends about ZX PRO/FILE. This newsletter is going to provide you with modifications and ideas to make ZX PRO/ FILE serve you better. A heavy slant will lean…
  • A Mystery ArisesTS 1000
    Some people report bugs in ZX PRO/FILE such as report-4 (out of memory) errors, report-5 (not enough room on screen) errors, and during SAVEs, some report that the computer goes ape. All problems exhibit a shocking degree of non-uniformity except for one thing: 16K Memotech RAM packs were used in every case. I have tested…
  • A Splendid Idea!TS 1000
    Suggestion to add spellchecking to ZX Pro/File
  • A&J Micro Drive Replaces the CAI Stringy FloppyTS 1000 Type-in program
    The A&J Micro Drive is the “new and improved” version of the old CAI ESF stringy floppy, a very high speed tape device which approaches the speed and flexibility of disk drives but at a price of only about $150.
  • Accelerated Saving with ZXLR-8TS 1000 Type-in program
    ZXLR-8 is a program that speeds loading and saving time with the ZX/TS. You can use it with Pro/File to typically load a 16K program in about 30 seconds. If you use a disk drive, there is no comparison in speed between ZXLR-8 and the disk. However, ZXLR-8 can do a lot of things the…
  • Additional Selections from the Display Options MenuTS 1000 Type-in program
    Add these lines to Pro/File to eliminate many tedious unnecessary key presses. They incorporate into “ZX” much of the flexibility found in the new Pro/File 2068 program.
  • After the Fall...
    Bill Jones of Panama City, FL sent an interesting note. He says, “UPDATES has the potential of being a National Newsletter for Sinclair Computer Information. Looking further down the road, UPDATES could be a vehicle to start up a National Sinclair Computer Club.” Funny you should mention that, Bill. While UPDATES is definitely not ever…
  • And Speaking of Water....TS 1000
    Peter G. Govus reports that his West Paterson, NJ home was flooded by 4 feet of water not long ago. At the bottom of the drink was his T/S 1000. When the waters subsided, Govus put the air blower to his soggy machine. As soon as the thing was dried out he powered it up,…
  • And the Winner Is...TS 1000
    SET LISTS! We have a little country western band and we play for dances in our local Austin Texas area. I put every song we do in Pro/File complete with its key, who sings it, key changes, and type (walz, two step, etc.). When it comes time to play a gig, I go in and…
  • Autosearch Won't WorkTS 1000
    Several readers have written of problems when trying to make an ordered search. In order to utilize this function in PRO/FILE you must enter your data carefully or the computer will not be able to find the number you type in.
  • Blink EliminatorTS 1000 Type-in program
    This modification changes the computer to the SLOW mode for data entry. Being a very short program addition, I did not reDIM DS downward for more room and have had no trouble. Some readers may want to just in case.
  • Block Delete "DO File" Purges Unwanted DataTS 1000 Type-in program
    This function allows you to clear out files that you no longer want. If you use Pro/File to catalog your stamp and coin collection, for example, and you find yourself running out of room, you could use the Block Delete function to “split” your data base in two.
  • Byte-Back P-2 Printer Software ModsTS 1000 Type-in program
    Add or alter these lines of ZX PRO/FILE to make it work with Byte-Back’s P-2 serial print< er driver. P-2 can be located in any convenient memory location. Once you decide where you want it to be, determine the address of both the LPRINT and the LCOPY routines. The address for LCOPY will be stored…
  • Byte-Back Printer InterfaceTS 1000 Type-in program
    Al Rapp of Blowing Rock, NC writes: I am using the RS-232 board in my Byte-Back modem and Byte-Back’s printer driver program to drive my Star DP8480 serial printer. I can copy the whole screen by using USR 8347 at line 3020 of PRO/FILE but I can’t select lines to be printed.
  • Changing RAMTOP Without "NEW"TS 1000 Type-in program
    Those of us who use 64K RAM on our ZX81/TS1000 must poke RAMTOP and execute NEW before loading large programs. This can also be done by a short machine code routine added to the high-speed loader programs like ZXLR-8 described in previous UPDATES.
  • Compusa Disk FixTS 1000 Type-in program
    I, too, have a Compusa Disk system for my TS 1500. I use a different method to save to disk which allows me to save to tape if I want to.
