INFO-ATARI16 Digest         Fri, 10 Nov 89       Volume 89 : Issue 632
 
Today's Topics:
   DOES ATARI LASER PRINTER WORK ONLY WITH MORE THAN 1 MEG RAM STs:
                 MWC errors (was Re: GEM help needed)
                        P/D Command Driven OS?
                         ST help for novice?
                            Vapourware!!!
                  What does the TT Buy me?? (4 msgs)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Date: 10 Nov 89 16:21:48 GMT
From:
 mcsun!unido!fauern!fauern!immd4.informatik.uni-erlangen.de!dkhusema@uunet.uu.ne
t  (Dirk Husemann)
Subject: DOES ATARI LASER PRINTER WORK ONLY WITH MORE THAN 1 MEG RAM STs:
 
alderaan@tubopal.UUCP (Thomas Cervera) writes:
 
>In article <8911032129.AA27713@cunixd.cc.columbia.edu>
 ia4@CUNIXD.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU (Imran Anwar) writes:
>>
>>      DOES ATARI LASER PRINTER NEED MORE THAN 1 MEG RAM ?
>>      -       -       -       -       -       -       -
 
>  Yep. The SLM804 does not have local memory. It allocates parts of the ST's
>memory to store images. This takes about 1Meg, as I know.
>  Where do you think are the bucks you save not buying a LaserJet ? :-)
 
        Noyes - There's an accessory which emulates an EPSON FX-80 fairly good
that will work with less than 1 MByte of RAM.
 
        It will allocate a certain amount of memory the first time it is called
(you can let it do this during installation of it as accessory with a special
file) and then work as an EPSON FX-80 printer - It works pretty well.
 
        How much memory does it need? Well, Currently I'm running it with
about 700k which is - admittedly - much provided that you have only 1 Meg of
memory available. The manual of this software - it's called LASERBRAIN - states
that for pure text printing 40 K should do - if you want to use the supplied
fonts for printing you need more memory. I ended up using 700k.
 
        I got LASERBRAIN for free from Atari, West Germany (I send them a 3.5"
disk and got another one back with the emulator, fonts, and manual on it -
also included were a configuration file for 1st Word Plus and Adimens).
 
>--
>Thomas Cervera         | UUCP:   alderaan@tubopal.UUCP
>SysMan RKOpdp (RSTS/E) |         ...!unido!tub!opal!alderaan (Europe)
>D-1000 Berlin 30       |         ...!pyramid!tub!opal!alderaan (World)
>Motzstrasze 14         | BITNET: alderaan%tubopal@DB0TUI11.BITNET (saves $$$)
 
---------------------- Smile, tomorrow will be worse! ------------------
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RFC822: dkhusema@immd4.informatik.uni-erlangen.dbp.de   [BETTER!FASTER!]
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-- Beam me up, Scotty, there's no intelligent life down here! --
------------------- My opinions are mine, mine, mine -------------------
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 10 Nov 89 21:24:55 GMT
From:
 gem.mps.ohio-state.edu!samsung!shadooby!sharkey!math.lsa.umich.edu!hyc@tut.cis.
ohio-state.edu  (Howard Chu)
Subject: MWC errors (was Re: GEM help needed)
 
Something else I noticed with MWC 3.0.x - does your library (libc.a) have
the difftime() routine? Mine didn't. When I ordered the C source for the
library, I noticed that the source file is present but never mentioned anywhere
in the makefile. Thus, it never gets compiled, and no such routine gets into
your C library. Ooops. So there's an example of a routine that's documented
in the manual, but not present in the library. As opposed to all the routines
that are in the library, but never documented...
--
 -=- PrayerMail: Send 100Mbits to holyghost@father.son[127.0.0.1]
 and You Too can have a Personal Electronic Relationship with God!
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 10 Nov 89 19:35:39 GMT
From: rose.cis.ohio-state.edu!thamer@tut.cis.ohio-state.edu  (Mustafa Thamer)
Subject: P/D Command Driven OS?
 
Although the ST DEsktop has its mouse-based advantages, I'm really starting
to miss the MSDOS/UNIX type abilities to just type CD somewhere or
run a program anywhere by typing its name or path, or the advantages
of simple batch files.  I'm getting real tired of clicking my way through the
7 partitions of my 85 meg drive to get to the directory I want just to run
a program.
        Anyone know of a command driven TOS interpreter ala MSDOS that's
public domain.  If not, I'm about to write one.  Although utilities like
Universal Item Selector are good, I haven't seen one as useful as QDOS
is for the IBM.
 
-mustafa
 
 
 
-=-
 
                                "Two days ago I saw a vehicle that'd
                                 haul that tanker.  You wanna get out
                                 of here; you talk to me."
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 10 Nov 89 18:58:39 GMT
From: shlump.nac.dec.com!engage.enet.dec.com!oldtmr!wallace@decuac.dec.com  (Ray
 Wallace)
Subject: ST help for novice?
 
