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: 
INFO-ATARI16 Digest         Sun, 28 Jan 90       Volume 90 : Issue  107
 
Today's Topics:
             DUCK31.PRG and BMS, old SH204 host adaptors
                      FrankenSTein and Revolver
                      Reposting of Bounced Mail
                          Shareware Policy.
                      Sozobon <time.h> question
             Spectre-GCR (was Re: MAC Emulator on ATARI)
                        The STE and Multisyncs
                           Unix Windows ...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Date: 27 JAN 90 11:08:55 CST
From: Z4648252 <Z4648252%SFAUSTIN.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu>
Subject: DUCK31.PRG and BMS, old SH204 host adaptors
Message-ID: <900127.11082975.014492@SFA.CP6>
 
Hello all,
 
    From letters that I've received, and this isn't final since there
are bound to be 'silent sufferers', DUCK31.PRG doesn't work with BMS 100
host adaptors and a number of very old (first release???) Atari SH 204
host adaptors.  Letters received have been very positive from those who
basically wonder what and where the problem is and are the majority.  Five
STers are having problems (I've received about forty pieces of mail).
    My main error in writng DUCK31.PRG was that I assumed that STs had
no problem in reading the floppy drive during bootup via the A:/AUTO/
sequence AND (!!!) hard drive 'spin up'.  None of the local STs have
a problem, hence, I do a floppy data file read during bootup.  A BIG
NO NO!!!  Well, maybe a little NO NO since most STs have no problems.  My
goal was to make a delay program very easy to configure without use of
program renames or document processors for the delay value.  Lesson #1
from a hobbiest programmer who knows not much of 'nutin about programming,
don't assume that all ST bolt-ons and ST computers behave the same way
because they don't.
    So, regarding DUCK31.PRG, use at your own risk.  It may or may not
work.  If it does, it makes life a lot sweeter with hard drive use, if
it doesn't work...oh well.  Such is life.
    The following is a comment by STeve Jacobs:
 
"The problem you describe sounds like the dreaded SCSI-Reset-timing problem
(most often seen with an ST296N connected to a BMS-100).  Basically, the
drive controller gets reset m essages the wrong duration and with the wrong
timing, according to the SCSI standard, and locks up.  It takes all floppy
communication with it.  The problem is 100% hardware, and the solution has
to be hardware too.  The recommended solution is to send the BMS-100 and $75
to BMS in exchange for a BMS-200, which treats drives better.
                                        Steve J."
 
 
Larry Rymal:  |East Texas Atari 68NNNers| <Z4648252@SFAUSTIN.BITNET>
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 90 17:02:00 EST
From: Greg Csullog <01659%AECLCR.bitnet@ugw.utcs.utoronto.ca>
Subject: FrankenSTein and Revolver
Message-ID: <90Jan27.170350est.58970@ugw.utcs.utoronto.ca>
 
I called the Revolver support number (I apologize but I cannot
remember the name of the person I was speaking with) and it seems
that Revolver crashes are related to the fact that my
FrankenSTein board does not allow the RAM chips to refresh
properly (the cable leads to the board are too long). I was told
that bits above the standard 1 meg on my 1040STF will be flakey
and I can expect future crashes. I tried calling Canoe Computers
in Alberta (they make the board) today but no answer. I want to
speak with Canoe to see if there is a work around.
 
As an aside, I raised the issue of being able to roll out of ST
RAM partitions on the ST to PC and Mac partitions and I was told
that Revolver comes with the source code to do just that. All
that is needed is Dave Small to provide a jump back from Mac mode
(currently Dave checks for RAM fragmentation and will not let
Spectre run if a fragmenter like Revolver is active) or for a PC
emulator group to write a jumper to have the 68000 regain
control. Once this is done, PC, Mac and Atari modes would be
accessible by simply rolling between RAM partitions. IMAGINE
having PC, Mac and ST modes simultaneously in RAM and being able
to switch between them. That would make Revolver a HOT HOT
product.
 
As I was told today, Revolver is only selling 15 copies a month.
That's a shame because it is one of the best codes ever written
for the ST. C'mon Dave and PC emulator folks; give us the
ultimate computer by allowing simultaneous PC, Mac and ST modes
in memory partitions.
 
