Double FLASH: REVAS4 gets Hitachi HD64180 code disassembly capability--price
stays at $90.00! Al Hawley, REVAS (REVerse ASsemlber) author and Sysop for Z-
Node #2 and ham radio packet to landline network coordinator, just finished
Hitachi version. Registered REVAS3 owners may upgrade for $20.00 plus
shipping and handling. Send Echelon your master diskette.
TERM III is shipping--one year in development, planned to take only four
(4) months. Program takes advantage of environment created by ZCPR3. Has
what you would expect from full-feature communications package plus much more.
Term3 represents new thinking about configurability, flexibility, ease-of-use,
performance, and modularity.
Z TIPS: VFILER36, VMENU15, and MENU38 trio is released preliminarily. Al
Dunsmuir (Scarborough, Ontario) did it again; we thought previous versions
were great but latest brings a fine tune to assembly language programming.
Forty-four code enhancements were introduced to the trio for: 1) increased
speed and quickness, 2) reduced screen rewrites, and 3) increased overall
flexibility. About the updates, Al said, "A large effort was made to speed up
the loading of VFILER and VMENU, and both VMENU and MENU now are a lot smarter
(search for menu file along path, no extraneous returns/checks of Command line
status). VMENU now knows about the Command echo flag, and System menus."
Read *.INF within respective .LBR files for specific details, on Z-Nodes now.
Z community owes Al much gratitude for his extraordinary attention to detail,
his continuing concern to establish ZCPR3 utilities best. He next tackles
ZEX, making it an improved (and proper) Z-System program!
Dennis Wright, Z-Team Member and author of ZRDOS, has upgraded Ted
Emigh's FINDERR to handle ZAS assembler errors. He also created a nifty ZEX
file to go with it. The way Dennis wrote batch file, ZEX works without a
glitch. Find ZASLINK.ZEX and new FINDERR.MAC--it's Version 1.4--on Z-Node
Central and other nodes.
Jay Sage checked out ALIAS for update, calling his screen-oriented
version VALIAS, and Richard Conn works on MKALIAS. Therefore, we soon should
have two super make-alias programs with internal editors--good times continue
to roll!
Rememorandum: Many computerists remain that haven't purchased Richard Conn's
ZCPR3: The Manual. What's the matter with you estimated 60,000 Z-System
users? Bound, typeset, 351 pages, 7.5" by 9.25" size, manual still sells for
only $19.95, plus $4.00 for shipping and handling costs. Shipping from stock!
You need not another source for facts, information, knowledge? Satisfied?
Please, think again!
And there's ZCPR3 and IOPs selling for $9.95, plus shipping and handling,
or get the tutorial as a series of files (from Z-Nodes as IOP.LBR) for
download phone-time cost. Fifty-page (50) loose-leaf document, written by
Richard Conn, explains ZCPR3 input/output redirection philosophy, shows how to
modify your BIOS to include I/OP segments, and how to use DEV, DEVICE, and
RECORD Z-System commands.
Comment Line: We are encouraged by volume of mail we receive, indicating
interest in high-performance 8-bit products, and perhaps, commitment. One
problem: we don't have the staff to individually respond to most of your
questions.
Your efforts are appreciated; we thank you. Every letter is carefully
read and we react with what is felt appropriate. If you haven't received a
reply, don't think we didn't receive and read your letter. Consider: it
takes, on average, 20 minutes of someone's time to draft a response; that time
is worth, with our present corporate overhead, about $60.00 per hour. Thus
each response costs us $20.00, deeply cutting into profits, profits so dearly
needed to continue our developments. (MicroPro, producer of WordStar, offers
personalized telephone help at $90.00 for first hour, if prepaid! After that
it's $2.50 per minute!) Information costs money...
It may be severe but printed material should be read seven (7) times
before concluding lack of understanding. Seven times is sufficient to obtain
meat! It's a law; from such reading technique, you move from echelon (level)
to echelon, increasing insight naturally.
Z-Node Activity: Richard Rodeheaver, C.O.R.E. Z-Node #14 Sysop, advises to
use password RAVEN when logging onto his Reynoldsburg, Ohio, system.
Richard's number is 614/864-2678. Another Richard, Petersen, but in El Paso,
TX, has a new node modem number: 915/821-3638.
New 1,024k-byte block transfer YMODEM and KMD programs and 2400 bps
modems exhibit increased through-put, reduced stay-time on Z-Nodes. One k-
byte blocks instead of 128-byte increase transfer through-put by about 30%
with 2400 bps modems, by 9% with 1200 bps. Actual results are determined by
error rate of transmission circuit. (US Robotics must make their 2400 modem
less error prone or they will be black-balled. The Hayes 1200 is poor enough,
we can't live with further reductions in quality. You OEMs listening?)
