Z Tips. Just a reminder to Term3, Release 2, users...T3MASTER/T3SERVER
requires an 8-bit data path to permit binary file transfers. Such path is
easily provided in typical BIOSs by commenting-out the usual CONIN/CONOUT
subroutine mask that makes data 7-bit. Scan, using your editor, for an "ANI
7FH" in these two routines, place a ";" to comment the lines or remove them by
deleting entire lines. Re-assemble your BIOS and re-install. Or you may wish
to use ZDM on an memory image of your "system" to find string "E6 7F" and
replace with two NOPs. "E6" is op-code value for ANI. Make sure string is
near RS-232 port address, port used by computer-to-computer connection--it'll
be the one we want to fix. Then SYSGEN saved image back to outer tracks of
your boot disk. That's it, ready to transfer files over RS-232
console/printer-type serial ports.
Screen dynamics using Term3 in batch file transfer mode are impressive.
Complete reporting, i.e., what is happening, fully screen-oriented, from file
synchronization to block transfer status, file name, and cumulative and each
type and occurrence error-count. KMD and Term3 work perfectly together, using
either 128- or 1k-byte packets. Be sure to declare batch mode from T3FILER
transfer menu, or from your command line, after you make multiple-file request
at RAS command line.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
From Our Mail Box. Professor Leslie Clark (Edgewater, NJ), in a thoughtful
four-page letter, gives sound advise on how to communicate with our vast and
diverse audience of Z users. Parenthetically, "I know that I am not stupid--
though I cannot say that all professors are at all above average in this
respect, so I make no special claims for myself...and I know my students are
far smarter than I am." What is smart? Understand concept of "levels of
understanding" and you understand difficulty of teaching or explaining
anything not already understood. Who teaches and who learns? Hand holding,
we think of. We believe Z-System User's Guide has tutorial style Prof. Clark
declares desirable. Book makes less assumptions about knowledge-base of
reader than does usual EI documentation. Our challenge is scope of effort
necessary to explain everything we do from "the beginning." Our English
grammar and style can be improved but barrier remains: scarcity of time and
space in which to thoroughly explain. We act as we do based on priorities of
running a business, keeping customer support reasonable, all within bounds of
our monetary means. Please tell us what we should do next, over that done by
Z-System User's Guide, Price List Item 88, $14.95 plus $4.00 shipping and
handling.
We have been asked: Yes, we like National 32332 32-bit pipelined chip,
but only if it lives up to its specification. (NS32016 is impressive running
Berkeley 4.2bsd Unix, see Symmetric benchmarks versus 68000 machines, Z-News
409 and 501.) Might just be what we need for desktop Ada Language program
development if a compiler ever becomes available for NS32332. Could Richard
and Dennis convert Z-System to run with it? Yes, we think they could.
On the other hand, Fairchild's 32-bit CLIPPER chip set looks interesting,
but pricey. Running at 33mHz, set achieves throughput of DEC VAX 8600 (equals
five 11/780s, fifty IBM PCs with 8087), similar to out-of-production 11/785.
Floating-point performance exceeds one megaflop, a million floating point
calculations per second. Uses tight 1.2 micron CMOS technology (HD64180 uses
2.0) to achieve such high clock rates. Certainly a next-generation superchip
combination.
� "The best prophet for the future is the present."--Chinese Proverb
While on subject, let's not fail to mention, though only having 16-bit
bus, Performance Semiconductor Corporation's MIL-STD-1750A computer chip using
0.8 micron technology with metal pitch of 2.75 microns, closest ever! Has
over 200,000 transistors integrated, with 0.6 microsecond integer multiply,
1.1 microsecond 32-bit floating point multiply--all onchip in low-power CMOS.
Runs at 40mHz clock rate! Now that's fast...for more information, including
prices, call or write them, 610 E. Weddell Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089,
408/734-9000. Silicon-chip pioneer Tom Longo, President, wants your business.
Company's technology is on cutting edge of microcomputer's future. Only those
with deep pockets need apply.
Do we personally need performance offered by such technology; can we
afford it? Again, a variation of that price versus performance question. If
you need it you somehow get the money to buy it. Little life appears left for
traditional (1966-1985) minicomputers--they get replaced by micros and super-
micros. But, for up-to-medium-size activities, we feel Z-System supported
computers do jobs best, with Term3 connecting to outside-world machines.
