Anniversary Price Reductions: Z-News is one year old, 25 issues written and
distributed. To celebrate, we lower prices on following items and offer new
economy package situation:
Item New_Price Description
05. $119.00 Z-Com (auto-install Z-System, with I/OP's, on
five/seven disks)
20. 69.00 ZAS universal relocating macro assembler
24. 150.00 Z-Tools (ZAS, ZDM, ITOZ and REVAS3)
25. 129.95 DSD dynamic screen debugger
40. 39.95 Input/Output Recorder (I/OR)
43. 89.95 I/O Package Group (new), consisting of I/OR,
BPrinter and PKey
60. 39.99 Discat ZCPR3 file and disk catalog program
The cake is cut (see Z-News 205, pg 3); get your slice. We said we were
celebrating!
Additionally, ZAS and ZDM have been upgraded to handle Hitachi HD64180
extended instruction set; also ZAS now has .phase/.dphase and many new
print/macro pseudo-ops. (See function tables on pages 3 and 4. These tables
could be made into quickie HLP files integrated with other ZCPR3/ZRDOS help
menus.) Anyone wishing to upgrade, please send your original disks, and
$20.00 each, and we'll re-copy disks with new programs. You also receive
upgraded manuals reflecting changes. For same price we will upgrade your
ZRDOS to ZRDOS Plus--send us your disk.
Milestones! ZCPR3: The Manual is off-the-presses and starting to ship. All
who have ordered should have received it by now, or will within a week or so
(we are now at mercy of US Postal Service). The end of one saga and being of
another. ZCPR3 can be studied and understood like never before. For this
7.5" by 9.25" bound paper-back we have long waited--it's here! We thank
everyone for being civil when it would have been so easy not to be. And the
book is still only $19.95 plus shipping and handling of $4.00. Hurray! We
hope ZCPR3: The Libraries comes out when we first say it will (no ship date
yet, but when we give one it'll be a day we are certain of).
ZRDOS Plus is shipping, in place of ZRDOS2. Priced at $59.50, $15.49
less than ZRDOS2. What's important: it is re-entrant, permitting efficient
I/O Packages to be written, so effective for 64k-byte Z80-based systems.
Behold! we add a spectacular utility, from gracious hands (and mind) of
Dennis Wright, to ZRDOS Plus utility collection. Called VTYPE, it permits
full forward and backward viewing of text files using screen attributes of
your terminal and efficient RAM-to-disk swap buffers; has built-in, in-
context, help screen. Scroll forward/backward, line/screen at a time; go
quickly to beginning/end of file; find text string; repeat search; top-of-
screen status line; more! It's one of those utilities, once you use it, you
can't be without. We think you too will be addicted after getting your hands
on VTYPE.
And, Term3 (Phase 1) should be shipping during next fortnight! Our cup
flows over...we see high ground, ground of Being! Program Term3 has to be
understood as same kind of departure-from-norm as ZCPR3 did from CP/M.
Horizons expand as you learn its vast capabilities. If you assume you know
what it does, you learn little.
Z TIPS: A useful addition to your microcomputer support utilities is MAKE.
Moving a program from one user area (0 to 31) to another is primary feature.
Program simply changes file first-byte in directory area, track two of disk--
doesn't actually copy to another directory. Used in aliases it's possible to
"move" a set of program overlays from directory to directory, as needed, for
specific directory useage. MAKE effectively satisfies requirement for public
file capability (but does it slower) and makes use of SETDRU filters
unnecessary, in those situations where multiple copies of a program would
otherwise be required on several directories. If WS.COM and overlays (and
MAKE.COM) were in user area 0, disk drive A, VFILER CMD command line "MAKE
WS*.COM 6;MAKE *.OVR 6;WS %d%u:%f" puts them in user area 6, including
MAILMERGE.OVR. Now you can edit pointer file (%f) in user area 6. Path finds
MAKE and WS.COM and they have enough intelligence to find its overlays as long
as they are in same user area and on same drive. Pointer file could be on
default drive other than A. (Short form for %d%u:%f in CMD files is %$.)
Flash: Dennis Wright has donated his personal ZCPR3 I/O debugger package
to Z-Nodes. Get IOBUG.LBR to see how Dennis works with I/O problems.
Amateur Z User's Corner: We hope you have been learning to create menus.
DEMO.LBR is on Z-Nodes to assist by showing many examples. After going to
ZRDOS area of node, DEMO.LBR is found by entering command "FINDF DEMO.LBR<cr>"
from any directory you're in. FINDF searches for file (may be wildcard
declared, *.LBR finds all LBRs) in all directories. When found, you enter
directory name, a colon, and cursor (carriage) return, and you're there.
(Type "PWD<cr>" to determine directory name for Disk/User Area combinations.)
Download file (use Christensen transfer protocol in your modem program) by
entering command "XMODEM S DEMO.LBR<cr>" at Z-Node prompt.
