Z3 TIPS: CD and ST haven't been discussed much and presently appear to be
little used features of ZCPR3. But that should change when we understand the
environmental flexibility attained with them. CD (change directory) is used
to change from one directory to another with password access security. That's
useful, but another most important task it performs is automatically running
ST.COM (if exists) on entering the requested directory! ST (start) is an
alias file (a series of commands known by a short name) that is used to change
from a previous environment to another, one more useful and efficient for
present tasks. For example, ST loads new SYSn.NDR file as well as new RCP and
FCP files! Then MENU may be auto-entered as we recommend doing with DISCAT
and its global alias, CAT. (ST is an alias command; NDR, RCP, and FCP are
system segments loaded by LDR.COM and are memory resident.) Thus the environ-
ment is tailored with those tools to perform work efficiently; we go to a
different area for this reason. A little thought and planning applied to all
tasks envisioned, convenient work space set-up for each--that's advanced
computing! An environment is: specifically designed work space.
Each named directory, SYSn.NDR, (with optional password access) is
created using MKDIR. ALIAS.COM is used to create custom ST.COM's. Alias ST
must always have the name ST (that's the only file CD auto-runs), but NDR's
may have any name as long as the type is NDR. If you are careful, all can
have exact same file name, but don't copy them from directory to directory--
one overwrites another! Though with same name their contents are different;
they each produce change, creating desired local environment, e.g.:
B0:WORK>cd text:<cr>
PW? mypass<cr>
C7:TEXT> (ST has been auto-loaded)
As distributed, ZCPR3 permits 14 (fourteen is an odd number, but a dozen
never seemed enough) named directories simultaneously in memory (though it's
easy to allocate more memory buffer space if that's desired, 18 bytes per
name). But by running ST a different named directory file can be loaded for
each directory entered, permitting up to 448 names per (logical) drive (14
names x 32 areas). Certainly such a limit places few bounds on most planning
activities and resultant environments!
We've come up with a version of ZEX not requiring assembly to install on your
system. Advantage to those who don't own MAC and SID/ZSID is obvious.
Hurrah! Now installation of all ZCPR3 utilities is identical using Z3INS.COM,
SYS.ENV (or Z3.ENV if running Z3-Dot-Com), and ZCPR3.INS. The program object
file is on ZCPR3 RCP/M as ZEX.OBJ. Rename to ZEX.COM before installing with
Z3INS. (DDT-patching at standard location 10AH is single-file quick way.)
More programs on the RCP/M: Ted Emigh (Raleigh, North Carolina) dev-
eloped a ZCPR3 tool called FINDERR. Warning and fatal errors from M80
assembly sets ZCPR3 registers; ZEX processing, and the like, react accord-
ingly. Other transient (application) programs probably can use FINDERR tech-
niques to advantage, trapping error conditions under ZCPR3. The five files of
FINDERR (including upgraded M80.ZEX) are on the ZCPR3 RCP/M as FINDERR.LBR.
Also LDR11 is there! It's finally fully fixed, we really believe.
Additionally, latest version of DU3 can be downloaded as DU3.OBJ. Seems
some CP/M BIOS implementations didn't like the way the internal help text was
being processed. Hopefully new version takes care of that problem.
ZCPR3 BBS and RCP/M Comments: David McCord has been sensational getting the
ZCPR3 board up and running, and with such dispatch. (Isaac Salzman, North
Hollywood, California, 213/615-6410, and his ZCPR3 RCP/M were an inspiration.)
Tim Gary's METAL message system employed has many bells and whistles; truly a
desirable interface that's easy to use.
When logging on for first time, record all dialog (with your modem
program) so you can later study the transaction offline. Be sure to retain
list of system commands and instructions going into CP/M area. And remember,
after entering CP/M area, to type PWD (print working directories) so you see
(and know) names of all available directories. Here's how you go from one to
another--you name them! The command line prompt appears: A0:COMMAND> and
you go to another disk/user area by typing desired directory name.
