Z TIPS: Robert Doolittle, author of ZDM/ZDMZ and ITOZ and is Z-Team Member
(Pacific Palisades, California), shows way to reduce BIOS size by over 100
bytes. Always, we suggested full environment descriptor storage be included
in your BIOS implementation. No, only a pointer to the descriptor need be
implemented! Bob has rightly pointed out that Newsletter 003, page 3,
listing of buffer space can be changed to indicate two address pointers, and
not include 128-byte environment data. He reduced existing 14 lines to only
7 and completely removed subroutine DEFENV code:
Z3 command line buffer pointer is stored 24 bytes higher than Z3ENV base
address. The first command executed after cold boot should be LDR SYS.ENV--
either manually or by STARTUP alias--followed by others necessary to set up
computer system for desired initial environment.
VFILER Update: Jay Sage and Al Dunsmuir independently upgraded Vfiler into
version 3.3; yes, two of them! Pandora's Box was nearly opened--thankfully
not, though we are certain Pandora had a nice box, among other things--by
allowing more than one programmer to work on a program in parallel. Al has
volunteered to incorporate Jay's changes into version 3.5. Oh! we forget to
tell of Al's version 3.4--it's fantastic--presently on Z-Node Central.
Features added from 3.2, last version with released source, include wild card
tag/untag commands; unsqueeze files, individually sending to file or by group
command; viewing and printing squeezed files, without unsqueezing; view
command last screen bug fixed; and many suave program improvements.
Jay's 3.3 extends screen highlighting, permits file-mask when changing
directories, and most importantly, is nearly twice as quick when it loads.
Last item is accomplished by technique of loading a shell, which Vfiler is,
only once. If nothing else, Al must include this feature in 3.5.
New Policy: Files for enhancement or bug fixing must be "checked out" before
changes can be considered for acceptance and distribution. We will allow
only one person to be working on a program at any one time. The effort
required to merge two versions of same program is significant, as Al will
find out in combining two 3.3's and 3.4 into 3.5. We can't do the work
ourselves: too extensive for our limited resources!
A procedure is being prepared and should be up on Z-Node Central as you
read this. Simply stated: you check out file you wish to work on; while you
have it, no one else is permitted to update it. A log will be kept to show
which files are out and ones available for updating. List consists of about
seventy (70) source and twenty (20) support help files. Obtain "checking out
and returning file" procedure from Z-Nodes. File check out must occur from
Z-Node Central!
PKey is super keyboard enhancer and is shipped with source code! You edit
source for your cpu and terminal speed and maximum number of keys and their
lengths, assemble using Zas or Mac, load with Mload, then rename object file
to filetype IOP. Here's a good segment from which to learn IOP coding
techniques. Twelve keys of 24-characters each are possible, cleanly fitting
standard ZCPR3 IOP 1.5k-byte memory space.
Many such segments may be created and saved with different file names
and auto loaded as appropriate within directory being worked; as Rick Conn
would say, "Little CD (Change Directory) and ST (Start) does the trick."
(See Newsletter 009, dated 12 November 1984.)
Programable Key allows creating and saving as many sets of loadable
segments as desired. One for word processor, another for communications, for
spreadsheet, database management, programming, you name it. PKey displays
each key and its conversion string, and prompts for easy string change,
without ever affecting program in TPA--an exceptional value. Although
designed to work with ZRDOS and Z-Com, PKey (along with I/OR and BPrinter)
works perfectly with ZRDOS2 and Z-Com2.
Z-Nodes swing! From all over globe come interest in our nodes. Gaffers,
gripes, and gophers make it possible, make it delightful. We wait day when
sending a message to France is accomplished without direct cost. Nodes grow
until Earth's people fully communicate; add these to list:
19. Fred Townsend - San Jose, CA - 20. Dick Driscoll - Phoenix, AZ -
21. Robert Finch - Glendale, CA - ham radio packet 146.745 mHz
22. Thomas R. Bowerman - Anniston, AL - 23. Charles Boghosian - Durham, NC -
24. Barry L. Bowerman - Weaver, AL -
25. Douglas Thom - San Jose, CA - 408/253-1309 (online 4/12/85)
26. Robert Kuhmann - St. Martin de la Brasque, France - 011+33+(90)-77-61-36
27. Charles Hoffman - Tampa, FL - 813/831-7276
28. Stanley K. London - Aurora, CO -
ZAS is the Z80 macro assembler being used to support all Z System programming
activities. Zas creates Intel HEX or Microsoft REL files permitting its
usage in place of Asm, Mac, Rmac, and Macro-80. Supporting program provided
(Zcon) converts Intel 8080 mnemonics to Zas Zilog format. Another (Zlib)
permits creation of binary REL subroutine libraries; adding, deleting and
replacing modules, and printing module names and public symbols from a
library are features.
