The Magazine For All Sinclair users

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A
I: USINESS

EATURES: i * AJ
.1 v --'A - „ ><m

1 PRINTERS A N D G A M F
INTERFACES ^ ^
T A C \ A / ^ n r > ^ GOBLIN
TASWORD f « § § § * ... DUNGEON
WORDCOUNT A S & * &
SPIDERS!
TABCAIC-A . J p T ^ SPIDERS!

SPECTRUM • H S i : 7 ALIEN!
ALIEN!

SPREADSHEET
With More Editorial Pages Than Any Monthly Magazine
 software setting harder

With Technical Assistance from Lotus Cars Ltd

Spectrum and Amstrad

*

R.R.P. £8.95 DWELL COMPETITION

Entry C o u p o n
Cut out (his c o u p o n and send n
w i t h a completed entry (ofm
included w i t h any of the new
Durell games

DURELL sales dept.

Castle Lodges Castle Green, Taunton TA1 4AB
 V»SA SPEEDYSOFT EUROCARD
ACCESS 01-846 9353 (24 HRS) MASTERCARD
W l A L W A Y S I K Y TO SEND Y O U R PROGRAMS O N THE SAME
DAY W l GET Y O U R ORDER, THAT'S W H Y IT'S CALLED
SPELDYSOIT! A l l programs n o r m a l l y in slock before w r
COMMANDO
Thrilling chart-topper based o n the arcade hit. Your are Super |oc,
advertise them! FOREIGN ORDERS WELCOME, satisfied ; a"' *• *
crack combat soldier. You must defeat the rebel forces w i t h your
customers in 64 c o u n t r i e s l o r 3 years. U K price* i n c l u d e VAT: * I 4' .4 .4 machine gun and six hand grenades, until you collect m o t e f r o m
export prices are the same, plus p & p , because o l the entra w o r k the outposts you defeat Gre.it graphics and s o u n d S t i l t s OK
involved. Pay by sterling cheque, bank draft or postal order. All iFlite Cassette £7.95
orders must be prepaid: we send your programs as soon as w e gel "f ti» t . i r i i i . l i j l v i - l»l*<«.|ill ,
I t »•' .H i l i t •

QUILL/ILLUSTRATOR
rr lie
your money! It's taster to order by phone f r o m any c o u n t r y w i t h
" W I I I I I I I 1(1 I I I I I I I 1
your VISA, E U R O C A R D , MASTERCARD or ACCESS. Call 01 8 4 b
m
9353, 24hrs, 7 days a week. ALL PROGRAMS FOR SPECTRUM "Simply brilliant . put a lot of work into The Quill and you tan
A N D SPECTRUM t . BIG fREE ILLUSTRATED C A T A L O G U E Wham! write a game as quic k and slick as any on the market ' tBigKi Write
W I T H EVERY ORDER: DETAILED REVIEWS, L O A D TIMES, and sell your own machine-code graphu adventures with these
W H A T THE CRITICS SAID, ETC.. Catalogue includes all the two amasmg utility programs from Gilsolt. The Illustrator allows
classic 'serious s o f t w a r e ' , l o o . Send £ 1 . 0 0 (refunded w i t h your full-screen heres pictures to be added easily to the adventures
yuu've written with The Quill. The two programs, now Only 122.9S
first order) for catalogue only. T W O FREE B I A N K TAPES OR
together. Add The Patch tor C6.00 tor split-screen test graphic, and
ONE FREE M I C R O D R I V E CARTRIDGE IF Y O U R ORDER F R O M
some interesting smind elfecls. loo!
THIS A D C O M F S TO £ 3 0 OR MORE, e x c l u d i n g p A p . State choice
on order f o r m .

GAMES PLAYER
" . . . A SERVICE THAT IS AS RELIABLE Slow d o w n and live longer with this c o m b i n e d joystick interlace
and game speed controller. It runs ony software w h i c h w o r k s w i t h
AS YOUR PROGRAMS" a Kempston stick. M i c r o d r i v e compatible, loo. Make any game r u n
Nato Alert as slmv .is you like, or freeze the screen to photograph the
(|. N o p p e n . Belgium)
high-score table! Simply plugs onto the back ol your Spectrum.
( D k T r o n i c s l Games Player Interface £11.95

WHAM!
Whaml-The Musrc Bo* is as serious a piece of software as
Taswordor The Quill a n d it's responsible lor the music o n (airhght
YIE AR KUNG FU
Probably the best of all the k u n g fu games. Double-sided rape, To
a n d the f\pkiding Fist." (Siml.ui Uiet) A totally nesv music become a grandmaster, v o u must load and defeat B opponents
creating program for your Spectrum For the first lime, real each more deadly than the last. 10 different attack moves io learn
two-channel music and percussion effects. Includes d e m o of 5 Croat graphics. Sticks O K ilniagine'Konami) Cassette £7.95
W h a m ! hus: Freedom, T m p n a n a , Careless W h i s p e r , Young Guns
Go For It and Bad Boys. Easy t o use. N o Stick. ( M e l b o u r n e House)
Cassette £9.9S
Lord of the Kings
MONOPOLY
"An excellent simulation .. vastly superior to the other, non-