A0:COMMAND>ZCPR3: takes you to the ZCPR3 directory area. It's not too much
different than our homebase computer systems! You can use TCSELECT to install
your terminal on the system, and then take advantage of screen-oriented
utilities (HELP, etc.) found there!
Dave intends (with Tim's assistance) to collect a database of BBS users'
terminals, characteristics auto-activated after initial log-on. Such a
feature is a first, to our knowledge, for BBS's. ZCPR3 sets news standard!
Here's what you see if H or ? is entered while in METAL message system:
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| * * * ZCPR3 BBS HELP * * * |
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
"B" = Display system Login bulletins (important info).
"C"or"CPM" = To go to CP/M with extensive help shown before entering.
"E" = Enter a new message into the message data base (prompted).
"G" or "BYE" = Log off from the system through Metal BBS (comments req.).
"H" or "?" = Repeat the display of this message (get help).
"K" = Kill a message to you (only) in the data base.
"LIST" = Inquire about a user of this system (last login date, etc).
"O" = Show a list of other systems near this Metal BBS.
"Q" = Show a quick listing (by subject) of current messages.
"R" = Retrieve a specific message by number (repeating).
"REPLY" = Reply to a message in the data base (fills in 'to' portion).
"RP" = Read new messages since last login, in order with prompting.
"RS" = Read any messages in order with prompting.
"S" = Show a listing of messages with author and date info.
"U" = Change your password, or User parameters.
"W" = Re-Display the system Login Welcome Message.
"X" = Select the expert mode (short prompts) of operation.
"Y" or "CHAT" = Call for the System Operator (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.).
"#" = Show vital numbers like high msg., caller #, etc.
Control S or S = Suspend output for viewing, any key to restart scrolling.
Control K or K = Cease current command and return to command mode.
Commands may be separated by a space or a semicolon to have more than one
command on one line. Example : R;234 would retrieve message 234.
All outputs will pause after 23 lines, type any key to continue when you
see the [more] prompt.
---------
Entering C or CPM at the command line takes you to the RCP/M portion of
the system, where you upload and download files using Ward Christensen's
XMODEM error checking and correcting transmission protocol. TERM3 has this
protocol, plus...that's another story.
New-Users-of-CP/M_Corner: The quickest and simplest way to get ZCPR3 up and
running (next to having a CP/M Assembly Language guru living with you) is to
install Z3-DOT-COM; installation takes four (4) minutes or less. After
installing and having become somewhat familiar with the new environment, the
trick setup results from putting the command Z3 in your CP/M CCP command line
buffer. (Use DDT to do this.) Then on cold-boot the machine comes up in
ZCPR3 and not plain vanilla CP/M.
Here's how--SYSGEN your system disk outer tracks into memory (use of
SYSGEN is described in CP/M documentation received with your computer), SAVE
40 CPM.SYS <cr>. Then DDT CPM.SYS <cr>, display hex and ASCII code using D
<cr> repeatedly 'till Digital Research copyright notice shows:
-D<cr> (sixteen lines of hex and ASCII appear for each D<cr> entered.)
0980 C3 5C DF C3 58 DF 7F 00 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20
0990 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 43 4F 50 59 52 49 47 48 COPYRIGH
09A0 54 20 28 43 29 20 31 39 37 39 2C 20 44 49 47 49 T (C) 1979, DIGI
09B0 54 41 4C 20 ..... etc. TAL RESEARCH ..
The important task is finding two "C3"'s (JMP instructions) separated by two
characters each, followed by "7F" and "00" in the line ahead of the DR copy-
right notice. (Some computers, like Morrow or Radio Shack, use location 1100H
or some other address, instead of standard DR DDT image address of 986H, for
command line buffer address.) Now using DDT's S (set) command, do this:
(your console keyboard entries are in bold)
-S986<cr>
S986 7F <cr> (carriage return retains present hex value.)
S987 00 2 (numbers of characters in cmd, <cr> after each entry;
S988 20 5A then the command name in hex. Z3 = 5A 33.)
S989 20 33
S98A 20 0 (NULL for end of command sequence,
S98B 20 . a period to terminate S command, then last <cr>.)
^C (ctrl-c to exit DDT.)
