Words fail me after last month’s meeting. I said it last year, and I will say it again, if you missed last month’s meeting, you missed the meeting of the year! For one thing, we had at least three times the food we had last year. And the credit this time goes to the entire club, for EVERY club member that showed up brought some edible goodie to share. So, take a minute now to give yourselves a pat on the back for a job very well done.
Some thanks are in order for last month’s meeting. I would like to thank Allen Montgomery for generously providing a turkey and a birthday cake. Allen volunteered these items and I thought it was kind of him to invest his (and his wife’s) time and money into our meeting, it made it extra special! (Thanks for the wishbone, too!) Also thanks to Sherm Erickson and his son, Joe Danko, and Mike Weist for helping me plan the party and set up the hall. Sherm and his son also should be given credit for a wonderful duo-cleanup job after the party diminished. Thanks to Mike Schmidt for printing up a banner and some special DOM discount coupons, the latter which came up on very short notice. Thanks to Ken, Glen and Larry for giving me a hand with the activities of the evening.
Speaking of Larry, has anyone called the new system? Well, it sure looks good, Larry gave the title screen and messages bases a face lift and did some other minor modifications. I also want to be sure and thank none other than Ken Modeen for a job WELL DONE as Sysop. Ken did a very good job with the BBS and I appreciated his efforts. Hopefully Ken will find satisfaction and happiness in his new endeavors. Thank you Ken!
I have some ideas brewing for the rest of the year. I am going to attempt to kick off a SPACE programming team that EVERYONE can be involved with, even if you know NOTHING about programming. Larry and I have been wanting to get something like this going for a long time. If some of you think that programs like Synfile +, Ball-Blazer, or Print-Shop were written by a guy who knew a lot of code, you’re mistaken. A programming operation is usually a very big team effort. It’s enough of a job just to program a piece of software, to write and direct the project, unless you’re a gifted individual, is usually a job for one or more sideline people. I have a very ambitious task that I would like to get off the ground and I will need EVERYONE’s talents. We will need people who can draw well, people who can write music, people who can do simple procedures for others to same time, and many other jobs for our programming team. The software we write will go into DOM format, and I would like to advertise it via the mail and hopefully sell it to other clubs and ATARI owners across the country. Now if you think that hasn’t been done before, look the next time you boot up DISKCOMM 1.3. If any group can do something like that, I know ours can! I will be bringing up further details at the meeting.
As many of you know, I took a gamble at the last meeting and held a trivia contest. Due to an oversight on my part, it almost backfired, but I had many good comments and feedback afterwards. It seemed that many people had enjoyed it, so we will be doing this every month, provided interest holds, but we’ll be doing it on a smaller scale and carry it out for three months. To do so, we will literally divide the membership up into teams. To find out what all this is about, come to the next meeting, the questions are written already, and we are ready to play!
That about wraps it up this month. Christmas is going to be another very big meeting, we have some unbelievable raffle prizes in store that are purchased already or set aside for us. In the coming months, watch for some new things and make an effort to be at the meetings. Now is the time more than ever when we need EVERYONE’s support!
Happy computing!
Nathan Block
The dog days of August are upon us bringing with them no mew Atari software. What I have found is a gigantic demo program from Holland that seems to have been released over there sometime in 1989 by some teenage hackers. For September I hope to have the repaired version of the Math and Statistics disk and a Disk of the Month with improved menus and the debugged SPACE index database program with up-to-date index files. There will also be some SPACE user-written or collected new software. I just don’t have enough for a complete disk right now. I thought I had something else for the library, ATAILINK BBS, a PD bulletin board program written in BASIC. Unfortunately, the main program crashes with an out-of-memory error on my system. I would like to see someone volnuteer to give it a try somewhere else. It looks like a very nice bbs.
THE BIG DEMO - August, 1991 Requires ATARI XE/XE computer and a 1050 disk drive or equivalent.