Your letters are a major source of inspiration, telling us what you
think. Please keep writing and sending them...you hear? Also write other
publications telling your thoughts. Thank you!
Z-Node Activity. Larry Mansfield, after being down for 5 months, is up with
his new S-100 bus Zenith Z100. Z-Node #41, back with 10 megabytes of storage,
supports traffic from Baltimore, MD. Locals (and others who wish to know how
he installed ZCPR3 on an 8085-based computer) should call, 301/254-6277, and
welcome him back. Better luck this time (his original H89 caught fire!) with
your equipment, Larry.
Coincidentally, Jay Denebeim's Z-Node #42 is called "Deep Thought 42" as
is super microcomputer detailed in Z-News 502. (Recall, Jay wrote imaginative
ZBYE, an RCP running as BYE, a system segment answering telephone of a RAS,
remote access bulletin board and file-transfer system). Douglas Adams's
science fiction book, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, from merry old
England, has had big impact on citizens of USA. Surely Jay will want to run
his node from a SemiDisk Systems DT42 computer! Oh! Wow! What a trip that
would be.
Common Cause. Let's recap where Z-System stands with hardware manufacturers
(OEMs) and how these companies fit into our computing marketplace.
SBC S100 STE Packaged
Ampro Intelligent Computer Designs Dean Micro Systems Ampro
Micromint Magnum Digital Performance Interconnect Heath/Zenith 89/90
SemiDisk Kaypro
Oneac Zicomp
Starting with Ampro. They have a dual role, providing complete computer
systems and single boards from which complete systems can be constructed.
Ampro is stable and conservative, providing sound, reliable hardware with full
customer support. They fix what is not right, both software and hardware,
with many dealers world-wide handling their product. You can't do better if
you need what their hardware provides.
Oneac's Z80 machines are first of RAM-based microcomputers (Z-News 408
and 501). Using latest techniques, totally menu-driven system is so fast it
makes so-called 16-bit machines feel harsh and seem slow. Uniquely designed
for personal, small office, and programming efficiency. It does not make you
�wait, doesn't waste your time...it's ready when you are!
Z80-based Kaypro becomes a modern computer with Echelon-produced bootable
disk Z-System. Package comes with easy to understand beginner's manual. Keep
your Kaypro; update with Z!
Heath and Zenith Model H/Z89 and H/Z90 machines stay young with
Analytical Products (Z-News 405 and 502) bootable disks and enhanced BIOS.
Acquire Peter Shkabara's implementation to bring 89/90s into world of second
half of 1980s.
Zicomp makes an interesting multi-user Z80-based machine using Z. More
information can be obtained by calling or writing them, 59 Mount Hermon Road,
Scotts Valley, CA 95066, 408/438-1624, Mr. Sylvan Stephani, President.
Long-of-tooth, nonetheless Z80s serve well in cost-conscious appli-
cations. Most new applications use HD64180/Z180 if chip-integration functions
are required, results in lower overall cost--usually does, just from printed
circuit board space saved. Increased performance from chip is bonus.
Now HD64180-based single board and S-100 computers. Hitachi chip offers
significant increase in performance over a Z80. Software is just being writ-
ten to take full advantage of its hardware features. ZAS, ZCPR/B3 and /M3 (Z-
News 401 and 406) presently are being redesigned to take such advantage.
Micromint's SB180 has shown what a fully bundled modern OS and this chip can
do. A satisfying project! But SemiDisk's DT42 takes it to next logical step:
high clock rates and large amounts of fast RAM. Just as Oneac computer sets
trend, a new way of thinking about personal computers, DT42 moves to other
levels of functionality and versatility (notice benchmarks in Z-News 409 and
501, description in 502).
Magnum Digital and ICD both have super S-100 boards, each with different
personality, running Z-System. Each have advantages, running at 9.216mHz
clock rates, in upgrading existing S-100 card cages. These boards bring new-
life, speed and flexibility, to S-100 market.
PII (Performance Interconnect, Inc., Z-News 409) puts the 64180 solidly
in the software development, graphics work station, and industrial ROMable
code worlds. Dean essentially does in England what PII is doing in USA,
supporting STE and VME bus markets with 8-bit hardware and software.
Great flame sprang from brilliant spark, Richard Conn's ZCPR3, blazing
into Z-System fueled by Dennis Wright's ZRDOS--now a roaring fire!