Echelon recommends temporarily using KMD (renamed to XMODEM, as suggested
by its author, Irv Hoff) along with BYE5 on all Z-Nodes, until such time Term3
replaces both.
While on subject of performance, Jud Newell, Z-Node #16, Islington
(Toronto), Ontario, CANADA, has all Echelon files and programs online. Both
freely distributed ones (non-commercial use) and proprietary items are
handled. Jud is a popular software downloader (see Z-News 206) and has
special modem number for his node: 416/231-9202. If you need our products,
here's a place to download from!
Amateur Z User's Corner: Zas is distributed so assembly produces a REL file,
one that can be used for linking with subroutine libraries, like SYSLIB,
Z3LIB, and VLIB. (Change defaults by running "install" program.) Of course,
REL files become COM files using ZLINK and default code origin of 100 hex.
Add trailing "h" to command line to toggle output to HEX. An alias, we call
it ZASH, to create COM files from HEX using Ron Fowler's MLOAD program is:
ZAS $1 h;SAK /bp6 Errors, cancel load (^C)?;era $1.bak;
era $1.com;mload $1;echo;echo erase hex file created?;
if input;era $1.hex;else;fi
Note conditional test of HEX file erasure, in case you wanted HEX file
retained for later use. Command line is ZASH <fn><cr>. File type (ft) is
assumed as .Z80 and must not be entered as part of file name (fn). Such would
be passed along with name. "era $1.bak" would expand to "era fn.ft.bak" and
that's not wanted!
Zilog mnemonics are easy--much easier than Intel--to learn, remember, and
use. Best example, LD operation replaces five (5) Intel ones: MOV, MVI,
PCHL, XCHG, and SPHL. Additionally, LD handles operations beyond Intel's 8080
capability. You quickly learn register, immediate, and memory operand (data
to be worked on) notation. Source of data to right of operand comma,
destination to left; memory data in parenthesis but immediate and register,
not. So think not it difficult to learn Zilog/Hitachi mnemonics, think paths
(no pun intended) to efficiency, performance, and speed.
Don't forget that one of the best ways to learn assembly language
programming is to disassemble working programs, ones you have source code for!
And, we know of no better disassembler than REVAS. Furthermore, REVAS4
handles new, destined-to-change-microcomputer-world, Hitachi HD64180
instructions. (If this were a perfect world, Intel's 8086/80286 would have
been upward compatible with 8080/Z80 microprocessor; you know it's not, and it
isn't!) Unique REVAS manual (it's over 80 pages) guides you through all
phases of disassembly and promotes quick code learning.
For those with limited disk space, David McCord (Z-Node Central Sysop)
has advice. "A good solution is the Z3 CMDRUN facility. This allows you to
group .COM files into a library (.LBR) file, where you will not be forced to
dedicate storage [either an allocation block or directory entry] for each
file, because library files store member files much more efficiently. To set
this up, get the LRUNZ3 file in the UTILITY: directory here. Rename the
LRUNZ3.COM file to CMDRUN.COM and place on A15:. Then, create a library file
of the COM files you want named COMMAND.LBR and place in A15:. You should now
be able to invoke any of the COM files in COMMAND.LBR by just entering it's
name (e.g., SHOW<cr>) at the system prompt, just as though it were not really
actually inside a .LBR file. Again, see the ARCHIVE: directory for some more
info on the CMDRUN function of ZCPR3." Please don't install (load) any of the
four Z3 error handlers if you have CMDRUN.COM along file search path--there's
a logical search conflict!
"Louis Carrol sketch and quote here
in hardcopy edition"
Public_Domain_Status_of_Echelon_Software: Questions regarding domain status
of ZCPR3 and other EI products are coming in again. Newsletter 103 discussed
our position and nothing has changed. Z3NOTE.MSG file on Z-Nodes also gives
details of our status.
We are aware that several mail-order, for-profit, companies are offering
packaged ZCPR3 software for sale. If these companies don't have a license
from EI they are probably unintentionally selling our software illegally. We
hope they apply and get on Echelon's team. You can help! Let such companies
know that Echelon would welcome signing them up with a license arrangement to
sell ZCPR3 (and ZRDOS) software.
Question Anything Not Understood: Computer literacy, for many, appears to
stifle thinking, certainly a step backwards, not wanted. Though increased
quantity of paperwork always results, quality is something else. It's good to
do some things occasionally by hand, add a column of numbers now and then.
What we don't use, we lose! And a brain is a terrible thing to put into such
category. Z-News 109, pg 3, and 203, also pg 3, let us have it in the teeth--
question results, even those produced by computing machines. Understand
spreadsheet model's way-of-thinking. We say again (though, at times, we feel
we plant daisies in South Pole ice): don't simply be an end-user, be elitist,
be best-of-class!