NATO ALERT
A w j i g i m i 1 simulating a non-nuclear conflict in Europe between
aulhorised versions . flu- graphics are very realistic (Home
Computing Weekly) Official M o n o p o l y , w i i h I D board view; lor 2
to (i players any or all of w h o m may be I he computer. SpeCily
NATO and Warsaw Pact forces I or 2 players. > skill levels. U p t o length o l game it you wish No Stick 'Leisure Genius) Cassette
21 different objectives may b e chosen, to d e t e r m i n e length ot play. £9.95
Complex, horrifyingly realistic. M a p graphic* help. Hints given,
too. N o Stick. O n e o l our most popular programs ICCSI Cassette
£5.95
NOW GAMES 2
LORD OF T H E RINGS
Another great c o m p i l a t i o n tape. AIR WOLF (Elite) ( H I X Kit (CC-.2
iA«,Fl TIR NA N O G (Gargoyle) CAULDRON (Palace) WORLD CUP
(Artie). Cassette £8.95. N O W 1 still available w i t h Lords ot
The program everyone's been waiting tor, f r o m the H o b b i t team.
Midnight Bri.in ftloodaxe. Strangcloop.'Pyjamarama.'Arahian Nights
800 w o r d vocabulary in this beautiful graphic adventure. Over 200
f a l c o n Palrol2. Cassete fji.'JS. Or buy b o t h tapes lor just llfc.tS
locations. Twin cassette pack plus copy of the 510-pagc book
Fellowship o l the Ring' Cassettes.Book £15.95 'The Hobbit' itself
still available for only £12.95 (save £2.1
'EXCELLENT CATALOGUE A N D
EXTREMELY FAST SERVICE
TOMAHAWK (A. A m m u n d s e n , New Zealand)
A superb simulation,
While conventional
with pkntv ol a c t i o n . " (Sinclair
aircraft simulations are It-it a penny on the
l/srr)
MICRODRIVER Mk2
PFRFECT TAPE MICRODRIVE TRANSFER AT I H t PRESS O t A SINCLI
Spectrum, this is distinctly different and it boasts the added
adva ntage ot <irmed combat ... controlling the mat hme is BUTTON! ' Menu-driven, very east to use and well error-trapped
surprisingly simple." (Popular Computing IVoekfyi "All helicopter ... I much preferred the Microdriver." (Your Spectrum) Dumps the
characteristics are faithfully reproduced ... much more accessible w h o l e of m e m o r y to m i r r o d r i v e , Save and reload any program. No
to the casujl player than fighter Pilot " (Your C o m p u t e r ; Stic ks Commando use to pirates as Microdriver must be present to RLIN Saved
OK. 1D1g1t.1l Integration) Caswite £9.95 programs. Specially designed R O M fits o n t o the back of your
Interface I or 2 Through connector for add-ons £39.95

THE ART STUDIO

M k r o d r i v e cartridges available in packs ol 4 for only £H.00. Or 2(1
cartridges in a stylish black plastic filing box u n h £35.95. The Mirage
Microdrivcr: £39.95
this prognm really makes the Z80 t hip sing .. performed just
hke MacPaint on the Macintosh." /Personal Computer WorldJ
Outperforms The Artist' in almost every way. It has superior
speed and the menus are easier to use ... contains a printer
whuh handles most Spectrum compatible
driver
printers It is an
WINTER SPORTS
Great new joystick wagglcr w i t h eight very different and vers1 well
extremely powerful utility which should he ol use hi professional planned sporting simulations loading separately Downhill.
artists and designers as well as the home user." (Sinclair User.) Slalom. Giant Slalom. Ice Hockey. Ski j u m p i n g . Speed skating.
AMX M o u s e c o m p a t i b l e , l o o . Fantastic new d r a w i n g package. Bobsled Biathlon. Very g o o d value. Sticks OK. (Electric Dreamsi
IRambirdl Cassette £14.95 Yie Ar Kung Fu Cassette £7.95

POST TO: SPEEDYSOFT (zxib) Program Name Price

37 CHURCH ROAD, L O N D O N SWT3 9HQ, ENGLAND.
For CATALOGUE ONLY, send £1 cash. Refunded with your firsl order.
My computer is I enclose a cheque'PO payable to
SpecdySoft OR charge my VISAACCESS/LUROCARDMASTLRCARD

: n»i i i i n i i i ii i i i i r m
Signature: Expiry Date
Please write clearly. If we can't read it, you won't gel it. Postage & Packing UK add 75p per order
Name: Europe ADD £1.00 per program
Address: 1
Outside Europe ADD £1.50 per program

Postcode:
PHONE NO: if any, in case of query Total Order
 Editor: Ray Elder
A s s i s t a n t E d i t o r : Cliff J o s e p h
G r o u p Editor: D a v e B r a d s h a w
G r o u p M a n a g i n g Editor: W e n d y J Palmer
A d v e r t i s e m e n t M a n a g e r : Barry B i n g h a m O r i g i n a t i o n a n d d e s i g n by A r g u s Design Ltd.,
A d v e r t i s e m e n t C o p y C o n t r o l l e r : L y n n Collis Circus H o u s e , 2 6 Little P o r t l a n d S t r e e t , L o n d o n W 1 N 5 AF,
P r o d u c t i o n C o n t r o l l e r : Sue C o u c h m a n
S o f t w a r e A s s i s t a n t : J o h n Gerard D o n o v a n Published by A r g u s Specialist P u b l i c a t i o n s Ltd,
M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r : Peter W e l h a m 1 G o l d e n Square, L o n d o n W 1 R 3 A B

welcome ...
CONTENTS 6 Microdrive
Utility Suite . . . . . 49
W e ' v e g o t s o m e g o o d n e w s , and s o m e Aaargh!
bad n e w s . . . M a k e the m o s t of your m . d r i v e s .

Shoptalk 1
100 H Spiders 22 Starfighter 54
This is your c h a n c e t o have your revenge
News, news, news. co
on all t h o s e 'orrible c r a w l y things that Up,up, and a w a y !
have crept u p out of the plughole in the
bath. Train Race
^Mm " w Goblin Dungeon . . 28 For all t h o s e f r u s t r a t e d train drivers.

Can y o u escape the G o b l i n ' s lair?

Hardware . . . 14 Light Screen

A FORTH R O M , and a s o u n d booster get
the o n c e over f r o m Z X . Designer .32
QL Business.. . . . . 16 I t ' s a l m o s t finished!

Some business packages for the QL. Mindplay .36 I Astro Balloons . . .59
Adventure time! A c t i o n in outer space.
Please n o t e t h a i S i n c l a i r . Z X . Z X 8 0 . 2 X 8 1 . ZX
S p e c t r u m , Q L . Z X M i c r o d r i v e . Z X I n t e r l a c e . ZX
Net. Microdrive!. M i c r o d r i v e Cartridge. ZX Printer,
we f The J u r y . . . . .38 So YOU want To
Buy A P r i n t e r . . . ? 64
a n d ZX P o w e r S u p p l y a r e all r e g i s t e r e d t r a d e m a r k s
of S i n c l a i r R e s e a r c h L t d .
S o f t w a r e reviews.