"Thou hast planted them, yea, They have taken root:
they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit:
thou are near in their mouth,
and far from their reins."--Jeremiah 12:2
We come to the decision--many have already made it without trying Z-
System and experiencing its power on their machines--to be or not to be! Most
have simply presumed Z-System not as good as claimed and leaped onto IBM's
band wagon: drone using clone is order of the day, similar to situation with
prime-time network television viewing. Such we grieve to tell you is the
case. But we do what we can to show what Z can do, to get users involved and
not simply be consumers. Continue to work with high-performance 8-bit
machines--there is much unexplored potential in them--or go with crowd, go
with IBM, decision crisis point, your moment of truth!
Digressing, we were recently asked if one should go beyond using a
computer, to learn how a computer works, then how the parts are make, and
finally into the physics of metals and semiconductors (of materials). Our
answer was "learn as much as you can, at all levels." Therein, understanding!
Become your own expert across-the-board.
Wondering a little. The DT42 is a wonderful non-biological machine, one
�fully exploiting advantages of high-performance 8-bit software. And because
it's so flexible you have lots of learning to go through to use it to full
capability. Many of us have two or more computers assisting our living
activities. DT42 has video monitor channel plus three (3) serial and two (2)
parallel ports, one a SASI; co-board has a fully implemented SCSI port. Think
of the I/O Redirection opportunities and local and wide area networks to be
set up--data and control in our hands. You can do it with a little study,
some change of attitude.
Decisions, decisions: 1) be a consumer or 2) be a learner of what you are
about: completely up to you, path chosen. "To be or not to be!"
In summary, many boards and systems exist, from Ampro to Zicomp, as
alternatives to "you know what." Sadly, vast majority have already chosen
without consciously understanding result of their actions. You who stay with
8-bit, upward compatible to CP/M-80 systems, have lots of adventure ahead. In
addition to getting your work efficiently done using vast amount of available
software, think of mental trip you'll be on--truly outstanding! We say no
more...
Lunch Break. Really good news! High Tech Research, Bill Nesting, President,
produces K-20 computers. Taking over stock of Kaypro 10s (cases and other
mechanical hardware), company manufactures 20-megabyte, TurboROM-based 8-bit
machines and sells them for $1,595.00. Call 800-446-3220 (-3223 in
California) for more details, or write HTR, 1135 Pine Street, #103, Redding,
CA 96001. We use a Seagate 225N, same as in K-20, on our Ampro and can attest
to the hard drive's quickness, faster than an Xebec Owl. Nesting's company
also produces Kaypro "Handyman" desktop accessory hardware/software package
with calculator, notepad, phone auto-dialer, appointment calendar, screen
dump, etc. Handyman, Version 1.3, sells for $129.95 and gives your Kaypro
full "Sidekick" capability.
Potentially good news. User's Guide magazine may be published again. We
did Tony Bove an injustice thinking he had abandoned our market for money (Z-
News 409). He relates working hard to find someone to take over the magazine.
Lo! A potential publisher has appeared in the wings and if everything goes as
indicated, magazine is expected off the presses soon. Tony readily admits to
being neither businessman nor publisher, so hopefully, with someone to handle
management and finances, new magazine could be successful and stay around for
a long time, supporting high-performance 8-bit systems.
"The way to show a stick is crooked is not to argue
about it, or spend time denouncing it, but to lay a
straight stick beside it."--Dwight Moody
May/June 1986, BYTE magazine, "Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar" articles tell
just about everything you ever wanted to know about SCSI (Small Computer
Systems Interface) bus--show how SB180/COMM180 uses SCSI for hard disk
applications. Of course, SCSI can be used with devices other than disk
drives. Also, Rick Lehrbaum, Ampro Computers, has an excellent series on SCSI
running in The Computer Journal. Started two issues back, from Issue #22
onward. SCSI seems to be the bus of choice these days of just about every
peripheral manufacturer. Ampro Little Board has one, DT42 from SemiDisk has
one on co-board, The SemiDisk. Most newer hard disk drives interface to SCSI,
as do some LASER printers. SCSI, element of high-performance 8-bit computing
future, we plan for it!
A group "specifically for ZCPR/Z-System/HD64180" users in Colorado has
been organized by Dr. Donald Halford, a staff member of National Bureau of
Standards in Boulder. New user's group should complement activities of Don
�Roth and CP/M SIG in Broomfield (Denver). If interested in joining, please
write or call Ronald Halford, 2840 Kenyon Circle, Boulder, CO 80303, 303/499-
7098, evenings. Good teaching and luck to both Colorado Don's.
