@L}5 _$% l0$)$$Hȱ$ UhL" `e$$%`$%`  R@P!( L(1   Y I`  d  Ld M * @  $ % CC$$)%1 Udߥ$9%: !0 S$% DD˙`  }J)Lr d M * @  $ % CC$$)%1 Udߥ$9%: !0 S$%} DD˙`  }J)Lr J  ((  p L ()   J}L= ( L 0q A    IB JC;? D W } LL  ` W )LA!  ߰")-݆ p" } $G@LL 08`Q")<2Q0 -G$Ș݆ UL# ; p8(()(0ʥ)NQ` }$GȘ݆LU )L ݆ L GȘ ݆LL )W>Z   HH)H }p h  hyhy D L> L JJ    ! LA*` BF }7'8  M HN H` 8 Z  \LdJJ!"!GFE@F (!L }EE !E^ ^ E E7EȩEdE/EȩE  D } .L }  ;F d  ;?F7F? ( .   Z D LL d } . D  L    p  E` , d)  D L) 0BM݊L݉} ML  N݆ L NLML [ TEqEHȱEqEh 0Gȹ G} HLL GɛL  LFREE SECTORS G) *Gȩ GȽG GȌ*jj >G}}N 2 FORMAT. t* 5) 1L!`) 0NΞ 0 L1) 1 L!BAD LOAD FILELOAD FROM WHAT FILE?) 0 ?}0#B 1L!WHAT FILE TO LOCK?) 0 0$B 1L!WHAT FILE TO UNLOCK?DUP DISK-SOURCE,DEST DRIVES?TYPE "Y" IF OK TO US@}E PROGRAM AREACAUTION: A "Y" INVALIDATES MEM.SAV.FE! +L1   `*  70 2 2A} 0.* 1 y0 0)INSERT BOTH DISKS, TYPE RETURN^, 1 y038逍 N, 1L! ,B}C, t*  Lx+, 0 ^, 1 y0 , ,0,0 ,L+ ,I0 ,Vǭ0C}Ξ, 0 }, 1 y0C,ШC, 0K'!" 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PiLPhPhPPP PLPPHPH`HI BLV P}`@ MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 1993 MEETING ================================ NEW MEMBERS: DANIEL CARRODANO of France joidW}ned our club. DANIEL is an expert programmer and has produced some very good P.D. software. He sent us a disdX}k, makng use of the RAMDISK. Thanks Daniel. STUART MURRAY of Scotland joined our club. STUART publishes an 8-dY}Bit newsletter in Scotland called "FUTURA". STUART also reviews ATARI CLASSIC in a very favorable light in hisdZ} newsletter FUTURA. See DEMO section. PETER ARPIN joined our club. PETER is interested in learning how to pe.}`!`H$-%.HH \hhh(`.HM)   !h(L`N) !"`3?}O) !"`3!3:,*2B:,"@A` A0x}/ +@-/(@TURN DISK OVER/-@/(@THEN PRESS ANY KEY5AdAU)y}& A05% D:PROG.BASo+A%A @7-@@Q(NO PROGRAM THIS MONTHc-@@oz}ARB'(FLIP DISK AGAIN AND PRESS A KEY1 A08)B A6 (}-@ @ 6( What's Your Plea{}sure?_B7t@d'@@d9-@@X(enu rint ead: _)8"@w((.(|} Main Menu....8 A"@AP8"@((.( Read File....8 AF.-B:,}}6. D1:**.TXT.67<,.7<,F A"@A )5@<(}F A5p  A4F~}:A,"A6*@@@4 A5P**"@e*F:A,"ApA!`pA @4@e*F:A},"Ap:(}L-@@p(Not In This Months News Letter! AF AF! A!` TA @}'A@hT((} 짠򠠠 00(( à ]B7t}@d'@@d/-6)>(>:,SF:Ad,"AF] A5P MF:@,"@#@(" <} (More) >G)M(}   mAdAU(0(File Complete:Q(Press Any Key for Next FileX)}j@@@m$NA %6.D1:PRESSPRT.MNU*5G@@@N(}((6-C:hhhhh} Ȅԩ`,!A@h!A " A@`(" A@@A @QB7t@d}'@@d9-@@ J( Selection: Q)!!"@i)"@eAH"@xAC,}"@c' A@@A@TK AD(}3D1:PRESSPRT.HLP= A5G A@KÛC6}-@f6-@V!6-'6-36-@96-C AI0S6-F:A,"A6E(! Viewing Complete Press Any} KeyL)O$SÛDU (}-@@'"A8K(Your Printer is Not On Line...U AFX<"Ap2(P}rinter Help File Not Found...< AFb= (}-@@3(ERROR # F:A,= AFl A@-A} $7@6-!"@e'6--6-7 AH@F (}-"(PRINT STYLE?0( . DRAFTF(. DO}UBLE STRIKE0)@6-&@d0 )!AH U (}-3( PAGE COLUMNS & LINE SPACING?U(. 2 COLU}MNS AT 6 LINES/INCHh%(. 2 COLUMNS AT 8 LINES/INCHG(. 3 COLUMNS AT 6 LINES/INCHh(. 3 COLUMNS AT 8 LINES/INCH}( )( @e)!@hAH@g6-@f6-@V'6-@-6-C"@f)"@hO6-@[6-@}g6-@v!@f6-$I (}-!( PAPER TYPE?4(. CONTINUOUSI(. SINGLE SHEETS8( )(} @e)!@fAIB"@f6-&'ÛL$/ 6-6. D1:**.TXT6-%"/ A@E (}-@}@>(dd, ven, or ll Pages?E)++@e*@y*@iAPU (}-9(%LOADING BU}FFER before Printing.....U(Use -P to Pause+(Use -C to Cancel+-@1 6. 67,.67,}.#6.)6.16-%/ - A`6-'6-@@/-"F:Ad,"A8" AU,F:Ad,"AF}", A& &APAQAQ 67<,. AQ@67<,. AQ@67<,.}! 6-%6-%@9 ! "F:Ad,"A8" AU#,F:Ad,"AF", A$..'@"P}:'@,*"@yASE%..'@P:'@,*"@iASE(9 A&@P:,"9(}@=2 "(GF6  '6-+",$%+",$+@&,6(=:,PN (((":6-+",$@ }%+",$@G*@'N*Z: 6-6-@@-$6.*":6. _"F:Ad,"A8" AU}`,F:Ad,"AF", Ad<67B:,%,.7<,)67B:,%,.7<,<67B:,%,.7<,n"6-?:>>}))(! <<< THESE ARE GENERAL RULES >>>))(! <<< THAT SHOULD HELP YOU} TO >>>%%( <<< TO USE THE DISK >>> ( ( (//(& The programs on this disk may consist**(" of several ty}pes of disk files or//(&formats. All programs SHOULD run on an))(!Atari 800 48K, with DOS 2.0 disk.((( Other sys}tems and configurations,,($should also work with most programs.,(,(! XL Computers may need to run the))(!XL Tra}nslator disk first for some))(!programs. (Available separately).( ( ((, A6(} LOADING PROGRAMS:@}/(/($ Programs on this disk may be one ofJ((( following types of files and areT--(%identified by the filename exten}sion.^.(.(# .DOC or .TXT - Documentation texth,,($file. Use the DOS (C)opy function tor++(#copy file to the scree}n or printer.T(T(I .OBJ - Machine language file. Remove BASIC cartridge and use DOS Binary''((L)oad to load and r}un program.-(-(" .BAS or no extension - Use BASIC$$(cartridge and load normally. A(}-(-(" .}PIL - Requires PILOT cartridge..(.(# .MUS - Requires Atari Music Cart.R(R(G .AUT - Move file to another diskett}e and change the .AUT extension to++(#.SYS extension using DOS (E) rename**("file then reboot computer with new (}disk./(/($ Other extensions may be used. Check,,($your Atari DOS manual for more info..(.(# Some files may }not have the proper''(extension. If you have problems--(%loading with BASIC, go to DOS and try&&(Binary Load or} Copy functions. A +% D:NEWSLTR.BAS##@@K:AR@$(}$(Press to continue.)@@$ D8:HELP.BASAR@$(f The OL HACKERS Disk News Letter Help File  The OL'HACKER Disk Based News Lette }ris very simple for you to use. Allyou have to do is make the selectionsyou'd like and read them. To readthe whole newsl }etter, use SelectionA. To read only part of thenewsletter, select each file in anyorder by using the letter in front ofit } on the main menu screen. If youwant to change one of yourselections, use the BACKSPACE key toremove selections until you } reach theone to be changed, and start fromthere with your new selections. Theother screen editing function keyswill not } work from the main menu. When you are finished selecting, pressRETURN then [R] and start reading. Asyou can see there ar }e pauses in thetext so it's much easier to read. Making a selection from 1 thru 4 youcan Exit to Basic or Exit to Dos, or }even go to The News Letter PressRoom. Selections B thru Z are newsArticles. When a selection is madethe article is sent }to the screenwith page breaks. At the end of thelast article selected, you are sentback to the Newsletter Main Menu. } About The Printer  When you make your selection ofthe file you would like to rea }d youwill be presented with the following: enu rint ead: If you choose then and youdon't have a pri }nter on line you willcome back to these options. Then youshould use the option to read thefile online. If however you }eithermade a mistake or don't care to reador print the file you selected youcan go right back to the main menujust by hit }ting . If you choose and you have not yet configuredyour printer, you will do that beforeprinting. When the n }ewsletter program isformatting files for the printer, orwhile it is printing, press CONTROLand P to pause printing. To re }sume,press any key. To cancel printing,press CONTROL and C. About Configuring Your Printer    }  The printer configuration sectioncan be reached by using selection 3from the main menu. You also will