This IS a really big demo disk. It was put together by a group of teenage Atari hackers in Holland about 1989 and from the messages in the program one can surmise that Atari fans in Europe can get just as wierd and obsessive as in the U.S. This group also happens to comprise some very talented programmers. This overblown extravaganza takes up both sides of a 1050 Enhanced Density disk (about 260 Kbytes). I am not sure of the legality of some of the music as it was apparently cracked out of what appear to be others’ game software. There are also torturously long scrolling messages that contain a small number of widely used but impolite anglo-saxon expletives. Despite all of that it is a pretty spectaclar demo with lots of interesting music and graphics effects. When choosing some of the items to run from the menus you will find that the software is on the back side of the disk. For these items turn the disk over and then make the selection:
There has been quite a bit of excitement lately over the ATARI SX212 Modems for sale by DAMARK in the Twin Cities. Their catalog in July listed the SX212 300/1200 baud modem for $29.99 plus tax and handling. SPACE has bought two of them to use for door prizes or auction material. Much to our chagrin and members good fortune the price has dropped to $19.99 plus tax and handling. I have tested the modems with BOBTERM and DETERM on a P:R: Connection(like an 850) and direct on the SIO and the SX212 is an excellant value.
Its only drawback is that there is only one SIO connector and only one phone line connector. Therefore, if you connect to the SI0 directly it must be last on the string. It does NOT have an SI0 cable included. Perhaps SPACE can help obtain 13-pin SI0 cables for those who require some. It you have wanted to get started in telecommunications with your ATARI here is your chance to get a very useful modem without the expense of an 850 or PR Connection interface.
To order: call DAMARK at 1-800-729-9000 Order item No. B-375-181504 $19.99, S/H $5.50.
The SX212 requires a special handler that is derived from the old Rverter. The library will have versions of BOBTERM and DETERM configured to run with the SX212 direct to the SIO Bus. With DOS 2.0/2.5 there is difficulty loading automatically so each disk has a machine language menu that is used to load the SX handler and then load the terminal program. It is also possible to run EXPRESS 850 with the proper handler and a SX212 but I do not recommend EXPRESS as it is somewhat obselete and does not support Xmodem-1K or Ymodem file transfers.
------------------------------------------------------------- THE BBS REPORT Atari 8-bit/ST Bulletin Board System Listing Editor: Lawrence Estep CompuServe [71450,1050], GEnie L.ESTEP1 ------------------------------------------------------------- Minimum/Maximum baud listed before each number. Alabama-(AL)------------------------------------------------- H.A.U.G. 3/24 (205) 534-1815 California-(CA)---------------------------------------------- ACAOC 3/24 (714) 540-7378 Antelope Valley ACE 3/24 (805) 723-0093 Atari Anonymous 3/24 (714) 625-4251 BitStream 3/24 (408) 449-2150 Crime Bytes BBS 3/24 (408) 287-8399 Desert Atarians 3/24 (619) 342-1647 Key System 3/24 (415) 352-5528 R.A.M. Of Ventura 3/24 (805) 987-6985 Sierra Online 3/24 (209) 683-4463 STu's Place 3/24 (415) 782-4023 Colorado-(CO)------------------------------------------------ Front Range AUG 3/24 (303) 223-1297 Connecticut-(CT)--------------------------------------------- Silicon Palace 3/24 (203) 623-3759 Star 3/24 (203) 421-4861 Florida-(FL)------------------------------------------------- Hacker's Zone 3/24 (813) 584-2425 Harbor Lights 3/24 (813) 726-3449 MegaPlex 3/24 (813) 823-1471 St. Pete PO 3/24 (813) 821-3188 Tut's 3/24 (813) 797-8449 Idaho (ID)--------------------------------------------------- RattleSnake STation 3/24 (208) 587-7603 Illinois-(IL)------------------------------------------------ CL.A.U.G. North 3/24 (312) 889-1340 CL.A.U.G. South 3/24 (312) 422-4476 ICD 3/24 (815) 968-2229 Network:Atari 3/24 (815) 962-3084 Python 3/24 (312) 680-5105 Indiana-(IN)------------------------------------------------- BLAST 3/24 (812) 332-0573 Data Central 3/24 (317) 543-2007 IndyServe 3/24 (317) 849-4007 ST Archive 3/24 (317) 353-9326 Kentucky-(KY)------------------------------------------------ Atari Scene! 3/24 (502) 456-4292 JCPD Cop Shop 3/24 (502) 933-3481 LFPL Freeboard 3/24 (502) 584-4162 Michigan-(MI)------------------------------------------------ MAGIC 3/24 (313) 978-7363 Minnesota-(MN)----------------------------------------------- Minnesota Atari ST 3/24 (612) 472-6582 Missouri-(MO)------------------------------------------------ Outer Zone 3/24 (314) 291-2488 New York-(NY)------------------------------------------------ Computer World 3/24 (716) 247-8355 Long Island Atari 3/24 (516) 221-8462 Pennsylvania-(PA)-------------------------------------------- MATUG 3/24 (215) 677-1370 SAGE 3/24 (814) 833-4073 Tennessee-(TN)----------------------------------------------- Knoxville AUG 3/24 (615) 691-0113 NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: We would appreciate your comments and changes regarding this listing. Please forward them to the online services addresses listed above, or to Lawrence Estep on The Atari Scene! BBS (502) 456-4292. ------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 1991 Weather World Productions Please don't drink and drive! -------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Computer Software Service
Author: Richard Mier
Compuper Software Services.