Business Management Character: Subconscious action, if fundamentals of Life
are lacking (never learned), leads to human fear (non-receptivity to things
new), bogus guilt (self-blame), lack of self-determination (simple re-action),
and social detachment (avoiding emotional pain). American big-business
produces few individuals elevated to far-sighted-ness, produces few who expend
Cosmic Conscious energy. We fall into trap thinking next-quarter profits more
important than quality of life (if any) our grand children (when grown-up)
will experience. Long live principles of Silent Spring author, Rachael
Carson, and Stanford University Prof. Frederick Terman!
This Earth is substance more enduring (holy) than all biological life--
homo sapiens are but a small aspect of this life. Until each human becomes a
sphere, this planet is our MOTHER and FATHER; the only commandment: HONOR!
If we honor, all falls/rises into place; else, face survival uncertainty, fi
(endif).
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 209 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission
to reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is
given to Echelon.
"INSERT IN HARD-COPY EDITION"
TERM III COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
TERM III is a communications system which runs under the Z-System
(the ZCPR3 command processor with, optionally, the ZRDOS CP/M
BDOS replacement). Over twenty (20) programs provide the
following capabilities:
o interactive communications with remote computer systems
o reliable file transfer between the user's computer (host)
and a remote computer
o control of an auto-dial/auto-answer modem
o access control for remote system applications (the user's
system can be set up to be dialed into by outside users)
o rapid and easy reconfiguration of the communications
environment for different applications
TERM III is integrated with ZCPR3 and provides the Z-System
user with a communications capability adaptable to a wide variety
of needs and can be used in conjunction with his other Z-System
tools. The TERM III programs return result codes (which indicate
the success or failure of their operation) in a manner which can
be examined using the IF command. TERM III programs can be
employed in menus and aliases that provide commands and
applications environments which are tailored to a user's specific
needs. TERM III programs rely upon the environment provided by a
Z-System for support. Some aspects of this support include:
o All screen-oriented displays obtain terminal-specific
information from the ZCPR3 TCAP
o Many of the programs return result codes (via the Program
Error Message in most cases) through the ZCPR3
Environment Descriptor
o File references can be prefixed with the ZCPR3 directory
reference forms (DIR or DU)
o Path searches or direct ROOT accesses are employed
o Messages and other attributes of the ZCPR3 environment
are used extensively
The large number of features built into the TERM III System
combine to provide the user with flexibility of use and
adaptability to different communications requirements. Ease of
use and user-friendliness are also key elements of the design.
An outline of the features of the TERM III System follows:
1. Interactive Communications
o terminal mode - the user "feels" like he is directly
connected to the remote computer via a terminal
o conversation mode - the screen is divided, with
incoming characters printed in the top half and
outgoing characters printed in the bottom half
o translation tables - all incoming and outgoing
characters pass through translation tables,
supporting parity transmissions, masking of
selected characters (such as escape sequences),
and using different character sets (such as EBCDIC)
o macro tables - ten predefined strings can be
transmitted at will, using multiple tables
o printer output - displayed characters can be queued
to the printer
o buffer load and dump - displayed characters can be
stored in a memory buffer and dumped to disk,
printer, or the remote computer
o XON/XOFF recording - displayed characters can be
stored in a disk file, using XON/XOFF handshaking
to ensure no loss of
data
o dynamic setting and displaying of environment
variables for ease of selection of features
2. File Transfer
o several communications protocols available, including
XMODEM with Checksum, XMODEM with CRC, and KERMIT
o batch file transfer (sending lists of files using
wild cards) available with some protocols
o communications server - remote system access and
control from the user's system without the need
for the user to issue commands to the remote
system directly
3. Modem Control
o answer the telephone and drop into the Z-System
environment with a result code (phone rang or
user abort)
o dial the telephone based on mnemonics or specific
telephone numbers, built-in editor
o rotary dialing - dial all numbers in a directory
file in sequence until one answers
o multiple telephone number directories
4. Access Control
o LOGIN program
o selecting the attributes of a user's environment
based on the user's ID; attributes include:
- command search path
- ZCPR3 System Segments loaded
- startup command line
- various Environment Descriptor data
- wheel byte and quiet flag
o loading a TCAP entry based on the user's ID
5. Environment Configuration
o use of Comm Sets (Communications Sets) which
define the aspects of an environment and
can be quickly loaded as needed
o screen-oriented editors to create and tailor
Comm Sets easily
o automated program installation procedure with
installation configuration files
TERM III was designed to meet the communications needs of the
serious Z-System user, and knowledge of that operating system is
required to make effective use of the combination. Three books,
ZCPR3: The Manual, ZCPR3 and IOPs, and ZRDOS Programmer's Manual,
provide detail descriptions of all Z-System functions. Prices:
