Z TIPS. Description of VMENU (and MENU) in Chapter 5 of ZCPR3: The Manual
covers most aspects of the program. One thing not made clear is the use of
SHCTRL in connection with changing directories and file displays. A useful
command line within VMN script is: SHCTRL P;DU:;VMENU *.* fn.VMN. Shell
stack is popped; next, log-in to pre-established directory with new menu
screen with wild card file display of area. Of course, put in your desired
DU:, file mask for other than all files, and name of your VMN file. Give menu
line a one character (letter or digit, alphanumeric) name.
Anyone using ZDMH debugger in interrupt-driven systems, e.g., SB180,
should make sure three locations: 0CB1H, 0CCAH, and 0E11H have 0FBH values,
not standard non-interrupt 0F3H. Echelon ZDM/ZDMZ/ZDMH debugger manual
implies these changes have already been made--they have not! Simply load
ZDMH.COM into memory using ZDM.COM (or DDT.COM). Using D command, display
values. If not 0FBH, change using S command. Tip comes from ZDM author, Bob
Doolittle. "Changes keep interrupts enabled at all times. You can still
disable interrupts with the DI command when entering the target program but
they will be enabled again when ZDMH regains control." Bob, thanks for
information.
More Graphics. Untouched film-strip photographs of a Wyse 50+ amber screen
clearly show straight lines, boxes, windows, and pull down menus provided by
Echelon graphics routines. Graphics package is offered for $49.00 with how-
to-use documentation, Item 28 on EI Price List. Don't forget to download
graphics demo from your local Z-Node. Look for file GRDEMO.LBR. Enjoy.
"Five CRT screen photos showing graphics and windows."
Incidentally, file ZL.ZEX in GRDEMO.LBR is a good example by ZRDOS author,
Dennis Wright, of a "quiet" ZEX batch processing file. Many of you have had
trouble getting ZEX to do what you wished; ZL.ZEX may be of assistance in your
search for quiet.
Z-Node Activity. More nodes going online. Clinton Cook, Merced, CA 95348,
converts his existing RAS (remote access system) to become Node #54 with
209/383-6417 modem number. Clinton runs an Ampro with 10 megabytes of hard
disk storage.
Roger Warren, San Diego, CA 92109, takes over Z-Node #9 with 619/270-
3148, assisting coverage of vast state of California. Roger also runs an
Ampro. (What would our world be like without Little Board computing
machines!)
Ron Stone, Z-Node #5, Lisle, IL, puts 40 megabytes online. Z-Node
Central goes to 20 megabytes. More files and data, data and files. Where
does it lead; to increased understanding, to wisdom? We WONDER.
Speaking of more, ZCPRM3/B3 and ZRDOS3 (Z-News 401) will permit several
callers to simultaneously communicate with a single-computer RAS. Of course,
RAS must employ multiple phone lines--new era for Z-Nodes and 8-bit BBSs soon
begins.
Amateur Z User's Corner. ASCII (American Standard Code for Information
Interchange) can be either 7 or 8 bits for data. The rest of transmission
byte (word in this case) consists of start, stop (could be two), and parity
bits. Start and stop bits are used to establish beginning and ending of each
word. That's simple enough but the parity bit is usually a source of
confusion, to anyone not already having an understanding.
The parity bit may be used simply to make the word length correct for the
transmission protocol. Then it's fixed, included as "mark" or "space." Terms
mark and space are carry-overs from the days of teletypewriters (TTY). Mark
is high or true bit state, loop current flowing, i.e., a one; space, a zero or
false state. Parity, when actively used, tells of a possible transmission
error at the receiving terminal. Value of parity bit is determined by sum of
bits in particular byte, and may be either odd or even, depending on
convention selected.
Even parity tells receiving computer that data bits in transmitted word
add up to an even number, i.e, number of ones and number of zeros sum to an
even number, 2, 4, or 6. On receive, if sum is not even, an error probably
occurred. The parity bit on transmit is made either a one or a zero to make
the sum even. The letter "A" would be sent as 01000001 and the letter "C" as
11000011. Without even parity, it would be 01000011, standard ASCII 8-bit
value.
Most microcomputing systems don't use parity to catch transmission
errors, but instead use a block (a group of bytes, usually 128 bytes up to
packets of 16k-bytes) error detection method called CRC, cyclic redundancy
check. CRC provides more reliable indication of errors existing in a block of
bytes than possible with parity checking. Presently, CRC methods are used for
disk data recording and telephone communication checking and co-exists with
parity-bit testing, latter mainly for solid state memory (RAM) checking.
From Our Mail Box. Ron Crain (32881 Robinhood, Birmingham, MI 48010,
313/646-5159) has installed ZCPR3 on both a CompuPro 85/88 and an Otrona.
"Even though Otrona is out of business, an Attache with the Z-System is about
the most effective portable around." Ron, please make both installations
available by placing instructions and necessary programs in LBR file and
uploading to Z-Node Central. Of course, leave ZRDOS out of upload, as a
license is required for its use. We encourage free distribution among users
of ZCPR3 installations to promote having it run on as many machines as
possible. Also, Ron is looking for WordStar/LaserJet page printer software.
We suggest Newword; see Z-News 402 and 403 for more details.
"I gather that some people are unaware that Rick Conn's original ALIAS
(requiring custom assembly for each system) is the only one (as far as I know)
which does not require an initialized environment, therefore is most useful
for creating STARTUP.COM without having to initialize ENV in BIOS. Might be
worth a mention." Note comes from Dreas Nielsen, Corvallis, OR. Yes, this
clears up a mystery that many have wondered about.
"What terminals can your graphics package be used with?" asks Malcolm
Aukerman (Newport, IN). We are compiling a list of terminals that work, first
with graphics and second, handle windows. Task is not trivial because we
haven't been able to find an up-to-date single-source for terminal
information. (We own two copies of "A Programmer's Guide to Video Display
Terminals," by David Stephens, but more details are required than these books
contain.) We are working with terminal vendors now and hopefully will receive
sufficient information from them to develop a comprehensive, accurate list.
Stay with us.
"The May/June issue of Micro/Systems Journal will carry a construction
article on how to build an HD64180 S-100 CPU card the easy way. You might
want to tell your newsletter readers to look for it." Sol Libes, Editor and
Co-Publisher writes. "We would be interested in doing a review of the Z-
System. Let me know if you are interested." Yes, we are interested.
Certainly someone will volunteer to write.
Many have asked, "Why get Discat when NCAT is in the public domain?"
Several reasons: 1) Discat is much faster in handling catalogs with more than
about 50 diskettes, because of efficient database technique and the use of
working catalog concept. Really quick updates are made to working catalog.
When computer has nothing more pressing to do, working catalog is merged with
one or more master catalogs. Yes, more than one master catalog is possible.
2) Discat software modules work together like other Z-System utilities, are
screen-oriented and installed with Z3INS. Menus, either MENU, VMENU, or
VFILER CMD, are used to control all functions, from putting names on disk,
updating catalogs, to removing names. Every operation may be from command
line or performed from a menu, one you can easily change. 3) You support
Echelon, the company that continues to support 8-bit upward-compatible CP/M
world. (Review Z-News 401 for our plans.) Most others have abandoned origins
of microcomputing to pursue simply making money; they troop (Zeffirelli, Z-
News 304). We strive to achieve something higher, with making money a fall-
out; we believe you agree with our philosophy.
From Charlotte, NC, Mr. Carey Dowd writes, "Please ask Echelon staff to
take it easy on the Zinfandel--my local merchant is out!" We are told staff
uses only as much Zinfandel as they need to get through the day, to make rough
places plain.
Potpourri. Idea-processing program, called Out-Think, offered in streamlined
version for only $49.95 (Z-News 007). Runs on any ZCPR3, Z-System, or CP/M
2.2 system that has at least 48k-bytes of TPA memory, and 200k-bytes of disk
storage. Now here's a bargain--greatly assists organizing thoughts and
textual material. New version is more memory-based than original, much faster
and easier to both understand and use. Call or write Kamasoft, Inc. (formerly
Compusophic Systems), 2525 S.W. 224th Ave., Aloha, OR 97006, 503/649-3765.
They accept credit card orders.
Those wishing to obtain literature on Kodak flexible disk drives, 2.8,
5.2, and 10.0 megabytes of formatted storage mentioned in Z-News 309, should
call 716/724-7522; ask for Mr. Martin McFadden. Trust lots of computer
manufacturers (OEMs) are considering one or more of these beauties for use in
their next-generation machines.
More information on QMS's $1,995.00 laser printer "KISS" (Z-News 401) can
be gained by calling Mr. Robert Girola at 205/633-4300.
Congratulations to Bruce Morgen and his premiere issue of The One-Eighty
Filetm newsletter, a welcome addition to exciting world of high-performance 8-
bit computing. If you own an HD64180-based computer, e.g., Micromint SB180,
Magnum Digital PRO-180, Intelligent Computer Designs XL-M180, etc., this is
your newsletter. Twelve issues are offered for $15.00. Order by calling
215/443-9031, or write NAOG, P.O. Box 2781, Warminster, PA 18974.
Comment Line. When we started Z-News nearly two years ago many said
supplying information to customers every two weeks was over-doing it. Most
companies have newsletters that come out every three months, some not at all.
We thought our community deserved something more--so a fortnighter was
conceived and born. We regret not that moment our spirit was driven to such
lengths: a fortnighter. It sounded good to us then, and still does now.
Our culture is undergoing a radical change and many see it not. Those
that have lost their jobs, jobs no longer necessary because of changes in
technology, they know of what we speak. Labor is so cheap "off-shore" we can
not use USAians in many tasks that Orientals can do. Our world is small
because of jet airplane travel and satellite communications, goods can be
produced and shipped here at lower cost than we can make them ourselves. Our
work ethic is such we have trouble striving for improved ways to produce
higher and higher quality. Orientals are just becoming materialistic, as we
have been for 50 or more years--we are jaded, but still appreciate value and
quality. As we stated in Z-News 308, "Reason we buy Japanese imports is same
reason they wouldn't buy ours, no matter how fair and easy the marking
channels. Ignore scape-goats, increase value." We investigate same subject
from many angles in other newsletters, always with one view: it's up to you
and me. We are IT.
We have come far without much understanding primarily because of
blessings of heritage, our natural location with resources of water, land, and
weather. We are rich because of them and much inefficiency could, until now,
be tolerated and still we were superior. But no more. New thinking and new
ways are needed if we are to stay superior. We welcome thoughts on these
matters. See you down the lines...
Echelon, Inc.
885 N. San Antonio Road
Los Altos, CA 94022 USA
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central (RAS): 415/489-9005
Z-News 404 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission
to reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is
given to Echelon.
