________________________^^^________ Zmagazine HOT Atari August 2, 1986 News Plus++ Editor-Ron Kovacs Assistant-Walt Drummond ___________________________________ Xx Contents <*> Zmag Notes <*> Computer News <*> Basic Help <*> ST Product News <*> Zmag Systems <*> Zmag Contest <*> Zmag Newsletter <*> BBS News <*> ST Tommorror <*> BBCS Surveys ----------------------------------- Xx BBS News This past week Atari Connection BBS was closed down. Monday evening the Sayerville Police Department closed down the Atari Connection BBS here in New Jersey. They called and notified the SysOp five minutes before arriving with a search warrant. The Police took his back-up copy of BBCS and a few old game disks. The reason as I understand it at this time was that there were pirated games and files on his system. Evidently a disatisfied user called and reported him. A court date has been set for later in the month. I will keep you informed as details come in. Next week I hope to have an interview with the SysOp of this BBS. ----------------------------------- Xx Zmag Notes Walt Drummond is on vacation for the month of August. So there wont be any BBS reviews until his return. Zmag has made it to another system. GEnie is carrying Zmag. Xx Zmag Newsletter The Zmagazine Newsletter is complete and ready for distribution, anyone interested in getting a copy please leave me a message on CIS, or send a self-addressed stamped 8 1/2 x 11 envelope to: Zmagazine New Jersey Post Office Box 74 Middlesex, New Jersey 08846-0074 or call: The Syndicate BBS (201)968-8148 300/1200 Baud 24 Hours ----------------------------------- Xx Zmag Contest Here are the details for the Zmag contest. I am looking for a Koala, or equiv picture for the Zmag newsletter. I will compact and or put the winning picture on a T- Shirt. Contest begins August 2, 1986 and closes Sept 6, 1986. All artwork submitted becomes property of the Syndicate BBS and will not be returned. You can send your picture to The Syndicate BBS or upload to your local Zmag system, please leave me a message so I know your file is there. At the close of the contest, we will pick a winner. Awards: ------- The best picture will win $100.00 Second place will win 1 Box of Memorex 2s/2d floppie disks. Winners will be announced in the September 13th edition of Zmag. Prizes will be awarded with 4 weeks after close of contest. Rules: ------ Anyone can enter this contest. Zmag editors, publishers, BBS systems are void from entering. CompuServe SIG*Atari and other CompuServe employees are void from entering. All submissions must be entered and received by 12 MID EDT September 6, 1986. You can enter as many times as you wish. Judges for this contest are: Ron Kovacs,Rum-Runner,Larry Mihalik, Catwoman, all of the Syndicate BBS. If you have any questions please let me know. Judges decisions are final. Good Luck.!! ----------------------------------- Xx Basic Help We continue our list of Error Codes ERROR 11 BASIC Floating Point The program encountered a number with an absolute value less than 1E-99 or greater than 1E+98. This error also occurs when an attempt is made to divide by zero. ERROR 12 BASIC Line not found An IF-THEN, ON-GOSUB, ON-GOTO, GOSUB, or GOTO statement refrenced a line number that does not exist. ERROR 13 BASIC No matching FOR A NEXT statement was encountered that did not have a corresponding FOR statement. ERROR 14 BASIC Line too long The entered is greater than the length of the BASIC line processing buffer length. ERROR 15 BASIC GOSUB or FOR deleted A NEXT statement was emcountered for which the corresponding FOR or GOSUB statement had been deleted. ERROR 16 BASIC Return error A Return statement was encountered without a corresponding GOSUB statement. ERROR 17 BASIC Garbage error This error is caused by faulty RAM or the incorrect use of a POKE statement. ERROR 18 BASIC Invalid String Charc. A string does not begin with a valid character or the argument of a VAL statement is not a numeric string. ERROR 19 BASIC Load program too long The program being loaded will not fit in the available RAM. ERROR 20 BASIC Device number error A device number outside the range of 0 to 7 was entered. ERROR 21 BASIC Load file error The LOAD statement was incorrectly used to load a program that was not stored using the save format. ERROR 128 Break abort The break key was pressed during am I/O operation causing execution to stop. ERROR 129 IOCB already open (IOCB-Input/Output control block) This error occurs when an attempt is made to use a filenumber currently in use. Often, the file- number causing the error is automatically closed. ERROR 130 Nonexistant device This error occurs when a program attempts to access a device which is undefined. This error can occur when a filename is given without a required device name. ERROR 131 IOCB write only An Attempt was made to read from a file already opened only for writing operations. The file must be re-opened for a read or read/ write operation. ERROR 132 Invalid command This error