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F0Ξ05: [ BDEHI%} VY8 B V  @  /DE `E:D1:DUP.SYSERROR-SAVING USER MEMORY ON DISKTYPE Y TO &}STILL RUN DOS B;DE J  (` 9 V⪍ ઍ  -'}LLu ÝDEHILV 9 .l 9 .l  `` s$B BH(}I|DE V BLV nB,DE JLV B V BLVDEIʩ BꭝLu  } ЎX J`8532 25.$0)#,/!$2"!3hAXa J `)tsourthbirthday*} J`8532 25.$0)#,/!$2"!3hAXa J `)tsourthbirthdayC-MAINMODENAMEd&&;A0,;@a,;@,n6,}. D:TITLE.PIC7@e)-A$AT-"37 ee162,16,169,0,157,72,3,169,0,157,73,3,32,86,228,192-},0,48,9,238,31,4,208,3,238,32,4,96,104,104,966GG6.=h01eeAO ݩ֩N`Tww67.}@,.dhBDE   D     Yww67A/},.d!  XY X!  FD))   ^ww67A,.d0} ]GPee`/ee(ecm-67A,.e1}ee`M67A<A,.>:@4,m67AW<AW,.>:@4,<AdAU A0<@2}@8+@%@!6-?:C:,,-6-?:C:,,8@%-A! AP% %Ad3}AU%% D:SHARE.SYS& F:Ad,AUA@0$D:PICLOADR.BASA! AP% %AdS(X,F(D((DQDEDDUD   DOCCCOC D ????? 5} DO?OO_OO D ?_??  DOOD_?OO D ??_??  DOO?@_O?O? D  6}?_?  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If your copy w\}asP( not purchased direct from NOSAUGS-(%please consider registering your diskS(!by sending two pounds Sterling or]}))(!three US dollars to this address:]!( ?( NOSAUG ]( PO BOX ^}10001]!( PETERHEAD ?( AB42 1ZN ]( (SCOTLAND) M!( _} M(&(Payable to 'S.J.MURRAY' / cash is OK)T,($You will then receive the next issueT(#of Futura, NOSAUG PD list`}ings, etc.U+(#HELP US TO CONTINUE OUR SUPPORT FORU(%THE XL/XE - REGISTER YOUR DISK TODAY!1(1(% Ӡ٠a}ϠŠ AdAU F:Ad,AUA@ A &AdAU(}&%D:MENUb} D:SHARE.SYS;HARE.SYSF:B2y,"@AU(}&%D:MENUb0/=VEMOTSCSBUFDFDXC1CCCCCDNOPRINCCPCLSBWWC1KPDC25RXPRYYFILEINDATINTRODUd}LFND2M1M2SCPOKMOVINVGPOBRCHSE e} @f}@ !"#$%&'()g}*@+,-./012345678h}mm/   \ 1 REM< ~ 삠  > 1 REM \ Ů̆ /6-A i}d APn! A@ A0! A ؛M6-?:<]6-AY @%-.768,-n}C67,.>:,]6-?:C:,<<<@9<,H@@6-?:C:,,")."@'3= A%@$RU+"@a)"A&o},*!'6-&36-@:7,,?8,KAU A!\!!@2*AUA! fO(-4(!END OF FILp}E -- Press any key...;)E A%O A! p 6-% A! қ` A"(-&%5( q} ;-`( Pause between pages (/)? 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A8z}-%& %"@ A9%6-@0 "@ A3: A0 ԛ 9 -)( QUIT: asic eb{}oot-9( OS 9 ),@f*@*@h$6 A99$  A`"@f "@h. |} "@6-?:B, Λ  8," A $ +6.7$%<$%,8,"%6.('+$ M 6-$ Ab}} A`2( Loading the :(8,C(M/LM A5@ \P( BASICRUN >:@4,D:MENU>:@4, to return to~} this menu.\-@ ,( program-6(7<,4 ,  1'6.7<, A8&(...-8,1% .}+6-?:C:hji jL,,.% 6.D:67 A8IS B 0}*BEGINA@ &&AAK -&(>:A%, /B67$%<$%,.K68},-B 67$%<$%,.(68,-40NODOX:-B(' 0*END6-%' A@@d6-}-@##(:-@$&B:,@#?(d6-?:<%A !<%A<@#,_6-@P Ab>6-?:<%AY}<%A`<@,[-+@&B:,',$@_("-+&B:,',$@("$ ͛O A` ABD}(Loading DOM menu incarnation #...O%D:MENUgϠϛhA A` AB6(Loading an older menu...}A%D:MENUr'$(This is not a Futura disk!' ԛU6-@6-%6-%'6-%/6-%76-%?6-$I6}-%%U6-AV;@%,;@9,;@Y,;@,;@9,;Av,;A$,;A,;A,}9%,9%,;@,HH;%,;%,;@9,;@9,;,;A@,;,9,;,c16.'hhhhhhh}֑`Q6.hJhhhȑh`Z6-C:,c6-C:,`E6.;hhhXХYhhi(ХiшeЅХih}hIЈ`N6-C:,`6. DOMINFO.DATaa6.Wh@;۩($ ʢ }`pp6.fhhh hh hhhhݩˢߥυ8υۅЦ̩BDEHI V˥߅ -/΅Х}tt67A,.a ΅Ъ ΝЯМޥߝѦͩ BDIEѝH V!ʥޝO,67A},.ΐЭ˅ԩ`;6.>:AU,F67,. O67,.uu67@,.b}uu67@,.b}????uu67A,.b?????}????? uu67A,.b???????}??????uu67A,.b???????????}?????ii67A,.V????IJKLMNO}PQRSTUVWXPJEAY86-F:@,%F:@,$>+%JAYZa6-F:@,%F:@,$;6-F:A`},%F:Aa,$J6-F:Af,aAfF:Af,%_U#6-?:>> SIDE A <<>> SIDE B <<< Boot WITHOUT BASICNOUGHTS & CR$}OSSES - New software from Kevin Cooke. See ADDING A MOUSE on Side A.CARTOON SLIDESHOW - Colourful artwork by Kevin Cooke. $} Use DOS Option L to load CARTOON.OBJ.KEYMASTER - A keyboard enhancement utiltiy. Transfer KEYMAST.EXE to a disk containin$}g DOS.SYS and DUP.SYS (use DOS Option O). Rename it AUTORUN.SYS (use DOS Option E) and boot with BASIC. Full docs are inclu$}ded.>>> SIDE C <<< Boot WITHOUT BASICFONT MASTER - Allows fast printing of program listings, including special charac$}ters. There are lots of options available! The file SIDEWAYS.DOC is a test file for use with Option S (Sideways Syncalc Pri$}nt). Two fonts are included for use with Options 3 and 4 (ROMAN.FNT and MODERN.FNT).NOTE: A BASIC program must be in LISTED$} format before you can print it with Font Master, i.e. LIST"D:FILENAME.LST".LIKEN MY ATARI (AMPPLAYR.COM) - A superb demo b$}y Philip Price and Gary Gilbertson!LABEL 720 - Allows you to read and write identity tags to your disks in sector 720.FIN$}ANCIAL CALCULATION PROGRAM - Offers help with investments and loans.>>> SIDE D <<< Boot WITHOUT BASICSADDLEMAN is a v$}ery enjoyable game from France. It was programmed for Atari France in 1985 as part of a nationwide contest in association wi$}th Levi's Jeans. It was never sold and is therefore in the public domain for us all to enjoy. There are five parts to the g$}ame. Use keys 1-5 to select a part. Press START to play and RESET to return to the main menu. Great fun!Enjoy!Stu.g$|FUTURA EDITORIALIssue 19 - 2nd Quarter 1996LET'S STAY TOGETHER In the past, the loss of an Atari 8-bit user would me(}an the birth of another by way of the secondhand market. The loss of a developer/supplier would quickly be followed by the l(}aunch of an exciting new 8-bit service or user group. This is not the case today. The user base shrunk considerably tho(}ughout the early 1990s but has levelled out over the past couple of years. This shows great promise for the years ahead. De(}spite a long-term lack of support from Atari Corp. we have all worked together to create a permanent user base and a number o(}f international user groups. Although the occasional new developer/supplier starts trading there is a worrying deficit. (} Hardware and software development is now limited to a handful of small companies. They are virtually the last line in Atari(} 8-bit development. The future of 8-bit support lies with them and of course the user groups. The Atari 8-bit Community has(} shown in the past what can be accomplished by dedication and commitment. We must continue to show this at all times. A(}tarians are a tough breed (they need to be with Atari Corp. as their parent company) and Atari 8-bitters are the tough of the(} tough. We will be around forever. In lesser numbers, yes, but we'll be here year after year. The user groups will con(}tinue to support the user base for as long as they are required. Together we are indestructable! So lets make sure we stay (}together.Stuart J. Murray, NOSAUG. long as they are required. Together we are indestructable! So lets make sure we stay (%ATARI 8-BIT NEWSFutura Issue 19 - 2nd Quarter 1996* ACPC The Atari Classic Programmers Club is to close within a y,}ear. David Davies, the proprietor, is no longer taking new members and will wind down his Atari 8-bit support once the final,} 4-issue subscriber receives his last issue of the ACPC Newsletter. David is in the process of starting up a new mail order ,}computer retail business. In the meantime, ACPC still have some Atari 8-bit projects in the pipeline: MENU PRINT, the m,}enu utility program, has been released as shareware. It has a few bugs which made a commercial release impossible. David sa,}ys that by releasing it as shareware he can work on the program when he likes and provide support to registered users. A,}lso, ACPC are currently looking for a talented graphics artist to work on an upcoming game release. Contact: ACPC, Gamdda We,}n, LLanerchymedd, Anglesey LL71 4AG.* UKAAUG The UK Association of Atari User Groups will continue to operate despite,} the recent resignation of founder Ken Ward. Atari World columnist, Harry Sideras has taken over the running of UKAAUG and w,}ill continue to provide a directory of Atari user groups, public domain libraries, publications, bulletin boards, etc. Send ,}a large SAE to: Harry Sideras, UKAAUG, 49 Haywood Road, Tile Cross, Birmingham B33 0LJ.