be }send there the first time you try toprint a file, if you haven't beenthere already. Explainations of theconfiguration sec }tion can be accessedfrom the print room menu. en't beenthere already. Explainations of theconfiguration sec =  |짠򠠠| || $} pson Fx86e and Epson Compatibles. Panasonic Star. Star Nx1000 Gemini $} Sakata Sp100 tari 1025 Printer on Epson Compatibles and Daisy Wheel Printers rint Ro$}om Help File ۿ Return To The Main Menu on Epson Compatibles and Daisy Wheel Printers rint Ro$/ The Composing Room Help File Before you can Print a file you haveto configure your (}own Printer.To Do sothere are 2 selections that will helpto make it easy as possibile for you.If you have one of the pri(}nters listedin selection then your printerwill be set up for NLQ and DOUBLEstrike. If you don't have one of(} theprinters that's in Selection youhave to use selection . This is toensure that all printers will workwit(}hout any problems with The WQNRDisk Based News Letter. Now onceyour printer has been configured youwill NOT (}have to reconfigure yourprinter as long as you are have yourNews letter running. Not only that theprinter will stay (}configured to whatever configuration you selected aslong as you have your printers powerturned on or until you (}reconfigureit. Once you have configured yourprinter all you have to do is hit theۿ to Return to the Main menu. (||Vol: he ||Issue: || ,}   ||Did you  ׺ Read ||Subscribe to info on ||NEW ,}  using J/S.|| mag?  䠢͢ ||   || ,} ||  ||  || ,}  ||  || Atari User Group Inc.(c)1985 || ,} |*** Alex Pignato, President ****** 3376 Ocean Harbor Drive ****** Oceanside, N.Y. 1157,}2 ***|Charter Member NEAR*US ATARI USER Gp.|| ҮҮ ,} ||Charter Member NEAR*US ATARI USER Gp.|| JAN./FEB. 1993 ,-re DUE!Jan ??, 1993 ATARI CLASSIC meeting topackage, stamp and mail A.C. Disks.Feb 13, 1993 Election time!Feb 26, 1993 0}CHRISTMAS DINNER-in Feb.at MIMMOS Restaurant Rockville Centrecost $12.00 per person.Mar 9, 1993 Special Extra Meeting at0}the home of JACK GEDALIUSThese are the CORRECTED NEWDATES. Please NOTE changes!*Mar 27, 1993*Apr 24, 1993*May 29, 1993*0}Jun 26, 1993PLAN for Annual Picnic/Dinner time!Jot down these dates for future use. *+*+*+*+* May 29, 1993*0o 0o0o0o0o ATARIWRITER PLUS review By A. Pignato Member of THE OL' HACKERS AUG, NY One of the prime reas8}***********************************OL' HACKERS WHOS WHO ? ? ? ? ? ? ?PRESIDENT..............Alex PignatoVICE-PRESIDENT...4}....Stan SchenfeldSECRETARY................Ron FetzerTREASURER................Ron FetzerDISK SALES...............Ron Fetze4}rLIBRARIAN.............Harold PeglerDISK NEWSLETTER EDITOR.Alex PignatoLEGAL-COUNSEL........Jerry GinsbergEQUIPMENT-MANAG4}ER......Bob UlschmidMEMBERSHIP.............Bob UlschmidINT'L CORRESPODENT.....Horst DewitzNEWSLETTER LIBRARIAN...Alan Shar4}kisLIB. COPY MASTER....Allen C. AtkinsMAGAZINE LIBRARIAN....Jack Gedalius *****(O.H.A.U.G.) is in no way a4}ssociatedwith the ATARI Corp.,or any of theirafffiliates, other than using a greatproduct. Atari and Atari rel4}atedproducts are the Trademarks of theirrespective companies and are used onlyas informational help to our members4}and the Atari user in general. Opinionsherein are not necessarily those ofO.H.A.U.G. but those of the variousindiv4}idual authors.O.H.A.U.G. is a NOT-FOR-PROFITOrganization in the State of New York.O.H.A.U.G. will NOT tole4}rate ANYreferances, directly or by implicationto piracy or the use of any computerequipment for illegal activit4}ies.DEADLINES FOR NEWSLETTERJAN/FEB DEC 31 JUL/AUG JUN 30MAR/APR FEB 28 SEPT/OCT AUG 31MAY/JUN APR 30 NOV/DEC4} OCT 31 Submitted articles are preferred asdisk text files, preferably made on 4}the1ST XLENT Word Processor, in 38 columnsbut it will be gratefully accepted ashard copy. Send your articles to:OL' HAC4}KERS Newsletter c/o A. Pignato,3376 Ocean Harbor DriveOceanside, N. Y. 11572.Please refer to the above schedule forO4}L' HACKERS NEWSLETTER deadlines. ****end*****eOceanside, N. Y. 11572.Please refer to the above schedule forO4:ons for my purchasing an ATARI 800XL Computer System was a desire to have a Word Processor available in the house 8}for me and for family use. The first Word Processor I owned was the Atariwriter Cartrige. The documentation was 8}a little difficult to read and get through, but the actual use of the program proved to be amazingly easy. In 8} fact, the program was so easy to use that I was able to show my daughters the basics of how to use it in less than8} 15 minutes. I also own or have been able to use several other Word Processing programs like 1ST XLENT, Tex8}tPro, Paper Clip, Home Pak, Letter Perfect and some IBM Word Processors at work. Out of all of these, the 1ST XLENT 8}has remained my personal favorite, with TextPRO and ATARIWRITER PLUS both right up there. This article howev8}er is about ATARIWRITER and ATARIWRITER PLUS, not any of the others I mentioned above, and I hope it will expain some of8} the features of these programs. When Atariwriter Plus hit the market [800XL/130XE version both available] I8} was absolutely thrilled. The heart of the new Plus version was still the same old comfortable Atariwriter program8} I was used to and happy with, only they had added on several improvements that make the Plus version an even more 8}useful and easy to use Word Processors. I was pleased to note that the improvements were in areas that I also felt wou8}ld greatly improve its versatility, usefulness and ease of use. The first big plus for me was the fact that 8}the program had printer drivers for the most commonly owned printers built into the program as well as a custom p8}rinter driver generator that allows you to design your own to meet your special needs. I have a friend who has a Pa8}nasonic 1091 printer and the FX-80 printer driver seems to work well with it. My friends printer does have features8} that are not incorporated into the existing printer driver, such as Italic print, so he also made a custom 8}printer driver set up the way he wanted. The Global Format screen is also a big improvement. All the basic for8}mat settings are written out which makes it much easier to use and to understand. This is really a big improvement8} over the original Atariwriter abreviated settings at the top of each file. To make your old Atariwriter fil8}es compatible with the new Atariwriter Plus, all you have to do is load them into the Plus version and delete the form8}at line at the top of each file. The file is now subject to the global format settings. The Proofreader tha9}t Atari has added to the Plus version is the feature that I like the most. This is probably because most peopl9}e are such terrible spellers and this particular feature will provide them with the most help and actually save t9}hem the most time. I have already used the proofreader on several items, including