I have recently noticed that back issues are available in magazine form. Are those same issues available on tape or disk? If so, how much per back issue?
Also, how much is the Compendium on disk?
Does Solid States work on the 800XL? I typed it in, but there were a lot of string/DIM errors.
Jim KellyBecause of the huge number of letters we receive concerning back issues on disk, we will, in the near future, offer them for sale.
As far as the ANALOG Computing Compendium on disk, it is priced at $35.00, which includes only the disks. To receive the Compendium disk set, you must use the order card in the book itself. The price for the Compendium is $14.95 + $2.00 shipping and handling.
And, yes, Solid States runs on the 800XL. It sounds as though you have a bad BASIC -Ed.
It is now, at the time of this writing, a miserable October day in the north of England. I have recently acquired the most recent issue of ANALOG Computing on these shores, which was a joyous moment, indeed!
Let me explain. Here in Britain, we simply do not have magazines that support the Atari (nor any machine) the way ANALOG Computing does. On top of that, the most recent issue available is the April issue! A sad state of affairs, I know, but at least we are getting the magazine - thank goodness.But now, on to my real reason for writing ... I am aiming to set up some kind of international "keyboard pal" service. Basically, the object is to "pair" Atari enthusiasts in (to begin with) America and Britain.
If it is at all possible, I would be grateful if you could let your readers know this hopeful "service" is aimed primarily at them. Anyone from the States who is interested should send full details of themselves, plus how often they would like to "write" - in fact, as many details as they can think of, on disk or cassette (or paper), to me at this address:
Paul Critchlow
29 Tudor Road
Tranmere
Birkenhead
Merseyside
L42 5PH
England
No charge will be made, but (there's always a but!) two I.R.C.s (Internationsl Reply Coupons - available at your post office) will be warmly received and will, no doubt, hasten a reply.
Young or old, novice or expert - anybody is welcome. If this service is successful, I promise to keep ANALOG Computing informed as to the progress!
Yours in anticipation,
Paul Critchlow
For all the readers who purchased the Atari Touch Tablet, instead of the Koala Pad, I thought you'd enjoy this modification to an earlier ANALOG Computing game.
This BASIC program will install a patch in (the assembled version of) Planetary Defense (issue 17), to allow it to work with either the Touch Tablet or a joystick.
This modification will only allow firing from the left button. If you would rather fire from the right, substitute 125 for 124 in line 60. This program creates a modified version (PLANETT.EXE) of the original (PLANET.EXE).
Best regards,First, I would like to congratulate you on a "first class" magazine. It's really great!
Second, I really enjoyed the Magic Palette program, but I have made it even better.
Graphics modes 9 and 11 are good, but if you enter or change the program to graphics mode 30 or 31, you only get half a screen, but the pictures are much better.
If I am correct, graphics modes 14 (full screen) and 15 (full screen) are available only on the new XL computers (600XL must have memory expansion).
The following are the changes you'll need:
By the way, I use a 400 and an 800XL. Keep up the good work!
Jim Kelly
Snellville, GA
The current popularity of VCRs makes for an interesting equipment marriage with a computer.
I use my Atari 800XL with a Quasar (VHS) Video Cassette Recorder. You'll need a video monitor cable - which can be obtained from Comstar, 5120 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (805-964-4660); called a Data Spec, it is model CLC-VEC-5, at a cost of $6.
There are three connectors on this unit. Plug the 5-pin metal connector into the monitor port at the back of your 800XL. Then plug the red-coded lead into your VCR video input on the back of the VCR, and the yellow-coded lead into the audio input (also on the back of the VCR). Turn on your VCR, fire up your computer system, and away we go!
Okay, but what can you do with this hookup? I use it in my work at school, to create graphs, pie charts and statistical information at home (with B/Graph), and then take the video tape to class to demonstrate procedures for my students. It sure beats setting up all the computer components, having to find the correct wires and enough electrical outlets, etc.
Other uses - you've probably thought of some already. Presentation of your computer artwork in a slide show video format is exciting. For the animation buffs, you're not limited to a few minutes but can piece together a longer segment, perhaps a full length movie!
The Atari's full sound and color come across on the video tapes. If you have more time (and money), you can mix computer material with video camera material, to produce some interesting programs.
If you have sound dubbing capability, music and voice can be added to your tapes. Lead-in and end credits are open to your artistic talents. Moving letters, different colors, sizes and designs are all possible. I use the Displaymaker program for many of these purposes.
Drawbacks or limitations - the Atari 400 does not work with the video cassette recorder (at least, not easily), nor with a monitor. Since I also have two 400s (I'm a member of the $99 club), 400 owners have my sympathy.
Conrad Weiler
Santa Barbara, CA