* NEW USER GROUPSWest of Scotland,} Atari User Group,Roisbheinn,Overton Crescent,Johnstone,RenfrewshirePA5 8JB.Brian Coplin,20 Brynymor Crescent,Upland,}s,SwanseaSA1 4QH. Both groups claim to support ALL Atari computers. Let's hope so!That's all the news for now!nd,{SOFTWARE SCENEJAWBREAKER & MOUSEKATTACKReviewed by Alan Hitchen The pill eating antics of Pac-Man inspired a millio=@}ADDING A MOUSEPart 8by Kevin Cooke"Roll out the red carpet... start the drum roll... let the musicians play... yes, l0}adies and gentlemen, boys and girls, could you please put you hands together for the exciting, the exclusive, the incredible 0}MOUSE-CONTROLLED NOUGHTS AND CROSSES!" Well, now that I've done the introduction, let me tell you about the game. Firs0}t of all, it was written by me (an immediate bonus you might think!) using the Multi Mouse program by Simon Trew, and as far 0}as I know is the first Noughts and Crosses program to allow control by a mouse. Don't worry if I haven't yet pursuaded y0}ou to buy a mouse as Noughts and Crosses also lets you use a joystick or touch-tablet. After taking a simple look at the0} loading instructions below, you should be able to use the program with ease.LOADING INSTRUCTIONS First of all, hold 0}down OPTION to boot DOS. From here, you first need to choose which sort of controller to use (i.e. mouse, joystick or touch-0}tablet). The chart below tells you which file to load using DOS option "L"Mouse - MOUSE.DRIJoystick - JOYST.0}DRITouch-Tablet - TOUCH.DRI After loading the appropriate file, Turbo BASIC and the Noughts and Crosses program will a0}utomatically load and RUN.PLEASE NOTE: The controller being used MUST be plugged into joystick port 2.PROGRAM NOTES 0} For those even remotely interested in the program listing itself, below are a few notes: Although the program is not in0}tended to be an example of good programming techniques, I hope that you find it reasonably structured. This should allow you0} to follow it with confidence. You may notice that the listing is very long for a simple Noughts and Crosses game but I 0}believe this is justified. Firstly, the program does allow you to play against the computer - the routine to do this is in i0}tself quite long. In fact, I did have another method to allow the computer to make its choices but I scrapped it in preferen0}ce for my latest program because of two important advantages:a) The version in use is easy to follow and modify.b) Thi0}s version actually works! Another reason for the program being so long is that I wanted it to be easy and intuitive to u0}se. I could have compacted many of the lines together but decided to leave them as they stand to allow easy reading and modi0}fication. I will now describe how the computer decides where to make its move. First of all, whenever one of its (or yo0}ur) pieces are placed, the space is effectively filled with either a "1" for player one or a "4" for player two. Using this 0}combination means that any single row will have one of the following values when the boxes in it are added together:VALUE 0}EXPLAINATION OF LINE VALUE 0 Three blank spaces (0+0+0) 1 Two blank spaces and one "O" (0+0+1) 20} One blank space and two O's (0+1+1) 3 Line contains 3 O's (win!) (1+1+1) 4 Two blank spaces and0} one "X" (0+0+4) 5 One blank space, one X and O (0+1+4) 6 One X and two O's (4+1+1) 8 0}One blank space and two X's (0+4+4) 9 Two X's and one O (4+4+1) 12 Line contains 3 X's (win!) 0} (4+4+4)So, on making the calculation, the computer acts on it:If the calculation gives a 12 or a 3, the computer knows t0}hat either it (player 2) or player 1 has won.If the calculation gives a 2 or 8, the computer finds the missing space in the0} line and fills it either to block the opponent from making a winning line or to make one itself!If the calculation gives a0} value of 4, the computer realises that 2 spaces in a line are blank and the other space is filled with one of it's pieces. 1}It then places another of its pieces in the line, giving it a chance to win on its next move.Any other value will simply ma1}ke the computer pick one of the free squares from random and place an X there. Hopefully that has given you some sort of1} idea as to what the computer does to calculate its move. Although the computer can be beaten fairly easily, there is a 1}reason for this. If both players use "best play", a game can only end in a draw. For this reason, the computer makes some d1}eliberate mistakes in the hope that its mistakes per session of games will be approximately balanced with the number its huma1}n opponent makes.ONE LAST THING TO NOTE: The version of Turbo BASIC used with Multi Mouse has had it's Ramtop modifie1}d to prevent it from crashing when both programs clash. Therefore, it is not, strictly speaking, a standard version of Turbo1} BASIC. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the program.MOUSE TRIVIA Fed up with the Magic Eye (or stereogram) craze? Well the1}n, be careful when buying a mouse mat as some bright spark has even started manufacturing mouse mats with these annoying pict1 }ures on them! However, priced at around 7-8 pounds, you may find getting a cheaper mouse mat and a Stereogram book better va1 }lue for money!However, priced at around 7-8 pounds, you may find getting a cheaper mouse mat and a Stereogram book better va0DTP Atari8By Eric BemroseDIGITAL EDITOR V3.6 Digital Editor is a page layout type DTP program, the product of Grego5 }r Tielsch and Immo Fietz of Atari Club Celle, Germany. Originally released in September, 1987, version 2.0 of this program i5 }s still available in the Public Domain. Digital Editor version 3.6 is modestly described as being a modified and much improv5}ed version, which was released by Tom D'Ambrosio in October, 1990. It uses Turbo Basic and therefore will only run on an XL/5}XE machine with a minimum of 64k memory. Supplied on a double sided enhanced density disk, Digital Editor (DE) is a good5} program with many useful features. A helpful eleven page tutorial is included to assist you to make the most from it. 5}On bootup, after an introductory message, you are presented with a title screen, which has been created with DE, and is accom5}panied by the theme from High Noon (Tom is from Texas). Press START for the main menu, which offers the following selections5}: Editor, Convertor, Graphics, Mag Maker and Hardcopy. Select the Editor and you are presented with a blank GR.8 work sc5}reen, inputs are handled from a separate menu screen. The work screen is headed by a single line telling you what font is be5}ing used and what size has been selected. Any standard 9-sector Atari font can be loaded (16 are supplied) and used to creat5}e normal or double height 40 column text. A built-in 80 column font can also be used in normal or double height. You will n5}eed exceptional powers of vision to see the almost invisible cursor even with a clear screen, so a 'homing' command has been 5}provided to enable you to find it in a crowded screen. It marks the upper left corner of the character to be printed. T5}ext can also be imported from a word processor (in 80 column mode only) in single or double column formats. Two sample Atari5} Writer files have been included to show you how this works. Graphics can be included anywhere on the screen in the form of 5}'photos'. These are icons which have been drawn and then 'cut out' from a GR.8 picture file, 23 ready made .PHO files are su5}pplied. When completed the screen is saved as a 59 sector .PGE file. Depending on what you want to create, at least four Pa5}GE'S will be needed to fill one sheet of paper. Five sample .PGE files have been included for you to examine. The Conve5}rter program will change the .PGE file into a standard 62 sector Micro Painter format file, ready for printing out, or for us5}e with other programs. It also cuts 'photos' from pictures, which can be any size you like, or can turn 'photos' back into p5 }ictures for further editing. The Graphics section is a GR.8 drawing facility written in compiled Turbo Basic. It can be5!} used to create 'photos' or full size pictures. It has a good range of features such as Zoom, Mirror, Copy, Erase, Freehand,5"} Lines, Circle, Oval, Fill and Points. Also, 40 column text from any font can be added to the picture. The Mag Maker cr5#}eates a program that will display a collection of .PGE files in succession as an on-disk newsletter. It needs Turbo Basic to5$} run. MAGMAKER.62 is a similar program that will do the same as above for the display of 62 sector .PIC files. HARD5%}COPY.TUR is a printer dump provided for 1029 users. This is the only printing facility supplied with V2.0. As I don't own a5&} 1029 printer its capabilities are unknown. Selecting Hardcopy will run Billboard, by Chris Wareham, a print utility for5'} Epsons. This is a modified version that supports Turbo Basic and DOS with subdirectories, as does Digital Editor. The comp5(}leted pages, when converted into .PIC files, can be printed out just as you like, even sideways. Up to eight PIC's can be sq5)}ueezed on to one sheet to form a page, but it will be hard to read, four PIC's to the sheet is recommended format. However, 5*}each picture must be printed out separately, making this a tedious and error prone operation. Other programs will print out 5+}your finished PIC's in one operation with much less fuss. I will be looking at some of them later in this series.print out 4sSOFTWARE SCENETHE RAMBIT TASKMASTERReviewed by Alan Hitchen The Taskmaster is a tape to disk transfer utility for 9-}standard single stage or commercial multi stage cassette files of up to 48k in size. The latter must be for your own use onl9.