Z TIPS: Many have asked to have AC, archive copy program of Z-System,
automatically erase file if already exists on destination directory. Well,
Dennis Wright, author of ZRDOS, says to simply add "N" trailing parameter with
"A" to have this feature:
AC C:=B:*.* /AN
automatically copies all changed files to C from B disk, without prompts.
If troubles are experienced running a commercial application program with
Z-System because of insufficient memory, write the publisher. Ask him to
please upgrade his program to work in 48k-byte TPA (Transient Program Area)
systems. Ask that he organize the program to use available TPA, using disk-
to-RAM swap buffers, or modular overlays. When Digital Research (Pacific
Grove, CA) produced MP/M, which allocated 48k-byte TPA, standard 8-bit
software design practice became: design applications requiring only 48k. We
think it was good idea then, still do, to promote efficient code writing for
our computing machines; we use few appliances for work, learning!
We are doing our best to convince Jim Whorton to make full-screen editor
VDO a ZCPR3 utility, one that keys terminal video requirements to the system
environment as other Z3 utilities do. Keep your fingers crossed.
GOTO, Version 1.2, has been updated (operates from a ZEX line) to assure
multiple commands are cancelled, if on same line. Update by ZCPR3 creator,
Richard Conn, now on Z-Nodes. Also don't forget to get Rick's SAK, Version
2.1, that cancels ZEX processing with a ^C. Here's how he describes these two
utilities:
; GOTO is a program designed to be run under ZEX which permits
; branching within a ZEX file. It accepts only one argument, a label,
; defined within the ZEX file as a special comment of the form:
; ;=label anytext
; The syntax of GOTO is:
; GOTO label
;
; GOTO always aborts the rest of a multiple command line when it
; executes; if it did not do this, commands following the GOTO would
; be executed before the GOTO is performed (control returned to ZEX).
; SAK (Strike Any Key) is used for the following purposes:
; 1) to wait for user interaction before continuing
; and to allow the user to abort a Multiple
; Command Line
; 2) to command the user's attention by ringing the
; bell at his console
; 3) cancel ZEX command file in execution (2.1 - rlc)
;
; The SAK command line is:
; SAK /o... or SAK /o... text or SAK text
; SAK is invoked with following options:
; A -- DO NOT Allow User to Cancel MCL
; B -- Ring Bell
; Pnnnn -- Pause nnnn seconds and continue if no
; response by that time
; Z -- Allow User to Cancel ZEX
In original assemble/link M80.ZEX (or in ZAS.ZEX) file there's a line:
; Please Type $^C if Error(s) Exist - ^?
possible by using ZEX's built-in prompt capability. Line now can be replaced
with a SAK statement:
SAK /P6Z Errors, cancel link (^C)?
Advantage here, link automatically commences if a ^C is not entered by
operator within 6 seconds. But any keypress starts link operation
immediately, without waiting for default pause limit. Change to 20 second
pause and add repeating bell alert if you aren't attentive to console
screen/keyboard after starting ZEX process; /BP20Z provides difficult-to-
ignore prompt if assembly errors occur.
MORE Z TIPS: Setting up command lines for VFILER CMD and VMENU files is fun.
Both programs have ability to point to a file, called Pointer File (PF), for
further processing. Normally, the name Current File is reserved for files
established by SETFILE or in SH.VAR, i.e., system files. (And don't confuse
these with Current Disk or User.) A neat command line useful for editing
files might be:
ECHO Use Pointer File (Y, T, <sp>, or CR=yes)?
IF INPUT
VDO $pf
ELSE
VDO "Filename to Edit? "
FI
which automatically prompts for file name to edit if pointer file is not to be
used. Responding to first prompt with Y (yes), T (true), space bar, or
carriage return, causes pointer file ($pf, %f for VFILER CMD) to be used by
(passed to) editor. Tip comes directly from Z-Node Central: was a message to
Z user, Wally Ottersbach, from Sysop Dave McCord.