In article <5727@alvin.mcnc.org>, adjones@mcnc.org (Amy D. Jones) writes...
>is...   1)  What is TOS error #35 ?
Strictly speaking it means there are too many files open (or no more files can
be opened). In reality it usualy means the particular file you are trying to
run is corrupted. Sometimes because it was downloaded from another system and
the download was not done correctly.
 
>        2)  Any info about this database ?
Nope.
 
>        3)  Is there a decent book with references on this info (error #s,etc)
See below...
 
>        4)  Favorite magazines?
START is not bad if you want to read a lot of reviews. CURRENT notes (actualy
a THICK club newsletter which reads more like a good magazine) is pretty good
and has a variety of topics.
 
>        5)  How can she update her OS without a local dealer?
Can't answer that one.
 
Ever wondered what those TOS error messages and 'bombs' on your monitor
signified? Below is a letter, originally written by Darryl May, that John
Townsend of Atari posted on GEnie in January to provide some answers. This
letter also appeared in the June 1988 issue of _Current Notes_ (122 N.
Johnson Rd., Sterling, VA 22170).
 
Dear ATARI customer,
 
The following is an official list of the errors that can appear while you
are operating your ST computer. This first list gives you the GEM error
messages:
 
         Error description          GEM Error code
         =========================================
            OK (no error)....................0
            Fundamental error................1
            Drive not ready..................2
            Unknown command..................3
            CRC error........................4
            Bad request......................5
            Seek error.......................6
            Unknown media....................7
            Sector not found.................8
            No paper.........................9
            Write fault.....................10
            Read fault......................11
            General error...................12
            Write protect...................13
            Media change....................14
            Unknown device..................15
            Bad sectors on format...........16
            Insert other disk...............17
            Invalid function number.........32
            File not found..................33
            Path not found..................34
            No handles left.................35 "Handles are required for files
            Access denied...................36  among other things"
            Invalid handle..................37
            Insufficient memory.............39
            Invalid memory block address....40
            Invalid drive specified.........46
            No more files...................49
            Range error.....................64
            Internal error..................65
            Invalid program load format.....66
 
Those bombs that appear on your screen are error messages from the 68000
micro-processor.
 
                                          Number
         Description                     of bombs
         ===========================================
            Reset: Initial PC2...............1
            Bus Error........................2
            Address Error....................3
            Illegal Instruction..............4
            Zero Divide......................5
            CHK Instruction..................6
            TRAPV Instruction................7
            Privilege Violation..............8
            Trace............................9
            Line 1010 Emulator..............10
            Line 1111 Emulator..............11
            [unassigned, reserved]..........12
            [unassigned, reserved]..........13
            Format Error....................14
            Uninitialized Interrupt Vector..15
            [unassigned, reserved].......16-23
            Spurious Interrupt..............24
            Level 1 Interrupt Autovector....25
            Level 2 Interrupt Autovector....26
            Level 3 Interrupt Autovector....27
            Level 4 Interrupt Autovector....28
            Level 5 Interrupt Autovector....29
            Level 6 Interrupt Autovector....30
            Level 7 Interrupt Autovector....31
            Trap Instruction Vectors.....32-47
            [unassigned, reserved].......48-63
            User Interrupt Vectors......64-255
 
Darryl May, Tech Specialist
 
---
Ray Wallace
                (INTERNET,UUCP) wallace@oldtmr.enet.dec.com
                (UUCP)          ...!decwrl!oldtmr.enet!wallace
                (INTERNET)      wallace%oldtmr.enet@decwrl.dec.com
---
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 10 Nov 89 19:24:12 GMT
From: phoenix@g.ms.uky.edu  (R'ykandar Korra'ti)
Subject: Vapourware!!!
 
In article <480035@hpdml93.HP.COM> rona@hpdml93.HP.COM (Ron Abramson) writes:
>I've seen the NEXT machine.  It is very real.
 I've seen the NeXT machine.  It is very slow.
     :-)
     (Display postscript... bleah...)
                                                    - R'ykandar.
--
| R'ykandar Korra'ti, Editor, LOW ORBIT | phoenix@ms.uky.edu | CIS 72406,370 |
| Elfinkind, Unite! | phoenix@ukma.bitnet | PLink: Skywise | QLink: Bearclaw |
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 10 Nov 89 18:12:00 GMT
From: acf5!mitsolid@nyu.edu  (Thanasis Mitsolides)
Subject: What does the TT Buy me??
 
/* acf5:comp.sys.atari.st / gl8f@astsun8.astro.Virginia.EDU (Greg Lindahl) /
 10:48 pm  Nov  9, 1989 */
>the TT is very
>competetive compared to the Mac.
 
In performance maybe. (Because the Macs are slow (no cash)) (compare with 386)
 
In support?
Compare Atari support with Apple support?
 
Do you mean software? Like the OS updates, the multi-finder vs TOS 1.4?
Do you mean hardware? The Mac IIci vs the Mega 4?
 
Thanasis
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 10 Nov 89 19:30:07 GMT
From: phoenix@g.ms.uky.edu  (R'ykandar Korra'ti)
Subject: What does the TT Buy me??
 
/*Line eater death from above*/
 
Answering a couple of questions and offering a suggestion.
 