Next, again SAVE 40 CPM.SYS and SYSGEN saved file to system tracks. You now
have your "system" both on disk boot tracks and as a disk file: CPM.SYS. And
more importantly you have Z3-Dot-Com up and running! Now you can experience
the range permitted by this epic program and environmentally enhanced
operating system.
If you have problems putting Z3 in your command buffer and haven't been
successful after seven (7) tries, call your nearest good-neighbor helper, or
call us and we'll do what we can to talk you through the operation.
Two versions of Z3-Dot-Com are available: one for Z80 machines and
another for 8080/8085. The latter version is ideal for CompuPro/Zenith dual
operating system computers.
Z3_Bug_Report: VFILER's CMD-file menu has a problem. You can't execute #-
menu commands (user numbered) from the # menu, but only from the directory-of-
files display! We've located and fixed the bug (undocumented characteristic).
The code change fix will be distributed within the fortnight.
Program bugs are getting few and far apart--that's been our goal from the
beginning of our software design and development activities. Let us know if
you find anymore of these pesky little things. We'll be using the ZCPR3 BBS
to release fixed object files and occasionally source. The board is the
quickest way to transmit and receive messages and programs to and from ZCPR3
users--we're a tight community on the move.
From Author of ZCPR3, Richard Conn:
WHAT MAKES A PROGRAM INTO A ZCPR3 TOOL?
There are many good programs in the public domain, and several ZCPR3
tools duplicate these programs in terms of functionality in one way or
another. For example, the PD offers the directory display programs D, SD, DD,
and others, while the ZCPR3 toolset offers the programs DIR, XD, and XDIR.
Why duplicate the effort in the ZCPR3 toolset--why not simply use available
public domain programs?
The programs in the public domain are not consistent in their syntax or
method of use, by and large. I created the ZCPR3 tools to be consistent in a
number of ways:
1. The public domain tools which were not associated with
ZCPR3 did not know how to deal with the ZCPR3 environment.
Named directories, like PASCAL:, could not be referenced,
and the command search path had no meaning to them, for
instance.
2. A consistent syntax was not supported. Some tools
required their arguments to be prefixed by "-", others by
"$", others by nothing at all or a space, etc. All of the
ZCPR3 tools prefix their arguments with a "/" if a file
reference is not provided, or a space or a "/" if a file
reference is provided.
3. The built-in help feature was not universally
supported. Some programs told you how to use them if you
typed in their name with no arguments, others did not
provide any internal documentation at all, etc. I did not
succeed in making all of the ZCPR3 tools consistent in this
sense, but the attempt was made. Many, but not all, ZCPR3
tools contain built-in documentation which is acquired by
typing tool's name followed by two slashes, like "XD //".
4. The tools didn't support lists of files as arguments
when it made functional sense to. I'm really a strong
advocate of this; if I want to print five files, for
instance, I would rather issue one PRINT command with five
files named (or one AFN and then perform an inspection) and
let it go than issue one PRINT command with one file name,
and then another PRINT command, etc.
I encourage everyone to enjoy their ZCPR3 system, write tools for it, and
contribute them to the user community. I feel, however, that a program is not
a ZCPR3 tool unless it abides by the rules specified above as much as possible
(rules 3 and 4 sometimes don't apply or are simply waived). SYSLIB, Z3LIB,
and VLIB all contribute toward providing the support necessary to make the job
of tool consistency and adherence to these rules less of a task.
Utility Update Note from Rick: The new DPROG (Version 1.1) is significantly
different from initial Phase 2 release version, thanks to one simple change.
Instead of simply programming devices from a file using commands like: DPROG
ASM to program a terminal (function keys, user message line, etc.) to support
the user in Assembly Language programming, the new DPROG also allows words
(defined in the indicated file) to be specified on the command line like:
DPROG EPSON ELONG FONT2
Such capability greatly extends the utility of DPROG. In the above
example, DPROG will read in the file EPSON.DPG, process it (including the
definition of whatever words are contained in this file, such as ELONG which
commands the printer to go to elongated print and FONT2 which selects some
character set/font numbered 2), and then pass over the words (or strings)
specified in the command line. By writing a file which programs your printer,
whether it is an EPSON, OKIDATA, TOSHIBA, etc, you can use DPROG to select
printer output attributes.