Z-Node Corner: Nodes licensed to download Echelon proprietary software help
support diverse computer disk formats. Contact them for Z-Tools, Z3-Dot-Com,
Z-Com, DSD, Discat, ZRDOS, Z-Msg, etc. After you satisfy (pay) Sysop (by
check, money order, credit card number, or other agreed-to payment method) and
download, he sends your name, address, and what you received to EI; we mail
printed documentation and place you on Z-News mailing list. It's simple,
convenient, closed loop; everybody wins! The Z-Team downloaders:
2. Al Hawley - Los Angeles, CA - 213/670-9465
3. Jay Sage - Newton Centre, MA - 617/965-7259
7. Tim Linehan - Olympia, WA - 206/357-6757
10. Rea Williams - El Toro, CA - 714/855-0672
14. Rich Rodeheaver - Reynoldsburg, OH - 614/864-2673
15. Richard Jacobson - Chicago, IL - 312/649-1730
16. Jud Newell - Islington, Ontario, CANADA - 416/232-0442
17. Robert Tate - Altamonte Springs, FL - 305/831-6049
19. Fred Townsend - San Jose, CA - 408/262-5150
29. Ed Unrien - Orlando, FL - 305/295-0844
Announcements: 1) Norm Beeler, Z-Node 35 (Sunnyvale, CA, 408/245-1420),
is an alternative if you're unsuccessful contacting Z-Node Central. Add Norm
to others we recommended in Z-News 205. But please, upload as well as
download; more "go-fors" provide more up-to-date files for more users. These
alternates work only if we have sufficient volunteers timely moving software
from Central to other nodes. 2) Wow! Another noder signs up. Welcome to:
38. Robert L. Paddock - Franklin, PA 16323
Z-System Going Public: ZRDOS is getting modified to be controlled by a Z
utility to permit (optionally) public files to be created and recognized.
Fully compatible with Andy Johnson-Laird (Control-C Software) and Bridger
Mitchell (Plu*Perfect Systems) approach, Z soon permits any directory to
access a command file that uses overlays in another directory. Without
individual patching, programs that use overlays like WordStar, dBASE, T/Maker,
MultiPlan, and The Word Plus, would be placed in, say, A15:ROOT directory,
with text and data files in other directories, e.g., B0 to B15. More as
features mature.
But until Z has public file capability we make do using SETDRU (and WS-
FIX or WSPAT-DM). Awhile ago Michael Rubenstein wrote this filter program
permitting an application program to find its associated overlays in other
than current/default directory. It gets the job done for WordStar, The Word
Plus, Perfect Writer, and other applications. (We first mentioned SETDRU in
Newsletter 008, there and then called USER.) SETDRU13.LBR is presently on Z-
Nodes and other remote access systems.
SB180 Song: The Micromint SBC continues as top-of-list, must-get item, for
dyed-in-wool 8-bitters. SCSI hard-disk expansion interface, autostart aliases
for RAM disk make it so flexible. File-load and auto-archive aliases
individually generated for wordprocessing, database management, spreadsheet,
communications activities make for unbelievably quick and convenient
processing. Z-System custom menus tie it (what you want to do) together.
Order yours now for early delivery (1st week of August) by calling Micromint
toll-free 800/635-3355; phone number is good also for requesting literature
and complete pricing information on SB180.
Build one (buy fully assembled and tested SBC with ready to boot software
for $418.00; add case with power supplies, about $220.00; three half-height
floppies--both 5.25" and 8"--and one fast 8" or 5.25" hard disk, $1000.00 or
so; connectors and cables, $100.00; and Wyse WY-350 color terminal) as your
second computer, and it quickly becomes your prime because of bright, shining
performance! WY-350 retails for $1195.00; ouch! multi-hue costs money. Some
may feel it's not worth it and use WY-50 for $695.00. Of course, these are
retail prices and few pay that these days. Also, lots of readily available
used equipment (flea-market purchases) greatly reduce final costs of any such
project. (We noticed WY-100 terminals for $195.00 from WW Components, 1771
Junction Avenue, San Jose, CA 95112, 408/295-7171.)
Micromint plans to produce a stand-alone, ready-to-run, remote access
system using SB180 and a modem board they presently finish designing. Modem
board uses new Xecom (374 Turquoise St., Milpitas, CA 95035, 408/943-0313)
MOSART module to handle telephone/computer interface functions. Z-System,
Term3 and Z-Msg will be bundled with package. More in next newsletter.
We trust Dave Thompson (Micro Cornucopia Magazine) and Art Carlson (The
Computer Journal) publish articles that assist learning to build (and use)
Hitachi HD64180-based computers--the future is now!
California Proverb: If you tickle yourself you can laugh whenever you wish.
Get your pleasure from other than yourself, sometimes you have to wait before
laughter comes! We (you and I) work (and write) where palm trees meet pines,
where water tastes like wine! Miracles every day. See you down the lines...
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Z-News 206 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission
to reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is
given to Echelon.