generally occurs when an illegal command code is being used with an XIO or IOCB command. ERROR 133 Device/file not open A filenumber was referenced before it was opened. ERROR 134 Bad IOCB number An attempt was made to use an illegal IOCB index. A BASIC program can only use filenumbers 1-7. ERROR 135 IOCB read only error An attempt was made to write to a device or file that is opened only for read operations. ERROR 136 End of file The end-of-a-file record was reached. ERROR 137 Truncated record This error occurs when an attempt is made to read a record whose record size is larger than the allowed maximum. This error also occurs when an INPUT statement is used to read from a file created with a PUT command. Next week part 3!!! ----------------------------------- Xx ST Products News ANTIC PUBLISHING, INC. COPYRIGHT 1986, REPRINTED BY PERMISSION FROM ANTIC ONLINE ON COMPUSERVE. By Gigi Bisson LINK 255 STS! ST NET ($149.95) a local area network software package, allows several ST computers share floppy disks, hard disks and printers -- even exchange messages and conversations. Two ST computers can be linked with two standard 5-pin DIN cables (not included). Up to 255 STs can be linked using RJ-11 cables (the same kind used to connect modular telephones) and the ST Net interface boxes ($49.95 each.) Quantum Microsystems PO Box 179, Liverpool, NY 13088. (315)451-7747. PRESS. ST AS SMART EDUCATION TERMINAL With the CCC MICROHOST minicomputer, up to 128 Atari ST computers can function as smart terminals with 512 colors, high resolution graphics, and mouse, accessing 2,500 hours worth of courseware teachng math skills, reading, spelling and computer science to grades 1-8. Computer Ciriculum Corp. 1070 Arastradeo Road PO Box 10080 Palo Alto, CA 94304. (800)227-8324. FINAL. SIDEKICK CLONES INVADE ST DESKTOP We interrupt this game to announce -- you have a lunch meeting! Helpmate, yet another SideKick-style desk accessory for the ST, has a neat gimick -- an alarm appointment calendar. At the date and time of the appointment, any GEM based application will be interrupted and an alarm will sound before a message announces the appointment. STCALC, ($49.95) a friendly GEM-based spreadsheet, features pull-down calculator and notepad desk accessories and the ability to "drag" the contents of one spreadsheet cell to a new location. HELPCALC ST ($24.95) is a set of 11 spreadsheet templates that can be used with ST Calc or Shanner International VIP Professional. Includes templates for loan amortization, depreciation schedules, investment analysis, and checkbook register with automatic expense account allocation schedules. Royal Software 2160 West 11th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402 (503) 683-5361. FINAL. SIDECAR, yet another "SideClone" desk top organizer, includes calculator, calendar, notepad, address book, ASCII table to calculate the hex and decimal values of any recalled character and "Mini ST DOS" -- a program that lets you perform DOS commands such as copy, delete, rename without returning to the ST desktop. Works in all ST graphic resolutions. Migraph 720 s. 333rd. Federal Way, WA 98003 (206)838-4677. PRESS. More from the desktop: MACRODESK, ($29.95) a GEM desktop accessory offers an algebraic calculator, alarm clock/calendar and card file database with phone autodial functions. MACROMANAGER ($39.95) includes MacroDesk along with a time managment and analysis tool, project scheduling worksheet and loan analysis functions. The MACROMATH ($34.95)scientific and algebraic calculator includes a statistical analysis package. Blue Moon Software 13322 W. 105th, Lenexa, Kansas 66215 (913)492-8219. FINAL. HI RES DIGITIZER We first saw the PRINT-TECHNIK VIDEO DIGITZER at the Atari show in London, now this hardware digitizer and software package from Germany is making the rounds at American trade shows. The digitizer boasts a resolution of 256 x 256 pixels and 16 levels of gray. To create color graphics, each gray level can be assigned one of 512 ST colors. Or, in the monochrome version, a different black and white pattern or texture can be assigned to each gray level. The digitized images can be modified with ST Doodle, DEGAS or NEOchrome graphics programs. Antic VP Jon Loveless (usually a pretty jaded guy when it comes to computers) was so blown away by the Print Technik digitizer when he first saw one at COMDEX, he actually bought it for his own use. Expected price is around $300. Print-Technik Nikolaistr 2 8000 Munchen 40 089/368197. DEMO. 1200 BAUD UNDER $200 The VOLKSMODEM VM520 ($199) 1200/300 variable baud rate direct-connect ST modem features autodial, autoanswer, built-in speaker and a five-year limited waranty. The fully Hayes- compatible modem includes the popular ST Talk telecommunications program. Anchor Automation 6913 Valjean Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91406. (818) 997-7758. PRESS. BOOKS ST 3-D GRAPHICS ($24.95) may be the only book available that teaches three dimensional computer- aided-design