Others (Zlink and Zref) permit COM file generation from REL modules and
symbol-label cross reference to numbered source code lines. Either Zas or
Zlink optionally produces DRI compatible SYM files for use with DSD, Sid, or
Zsid.
By the way, DSD (with 55 commands!) ships in two versions along with in-
context (individual-command) online help. These versions run automatically
with Z (ZCPR3 and ZRDOS) after installing using Z3INS.COM. One handles
extended Intel (similar to TDL/Xitan) mnemonics; the other, Zilog. Both run
with either 8080 or Z80 microprocessors. Under CP/M-80, both require patch-
file editing for your terminal and use of debugger ZDM (or DDT) to overlay
main DSD object file. Source provided permits editing for your terminal code
and after assembling into hex file, overlaying both Intel and Zilog versions
of DSD.COM.
Prices reduced for three Echelon products. We seek wisdom, not money
(really?), so we have reduced prices for these EI software packages: DSD and
both versions of Z-Com2, Items 07, 08, and 25 (see attached List Prices,
dated 15 March 1985). We wish we could cut more prices but expenses must be
covered. (Notice addition to list of off-shelf Z-Msg--Metal message program
for Z System--bulletin board, file and mail system! Also, all versions of Z-
Com and Z-Com2 are supplied with I/O Package buffer space allocated, so PKey
and other segments are ready to load.)
Amateur Z-User Corner: ZDM (or DSD and DDT) makes neat emergency HEX to COM
file converter. Load your HEX file (note last used address displayed under
PC NEXT message) using I<filename.HEX><cr> and R<cr>. Then exit and save
number of hex pages (xxh) to <filename.COM>. Number of pages (each two
records, 256 bytes) to save is determined by dropping the two right-hand
digits from PC NEXT address. For example, if address is 124F, round off
right two digits and use SAVE 12H <filename.COM> as your command line. But
if address is 1200 (on whole page boundary), round down one and save only 11H
pages.
Z-Node Central has a number of popular pre-configured ZCPR3 installation
files: ready to install for Kaypro, Osborne, Morrow, Epson, Xerox, Apple,
Heath, iBex, and Jade. Look for them in ARCHIVE directory of node. Shortly,
all Z-Nodes will have these files. If you are having trouble installing Z3
on one of these machines, study files to obtain get-over-stumbling-block
ideas.
Computers and Electronics magazine publication termination announced by owner
Ziff-Davis (they cancelled Microsystems last October). Circulation is
600,000! Now we ask: on what list should Z-D be placed? Do colors exist
darker than black? Ceasing publication of one magazine in favor (to prop up
sales) of another (un-named magazine owned by Z-D, actually Creative
Computing) should produce a few subscriber reactions, cancelations without
further regard for any Z-D publication. We move away from such business
logic--such decision makers have no feeling for what they are about--leading
to these actions. Managers and owners have every right to do as they think
best; we have a right to contemplate Z-D going out of business altogether.
The planet and cosmos, in our opinion, need neither their outlook nor
expertise.
Microcomputer boom continues! Substantial 1985 gains (20% over 1984)
predicted in all areas, best likely is portables (their sales could double
over '84, especially if flat panel displays get easy to read). Next is home
and then office desktops. Sales to hobbyist and tinker, being neither of
majorities nor mainstreams, are down in noise.
And still, many vital niches exist for small companies; Echelon caters
to those wishing to learn no matter where (home, office, shop, or laboratory)
they use computers. We work on LAN (local area networks permitting computers
to talk to one another) concepts, AI (artificial intelligence) usefulness and
what can be done with more powerful (5th generation) software and databases,
one computer/one user, and GSS graphics, but learning (expanding one's
awareness) is above all else. You hobbyists and tinkers, you remanence, come
join and learn as we learn!
