ATARI LIGHT PEN: I finally found one of the few light pens shipped. Here is the light pen story. Announced a year ago, the original release was cancelled because the software included wouldn't work on the 400's. When released next six months ago, the original release was cancelled because the software included wouldn't work on the 400's. When released next six months ago, only 200 went out before ATARI realized that quality control on the internal switch was poor with about 1/2(?) not working! Anyway, the latest discussion is that ATARI feels that for the price the pen should work better. This excuse is thus the reason that it may never be released.
What is wrong with the pen? I don't know. Mine seems to work fine. Using the example program enclosed you can draw, erase, or fill any pixels you want to create nice pictures that can be saved to tape or disk. Sure, the accuracy is not perfect so you sometimes don't get the exact pixel to light or erase, but the alternative to using the light pen is 100's of drawtos and plot statements. A few letters written to ATARI might help. Other uses besides drawing pictures are to pick out menu selections in various games and business programs, to pick out points where the programs is to draw or read something, and to generally replace the joystick and paddles in all their applications. I admit that sometimes the switch on my pen doesn't work either, but I'm sure these problems can be fixed.
The last problem with the pen that ATARI cites is that it is hard for it to read certain colors like light red. Also, certain parts of the screen can't be read well enough to be considered reliable. If your listening ATARI, here is my solution. Since you have so much time invested in the light pen program already, why not release the unit (with a better switch) and tell people about it's limitations before purchase. Now, sell it for a lower price. After all, $75 is too high for the minimal amount of parts involved (case, photodiode, switch, wire, and plug). We'll accept it for what it does so well and quickly at say $49.95!
The ATARI Conversational ITALIAN(tm) tapes have been dropped from production. SPANISH has been available for some time now, and GERMAN & FRENCH are due to be released shortly.
Control Data Corporation will no longer be repairing ATARI computer systems starting in the next few months. Authorized ATARI dealers are now being set up to repair and service your equipment. For most owners, this should mean quicker service available at many more locations than before.
As you may know, the 400(tm) computer is now being shipped with no frills. For the $399.95 list price, you acquire only a 400 and operator's manual. Four 'packages' are available separately: The COMMUNICATOR(tm), The ENTERTAINER(tm), The PROGRAMMER(tm), and The EDUCATOR(tm).
The ATARI Program Exchange has been shipping their products for some time now. Some of the more interesting programs include: AVALANCHE(tm), EASTERN FRONT 1941, OUTLAW & HOWITZER, and several adventure type games. More on these in the next issue of A.N.A.L.O.G.
ANALOG'S 1ST ANNUAL PROGRAMMING CONTEST!!
Our contest is simple. A.N.A.L.O.G. is looking for top quality programs for use in our magazine, and as you can see many of the programs and articles in our pages are submitted by our readers. Hopefully you'll agree that the programs in our pages are as good as if not better than many on the market. Our aim is to help support the Atari computers by making available top quality programs and tutorials for a reasonable price (the cost of a subscription). So in order to get more of our readers involved in our efforts, we have decided to add a bonus to the contributor fee. The author of the best or most informative program, tutorial or article we use through March 1982 will receive an Atari 810 Disk Drive, in addition to his or her royalty payment. You will be the judge. In issue #9, we will publish a questionnaire which hopefully will be filled out and returned to us, and will determine the winner.
So let's get going with that program you've always wanted to write for your Atari now that we have given you some incentive.
Deadline for submission is March 1st, 1982.