}y of course. The program produces DOS compatible files, but they will only run from a Taskmaster menu disk. A six page 9/}instruction manual is provided with the disk. This has a rather daunting technical approach, but it does include a very help90}ful flowchart to guide you through the steps needed to create a working disk copy. There are ten options available from the 91}main menu and each has a help screen to explain their functions. One of the most annoying things about this type of util92}ity is making an apparently successful transfer that then refuses to run. The Taskmaster's main advantage over other transfe93}r programs is that it allows such files to be altered by changing the execute address until the program does run. One of the94} transfer options allows the file to be saved with a list of possible addresses appended to it. Switching to the TaskMonitor95} module allows you to examine the list and substitute values in the program until you find one that works. This may still no96}t produce a working copy but more trial and error alterations can be made until it does run. As it is a program written 97}some time ago (1987) Taskmaster does have some drawbacks. It can't handle very long files that exceed available memory, it c98}an't use the 130XE memory banks, and it can't append shorter sections together to create a whole file, unlike some other prog99}rams. However the Taskmaster's ability to tweak the program can make all the difference with a stubborn file. The TaskM9:}onitor module can also assemble, disassemble, search, display memory, printer on/off and transfer block. This is a powerful 9;}utility that can be used for other purposes by those with the knowledge to use it. All in all the Taskmaster is a useful9<} program to have, but although it can be used by a complete novice, it would help if you have at least some knowledge of the 9=}principles involved in order to make best use of it when tackling a non running program. The Rambit Taskmaster is curren9>}tly distributed by Dean Garraghty Software at 4.95 pounds including postage.Contact address: DGS, 62 Thomson Avenue, Balby9?}, Doncaster, DN4 0NU.n Garraghty Software at 4.95 pounds including postage.Contact address: DGS, 62 Thomson Avenue, Balby8n other maze games. However, before Pac-Man there was Jawbreaker. Originally released by Sierra-on-line in 1980 as two sepe=A}rate games, their creator, John D Harris, has made them both available again in one package distributed by Richard Gore. =B} Jawbreaker puts you in the role of a set of gnashers with a big appetite. Your task is to clear the maze of all that yummy =C}candy that is just lying around. However the smiling faces of the tooth rotters are never far behind, and if they catch you,=D} your teeth fall out, and after three lives have been lost the game is over. To help you there are four special Jawbreak=E}er sweets that will allow you to turn the tables on the tooth rotters and eat them as well. Also a tunnel runs from top to b=F}ottom to let you give them the slip. From time to time extra items will appear, which you can eat to gain bonus points. Whe=G}n the maze has been cleared your teeth are given a jolly good brushing, then it is on to the next level and yet more candy to=H} eat. The alternative maze provided, which is selectable at bootup, has an extra escape tunnel to help you out when thin=I}gs get really tough on the higher levels, but otherwise gameplay is identical. Mousekattack puts a new twist in the old =J}maze game. This time you are a plumber and your task is to lay pipe in all the corridors. This seems simple but there are s=K}ome snags. Firstly, mistakes can happen and you will have to re-lay a section if you get it wrong. Secondly, there are thre=L}e giant rats roaming the maze, they are hungry, and if they can catch you they will eat you! Help is provided in the for=M}m of two cats, which you can place anywhere to frighten off the rats. Also two cages are provided to catch the rats. If you=N} can get to the cage before the rat has wriggled free it is captured and bonus points gained. However the captured rat is so=O}on replaced by another one, and the replacement may be a super rat. The super rat can eat your cats but can still be trapped=P} in a cage. This game has a two player mode, in which each plumber is frightened of the other players cats, which makes =Q}things even more difficult, and lots more fun. Jawbreaker is a good game in the Pac-Man style that is difficult to fault=R}. However, Mousekattack has the clear advantage here, as its added gameplay and excellent presentation lifts the game out of=S} the ordinary. It is highly recommended. These games are available individually for 4.95, or together for 6.95, in tape=T}, turbo load tape or disk formats.Contact address: Richard Gore, 79 Sprotborough Road, Sprotborough, Doncaster, DN5 8BW.e<|PD SOFTWARE SCENEMEGABLASTReviewed by Kevin Cooke The object of MEGABLAST is to shoot your opponent and destroy thM}HANDY HINTby Alan HitchenRAMDISK XL It is possible to create a small ramdisk on a standard 64k XL/XE if you do theAW} following.1. Boot with DOS 2.5 and Basic.2. POKE 1802,PEEK(1802)+128.3. Press RESET4. POKE 2924,101: POKE 2925,0: POAX}KE 2926,101: POKE 2927,05. Go to DOS6. Format D8:7. All done! You now have a 101 sector ramdisk. If you want to rAY}un DUP.SYS and MEM.SAV from D8: go back to Basic. POKE 5439,56, then return to DOS, write the DOS files, delete DOS.SYS, andAZ} then write MEM.SAV to D8:. You now have DOS available in an instant, and 30 sectors are still free for your own use. LA[}ocation 1802 is the drive allocation byte, this would normally be set to 3 indicating D1: and D2: are available, adding 128 aA\}ctivates D8:. Location 5439 tells DOS where to find the DUP.SYS and MEM.SAV files and is normally set to 49 for D1:, 56 chanA]}ges this to D8:. These locations would automatically be changed by RAMDISK.COM on bootup with a 130XE or expanded machine.A^} So, how does it work? What seems to happen is that DOS searches for the extra ram of the 130XE and finds the 16k of shadA_}ow ram under the Operating System instead, this exists from 49152 upwards. However, 53248 to 55295 is used by GTIA, POKEY, PA`}IA and ANTIC and is unavailable. This leaves 14k or 112 sectors available, less deductions for the directory and VTOC and yoAa}u have 101 sectors free for use. This leaves 14k or 112 sectors available, less deductions for the directory and VTOC and yo@!A SHORT AND STUPID STORYby Ye Olde Atari 8-bit Owner. Some time ago I had a drinks coaster, which always gave me firsEc}t rate service. It would take whatever I placed on it, from hot mugs of coffee to cans of Pepsi. Sadly, due to over use, itEd} died. I was not prepared for what happened next. After deciding to subscribe to Futura, with my first disk came a freeEe} cardboard coaster (wow!). Strangely enough, whenever my present coaster is ready for replacement another one arrives. Ef}As I am writing this story I am using my most recent coaster (cheers Stu!). Would it be possible to have a circle or somethiEg}ng nice on the next one please?Ed: Hmmm, don't know about that. Before you know it, everyone will want one. If you sendEq}b%DOS SYSb)AUTORUN SYSb +PICLOADRBASb%4TITLE PICb YSHARE SYSb<cMENU bDOMINFO DATbSUBMENU YAPb INTRO DOCbCONTENTSDOCb EDITOR DOCb NEWS DOCb)MOUSE8 DOCb! DTP5 DOCb,SOFTWAREDOCbSOFT2 DOCb VHANDY DOCbbSTUPID DOCbrVCS DOCbUSOFTPD DOCbHARDWAREDOCb"BOOKS DOCbUATARI1 DOCbZ$ATARI2 DOCb~NOSAUGPDDOCbSUBINFO DOCb4FMASTER DOCbFINCAL DOC me a Sony Playstation I'll see what I can do.n't know about that. Before you know it, everyone will want one. If you sendD/VCS FUTURA2600 Audio Modificationby Ye Olde Atari 8-bit ownerTools/Part required:Philips type screw driversmall paIs}ir of plierssoldering iron & soldera 1K OHM resistorOpen unit:1) Turn unit upside down. Remove the five visible screwIt}s, and store for re-assembly.2) Open the unit, letting the side with the Reset key act as a pivot point. There are three pIu}lastic connecting hooks at the front of the unit, so wiggle slightly on opening while maintaining a pivot. When the hooks diIv}sconnect, open the unit and disconnect the ribbon at its connection jack mounted on the circuit board. Store the top part ofIw} the unit for re-assembly later.3) Locate the two plastic locating hooks (near the front on