Why we do what we do! Sometimes we think with words that are unwritedownable
and notsotalkaboutable. But clarity notwithstanding, you know we support
high performance Z80 instruction set compatible microcomputers. Eight-bit
systems are (to us) symbols of neatness (simplicity) and efficiency (only if
assembly language is used) and mental challenge (must be creative to be
competitive with 16/32-bit micros). Remember, each letter and number in our
alphabet is represented by 8 bits (a byte) in each machine.
We provide screen upon which light shines. You are our light, you fire
us up to jet speeds, passing eagle and humming bird. Those who jump on
bandwagons thinking there is no viable alternative: not figuring things out
for themselves, not continuing to learn, not becoming willful, not alive, are
our light too.
Capacity for enjoyment increases as we learn--that's why we do what we
do. Joy comes from simplest of accomplishments: a buffer loads, screen
fills with text, data viewed, a beginner overcomes a hurdle. Our bird--
though caged--sings! See you down the lines...
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Trademarks: Z80/800, Zilog; HD64180, Hitachi; Z-System, Z-Tools, ZCPR3,
ZRDOS, Z-Com, Zas, Zlink, DSD, ZDM, ITOZ, Lasting-Value Software, Echelon and
their respective owners and authors; Macro-80 Microsoft; CP/M, Mac, Rmac,
Sid, Zsid, Digital Research; Mload, Nightowl Software.
Z-News 108 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission
to reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is
given to Echelon.
---------------------------
Z-System LIST PRICES -- effective 15 March 1985
Operating System Modules
Item Price
01. ZCPR3 Core Starter Kit contains source to permit manual installation
of ZCPR3 CCP (console command processor) and its buffers using MOVCPM, DDT,
MAC and SYSGEN. Loose leaf 173-page Installation Guide (Sampler) in-
cluded, with 20 utility programs in binary form (6/1/84) ........... $39.00
02. ZCPR3 Utilities Package consists of 70 programs in both binary and source
code form. Combined with Item 01 forms complete command processing sub-
system. Online (over 400k-byte) help system included (6/1/84) ..... $89.00
03. Z3-Dot-Com is the auto-install version of ZCPR3. Package contains all
binary utility programs released to date, complete system. Secure versions
available. Installs in four minutes or less; full online help files, 52-
page loose leaf tutorial (9/15/84) ................................ $149.00
04. Z3-Dot-Com on one disk for those who already have Item 02 and wish to add
auto-install to their collection (9/15/84) ......................... $49.95
05. Z-Com same as Item 03 but with Item 09 added (1/28/85) ............ $199.00
06. Z-Com same as Item 04 but with Item 09 added (1/28/85) ............. $99.00
07. Z-Com2 same as Item 03 but with Item 10 added (3/29/85) ........... $219.95
08. Z-Com2 same as Item 04 but with Item 10 added (3/29/85) ........... $119.95
09. ZRDOS improved BDOS in binary, with six support utilities: copy file
backup and archiving, set and display file attributes; file compare, dump,
and bi-directional viewing. Upward compatible with CP/M-80. 66k-bytes of
online help for both functions and utilities, plus 35-page loose leaf
manual for programming system functions (1/9/85) ................... $49.50
10. ZRDOS2 same as Item 09 but with single level re-entrance, function 10 full
command line editing and buffer recall, get DMA address, and 512-megabyte
maximum file and disk sizes, 45-page loose leaf manual (3/22/85) ... $74.99
11. ZRDOS3 for HD64180 and Z800 chips, multi-tasking, large memory address
space usage, permits easy application program migration from MS-DOS, etc.