  • Compusa Disk Implementation of Pro/File AvailableTS 1000
    Anthony John Oresteen is offering an upgraded version of Pro/File which works on the Compusa disk drives. In addition to a “Print all files afterโ€ฆ” routine (see story inside), he has added DATE and NUMBER OF FILES USED functions.
  • Debugging AidTS 1000 Type-in program
    When D$ is longer than 704 characters, report 5 errors prevent you from displaying the array when you PRINT D$. This short routine appended to PRO/FILE lets you read all the contents of D$ without a lot of fuss. Begin numbering the lines at 9000 or some other place where there’s room.
  • Display Options FixTS 1000 Type-in program
    In Updates number 3, the “Additional Selections from the Display Options” enhancement on page 4 screws up the “RETURN” function.
  • Editing the AsteriskTS 1000 Type-in program
    When I initiate a search for “*”, I find I am unable to EDIT the first file called up. This does not occur on subsequent files or if the search is for another item. Is there something I am overlooking?
  • Field Labels Anyone?TS 1000
    Myles Cohen from New York uses the ADD modification given in UPDATES vol. 1, #3, to simulate “labels” such as those used in old, outmoded and obsolete data base programs like Vu-File.
  • File AlignmentTS 1000 Type-in program
    This enhancement will help you keep data in each file “aligned” for easier viewing and printing. This is done by calling up a form you have on file and then entering the data over the top of it.
  • George Erickson's Ultimate Loading Solution: BatteriesTS 1000 Hardware project
    UPDATES has devoted considerable space to improving loading speed convenience and dependability. Disk drives, stringy floppies, and fast load-type programs all contribute greatly to these critical factors. George Erickson, a manufacturer’s representative for Canon micro floppy drives, hard disks, and other computer equipment, uses ZX PRO/FILE to maintain his sales data. Since last November, his…
  • Glaring Errors Dept.TS 1000 Type-in program
    In “Upgrading to Larger Memories Without Losing Data” (page 6, vol. 1, no. 1) step 7 of the instructions was incorrect.
  • Glaring Omissions Dept.TS 1000 Type-in program
    Far and away, the most common problem experienced by ZX PRO/FILE owners is enlarging the DS array to make use of a larger memory pack. It seems that the dummy who wrote the book was so concerned with getting the program lines on page 42 printed correctly that he completely forgot to tell you to…
  • Good News for TS1500 Owners!TS 1500
    Many readers interested in using ZXLR-8, the fast load program described in the last issue, but who are discouraged to learn that it won’t work in their TS1500 computers will be pleased to learn that Joseph C. Woyak of Appleton, Wisconsin got his ZXLR-8 program running in his 1500. He pulled out the 8K ROM…
  • Goof-Proof Line EditingTS 1000 Type-in program
    How many times have you been adding or editing a file and suddenly found yourself face to face with the program listing without knowing why or how you got there? This annoying occurrence is caused by accidentally pressing the BREAK key while the edit cursor is blinking. If you’re not paying attention, the results can…
  • How to Connect Pro/File to a 32K RAM PackTS 1000 Type-in program
    To run a 32K version of “ZX”, follow these instructions.
  • How to Connect Your TS/ZX to a Monitor โ€“ EasilyTS 1000
    Anyone who has stared at those funny little moving marks or lines of distortion on TV displays, anyone who would like to enjoy a crystal clear image without the annoyance of RF interference and having to carefully adjust the TV set’s fine tuning, or arrange cables just so, anyone who thinks a quality monitor would…
  • Important Pro/File 2068 NoteTS 2068
    If you purchased a copy of PRO/FILE 2068 and you’re wondering why you haven’t received a copy of the manual yet, its because the book is still not finished. I have been very busy of late and have not been able to devote the time needed to complete it.
  • Introducing the Experimentor's Universal Input/Output PortTS 1000 TS 2068
    Some of you may remember that a LONG time ago, I said I wanted to offer a simple parallel port and use it as the basis of a series of programs designed to show computer hobbyists the what’s, why’s and wherefore’s of “Programming for Ports”. My plan was (and still is) to provide many interesting…
  • Line Input ImprovementsTS 1000 Type-in program
    I was using PRO/FILE to handle a file and print-out of one line sales transactions, but entering the data of varying length and still keeping all segments of lines properly aligned caused me grief as well as a lot of “Data Too Long” errors. This revision of line 552 and an added line 554 prints…
  • LPRINT More Than 32 ColumnsTS 1000
    I have long wanted to expand the print capability of Pro/File from the 28 characters per line to 80 in order to provide a more concise method of printing church address files and library catalogs for distribution in a format other than Rolodex cards or labels on Rolodex cards.