Subscription
Airmail and
r a t e s : UK £ 1 3 . 5 0 i n c l u d i n g p o s t a g e .
other rates u p o n application to ZX
Discovering A d v i c e for first time buyers.
Computing Subscriptions, Intonet Ltd, Times
Discovery .43
polyprint . . 651
House, 1 7 9 The M a r l o w e s . H e m e l H e m p s t e a d .
Herts HP1 1 B f l (Tel: 0 4 4 2 4 8 4 3 2 1
A n o t h e r look at the Discovery Disc f r o m
Z X C o m p u t i n g is c o n s t a n t l y o n t h e l o o k o u t l o r Opus.
w e l l - w r i t t e n a r t i c l e s a n d p r o g r a m s . If y o u t h i n k
A n e w , multilingual printer i n t e r f a c e .
that your e f l o r t s m e e t out standards, please feel
free t o submit your w o r k lo us lor c o n s i d e r a t i o n for MicroMusic .44
publication.
A l l s u b m i t t e d m a t e r i a l s h o u l d b o t y p e d if p o s s i
A look at M e l b o u r n e House's WHAM!
ble: h a n d w r i t t e n w o r k w i l l be c o n s i d e r e d , b u t program.
please use your neatest h a n d w r i t i n g . A n y pro
grams s u b m i t t e d should be listed, a c a s s e t t e of
y o u r p r o g r a m a l o n e w i l l n o t be c o n s i d e r e d A l l p r o Machine Code
g r a m s m u s t c o m e Complete w i t h a full e x p l a n a t i o n
o l the operation and. w h e r e relevant, the struc- Trace .. .45
t u r e ; S p e r t r u m p r o g r a m s s h o u l d be a c c o m p a n i e d
w i t h a cassette of the p r o g r a m as w e l l as t h e A machine code d e b u g g i n g utility.
listing
All submissions w i l l be a c k n o w l e d g e d and the
c o p y r i g h t in s u c h w o r k s w h i c h w i l l p a s s t o A r g u s QLSOft .48
Specialist Publications L t d will be paid for at com-
p e t i t i v e r a t e s A l l w o r k for c o n s i d e r a t i o n s h o u l d be A t last, s o m e decent(ish) g a m e s tor the
s e n t t o t h e Editor a t our G o l d e n S q u a r e a d d r e s s •QL!

4 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 ZX
 Z X C o m p u t i n g is p u b l i s h e d bi m o n t h l y o n t h u f o u r t h F r i d a y o f t h e m o n t h D i s t r i b u t e d b y : A r g u s P r e s s S a l e s & D i s t r i b u t i o n L t d . 1 2 1 8 Paul S t r e e t . L o n d o n
6 C 2 A 4 J S . 0 1 2 4 7 8 2 3 3 . P u n t e d in t h e UK b y : G a r n e t t P r i n t , R o l h e r h a m a n d L o n d o n .

The c o n t e n t ) o l t h i s p u b l i c a t i o n i n c l u d i n g all a r t i c l e s . d e s i g n s , p l a n s , d r a w i n g s a n d p r o g r a m s a n d all c o p y r i g h t a n d o t h e r i n t e l l e c t u a l p r o p e r t y r i g h t s t h e r e i n

b e l o n g t o A r g u s S p e c i a l i s t P u b l i c a t i o n s L t d . A l l r i g h t s c o n f e r r e d b y t l i o L a w of C o p y r i g h t a n d o t h e r i n t e l l e c t u a l p r o p e r t y r i g h t s a n d by v i r t u e of i n t e r n a t i o n a l
c o p y r i g h t c o n v e n t i o n s are s p e c i f i c a l l y r e s e r v e d t o A r g u s S p e c i a l i s t P u b l i c a t i o n s L t d . A n y l e p r o d u c t i o n r e q u i r e s t h e prior w r i t t e n c o n s e n t of A r g u s S p e c i a l i s t
Publications Ltd.
A r g u s Specialist Publications Ltd 1 9 8 6

Micro-wafadrive Tabcalc . .861

Conversion 66 A s o p h i s t i c a t e d spreadsheet p r o g r a m for
h o m e or business use.
H o w to c o n v e r t s o f t w a r e f r o m the
microdrive
Wafadrive.
onto the Rouonics Across the Pond . .94*
More news from America-
Son of
Microdriver 67 I All at C' . 96
M e t a c o m c o ' s C p a c k a g e for the QL.
Mirage have p r o d u c e d a n e w version of
their excellent c a s s e t t e t o m i c r o d r i v e
conversion unit.
Quicksoft . .97
More s o f t w a r e r e v i e w s .
interfaces-
face to face . .. 1 Spectrum Lessons 98
Tasword or A look at some of the latest educational
Getting the right kind of interface for
your peripherals can be crucial, so w e Spectral . . .72 software.
asked J o h n W a s e t o give us a run d o w n
1 Data Creator . . . .99
A c o m p a r i s o n of the t w o m o s t popular
on the d i f f e r e n t t y p e s available.
w o r d processors on the S p e c t r u m .
A short routine for c r e a t i n g m a c h i n e
Extending code DATA statements.
VTX5000 74
If y o u ' v e got a V T X 5 0 0 0 m o d e m , here's
1 Conversion Tips .100
h o w t o add s o m e e x t r a c o m m a n d s t o the H o w to c o n v e r t p r o g r a m s from the
system. Z X 8 1 to S p e c t r u m .

Tasword 1 Coin Drop .102

wordcount A S p e c t r u m arcade g a m e .
A w o r d c o u n t and paragraph count
routine for. the popular w o r d p r o c e s s o r .
I Problem Page.. .106
Fastload 78 Help!

A p r o g r a m that
L O A D i n g times.
will speed up ZX81
Snooker
scoreboard . . . .107
Home A program t h a t ' l l e n d all those
Management a r g u m e n t s about w h o p o t t e d w h a t .