price tentitively established (7/85) .............................. $150.00
Z-Tools (Software Development System Utilities)
20. Relocating Z80 Macro Assembler (ZAS) for Zilog mnemonics, includes linker
(ZLINKtm) and librarian (ZLIB), compatible with ASM, MAC, RMAC, M80, and
L80; supports ZCPR3 flow control conditional assembly error testing; 55-
page loose leaf manual (2/25/85) ................................... $95.00
21. Z80 Debugger and Monitor (ZDM/ZDMZ) dynamic trouble-shooting, patching in
both Intel and Zilog code; DDT command compatible, 12-page loose leaf
manual (1/25/85) ................................................... $50.00
22. Translators (ITOZ) convert Intel to/from Zilog and CDL/TDL mnemonics;
automatic conversions, table design permits easy pseudo-op additions with
utility supplied; 17-page manual, $80.00 value (1/25/85) ........... $51.00
23. Disassembler (REVAS3) handles 5 popular Intel and Zilog mnemonic sets,
best and easiest disassembler to use, with 60-page manual showing how to
disassemble and how disassembler works (2/4/85) .................... $90.00
24. Z-Tools Package of Items 20 thru 23 above; $315 value ........... $200.00
25. Dynamic Screen Debugger (DSD), a full screen symbolic debugging program;
shows flags,
cpu registers, stack and dual-memory areas; complete software
InCircuit-Emulator; DDT upward compatibility and other useful features;
with 53-page loose leaf manual (3/11/85) .......................... $149.00
Item Price
26. Syslib3 Library contains over 210 assembly language subroutines used
to write ZCPR3 utilities. Designed for use with macro assembler and
linker. Full online help describes use of each subroutine and makes a
printed manual unnecessary; source code provided (6/1/84) .......... $29.00
27. Same as Item 26 but includes Vlib and Z3lib Libraries, provides ZCPR3
environments and terminal video routines (9/1/84) .................. $45.00
Input/Output Package Segments
40. Input/Output Recorder (I/OR), redirector outputs to/from console or
to printer to default file, controlled by ZCPR3 RECORD command, 1.5k-byte
segment, ZRDOS2 req'd (3/29/85) .................................... $69.95
41. Print Spooler (BPrinter), deluxe background single-file printing with
no change in TPA size, 1.5k-byte segment, ZRDOS2 req'd (3/29/85) ... $39.50
42. Key Translator (PKey) key strokes converted to command strings, saved
as loadable files; programmable function key generator works with either
ZRDOS or ZRDOS2; 1.5k-byte segment (1/28/85) ....................... $39.95
Lasting-Value Software (Applications)
60. Discat efficiently maintains and catalogs floppy and hard disk files for
easy recall; modular, menu-driven, 67-page instruction manual, fancy and
easy to use (8/24/84) .............................................. $49.00
61. Term3 provides full facilities for communicating with other computers,
terminals, and information services. Modular, menu-driven with extreme
flexibility for automatic operations; phone auto-answering ......... $99.00
62. Document Maintenance Manager (MaintMan) audits trail of text changes,
disk space efficient and menu-driven ............................... $99.99
63. Emsg permits mail, message management and data transfers between two or
more sites using Z-System ..................... (price not yet established)
64. Z-Msg message handling program written in optimized C. Menu installation
object files, complete user statistics, 50-page manual (3/29/85) ... $99.95
65. Z-Msg same as Item 64 but with full source code and libraries for quick
compilation by Manx Aztec C II Compiler (3/29/85) ................. $199.95
Documentation
80. Sampler is an Introduction to ZCPR3 and Installation Guide, 173 pages,
loose leaf (6/1/84) ................................................ $12.00
81. ZCPR3: The Manual is bible of ZCPR3 and its utilities, over 300 pages,
typeset, bound book. Recommended purchase. $24.00 if ordered alone, but
includes fortnighter Newsletter; without Newsletter ................ $19.95
82. ZCPR3: The Libraries describes VLIB, Z3LIB, and SYSLIB3, three libraries
of assembly language subroutines used to write ZCPR3 utilities. Very
powerful; teaches structured, quick-writing of programs .... (no price yet)
83. Z-System Fortnighter Newsletter (Z-News) automatically received for 6
months by EI customers ordering $39.00 or more software, or for one year
with $35.00 user-support (free-ware) donation. Newsletter per year after
complementary period or per direct order (7/23/84) ................. $24.00
Notes:
a. Some Items not available on some 5" disk formats.
b. Date in parentheses is Item first shipment date; if none,
shipment not presently scheduled, but soon will be.
c. Items 05 thru 10, 20 thru 24 require use of Z80 computers.
d. Programs are copyrighted by, and trademarks or registered
trademarks of, Echelon or their authors; CP/M, DDT, MAC and
RMAC, are of Digital Research; M80 and L80, of Microsoft.
--------------------------
Rev. 01/17/85
V O L U M E D I S C O U N T S C H E D U L E
Quantity: 1-4 List Price $100.00 (example)
5-49 30% 70.00
50-249 50% 50.00
250-999 55% 45.00
1000-4999 60% 40.00
Exceptions: ZCPR3: The Manual and The Libraries (no discount
on Sampler)
5-49 25% of prevailing list price
50-249 33% " " " "
250-4999 40% " " " "
General_Terms_and_Conditions
1. Discounts based on yearly volume with any mix. Minimum order of
five (5) for quantity discount to apply. Dealer inquiries welcomed.