a report by my daughter.9} The proofreader proved to be very easy to use and is almost self explanatory. It can be booted in and used after9} a quick review on the short section in the manual. Its ease of use should eliminate the possibility of ever sendi9}ng out copy again with obvious, simple and embarrassing spelling or typing errors. The Mail Merge9} is another feature that is easy to use and understand. It is a simple data base that can be merged to an Atariw9}riter Plus file in a selective manner by field of information on command. This feature allows your data base to c9}ontain several different kinds of information that can be selectively tapped and used as needed. Each record in9 } your data base is limited to 255 files, and although each file has a standard default format, you also have the ab9 }ility to design your own custom layout. The Atariwriter Plus is a great word processor, wthout a doubt. I must 9 }confess however, that I moved over to 1ST XLENT some years ago and still use it for letters and more importantly 9 }for editing and putting together the OL' HACKERS AUG bi- monthly newsletter, but that will be the grist of anothe9 }r article in the future. Though my personal preference is 1ST XLENT Word Processor, if you can't buy 1ST XLENT, then 9} by all means buy and use ATARIWRITER PLUS. It will make your computer a very valuable household (and business)9} tool. * E N D *ARIWRITER PLUS. It will make your computer a very valuable household (and business)8 12k MLDUMMYWORKHNEHOLTESTPMPAGPMBASDRIVHHL U} *+*+*+* OL' HACKERS AUG, NY is always looking for new and better programs for our 8 BIT micros. I have seen=} some of the programs and games from EUROPE and POLAND, and must say the graphics and speed of movements are very =} good. Gameplayers might enjoy these new programs from EUROPE, thats why this Press Release is being included, and =}to show that the 8 BIT is FAR FROM OBSOLETE!. Check our over 300 PD disk LIBRARY listing for some great disks! =} Ye olde Editor PRESS RELEASE ** NOVEMBER, 1992 Trans World Exchange announces several new games for the Ata=}ri XL/XE from Poland. Thanks to the collapse of Communist domination, free enterprise flowers anew in Eastern=} Europe. 50% of the computers in use in Poland are Atari 8-bits! Yes, Europe is the place for software of Ninten=}do quality for your Atari! Be sure and get a copy of these games by Roland Pantola, from your Atari club disk library o=}r on a BBS. GABI - A squirrel must gather nuts for the winter and store them in the warehouse. Each screen =}has several nuts to crack using rocks, or hammers. Each nut you crack has a susprise in it - spiders, webs, and one=} of them will even open the warehouse door. Over ten levels of unique patterns. KVADRYK - The world nee=}ds a great dragon slayer like you to take up your joystick and drive the dragons from the realm. Each level, (=}there are over ten), offers a different pattern of moveable bricks that the dragon has to be driven through =}in order to make a magic mirror appear. Now keep the dragon from escaping and get it into the mirror. Both=} Gabi and Kvadryk have on- screen English instructions, a save level feature. BONGO - How did you get stuck on = }this planet with an uncontrollable Bongobot? You need what is inside the huts to escape so send in the robot a=!}nd shake the hut to control it's movements. Gather everything and get out of this crazy place! Also available: D="}ZUNGLA - Try and trap jungle animals in this Stratego type game. CALENDARIUM - a calendr program that is joystick co=#}ntrolled and tells the moon phases, the signs of the zodiac and even the patron saint for each day from year 0000 to=$} 9999. MASTERMIND - A unique variation of the popular board game where you can play against the computer. ALL 3=%} GAMES ON ONE DISK! English translation and additional instructions available for an Introdu=&}ctory Special of only a $3.00 registration fee (normally $5.00). TWE offers these quality games at the amazing price ='}of only $3.00 each or at a user's group rate of $2.00 each with a minimum of 5 disks ($10) ordered. Each order als=(}o includes: reviews, background notes and information on other Polish programs. These games are distributed =)} as Shareware to benefit the poor programmers in Poland. SOFTWARE WANTED: In addition, L K AVALON, a Polish=*} software company and T.W.E., an American software distributor are looking for Atari 8- bit and ST programs as we=+}ll as IBM and Amiga software to market in Europe. Submit your original software for a free evaluat=,}ion today! Please note this is Shareware, so send your contribution today. Make checks payable to Chris Carson =-}c/o Trans World Exchange, P.O. Box 44251, Parkland, WA 98444 U.S.A. * end *checks payable to Chris Carson <[rogram graphics. We welcome you all. I think you will get a great deal of enjoyment out of the club and you we} ********* 8-BIT NEWS!!! by Thomas J. Andrews, member of ACE of Syracuse, and OL' HACKA0}ERS ATARI USERS GROUP, NY.. An 8 BIT club! ATARI CLASSICS PREMIERS Well, the long wait is finally over. A1}The Premier Issue of Atari Classics, already affectionately known as AC, has arrived. For the information A2}of those who have been in a cave for the last year, Atari Classics is a new magazine devoted to the usersA3} of Atari 8-bit computers. The story behind its creation is told in Managing Editor Ben Poehland's PrA4}emier Editorial, so I won't repeat it all here. Suffice it to say that a few 8-bit users became frustrated with theA5} scattered 8-bit support after the demise of Antic in 1991. This frustration turned to action, and after a mail cA6}ampaign to assess the potential interest, Atari Classics was born. At first glance, AC looks like a thiA7}ck club newsletter. Those expecting full-color printing and glossy paper will be disappointed. A fledgling A8}magazine like this must necessarily be produced on a limited budget, and I think they've done a fine job with thA9}e funds available. For my part, I'm much more interested in the content than the form, anyway. As long as the copy is cleA:}an, neat, and readable, and the magazine doesn't fall apart in my hands, the form is acceptable to me. A;} The basic structure of AC reminds me a lot of Current Notes, the magazine where Ben Poehland previously heA<}ld the position of 8-bit Editor. ** Four columnists anchor the issue. Mike Jewison writes of being a "Weekend HackA=}er", describing his experiences with a 256k upgrade for his first 800 computer, and with Transkey, an IBM keyboard iA>}nterface for the XL/XE. Jeff McWilliams explains how to print graphics using the printer port of the XEP80,A?