Set/reset meaning: make expression (function or line) true, one; make
false, zero. Raising a line, e.g., DTR of RS-232 interface cable, sets it
true, a one, turns function on. True/false, yes/no, high/low, one/zero,
"1"/"0", raise/lower, usually mean exactly the same thing. Lowering a signal
line sets it false, i.e., function is turned off, operation ceases. Clear?
Upload/download: Up and down are relative to perspective, your mental
perch, where you are standing. Public access message and file transfer
systems, like Z-Nodes, are considered by convention higher in level (echelon)
than individual computer systems. So when placing files in such systems, you
are said to "upload"; getting files, you "download." Public access systems
are perceived as top-of-mountain, we in valley! We deal with pure mental
gymnastics, but still important for understanding.
Construction: those wishing to build an SBC or S-100 computer should
contact Integrand, 8620 Roosevelt Ave., Visalia, CA 93291, 209/651-1203, for
their catalog of enclosure, fan, power supply, connector, and motherboard
products. Integrand has much advice/hardware for such projects. Also DISKS
PLUS (15945 West Pope Blvd., Prairie View, IL 60069, 312/537-7888) is another
excellent source of hard-to-find pieces for a build-a-computer project. Order
their catalog to feast on choice morsels.
Floppy Disk Format Standard Proposed! Suggested standard for 5.25" disk
formats used by 8-bit machines: single and double-sided, double-density, 40
and 80 track formats perfected by Alpha Systems (San Jose, CA) and first used
by Ampro Computers (Mountain View, CA), then by Oneac (Chicago, IL) and
Micromint (Vernon, CT); and expanded usage now encouraged by Echelon. We
already have one 8" standard, IBM 3740, for single-sided, single-density
disks. California Computer Systems (CCS) and CompuPro (Viasyn) single-sided,
double-density, 600k-byte, is suggested as another; and CompuPro double-sided,
double-density, 1.2 megabyte, is also. Micromint BIOS for SB180 supports
these three 8" formats. We have no axe-to-grind other than to attempt to stop
proliferation of additional formats--microcomputer community needs no more!
Z-Node Corner: Node operations smooth. We consolidate, preparing for full
data-link satellite relay function. Bob Finch and Al Hawley, Z-Node Sysops,
rush in their labors of love to complete design of global
message/communications system.
Notice more nodes online:
39. Jon E. Schneider - El Paso, TX - 915/592-4976
40. Terry Smythe - Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA
Rick Peterson, Z-Node 31, has 12 megabytes of hard disk and a 2400 bps modem
online, also in El Paso, TX. Call 915/755-3342 to get latest Z software
(continued on page 5)
ZAS PSEUDO-OP SUMMARY
Pseudo-op Form Definition
ASEG set absolute segment
COMMON set common segment
CSEG set code segment
DB(DEFB) n [,n...] define byte
DC 'string' define character, null terminator
.DPHASE end .phase
DS(DEFS) expression [,expression] define space
DSEG set data segment
DW(DEFW) nn [,nn...] define word
ELSE conditional assembly
END [expression] specifies program starting address
ENDIF end conditional assembly
ENDM end macro
LABEL EQU expression equate label to a value
EXITM exit macro
EXTRN(EXT) symbol [,symbol...] define external symbols
.HD64 assemble HD64180 instructions
IF expression conditional assembly
.IF1 conditional trueness based on lsb
.IF16 conditional trueness based on 16-bits
.IN(MACLIB) [d:]filename include file
IRP identifier, string [,string...] indefinite repeat macro
IRPC identifier, string indefinite repeat character macro
.LALL list all macro lines
.LFCOND list all false conditionals
.LIST resume listing
LOCAL identifier [,identifier...] define local macro labels
LABEL MACRO dummy [,dummy...] stored macro definition
NAME modulename define module name
ORG expression change value of relocation counter
PAGE [expression] page definition or eject
.PHASE expression relocate block of code
.PRINT pass,text print text during assembly
PUBLIC symbol [,symbol...] define public symbols
.RADIX n set radix default
REPT expression repeat macro
.REQUEST filename [,filename...] request library search
.SALL suppress macro listing
.SBTTL 'string' define subtitle
LABEL SET(DEFL) expression set label to a value
.SFCOND suppress listing of false conditionals
.TITLE 'string' define title
.XALL exclude non-code macro lines
.XLIST suppress listings
Legend: items in ( )'s are aliases; in [ ]'s, optional.
