NEWSLETTER June, 2001

President's Corner
by Michael Current
June, 2001

It was like Space's stars were all in proper alignment at our May meeting.

Greg reported that he was able to arrange a deal with the Falcon Heights Community Center that will dramatically decrease our room rental charges, while probably still permitting us to use the main room virtually every time. More than anything else, this will prolong our ability to stretch our financial resources.

Greg also arrived with a box of hundreds of ST DOMs he received once from another club. Rather than duplicating all of the MAST disks for sending to our long-distance member for collecting into a CD-ROM, SPACE will simply send this set of disks that Greg came up with. We don't have to worry about ownership issues, because the plan is to collect software from these pd/freeware/shareware disks, rather than simply copying all the files to the CD-ROM disk by disk. Anyway, this development bypasses a significant hurdle in getting the ST CD-ROM production project underway which, among other benefits, will also stand to help the club finances.

In the middle of the meeting, like a ghost from the past, in strolled former SPACE club president Terry Streeter. Welcome back! How exciting to see former club members return, with renewed interest in the Atari computers and community.

If that weren't enough, just a few minutes later saw the "surprise" appearance of another popular club member who hasn't been able to make many meetings lately, Rich Mier. It was great to see Rich again too! We did our best to hassle him about coming more often. :)

Even my request for old SPACE club newsletters produced terrific results. Thanks to the Bill Cotter Collection, I now have copies of virtually every issue of the newsletter going back to Feb 86. I do have further questions. For those of you who were here at the time, were there any club newsletters published for Nov 93, Dec 93, Feb 94, or March 94? I suspect not, but it's not completely clear from reading the surrounding issues. Also, I'm still hoping some of you have stashed away the oldest issues: Anything before Feb 86. It'd be really great to have a complete collection in hand, maybe someday to publish on the web, but for historical interests especially.

While I've singled out a few members in this article, we really need to take care to spread the thanks around to each and every member of the club, most of whom reliably show up month after month, buy a DOM, keep their membership up to date, and in many cases perform substantial additional services, all for the sake of keeping our Atari community alive. We ARE alive, healthy beyond anyone's expectations, thanks to you.

Thanks, keeping using that Atari, and come to your next SPACE meeting, Friday June 8, 2001.

Treasurer's Report
by Greg Leitner
For May, 2001

I can't believe this is happening. Just when it seems that the Club is stumbling we get an unexpected boost from former SPACE members. Welcome back Terry and Rich and thanks for your renewed support, Along with this great news on the membership front we also had good news about the room rental which will save the Club about $500.00 in the next year.

This had to be one of the best meetings ever, and the input from our members is without a doubt a welcome and encouraging thing. It seems that when things get a little down this group really cares and that is why I believe that this Club will outlast any other Atari club still around. A lot of clubs would just pack it in and call it a good run but not this bunch. I can't wait until the next meeting.

Here is the breakdown for the May 2001 meeting.

Beginning balance for May 1, 2001:  $793.69

Income for May:
   Memberships                      $ 45.00
   DOMs                             $ 12.00
   Auction                          $ 33.00
   Blank Disks                     $   5.00
Total Income                        $ 95.00

Expenses for May:
     BBS                            $ 10.00
Total Expenses                      $ 10.00

Ending Balance for May 2001         $878.69

As you can see, this was a good month for our treasury as we picked up $85.00. This just blows me away. Since our auctions have now come to a close I hope that we continue to find ways to ensure that the Club will be financially strong. Your membership renewals are of most importance and your purchase of DOMs is greatly appreciated.

It's great to have back one of our former Presidents and also our technical expert. I will await the next meeting with a renewed interest that I hope the rest of you share. See you all there.

Secretary's Report
by Mike Weist
For May, 2001

Mike didn't send me the Minutes in Time.

