INFO-ATARI16 Digest         Mon, 13 Nov 89       Volume 89 : Issue 644
 
Today's Topics:
               Anti-Atari Bashing Flame (long - sorry)
                     atari ABC  yea or nay  ????
                 Degas to MacPaint picture converter
                       DSP, ATW graphics, TT/P
         European software purchase procedure from the U.S.A.
                      Mega with TOS 1.4 crashes!
                   Memory upgrades, HDs, CPU cases
                  Need help with OPUS Chart feature
                                STacy
                               STE/4096
                            TT's VME-slots
                            Vapourware!!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Date: Mon, 13 Nov 89 20:41:28 EST
From: Stephen Harold Goldstein <steveg@SAIC.COM>
Subject: Anti-Atari Bashing Flame (long - sorry)
 
Sorry to waste the bandwidth but, I can't keep quiet anymore.
I'm sick and tired of all the TT flames and Atari bashing going on.
It solves nothing and probably only serves to scare away anyone
thinking about buying an ST.  If you must continue with this practice,
perhaps we can get a comp.sys.atari.st.bash area going.  So far
Greg Lindahl has been just about the only voice of reason here, and now
he gets flamed.  Shheeesh!  (I'm with you Greg!)
 
I've been an Atari owner since November of 1980 when I got my
trusty Atari 800 (which I just reluctantly sold to finance another
hard drive for my ST).  I bought a 1040 in February of '88 and
UPGRADED (my DEALER gave me a trade in allowance) to a Mega 4 with
the Atari Laser this past June.  I made a careful decision about what
I was getting for my money.  I knew Atari's reputation for support
(or lack thereof), and factored that in.  I also knew Atari's
reputation for building solid, quality hardware.  I have *NEVER*
had any hardware problems with any of my Atari equipment.  I now have
a postscript capable system that can (and does) run ST, Mac, and
IBM software for less than most postscript printers cost.  I could
complain it doesn't run at 100MIPS, but that's not what I expected
or paid for.
 
Seems to me the people bitching at Atari have no one to blame but
themselves for not making a more careful decision before buying.  If
the TT isn't what you want, DON'T BUY ONE!  Come on, it's like you're
bitching at Ford because they won't sell you a Corvette (a product
they don't make), or because your Escort can't outrun a Ferrari (do
something you should know it can't).  Find another manufacturer and
leave us alone.  I've gotten what I've wanted/paid for out of every
Atari machine I've owned.  This is NOT blind loyalty mind you.  I
think there's a WORLD of things Atari management could do to get the
ST more exposure and more widely accepted, but that's not my job.
Historically, Atari has always made neat hardware and botched the
marketing.  But as Greg said, they ARE making money selling computers
- maybe not in the U.S., but that just means I'll have European sales
to thank for keeping the company around long enough for me think about
them the next time I'm looking for a computer.  And if it's a TT, I
*DO* have a choice about slots - if I don't want/plan to expand, I can
save a little money with a TT/P (why pay for slots I won't use?).  If
I want slots there's the TT/x which costs more, but nothing in life is
free.  That sounds right to me.  TT/x cost too much?  Not quite what
you want?  BUY SOMETHING ELSE!  Buy a Mac or PC and go bitch in some
other newsgroup!
 
                       <*heavy sigh of relief*>
 
Alternate proposal:  How about comp.sys.atari.tech for serious technical
                     discussions and exchanges of information in a
                     civilized manner?
 
Please send all flames to alt.flames where I'll be happy to ignore them.
Constructive criticisms and discussion always welcome.
 
Stephen Goldstein     steveg@saic.com
My first Atari system? A 24K Atari 800, Rev. A ROMS, C(not G)TIA graphics
Disclaimer:  That's not what I said.
 
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 14 Nov 89 00:50:43 GMT
From: cs.utexas.edu!uwm.edu!csd4.csd.uwm.edu!pi@tut.cis.ohio-state.edu  (Peter J
 Ikusz)
Subject: atari ABC  yea or nay  ????
 