either side of the circuit boarIx}d), push both to either side and remove the circuit board.5) Turn the circuit board upside down when removed from the casinIy}g and use the small pliers to straighten the shielding attachments, to remove the top and bottom halves of the shielding fromIz} the circuit board. Store shielding halves for re-assembly.Modification: At this point you should have the bare circuI{}it board to hand and with your hot iron and a component waiting to be sentenced the proceedings can begin.1) Locate resistoI|}r R56. See FIG-1 below, and description of location. FIG-1, Resistor location. R R R R D R C R D R C R L L L / I}} 5 5 X_<-point X 5 6Key:R=ResistorD=DiodeC=CapacitorL=InductorNOTE: "<-point X" indicates as a pointer to I~}be ignored in this mod, as should R55, it has been put in for future reference for another mod to follow - sorry for any confI}usion. At the bottom right hand of the circuit board there is a big formation of components all positioned vertically anI}d side by side. Starting from left to right as shown in FIG-1 above, follow the components across until you get to R56, the I}8th component from the left (NOTE: not all VCS's have the same component line up so ignore any differences).2) Trim the 1K I}OHM resistor so it can be positioned over R56, onto the circuit board in the same component location slot so both resistors wI}ill be in parallel when soldered. At this point if you like, you can place the board into the base part of the case (withoutI} shielding) and connect it up, and on running a cartridge if you position the 1K OHM resistor in place and listen you should I}be impressed at the noise killing power of this modification.3) Playing aside you can now solder the 1K OHM resistor into pI}lace as described in step No.2.4) Mission complete, now re-assemble your 2600. The audio quality is now more than a maI}tch for any 8-bit Atari computer connected via its RF connection to a domestic TV set.Any blunder(s) you make are of your I}own doing, so congratulations.r connected via its RF connection to a domestic TV set.Any blunder(s) you make are of your Hem by reducing their energy to zero. This may sound like a standard task but there is one main difference - between you and M}your opponent are a number of reflectors which re-channel your shots and sometimes even reflect them back at you. There M}is one ship at the top of the screen and one at the bottom. Each can only be moved left and right. The real fun comes from M}shooting the icons that appear in the playfield. There are bombs which explode, icons that reverse your opponents controls, M}lightning icons to speed up your shooting, shields that protect you either until you are shot or until a timer runs out, and M}a star that will add other items to the screen. The graphics in MEGABLAST are good, very good in fact. What greatly addM}s to the game though is the digitized sound which you will get on any 130XE or expanded XL. This consists of digitized tunesM} by Genesis and various other sound effects. If you aren't lucky enough to own an upgraded machine you will still get an excM}ellent tune. The game itself can be played in two player mode (the best way) or in one player mode against a computer opM}ponent. Needless to say, Megablast is VERY good. The best news though is that the loading screen says "Now loading... MM}EGABLAST 1". Does this mean that there is going to be a MEGABLAST 2? Let's hope so!SOFWARE SCENE RATING:GRAPHICS......M}....76%SOUND.............91%GAMEPLAY..........89%VALUE FOR MONEY...94%OVERALL...........89%MEGABLAST is available froM}m the NOSAUG PD Library as Disk G18, coupled with MERCHANT SPACEMAN. Please note that this disk is 1050 density. If you enjM}oy Megablast you should also check out NOSAUG PD Disk G22 (Machine Code Games 3) which contains what seems to be the game thaM}t was improved into Megablast, LASER DUELL.G PD Disk G22 (Machine Code Games 3) which contains what seems to be the game thaL, was improved into Megablast, LASER DUELL.G PD Disk G22 (Machine Code Games 3) which contains what seems to be the game thatL+HARDWARE WAREHOUSENintendo Controls on the Atari 8-bitby John Powell At a recent swapmeet, one of my friends was seQ}lling a Nintendo controller that he had rewired for use with the Atari 8-bit. I asked if he could note down the instructionsQ}. He obliged and this article is the result. You can find the original Nintendo (not the Super!) controllers at any marQ}ket or secondhand goods store near you. It would probably be a good idea to make sure that the controller actually works befQ}ore you spend time modifying it. You will also need a good Atari CX40 joystick cable. Once you have the correct parQ}ts you will need a small Philips screwdriver and a small 25 watt soldering iron. Now follow these steps:1. Remove the screQ}ws from the controller and gently separate the two halves without letting anything fall out. Take a look at how the wire is Q}fed into the controller and be sure to install the new wire in the same way.2. Remove the Nintendo wiring by de-soldering tQ}he wires or simply clip them off close to the connectors. None of these will be used.3. De-solder and remove the large cliQ}p in the centre of the circuit board. This chip is about 3/8" x 3/4". The Atari cable wires will go into the holes where thQ}e chip was, so after the chip has been removed use the soldering iron and a toothpick to open up the holes to allow each wireQ} to slip through (refer to sketch below). You need to work on this while the circuit board is UP.4. To prepare the Atari cQ}able, remove about 1 1/2" of the outside wire cover and bare 1/16" of the end of each wire.5. Be sure to feed the wire fromQ} the same side that the original wire came from; the chip side. Insert one wire through the proper hole, flip the board sideQ} up and solder the wire in place (see sketch below). Repeat this process for each wire.6. While you have the controller apQ}art, you may want to clean the contacts and buttons with a cloth and contact cleaner. Reassemble the controller, making sureQ} the wire is fed in properly. 7 KEY: . . . . . . . . \ 1-black . .Q} . . . . . . 2-brown 1 2 3 4 5 6 3-green 4-blue There is a short 5-whiQ}te jumper wire from 6-orange 6 to 7. I hope everyone who undertakes this conversion has fun with their newQ} joystick.er wire from 6-orange 6 to 7. I hope everyone who undertakes this conversion has fun with their newP THE ATARI 8-BIT BOOKSHELFADVANCED PROGRAMING TECHNIQUES FOR YOUR ATARI by Linda M. Schreiber1983 Tab Books Inc.ReviewedU} by Joseph E. HicswaOl' Hackers A.U.G.March 16, 1996In the Public Domain I got Advanced Programming Techniques for yoU}ur Atari about 8 years ago and read it several times. From this last particular reading I learned to translate machine code U}into a BASIC language program. BASIC, especially TURBO BASIC is my preference because of easy-to-read structure. High levelU} languages meant learning something hard, like Latin, Polish, or some other hard language. But I'm happy with ATARI BASIC. U}The BASIC language programs permit myself and others to list, examine, improve and share with other ATARI users. Linda wU}rote about, and explains programming techniques in easy-to-read understandable format. She reinforces her topics with 64 proU}grams, REM statements and line by line explanation. Familiarity with BASIC language is helpful but not critical as she guideU}s you through the BASIC programs. The book is replete with easy programs for the reader to enter into the computer and see tU}he marvels on screen. With a little ingenuity readers can alter and improvise those programs that fascinate ATARI users. U} Programing makes me feel like a demigod, whereby I get an idea then program it to become reality on the computer screen. WU}hat a happy accomplishment! Linda's book teaches people to write outstanding programs and make their ideas a reality alsU}o. In her introduction Linda explains she wrote for the person who wants to get more special effects, more sounds and more gU}raphics from an ATARI computer. She does this in fourteen chapters. Starting with an explanation of the binary system, U}the reader is guided through all of the following, such as ANTIC (text & graphic displays), animation, how to speed up a progU}ram, machine language subroutines, display list interrupts, scrolling, page flipping, sound, keyboard magic, memory locationsU} to do fancy screen displays, workings of a disk drive to make boot disks, voice (audio) programs for Cassette users. LiU}nda explains where the character set is located, how to copy from ROM into RAM and alter it for fascinating color displays onU} screen by simply pressing computerboard keys. (An altered character set was used to program EASTERN FRONT--WWII battles inU}Europe). For years I had wanted to learn about the numbers programmers used in their DATA lines. People who knew and unU}derstood them had tried explaining, but I couldn't grasp it. Then I discovered something in chapter 7 - DISPLAY LIST INTERRUU}PTS - using machine language subroutines. It came through loud and clear. The numbers are machine language codes poked intoU} computer memory to speed up the program and make it run smoothly. The codes are tokens (the alphanumeric characters in an AU}TARI-ATASCII-list. Depending upon instructions, a computer treats a number as a token or number. As tokens, 72 represents UU}PPER CASE H, 198 is a graphics character and 162 is inverse quote marks. When told there is a machine code token in the memoU}ry location, the computer performs that certain function. Dec Code Mach Code 72 = PHA ;Push accumulator U} on the stack. 