Commonly known as CSS, and now owned by Robert Puff (Bob Puff
of BOBTERM and many others). This is their New Address and
Phone number as of July 1st, 1991.
Computer Software Services
903 Pixley Road
Rochester, NY 14624
#(716) 429-5639 BBS (716) 247-7157
Maker of the Black Box, the Super Arciver, and Many Many other Hardware/Software products.
---
Title: Newell Industries
Author: Richard Mier
Newel Industries
P.O. BOX 253
Wylie, TX 75098 #(214) 442-6612
Makes several Memory Upgrades for the Atari 8bit and the ST's. Latest is a 1Meg/4Meg upgrade board for the 1200/800 XL, 65XE and the 130XE. Fully SpartaDOS compatible, 3.2d and SDX.
---
Title: Local Dealer #1
Author: Nathan Block
The Computer Station
#1 West Diamond Lake Road
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55419 #(612)-822-0777
(Just two blocks west of 35 and Diamond Lake)
The Computer Station carries used ATARI 8-BIT computer items
which he gets in on commission from time to time. If it is
an out of stock title, it never hurts to give him a call.
Usually The Computer Station has around 40 to 50 ATARI items
on hand.
---
Title: Local Dealer #2
Author: Nathan block
Budget Computers
7166 University Avenue North East
Fridley, Minnesota 55432 #(612)-572-2670
Budget Computers offers many new ATARI computer SOFTWARE items and carries used ATARI computer HARDWARE items. There are approximately 100-125 new (factory sealed) ATARI software items on hand at any given time. New titles arrive irregularily, call about once a month to find out if anything has come in.
---
Title: Software
Author: MICHAEL FITZPATRICK
Bellcom
P.O. Box 1043
Peterborouqh, Ontario Canada K9J 7A5
C&T ComputerActive
P.O. Box 893
Clinton, OK 73601
Both of these businesses are software and primarily public domain. They do send free catalogs when requested.
---
Title: ICD
Author: TIM GEARIN
ICD
1220 Rock Street
Rockford, IL 61101
---
Title: Best Electronics
Author: MICHAEL FITZPATRICK
Best Electronics
2021 The Alameda, Suite 290
San Jose, CA 95126 (408)/243-6950
Deals primarilly in repair parts; some whole units and supplies. Publishes a catalog
---
Title: General
Author: MICHAEL FITZPATRICK
American Techna-Vision
15338 Inverness Street
San Leandro, CA 94579 1-800-551-9995
General purpose retailer/wholesaler for hardware, software, some spare parts. Publishes a catalog
---
Title: Retail Dealer
Author: MICHAEL FITZPATRICK
Computer Works
4337 W. Bethany Home Rd
Glendale, AZ 85301 (XXX)246-6364
General Purpose retailer for many lines of computers. Handles Atari 8-bit. Does NOT publish a catalog but will search for item requested. Handles software/hardware.
---
Title: B&C Computers
Author: MICHAEL FITZPATRICK
B&C computers
3257 Kifer Road
Santa Clara, CA 95051 (408)-749-1003
Retail dealer in hardware & software. Publishes a catalog
---
Title: SERVICE/REPAIR
Author: SHERM ERICKSON
NORTHSTAR MATRIX
7940 Rancher’s Road
Fridley,MN. 785-1075
Good people,helped me a lot while searching for info on my printer. Authorized warranty/service for C.Itoh among others.