} complete with source code. David Richardson delves into the use of Daisy Dot III, a "print processor" of extraoA@}rdinary abilities. Ed Hall does "The Garret", a column on writing with the 8-bit, and includes TV PLOTS,a AA} program which pieces together a plot for a television show by randomly selecting elements from a list. ** An additioAB}nal column is called "Correspondents' Corner". This column doesn't have a single author, but is composed of nAC}ews and notes about the 8-bit from around the world. ** Interspersed with the columns are three articles byAD} "Contributing Authors". Barton Bresmik describes how he uses the 8- bit in education, both at school and at homAE}e. Alan Sharkis does an essay on the almost fanatical exclusionary attitude many 8-bit users have about other machines,AF} and whether such an attitude really serves the 8-bit community. Thomas J. Andrews (WHY is that name so familiar?)AG} details his efforts at repairing a RAMBO upgrade in an article reprinted from the ACE of Syracuse newsletter. AH} One smaller department is entitled "Tips 'n' Tricks", which primarily notifies users about previously unAI}documented bugs in soft- or hard- ware and possible ways to circumvent them. Another is "Swap 'n' Shop", the classiAJ}fied ad section. A unique feature of AC is that subscribers can advertise in this area for free, as long as theAK}y adhere to the simple rules. These columns and articles cover a wide range of topics, and almost any 8-bit userAL} should find at least one or two of interest. The topic most notably absent from the Premier Issue was that of gameAM}s, probably the most popular use for the 8-bit, despite protestations to the contrary that some might make. FutureAN} issues will no doubt include this important subject. The articles and columns are all well written and informative.AO} The only real complaint I have with this issue is that it was too short. Atari Classics will be distriAP}buted by subscription only. U.S. subscriptions cost $25 per year, with other rates for outside the U.S. If 500 subscrAQ}iptions are received by the end of 1992, AC expects to publish 6 times a year. Fewer subscriptions will AR} change that frequency. A disk with all published programs and selected PD and Shareware will be availableAS} with every other issue, or 3 times a year, for $9 a year. A limited number of Premier Issues are still avaiAT}lable. To get one FREE, send your Postal address to: Atari Classics, 179 Sproul Road/Rt. 352, Frazer, PA 193AU}55-1958 ** Authors of previously unpublished feature articles will receive $25 and a complimentaryAV} issue. Anyone interested in submitting articles, reviews, or type-in programs to Atari Classics is urged AW}to send a SASE (Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope) to the address above and request an AC Author's Kit. Following thAX}e instructions and suggestions in this kit will increase your chances of acceptance. Atari Classics is a AY}worthy effort, and deserves our support. For those who have been complaining about the lack of 8-bit support, AZ}here's your chance to improve the situation. I've sent in my check and urge all those interested in using the 8-biA[}t to do the same. The choice is yours! SUPPORT IT OR LOOSE IT! Its a cheap investment to help keep the 8 BIT ALIVE and WEA\}LL! ** OLD MAGAZINE PROGRAMS: SAVED! ** In response to a question of yours truly, Rick Reaser Jr., 8-bit EditorA]} of Current Notes, recently asked for clarification of the policies of the 8-bit libraries of Compuserve and GEnie cA^}oncerning the uploading of old magazine programs. He was told that both Antic and ANALOG had given blanket permisA_}sion for such uploads while they were still in publication, but that Compute! had requested that they not be allowed.A`} ** As a result of Rick's inquiry, one of Compuserve's 8-bit SYSops telephoned the Compute! offices to ask Aa}for an update on their position. GEnie representatives soon followed suit, and now both services have permission Ab}to include old Compute! 8-bit programs in their libraries, too. These programs must be just as they were puAc}blished; altered versions are not allowed. Programs which do the modifications to the original ARE allowed, howeverAd}. This is great news for the 8-bit community. Now these programs need not be denied to those who don't have acceAe}ss to magazine back issues. ******************** Thank You! ** ** TURBO BASIC TIP ** ** MAf}ost 8-bit users know that Turbo BASIC XL makes around 3900 bytes of extra RAM available for programs, over the amounAg}t available from Atari BASIC. This is also true of the compiler. But, if you fail to hold down OPTION when Aq}B%DOS SYSB*)DUP SYSBSRAMDISK COMB[AUTORUN SYSB\AUTORUN COMB]MAINMENUHLPB9eNEWSLTR BASBHELP BASBHELP DOCBPRESSPRTMNUBPRESSPRTHLPBWELCOME SCRBFMEETDATTXTBBWHO TXTB'JATARPLUTXTBGPRESRELTXTB@/HTOMANDRTXTBzICON2600TXTB,KDSKSAVRTXTBDSKSAVR BASB0LNLRV8 TXTBDRIVCHEKBASB!CPRESMESTXTB@MFEATURETXTBBxDJANMIN TXTBeVEFEBMIN TXTbooting Turbo BASIC's RUNTIME file, the extra RAM is not available because the built-in BASIC ROM remains switched in.Ar} There is a simple solution, however. If you get an ERROR 2 (out of memory) from RUNTIME, and you know theAs} program should fit, you might not have held down OPTION. Just press RESET when this happens and it should disableAt} the BASIC ROM, and the program will fit. No need to reboot! *** (Portions of this article were repriAu}nted from the ACE of Syracuse Newsletter for Nov/Dec 1992) *** Editors note: after this article was written woAv}rd was received that after Dec 15, 1992, no more premier issues were going to be sent out, therefore please ignore the pAw}art that mentions free premier issues, but get your subscriptions in. =END= this article was writt@d ()()()()() MINUTES OF THE JANUARY MEETING: =============================== NOTICE: RENEWAL 1993 DUES areay} DUE! NEW MEMBERS: THOMAS WRAY joined the club. THOMAS lives in TEXARKANA, TX. Welcome to the club. b>} ()()()()() THE 2600 CONNECTION - A REVIEW By Kit Carson, S*P*A*C*E, and reprinted by THE OL' HACKERS AUE{}G, NY with THANKS Unbelievably, Atari's only publications crumble and here comes a newsletter dedicated not tE|}o the lowly (?) 