In article <46c15364.20b6d@apollo.HP.COM> rehrauer@apollo.HP.COM (Steve
 Rehrauer) writes:
>    Didn't C= design the A2000 with some slots that accept PC cards?
     Yes. The same with the 2500. Don't know about the 3000, since it
isn't ready to market yet.,
>    Perhaps we should undertake to write [an Atari ST emulator]?
     AMax, a Macintosh emulator for the Amiga, requires a hardware box
in which you insert legally-purchased Macintosh ROMs. You may wish to
consider a similar approach. (Their box also included special circutry
to allow you to use a Mac drive, something that would be unnecessary
for a ST emulator, since Atari didn't screw up THEIR floppy system...) :-)
                                                   - R'ykandar.
--
| R'ykandar Korra'ti, Editor, LOW ORBIT | phoenix@ms.uky.edu | CIS 72406,370 |
| Elfinkind, Unite! | phoenix@ukma.bitnet | PLink: Skywise | QLink: Bearclaw |
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 10 Nov 89 19:20:13 GMT
From: phoenix@g.ms.uky.edu  (R'ykandar Korra'ti)
Subject: What does the TT Buy me??
 
/* Line eater death from above */
 
Just a point of information. Skip if you don't care.
 
In article <2245@hudson.acc.virginia.edu> gl8f@astsun8.astro.Virginia.EDU (Greg
 Lindahl) writes:
>Few if any other vendors supply this sort of capability. [To upgrade the
>CPU in your computer]
     Several companies offer this solution, actually. Every maker of a
backplane-based system. Commodore-Amiga. Even (gasp!) IBM, if you're talking
about going from a 386 to a 486. Zenith had some very nice backplane units
with processor boards, some years ago; they stopped making them for several
reasons, most of which escape me right now.
     A company which shall remain nameless has already announced that they'll
have a 68040 board for current systems when the 68040 becomes available in
large quantities.
     I think offering a processor upgrade path would make the Atari line
more interesting to the buyer. Official memory upgrade paths would do the
same. I've seen more than one person turned off by "you mean, I have to go
third party to put in more RAM? I think I'll look at this other machine..."
                                             Just two cents worth
                                             (not counting inflation),
                                                  - R'ykandar.
 
                                                     - R'ykandar.
--
| R'ykandar Korra'ti, Editor, LOW ORBIT | phoenix@ms.uky.edu | CIS 72406,370 |
| Elfinkind, Unite! | phoenix@ukma.bitnet | PLink: Skywise | QLink: Bearclaw |
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 10 Nov 89 19:56:00 GMT
From: oahu!stephen@cs.ucla.edu  (Steve Whitney)
Subject: What does the TT Buy me??
 
In article <13199@s.ms.uky.edu> phoenix@ms.uky.edu (R'ykandar Korra'ti) writes:
[quote deleted]
#     A company which shall remain nameless has already announced that they'll
#have a 68040 board for current systems when the 68040 becomes available in
#large quantities.
#     I think offering a processor upgrade path would make the Atari line
#more interesting to the buyer. Official memory upgrade paths would do the
#same. I've seen more than one person turned off by "you mean, I have to go
#third party to put in more RAM? I think I'll look at this other machine..."
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but as I understand it, VME is a multimaster bus
which means that you can plug another processor board in there and let
it control the system.  Perhaps this is one of the reasons Atari chose to
use an expensive bus standard.
 
 
#                                             (not counting inflation),
#                                                  - R'ykandar.
#
#                                                     - R'ykandar.
#--
#| R'ykandar Korra'ti, Editor, LOW ORBIT | phoenix@ms.uky.edu | CIS 72406,370 |
#| Elfinkind, Unite! | phoenix@ukma.bitnet | PLink: Skywise | QLink: Bearclaw |
 
 
Steve Whitney   "It's never _really_ the last minute"       (())_-_(())
UCLA Comp. Sci. Grad. Student                                | (* *) |
Internet: stephen@cs.ucla.edu              UCLA Bruin-->    ?  \_@_/  ?
GEnie:    S.WHITNEY                                           `-----'
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Fri, 10 NOV 89 16:32:22
From: WOODALLP%VAX1.COMPUTER-CENTRE.BIRMINGHAM.AC.UK@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU
 
I posted a message to the net about a British program called Music DTP, this
was a music typesetting prog for the ST. At the time of posting I could not
find the address, however I have found it so here it is.
 
Take Control
Jonic House
Speedwell Road
Hay Mills
Birmingham
B25 8EU
ENGLAND
 
Reports indicate that the PostScript driver is near completion and if it looks
as good as the SLM804 output that I have seen then it will be impressive. A
review can be found in Octobers ST-World. If anyone Stateside cannot get a
copy of the review then post any queries to me and I will try and relate to
you the info it contains.
 
Phil Woodall
 
WOODALLP@UK.AC.BHAM.VAX1 University Of Birmingham (Elec Eng Dept)
 
****"The Knee is the Achilles Heel of the Leg" : Someone Else****
 
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End of INFO-ATARI16 Digest V89 Issue #632
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