September 1988 MCU Magazine

GENERAL INFORMATION

MCUC

This newsletter is published monthly for distribution to members of the Memphis Commodore Users Club. It is in no way connected with the Commodore Business Machine Ltd. or Commodore Inc. and Commodore products (CBM, PET, C64, C128, VIC20, Amiga) are registered trademarks of Commodore Inc. The MCUC is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is the free exchange of information & knowledge about the use of Commodore microcomputer systems. Memberships are open to anyone; ownership of a computer is not required. Monthly meetings are open to the public & visitors are welcome.

Dues are broken down into two categories. Membership dues may be paid quarterly (3 month) at $6.00 or annually at $20.00. All memberships are Family Memberships. Dues are nonrefundable.

Contribution to the MCUC magazine may be in any wordprocessor, preferably saved as a sequential file. You may submit articles on disk, or a hardcopy, or upload your article to the Memphis Commodore Users Club BBS (366-4676).

The editor reserves the right to reject material submitted relating to illegal services, products or unethical practices. All material submitted becomes the property of MCUC. The 15th of each month is the DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES.

ADVERTISING RATES

All ads must be in by the 15th
CIRCULATION: 300 copies

MEETINGS

General Membership Meeting - First Tuesday of each month, 7:00 PM in Fulton Auditorium, State Technical Institution.

Board of Director's Meeting - Second Thursday after General Meeting. 7:30 PM State Tech in the Cafeteria.

CP/M Sig Classes - 2rd Monday of each month, call Ron Montgomery for time and place 767-0737

MS/DOS Sig - Currently meeting with the CP/M sig

FOG meeting - 4th Tuesday of each month, call Bob Earnheart for time and place. 377-6416

Beginner's Class - First Wednesday at the Raleigh Library at 7:00 PM

128 Sig - Currently meeting with the CP/M Sig

OFFICERS

SECRETARY'S NOTES

The official board meeting was called to order by Jim Fox, president, at 7:30 P.M.

Board members present were Jim Fox President, Ron Montgomery Vice Pres., Gary Sparks Librarian, Cheryn Nunn Newsletter Editor, Bob Earnheart Ed. Coordinator, Richard Coffman Secretary, Bob Nunn SysOp.

Vice president is still working on list of club equipment and who has possessic of club equipment. Gary Sparks reported on a survey of the wants and needs of the club members.

G-link has been received.

Ron Montgomery made a motion to order Data File program. Motion seconded by Gary Sparks, motion carried.

By-laws of the club will be reviewed by the board.

Charlie Wirth reported on MACC.

The club picnic for September was discussed and final plans are being made.

Demos for September will be Computer Eyes, ARC, & Multiterm.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Coffman, Secretary

ADVERTISING RATES

With the smaller format of the newsletter and to keep our advertising rates competitive, we've reduced our advertising rates by half. Our newsletter reaches 250 people every month and approximately 40 clubs around the nation.

Classified advertising for members is still free of course. Sell that extra computer equipment, household goods, car or the whole house. If you personally are selling it, your ad is FREE!!

TREASURER'S REPORT

TREASURER'S REPORT 08-05-88

GARY THURMAN
TREASURER

VICE PRESIDENT'S PAGE

Well, summer is nearly over even though you can hardly tell by the thermometer. But with most of our vacations finished, we may be finding ourselves with more time for our lonesome computers.

I'd like to use this space this month to ask each of our members to encourage a friend to check out our club. Most of us know two or three people that use Commodores that could benefit from club membership.

Just let them know that ....

1. We have a fine library of programs available to members.
2. Members can purchase program disks and blank disks at a reduced price.
3. Our members receive the club newsletter each month. It is worth the price of membership by itself.
4. Members can learn about the latest and best software and hardware at our monthly meetings.
5. Classes are available on a wide variety of topics when there is enough interest.
6. Activities such as this month's picnic, parties, and an occasional computer fair are enjoyed by members.
7. Through the association with other club members you can learn many of the little things about your Commodore that aren't available anywhere else.

Plus they will become a part of a group of people that are as fine and caring as there is anywhere. I want you all to know how much I appreciate your gifts, your kind words of encouragement and your prayers during my time of need. May God bless each of you and your families.

Ron Montgomery

SURVEY RESULTS

At the August Meeting, we passed out a questionnaire and asked everyone to fill it out. The board wanted to get information regarding what equipment people have and what they would like to see from MCUC in the future. Following is a short review of the results of the survey. We welcome feedback at anytime. Only then can we serve your needs and wants.

Question: What kind of demonstrations/discussions would you like to see at the meetings?

Top answers were: Useful Programs, New Products, Diagnostics/Hardware, Programming, Latest Games

Question: What sort of class would you be interested in attending, and on what particular subject?

Top answers were: Programming, Troubleshooting, Using a modem, Using a printer

Question: In reference to the library and the disks offered each month, what would you like to see more of?