  • Machine Code in Pro/File: Where to Stick ItTS 1000 Type-in program
    Enhancements to PRO/FILE that are written in machine code can present a problem in deciding where in memory you should keep it. A long addition like Q-SAVE or FASTLOAD will usually be placed either above RAMTOP or somewhere in the 8-16K area of RAM if you have it to use. The biggest drawback to keeping…
  • More on Q-Save in the 1500TS 1500 Type-in program
    Since my last tip on using QSAVE with the Timex 1500 (see Updates vol. 1, #4), it seems I may not be the only one out here with such a set-up. If that is the case, others might be interested in modifying the QSAVE program so as to allow its use with the 1500 and…
  • New Full Size Printer Interface Works With "ZX"TS 1000
    Peter McMullin reports in SINC-LINK, the newsletter for the TS Users Club of Toronto, that the EPROM SERVICES Centronics I/F and software driver works just fine with Pro/File.
  • New Light on the Memotech Memory MysteryTS 1000
    In UPDATES No. 1, I noted that several people experienced unusual behavior of their computers when the Memotech 16K RAM pack was used to expand capacity to 32K. Bill Russell of Winky Board fame sheds some light on this common problem and gives a possible cure.
  • New Uses Dept.TS 1000
    Jim Cripps of Central Islip, NY has compiled a large foreign language translation data base using ZX PRO/FILE. His family uses it to improve their language skills in any of the five different languages held in the program. For each word, a two line file is created. The first line holds the initial of the…
  • Number Crunching "ZX"TS 1000 Type-in program
    It’s not often that a short piece of new programming can add a whole new dimension to a program, but that’s what happens with this mod. Pro/File the file manager turns into Pro/File the accounts manager with this hot little ditty. Once you add it, you can keep a running total of numbers that you…
  • Port Project #1: Data Communications Between Two ComputersTS 1000 TS 2068 Type-in program Hardware project
    This first project gives you the basis of a very useful application involving I/O ports–communicating between two computers.
  • Print All Files After...TS 1000 Type-in program
    I use an expanded 64K version of ZX Pro/File to maintain a large mailing list of over 500 names. A problem that I have encountered is that my printer sometimes jams during a label run, and it always seems to happen at around the 400th file. After stopping the program and clearing the printer I…
  • Pro/File 2068?TS 2068
    Sadly, ZX PRO/FILE will not work on the new TS2068 without a substantial re-write of the machine code. Even general concepts must be changed. Watch for a 2068 version in 6-8 months. By necessity, it will be accompanied by an entirely new text as well
  • Pro/File Basic Add/Edit RoutinesTS 1000 Type-in program
    How many times have you been adding or editing a file and suddenly found yourself face to face with the program listing without knowing why or how you got there? This annoying occurrence is caused by accidentally pressing the BREAK key while the edit cursor is blinking. If you’re not paying attention, the results can…
  • Pro/File Plus Cassette ClarificationTS 1000
    Last issue I stated that cassettes of “ZX” which contained many enhancements published in Updates was available. Apparently it was not clear to many that the biggest enhancement of all, the machine code alphabetizing routine featured in the last issue, was included on this tape.
  • Pro/File Pokes for the Byte-Back Centronics Printer I/FTS 1000 Type-in program
    Here is the Parallel I/F modification for the new Byte-Back interface.
  • Pro/File Replaces the Card CatalogTS 1000
    Got a library? Or a Sunday school library? PRO/FILE with the NOT Search and file count is an excellent library program. I use it with 48K. Smaller memories may be a little restrictive.
  • Pro/File Sings at the TabernacleTS 1000
    From Bill Hall, Laurel, MD: One of my duties as Minister of Music for the Tabernacle is to compile a schedule of all volunteer help during our Sunday morning services. This involves seven different areas of ministry and as many as ten individuals per area. Conflicts of scheduling this large group of people led us…
  • Pro/File Works with COMPUSA Disk Drives TooTS 1000 Type-in program
    Last issue there was an extended modification to run “ZX” with the AERCO disk drives. This time, Steve Cottrell of Allen Park, MI sends his modification to run the program on the COMPUSA disk drive.