Graphics 79
Bounce Down . . .114
Epson Meets A n applications p r o g r a m for dealing
A r c a d e f u n for the S p e c t r u m .
The spectrum w i t h your h o m e a c c o u n t s .

The Epson range of printers is a m o n g s t Multifile (Alphanumeric . .116

the m o s t popular, so here's h o w t o link
your Speccy u p t o one. A n applications filing p r o g r a m . A w o r d g a m e for the Z X 8 1 .

ZX
5 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 WELCOME

welcome
ing, electronically controlled or Of course I felt a gentle t u g g
what?' ing of t h e lower limb and w a s
This issue m a r k s the end of the ' O h n o t h i n g as c o m p l i c a t e d about to r e m o v e myself f r o m his ten for the BBC c o m p u t e r ( w h a t
s e c o n d year of m y o c c u p a t i o n of as t h a t , ' he haughtily t h r e w presence w h e n he o f f e r e d t o else!).
the Editor's chair, a n d ironically back. 'Only t h e i m p o r t a n t bits, s h o w m e a c o p y of s u c h a True to his w o r d he appeared
the last time m y posterior will the s t o r y l i n e s ' . storyline w r i t i n g p r o g r a m , w r i t a f e w days later c l u t c h i n g a w a d
w a r m that illustrious plastic. of t w o sheets of p r i n t o u t paper
Yes folks, the t i m e has c o m e a n d , e l i c i t i n g a p r o m i s e of
for m e t o m o v e on. : REM ? ; t o r / l i n e program secrecy, let m e have a look. So
In the t i m e I have spent pro fnr TULL OIRLO rftMILlES HOUSE, before y o u read the S p e c t r u m
d u c i n g 2 X C there have been c o n v e r s i o n I m a d e and have
i rained,, show,
m a n y changes, the S p e c t r u m p r i n t e d a r o u n d here s o m e
established its d o m i n a n c e and (not for p u b l i c p e r u s a l ) where, take your Spectrum
the QL e m e r g e d — a l t h o u g h o n 1 CI D I M L* (31 ,32) m a n u a l in your right hand and
ly lately has it b e g u n t o sell in repeat these w o r d s :
20 EOR »'= 1 TO 30! READ L*<K>:
large q u a n t i t i e s , and n o w the 'I promise not to tell another
1 28K Spectrum. NEXT K soul about this p r o g r a m ' . N o w
T h r o u g h alt this w e h a v e 30 TOP K*0 TO 14 cross your heart and hope to die.
m a i n t a i n e d our policy of pro LET X=INT (RND*30)+1
viding s o m e t h i n g for e v e r y o n e
and in return our readers have 50 - THEN GO TO 40 Meanwhile...
been s o m e of the m o s t loyal 60 L.ET (31 ,X)="X"
around. But t i m e s c h a n g e , a n d W e decided to feature the
70 PRINT AT K , 0 | L * ( X ) serious side of c o m p u t i n g in this
in c o m p u t e r circles faster t h a n
73 IT RND1.7 THEN P R I N T "and" issue, s o m e of the applications
any other, and w e m u s t keep up
w h i c h help us in our daily strug
w i t h t h e m . So Z X C has 80 NEXT |< gle t o m a k e life easier in w o r k or
undergone m u c h discussion and
70 INPUT "PRESS ENTER POR THE play.
there are m a n y n e w and e x c i t i n g
NTXT PAGE"?A* Programs, r e v i e w s and ar
d e v e l o p m e n t s in store.
t i d e s a b o u n d on this theme, but
For a start, and m a n y of y o u 100 RUN never fear, w e h a v e n ' t forsaken
have indicated t h a i y o u w o u l d
90O0 DATA "Boy meets g i r l " , " G i r l all else. Games, programs and
be in f a v o u r of such a m o v e , w e
meets dog" , "Land lord w i t h -funny r e v i e w s , get their share of the
will b e c o m e a m o n t h l y publica
space, regular features, articles
tion. T w i c e the a m o u n t of info, v o i c e e n t e r s " , " S t r a n g e g i r l w i t h and h a r d w a r e , n e w s a n d gossip
games, p r o g r a m s , r e v i e w s and all h a v e their place and can be
spots appears' Man f a l l s down s
articles a year as in the past. f o u n d w i t h i n these pages.
A s for m y s e l f , 1 am pleased t o f a i r s " , " B o y s t i c k s g l u e on seat"
h a n d over t o B r y a n Ralph w h o ,"G i r1 loses s k i r t " , "Man w i t h no
has d o n e e x c e l l e n t w o r k o n
other A r g u s p u b l i c a t i o n s and t r o u s e r s c a l l s " , " D o g pukes on ma The Great
w h o m I k n o w will bring a n e w ns s h o e s " , " B o y takes g i r l home", Debate. . .
freshness and drive to Z X C , But " G i r l takes boy home"
before y o u get out the hankies Dear Sirs,
(or cheer w i l d l y as the case m a y 9010 DATA " G i r l takes o f f s k i r t " Your Mrs. Brooksbank w h o
be) I will still be around and , "Man k i c k s dog", "Boy e a t s laxat w r i t e s in d e f e n c e of hex seems
w r i t i n g for the m a g look for ive c h o c o l a t e " , " J o k e about knick t o m i s u n d e r s t a n d . 1 am n o t
t h o s e tell tale t o n g u e in cheek r o u n d l y c o n d e m n i n g hex-
remarks, cynical c o m m e n t s and e r s " , * G i r l s l a p s b o y " , " M a n s l a p s adecimal, I |ust meant that the
verbal flatulence. hoy", "Bo/ b i t e s dog", "Dog runs a v e r a g e p e r s o n w h o under
O n w a r d s and u p w a r d s 1 stands and p r o g r a m s in Z 8 0
a w a y " , " J o k e about p i c k i n g nose"
machine c o d e (not to be c o n f u s
A leaving present 7020 DATA "Mart s c r a t c h e s bum", "G ed w i t h assembler) can read a
i J swears at dog", "Boy p r e t e n d s decimal listing almost as easily
I t ' s not o f t e n w e use a p r o g r a m as he reads this printed page. If
to be a g i r l " , " G i r l p r e t e n d s to
in this s e c t i o n , but I w a s talking there are addresses to figure,
t o a T V producer the other day be a boy 1 Man p r e t e n d s to be a that's what thecomputerisfor. I
and I m e n t i o n e d m y involve- man " , ' J o k e about k n i c k e r s " , " G i r l find p r o g r a m m i n g in machine
ment w i t h computers: code far f r o m being difficult or
makes s i l l y f a c e " , " M a n s t i c k s ou
' O h y e s , ' he said. All our pro forbidding. Once you unders
grams are c o m p u t e r i s e d n o w . ' t t o n g u e " , " B o y w r i t e s d i a r y " , " D o t a n d c o m p u t e r l o g i c it a l l
' W h a t meanest t h o u ? ' asked g i n h e r i t s f o r t u n e " b e c o m e s q u i t e elementary. I
yours t r u l y . have no p r o b l e m dealing w i t h
9999 REM o f t e n t h i s wont make binary in those programs that rc
J u s t w h a t I said, all our pro
grams are c o m p u t e r i s e d . ' sense, but use i t anyway, noone quire bit manipulation, such as
'But h o w ? ' I queried. ' D o y o u has ever n o t i c e d b e f o r e . graphic p r o g r a m s and those that
mean, scheduling, script c o p y - translate characters held in a