Top answers were: Business, Printer Utilities, Print Shop Graphics, Disk Utilities, Sound and Graphics, Education, General Utilities

The above information is very helpful to the officers in planning the demos for each meeting, in finding articles for the newsletter, and in locating programs for the disks of the month. Thank you to all who participated.

WE APPRECIATE YOU!!

CLUB BBS NOTES

Well, we just added the fourth drive to the system. That means we have three megabytes online. I'm still continuing to rotate the club library through the drives although not as frequently.

The other half of using a bbs is the term program. There are many good terms out on the market. For a public domain program, I find Multiterm to be one of the mot versatile and yet easy to use terminal programs. I chose this month to document Multiterm 6.0 to assist many of you in exploring the world of telecommunications. If you've not logged onto the system in color/graphics, you're missing the best half. If you don't know how to use your buffer, you'll want to pay careful attention to the buffer section. By using the buffer, you can take down menus, screens and articles that will assist you in not only using the particular bbs that you're on, but also allow you to make printed copies of material that you wish to save. Multiterm is also available in 128 version and I assume that the commands are very similar.

COMMODORE GRAPHICS ON YOUR IBM

On drive 8 this month I just added a working Color/Graphic Term for your IBM or Compatible. It allows you to view the screen on any Commodore color bbs. It's not very sophisticated term. It doesn't have upload or download capabilities. I figure the author or some sharp youngster will make the changes though, so look for improvements in the future. It's titled cgibmterm and I understand that its arced. Even if you don't have an IBM compatible download it and put it up on some of the IBM boards around.

Bob Nunn

THE CP/M SIG SPEAKS

Thanks to Bob Earnheart for hosting another fine sig meeting. Also thanks to Carey Cunningham for his demo. The September meeting will be held at 1556 Russwood Rd. (that's my place). It is located at the east end of Truman two blocks east of Wells Station Rd. If anyone needs more detailed directions they can call me at 767-0737 evenings. I usually can be reached between 6 and 10.

Ron Montgomery

EDITOR'S DESK

Let's all come out to the picnic September 17!! A lot of planning is going into it and it promises to be one of the big events of the year for MCUC! Bring the kids and come on out for a fun time.

To expound a bit on the picnic, we're having it at Shelby Farms in pavilion #2. It's close to one of the ponds, there is a fairly large grassy area, and plenty of shade. Bring your fishing pole or sports equipment and lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Come prepared to eat plenty of good food and have lots of fun.

SEE YOU THERE!!!!!

Cheryn

MULTITERM REVIEW

HOW TO USE MULTI-TERM V6.0

I think that for a beginner learning to use a full featured term to start with is important. I learned to use a much simpler term when I first started and didn't try to use a different term as I was uncomfortable with it. I now realize how much I missed out. This term is one of the easiest to learn but offers features that many terms do not have. Since many commodore bulletin boards feature color graphics it's also good to be able to use this feature as the boards may be somewhat difficult to use without seeing all thats there.

TERMINAL PROGRAM

What is a term (terminal program)? It allows you via a modem to communicate via your computer with many other computers. You load it first to allow the computer to understand how to dial and many other functions through your modem. Most modems come with a term, but most are worth less than the disk they came on.

If you have the MCUC Starter disk then you can load Multi-term from the menu. If you don't have it you may download it from the MCUC Bulletin Board (assuming you have a different term). If you have version 5.7 substitute control key (ctrl) for the commodore key C=. There is little difference between v6.0 & v5.7.

After loading Multi-term you will see this menu:

     *** MULTI TERM 6.0 ***

           - Menu -

      T - Ascii Terminal
      S - Send File
      R - Receive File
      K - Modem Nibbler
      D - Disk Functions
      P - Protocol (Punter)
      A - Autodial
      M - Multi Transfers
      F - Function Keys
      C - Configuration Menu
      B - Buffer Menu
      Z - Block Size
      G - Graphic Term
      N - Non Auto Mode
      W - Auto Answer
      E - Exit

  Baud = 300    Block Size = 255

        Modem type = Hayes

The first thing you need to do is to set up the configuration. Enter [c] at the command line. You should see the following:

   *** MULTI TERM 6.0 *** 

   - Configuration Menu -

  B - New Baud Rate (1200)
  M - Modem (Hayes)
  P - Printer Sec. Addr. (7)
  R - Redial Delay (17)
  D - Disk Device # (8)
  T - Set Time
  L - Load Setup File
  S - Save Setup File
  1 - Border Color
  2 - Background Color
  3 - Text Color

Enter [b] at the command line and set your baud rate. Most inexpensive modems are 300. 1200 is much better but cost more. If you are in doubt as to which choose 300 to start.