2. Special quantity prices may be negotiated for software without
media, labels, serialization, documentation, or with binders.
Write with detail requirements to receive our proposal. OEM and
VAR Agreements available.
3. Echelon software is licensed on "per computer" basis. Syslib3 is
licensed for non-commercial distribution only, not to be resold with
other software and not to be sold, bundled with hardware. No
restrictions on binary code produced with SYSLIB3.
4. Terms FOB Los Altos, CA. Payment by cashier's check, money order,
Visa or Mastercard. Personal and company checks cause delivery
delay. (COD's collected by UPS accepted.)
5. Shipments via US Postal Service (Priority) unless special request.
Orders are completed on business day following receipt, if product
is in stock. Allow 10 days from date of shipment for delivery in
continental USA and Canada; other areas may take longer.
6. Prices may change without notice.
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Order Desk Telephone: 415/948-3820
Shipping & Handling charges: add $3.00 if continental USA; $5.00 for Hawaii,
Alaska, Canada or Mexico; or $12.00 if International address.
S&H $ _________
Payment: Money Order, Check or Credit Card TOTAL $ ___________
(UPS COD's acceptable)
VISA/MC _________________________________________ Expiration date _____________
Bank number if MC ________________ (Please print order clearly, thank you.)
------------------------------
Z-Msg Message Handling Program
The Z-Msg Message Handling Program is used for local and remote
electronic mail, as public and private access electronic bulletin
boards (BBS), inter-office memo tool and product support aid using
available communication channels. Written in C Language (optimized),
Z-Msg is configurable without need for recompilation, using multi-
function menu for quick and easy installation. Remote communications
requires use of public domain program BYE.
Ease of use and state-of-art software functionality are designed into
Z-Msg. Message editing by word, phrase and line, string searching,
collecting usage statistics, configurability, and security of access
are engineered into the program.
From the user's perspective, major features include:
o Commands to selectively read messages deposited since
last access of system.
o Simple method of replying to and deleting messages being
read and addressed to user and also replying to other
messages on system.
o Ability to enter up to 100-line messages containing up to
80 characters per line. Values are set by the System
Operator (Sysop) and depend on memory limitations of the
computer system.
o At login, messages addressed to caller/user are announced.
Information includes sender's name, status of message
(private or public), and if new since last access.
o Articles and Notes commands allow user to read selected
text files placed by Sysop. Extensive system information
usually is found in these areas.
o Ability to search within "fields" of message headers, e. g.,
find and read messages addressed to all users, those of date
1/23/85, or those having word ZCPR3 within message text.
o Commands to read messages in reverse order, most recent first.
o Command to only read or to restore deleted (killed)
messages to active state, provided Sysop has not
performed a message purge since message were deleted.
o Automatic screen page pause, optionally turned off.
Major operational features available to Sysop:
o Commands to add, delete, and edit user database, list
of subscribers to system.
o Save messages to disk and output to a printer.
o Read standard text files from disk into messages
being entering.
o Flexible purge command permits convenient message database
maintenance. Database may be saved to any disk/user area
(directory) with automatic creation of backup file.
Matrix and modular design promote high security and access-level
flexibility. Eight (8) user access categories are controlled within
six (6) major functions:
o Operating System (OS), Z or CP/M, accessiblility.
o Access of user areas within OS (assuming OS access and
system is running remotely under BYE program).
o Length of time system waits for input from user before
automatically disconnecting, BYE operation assumed.
o Ability to enter messages. All users may leave private
messages to the System Operator with special commands.
o Ability to read and delete private and public messages
not addressed to user.
o Special OS access if system uses ZCPR Console Command
Processor Replacement in secure mode (WHEEL byte).
Manages OS functions ERA, REN, COPY, PATH, PEEK, POKE,
and other commands.
Price for object file package is $99.95. Source code is an additional
$100. The Z-Msg manual may be purchased separately for $20.00. $3.00
covers shipping and handling. If you purchase source and make
changes, Manx Aztec C (v1.05g) is required for compilation.
Available directly from:
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