6 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 WELCOME

horizontal eight bit file to a ver
tical s e v e n bit o u t p u t f o r a
printer But. w h e n I need t o find
out h o w a m a c h i n e c o d e routine
works, m a y b e in order t o m o d i f y
it, having to translate each b y t e
from hex to d e c i m a l (I think in
decimal, I p r o g r a m in decimal,
and w h e n I use a Sinclair c o m -
puter I enter m y c o d e in d e c i m a l l
i find it impossible t o f o l l o w the
program past the first five b y t e s .
I have f o u n d hex t o have its
uses, such as in music p r o g r a m s
where y o u need t w o full o c t a v e s
of one byte notes, and other
places w h e r e nine is not e n o u g h .
However, in all h o n e s t y , I can-
noi see w h e r e it does m u c h t o
s i m p l i f y S i n c l a i r l i s t i n g s , or
enhance their readability.
Besides, hex loaders use m u c h
more m e m o r y t h a n a simple
decimal loader. I have a l w a y s
tended t o w a r d 'lean, m e a n
code'. N o w of course, here w e
are talking hacking. The t i m e
and care i n v e s t e d in a h a c k e r ' s
routine w o u l d never be tolerated
in a b u s i n e s s e n v i r o n m e n t
employing so called professional
programmers, t h o u g h in m y ex-
perience I have f o u n d if y o u take
away the assembler and book of
algorithms f r o m these 'profes-
sionals' the m a j o r i t y w o u l d not
even be able t o w r i t e their o w n
names.
Well, 1 have r a m b l e d o n long
enough, but I a m still looking for
a good reason for hex in Sinclair
learn to handle it. I o v e r c a m e its
one deficiency I no screen d u m p }
by plugging the K e m p s t o n inter
f a c e i n t o t h e b a c k of t h e
w a f a d r i v e . It w o r k s beautifully
p r o v i d e d that the printer is not
s w i t c h e d o n and off w h i l e a pro-
g r a m is running. I also occa
sionally c o n n e c t m y d a u g h t e r ' s
Silver Reed EB 5 0 t y p e w r i t e r t o
the W a f adrive's Centronics port
It's quite f a s c i n a t i n g t o w a t c h it
d r a w i n g merrily a w a y , and
c h a n g i n g colour, f r o m a Basic
program.
Using the K e m p s t o n Inter-
f a c e in this w a y m e a n s that y o u
c a n ' t use S o f t e k ' s Spectral
Writer I c o n t a c t e d t h e m t o see if
it could be m o d i f i e d , but they
w e r e not interested almost to
the point of rudeness. By con-
trast I c o n t a c t e d M a r t i n Idle of
T a s m a n w h o c o u l d n ' t have
been m o r e helpful. He p r o m i s e d
to send me instructions to
m o d i f y T a s w o r d 2. These duly
arrived t w o w e e k s later, took
about 2 0 m i n u t e s to i m p l e m e n t ,
and the p r o g r a m ' s been w o r k i n g
p e r f e c t l y ever since. I certainly
k n o w w h i c h S o f t w a r e house to
s u p p o r t in the future!
J.F. T y d e m a n
Baldock
Herts
Sorry about
that . .
reasonable for the w o r k done the printer. T h e letter h o w e v e r
and e a c h of the several replaced appeared t o be i n c o m p l e t e .
chips had been r e m o v e d f r o m It is possible t o c o p y a full 2 4
the p r i n t e d circuit b o a r d in- line S p e c t r u m s c r e e n t o the Z X
credibly neatly w i t h a solder printer w i t h o u t r e s o r t i n g to
sucker, and replaved w i t h a chip m a c h i n e c o d e — just one R O M
in the proper chip holder, so that routine will d o the trick. The
d e f e c t i v e chips can be im routine b e l o w will COPY the first
mediately replaced if a n y t h i n g 2 2 lines n o r m a l l y , t h e n scroll
goes w r o n g again, I could not those 2 2 lines o f f the t o p of the
hope to approach his standard of screen, leaving only lines 2 3 and
w o r k , and will probably take m y 2 4 , n o w m o v e d up t o the t o p of
spare S p e c t r u m to t h e m for pro- the screen. T h e n e x t COPY
fessional repair w i t h the c h i p the c o m m a n d t h e n s t a r t s to c o p y
senl me! t h e w h o l e screen, at w h i c h
Incidentally, the repair took stage y o u c a n use BREAK, after
only three days, a m a t t e r of the t w o lines at the top have
great relief to me, since I had been copied.
a b o u t half-a-dozen unfinished A s well as a listing, I have in-
articles of one sort or another c l u d e d t w o screen copies t o il-
locked u p in T a s w o r d files. lustrate that the routine does
\ can r e c o m m e n d this firm work.
unreservedly for their e f f i c i e n c y
in finding the fault (yes, it w a s , 10 L O A D " " SCREEN$
a m o n g other things, the ULA 20 COPY
again!), their w o r k m a n s h i p and 30 POKE 2 3 6 9 2 , 2 3
their service. 40 FOR n = 1 TO 2 2
Y o u r s sincerely, 50 R A N D O M I Z E USR 3 5 8 2
D.A John Wase 60 NEXT n
70 COPY
Full screens Yours f a i t h f u l l y ,
R. Thornber
Dear Sir. Lancashire
I n o t e d w i t h interest the letter in
your A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r edition Er yes, funny you should
explaining h o w t o c o p y a full 2 4 mention that, the original author
line screen f r o m the S p e c t r u m to also spotted it. . .
T
•' i't £ '.: i
r w
t t - T T
« W
-j n w i V v k. «. 11 a