138 = TXA ;Transfer index X to accumulator. 162,100 = LDX #100 ;LoU}ad index X with 100 Now I don't understand the mnemonics, but it was a revelation non the less. AlU}l I have to do is make a list of decimal codes and respective machine language codes. The list would then be used to translaU}te machine language programs into my BASIC language program to poke machine code numbers into computer memory. A=USR (adU}dress). USR tells the computer it is a machine code routine. The address is where it begins. The book reveals memory locatU}ions. DATA 72,138,162,100 FOR L=n to n+3:READ D:POKE L,D:NEXT L A=USR(n) If you are unable to find a copy of this boU}ok then check your local library. They also might have other ATARI books available. After reading Linda's book to discoverU} ATARI secrets, why not tell us about it in an article? Happy reading and programming.fter reading Linda's book to discoverTXATARI: THE END?by Daniel 'ODI' Baverstock24th April 1996 The following article looks at Atari's suddenly announced Y}merger with disk drive manufacturing giants JTS. Could this spell the end of Atari's production and support for the Jaguar? Y} Is it the end of Atari?Atari Corp fold I first read about the collapse of Atari (and subsequent laying off of most ofY} their employees and executives from their Californian headquarters) in February's issue of Edge magazine. It mentioned thatY} Atari had formed a seperate PC game producing division called Atari Interactive, who managed to produce a PC version of TempY}est 2000 before being liquidated. Then I read that Atari was probably merging with a computer components company. So, afterY} over two decades the once gaming giants and often undeserving creators of great Atari hardware have finally collapsed! Y}I find it remarkable that they have lasted into the mid 1990s considering their appalling track record for machine and softwaY}re support. Intent of finding out more, I managed to get hold of February's issue of the Jaguar Journal, an American NetY} magazine (thanks Rob). It revealed Atari's merge with JTS, who are to emerge as the surviving company, founded in 1994! Y} JTS are benefitting from a $60 million infuse of Atari's cash and equivalents, and although the company 'Atari' will no loY}nger exist, Atari have stated software support will be kept up, albeit low profile, until at least the end of 1996. ChieY}f financial officer Mr Liguori said "Atari's name would still be used in the computing game environment" and that "we still hY}ave a wonderfull game library and many patents associated with games". Atari games are still in production, though it's Y}known that many third party developers with Jaguar software production contracts have terminated them. This includes famed TY}empest/Defender 2000 programmer and long established Atari enthusiast Jeff Minter. What is expected is that the games fiY}nished and waiting to be sold and those nearly completed by developers who have invested enough to lose out if they are scrapY}ed will be available throughout 1996.Jaguar, the last chance! The events leading up to this stem from the problems of Y}software for the Jaguar 64-bit games console, Atari's last real foot in the gaming world door. Initially 240 pounds on it's Y}release in mid-1994, and packaged off with the half-decent 360 degree arcade simluator Cybermorph, the Jaguar has dropped to Y}as little as 55 pounds. I think this is undoubtidly due to its failure to attract the then Sega and Nintendo 16-bit console Y}owners, than a deliberately controlled marketing strategy. High street retailers HMV, Virgin, Dixons, and the now liquidY}ated Rumbelows took the Jaguar onboard upon its release, but with increasing caution based on Atari's consistent commercial fY}ailures with most of their products. Looking back to the large, yet relatively short lived market for the Atari ST rangeY}, and the ridiculously short life span of the 32-bit Falcon which Atari dumped almost within the same year it was released, yY}ou can't really blame the retailers. Having said that, I can't help feel the market was never willing to accept Atari from Y}very early on. Magazines were very quick to slate the Jaguar and any of its games, especially UK published tiles. CompaY}ring these with American publications gave you a totally different account of a game. Just look back at the American ElectroY}nic Games Monthly (EGM) and compare it with the UK's Games Master and Ultimate Future Games magazines. The review scores canY} be drastically different! Perhaps this could be explained by the greater range of games and availability of the Jaguar and Y}CD-ROM add-on in the USA, which wasn't the case in the UK and Europe, but to my mind this is only a little to blame. I aY}m more inclined to blame a combination of factors. The first is that Atari concentrated on the American market firstly, totaY}lly understandable considering the postential market and the fact that it's their home territory. Special 'Fun'n'Games' mediY}a and gaming industry days were given to promote the games, and Atari did have a presence at major computer shows like ECTS. Y} It's a pity they didn't do the same in the UK and Europe. Other factors include Atari's unreliable past reputation, it'Y}s early substandard game releases, the lack of a good advertising campaign, lack of the CD-ROM unit, the oncoming rumours of Y}the Saturn, Playstation and Ultra64 alongside the already strongly established 16-bit Nintendo and Sega console market, a preY}judiced magazine media, and Atari's overconfidence in nostalgia and the minority of long standing Atari supporters. (Blame evY}erything, don't I?)The Main Culprit I have always felt the biggest let down with Atari's support of the Jaguar was theY} quality and regularity of software titles. Software support on the Jaguar has been agonisingly slow to gather momentum, andY} only a few titles have really showed off the system. After the first few average titles (mostly conversions) came the greatY} releases including DOOM, AvP, Iron Soldier and the greatly accalimed (but over-rated) Tempest 2000. Then support reverted bY}ack to a trickle of poor titles and revamped conversions. For months the gaming media, already critical of Atari, gave pY}oor reviews for nearly every title, while Atari's release dates gave a new meaning to the word 'late'! Furthermore, the pricY}e of cartridges were too expensive with conversions of 16-bit favourites like Cannon Fodder and Syndicate priced at 40-50 pouY}nds! Atari vs the 16-bits From the beginning Atari had maintained its primary intention was to attract 16-bit Sega andY} Nintendo owners to the 64-bit console market. Attractive sounding quotes in early advertisements boasted of '64-bit power' Y}and the promise of 'astounding virtual gameplay with 360 degree environments'. Yet the majority of games were simply 16-bit Y}conversions of Sega/Nintendo style games, but double the price! I can see what Atari were trying to accomplish here. ThZ}ey thought that if they could convert the 16-bit console owners to the Jaguar, they would also be taking Sega and Nintendo's Z}future market away from their new 32-bit consoles. A little too clever, for they were attacking the wrong market. Instead iZ}t only served as a benefit to the other console giants, reinforcing the notion that the Jaguar was in the same