8-Bit or the forgotten ST, but the pioneer 2600; also known as the VCS (Video Computer System). E}}Entire publishing empires have perished from trying to be sophisticated. Perhaps newsletters are theE~} wave of the future, the narrow-casting instead of broadcasting that the media talks about. So IE} thought-what nostalgia does this newsletter delve into? Well, they had an article updating their listing of allE} cartridges ever made for the 2600! Where else could you find out that Atari at one time considered putting out aE} 2600 version of 'Custer's Revenge', but let some other company have the dubious distinction of claiming that hE}onor. But I was surprised at the number of new things that were discussed. People who worry that the 8E}-bits will die out soon should look at how well the 2600 has survived. In the Classified Ads there were people E}buying and selling some obscure games as: Kool-Aid Man, Rubik's Cube and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. GE}ood grief! On the inside there is a map of the game Pitfall showing what to do on each screen to get through it! E}That takes up two and a half of the eight pages of the newsletter. There is quite a bit of information packed iE}nto a small space. I'd say that anyone who has even a passing interest in the 2600 should subscribe to get thE}at old excitement again. I might just go haunt the junk shops again and see if I can restore some more like I useE} to. Subscriptions are only $6 for a year (6 issues). The address is: The 2600 Connection, P.O. Box N604, WeE}stport, MA 02790. * End *r a year (6 issues). The address is: The 2600 Connection, P.O. Box N604, WeD'@ H @@ B@ A( @xdc+"A @, AcORIGINALLY CALLED SNAIL.BAS-U} ****** DISKSAVR1.BAS DOCS! The program is on this disk! Ever copy a disk only to have theI} routine choke on ONE bad sector? Well DiskSaver! is the remedy! Works on Sparta Sngl. or Enh. Density. Uses directI} disk access thru USR. Allocates bad sectors in bit-map so no data can be written to them. Writes to thI}e boot sectors so "DIR" will show the correct amount of free sectors. Will also fix disks that show freespace greaterI} than the whole disk. Ever have that happen? I hope you find this routine useful. Watch for a dbl density version on: I}The REM lab. The WeB BBs 24hr 7 days 708-884- 0315 * DiskSaver! v1.0 (c) 1990 by REMlab ********************************I}***** First things first. I got to looking at the pile of disks I had that wouldn't format for one reason or aI}nother and got to wondering just how large that pile was going to get before having to pay extra rent. Then I starI}ted to wonder just why those disks wouldn't format. Using a sector editor, I discovered that most of the disks hadI} a bad sector or two. Realizing that a box of "cheap" disks cost as much as $6 retail, I would be throwing them away I}to the tune of over $20.00. Yes, I had a pile of over thirty disks that wouldn't format correctly! So, I decided I}to see if I could get ANY use out of that pile. I discovered that I could fix the disks using a sector editor. ThiI}s required a great deal of typing to write the boot sectors the way they were intended. Then I discovered I could I}fool the editor by starting off with a properly formatted blank disk, reading the boot sectors, one at I}a time, and swapping disks to write those sectors to the "bad" disk. Still alot of typing and time consuI}ming too. I wanted a routine that I could just load and run and let the machine do the work like it was intendedI} to do. No problem, just read the boot sectors of a good disk and write them to the bad one. It's that easy. WRONG!!I}!!!!!! You can't read the boot sectors like you would a read a file! And even if you could, what about the bad I}sector/s? How do you prevent data from being written to those sectors? I thought of creating a file using the badI} sectors. But, then how would I get DOS to write the file to those particular sectors and if the file ever got acciI}dentally erased how could DOS be prevented from writing data to those sectors? Things seemed impossible and I wasI} about to give up when I was messing with the sector editor again and realized I might be able to allocate sectorI}s without having to create a file that uses those sectors. It worked! Now I had to find a way of getting the maI}chine to do all the work so I wouldn't have to use the editor sector by sector. I found a 49 byte USR routine in I}a BASIC utility package I had laying around that would allow direct access to the disk, one sector at a time, aI}nd any sector on the disk. Using that USR routine I could read each sector except the bad ones and a simple error trI}ap would branch to a line that would tell me which sector was bad. Now came the hard part, changing the sector map so DI}OS would skip the bad sectors. I tried and tried until I discovered that the sector map allows for sector 0. SECTORI} 0 DOESN'T EXIST!!! But, it's in the sector map! Figure that one out! Okay, the sector editor, then the USI}R routine, allocate the bad sectors, a bad disk becomes a good disk, right? WRONG!!!!!!!! I had a "fixed" disk and I I}started to copy some files to that disk. I did a "DIR" in the disk and guess what it showed. 123 FREE SECTORS I tried I}to copy one more file, a 121 sector file. ERROR 162!? How can that be? How could I be so dumb? I forgot I}to change the bytes that tell you how many free sectors are on the disk. Oh well, just remember that there are feweI}r sectors on the disk than a "DIR" shows. WRONG!!!!!!!! Finding the free sector bytes required alot of triaI}l and error. ie; sector editor, change a byte, exit to DOS, "DIR", wrong bytes, sector editor, change a byte, back I}to DOS, "DIR", wrong bytes, etc. etc.... It about drove me nuts! Back to the ol' drawing board? No! I only had to adI}d a few lines that would keep a count of the bad sector and change the free sector bytes before writing the boot sI}ectors and sector map to the disk. So, here's beta-test version 1. DiskSaver! by REMlab. It loads from DOS with BASICI} enabled. Sorry, SpartaDos 3.2 only in this version and no double density, yet. (But, I'm still working on it. WheI}n perfected, it will handle ALL DOSes known to the Atari 8-bit [I hope].) Before I forget, DiskSaver! has taken up a I}large chunk of my time, and, I'm not yet through with it. But, I still gotta eat! Any donations will be gladly accepI}ted and will be devoted to writing more useful stuff and to the running of my board. If you feel the need, send it to:I} REMlab % R. Cook, P.O. Box 1144 Arlington Hts., IL, 60006-1144 Atari! Power without the price! **EI}ND**ab % R. Cook, P.O. Box 1144 Arlington Hts., IL, 60006-1144 Atari! Power without the price! **EH SAVE "D:DRIVCHEK.BAS"nV6-?:C:,&6-P:A6V } ABRDSECWRSECSECTIOSECTGMISDRIVSECRWIOSDNCASSBABBBN2N&M} B& B2 11M}A)At  !< to cont.$2W68@,-A(M}-68@,-@dB68@,-@2W68@,-@<W68@,-@-68@,-@B68@,-@M}W68@,-@dGet Densityn""(} DiskSaver! by REMlab A6.D:(67@,.SPARTM}( 1=Sgl 2=Enh(&"@&67@,.SGL.DAT&"@&67@,.ENH.DAT"(Loading M}"Get Sect Dat* @@* A@')@'67B:,%@,.>:, A @"M}6-A 6-&@,*7@<@,4ENH*6-A@6,7@<@,4ENH,6-&@@J(M} Drive to FIX(T$$7@<@,4AA Sparta+-A9+-@)6-+$M}@,%)"A`  0 AA    Sparta%%( Sector # is badM}/in use!+6-&@6-A%+6-@:7,,!67<,.>:&8%@,,!$*&6-P:'AV,&6-&+AV$,4M}67@<@,.>:,>67@<@,.>:,H9-@@96-@%++&@,$A(,R6.7Error: No DOS(0 )0 / 0/(0/)0M} L0& ( *?