I U r1
listings. " •"}.
1 f. H w
Dear Ray. Vw V
Sincerely y o u r s ,
It is ironic that the c o n t e n t s page P. - A m
Ulysses B. A d a m s u n
of the O c t o b e r / N o v e m b e r issue
Philadelphia, U S A
of ZX C o m p u t i n g , y o u should
•J V * it fir J J
4 w y
I w
«
i A r f. r,
have credited me w i t h the
a u t h o r s h i p of J o h n U r e ' s i t e m o n <J i w n ft - j. i u u 4m
w

K e m p s t o n E peripheral problems, for I had p* I f tt

Dear Mr. Elder,

Following the p u b l i c a t i o n of m y
letter in the current issue of ZX
Computing, I t h o u g h t that your
readers m i g h t be interested in
the sequel t o m y problems w i t h
the K e m p s t o n E printer inter
face.
Shortly after w r i t i n g the let-
ter, I f o u n d that the interface
was not c o m p a t i b l e with
microdrive. Mr. A r c h e r o f Kemp-
ston w a s e x t r e m e l y helpful and
agreed to change the i n t e r f a c e
free of c h a r g e . He a l s o
customised the Eprom c o d e to
enable the s c r e e n dump
f a c i l i t i e s to m a t c h m y Star
DPS 15 p r i n t e r . W h a t a dif-
ference! II can e v e n c u s t o m i s e
the characters as the heading o n
this letter indicates).
Whilst t ' m in the m o o d for
singing praises, I w o u l d like t o
mention that I purchased a
Rotronics W a f a d r i v e at the
beginning of the year, w h i c h is a
lovely little m a c h i n e o n c e y o u
tried to ' p h o n e h i m as s o o n as I
read his earlier article. H o w e v e r ,
Dti r i11
k*i
"n
< *W3 d
V t.
»' t r
(if
I)
each of the three U r e ' s in the Bir-
u U
m i n g h a m d i r e c t o r y denied all
f « T t '
k n o w l e d g e of h i m ! It is ironic, for
I w a s going to pass o n similar in-
f o r m a t i o n to that in the current
issue. I t o o had had similar pro- f p o i ^ e x p l o H e t t o e 1 •yp'VJiiif^'o
blems to t h o s e he described;
after a while, T a s w o r d crashed, L O R D S OF M I D N I G H T ^
— - - - ,_r. •• - -T-
usually w i t h about an h o u r ' s
w o r k w a s t e d . The crashed
rapidly became of increasing oc
curence. and w e r e e x a c e r b a t e d
w h e n a Discovery Disc unit w a s
a t t a c h e d , in spite of its beefed
up p o w e r supply. A local shop
sent it for repair; three w e e k s
later it w a s returned. N o repair
has been done; they said it w a s
' w o r k i n g to s p e c i f i c a t i o n ' . 1 then
d i s c u s s e d the p r o b l e m w i t h
M a n c o m p , a f i r m w h i c h fre
q u e n t l y advertises, and subse
quently s e n t it t h e r e . I
s i m u l t a n e o u s l y asked f o r a spare
Z 8 0 chip for a spare S p e c t r u m . I
w i s h I h a d n ' t b o t h e r e d t o ask for
this. The t o t a l bill w a s extremely