in C language for the ST, describing such techniques as rotation and shading. Abacus Software 2201 Kalamazoo SE, PO Box 7211, (616)241-5510. PRESS. CINEMATIC SOFTWARE Billed as bringing the sociological predictions of media analyst Marshall McLuhan to life, the first interactive movie software, CINEMAWARE was unveiled at the Spring CES in Chicago. Mindscape's Cinemaware software line is really a collection of interactive graphic computer games with cinematic themes. They employ cinematic techniques such as tilts, pans, closeups, reverse angles and 360 degree turns and are accompanied by original soundtracks. One game will have over a megabyte of graphics information alone. Mindscape goes so far as saying Cinemaware "will interest ordinary people in computers." Now this we have to see. Mindscape 3444 Dundee Rd. Northbrook, IL 60062 (312)480-7667. DEMO. WILL LITTLE PEOPLE FIT IN THE ST MARKET? Little people have been discovered living inside the ST. These endearing computer critters play games like blackjack, entertain you on the piano and organ in stereo, and who knows what else in Activision's Little Computer People Project ($49.95.) This ST version of the Commodore 64 program has been completely redesigned to take advantage of the ST graphics. Activison 2350 Bayshore Frontage Rd. Mountain View, CA 94043. (415)960-0410. FINAL. BURN YOUR OWN Make Atari ST cartridges to save RAM, disk space and start-up time. The HIPPO EPROM BURNER reads, burns, verifies, copies and edits memory devices such as ROMs,EPROMS, EEPROMS and electrically erasable RAMs. The $139.95 price includes power supply, hardware and software compatible with both color and monochrome models. Hippopotamus Software 985 University Avenue Suite 12 Los Gatos, CA 95030. (408) 395-3190. PRESS. Make your artwork come to life with MAKE IT MOVE. This $49.95 graphic presentation program is compatible with all popular ST paint programs, creates titles and animation sequences for video recordings, and busiess presentation graphics utilizing zooms, fades, rotations and moving fonts. Avila Associates 3646 Baker Lane, Lafayette, CA 95459 (415) 284-5982. PRESS. NEW PRINTER FROM STAR No more fumbling with dip switches. You can access everything from the front pannel of the STAR NX-10 printer ($349) -- even set margins and align forms. Quick 120 cps draft mode, 30 cps near letter quality, seven graphics modes and a wide variety of fonts -- even headlines and fine print. Star Micronics New York, NY (212) 986-6770. DATABASE USES GEM TALISMAN, a relational database management system for the ST, can process and link data from several files and generate reports. It works within GEM with icons, drop-down menus and mouse control. Frequent help windows and prompts aid the novice. The price in english pounds, is 89.95. Talent Computer Systems Curran Building 101 St. James Rd. Glasgow G4 0NS, Scotland. PRESS. DISK COMPACTOR The ST SCRUNTCH disk compactor ($14.95) can scruntch down a disk of separate files into a single, compact file. It comes in versions utilizing either GEM or standard Atari command line interface and includes a collection of programmer's disk utilities. Cherry Software 3415 East 5th, Dayton, OH 45403. FINAL. DISASSEMBLE BINARY CODE According to the manufacturer, the 68000 Dissassembler ($35) "allows you to disassemble 68000 binary code into human readable form" and then write the disassembled code into files that can be rerun through an assembler. SCI Software Development PO Box 391807 Mountain View, CA 94039 (415) 967-3288. PRESS. IBM WORDPROCESSOR PORT BONNIE BLUE is a sophisticated wordprocessor for the sophisticated user originally released for the IBM PC. Access 50 different editing commands from the function keys, display two documents on screen at once. A built-in database merges data into documents, or stores phone numbers. Frequently used command strings can be programmed in single-keystroke macros. Paperlogic Ltd Glengate House 12 Nottingham Place London W1 01-935-0148. PRESS. The MICROAPL APL.68000 APL interpreter is a complete implementation of IBM APL.SV enhanced with a multi-user file system, fast search and replace primitives, and local area network file and operational interfaces. Price is unavailable at this time. Spencer Organization Inc. Box 248, 366 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675 (201) 666-6011. ALPHA. NEW BASIC SOFTWORKS Basic ($79) is a full- fledged BASIC language system with advanced data structures, superior string manipulation, and accesS to programs written in other languages. 