Included with the new DPROG is a help file (DPROG.HLP) which documents
this new feature and several sample *.DPG files. The file P1350.DPG programs
my Toshiba P1350 printer and should serve as an example to users on how to set
up a DPG file for their own printers.
----------
Echelon ships DPROG, Version 1.1, as part of new Core, Utility, and Phase 2
orders. DPROG.HLP and *.DPG files are on the ZCPR3 BBS within the fortnight.
Alarm Bells Ringing...tools, program fixes and improvements to be considered
for official distribution must come to Echelon first! We are configuration
managers for all ZCPR3 related software. Please do not put fixes onto
RCP/M's: they confuse too many users as to their status and validity.
Another ZCPR3 Utility Program: Xpert Software (8865 Polland Avenue, San
Diego, CA 92123) has announced that their XtraKey utility is ZCPR3
compatible--most other "key" programs are not. Tom Geldner and Robert
Greenlee (c
ompany co-founders) have a most economical, complete CRT console,
printer function-key generator; we have not seen better. The CP/M 2.2
universal package goes for $39.95. Now that's value. Order (Visa/Mastercard
accepted) by calling them at 619/268-0112 or send check or money order plus
$3.00 shipping (California residents add 6% sales tax). We add this program
to our Lasting-Value Software list.
Coincidently, a ZCPR3 user has developed a function-key program running
as a ZCPR3 system segment I/O (input/output) Package! We presently are
reviewing this package and probably will license its use to ZCPR3 users for a
small fee.
HELP us correct mistakes if you think we made some. If you placed an order
for DISCAT, Phase2, etc. and think it should have arrived by now, and hasn't,
let us know. These computer database systems we use for order entry and
shipping are not perfect; especially not perfect are console operators keying
characters into them--we admit that's our biggest problem. So if you think
delivery is taking too long, write us a note stating your concern. (ZCPR3:
The Manual, CP/M Apple ][ and Epson QX-10 disk formats, and TERM3 are not
shipping presently, so don't write of them. Presently they receive our
highest priority.)
New Disk Operating System (DOS) takes advantage of extended functions of Zilog
new Z800 chip! The DOS is called ZRDOS, Z80/800 Replacement DOS. ZRDOS mates
with ZCPR3's Wheel Byte and is fully compatible with all CP/M-80 software.
Dennis L. Wright, (no relation to Joseph W. Wright, but they are friends,
which establishes relationship) author of this striking code, is one who loves
8-bit economy and efficiency. Since Digital Research has apparently abandoned
our world (a reaction to Microsoft MS-DOS and Xenix capture of 16-bit
operating system market), Echelon has decided to fill the small generally
unnoticed void presently existing. (We recently received DR's utility
proposal and found it non-responsive to our needs; Microsoft never took us
seriously.) Therefore, we intend to market a full set of 8-bit operating
system, development and support software using Echelon-sponsored ZRDOS, macro-
relocating assembler with linker and librarian, translators, and debuggers.
Now we search for a competent set of programs to replace MAC, RMAC, LINK,
M80 and L80...end one era, begin a new. Much creativity is coming from many
small, humble companies and from clever individuals; we prepare to explore and
use this creativity.
Down stream we plan to machine translate all our released programs
presently using Intel mnemonics to Zilog. Public domain program XLATE may be
able to effectively perform the job; we're looking into this program plus
other translators, like ITOZ (Intel to Zilog) and ZTOI from RD Software
(Founder, Robert Doolittle, Pacific Palisades, California). Furthermore, RD
Software ZDM/ZDMZ should handle our debugger needs for Assembly Language
software development work. As you see, lots of 8-bit activity...
OEM/VAR's may inexpensively obtain directly from Echelon licenses to
resell complete operating and development system packages; Echelon, your
single source for ZCPR3 related software. Remember, both ZCPR3 and ZRDOS are
downward compatible with CP/M software. Those interested can obtain a sample
agreement and more technical details by writing us (please don't telephone,
thanks).