---
Title: A.I.M. MAGAZINE
Author: MICHAEL FITZPATRICK
While not a dealer of software or hardware and also supporting the Atari ST, the "Atari Interface" Magazine is a good source of interesting articles, some 8-bit dealers, but most importantly other Atari Clubs and their BBS phone numbers. AIM is published by:
Unicorn Publications
3487 Braeburn Circle
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Subscription Rates vary.
---
Title: BACMUN-Software
Author: MICHAEL FITZPATRICK
Bacmun -Software
1671 E. 16th St.
Suite 629
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11229 No Phone #
Publishes small catalog of software; primarilly public domain.
---
Title: Consumables
Author: MICHAEL FITZPATRICK
MEI/Micro Center
1100 Steelwood Rd.
Columbus, OH 43212 1-800-634-3478
Company furnishes primarilly consumable items; such as:
Bulk Disks______Ribbons______Paper
Durable items; like:
printer stands______Disk boxes______publishes catalog
There were no minutes submitted for publictation. Some 70 people were in attendance for the SPACE Birthday meeting. There was a lot of software and books raffled off. Lots of good FOOD!!!
There was not a balance statement submitted by the time this publication went to PRESS.
Next meeting is August 9th. Be sure and plan to attend. At the meeting it will have to be decided how the club wants this newsletter printed. The editor can no longer print it at work, was laid off due to a work-force reduction.
EDITOR
M.E.SCHMIDT
AMATEUR FAIR ‘91 WAS HELD AT ALRICH ARENA IN MAPLEW000, MN. IT WAS A COMBINATION FLEA MARKET AND PEOPLE IN THE INSIDE WITH NEW ELECTRONIC THINGS TO SELL OR INFORMATIONAL BOOTH. OUR CLUB GOT A INFORMATIONAL BOOTH SPACE.
MIKE SCHMIDT, SHERM ERICKSON AND SON, AND I WERE AT THE BOOTH. WE HAD PEOPLE COME TO OUR BOOTH TO ASK QUESTIONS, BUY DISK, AND PICK UP MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION. I WOULDN’T BE SURPRISED IF IN THE FUTURE IF WE DON’T GET A FEW NEW MEMBERS. WHEN IT WAS BREAKTIME FOR ME I CHECKED OUT THE FLEA MARKET. I BOUGHT A 800 XL FOR $15 DOLLARS. I GOT A GOOD DEAL. ALSO I LOOKED AT EVERYTHING WAS FOR SALE IN THE FLEA MARKET. ONE OF THE BIG THINGS I LIKE ABOUT THESE SHOWS IS TALKING AND LISTENING TO PEOPLE.
I WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT MORE SPACE CLUB MEMBERS WEREN’T
THERE. DID SEE A FEW PEOPLE LIKE RICH MEIER WHO STOPPED AT
OUR BOOTH. PEOPLE! YOU DON’T KNOW THE GOOD TIME YOU CAN HAVE
AT THE SHOW. IN OCTOBER IS HAMFEST SHOW. AT THE SHOW THEY
HAD DOOR PRIZES OF MERCHANDISE,CASH IN THE AMOUNTS OF $100,
$200, $500. WELL WE WERE THERE TILL 3:30PM. LAST OF ALL I
WAS INFORMED THAT MY COOKIES I BROUGHT TO THE JULY PARTY WERE
GREAT AND I SHOULD SUBMIT THE RECIPE TO THE NEWSLETTER FOR
AUGUST ‘91, SO HERE IT IS
**********************************************
MRS. FIELD’S OATMEAL COOKIE
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2/3 CUP MARGARINE
2/3 CUP SUGAR
1/2 CUP PACKED BROWN SUGAR
1 LARGE EGG
1 TEASPOON VANILLA
3/4 CUP FLOUR
1 1/4 CUP OATMEAL
1 CUP RAISINS AND WALNUTS
*****************************
PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES
GREASE COOKIES SHEETS
DROP HEAPING TEASPOON ONTO COOKIE SHEET.
BAKE TILL LIGHI,LIGHT BROWN
LET KOOL, EAT, ENJOY.
**********************************************
SEE YOU NEXT MEETING!
Published by the Saint Paul Atari Computer Enthusiasts (SPACE), an independent organization with no business affiliation with ATARI Corporation. Permission is granted to any similar organization with which SPACE exchanges newsletters to reprint material from this newsletter. We do however ask that credit be given to the authors and to SPACE. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of SPACE, the club officers, club members or ATARI Corporation.