2944 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60657. (312) 975-4030. FINAL. NEW FROM HABA HABA MAIL ROOM ($74.95), a mailing list manager with search and display capabilities, will merge addresses directly with the HabaWriter word processor to create professional form letters. The mouse-controled HabaMerge ($39.95) mail merge utility prints personalized form letters with documents created by HabaWriter, or combines them with Habadex Phone Book files. The HabaView database ($74.95) uses GEM. HabaCheck ($74.95) lets you arrange your checkbook four ways. Haba/Arrays 6711 Valjean Ave Van Nuys, CA 91406. (800)468-4222. PRESS. EDUCATIONAL SPACE EARTHSPACE ($29.95), an educational graphics and text slideshow, explores the intricate relationships of the existence of life on our changing planet, Earth. Digital Reality 362 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013. PRESS. ----------------------------------- Xx Zmag Messages from Chicago Board :ZMAG MESG BASE Message # :389 Date & Time :07/27/86 04:45:39 Replies :1 Subject :ZMAG EVERYWHERE? To :CLINTON SMITH (REC) Sent by :JEFF WILLIAMS Clinton, I have uploaded a couple of issues of ZMAG to GEnie this past week and Bob Retelle will be letting me know whether to send more for use in the Atari Round Table. I will post a message to you here when I find out if GEnie subscribers will soon have access to ZMAG. In the meantime, I have set up a ZMAG SIG on The Software Plus BBS at 520-1780. To get to it, callers can use the [S]IG command from the main menu to switch from the general SIG to the ZMAG SIG. It will ask for which SIG to move to. Callers should just hit RETURN to get a list of which SIGS are available and select the number for ZMAG. Once in the ZMAG SIG, registered callers can download any issues on file. ALL callers, registered or not, can read or capture the most current issue by selecting the [N]ews function from the main menu in the ZMAG SIG. The Software Plus BBS is up only during non-store hours.The BBS hours would then be: Mon, Thu, Fri: 9pm-11am Tue, Wed : 6pm-11am Sat : 6pm-11am (Monday) Sun : All day Jeff Williams Board :ZMAG MESG BASE Message # :394 Date & Time :07/29/86 22:50:24 Replies :0 Subject :ZMAG ON GENIE! To :ALL Sent by :JEFF WILLIAMS ZMAG is now being posted on GEnie, the subscription computer online service that ties into countries all over the world! ZMAG will be found in catagory 11 of the download section in the Atari Round Table. Bob Retelle, the sysop of the Atari RT on GEnie, is very impressed with ZMAG and is willing to pass along any articles that GEnie subscribers would like to contribute to ZMAG. How about that? Hey, I'm impressed! Jeff Williams Jeff,thanks for passing the issues to Genie and for setting up the Zmag Sig on the Software Plus Board. Let's hope that Zmag does as well on Genie as it's doing on Compuserve. Board :BBCS-GENERAL Message # :403 Date & Time :07/30/86 18:48:10 Replies :0 Subject :NJ EDITIONS To :RON KOVACS Sent by :JEFF WILLIAMS Ron, I would love to carry the NJ ZMAG edition! I haven't checked, but is it carried on this BBS? If not, is it on any other Chicago area BBS? If yes, I will get it from there.If not, you can upload it to the Software Plus BBS at (312)520-1780...nights and Sundays only.You won't be able to upload the first time you call... leave me a message that you called when you log off...I will have you validated in 24-48 hours. BTW...since charges are suspended while uploading to GEnie, I will upload your magazine when I upload the Chicago ZMAG. Jeff Williams Ron,if you're interested in getting your issues on a good board,give the Software Plus BBS a call. Board :ZMAG MESG BASE Message # :404 Date & Time :07/30/86 10:53:58 Replies :0 Subject :NEWSLETTER To :CLINTON SMITH (REC) Sent by :RON KOVACS Clinton, I have finished compiling and printing out your Zmag issues for the Zmag newsletter.If you have anything to add before I issue please let me know.I have over 100 pages so far and will be ready to distribute soon.So far I have 18 people on the list for distribution, I will include any you have to add. This first edition is free,But future editions will be charged shipping and copy cost only. Let me know your thoughts. Take care, Ron Zmag New Jersey I seem to remember that some local readers were interested in the Zmag newsletter idea.Well,Ron has went ahead with it and it sounds quite good.If you want to be put on the list,leave a message for me or Ron on Windy City.If you don't want everybody to know your address ,just leave the mailing info in private E-Mail. Letter : 621 [O] 07/22/86 06:50:22 From : Sysop Jeff To : All Subject: What is ZMAG? ZMAG is a weekly online magazine originally published by Bruce Kennedy,currently published by Clinton Smith. It is made up of user-written articles and news items of interest to Atari computer owners.Each issue contains several articles, reviews, question & answers, and a guide to Chicago area user groups and bulletin board systems. ZMAG started as a local effort to help fill the gap between the monthly issues of such mainstream Atari magazines like Antic and Analog, and to educate local users to the resources available to them right here in the MidWest. Well, the concept of ZMAG has spread to other parts of the country now. Issues are available now on CompuServe and GEnie. ______________________________________ Redited Edition August 2, 1986 ______________________________________