From the configuration menu enter [m], and you will see the following:

  Pick your modem type:

   1 - 1650
   2 - 1670
   3 - Hayes
   4 - Hes II
   5 - Mitey Mo
   6 - 1660 tone
   7 - 1660 pulse
   8 - Volks 6420
   9 - Aprotek
   10 - Volks 6470 (pulse)

  Choice: _

Choose the type you have. If you bought one of the US Robotics modems try 1670 first and if you have trouble move to Hayes. You may experiment if you are not sure which type you have and by process of elimination you can figure it out. Most low priced 300 baud modems are 1650 compatible. Most 1200 bauds will work on Hayes or 1670. The one exception is the Anchor group of modems and they are numbered 6420, 6470, and one newer called the 6480. This term doesn't support 6480 but Commterm off the starter disk does and there is a color graphic program for 6480's called touchterm 6480 which you can download using Commterm. If you are considering a good deal on a 6480 or one of those group then don't they are a bad bargain. They do not work well with any program. If you have one, make the best of it by using the available terms.

You may wish to change your colors and by experimenting a bit find a combo that suits you better. I do recommend black background for use on Graphics BBS's.

Your redial delay is how long it waits to answer before dialing again. 17 seconds is adequate for local use. If you think that it isn't allowing enough time to answer you can bump it up a few seconds.

If you hit save setup at this point, it will remember what you have done so far and it will load in the configuration from now on.

AUTODIAL MENU

Hit [a] at the command line from the main menu. You will see this menu:

           *** MULTI TERM 6.0 ***

           - Hayes Autodial Menu -

  1 - OPERATOR HEADGAP 2 - MCUC BBS
  3 - THE TEMPLE      4 - BRAINSTORM
  5 - EAGLES NEST     6 - CLINIC
  7 - TELEPAGES       8 - FLAGSHIP
  9 - CUP BBS         10 - MEMPHIS MICRO
  11 - REBEL NET      12 - TBBS
  13 -                14 -
  15 -                16 -
  17 -                18 -
  19 -                20 -
  21 -                22 -
  23 -                24 -
  25 -                o - Other
  m - Multi Dial      e - Edit Number

          select your choice: _

By pressing the number of the bbs that you wish to dial, the term will begin dialing that number. If you are using a 1650 or any modem that has a t- d switch you will need to switch to d (for data) before entering the number to dial. You can also choose multidial by entering m at the command line.

This will then ask you for how many, (2-5), and you need to decide which boards you want to try. This will then dial one board right after the other until it gets a connection. This is a very nice feature in that you can dial as many as 5 different systems until you find one not busy. The up arrow ↑ will abort so you can go back to the command line and change the selection or by hitting return at a blank command line go back to the main menu. To edit the numbers press e and then select the number to edit, it will then prompt you to enter board name, number, and what baud rate. You may wish to add *70 to the number prefix followed by a £ pound sign or two before the number to disable call waiting. When you enter the bbs phone number it should look like this to disable call waiting:

*70££365-1583

To re-enable call waiting after you finish just press *71 and then hang UP.

Once you have finished editing your autodial menu go back to the main menu and enter a [c] for config. Once there save the setup file to disk to make the changes.

FINALLY ONLINE

If you have autodialed a bbs now and the whistle went off you are likely online with a bbs. Sometimes you must press return to enter a system or it may ask for color graphics or linefeeds. If you are logging on MCUC BBS then it'll prompt you to shift @ for graphics. If you do this from ascii term mode it will add a @ but not a shifted character. You first must change to graphics mode on your end. To do this you hit the C= (commodore key) and the [g] (for graphics) at the same time. Your screen should let you know that you are in graphics mode. After that hit shift @ and you will see a check sign ./, and the bbs should prompt you that you are now in color graphics mode. I run graphics mode even on a black and white or green screen monitor. So what if you can't see the color you can at least see the graphics. You will not need linefeeds on most systems. If the line runs over itself when the board sends then by all means next time ask for linefeeds.

HELP MENU & SYSTEM COMMANDS

If you are back into the main menu hit t at the command line and you will see an almost blank screen that will look like this:

Ascii Terminal
(C= X for Main Menu)       1:00:47.9 am
(C= E to toggle Echo)
(C= H for Terminal commands)
_

C=x will take you back to the main menu. C=e will toggle echo (don't). C= h will toggle help. Press the commodore key and h at the same time. You will get this menu:

C= E     To Toggle Echo    1:00:23.2 am
C= H     For This Menu
C= R     For File Receive
C= S     For File Send
C= +     For Off Hook
C= -     To Hang Up
C= B     To Toggle Buffer
C= Z     For Buffer Free Space
C= G     For Graphic Terminal
C= M     For Multi Transfer Menu
C= T     To Toggle Clock on/off
C= F     For Display of Function Keys
C= N     For Non Auto Mode
C= D     For Disk Directory
C= A     For Autodial Menu
C= X     For Main Menu
Fl-F8    For Function Keys 1-8
C= 1-8   For Function Keys 9-16
C= 0     To Toggle Xon/Xoff (Buffer)
Run/Stop For ML Speed Terminal

Some of the important commands to remember.