Lower-than-expected-demand for IBM PC's has created a grey/black market of
discounters for the product. Such practices turn business-like blue of Big
Blue into a grubby, tattered banner--one filled with short-term greed and lack
of wholeness. Despite IBM's seemingly good intentions, the market they took
control from pioneers is more than a mess, it's a quagmire!
Real leadership would demand an immediate stop to contractually illegal
selling (dumping) by their big dealers to unlicensed houses; but, IBM's over
production is so great they covet every potential avenue for buyers, no matter
the status or money willing to be paid. Of course, the PC-AT has a lot to do
with present low demand for the vanilla PC's and XT's. Contrast this market
flux with record October 1984 sales by Ampro Computers, Inc. of Mountain View,
California.
As an aside, most popular mainframe IBM 4381 computer memory, using their
256k-bit chips, sells for (get this) $10,000 per megabyte--that's economy? We
guess $9,000 is for service-after-sales, $1,000 for hardware...there is no
free lunch!
Long live 8-bit machines...
What is Echelon's Business? Microcomputer pioneer, George Morrow, recently
asked a similar question about his company: Morrow Designs, Inc. Well, EI is
in the business of learning, becoming more conscience of ourselves and our
environment (no pun intended). We experience rewards from study, work, play--
mentally, to us, all the same. From these experiences, occasionally we try to
communicate knowledge, those things found valuable, hopefully, to all of us.
But recently we've come to realize that knowledge (especially its cousin,
understanding) cannot be transmitted, but data and information can. So we do
that instead. These latter act as catalyst to those former, moving from level
to level, a swirl of intermingling, dynamic energy. We first give with little
concern for what is to be received--but lo, we receive seven-fold. Reception
occurs at several levels simultaneously, mental, intellectual, material,
emotional...
The national economy and our industry appear reacting to an earlier-
caught dose of malaria, which has become chronic, giving us recurring bouts of
chills and fever--booms and busts--recession and inflation. Base our business
on satisfying sound needs of human nature and our business is sustained. We
try to do this.
Send your thoughts concerning these matters; we'd like to know them.
Without you, our customers, we learn painfully slow!
Fragment of Letter recently received from Edgar Allen Poe: The grave is not
all that bad! Three square meals a day, clean linens...no nightly yakking
black birds or daily hassles from Federal IRS...
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research: directed efforts supposedly to make
life easier. The 19-company AI grouping (Microelectronics & Computer
Technology Corp. in Austin, Texas) is an example of what's lacking in
humanity--a mass of indirection, no willfulness, no leadership! How can we
discuss such a subject (AI being one never defined, except by egotism of
highest order) without knowing what intelligence is, much less its bogus
aspects: the artificial!
The Japanese noble-challenge to US technology leadership requires our
ascending effort, not descending; certainly not degenerate as it now appears.
Easy comes by opening our consciousness, never by masking off reality.
Remember we are biological life and we live, or at least we should. Who
claims to be a Zombie? Who set making life easy a goal? Madison Avenue,
those not knowing what good-life is about and seemingly trying to make sure we
don't find it for ourselves? Always leading us to mindless consumption.
See you down the lines...
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
ZCPR3 BBS & RCP/M: 415/489-9005
---------
Trademarks: CP/M, Digital Research; Z3-Dot-Com, Alpha Systems; Bookshelf,
Ampro Computers; Z80, Zilog; Unix, AT&T Bell Laboratories; ZCPR3, Syslib3,
Term3, Richard L. Conn; Discat, Lasting-Value Software, Disk7, Echelon; PC-
DOS, IBM, Int'l Business Machines; MS-DOS, Xenix, Microsoft; WY-50, Wyseword,
Wyse Technology; ZRDOS, Dennis L. Wright; Metal, Delphi Data Systems; XtraKey,
Xpert Systems; ITOZ/ZTOI, ZDM/ZDMZ, RD Software.
Newsletter 009 is Copyright 1984 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permis-
sion to reprint automatically granted if source credit is given to Echelon.