Subj: a8jdpeg 0.6 and JpegView now available
Date: 01-05-26 16:06:08 EDT
From: mcurrent@carleton.edu (Michael Current)

!Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 01:17:55 +0100 (BST)
!From: Raphael Espino

The latest version of a8jdpeg, the JPEG viewer for Atari 8-bit computers is now available for download. There are 2 versions of the viewer available:

* JpegView - the user friendly version

* a8jdpeg 0.6 - has an additional little used save option

The following changes have been made to a8jdpeg 0.6:

- Fixed save to HIP mode bug
- Added MyDOS subdirectory support to directory list
- Pressing the Tab key on the file name prompt fills in the last file name used

Both are available from:
http://members.nbci.com/rjespino/8bit/a8jdpeg/a8jdpeg.html
http://www.angelfire.com/80s/rjespino/8bit/a8jdpeg/a8jdpeg.html
or
http://rjespino.atari.org
http://rjespino.webhop.org

-- Raphael Espino - rjespino@yahoo.com - Ramdrive v1.0 ramdisk and a8jdpeg --
-- http://rjespino.atari.org or http://rjespino.webhop.org --
---------- Join The Atari 8-bit Computer WebRing at: -----------
-------- http://www.geocities.com/rjespino/a8ring.html --------

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Subj: Wanted: beta testers for A8 desktop
Date: 01-05-26 16:10:04 EDT
From: mcurrent@carleton.edu (Michael Current)

From: NoOne@FakeEmail.com (Tom Hunt)
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2001 14:51:31 GMT

I've been working on a desktop program for the Atari 8- bit and I need some additional help in testing it. You can read about it at-

http://cth.dtdns.net/desktop/p1.html

I can supply the desktop as a 1/2 meg ATR which should work fine with an APE or SIO2PC setup. If someone has a real A8 setup with a high capacity disk drive of some sort I could also supply the files in ARC or ZIP format with installation instructions.

At this point I need feedback about:

1 Display legibility reports on various types of TV's and composite monitors.

2 Performance comparisons between various desktop configurations involving ramdisk configurations vs. disk drive configurations.

If you are a gung-ho enthusiastic Atari 8-bit freak and want to help me out with these things (and more as it develops), please send email to me at-

tom_hunt361@my-deja.com

Thanks,
Tom

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Subj: Classic Gaming Expo 2001
Date: 01-05-26 16:18:20 EDT
From: mcurrent@carleton.edu (Michael Current)

VALLEY STREAM, NY (April 27, 2001) -- The organizers of Classic Gaming Expo have announced the dates of the 2001 show to take place at Jackie Gaughan's Plaza Hotel. On Saturday, August 11, and Sunday, August 12, the computer and gaming industry's most innovative pioneers will gather in Las Vegas to attend Classic Gaming Expo 2001. Dubbed CGE2K1, the fourth annual event is inspired by a strong, continued commitment to classic game updates and re-releases by such major publishers as Infogrames, Midway, Namco, Activision, Konami, Capcom, and others.

Heading up this years line-up of industry pioneers is none other than the "Father of Videogames" himself, Ralph Baer. "Mr. Baer has been a mainstay of Classic Gaming Expo with his unwavering support. His foresight and innovation are what started the videogame revolution and he's always willing to share those experiences with our guests," said Sean Kelly, co-promoter of Classic Gaming Expo.

Last year, Baer allowed audience members to play with his prototype "Brown Box" which eventually became the Magnavox Odyssey - the first home videogame system ever. In addition to the Odyssey, Baer was the mastermind behind the Coleco Telstar Arcade, Milton Bradley's Simon, and the Coleco Kid Vid peripheral for the Atari 2600. Mr. Baer has created many other products and currently has over 150 patents in his name worldwide.

"It's an honor to participate in an event that recognizes the pioneers of the videogame industry," said Mr. Baer. "Classic Gaming Expo offers me an opportunity to meet with some of my old friends as well as hundreds of videogame enthusiasts. I'm looking forward to sharing more of my experiences and to again show the 'Brown Box' prototype at CGE 2001."

Although the "Brown Box" prototype is the centerpiece of the CGE museum, it is accompanied by literally hundreds of other items including many one-of-a-kind prototypes. The museum contains the largest public display of classic game hardware, software, and memorabilia in the world. "What makes the Classic Gaming Expo Museum so special is the fact that it's comprised of items belonging to dozens of individuals," states co-promoter John Hardie. "This is not just a single person's collection but rather a grouping of items on loan from enthusiasts as well as many of our distinguished guests."

Aside from the numerous keynote speeches by various industry legends throughout the show, CGE 2001 will play host to a large number of classic videogame vendors and exhibitors. While many of them will be selling mint-condition hardware and software from the days of old, others will be presenting new products for sale for systems such as the Vectrex, Odyssey 2, Colecovision, Intellivision, Atari 2600, Lynx, and Jaguar.