C=r is for receive a file.
C=s is for send a file.
C=m is for multifile transfer.
C=g is for graphics term
C=b opens or closes the buffer.

or most important of all is C=x which will take you to the main menu and you can reach all functions from the main menu. Notice how the keys that are used are for the most part the first letter of what you want to do. I think that this makes it much easier to remember without having to go back and look at a menu each time I need to do something. Also notice that nearly all commands are a combo with the C= (commodore key).

OTHER MAIN MENU COMMANDS

Lets go back to the main menu. Some of the other things in the main menu that you may select are the following.

S-Send File this will starting sending a program from your drive to the bbs assuming you have first told the bbs that you are sending one. Most bbs's will tell you by prompting you to start sending.

R-Receive File this will let your system know that the bbs is ready to send you a file. Make sure you have a disk with enough space in the drive to send the program to.

K-Modem Nibbler this feature can only be used with someone else who has a program that supports it and most bbs's don't. You can however send a program to a friend who has multiterm in host mode (more on that later).

D-Disk Functions this feature acts like a wedge and allows you to scratch, rename, and other regular wedge functions. You will likely need to know this command to enable you to get a directory on your disk.

  *** MULTI TERM 6.0 ***

      - Disk Menu -

   @ - Disk Commands
   D - Directory
   R - Read Seq File
   P - Print Seq File
   M - Seq File to Modem

P-Protocol this toggles between punter and xmodem. If the board has punter use it. Some systems do not have punter in which case you must change to xmodem. In any case your term has to match the bbs's protocol or it won't work.

A-Autodial this takes you to the autodial menu as we discussed previously.

M-Multi Transfers or multifile transfer allows you to take several selections off the disk without having to type in the name. It also allows you to send several without having to type in the names. You must use the multifile commands on both your end and on the bbs's end. Some bbs programs do not support multi-file so you will need to check before using it. This is the very best way to transfer programs for the commodore. It must also be used in punter protocal only. Xmodem will not allow it.

F-Function Keys this will allow you to program your function keys. This feature makes it real easy to log on a system.

F1=Your Handle£←
F2=
F3=Your Password£←
F4=
F5=Your Address
F6=
F7=Memphis Tn
F8=
F9=
F10=
F11=
F12=
F13=
F14=
F15=
F16=

   Number to change:4

'←' in text = <CR>
'£' in text = 2 second pause

Enter new text:Alternate password£←_

By entering your name or handle and your password and other data you can send that information to the bbs with the press of one key. By adding a left arrow ← you will include a return. By adding the £ or pound sign you add a pause. This will allow you to log on or fill out an application in a snap. After you have added the text that you want make sure to go into C- Configuration and save it to disk so it will be there the next time you boot up.

WARNING!! if you have saved your password and other information make sure you do not give a copy to a friend as they will have these things in their copy. If you want to make a copy then do so and go in and delete this info and resave it from the configuration menu.

C-Configuration Menu previously discussed.

B-Buffer Menu the buffer is likely the least often used feature of most terms. It can do many things for you. Hit [b] and lets look at the menu:

  *** MULTI TERM 6.0 ***

     - Buffer Menu -

     S - Save Buffer
     R - Read Buffer
     P - Print Buffer
     C - Clear Buffer

  Buffer holds 0 bytes

While you are online you may see something that you would have in print, for example, a list of local bbs's. Before reading out that file just hit C= b keys at the same time. Then read out the file. When it is finished hit C=b again. Finish on the bbs then after you go offline go back to the main menu (C=x, remember?) and hit [b]. You may then save, read, or print the buffer by entering the appropriate command. What I usually do is read the buffer and if it's what I wanted I then save the buffer to the disk. You will be prompted to name it, do so, and then terminate the program. You can then load up your favorite word processor (big editor etc.) and modify it. You then print out a finished copy or perhaps upload it to someone else.

B-Block Size leave this one alone. Standard block size for punter transfer is 255 and it should be set at that.

G-Graphics Term previously discussed.

N-Non Auto Mode I haven't figured this one out; maybe someone can tell me but I've never used it.

W-Auto Answer this is like having your own mini bbs! You can even install your own password.

   Auto Answer Mode 
   Waiting For Call 
   Run/Stop To Exit

   Password: albatross

This way your friends can call and download programs from you. Of course if you choose the password option you should tell them the password or they won't be able to get on. They can use the K-modem nibbler function to take a whole disk but this will tie up the phone for a while.

BBS COURTESY

I've tried to cover all the bases on this term in hopes that it will help you discover the world of telecommunications. I would be remiss if I left out some basic bbs courtesies.

Always fill out an application complete. The system operator will want to call and check your number to insure that you are who you are.