>Error: No DOS(0 )0 / 0/(0/)0L *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+ NEWSLETTER REVIEWS by Alan Sharkis OHAUG Newsletter LibrarianThereQ} is a trend I've noticed amonguser group publications in the morerecent batches I've received. Thegroups are beQ}ginning to print type-inlistings with more frequency. Theprograms run from simple routines toentire utilities. By Q}typingin programsone learns a great deal-It was tediousbut the results were usually worthevery keystroke. Take a lookQ} at thearticles I've reviewed here and in thepast few reviews I've done and see ifany of these listings strike youQ}rfancy.The 2nd Quarter 1992 issue of 8:16 hasa type-in listing as its 1st article.It's a program by TERRY CHAMBERLAIQ}Nwhich converts machine code to BASICdata statements. Now those convenientlittle snippits of machine code (PMgraphiQ}cs routines, etc.) produced withan assembler can now be incorportatedinto much easier-to-understand BASICprograms. YoQ}u will need an AtariAssembler cartridge or M65 in additionto BASIC to use this program. MIKEJEWISON reviews the Q}Atari CanadianExposition '92, an 8-bit perspective.There is a reprint of BOB WOOLEY's(SLCC) review of ChromaCADQ}. A newfeature is, NET_News-by COLIN HUNT. Ithas an assortment of important techquestions & answers.The PSAN for JunQ}e, 1992 has a terrificarticle on producing camera-ready copywith an 8-bit by JOHN PICKEN. GORDONF. HOOPER's High TechQ}nology columnexplains why he owns a computer. Readit and laugh.(FR)ANTIC for June, 1992 is reallyloaded with goodQ} information. MANUELGARCIA'S Editor's Notes columncontains a short type-in program basedon JEFF SUMMERS'(ACORN) Q}January 1991program from AIM with onemodification. I'll add another anduse that program myself. It conQ}vertsASCII files created in MS-DOScomputers (the ones with each lineending in control-M, control-J) intoAtQ}ari-readable files that will work inany column-width. Jeff's originalreplaced the IBM-generated carriage-return, liQ}nefeed with an ATASCII EOL(155), which would work for an 80-column format. Manuel's modificationreplaces the IBM-Q}generated codes witha space (32), and lets the Atari word-processor do the rest. RUSSELL STOWEreviews Chipmunk and Paul Q}Alhart's AIMarticle about hacking. Congratulationsto our long-lost member, JOHN HARDIE,on his marriage to BEVERLY GRAQ}HAM.John is an avid 8-bit collector."SPACE COWBOY" has a list of obscureprinter control codes for the Atari102Q}5 printer. The JACG Newsletter for June, 1992 isloaded. JOE HICSWA's (a member) 8-bitfeature column, which, itselfQ}, isloaded! Joe has included his versionof "windows" for the 8-bits, completewith type-in programs. Another 8-bitfQ}eature column, this one by JACGlibrarian SAM CORY, is once again(you guessed it) LOADED! Included isa referenQ}ce to our ALEX PIGNATO in ashort story with a happy ending aboutlightning and your computer equipment,and how ALEX -a Q}l m o s t- lost hiswhole setup. Still another - LOADED -,8-bit feature column by BILL BINGHAMconcerns Atari 8-bit Q} programminglanguages and has type-in versions ofthe same program in BASIC-Action! & C.Features of those and other langQ}uagesare compared. DAVE ARLINGTON attemptsto answer the question, "What is aMacro Assembler?".The SAGE Scroll fQ}or June, 1992contains, in its 8-bit section, anarticle by THOMAS TISCH (BCS) ontransferring text files Q}from onecomputer to another. Although Thomasgot the mechanics of this processright, he could use a little help froQ}mBobTerm, which does support the baudrates he's looking for. HENRYMALAVOLTI's article of July 1988 isreprinQ}ted here and takes us throughgraphics modes 0, 1, and 2 in AtariBASIC.The STATUS Newsletter is back. ItsJune, Q}1992 issue mentions our clubamong others that "hung in there" withexchange articles while the STATUSNewsletter wasQ} not being published.No 8 BIT material.Update Atari for June,1992 has GEORGEIKEN's article on Atari Music. GeorgealQ}so gives us a complete descriptionand program listing for his CAMCORDERprogam, which can record and play backATASCII anQ}imation sequences.The SAGE Scroll for July, 1992 has allof its 8-bit material in the back ofthe issue, but it consisQ}ts of twoexcellent reprints. One is an articleby JAMES G. MARTIN, the other is areprint of HENRY MALAVOLTI's May 1Q}988article on the Atari Cassette ProgramRecorder.The July, 1992 MUG Newsletter containsTHOMAS J. ANDREWS'(ACE of SyrQ}acuse)article on the IF statement andbranching in BASIC.The DACE Desktop for July, 1992 has aJOHN DICKERSON reQ}view of several newPolish 8-bit programs.The SLCC Journal for July, 1992features Bob Woolley's continuation ofQ}the educational computer suggestion hemade in the last issue. It also talksabout using EEPROMS to store the dataneeded Q}for his 1200XL-IDE hard driveproject.Between Bytes for July, 1992 containsan update on the video digitizerprojeQ}ct by BOB ELY. There is an inter-estng word-search puzzle on the backof the newsletter.Nybbles and Bytes for July/AQ}ugust,1992 has an article (author unknown)under the heading, "FUNNY STUFF" thatis sure to elicit a chuckle or two. BQ}ILL WILKINSON, brings us a columnabout all of the various disk drivesand hard disk controllers that wereproduced Q} for our 8-bits. There is areprint of D. R. BRUMLEVE's (PortlandAtari Club Newsleter) on educationalsoftware. I disaQ}gree with his basicpremise. BEN POEHLAND's finalreport onTHE CAMPAIGN is also included. Thereis also a review by Q}DALE WOOSTER(NWPAC), reprinted from AIM, ofSpelunker, (Broderbund) game. *+* END *+*o a review by Pkill make many new friends. CORRESPONDENCE: MEGA MAGAZINE from Holland is a 8- Bit magazine. We wrote to them ande} sent them a newsletter disk. No reply to date. A message to ALAN SHARKIS from OHIO via the NEW NEST BBS. The messagf}e states "I would say that my 8-Bit does not crash as much as the ones that our Data Processing department uses,f} which are of course IBM 3-3808. Of course you can't store all the information we have on the main frame, on an f}8-Bit. It probably would be cheaper to use 8-Bits with all the patching, wiring and servicing to the IBM's.. That is one f}of the reasons I have an 8-Bit" ALEX wrote to the president of INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS asking for a list of products sf}till available. No reply todate. ALEX read a 1987 Leter to an Editor, sent when I, (RON) published the TURBO-BAf}SIC FLYER. It was sort of nostalgic to hear it. A letter from our member BEN POEHLAND, re his final edit of thf}e February ATARI CLASSIC magazine.He said it will be in the mail, in February. In this issue we have a gf}reat article by our own ALAN SHARKIS on the SIOPC2 UPGRADE. With this upgrade you can use the PC as a file server, RAf}M DISK, etc. for your 8-Bit. It is the feature article in this issue. It is called "SLAVE THE IBM TO YOUR 8- BIT ATARIf }". Every single thing you want to know about this upgrade is in the article. It is MUST reading for every 8-BIT'ter. f } ALEX PIGNATO another OL'HACKER has an article on how to increase the membership of 8-Bit clubs. The name of ALEXf }'S article is "WHAT USERS CLUBS CAN DO TO SURVIVE AND GROW". Another article that should not be missed. Also ref }ad his "LETTER TO THE EDITOR". He writes that it is to the credit of the 8-Bit community that says "NEVER SAY DIEf}'+'@2,,&Aq2 @>6-@!