In your issue 19, page 46 Bulletin Board Systems article, for P.A.C.E. (Pittsburgh Atari Computer Enthusiasts), you have the wrong BBS phone number. The correct number is (412)754-0800. We've had this number for at least one year. It was great to see our club in your listing of BBSs!
Sincerely,
Evan Chapkis.
Our apologies, Evan and those of you who tried to call the incorrect number we had listed. So ... don't call P.A.C.E. at (412)655-2652! It's (412)754-0800.
We also have been informed that the number we gave for the Jersey Atari Computer Group (issue 19, page 47) was really Earthrise Computers (a store, not a BBS). To date, we have not received a number for that Jersey group, but please don't call Earthrise expecting to flnd a BBS. --Ed.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for publishing my BBS in your article. The BBS and I have moved recently, and the new telephone number is: (703)550-8119. The Best Little BBS is restricted to adults only but does support any and all types of computers.
A forwarding telephone number was not given to the telephone company, to help enforce the adults-only policy. Alternatively, I had left broadcast messages to all my users to inform them of the new telephone number.
Sincerely,
Monica, the Sysopette
Alexandria, VA
Sysopette? Sysoptrix? Sysopenova? --Ed
Upon unpacking my new 800XL and setting it up, I proceeded to run the built-in memory test. To my dismay, one of the RAM blocks turned red, which supposedly indicates a problem. This was, however, the only time this happened. I periodically run the test, and all RAM displays normal. I have had no problems with the unit, and entering ? FRE(0) returns 37,902 bytes free which is normal. What happened? The owner's manual states that, when performing the memory test, 48 RAM blocks should appear. It even shows a drawing of what the screen should look like. My unit, as well as all the others I've tested, shows only 40 blocks. I'm confused!
Lastly... Why is it that, when I have a DOS3 formatted diskette (with FMS.DYS) in my 1050 drive and enter the DOS command, the built-in function test runs? Shouldn't I get the DOS menu after booting?
Sincerely,
Sandro V. Cuccia
Wilmington, DE
Don't know what caused that initial bad memory block to appear, but as you say it seems to have cleared up... Very strange!
I do know why your computer only shows 40 blocks, though. The 800XL has BASIC built into it. This BASIC uses up 8K of memory space, and, when the computer is first powered up, it thinks it has only 40K of contiguous RAM. You can disable BASIC by turning on your machine while holding down the OPTION key on the side. It should now jump directly into the self test routine, and a memory test now will show 48K of memory.
As for your DOS3 problem, I'm afraid that we have had very little experience with it. The situation that you describe sounds as if the DOS did not, in fact, boot up from the disk... because, if you type DOS on an XL computer that is not connected to a disk drive, it will go into the self test routine instead.
I hope that this has been of some help to you. Please feel free to contact us again if you encounter any further problems. --CB