Always read the bulletins and other information screens at least once a week. The system operator puts the information up for your benefit.

Always upload a program when you download. You should always have a good program picked out in advance that you intend to upload. Always follow the system rules though. On MCUC you only need to upload at a rate of 10 to 1. For every 10 blocks of programs that you download you should upload 1.

Never chat the sysop more than once or twice during a session. These people may have 100's of users on a system and if everyone of them chatted the sysop he would go crazy. If he doesn't answer he may be busy or otherwise occupied so don't keep hitting the chat command. Most systems set off a whistle or gong and it can be real annoying while you are eating dinner. Do chat the sysop if you are having trouble. Do chat the sysop if you have a system question or need a certain program he may have. If he doesn't answer leave feedback instead.

Never call back to back. If you have 2 45 minute sessions a day it is considered rude to call and use your one session and after the system logs you off immediately call back. Remember most systems have 100's of users and it is unfair not to give them a chance to use it. You do not want to develop a reputation as a board hog.

Do not leave e-mail to yourself. When you leave e-mail limit it to one or two people who you know frequent the system. The system operator has only so much space and the drives they use only allow so many files. If everyone left 2 or 3 e-mail messages for people the bbs would give out disk full messages and not allow users to do anything. The system operator then has to clean out the old mail etc. before the board is back to normal.

Most bbs programs keep a log of who did what when. The system operator usually knows about your activities, so act accordingly. Remember the golden rule of bbs operators - He who has the bbs rules. It's their expense that they are operating and it's their equipment you are using.

Bob Nunn
System Operator
M.C.U.C. BBS (901)366-4676
OPERATOR HEADGAP 365-1583

More Than Meets the Eye When It Comes to Chips

By Mike Stephens & Gary Funk - Epson Lifeboat, Lemont, PA Reprinted from Cougar Courier, July 1988

By now, most of you know that your computer has a bunch of electronic chips in it. But do you really know what goes on inside those little black packages? A chip is simply a very thin wafer of silicon (sand, if you prefer) that has bean etched into a circuit pattern. Chips contain thousands of transistors and resistors. The 6510, the heart of the Commodore 64, is made of a type of transistor called MESFETS. These transistors are mostly used in digital logic circuits (such as digital watches and calculators). Transistors are made of two types of 'doped' silicon. Doped means it has been bombarded with other particles to give it either a positive or negative characteristic. To make a piece of silicon negative, it is usually doped with Boron gas at high temperatures. When these areas of positive and negative are placed together in certain patterns, they take on certain characteristics. They can be made to act as a switch, a variable resistor (JFETS), or as logic circuits. Thousands of these transistors are placed on a thin silicon wafer (about 1 cm by 1 cm). This is accomplished by using a photolithographic process and ultraviolet light eats away certain areas of the wafer, creating a circuit pattern. Wires are attached to the wafer by either soldering or heating the silicon and melting the wire into it. The whole package is then put into a plastic case, called the Dual In-line Package, or DIP. This is your chip.

The process sounds simple, but consider that the distances you are dealing with (such as distance between the connections in the circuit diagrams on the wafer) are only a few atoms wide. That is why they can fit so much onto a chip these days. That is also why specialized chips are so very expensive. Even with today's technology, it is almost impossible to make two chips exactly alike, but the differences are so subtle that your computer couldn't care less. If you remember, several months ago, NASA had to abort a shuttle launch. The engines had fired, but the main computer shut them down. The reason for the abort? During the manufacture of the chips used to build the main computers, spattle took that exact moment to short some of the transistors in the wafer. The computer, which is constantly checking its own circuits, as well as those on the shuttle, shut down the flight.

The cost for the abort: $10 million for the shuttle preparations and man power, and $50,000 or so for a new computer chip. I told you specialized chips don't come cheap.

So, next time you look inside your computer and see those big, black, beautiful DIPS, remember that many, many things are going on inside them. They are very delicate devices. Never remove a chip from a socket without a chip remover; you can easily break the pins. Try not to ever touch the pins with your fingers or with any other object that may contain static electricity. Static charges can cook memory chips just as fast as sending ten million volts through them.

WHAT'S NEW?

C-128 Cannon

Ed Wells Bloomington Normal CUG

Reprinted from Cougar Courier

Some fast copy programs (such as SuperKit & DiSector) won't work on the 128 except in the 64 mode. Others (like FastHackem, Mirror, and Copy II) will work in the 128 mode for a few copy functions (e.g., whole disk copy) but won't provide full service in that mode. None of them will work with the 128 if you have a new version 5 ROM in Your 1571, either because you upgraded your old drive, you bought a recent issue 1571, or you have a new C-128D. Happily, there is a solution which addressed both problems (lack of full utilities and ROM compatibility). The C-128 Cannon (from Software Support International - formerly Computer Mart in Vancouver, WA) is a new copy and utility package specifically for the 128. It includes the whole range of disk utilities and will work with the new 1581 (3 1/2") drive as well as 1541 and the 1571. It also supports two drives in any combination of those three models. The C-128 Cannon provides a nibbler copier (1 or 2 drives), a fast whole-disk copier (1 or 2 drives), a fast file copier (1 or 2 drives), an MFM copier for non-Commodore CP/M or IBM disks, a track/sector editor (to make changes directly on the disk), an error scanner (to check for and report errors on the disk), a density scanner (to report disk usage and densities), a directory editor (to allow you to change and reorganize disk directories), and 100 parameters )for making back-ups of popular protected programs.)