league as the Z}16-bit consoles and pathing the way for the "real" next-generation consoles as they were to be known. The mere fact thatZ} Atari was struggling despite having more than twelve months head start from Sega and console newcomers Sony, was further conZ}firmation of the Jaguar's inability to compete. The Jaguar's unpopularity and subsiquent decline sealed its fate within the Z}first year of release.Saturn and Playstation released Although the Panasonic 3DO and Philips CDi were around, these weZ}re not a great threat to Atari. Then came the almost similtanious release in the last quarter of 1995 of the Sega Saturn andZ} Sony PSX (Playstation). Both powerful 32-bit CD-ROM based consoles, each was backed by gimicky campaigns on TV, in magazineZ }s and in high street shops. The gorgeous 16/24-bit photorealitic screen shots, Full Motion Video (FMV) and promise of poZ }pular arcade conversions from both, especially Sega with their Virtua series of games, was a huge blow to Atari. The JagZ }uar was still cartridge based and generally no match for games that were streamed off CD-ROM such as the likes of The Need FoZ }r Speed or Demolition Derby. Any comparision with the Jaguars' racing or fighting titles against those on the Saturn or PSX Z }was obviously going to make it look bad.Ultra64 promises The second blow came when screen shots for the mysterious andZ} long awaited Nintendo Ultra64, a so called 'True 64-bit console' hit the shores. This was dubbed the first 64-bit console, Z}thus fuelling a huge debate as to the the genuineness of the Jaguar's claim to being 64-bit. On the one hand, magazines Z}and rivials accused Atari of false marketing, informing the public that the Jaguar was really 32-bit regarding processing speZ}ed, and as the games clearly showed, was inferior to the new Next Generation consoles. In reply, Atari insisted that theZ} Jaguar has a 64-bit architecture. Simply put, this means the combination of various microchip processors (of which there areZ} five) give 64-bits of power. Jaguar Specifications The Jaguar's internal specifictations are as follows:- A 32-bit Z}Motorala MC68000 main Central Processing Unit, handling the combination of all the processors and generally carrying out the Z}mundane system and joypad functions. Rather like an executive in charge of the general running of a company.- Two 64-bit RZ}ISC chips, so called Tom and Jerry. Tom incorporates a blitter chip handling the high speed gouraud shading seen in CybeZ}rmorph, and coupled with the 32-bit Graphics Processing Unit deals with the colours and special effects like warping, morphinZ}g and texture mapping; a 32-bit Object processor is involved with the 3D polygon architecture seen in Iron Soldier, and the bZ}asic structure of Doom & Alien Vs Predator before the texture mapping. Jerry incorporates the Digital Sound Processor (DZ}SP) pushing out 16-bit better than CD quality sound, and also deals with other sound aspects.- The Jaguar's whole system isZ} a combination of 16 and 32-bit processors, working inside 64-bit microchip architecture.Fast In short Atari refuted aZ}ccusations of false advertising stating that the Jaguar was far from inferior to other machines, it was in fact superior to tZ}he next gen consoles (except the Sony PSX which is a little faster in certain areas). Impressive figures like an 850 millionZ} pixels per second rendering speed, a 16.8 million colour palette and screen resoulution of 720 X 376 were announced. ThZ}e Joypad's 17 button capacity was another feature used in Atari's marketing ploy, "offering more gameplay options than any otZ }her systems around". Magazines tended not to agree, calling it the "House Brick" and branding it unresponsive, cumbersome anZ!}d generally a hinderance to the gameplay of titles, especally the fighting and point & click strategy games, Katsumi Ninja, UZ"}ltra Vortex, Syndicate and Cannon Fodder to name but a few. Thankfully the universally compatible Pro Controller can be usedZ#} with the Jaguar, and is said to make gameplay far easier.Continued...e universally compatible Pro Controller can be usedXJATARI: THE END? (continued)Postponed Many Jaguar owners, like myself, eagerly awaited the cartridge releases and we^%}re promised a list of over 180 titles on both cart and CD over 1995/96. Many haven't been completed as yet and are still und^&}er production. Many won't be completed since the developers have pulled out due to the Atari's uncertain future. Other titl^'}es, it has come to light, have supposedly been withheld and stored in warehouses. Why these much needed titles are still wit^(}hheld, other than Atari still deciding their options, is bewildering!Fighting for release The polygon fighter Fight fo^)}r Life has been withheld for months because Atari wasn't happy that it was up to and beyond the standard of other consoles' f^*}ighters such as Virtua Fighter II and Toshenden. A comendable move on Atari's part but a much needed title. Mail order spec^+}ialists like Telegames are currently taking orders for it and it may well be out soon. I hope so. The pre-production versio^,}ns have blown reviewers' minds away, according to the Jaguar Journal.CD-ROM released While the other next generation c^-}onsoles appeared around the 3rd and 4th quarter of 1995, all running with CD-ROM technology, many like myself were cursing at^.} the continued monthly postponement of the 150 pounds Jaguar CD-ROM unit. Manufactured by Philips no less, the Jaguar CD fin^/}ally arrived in October 1995. I bought mine with great haste and was not disappointed! Far from being accompanied by an^0}y additional advertising, from Atari or the retailers, the Jag CD unit seemed to enter the country almost unnoticed! The onl^1}y place I could find a CD unit for sale was Future Zone, now Electronics Boutique. Furthermore, they had a one on one re-ord^2}ering policy of stocking just one unit with the intention of ordering another replacement if sold! There was no poster i^3}n the store that indicated it's arrival and when I inquired in the high street stores HMV and Virgin, they were unsure of a r^4}elease date or indeed that they were going to stock it at all! [Ed: Virgin, Aberdeen stocked the CD unit. They promoted it ^5}in the front window for a week or so.] Astounded though I was, I withdrew the 150 pounds from my depleting student accou^6}nt and bought probably the first in the country. The initial CD titles that were to come with the unit were Batman Retur^7}ns, Blue Lightning and Vid Grid. Batman Returns fell through due to a failed licensing deal with it's copyright holders, Wil^8}liams. The final package was still impressive, with Vid Grid, a sliding puzzle game with nine full music videos; Blue Li^9}ghting, a re-working of the Atari Lynx's flight arcade combat title similar to Afterburner in play; the Tempest 2000 CD sound^:}track taken from the hit game; a demo of MYST, an up and coming point and click adventure release that was a PC hit. It ^;}was such a relief to see the Jaguar handling nine music videos as they streamed off CD in Vid Grid, including personal favour^<}ites AeroSmith, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Soundgarden. The intro FMV sequence in Blue Lightning was very impressive, as was^=} the enormity of the game itself. Finally, the beautiful graphics and engrossing voice-over in the intro of the MYST demo is^>} great to watch.Virtual Light Machine I was really looked forward to seeing the VLM software (built into the Jaguar CD^?