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 7

Sorry!
Dear Ed,
Y o u have missed it!
Yes, y o u have printed m y let-
ter on " 2 4 line screen c o p y
routine', h o w e v e r , you have
f o r g o t t e n to print the routine
itself. English magazines d o n ' t
c o m e to Turkey very regularly.
10 DATA 2 4 3 , 6 , 1 9 2 , 3 3 , 0 0 . 6 4 , 2 0 5 , 1 7 8 , 1 4 , 2 0 1
2 0 CLEAR 2 9 9 9 9 : RESTORE FOR n - 3 0 0 0 0 TO 3 0 0 0 9 :
READ a: POKE n,a: NEXT n
3 0 PRINT " S t a r t tape to load a screen p i c t u r e . "
4 0 L O A D " " SCREEN$
5 0 R A N D O M I Z E USR 3 0 0 0 0 : GO TO 5 0
Spectrum
Disassembler
Dear ZX C o m p u t i n g ,
S.H. M a n ' s useful program
( O c t / N o v 1 9 8 5 pp 9 6 9 9 )
needs t w o i m p r o v e m e n t s .
The first is to allow for the
Definition Byte that always
f o l l o w s RST 0 0 0 8 in a Spec-
145 IF C$ " 3 9 " THEN IF C $ ( 2 ) = " 0 " OR C $ ( 2 ) = " 8 "
THEN IF C$ " O F " T H E N GO T O 4 0 0 0
3950 D A T A " D J N Z " , " J R " , ' JR N Z , " , " J R Z , " , " J R
NC " " J R C "
4000 RESTORE 3 9 5 0
4010 FOR J - O T O INT ( B Y T E / 8 ) - 2
4020 READ l $ : NEXT J : GO SUB 9 8 0
4030 LET Q - A : LET Q $ = A $
4040 LET A A + BYTE ( 2 5 6 A N D BYTE 1 2 7 )
4050 GO SUB 9 5 0 : LET 1$ 1$ I A $
4060 LET A Q: LET A $ Q $ : GO TO 3 5 0
W.E. Thomson
Aldeburgh, Suffolk
McGraw-Hill
Dear Z X C o m p u t i n g .
Thank y o u for publishing m y
plea, w i t h Randle H u r l e y ' s
' S p e c t e x t ' w o r d p r o c e s s o r pro
gram from 'The Spectrum
Workshop Word-processing
a n d B e y o n d ' , p u b l i s h e d by
McGraw-Hill.
In fairness t o M c G r a w - H i l l , I
m u s t relate w h a t has happened
since I last w r o t e t o y o u . In
response to a s e c o n d letter,
M c G r a w - H i l l sent m e a free tape
of the p r o g r a m . This t o o , w a s
f a u l t y , but t h e y replaced it and I
have been using it w i t h o u t dif-
ficult for t w o m o n t h s .
It m a y have taken several
m o n t h s t o get it right, but full
m a r k s t o M c G r a w - H i l l for their
generous after-sales service!
Yours sincerely,
Julian B l a c k m o r e
Norfolk
so ( c o u l d not w r i t e this correc-
tion letter before.
N o w , I ' m re-writing the
routine, probably w i t h a slight
d i f f e r e n c e t o the one I sent
before.
I hope t h a t this letter is n o t late
or t h a t y o u have realised t h e
mistake.
Yours sincerely,
Turgut Aydin
t r u m m a c h i n e code p r o g r a m .
The simplest w a y is t o alter the
'RST 0 0 0 8 ' of line 2 2 1 0 t o
'RST 0 0 8 , # ' .
The s e c o n d is t o w o r k out
and print the absolute address
for relative j u m p s , for n o one
w a n t s t o have to bother w i t h
Hex a r i t h m e t i c t o find out w h e r e
relative j u m p s g o to. This can be
d o n e by adding the f o l l o w i n g
lines:
Crash?
Dear Editor,
First to express my sincere ap-
p r e c i a t i o n of y o u r e x c e l l e n t
publication. Especially in these
hard times of h o m e c o m p u t i n g ,
w i t h so m a n y m a n u f a c t u r e r s go-
ing t h r o u g h financial difficulties I
cannot help but notice the
d r a s t i c r e d u c t i o n of a d v e r -
t i s e m e n t s in ZX C o m p u t i n g and
other UK publications. Y o u m u s t
c e r t a i n l y be c o m m e n d e d f o r
keeping u p w i t h an excellent
magazine w i t h o u t decreasing
t h e a m o u n t of editorial, I
sincerely hope that y o u will be
able t o c o n t i n u e to do so.
Referring t o the a m u s i n g arti-
cle ' W h a t Does It Do?' by J o h n
Ure, in the A u g / S e p t issue, I may
be able t o t h r o w s o m e light o n
his p r o b l e m .
Is his problem a 'freeze up'
w h e n using Tasword o n his set
up? W h e n this happens n o t h i n g
c a n be done except start f r o m
s c r a t c h . T h e n it is n o t t h e
Tasword p r o g r a m but t h e Fuller
keyboard.
This w a s m y p r o b l e m and I
reverted back t o a DK Tronics
k e y a b o a r d I have (minus space
bar f r o m t h e archives) and no
m o r e freezes h a v e been ex
perienced by m e since.
H a v i n g read t h e article m a d e
m e r e a l i s e t h a t it w a s t h e
k e y b o a r d and I will be w r i t i n g t o
Nordic Keyboards who, I
believe, are the distributors of
the Fuller keyboards t o see if
they can help us out. I a m really
m i s s i n g m y Fuller k e y b o a r d and
t o m y m i n d it is t h e b e s t
k e y b o a r d available for the Spec-
t r u m w i t h its single key entries
for fullstop, c o m m a , cursors and
delete, extra shift keys for the
m o d e k e y s certainly is a pleasure
t o use. That is, if it w o r k s .
Yours sincerely,
Fred Bruggink
S. A f r i c a
Cribbage
Dear Sir,
Your t w o part p r o g r a m m e 'IQ
T e s t ' w a s superb and w o r k s like
a g e m : m y c o m p l i m e n t s t o Greg
Turnbull.
I h a v e t w o criticisms and cor-
rections w h i c h I'd like t o share
w i t h other readers w h o m a y
have t y p e d it in:
1) Once s o m e o n e is busy doing
the test, i t ' s terribly simple to
forget w h i c h question number
y o u had just a t t e m p t e d , t h u s
q u i t e easy t o skip o n e or t w o . By
adding one simple line the cur-
rent q u e s t i o n being a t t e m p t e d is
displayed on line.
1 4 5 PRINT A T 0 , 2 8 ; " " ; AT
0,28;"Q.";B
2) T h e o t h e r s n a g is that the real-
time clock will only s t o p the
g a m e if M I N - 3 0 . T h a i is to say,
if s o m e o n e h a s t a k e n 3 1
m i n u t e s it just keeps o n going 1
The w a y out of this is t o a m e n d
line 1 0 5 5 .
1 0 5 5 IF M I N - 30 THEN
GOTO 1 9 5 0 .
ZX C o m p u t i n g is still the best
magazine of its kind one can buy
— keep up the w o n d e r f u l w o r k .
A n d by the t i m e this letter is
printed it will be t i m e t o w i s h Ed,
staff and readers a Happy
C h r i s t m a s and a Happy New
Year.
Sincerely,
Laurence C r e i g h t o n
S. A f r i c a
Deletions
Dear editor.
N o r m a n Green's article in ZXC
2 / 7 about deleting p r o g r a m m e s
w a s a useful one, also to us
Z X 8 1 o w n e r s . W e c a n use the
s a m e m a c h i n e c o d e pro-
g r a m m e , only that w e call s o m e
other addresses in the ROM:
'Call 6 5 1 0 ' should be replaced
by 'Call 2 5 2 0 ' . and 'Call 6 6 2 9 '
by 'Call 2 6 5 3 ' . These are the
r o u t i n e s t h a t Ian L o a n calls
LINE A D D R " ( 0 9 D 8 hex) and
RECLAIMING <OA5D hex).
Even s o m e sort of m e r g i n g is
possible on our Z X 8 1 : If y o u use
a m e m o b l o c k that a l l o w s for
data to be stored in the 8 1 6K
area, t h e n y o u can store your
f a v o u r i t e p r o g r a m m e s there
before y o u load the p r o g r a m m e
y o u are going t o w o r k w i t h . You
will need t o think o u t a m e t h o d
to f e t c h e x a c t l y the p r o g r a m m e
y o u w a n t f r o m the store, and
t h e n y o u will be able t o enter it
into the p r o g r a m m e file by using
s o m e c o m b i n a t i o n of t h e
L I N E - A D D R subroutine and
another one, w h i c h Ian Logan
calls M A K E - R O O M (2462
dec = 0 9 9 E hex). This m e t h o d
also enables y o u t o squeeze
more data into your R A M , since
the p r o g r a m m e file only needs t o
c o n t a i n one or t w o p r o g r a m m e s
at a t i m e . It m a k e s less t h a n a
s e c o n d to have a p r o g r a m m e
' m e r g e d ' in that w a y .
F i n a l y , h e r e is a s i m p l e
decimal loader that makes it
easy to deal w i t h numbers big
ger t h a n 2 5 5 . First y o u enter the
address w h e r e the m c is to Start,
and t h e n the d e c i m a l codes. You
will have to use STOP to get out
of the p r o g r a m again.
800 INPUT K
805 PRINT K ; " " ;
810 INPUT N
815 If N 2 5 5 THEN GOTO
850
820 POKE K,N
825 PRINT N
830 LET K = K + 1
835 GOTO 8 0 5
850 POKE K.N-INT
(N/256) * 256
855 PRINT N-INT
(N/256) * 2 5 6
860 LET K K+1
865 PRINT K ; " " ;
870 LET N - INT ( N / 2 5 6 )
875 GOTO 8 2 0
Yours,
J o h a n n e s Lind
Denmark.