While it doesn't seem as lightning fast as FastHackem or SuperKit, it's still fast enough for ordinary mortals like me; and it's much more versatile than FastHackem ever tried to be. It included all the utilities I need and it works just fine with the new ROM upgrade in my disk drive. That is more than enough to recommend the program for me, but it's support for new 1581 except those which specifically require a GCR- formate 5-1/4" diskette (such as the nibbler, the MFM copier, and the parameters editor.) Everything else is 1581-compatible. No other package I know of provides that level of support for the new drive while still supporting the old standby 1541 and the 1571 (with either old or upgrade ROM's).

It's an impressive package which has worked great for me for several months and I recommend it without reservation. It lists for $34.95 from the distributor:

Software Support International
2799 N.E. Anderson Road
Vancouver, WA 98661
(206) 695-1393

It's also available (for a few bucks less) from:

Briwal
PO Box 129
Kutztown, PA 19530
(800) 638-5757

FAST HACK'EM V6.0

Reprinted from Program Commodore Computer Club

Basement Boys Software
Rating: *****
$29.95 C64
$34.95 C128
C64 or C128 with disk drive

Software piracy?

Just say NO!

But if you have to copy files or disks (copy-protected or not) and need to do it as fast and efficiently as possible, just say Yes to Fast Hack'em.

Mike Henry's copy utilities have been required software for all C64/128 owners for years. The latest upgrade, version 6.0, adds new features, new parameters and new usefulness to an indispensable product.

The major additions here are for C128 owners with 1571 disk drives. The latest version will copy a double-sided 1571 disk in under one minute, whether you're using one or two drives. Plus, the program automatically locates and adjusts for differences in the 1571 ROMS.

C64 owners will find the same features they've enjoyed in the past with the addition of copy parameters for many of the latest software titles.

Owners of the latest in Commodore disk storage - the 3.5 inch drive - will find a fast file copying utility in FHE. Unfortunately, there is no support for full 3.5-inch disk copy nor for disk partitions in the fast file copier. Perhaps, FHE V7.0 will have improved 1581 support.

Basement Boys has an upgrade policy for current owners of the C64 and C128 versions of FHE. Contact the company for details.

TIPS

THE BOUNCING EEEs

by Claude Paluski Reprinted from Greater Omaha Commodore Users Group Newsletter

Pressing the "E", "S", "A", or other keys more than once and sometimes getting "eee ee" or " e"? Then it's time to clean up your keyboard. It's very simple to do: all you need is some cotton balls and some completely denatured (not rubbing) alcohol.

Remove the three screws under the front of the keyboard, remove the cover, disconnect the keyboard connector and LED plug. Flip the cover over on a soft cloth. Unsolder the shift lock switch and remove all those little screws.

Lightly wet a cotton ball with the alcohol and carefully swab the rubber caps on the bottom of the keyboard. Set this aside to dry. Using the same cotton ball, clean up and dust the PC board you took from the keyboard.

When the PC board is dry, lay it flat on a table. Clean each set of PC fingers. They look like fingers between fingers and are shiny, but not shiny enough. Clean each one lightly with the cotton swab and alcohol until each is nice and bright. Don't overdo it. They can break! Be gentle. Never touch the contacts with your fingers or you can do it all over again.

When the board is dry, place it back on the keyboard and replace the screws. Don't overtighten the screws: snug them up. Reconnect the shiftlock switch, plug in the LED and keyboard. Screw on the lid and enjoy bounce-free typing!

IMPOSSIBLE MISSION 2

Reprinted from Greater Omaha Commodore Users Group Magazine. Downloaded from Q-Link by Al Fortier and reprinted from Bug Bytes

"Stay awhile . . . . STAY FOREVER!"

Immortal words for Commodore games and still able to raise a little thrill of excitement up the spine of C-64 garners.

I remember when those surprisingly clear words first leapt out of my C-64 monitor and the startled jump I made from my computer chair when the hero of the original Impossible Mission fell from a precipice and screamed for his life.

The original Impossible Mission is a classic: the first Commodore game effectively using digital voice samples and one of the first to convincingly integrate arcade action with a complex strategy game.