@56-@586-@%6-$@%@R+ 86-6@V}=AA+ @)!@=A@pJ -B2H-B2I%@1 76-C-V}@J(w"-&@6@.-@<(>:@,@ ^-%@@5@j-@s(V} w  Ai1;@r,;@,;A(,;@2,]6-P:+F:AE,%@,'@,$@iBByV}oAY@F'B2w@56-$AVI-@@rM"Y67,.>:,] oA;-%AV}p%At"%) ;B2H@$;-%A%A"%) ;B2I@2u-@@V}"'67,.>:,+ =AR@O-@@u(!̠=-@@=(#V};-@@;(!275 280 285 290 295 300 305s Ap-@@V}K:?-@@\(Which drive (1-4)? i)@s B:@6-&@H: @)V}!@Ap"uAi!Ap@3ArEAsAUWAx@iAyu6V}-@$,W6-?:C:,,$F:Aq,@6-@@M(W Ap6i-@@-( TesV}ting Drive # ?-@@_(Press START to change drivei AJ]]104,104,141,5,3,104,141,4,3,104,133,204,104,V}133,203,216,169,0,133,212,133,213,32,83,228T__169,31,133,205,169,0,133,20,32,83,228,165,20,164,205,145,203,136,48,10,132,2V}05,173,31,208^TT201,6,208,231,96,160,31,24,177,203,101,212,133,212,144,2,230,213,136,16,242,96r12,30,63,127,255V}160,64,64,64,192,192,192104,76,83,228D:DRIVCHEK.BAS212,144,2,230,213,136,16,242,96r12,30,63,127,255TB". OHAUG is solidly behind a magazine BY and FOR 8-BITTERS. We also granted permission to use any article in the OL'HAf}CKERS NEWSLETTER. BEN replied that ALEX forgot to mention that OHAUG performs the grunt labor required to packagf}e and mail out the hundreds of AC software disks. He applauded us for doing the work. We gave ourselves a round f}of applause(grin!) BEN further writes that many people are under the impression that ATARI CLASSIC is under the contrf }ol of AIM. That is not so. ATARI CLASSIC is an independent magazine with its own policies, run by us 8 BIT'ers. f"} <><><><><> PRESIDENTS MESSAGE By ALEX PIGNATO PLEASE CHECK CORRECTED MEETING DAZ$}In TOM ANDREWS, (another member) article, he deals with some of the great 8-BIT programs that everyone should haf#}ve. RON FETZER'S (me) PROGRAMMING KIT is mentioned. TOM has also a printed program in the A.C. issue and it is alf}TES By the time you read this, the second issue of the ATARI CLASSIC magazine will have been put into the maZ%}ils. The bad news is that it had to be sent third class mail. The good news is that BEN POEHLAND, Managing Editor, teZ&}lls me that he has a bundle of manuscripts for future issues. Look for TOM ANDREWS very informative article in this nZ'}ewsletter all about the PREMIER issue. We have been receiving a bunch of new and interesting disks from EUROPZ(}E, and we even have a game disk from POLAND, where I understand the 8 BIT is very popular. It is truly amazing whatZ)} the people on the other side of the big lake have been able to do with the graphics and sound with our lil ol 8 BITZ*}S. You have to see it to believe it. We have many of these disks in our PD library which are available to all our meZ+}mbers. I believe that we receive all these new programs because it seems that our humble newsletter has gone around theZ,} world and has even reached MOSCOW. We now have a members in SCOTLAND and in FRANCE, ITALY-and ENGLAND as well. I juZ-}st received and responded to letters from all of these countries requesting information on how to join the OL' HACKEZ.}RS. I can only hope that we can continue to please our members with interesting, newsy newsletters, and of course, resZ/}ponding to any problems they may have. We recently received a request for a program that could print out a fulZ0}l years calendar from member LARRY TISCHBEIN, from PA. The program was promptly sent out by JACK GEDALIUS who remembeZ1}rd that he had just that program. This is a small sample of a way we help each other in a users group. In many waysZ2} a users group is like a family who always should be trying to help each other in any way possible. In the eZ3}vent that you should want to reach us/me, I can be reached if you leave a message on GEnie addressed to A.PIGNATZ4}O, and I will try to respond as fast as possible. We can also be reached through NEW NEST BBS at (516) 234-4943, SZ5}uffolk County, L.I, NY, or through THE MACHINE BBS at (516) 764-5748, NASSAU COUNTY, L.I., NY. Both SYSOPS, JIM Z6}HARRIS, and LOU TRAPANI are members of our users group. Both BBS are part of networks. NEW NEST is part of INTERNATZ7}IONAL ATARI NETWORK I.A.N., which includes GERMANY, HOLLAND and parts of the USA, and THE MACHINE is part of a USA nZ8}etwork. You can leave messages for me/us on either BBS and I/we will receive them. Things are looking up for the 8Z9} BIT, lets hope 1993 is the year of the 8 BIT renewal. (Or am I just day dreaming?) Its up to EVERY ONE OF US, to doZ:} whatever we can, to build a strong user base. IF YOU DONT BELONG TO ANY USERS GROUP, JOIN US, WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YZ;}OU AS A MEMBER! The benefits include a Bi-Monthly newsletter like this one, access to a PD library of over Z<}300 disks, at a cost of $8.00 for 5 double sided disks, help with any problems, access to the two BBS's, etc..CheZ=}ck our address in our 1st WELCOME SCREEN when you load this disk. Till next time...... ** END **'s, etc..CheXp THOMAS is looking for an ACTION SUPER CARTRIDGE. If anyone knows where to get one please let us know, abE}!3>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>END<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< The winner will get PRIZES! PRIZES! Submitted by `:so on the 1st disk. Do not miss these articles. The FEBRUARY issue of ATARI CLASSIC is truly a classic. It has even morf}e information and articles then the last time. If you do not subscribe to it then you are missing the most imporf}tant periodical for the 8-Bit. More subscribers are needed. Cost to subscribe to the magazine is $25.00 per year. To f}receive the disk with it add another $9.00. The address is as follows: ATARI CLASSIC 179 SPROUL RD/RT 352 f} FRAZER, PA 19355 If you own an 8-Bit or if you read this newsletter you should subscribe to the magazine.f} This is the LAST magazine that will be published for the 8-Bit only. You ought to support it. There will nf}ot be another! Besides it is a great magazine with many new articles and features. From the THE MACHINE BBS(516f} 764- 5748) DUTCH LEONARD writes that some potential leaders and even a club could act as a central clearing house ff}or all 8-Bitters. He suggested THE OLD HACKERS. Thanks forthe compliment DUTCH. A letter from JIM CUTLER our member ff}rom England to BOB ULSCHMID. He tells us that he spent Christmas in North Wales, eating and drinking too much but f}having a good time. He said he is now on COMP-U-SERVE in England. A letter from CHRIS CARSON who mailed f} us the POLISH DISKS. He said that he might join our club at a later date. He is going to summarize our newslettef}rs for the PSAN newsletter. Thanks Chris. A letter from DAVE EWENS our member from England. He thanked us ff}or subscribing to their newsletter TWAUG. (Read ARTICLE "M".) Dave is the editor the newsletter. See demo