>>offer me advice on buying it?
>
>More important than the technical differences between the two machines is
>the difference between the companies which make the computers.
>
>Amstrad is a professional company which produces computers.  They have
>established a world-wide reputation for delivering good, solid computers.
>
>Atari Corp is a toy company which has established a reputation for being
>poorly managed, and for its capricious treatment of its users, dealers
>and suppliers.  While the "Atari ABC" may be the computer of the week now,
>you may find yourself holding an obsolete system when they go off after the
>next glittering gizmo and leave you with an unsupported orphan next week.
 
Sorry, Bob,
 I've worked with, sold, and used Amstrads. I wouldn't let my worst enemy
 buy one. They are junk.
 
 If you think Atari is only a toy company go to Europe. You will find out
 how extensively they are using their 'toys'.
 
Pete I.
 
I'm not an Atari loyalist, I just don't like the other expensive junk
in the market. ( Amiga is OK, though, emphasis on OK )
 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Movie Quotes of the 80's:
"I'll buy that for a dollar!": Robocop
"What's amatter Colonel Sanders, Chicken?": Dark Helmet
"Poachers shooting at rabbits scare the big game away.": D.R.Scoundrels
Pete Ikusz : PI@csd4.uwm.csd.edu : University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 13 Nov 89 17:07:12 GMT
From: att!cbnewsj!rcd@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU  (rana.c.dutt)
Subject: Degas to MacPaint picture converter
 
While playing with Superpaint under Spectre Mac emulation last week,
I said to myself, "Self, wouldn't it be nice to be able to convert
ST picture files to MacPaint format?"
 
I looked for a PD utility to do this, but found none.  So I wrote one.
 
Right now it does the basic operation of converting Degas monochrome (.PI3)
pictures to MacPaint (PICT) files. Once converted, you can use the Transverter
utility that comes bundled with the Spectre software to get it to an MFS disk.
 
This opens up the possibility of incorporating .PI3 images (e.g., output
from an ST digitizer) within a wide range of Mac applications (e.g.,
MacPaint, MacWrite, Superpaint, Pagemaker, MS Word, etc.).
 
If you think this (GEM-based) program would be useful to you, please reply.
If there is sufficient interest, I will post it to comp.binaries.atari.st.
 
Rana Dutt
rcd@mtqua.att.com (201) 957-3389         AT&T Bell Laboratories, NJ USA
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 13 Nov 89 23:28:00 GMT
From: acf5!mitsolid@nyu.edu  (Thanasis Mitsolides)
Subject: DSP, ATW graphics, TT/P
 
/* acf5:comp.sys.atari.st / Bob_BobR_Retelle@cup.portal.com /  1:44 am  Nov 13,
 1989 */
>Steve Whitney sez:
>>They have said unofficially, with no commitment to a target release date
>>that there will eventually be a multitasking TOS.  Someday.  Not tomorrow.
>>Unix should be available sooner.
>
>I've also heard that someday pigs would fly... maybe with Atari controlled
>computers..?  Seems to me that I've heard about multitasking Operating System
>on other computers *now*...  Not tomomorrow.. Now..
>
>Maybe a better advertising slogan for Atari would be:
>
>"Someday, Over the Rainbow"
 
Tha Amiga and MAC have multitasking OSs even though without VM or protection.
PCs have the desqview (ammong others) system for multitasking DOS
and virual memory (but segmented).
AIX provides full unix and DOS compatibility windows.
 
Apple just released the buggy TOS 1.4 ...
I am certain there are very good chances
 that in less that 8 years from now, TOS will become multitasking. 8-)
 
 
Thanasis
 
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 13 Nov 89 22:59:38 GMT
From: cs.utexas.edu!samsung!xanth!xanth.cs.odu.edu!scott@tut.cis.ohio-state.edu
 (Scott Yelich)
Subject: European software purchase procedure from the U.S.A.
 
Speaking of European Software...
 
Has anyone else used STOS Basic?
 
I would like to know how it ranks with Hisoft and GFA 3.0...
 
I just picked it up because I like the COVER of the box...
 
The package is one of the best I have ever seen to my atari line of
computers.... (atari 400 through atari 1040st)
 
I am also interested in the compiler for STOS basic.. I had it in my hands
also, but I decided that I would rather wait and see if the basic was worth
it.  I am sorry that I did not get it immediately.
 