Impossible Mission II doesn't do anything new. In fact, it's a graphic cut below the original. A few improvements have been made in the design, though. The original strategy game, assembling puzzle pieces that made little, if any, sense, has been made more logical. This time you're looking for numerical codes and hunks of a musical composition.

Otherwise, it's the same racing around through hallways, up and down elevators, leaping over deadly security robots, and logging in at computer terminals throughout the top secret headquarters of Elvin Atombender.

Do you want this game? If you've never played the original Impossible Mission, you owe yourself the experience of playing Impossible Mission II. With a few more strategic bells and whistles (a wrist computer, for example) and improvements in the strategy game, Impossible Mission II is a slightly more playable game than the original. If you were a fan of the original, you'll have to decide how much you want to relive the challenge.

EPYX-Rating ****

GAME HINTS

Reprinted from Cougar Courier

BLUE MAX: If you pause the game with the spacebar and hold the spacebar and the "M" key, you can hover and shoot and bomb all you want. Don't try to hover and then land. In the expert mode, only bomb the targets that are flashing. It will get you into the big city faster. Points don't mean anything in the expert mode.

RAID OVER MOSCOW: For a faster game with less hassle, get all your fighters out of the hanger in the beginning instead of just using one at a time. Also if you wait until the game goes into the demo and pick up the joystick after it gets into the scenario you want to play, then you can start playing at that point.

F-15 STRIKE EAGLE: When you first start flying, immediately cut power to 55% by pressing zero. This speed uses only three fuel units at a time. Engage afterburners, and you still use only 3 units at a time! Also you can use your afterburners after your fuel runs out by continually hitting the "A" key.

TEST DRIVE: If you hold down the joystick button while you go around curves, you won't hit the wall or go off the cliffs, though you can still hit the other cars. This works on the Amiga version.

SUMMER GAMES I: The disk file WR on the disk holds all the world records. If you remane this file as something else, the computer will establish another WR file. It's an easy way to get your name into the record book.

WINTER GAMES: This game's world records are on Track 18, Sector 13. You can change them if you have a track and sector editor. Do it on a backup disk, don't ruin the original.

SUMMER GAMES I: If you disqualify yourself in the 100 meter freestyle, You'll always get the gold medal.

GEOS NEWS

Reprinted from Program Commodore Computer Club

Berkeley Softworks unveiled GEOS 2.0 for the Commodore 64 computer at the June CES. Featuring five additional popular GEOS based applications and upgrades to the original GEOS applications, GEOS 2.0 offers increased power, speed and verstility, all at an affordable price of $59.95.

A graphically oriented, menu driven program, GEOS 2.0 enables Commodore 64 owners to move from one GEOS application to another without rebooting the system or learning a new set of commands. GEOS 2.0 combines enhanced versions of three popular GEOS packages: GEOS, geoWrite Workshop, and geoSpell. The GEOS 2.0 environment includes: geoPaint, a complete graphics editing workshop including tools to create, stretch, scale, constrain and measure graphics, geoWrite 2.1, a sophisticated, full featured word processor that allows users to format individual paragraphs, expand margins to a full eight inches, create headers and footers, and justify text (right, left, center and full); geoSpell, an improved spellchecker/dictionary that operates 38% faster than the earlier version; Paint Drivers, for enhancing documents with columns, borders, logos and other graphics; Text Grabber, for importing other popular word processing programs to the GEOS environment; geoMerge, to write personalized form letters with geoWrite; geoLaser, to produce near-typeset quality documents with the Apple LaserWriter; and support for over 70 of the most popular printers. A handy set of "pop-up" desk accessories (a calculator, notepad, alarm clock, preference manager, photo and text albums and managers) completes the package.

Additional improvements include an enhanced deskTop that allows users to select multiple files and copy files or disks more quickly with lower disk exchanges. Support for two disk drives and a RAM Expansion Unit increases program performance speed, and a 1581 disk drive enables greater storage capacity. An accelerating mouse driver permits more exact cursor movement.

"Our goal is to continue breathing new life into the less expensive computers," says Brian Dougherty, president and CEO of Berkeley Softworks and a driving force behind the revitalization of eight bit computers: "We are committed to adding value to our products and providing our users with upgrades to existing products."

In less than 3 years, the GEOS family of products has grown to 15 new GEOS based applications and more than one million GEOS programs have been sold to Commodore users alone. Over the next year, Berkeley Softworks plans to continue their rapid growth with the introduction of additional applications and an entrance in the educational market.

BOB'S GAME TIP

STRIP POKER: If you rename the strip pictures in reverse order, you can see the good stuff first, instead of having to play through to it. Especially helpful if you're not a good poker Player.