} unit) when I first heard about it. I wasn't let down! Like the Saturn and PSX it allows standard audio CDs as well as CD+g^@} (with graphic displays) to be played. All the usual CD player functions are available. In addition, the software generates^A} mulitcolour psychadelic patterns from 80-plus pre-programmed sequences. They gyrate to the music currently played and some ^B}allow you to manipulate them while active with the joypad. The Tempest 2000 soundtrack taken from the successful game of^C} the same name, consists of 12 techno/rave/industrial tracks and when played really sound fantastic. I am not a technohead or^D} dance freak but loved this CD! Patterns pulsated and moved about the place in an almost hypnotic, if slightly nausiating, m^E}anner (well, I had been clubing the night before). The Jag CD's strong points were flaunted in the few double page magaz^F}ine spreads, leaflets and supplements published. There were said to be 10,000 of these adverts for the Jaguar last year! Ye^G}t still nothing was advertised in the high street Jaguar retailers, the most effective meduim, giving access to one of the wi^H}dest audiences - the street shopping public. After playing all the titles, I awaited apprehensively for the on-set of th^I}e two to three new titles promised monthly. Title release dates were released, only to expire and be renewed repeatidly. Ev^J}entually, in late December 1995, two titles, Highlander CD and Hover Strike CD-the Unconquered Lands suddenly appeared on the^K} shelves. I consequently bought Highlander, a huge game based on the cartoon (in turn based on the idea of the films of the ^L}same name). A 3D polygon character engine similar to the PC series Alone in the Dark is used to great effect. Cartoon lands^M}cape shots grabbed and rendered in 24-bit true colour provide totally photo-realistic images. Sampled sound, music and FMV s^N}equences taken from the cartoon series really combine to make a fantastic virtual world. Two more sequels are to be released^O} in the series.Hardware Many additional items were planned for the Jaguar, including a Virtual Reality headset priced ^P}at 250 pounds. This almost saw the light of day but at the last minute was scrapped because of problems with the prototype a^Q}nd production costs. The unit hadn't functioned as well as Atari had hoped, reportidly making an Atari executive 'queasy'(!)^R} because of it's slower than expected tracking rate. Lucky, only one game was made available which had the headset in mind, ^S}a remake of the classic 80s arcade title Missile Command, called Missile Command 2000. It caters for the headset but doesn't^T} rely on it, having other modes of play. A 22 button joypad was scheduled for production early this year, but was also s^U}crapped. The CatBox, allowing connection to S-Video, RGB and composite monitors, stereo outputs to monitor and hi-fi's;^V} two stereo headphone jacks with sepereate adjustable volumes; RS232/CatNet networking ports for connection to other Jaguars,^W} allowing up to 32 Jaguars to network with each other (supported in games like Doom) and a DSP pass-through bus for other dev^X}ices to be daisychained. (Information from Atari on-line magazine, January 1st 1996). The CatBox is currently available in ^Y}the UK for 59.99 pounds from Telegames mail order. The Jaguar link cable allows 2 Jaguars to be connected directly. Doo^Z}m's player to player deathmatch can then be played. The link is 24.99 (Telegames). The 4-player adapter can come with t^[}he Baketball game White Men Can't Jump (59.99 inclusive from Telegames) allowing up to four players to play on one Jaguar. T^\}elegames sell it alone for 24.99. The memory Track Cartridge, though in my opinion too expensive at 29.99, allows you to^]} save those levels, positions and scores from CD games (really essential for games like Highlander or Blue Lightning which du^^}e to their size are so frustrating and time consuming to restart again).New Jaguars planned A Jaguar console/CD combo ^_}was to be released late last year or early 1996, sporting a new large flat square design, and around the 300 pounds price ran^`}ge. This has been scrapped to the best of my knowledge. A Jaguar mk.II console was in the pipeline, with impressive spe^a}cs, including processing power four times that of the Sony PSX and totally compatible with current software and hardware. Th^b}e price was said to be around 200-300 pounds and the console was to be released this Autumn. I would imagine this is to be s^c}crapped in the light of present developments, and with the present stock of over 100,000 Jaguars waiting to be sold in wareho^d}uses!Price Reductions Although Atari first started dropping the price as part of their marketing strategy, I suspect t^e}hat the radical price reduction over the past year was a last resort, or retailers simply trying to rid themselves of the Jag^f}uar line. Atari's collapse has been on the cards countless times, but I am nevertheless surprised at their merger with J^g}TS. The Jaguar software situation may well dry up but alongside Atari's statement that the combined company will continue so^h}ftware support, I am optimistic that at least the titles promised and those nearing completion will be available over the nex^i}t year or so. If Atari do dump the Jaguar, I think the best (if only) support is going to come from mail order companies^j} such as Telegames. These new titles are only going to be available from them since the high street retailers aren't stockin^k}g titles anymore, too concerned with getting rid of the current Jaguar line. The Jaguar may survive with a mail order ma^l}rket if all the stops are pulled out on those games withheld, if all those nearing completion are completed, and all the CD g^m}ames are released. Well, look at the Atari 8-bit software scene if you don't believe me!Titles to look out for:Mortal Ko^n}mbat IIIWorld Tour Racing (CD)NBA JAM TE (59.99 from Telegames)BattleMorph (CD) (49.99)Baldies (CD) (49.99)Supercross 3d^o} (49.99)Atari Karts (49.99)Defender 2000 (59.99)Fight For Life (TBA)Primal Rage (CD) (54.99)SAE to: Telegames, ^p}Kilby Bridge, Wigston, Leicester LE18 3TE, UK. tel: 0116 2880445 fax: 0116 2813437U^q}K postage cost are on average 3 pounds for a normal order and 6 pounds for a console or hardware.Possibly released titles t^r}o look forward to are:Magic Carpet; Wing Commander III; Batman Returns; Battlesphere; Arena Football League; Braindead 13; ^s}Brett Hull Hockey; Charles Barkley Basketball; Commander Blood; Commando; Creature Shock; Dactyl Joust; Deathwatch; Demolitio^t}n man; Deus ex Machina; Thea Realm Fighters; Varuna's Forces; Virtual Warriors; Sudden Impact; Wayne Gretzky NHL Hockey; Zzyr^u}oxx II; Worms; Indiana and perhaps more. I compiled this list based on a release list I have from last July. I have om^v}itted those titles whose release dates are past February 1996. The likelyhood of these titles coming out are slight for they^w} are unlikely to be more than 50% complete (or already abandoned). I have also omitted titles produced by large third party ^x}developers such as Ocean and Team17 as they are more likely to have been the first to terminate contracts with Atari.Jaguar^y} Future? I hope the new merged company will continue support for the Jaguar, especially the CD unit. I think Atari's lo^z}yal fans will continue to support the Jaguar as long as new titles are made available. The Jaguar is a great console and I c^{}an't wait to see titles such as Mortal Kombat and Magic Carpet on it (with any luck!). Atari has huge warehouses full of^|} hardware and software to sell. Providing they find an effective marketing niche to sell from, I am sure they can sell every^}}thing off and recover some of the production costs. It could and should have been oh so much greater.re they can sell every\gTHE NOSAUG PD LIBRARY** NEW DISKS *** E08 - THE X-FILES (DISK 1)* E09 - THE X-FILES (DISK 2)(2-disk set for 2.50 poub}nds)New disks from NOSAUG member Kevin Cooke! Articles, information, reviews, comments, quiz games, etc on the TV series ab}nd UFOs in general.* OH09/95 - OL' HACKERS NEWSLETTER, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1995* OH11/95 - OL' HACKERS NEWSLETTER, NOVEMBEb}R/DECEMBER 1995* OH01/96 - OL' HACKERS NEWSLETTER, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1996Another three newsletters from the Ol' Hackers Atb}ari User Group, New York, USA.' HACKERS NEWSLETTER, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1996Another three newsletters from the Ol' Hackers At`FUTURA DISK SUBSCRIPTIONS Futura is released QUARTERLY. Every second issue is a 2-disk issue, i.e. six disks are releaf}sed over four issues.UK6-disk/4-issue subscription = 10.00 poundsEUROPE- 12.00 poundsor- Equivalent sum to 14 pf}ounds (includes 2 pounds to cover exchange costs) in any EC currency (CASH ONLY, PLEASE).ELSEWHERE- 15.00 poundsor- f}$25 US dollars (CASH ONLY, PLEASE).or- Equivalent sum to 17 pounds (includes 2 pounds to cover exchange costs) in any majf}or currency (CASH ONLY, PLEASE).Please make all cheques and money orders payable to "S. J. MURRAY".NOSAUG,PO Box 1000f}1,PeterheadAB42 1ZN,Scotland.Please make all cheques and money orders payable to "S. J. MURRAY".NOSAUG,PO Box 1000d!Font MasterWritten By Mike FultonThis program is copyright (c) 1987 by Mike Fulton. Permission is given to the user to j}copy and distribute this program freely in its complete, original form. The program may not be copied or distributed in an aj}ltered form without the express written permission of the author. This program was written using Action! from Optimized Systj}ems Software. The Action! runtime portions of this program are (c)1984 Action Computer Services.