--
 
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Scott D. Yelich                                 scott@cs.odu.edu [128.82.8.1]
 After he pushed me off the cliff, he asked me, as I fell, ``Why'd you jump?''
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 13 Nov 89 14:19:07 GMT
From: imagen!atari!portal!cup.portal.com!Xorg@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU  (Peter Ted
 Szymonik)
Subject: Mega with TOS 1.4 crashes!
 
There are two LS373's that have to be replaced (and good luck trying
to find the damn chips! <grin>)  there are located right next to the
RAM in the middle of the board.  I've also been told that some MMU
chips also suffer from the same problem, I *think* they are the ones
marked 'inf'
 
Peter Szymonik
Xorg@cup.portal.com
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 13 Nov 89 14:10:32 GMT
From: imagen!atari!portal!cup.portal.com!Xorg@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU  (Peter Ted
 Szymonik)
Subject: Memory upgrades, HDs, CPU cases
 
I have seen quite a few posts fropeople on other services that have
been burned by Tech Specialities - apparently they take the money and
run - I also don't believe that they are in business anymore.
 
Peter Szymonik
Xorg@cup.portal.com
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 13 Nov 89 23:49:11 GMT
From: asuvax!hrc!dragon!solenod@handies.ucar.edu  (David Soleno)
Subject: Need help with OPUS Chart feature
 
Net-beings:
 
I am unable to use the Chart features of OPUS 2.2. I would like
to ask for any help or suggestions you might care to send my way.
 
I followed the instructions given in the installation document,
but did not have any success.
 
This my setup:
 
   1040 Atari ST, 1 meg, 1 DSDD drive.
   TOS: 1.1? (copyrighted 1985).
   GDOS Version: 1.1
 
   Disk A:
           GDOS.SYS - Directory
           ASSIGN.SYS
           AUTO - Directory
 
           AUTO directory contains:
 
                GDOS.PRG
 
           GDOS.SYS directory contains:
 
                ATSS10.FNT
                ATSS10CG.FNT
                ATSS10EP.FNT
                ATSS10MF.FNT
                ATSS10SP.FNT
                LQ800.SYS
                META.SYS
 
           ASSIGN.SYS contents:
 
                PATH = A:\GDOS.SYS\
                ; Change A: to drive w/GEMSYS folder
                00p screen.sys
                ; --START OF SCREEN FONTS--
                01p screen.sys
                02p screen.sys
                ;-----------------
                03p screen.sys ; Med-Rez screen workstation
                ; SWISS
                ATSS10CG.FNT
                ;-----------------
                04p screen.sys ; High-Rez screen workstation
                ; SWISS
                ATSS10.FNT
                ; -- START OF PRINTER FONTS --
                21 LQ800.SYS
                ; SWISS
                ATSS10SP.FNT
                ;------------------
                31 META.SYS
                ATSS10MF.FNT
 
   DISK B:
           ASSIGNER.PRG
           ATSS10.FNT
           ATSS10CG.FNT
           DESKJET.INF
           EPSON.INF
           FONTWID.PRG
           INSTALL.DOC
           OPUS.CNF
           OPUS.PRG
           OPUS22.DOC
           OPUSCOLR.RSC
           OPUSHELP - Directory
           OPUSMONO.RSC
           OUTCHART.PRG
           PRINTDEF.PRG
           PRINTER.INF
           PRINTDEF.RSC
           SMSS10HI.FNT
           SPL_LOG.OPS
 
 
   The procedure that I follow is this:
 
   a) Boot up with disk A. I get the message stating GDOS 1.1 is installed.
   b) Double-click on B drive icon, insert disk B. Double click on OPUS.PRG.
   c) The program starts loading and asks for disk A to be inserted. I comply.
   d) The disk drive comes on and after a few seconds the following message
      is displayed:
 
                ERROR LOADING SCREEN FONTS
                MAKE SURE THE GEMSYS DISK IS
                IN PLACE.
 
       I am given the options to CANCEL or RETRY.
 