Q & A

msg #37 - hard parts
  From: BOB EARNHEART (#3)
  Date: MON., 8/1 8:32 pm
  Subj: trivia

Questions: What was Commodore's first
single drive called?
Questions: Is the SFD 1001 Commodore's
only 1 Meg drive?
Question? Is Basic 2 + 7 the only
Basic Commodore ever marketed?
Question? What does the term
IEEE stand for?
Question: What version of CPM was
put out for the Commodore 64.
Bonus: Can the 64 run a modem at
2400 baud?

msg #39 - hard parts
  From: BELIAL (#118)
  Date: TUES., 8/2 12:57 am
  Subj: ok...

I think the first Commodore
single floppy was the 2000 something..
The SFD is not the only meg drive
from Commodore...the 8250 and 8050
are both meg drives (well dual meg
drives...the 8050 has 2 drives
equalling 1 meg and the 8250 has
2 drives for 1 meg each)

Hmmm...IEEE means it connects via
parallel interface...not serial.

msg #38 - hard parts
  From: SKATTERSHOT (#77)
  Date: MON., 8/1 10:21 pm
  Subj: Answer

I think I can answer the question
about the different kinds of basic.
C=16 and +4 used 4.0. I think the
pet used 4.5. That is all I can
think of right now.

msg #40 - hard parts
  From: BELIAL (#118)
  Date: TUES., 8/2 1:00 am
  Subj: oh yeah...

Oh yeah about the other 2 questions..
I don't know what version of CPM
was on the 64...
And yes, the 64 is capable of 2400.
but that is the HIGHEST!

msg #41 - hard parts
  From: WARREN SAUER (#13)
  Date: WED., 8/3 6:13 pm
  Subj: C=64 & CPM

I believe the 64 used v2.0 for the
cpm cartridge.
           => Warren <=

msg #43 - hard parts
  From: BOB EARNHEART (#3)
  Date: THURS., 8/4 10:44 pm
  Subj: QUESTIONS

Boy I didn't know we had so many
know-it-alls. The first single
drive was the 2031 and it was
IEEE. The other basic that I was
driving at was the PET basic
(4.0). The 64 version of CPM was
2.2. The bonus question was 2400
baud (at your own risk). The only
question left un-answered was what
does IEEE stand for not the mode
of travel. So I'll give you a little
more time but overall you guys are
really good at this. ******BOB*****

msg #44 - hard parts
  From: BOB EARNHEART (#3)
  Date: THURS., 8/4 10:54 pm
  Subj: QUESTIONS

Question:
What protocol was used first
for telecommunication?
What Operating System was used with
this protocal? Who wrote it?
What is the program called now?
Where was this located.
Bonus:
What is the telephone number for
this BBS.
OK, you ask for it. Answer these!!!
***********BOB**********

msg #45 - hard parts
  From: BELIAL (#118)
  Date: MON., 8/8 2:22 am
  Subj: ...

I guess X-modem was the first...who
knows...you were right when you said
you need some harder ones!! Man,
those are toughies...suprised
I knew the first single drive, but
I saw an add for it and I figured
that it it had to be the first...


msg #46 - hard parts
  From: BOB EARNHEART (#3)
  Date: TUES., 8/9 10:26 pm
  Subj: IEEE

The answer to the IEEE is
Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers. Now I know
that some of the 'HAM' people should
have known that one. I have one
for the Ham people. Question: Who
invented the first Electromechanical
Relay?********BOB*********

msg #47 - hard parts
  From: BOB EARNHEART (#3)
  Date: TUES., 8/9 10:32 pm
  Subj: ANSWERS

X-Modem is right!! Ward Christianson
and Randy Suess on Feb. 16,1978
in Chicago with my best test
OP-----CPM. Want to call it??
The number is 312-545-8086.
  wonder if the last 4 number were
on purpose.*******BOB*******

msg #48 - hard parts
  From: BOB EARNHEART (#3)
  Date: TUES., 8/9 10:39 pm
  Subj: PET

This is my bonus question of the
month. If you get this one your
ROM is set in Commodore heaven!!
What does PET stand for!!!!!!!
**********BOB***********

msg #49 - hard parts
  From: BELIAL (#118)
  Date: WED., 8/10 2:18 am
  Subj: ...
How about Personal Education Tool?

Was that the correct answer? For the answer to this and many more questions visit the MCUC BBS Sub-boards!

TIPS

SPEEDING UP THE 1541 DISK DRIVE

Reprinted from the Greater Omaha Commodore Users Group Newsletter

by Kurtis Weaver Reprinted from P.A.C.C.

You can speed up disk Input/Output operations considerably by making the screen go blank and sending a special command that puts the computer into the old "Vic" mode. Have a special "Loader" program, or any program reading long data files from the disk, execute these statements:

10 POKE53265,PEEK(53265)and239
20 OPEN15,8,15,"UI-":CLOSE15
30 LOAD 'MAIN PROGRAM',8

When the file is loaded, reset the drive and turn on the screen with:

100 POKE53265,PEEK(53265)0R16
110 OPEN15,8,15,"UI+":CLOSE15
120 REM THE REST OF THE PROGRAM