 
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 90 16:57:00 EST
From: Greg Csullog <01659%AECLCR.bitnet@ugw.utcs.utoronto.ca>
Subject: Reposting of Bounced Mail
Message-ID: <90Jan27.165836est.58957@ugw.utcs.utoronto.ca>
 
Lately, I had postings to the net bounce; turns out a new mailing address
is being used. The following is a repost of one message.
 
Subject:  STE Problems (Word Plus)
To:       <INFO-ATARI16@SCORE.STANFORD.EDU>
 
The new STE has given me less than memorable moments (an addendum
sheet to the manual rather than an update sheet, no demo
software to show off its features, a save desktop bug that needs
an AUTO folder correction, Word Perfect won't run, Neodesk won't
run, ....). Now, I find that Word Plus is flakey. After a double
click to launch the application, about 3 or 4 times out of 10 the
code will actually run. Alternatively I get 2, 3 or 4 bombs (the
dual bombs freeze the STE). Some of the time the message ILLEGAL
AES INSTRUCTION pops up. The STE has been a real pain so far.
 
Another problem; once in a while a double click on an appl brings
up the show/print/cancel dialog box because the system does not
recognize that a .prg file has been accessed. What the heck is
going on with the new TOS????
 
Earlier on the net I had posted a note about problems with the
FrankenSTein memory upgrade board. While I am still having these
problems, at least Canoe Computers, the supplier, is providing
excellent feedback trying to solve my problems. Hopefully, I can
get a working board soon so I can crank up REVOLVER on my STF
at my workplace.
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 90  17:03 GMT
From: Jan Ameij <AMEIJ%vax.oxford.ac.uk@NSFnet-Relay.AC.UK>
Subject: Shareware Policy.
 
Hello friends.
 
I was wandering round the local newsagents when my eye fell on the latest issue
of ST-world. Inside (for it feel open in my hand) was an article saying that
the latest issue of Quick-ST was to be commercial, not shareware, because the
authors were not getting enough shareware contributions. I am not too bothered
by this particular piece of software (when I tried Quick ST it caused endless
difficulties and with real relief I deleted it. That's why _I_ didn't pay a
shareware fee!), but it reminds me of something that's been bugging me for a
while...
 
I think shareware is a dead good idea, but I do think authors could make things
easier for us users who are willing to pay. To wit, how are we Europeans
supposed to get the dosh to North Maerican authors? Have you thought of that,
eh? After all, Europe is the spiritual home of the ST, but NA is on the fringe.
I can write cheques in any European currency, as can most over here, but
practically nobody can easily send money to America. The same maybe applies to
americans wanting to pay for European shareware...
 
So, can't shareware writers do a bit of collection exchanging? Ask an active
author on the other side to collect the money and forward it as a lump, do the
same for her, and publicize both collection points in the "About Burble" bit.
 
Just a suggestion, but I think it's a good one. And I might even try Quick ST
if I could try it first. After my previous experience I wouldn't touch a
commercial version with a bargepole!
 
Well that's about all.
 
Love, Me.
 
PS I saw some undergraduate kiddy from somewhere saying that C is obviously the
only programming language in use, because he only applies for C programming
jobs. Has the concept of self-selection influencing statistical samples
penetrated over there? Mind you, I agree that Basic stinks, though all these
XYZ QuackBasics etc seem to have their followers. In the engineering world
though, Fortran is still King. It's not ideal, but at least one can be sure
that for any decent computer anywhere in the world there will be a Fortran IV
compiler, if not an F-77 one. I write C too, in fact mainly now, but anyone
thinking it's the standard is deluding him/herself. When there is a standard C
(and I see ISO is not going to take the ANSI standard) and not two or three it
may have a chance. Gosh, what a long letter. Sorry pals.
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 90 23:30:06 EST
From: Dave Davis <ddavis@APG-EMH5.APG.ARMY.MIL>
Subject: Sozobon <time.h> question
Message-ID: <9001272330.aa22145@BRL-VGR.APG-EMH5.APG.ARMY.MIL>
 
        Can anyone supply a short example of working code which uses the
'start_timer' and 'time_since' functions?   I've been playing around
trying to time the execution of some code, but haven't been able to get
a working program as of yet.  (Probably due to a lack of understanding
of the correct syntax needed).  Thanks in advance!
 