Other show highlights include various classic console game stations, tournaments, raffles, door prizes, and an incredible number of classic coin-operated videogames, all set on free play for the attendees.

"We're thankful for the on-going support and interest shown by the videogame industry," notes co-promoter Joe Santulli. "We feel it's vital that the history be preserved for generations to come.

Now in its fourth year, Classic Gaming Expo remains the industry's only annual event that is dedicated to celebrating the roots of electronic entertainment; bringing together industry pioneers, gaming enthusiasts, and the media for the ultimate experience in learning, game-playing and networking. Classic Gaming Expo is a production of CGE Services, Corp. (www.cgexpo.com)

### END ###

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Subj: World of Atari - Newsletter
Date: 01-05-26 18:58:42 EDT
From: mcurrent@carleton.edu (Michael Current)

Date: Tue, 15 May 2001 13:39:25 -0700
From: Rich Tsukiji II

Hello Atarians,

An update as to what we are planning over the next 18 months.

World of Atari 2002 - Las Vegas
We are presently planning our 2nd World of Atari show to be held in Las Vegas in the year 2002. The show will be held over a 3 day period. The 1st day will encompass a evening welcoming reception giving attendees an opportunity to mingle with fellow Atarians, vendors and guest speakers. The 2nd and 3rd day will be exhibits giving attendees to buy great Atari products and listen to guest speakers on different aspects of the Atari World past and present. On the 3rd day, there will be an auction conducted by a licensed Auctioneer. If you are interested in being kept up to date on the progress of this event or wish to participate as a speaker or vendor/exhibitor please email:

WOAII@worldofatari.com

I am preparing an emailing list of users by category of interest. So that in the future I will be able to update you on new items of interest to you in that category. To be placed on the emailing list, please send email to email address of your interest - in the subject line enter "add me":

2600@worldofatari.com
5200@worldofatari.com
7800@worldofatari.com
lynx@worldofatari.com
jaguar@worldofatari.com
8bit@worldofatari.com
16bit@worldofatari.com
collectibles@worldofatari.com
wearables@worldofatari.com

During the next 90 days, we will be adding over 100 new items to the "World of Atari" web site. Many of the items will be parts to repair your gaming and computer systems.

I know that many of you participate in eBay auctions, is there any interest in an Atari Only auction site? Just an idea... send me your comments and interest level to: rich@worldofatari.com

Bye for now... Rich II

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Subj: CCAG 2001 Classics Show
Date: 01-05-26 19:01:45 EDT
From: mcurrent@carleton.edu (Michael Current)

Date: Wed, 16 May 2001 22:13:39 -0400
From: Fred Horvat

ATTENTION RETROGAMERS, COMPUTER COLLECTORS, VIDEO GAME FANATICS!!!!

WE'RE BACK....

CCAG 2001 (Classic Computer and Gaming 2001)

If you like collecting old computers, video games, and enjoy using them still, then come join us on:

June 30th, 2001

9AM till 6PM

National Guard Armory

IT'S ON ROUTE 57!!!
(actual address)
3520 Grove Avenue
Lorain, Ohio 44055-2048
(On Route 57, going North of I-90/Route 2)

IT'S FREE!

Both vendors and attendees!

Computer User Groups and vendors inside, flea market outside!

5,000 square feet of indoor space and an additional 5,000 square feet of outdoor space is available along with ample parking.

Setup: 29th, June, 2001
6PM-10PM

Please Call Ahead for Reservations:

Jim W. Krych jwkrych@n2net.net 440-979-9295
Fred M. Horvat fmh@netzero.net 440-286-2566
And these other CCAG 2001 organizers:
Thomas J. McLaren sirthomas@uk2.net

Please visit this site:
http://tomheroes.com/ccag.htm

As of 05/08/2001

User Groups:
Erie PA Atari Group
TI Chips
Cleveland Classic Atari Group

Vendors:
1632 Systems-From the UK!!!
C.S. Vintage Games
L.R.O. Computers
Tomorrow's Heroes
Retropolis
Songbird Productions
Video Game Connection
Ramcharged Computers

People/Organizations:
David S. Brain
Fred Wagaman
Harry Dodgson
Alan Hewston
Thomas Mclaren
Michael White(Bally/Astrocade)
Classic Gamer Magazine
John Litva

Possible Attendees!!!
Atari7800.com

Special Guest!!!
Pitfall Harry

We are looking to do a "Classic Game Experience" this year!
One room is going to be set up for playing classic computer and video game cartoons and commercials. The other room is going to be an emulator room-MAME, etc.