ZDM/ZDMZ/ZDMH COMMAND SUMMARY
Function Form Definition
Display D[s,f] display screen of memory in hex
and ASCII
Disable Interrupt DI disable interupts, normal default
Enable Interrupt EI enable interupts, default if
entering from G, T, and U
Fill Fs,f,c fill range of memory with declared
byte value
Go G[s,b] execute program with optional
breakpoint
Hex Math Ha,b obtain sum and difference of two
hex numbers
Input Ifilename set up file control block to
receive file name
List L[s,f] list to screen assembly
language mnemonics
Move Ms,f,d move data from one area of memory
to another
Query Input QIa display input byte from indicated
port a
Query Output QOa,b output byte b to indicated port a
Read R[b] read in file set up with I command,
optional offset b
Set Ss examine, optionally alter memory
Trace T[n] sinple step program execution, up
to 65535 steps
Untrace U[n] similar to T, but CPU state
not displayed
Block Search B[T]s,f find hex or ASCII string in
declared memory range
Verify Vs,f,b verify if two blocks are identical
Print P send all screen output also to
printer
Jump J display only branch statements:
calls, jumps, returns, etc.
Legend: items in [ ]'s are optional; s=start address; f=final address; c=hex
byte value; a=hex value or port address; b=hex value or offset, breakpoint or
block start address; d=destination address; n=step number; r=register letter,
a for accumulator, b for bc pair, s for sp, etc.
(from page 2) news. Rick's node should prove helpful, especially for those in
southern and central parts of country. Use him, and Jon, to reduce strain on
Node Central.
SB180/MOSART: Xecom (374 Turquoise St., Milpitas, CA 95035, 408/943-0313)
XE1201/XE1203 modem components (hybrid module, using only 2.25 square inches
of printed circuit board area) open next generation telephone communications--
voice and data, over same wireline, conveniently controlled by menu-driven
software.
The Micromint SB180 single board computer (see Z-News 109/204/206) using
its auxiliary communications board, called COMM180 (with XE1201/03 element),
form basis of turn-key, stand-alone bulletin board system (BBS). COMM180
board is approximately 2.75" by 4.5" in area, and designed to sell for $399.00
with software. Term3 is being customized to permit user to take significant
advantage of hybrid modem module. Also, Z-Msg is being upgraded to honor
entry into this new modem/communications epoch. Hardware and software are
completely integrated; here is plug-in-wall (AC, console, and phone
connections), ready-to-run package, for computer professionals wanting
unattended file and message handling capability, as well as normal computing.
Echelon Z-Team members Richard Conn, Tim Gary, and David McCord are
handling software design and integration tasks. Who could be more qualified?
Complete package sells for $1400.00, in portable metal case, with two 80-track
5.25" floppies. Expansion to hard disk occurs with built-in parallel
expansion bus (SCSI interface).
Call-progress monitoring th
rough switched network telephone systems is a
feature beyond standard-Hayes operation. Dial tone received, busy, ringing,
receiver off-hook, voice, ring-back, timeout, answer (connect), reorder
(circuit/equipment not ready/available), vacant (number unassigned), i.e.,
comprehensive monitoring! Xecom modem module does what we had hoped defunct
PMMI 1200 bps modem was to have done. (Craig Brown, you still around?) Also,
software controlled voice interface, telephone line diagnostics, and DTMF
signaling (using tones to directly receive commands/data) and optional speech
synthesis are available.
Four before-end-of-calendar-year BYTE magazine articles describe SB180
and its software, plus Xecom MOSART modem module and COMM180 bulletin
board/communications package. Action starts on cover of 10th Anniversary BYTE
issue.
Ramblings: Hope Hitachi calls their HD64180 microprocessor H180 (Z180 name
also would be nice). Chip is cross between Zilog Z80 and Intel 80186; 180
implies extended 80 in 188/186 vain. So either Z180 or H180 name seems right,
appropriate.
Wyse Technology (3571 N. First St., San Jose, CA 95134, 408/433-1000)
lowers WY-50 ternimal retail price to $599.00 from $695.00. President Bernard
Tse, stay number one, please. Quality lives on, after price is forgotten--hot
tip of the fortnight!
While we think Assembly Language is best, we still promote C Language
here and there, especially if optimized (like in Z-Msg). Thus we announce
Computer Language magazine (131 Townsend Street, San Francisco, CA 94107,
415/957-9353) sponsors a workshop on it, with renown experts conducting the
sessions. Workshop is scheduled for 16, 17, 18 September 1985 in Cambridge,
MA. Call CL if you wish to attend.
Studying Artificial Intelligence (AI) is scientific, spiritual, and
mystical, all at once. The fact back in 1955 such subject was labeled
"artificial" and the name stuck says something about "Catch-22" aspect of
investigator investigating himself--man studying man, expecting to unfold
something unknowable about himself. AI reminds us of "a hand drawing itself,"
so skillfully depicted by artist Maurice Escher (of GEB book fame, written by
Douglas Hofstader), a spiral of recursion, leaping from one octave to another,
never to exactly repeat. Ignorance in action is frightening to behold (also
potentially very dangerous)! Z 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 207 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission
to reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is
given to Echelon.