       If I choose CANCEL it places me in OPUS but the Chart Menu is
       "ghosted". RETRY asks for disk B to be inserted but then places
       me in OPUS with the same results.
 
 
       What am I doing wrong? I would like to get this feature going since
       I've sent for OPUS 2.3 .
 
 
       Please post or e-mail me your suggestions.
 
 
                                           Thank you,
 
                                             David Soleno
 
        UUCP: ?ncar!noao!asuvax | uunet!zardoz!hrc | att?!gtephx!solenod
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 13 Nov 89 23:17:03 GMT
From: ogccse!blake!ramsiri@ucsd.edu  (Enartloc Nhoj)
Subject: STacy
 
Would be nice to have a little truth emanate from the
mouths of ATARI.
 
Yes, this is another BASH!  Does Atari deserve anymore?
 
This morning I learn from a developer friend of mine
that Atari can't promise him his STacy now until "late December
or early January".. was supposed to be "end of October".
 
I got to thinking.. well, if they can't even supply their
developers with the dang things... only God knows when/if the
consumer will ever see one.
 
Call my dealer.  Owners are at Comdex for the week.  The rep
tells me that they already have prepaid orders for the STacy..
but that ATARI told them not to expect delivery until
 
------>   MARCH   or  APRIL  <--------
 
The TT isn't even shipping Europe yet...
 
I know I am a fool.  Let's see how many other Atari fans
can admit it.
 
-kevin
ramsiri@blake.acs.washington.edu
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 14 Nov 89 00:54:25 GMT
From: sdcc6!sdcc13!pa1323@ucsd.edu  (Some call me...Tim)
Subject: STE/4096
 
In article <8911130802.AA09913@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU>
 V053QHYX@UBVMSC.CC.BUFFALO.EDU writes:
>I've got a question I feel Ken at Atari can answer..I remember a company
>somewhere(I dont remember the name) released an inexpensive 4096 color board
>for all ST's..if we installed this board,would we be compatable with the STE's
>enhanced graphic modes? ....
 
The JRI 4096 color board was designed specifically to be compatible
with the STE and TT method of handling the extra colors, so the
enhanced color palette can be used on your ST, but only programs
that didn't try to take advantage of the STE hardware scrolling or
the TT extra graphic modes would work if you had only the JRI
board.
 
------------
Tim Mensch.
tmensch@ucsd.edu
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 13 Nov 89 22:32:26 GMT
From: philmtl!atha!rwa@uunet.uu.net  (Ross Alexander)
Subject: TT's VME-slots
 
gl8f@astsun8.astro.Virginia.EDU (Greg Lindahl) writes:
>Read the fine print. Doesn't the TT have a HDLC connector ;-) ?
 
Does anyone out there know?  Does the TT/<n> (either model) have HDLC
capability?  Inquiring minds _need_ to know!!  I mean real HDLC,
capable of carrying AX.25 packets or PPP HDLC encapsulated SLIP
packets.  I am not especially crazy about getting an interrupt per
octet either ;-), or simulating the link protocol in the interrupt
handler, as I hope to run the link at 56 Kbaud and up.
 
        Ross
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 13 Nov 89 22:45:14 GMT
From: b.ee.engr.uky.edu!parsons@g.ms.uky.edu  (Greg Parsons)
Subject: Vapourware!!!
 
     I have just finished reading your series of six or so messages bashing
Atari Corporation.  I have one point to make:
 
                    GIVE IT A REST!!!
 
     I'd say that almost everyone on the net knows of Atari's previous
terrible policies, screwups, lies, etc.  It's possible that Atari WILL
put out the TT/STE/ATW.  A previous posting on here from has already
said that the ATW _was_ available in Europe.  I don't know whether
Atari is going to really do something nice or screw it up again,
but the point is that we already KNOW about the stuff you've posted
about, and we're hoping that it'll turn around.
 
 
 
 
--
parsons@b.ee.engr.uky.edu
Born with a stearing wheel in my hand, and lead in my feet!
The small furry one... Rat
All statements belong to someone, who I'm not quite sure.....
 
------------------------------
 
End of INFO-ATARI16 Digest V89 Issue #644
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