We already have one person bringing a Crazy Climber cocktail arcade game, John Litva. And, another vendor has promised to bring several arcade games as well. Please email us if you wish to bring an arcade game to the show.

We have a food service this year! The wife of one of our organizers, will be providing food, soda, and such!

Attention Atari ST/Falcon/TT users!!!
If you want anything from 1632 Systems, please contact:
Nick Harlow
http://www.1632systems.co.uk/
http://catalog.zen.co.uk/actinic/1632Systems/

See ya at the CCAG!

**************************************************

Subj: Atari TrueType Font Fixed
Date: 01-05-26 19:10:22 EDT
From: mcurrent@carleton.edu (Michael Current)

> Date: Sat, 12 May 2001 19:34:18 -0500
> From: Mark Simonson

Version 1.1 of the Atari Classic TrueType Fonts is now available.

This new version fixes a major error in version 1.0 of the PC version which resulted in scrambled character locations in the upper ASCII range. Also included in both the Mac and PC versions are detailed instructions, tips, and technical notes. Follow this link for more information:

http://www2.bitstream.net/~marksim/atarimac/fonts.html

Note to Windows users: Even though this new version corrects the erratic character mapping from the previous versions, the way Windows handles character codes prevents some characters from displaying properly. Some character codes are apparently unavailable. The affected characters are all graphic or control characters, mostly in the low ASCII range. See the Read Me file for details. (If anyone knows a way around this problem, please contact me.)

Mark Simonson

Mac/Atari Fusion: Atari 8bit Resources for Mac Users
http://www2.bitstream.net/~marksim/atarimac/

**************************************************

Subj: Vintage Computer Festival East 1.0
Date: 01-05-28 09:35:21 EDT
From: mcurrent@carleton.edu (Michael Current)

-Date: Sun, 27 May 2001 14:12:55 -0700
-From: Vintage Computer Festival

Mark you calendar! The first Vintage Computer Festival for the east coast of the United States is scheduled for the weekend of July 28th and 29th at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

The Vintage Computer Festival is a celebration of computers and their history. The event features speakers, a vintage computer exhibition, and a vintage computer marketplace. We showcase all different types of computers for all differents kinds of platforms in all different shapes and sizes.

EXHIBIT YOUR VINTAGE COMPUTER

Vintage Computer Collectors: we want you! Exhibit your favorite computer in the Vintage Computer Exhibition. First, Second and Third place prizes will be awarded to the Best of Show exhibits!

For complete details on the VCF East 1.0 Exhibition, visit:

http://www.vintage.org/2001/east/exhibit.php3

BUY/SELL/TRADE AT THE VINTAGE COMPUTER MARKETPLACE

Do you have some vintage computer items you'd like to sell? Whether you rent a booth or sell on consignment, the Vintage Computer Marketplace is the premier venue for selling old computers and related items. If you would like to rent a booth or inquire about consignment rates, please send e-mail to for more information or visit:

http://www.vintage.org/2001/east/vendor.php3

HOTEL INFORMATION

The Vintage Computer Festival has reserved a room block with the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center. The rate is $119.00/night for single or double occupancy. Please make your reservations by Friday, July 6, by calling +1 888 543 9500 (or +1 508 460 0700). Ask for the "Vintage Computer Festival" room rate.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The VCF is currently recruiting volunteers for various odd jobs
the VCF needs help with before and during VCF East. Volunteers get free admission and other goodies. If you would like to volunteer to help out with VCF East, please send a message to Sellam Ismail .

TELL A FRIEND! TELL A FRIEND! TELL A FRIEND!

We really hope to see you at the first VCF for the east coast! And remember, tell your friends!!

DISCLAIMER

Published by the Saint Paul Atari Computer Enthusiasts (SPACE), an independent organization with no business affiliation with ATARI Corporation. Permission is granted to any similar organization with which SPACE exchanges newsletters to reprint material from this newsletter. We do however ask that credit be given to the authors and to SPACE. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of SPACE, the club officers, club members or ATARI Corporation.