        BTW the program in question does contain '#include <time.h>', so
this is not the problem.
 
dave davis
ddavis@apg-emh5.apg.army.mil
 
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 26 Jan 90 18:45:18 GMT
From: ogicse!littlei!omepd!iwarp.intel.com!news@ucsd.edu  (Randal Schwartz)
Subject: Spectre-GCR (was Re: MAC Emulator on ATARI)
Message-ID: <1990Jan26.184518.7091@iwarp.intel.com>
 
In article <3280@iitmax.IIT.EDU>, demosxs@iitmax (Sisanouk Sopha) writes:
|
|     I would like to buy an Atari machine that capable of doing a Macintosh
| Emulation using add-on card. Couple years ago I heard there is such a product.
| i wonder if they still have it. Do anybody know where can i get this product
| and have anyone experienced using it? How much does it cost? (the whole
 system)
|     Thanks for your reply....I'm appreciated.
 
Where's this person been?
 
Spectre GCR allows Mac emulation at slightly-faster-than-mac speeds
(unless you have the 16MHz upgrade like I do, in which case it is a
*lot* faster), including reading and writing Mac-formatted disks.  Its
little brother (still called Magic SAC?  I dunno) reads a certain kind
of Mac disk, but not just any kind.  It's available at most fine ST
stores, or by mail order, I imagine.
 
The emulation is so complete that it is even susceptible to Mac
viruses!
 
Just another ST owner (with an occasional Mac screen popping up),
--
/=Randal L. Schwartz, Stonehenge Consulting Services (503)777-0095 ==========\
| on contract to Intel's iWarp project, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, Sol III      |
| merlyn@iwarp.intel.com ...!any-MX-mailer-like-uunet!iwarp.intel.com!merlyn |
\=Cute Quote: "Welcome to Portland, Oregon, home of the California Raisins!"=/
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 90 17:08:00 EST
From: Greg Csullog <01659%AECLCR.bitnet@ugw.utcs.utoronto.ca>
Subject: The STE and Multisyncs
Message-ID: <90Jan27.170924est.58957@ugw.utcs.utoronto.ca>
 
The STE is supposed to support large screen monitors like the MONITERM 19"
beast. My guess is that a message is sent to GEM telling it the resolution
of the output device. Am I right? If so, if a call to GEM tells it that
my output device (in this case my OMNIMON rainbow) supports 1024x768, does
this mean I can put that many pixels on the screen. Please be kind with
your replies, I am not hardware oriented.
 
If I can make such a GEM call, how do I do it?
 
------------------------------
 
Date: 27 Jan 90 23:11:16 GMT
From: zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!math.lsa.umich.edu!hyc@tut.cis.ohio-state.edu
 (Howard Chu)
Subject: Unix Windows ...
Message-ID: <10727@stag.math.lsa.umich.edu>
 
In article <1990Jan27.165528.2696@gpu.utcs.utoronto.ca>
 romwa@gpu.utcs.utoronto.ca (Royal Ontario Museum) writes:
>I just ftp'd to get uw from him1.  It looks as if this is for the Mac.
>Does something like this exist for the ST?  If so, are there special
>Unix requirements (sockets?).
 
The latest Atari ST implementation, with the hacks from the guys at
Lachman Associates, is on terminator [35.1.33.8].
 
The Unix-Windows protocol was originally written to support the Mac.
The Mac version supports a few features the ST version doesn't have,
like Tektronix emulation. (That is, the Mac client. The Unix server
works fine with either.)
 
To run the Unix side you need Berkeley sockets and pseudo-ttys. (Or
a lot of patience to reimplement all of that under streams...!)
--
  -- Howard Chu @ University of Michigan
 
------------------------------
 
End of INFO-ATARI16 Digest V90 Issue #107
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