  • Program Changes and Data Capacity: A Symbiotic RelationshipTS 1000 Type-in program
    Memory space in a computer โ€” regardless of how much you have plugged in โ€” is allocated for certain jobs. Two major sections of memory that concern ZX PRO/FILE are the program area of memory and the variables area. When PRO/FILE runs, all files are stored in the variables area. With 16K attached, the files…
  • Q-Save on the TS1500TS 1500
    I use a Timex 1500 which I got to replace my 1000 so that I might continue to use the programs and accessories I purchased for the TS1000. I was dismayed to find that my Q-SAVE would not work with the 1500. A letter to the importer brought the answer that the two were just…
  • Q-Save with Pro/FileTS 1000 Type-in program
    John Willi, Louisville, KY, and Phil Williams, Wilmington, DE, sent these instructions to make PRO/FILE work with Q-SAVE.
  • Sinclair QL Computer ExaminedQL
    Not long ago I managed to get my hands on Sinclair’s latest machine, the QL. A cursory inspection reveals a very powerful computer. It sports a nice full size keyboard. Unlike the TS1000, the case is large (18-3/4 by 5-3/8 inches). It encloses the 68008 microprocessor, 128K of ram, 48k of rom, 2 microdrive mass…
  • Special Number Cruncher IssueTS 1000
    In keeping with a promise made long ago, I now have added math Capabilities to ZX Pro/File’s repertoire. Read all about it inside. This modification really changes the face of Pro/File the file manager, turning it into a completely different program. I am anxious to hear what new applications arise from it.
  • Speedload and "ZX"TS 1000 Type-in program
    If you own SPEEDLOAD, a fastloader put out by Intercomputer, Inc., you’ll be interested in this modification made by Alfred Revzin of Elmsford, NY.
  • Stringy Floppy NotesTS 1000 Type-in program
    If you use a CAI Stringy Floppy for high speed program saves, you’re not alone if you tried unsuccessfully to adapt PRO/ FILE to work with this device. With the help of Don Bernath in Michigan, Peter Danes in New York, Jim Benedict of Miss., Lionel Barthelemy of Alabama, and Frank Finkelstein of New York,…
  • The Amazing "Line Insert" CommandTS 1000 Type-in program
    I found that I required an INSERT facility for a filing job I was working on. This one works very well. After these changes are made to ZX PRO/FILE you can create an open line between two existing ones in order to insert a new line of text. Whenever the cursor is blinking while you…
  • The Beat Me, Kick Me, Abuse Me, But This is Too Much DeptTS 1000 Type-in program
    One fellow whose name shall remain annonymous wrote, “can you teil me how to extend the VU-FILE to 64K?” Try POKE 16396,255NEW
  • The Display/Pause/Display "DO" FileTS 1000 Type-in program
    Finally, this routine will make Pro/File search and display a file. Then, it automatically goes to the next file without the need press ENTER of the Display Options. This could be useful where automatic displays of information are required such as in store window demonstrations or in a “flash card” type setting for youngsters.
  • The Idiot's Idiot LineTS 1000 Type-in program
    Despite the safeguards built into ZX Pro/ File, I have managed to erase by mistake two pages of data. Consequently, I devised this Idiot’s idiot line.
  • The Incredible "Not" SearchTS 1000 Type-in program
    These changes allow ZX PRO/FILE to perform “NOT” searches. This is equivalent to printing all files EXCEPT the word you input as a search command. PRO/FILE’s builtin multi-word search mode is used in this routine. The computer searches all files for a match to the first word. If one is found, it then scans the…
  • The Label Maker "DO File"TS 1000 Type-in program
    Here’s a neat utility that I use all the time to make return address labels. You can change it accordingly to print your own name and address, or whatever other information you need.
  • The Pro/Fileโ€“AERCO ConnectionTS 1000 Type-in program
    Linking Pro/File’s data management capabilities with the rapid access and large capacity of a disk system is probably the single greatest improvement you can make to ZX PRO/FILE. If you obtain a disk system manufactured by AERCO you can make these modifications to PRO/FILE to pack your data base with enormous whollop.