Borland International, Scotts Valley, CA, nears completion of their Turbo
Modula-2 for Z80 and HD64180 (we are a beta-test site). Hopefully, it is as
good as, if not better than, their popular Turbo Pascal (see Z-News 306 for
more on Borland). Such languages (and Janus Ada or FTL Modula-II for Z80 from
Workman & Associates, Pasadena, CA
91106, 818/796-4401) on 8-bit machines
should satisfy those who want to write programs but prefer not to use
Assembler or C Language.
Speaking of Pascal, and remembering our constant search for
programs that control LASER printers, Rogers Marketing Co., 12046
Willowood Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22192, telephone 703/494-2633,
has two (in Pascal) for Cannon LBP-8 and -A2 machines running
under Z-System or CP/M. "FontR" permits editing fonts for the
Cannon, "PrintR" does the printing from Newword- and WordStar-
created files. Price, $250.00. Desk top publishing is not
inexpensive. Caveat: programs work only with -8 and -A2 Cannon
models using Cannon Garland proportional font cartridge. (Civil
Computing's "PropStar", see Z-News 304 for details, if used with
Newword, does a nice job with LASER printers, and sells for only
$49.95. Yes, a lower price now than quoted in 304.)
Sometime ago we converted our business management data to the James River
Group software system for micros. Accounting, general ledger, accounts
receivable, inventory, accounts payable, payroll, mailing lists, all for
$465.00. We couldn't be more pleased. Fully integrated, meeting professional
standards, superb documentation, easy to learn and use. JRG's telephone
technical support isn't lacking either--each time we've called they had quick
and correct answers to our questions. A demonstration package is available
for only $18.00. So if you are setting up a small- to medium-sized business,
investigate their offerings. Write or call James River Group, 125 North First
Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401, 612/339-2521.
====================================================================
Of Cabbages and Kings. The house that learning builds gets built slowly, but
results in a house that's solid and true. Stacks, tagged memory, pipe lines,
RISC, these are not sufficient for Artificial Intelligence systems (Z-News
205). (Human curiosity is paramount evolutionary for-learning force--produces
change!) Parallel processing is useful in improving computational efficiency
but not in extending the solvable problem size, and that block is in our human
minds. We need better heuristic searching routines, reduced search cost in
terms of computer time and memory--we at Echelon push Assembler over C
Language (and other high-level languages), though we like C, to conserve
hardware resources, local memory, disk storage, and computing duration. Do
the job, do it well, with minimum resources in play; that's our motto! Prolog
and LISP computer languages overwhelm hardware.
More knowledge results in less search; but, wisdom reduces search to
zero!
Generally, we don't understand how it is we think, what it is to think;
thus, how can we built a "thinking" machine? We watch the AI community, as we
watch microsystems under the drag of IBM "leadership." Gosh, we weep for
majority-mankind. When will we each begin to think for ourselves, begin to
stop trooping. Japanese are ahead of us because of attention to detail in the
mechanical realm, such detail as observed through their mental world. We
still treasure things made by our human hand, but their machine-made things
�are more uniform, fit better, and in the long run are of higher value.
Western emotion plays big part in western problem...Japanese have taken,
borrowed much from us (Z-News 305 and 408, money, stealing, and morality), but
have returned much in-kind, both of quality and value. Husky levels of
fundamental change must go into our thinking, into our doings for us to be
fully competitive, superior. 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
Trademarks: TKBBS, COMM180, SB180, Micromint; PRO-180, MDC-1, Magnum Digital;
XL-M180, Intelligent Computer Designs; DT42, Deep Thought 42, The SemiDisk,
SemiDisk Systems; ON!, ONFILE, Oneac; CLIPPER, Fairchild; HD64180, Hitachi;
NS32000, National; Z80/180/280, Zilog; 68000, Motorola; Z-System, ZCPR3,
ZRDOS, Z-Tools, Zas, Zlink, Z-Msg, Term3, Quick-Task, Lasting-Value Software,
Echelon; Sidekick, Borland; PropStar, Civil Computing; CP/M, Digital Research;
Z-89/90/100, Zenith; VAX, Digital Equipment; IBM, International Business
Machines; TurboROM, Advent; MOSART, Xecom; Little Board, Bookshelf, Ampro
Computers.
eagle
* here
Z sets you FREE!
* *
Z-News 503 is Copyright 1986 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission
to reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is
given to Echelon.