* * * * * * * * * * * * j} Font Master is a print utility program for the Atari. It is compatible with all Atari 400/800/XL/XE computers with at leaj}st 48K memory, 1 disk drive, and an Epson-compatible printer. The author encourages the user to make copies of this progj}ram for friends and/or upload it to any Atari Bulletin Board System. However, please remember that this program respresents j}a very significant amount of time and work on the part of the author. If you find this program useful, please send the authoj}r a suitable donation. If you also include a self-addressed, stamped disk envelope, in return you will be sent the most recej}ntly updated version of the program and documentation. Donations may be sent to the author at the following address:Mike Fj}ulton4237 Cheshire Dr.Apt. NCC-1701Cypress, CA 90630USA* * * * * * * * * * * * Font Master is designed to perform j}two basic file-printing functions. The first function is to print out files with all graphics characters included. Two diffj}erent printer resolutions and a variety of line widths are available. The second function is a sideways printing routine forj} printing out Syncalc spreadsheet files. (Probably Visicalc too, but it hasn't been tested.) With either print function, thj}e user has a choice of using the Atari's built-in character set or using one loaded from disk. Upon loading, the creditsj} screen will be displayed for a few seconds. After this, the main menu screen appears. You have several different choices, j}as shown below.1 - Print Text File2 - Line Width (Characters per line)3 - Load Character Set4 - Change Character Set5 -j} Top/Bottom MarginsS - Sideways Syncalc PrintD - Dots per line (Printer resolution)P - Change Printer (Epson FX/Gemini)M j}- Disk DirectoryQ - Quit Program* * Menu Choice Desciptions * *1 - Print Text File. This option prompts you to enter thj}e name of the file to print. For disk files, you do not have to enter "D:" if you are using drive 1. For keyboard entry, usj}e "E:" for the filename. By the way, the file to be printed does not have to be a text file; any type of file can be printedj}. But the program is designed mainly for text files. If you decide to abort this function, you can hit the key wj}hile entering the filename. You can also hit the key to quit while the file is printing. An error message will be pj}rinted and the program will return to the main menu.2 - Line Width. This function controls the maximum number of characterj}s which are printed on each line. There are several different values available. Choosing this function will step through thj}e various line widths. The printer resolution setting and this setting work together to control the size and quality of yourj} text. With 960 dots/line, you can have 120, 60, 40, and 24 characters per line. Using 1920 dots/line gives choices of 120,j} 80, 60, and 48 character per line.3 - Load Character Set. This function allows you to load a character set from disk. Yoj}u will be asked for the name of the file on the disk. If the file does not exist, an error message is printed. Font Mastj}er uses the standard Atari 8-bit font format. Fonts created with most font editors, including Instedit, Megafont II, and mosj}t Public Domain font editors, are compatible with Font Master.4 - Change Character Set. This switches between the regular j}Atari character set and a loaded character set. If no character set has been loaded, then the regular Atari set is used.5 j}- Top/Bottom Margins. If used, this creates a 3 line margin at the bottom of the page. This is useful mostly for program lij}stings to avoid printing on the edge of the paper.S - Sideways SynCalc Print. This function allows the user to print out Sj}ynCalc spreadsheet files sideways on the paper, allowing printouts to be much wider than normal. You will be asked for the nj}ame of the file. Either the regular Atari character set or a loaded character set may be used. In order to use this funcj}tion, you will need to load SynCalc and your worksheet data, and then save the range of cells to be printed using the TEXT fij}le option. (See your SynCalc manual for details.) You may have to save one line past the desired range for proper results.j} There is a limit on the size of files which may be printed with this function. In version 1.0, this is 18,000 charactersj}. Also, this function is limited to a maximum of 40 lines vertically. The lines can be as long as desired as long as the toj}tal size of the file does not exceed the maximum file size. That is, you could have a file with 1 line of 18,000 characters,j} or 3 lines of 6000, and so on. With all 40 lines, this allows 450 characters per line. In version 1.0, this function maj}y not work properly with other types of text files because it currently relies on the fact that SynCalc saves text files withj} all lines the same length. This and other aspects of this function may be addressed in future versions.D - Dots per line.j} This option switches the printer resolution between 1920 and 960 dots per line. The text quality is not very different betj}ween the two modes, but using both gives a wider range of available character widths. Please note that older Epson MX printej}rs will only perform correctly in 960 dots/line mode, and that some Epson-compatible printers may not be completely compatiblj}e in this respect.P - Change Printer. This switches between the Epson FX and Star Micronics Gemini series printers for thej} 1920 dots/line mode. If your Epson-compatible printer does not work correctly in 1920 dots/line mode, changing this settingj} might fix the problem. If not, stick to the 960 dots/line mode.M - Disk Directory. This gives you a complete disk directj}ory of any disk drive, including ramdisks, from 1 to 8.Q - Quit Program. Take a guess... Right! This exits the program. j}If Font Master was loaded as an AUTORUN.SYS file, the system will probably need to be rebooted.t! This exits the program. h`FINANICIAL CALCULATION PROGRAMVersion 1DThis program is written in machine langauge. Load with basic disabled.At the n}title screen there are three options:Press 1 to go to investment programsPress 2 to go to loan programsPress Escape key tn}o return to DOSAll the investment and loan programs will ask if all entries are correct.Press Y if entries are correct tn}o continue.Press N and the program will return you to the title screen where you can start over.At the input prompts you n}would enter the numeric data (+-.0123456789) andpress Return.Entering impossible numbers could possibly lock up the computn}er.At the 'press any key to continue' prompt there are three options:Press any key to continuePress Control-P to print n}to printerPress Control-D to print to Disk or printerWhen you save to disk you will be asked for the file name. You can n}enter D, Dn, or P (examples P:, D:filename.dat, D8:filename.dat)In the table programs Investment #9 and Loan #7 the disk comn}mand will continue the program and record all information until done without any more prompts. You can take the file you savn}ed and load it to a wordprocessor and edit as you like. The print command will only print one screen at a time and you will n}have to enter at each prompt.Loan program #4 Remaining balance on a loan will ask for:Last payment made? You would answn}er with the payment number for the year (usually 1 to 12) - example: 12.Loan year? If a 4 year loan you would enter 1 to 4,n} a 30 year loan 1 to 30 - example: 1.In investment program #9 you are asked for the number of deposits or withdrawls per yn}ear, which you could answer 12 or any number you desire. You are then asked for the amount which you can answer +100 for depn}osits or -100 for withdrawals. If you answer 0 at the number of deposits question then the program will ask you for the compn}ounding periods otherwise the program assumes you have 360 compounding periods per year.The program will run faster using n}the Fast chip floating point.The program resides in memory loacation $2000-$6FB0 and runs at $3000.This program was writn}ten with the LADS assembler.Any problems please contact me on Easy-Plex.Enjoy!Gordon GranecCIS 71511,27131977 S. Idahn}o St.Allentown, Pa. 18103USA.y problems please contact me on Easy-Plex.Enjoy!Gordon GranecCIS 71511,27131977 S. Idahl