sectf}ion for more information. ALEX answered that it was a very well done newsletter and it will be shown at this meetingf}. We liked the menu on the disk and the labels. The articles on the plotter (1020) were very much appreciated. In all,f} a great job! A letter from GINA BRYANT our member from Virgina. She tells us that she is converting one off} her drives to a HAPPY DRIVE. She tells us that she is very busy and she sends her best regards to all the members of}f THE OL' HACKERS. ALEX answered and said we missed them all. They are doing great! A letter from DANE STEGMAN f}our member from Akron, N.Y. He said he could not get to run our newsletter on his XF551 disk drive. till he swif}tched over to a 1050 drive. We can't figure out why that happened. He tells us there is a new ATARI 8- BIT GAMES f}DISK MAGAZINE. The address is: CLASSIC 8-BIT ATARI, C/O JAMES CATALANO, CHICAGO ILL. He had ULTRA SPEED PLUS installef}d and had the DUAL DRIVE UPGRADE done on his XF551. It was done by COMPUTER SOFTWARE SERVICES. He is very happf}y with the upgrades and the company that did it. ALEX answered that he was very glad to hear from him and we are vef}ry impressed by the report on the ULTRA SPEED PLUS. Two members expressed interest now in doing it also. A letter f}from DAVID LANG our member in DEFIANCE, OHIO. He mailed us information that was requested by another member, TOf}M WRAY from TEXAS. He tells us his wife is also a computer widow just like most of our wives. He is looking for SUf}B LOGIC FS SCENERY DISK OF CALIFORNIA. He tells us that he can't wait to receive his newsletter. Another letter from f} STUART MURRAY our member from SCOTLAND. He sends us greetings from Scotland. He is a student and studying for an f} HONORS DEGREE in POLITICAL SCIENCE at the University of Aberdeen. He has been 8-bitting since 1983. He formed thef} NORTH OF SCOTLAND ATARI USERS GROUP (NOSAUG). He published a GREAT! GREAT! newsletter on disk called FUTURA.f} We have issues #1 - #4 in our library. They now have over 40 members in the club. To join his club is free. You of}nly pay for the FUTURA P.D. disk. (Read ARTICLE "M".) He also sent us some SCOTISH SHORT BREAD. It seems when yf}ou are a guest in Scotland that is the first thing you bring. The members enjoyed the shortbread. It was delicious. Wf}e gave three cheers to STUART and Scotland. ALEX answered and thanked him for the gift and the "FOOT-IN" of the f}shortbread. ALEX said that STUART should hoist a drink on us in SPIRIT (grin) that is. ALEX also mailed him the PROf}GRAMING KIT and the DISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM KIT. TOM ANDREWS mentions a Syracuse CITY COURT JUDGE who has an 8-f}bit in his chambers! ITEM: CHRISTMAS in FEBRUARY DINNER was held at Mimmos Restaurant in Rockville Centef}r. Members with their wifes were in attendance and it was again a great affair. Wish you were all there. The clubf} voted to send $25.00 to the NEW NEST BBS and $25.00 to THE MACHINE BBS. We feel that these BBS' are doing a vital jf}ob in the 8-Bit community and they deserve our support. DEMOS: ALEX demoed the FUTURA DISK from Scotlanf}d. We saw Disk #2. We saw a great game where you had to put a ball in a moving barrel. VERY DIFFICULT! Anotf}her game you had to push a log into a certain spot. OUTSTANDING graphics. We also heard the DRUM MACHINE from Pf}oland. You can create any kind of rythmic sound that you want - GREAT! On side one we saw a beautiful menu program. We sf}aw the BEST racing program any of us had ever seen. It blew our minds. On FUTURA DISK #1 we saw FOOTBALLf}(Soccer). It is like the arcade game where you rotate players on a stick. Very nice! We also saw the game ALIEN -f} very nice. On side two we heard some great music. These 4 FUTURA DISKS are an outstanding bargain at any pricf}e. You should have them in your library. ALEX demonstrated his program that lets you FORMAT, write DOS.SYS, DUP.f}SYS and RAMDISK.COM on the disk without you doing anything at all. It is all automatic. You can do as many disks as youf} want. There is a version for DRIVE #1 and DRIVE #2. A great utility. I use it all the time. It is a must have utilif}ty. Also in our Library. ALEX demonstrated BASIC ENHANCEMENTS. What this disk does is, it creates BASIC f} MODULES that are written to your own disk such as a lock, unlock, directory, slow scroll etc. There are 16 optionsf} available. These modules can be used alone or can be incroporated into your own program. ALEX wrote the DOCS in f}the beginning of the program and I contributed the SLOSCROL module to the program. It is like creating a MACf}RO for a BASIC program. An outstanding disk. A great programming aid! We also saw ANTICPAC. It takes any BASICf} program and turns it into raw decimal data statements with a BASIC loader on top. Great for those READ- DATA statemenf}ts with numbers. When run it will write the original file exactly as it was written. Fixes ATARI REV. B bug of f} the OS system that adds 16 sectors every time you save a program. It also has some other great utilities in it f} We saw a screen dump program. This utility loads itself into PAGE 6 of the memory and then you can print text in f}GR 0. It is a SCREEN DUMP program. All these 3 programs are on one disk. Can't beat that! We saw the TWAUG newslef}tter disk issue #1 from our members in England. The graphics were great on the disk. This issue has a lot of games on itf} - UNCLE HENRY'S NUCLEAR WASTE, REBOUND, STAR SECTOR DEFENSE, WHEIGHTY DEMO, EXTENDED MEMORY TEST (Tesf}ts your RAMDISKS). It also has the ATARI PLOTTER (1020) PROGRAMS #1,2,3,4. A great disk to have. We saw some gamef}s from Poland. They are distributed by CHRIS CARSON. There are 5 games on this disk. We saw GABI. A squirrel has f} to gather nuts for the winter and a place to crack them. Graphics are outstanding. A very good game. We tried to pf}lay DZUNGULA. We could not get it to load. HAROLD said we have a good copy in the library. It is a board game witf}h animals that have various powers. There is a doc text in English that explains what the games are about.f} ALEX demoed our revised, revised WELCOME DISK. ALEX said "this is the last revision"(Yeah sure - grin). We put a f}disk with all the PRINT SHOP OL ' HACKERS ICONS and lots of P.S. UTILITIES in the library. We saw a French disk f} from CLUB CENACAL. All card games in French. Interesting but NON PARLVOUZ FRANCE. JAMES MCGOWAN sent us a modifif}ed AUTORUN.SYS that lets you read the newsletter with a joystick. A great improvement. See article. DOOR PRIZES: Bf}OB ULSCHMID- ALAN SHARKIS -JOE LEBER -AL ATKINS Submitted by Ron Fetzer >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>END<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>END<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>END<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<