  • The ZX Coupon FileTS 1000
    I use the PRO/FILE as a coupon file with headings to match my wife’s coupon holder. The sample below shows how the files are organized. Entering a search by general heading, by brand name, or by expiration date will tell me at a glance just what coupons we have or which ones we should use…
  • Time and Date EnhancementTS 1000 Type-in program
    Here is a little additional code which allows for inputting the time and date so that immediately upon loading you can tell when your last access to the program occured. (I did this because I am basically a disorganized person and sometimes pick up the wrong version of my Pro/File tape to work on.)
  • Timex Computer Corp. Fades
    If you haven’t heard already, Timex followed in the footsteps of Texas Instruments not long ago, leaving computer owners and third party supporters alike holding the bag. Rumors are flying fast and furious. Only one thing is certain and that is that we are all in for some uncertain times. Preliminary fears that the entire…
  • TS1000 and ZX81 Parts AvailableTS 1000
    As our lowly ZX computers fade into the setting sun, die-hards among our ranks have expressed concern over where to find replacement computers and parts. For the time being, ZX81 computers, power supplies and parts (ULA’s, ROM’s circuit boards, etc.) can be obtained from Thomas W. Laffin.
  • Turning Point
    This issue of Pro/file Updates closes out the newsletter’s second year. I want to thank all of you for your generous and enthusiastic support. It was your suggestions, contributions, and even complaints that made the first two years of Updates a smashing success. And I think it is safe to say that the ZX Pro/File…
  • Updates Updates
    Our little newsletter is growing up. Not in numbers of pages or in circulation but content. This issue is the first one where the majority of topics covered was provided by you–not me. For this, I thank you. It makes my job as editor one heck of a lot easier when I don’t have to…
  • Upgraded ZX Pro/File Cassettes AvailableTS 1000
    Many readers who would love to spruce up their old Pro/Files with the enhancements covered in this newsletter, but who lack the time or ability to enter them in by hand have expressed a wish to be able to purchase cassettes of “ZX” incorporating some of the more extensive modifications.
  • Use Pro/File to Document Your ProgramsTS 1000
    A use for Pro/File I haven’t seen mentioned is on a backup computer with 16K–printer optional–as an index of variables while “composing” a program. I’m sure we’ve all had the fustration of being interrupted from programming by calls to food or bed from sheer exhaustion, and then have to back track for hours in order…
  • What to Do for the RS232TS 1000
    Are there any Memotech RS232 serial interface owners out there who have ZX Pro/File running through this device to their serial printers? Jerome C. Friedman in Parsippany, NJ would like to learn how to do it.
  • What's New for Volume Two
    Volume 1 ends with this issue. For all but a tiny handful who have already renewed for next year, its time to sign up for volume 2. Its the same old price ($9.95) for the same great subject matter. Next issue, I have a modification that adds math capability to Pro/File. I also hope to…
  • Z80 Chip Replacement UpdateTS 1000
    Many readers reported that last issue’s suggestion to replace the Z80 microprocessor chip inside the computer to solve unexplained crashing problems works. Tom Bent, the illustrious editor of SyncWare News suggests that the Z80B processor chip is a much beefed up version of the Z80A. It costs a little more, but is able to handle…
  • Z80-B, Bent EPROMs, ROM-PAK NotesTS 1000
    Please note that the ROMPAK edition of ZX Pro/File has many program lines (all the DIM lines plus 9960/9970) which can be deleted after the program is transferred from eprom to memory and before the program is saved to tape. This saved memory can be used to enlarge DS or add modifications.
  • ZX Pro/File and the LawTS 1000
    As the Technician In Charge for the Illinois State Police, District 11, I use the Pro/File to perform: I’m also a volunteer ESDA (Civil Defence) director for our city and use the file system for work list schedules, emergency calls, inventory of supplies, and mailing labels. The TS computer is a powerful tool in my…
  • ZX Pro/File Sails the Seven Seas...TS 1000
    D.A. Diemand, HMC, USN writes, “I’m using Pro/File aboard ship with great success keeping track of the dental status of 278 personnel.”
  • ZX Super File?TS 1000
    R.C. Combes from Atlanta, GA writes: Pro/File Updates has presented a proliferation of goodies which should be incorporated into a Super version of ZX Pro/File. This would mean a rewrite of the manual, of course. If you need help (for free) on a project of this sort, I would be glad to participate in any…
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