8 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 ZX
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MXXWORTH S p e c t r u m d e a l e r s CRtCKHOWELL ROAD. ST MELLONS CARCMFF
and all good computer stores TEL CARDIFF(0222)777337 TELEX 497455

Odds and endsr letters, and company info
A New insight?
Insight are a n e w c o m p a n y t o us
and they h a v e sent three of their
p r o g r a m s a l o n g for r e v i e w .
V E C T R O N , B U C C A N E R and
STAR FIREBIRDS are the titles
and all are arcade g a m e s priced
at £ 7 . 9 5
Star Firebirds is an arcade
clone w h e r e y o u d o d g e L/R, fir-
ing at s w a r m s of s w i r l i n g alien
birds, w h i c h d e s t r o y o n c o n t a c t
and also d r o p b o m b s . Mega-
b o m b s s o m e t i m e s appear to add
t o your problems. There are
m a n y levels and features and
play g e t s fast and furious.
Buccaneer is not a pirate
g a m e but a s i d e w a y s scrolling
aeroplane g a m e w h i c h intro-
duces aliens t o an earthly land-
scape. A g a i n c o n t r o l is simple,
u p / d o w n and fire. S o m e g o o d
t o u c h e s s u c h as d o c k i n g t o
replenish fuel and shields, and
the a c t i o n is fast and furious.
V e c t r o n is a m o s t impressive
3 D perspective maze g a m e w i t h
similarities to t h e f i l m T r o n .
There is an o p t i o n t o overlay the
m a p w h i c h gives i n f o r m a t i o n o n
enemy positions and power
sources but w h i l e this is s h o w -
ing y o u c a n n o t fire your
weapons.
Back TO School
ST BRIDES School s o f t w a r e had
me b e m u s e d at first and I a m still
not sure h o w to take their press
releases. They are so c o n v i n c i n g
that I a m s t a r t i n g t o be d r a w n in
10
SHOPTALK
H o w e v e r , the games can on-
ly really be described as average
t o play, Buccaneer and Firebirds
d u e t o the limited a c t i o n —
dodge and fire, and V e c t r o n due
t o the d i f f i c u l t y of play. It is so
fast it is almost impossible. This
m a k e s the asking price far t o o
high, a r o u n d £ 5 . 0 0 w o u l d still
be expensive and probably a
lower budget price w o u l d be
m o s t appropriate.
^ ^ J r J u ^ J f
insHhi
t o their f a n t a s y w o r l d . One day
I'll persuade m y boss t o finance
a trip so I can see for m y s e l f .
M e a n w h i l e , their s e c o n d pro-
g r a m , THE S N O W QUEEN, has
impressed us in the brief time w e
w e r e able to run it on our Spec-
BYTTEN by the BUG
Bug Byte w a s a w e l l k n o w n and
respected s o f t w a r e house w h o
w e r e taken into the A r g u s fold.
T h e i r r e - e m e r g e n c e w i l l be
w e l c o m e d by m a n y .
Their first n e w o f f e r i n g s are
three arcade games, BOMBER
BOB, Z O O T and D O G S B O D Y
and a four part massive adven-
ture g a m e called the LUDOIDS.
All these are priced at £ 2 . 9 5
and, w h i l s t not s t a t e of t h e art
p r o g r a m s , represent g o o d value
for m o n e y . Zoot in particular is a
p l a t f o r m game w i t h a dif-
ference, y o u d o n ' t j u m p , but
move, complete with platform
s e c t i o n , d o w n , left or right.
Depending o n w h i c h screen y o u
are on, your task is t o p u n c h ,
trap, collect, clear or d o d g e . On
more a d v a n c e d levels combina-
tions of these a c t i o n s are re-
quired. It is a g a m e w h i c h re-
quires t h o u g h t and reflexes and
is w e l l p r e s e n t e d w i t h g o o d
animation.
Bomber Bob has y o u defus
ing b o m b s in the W h i t e House by
b o u n c i n g around the maze like
screens. Nasties get in your w a y
a n d cause y o u r d e m i s e and
again f a s t a c t i o n a n d g o o d
graphics are used. Ludoids is a
m i n d bender of an a d v e n t u r e
g a m e w h i c h y o u need to c o m -
plete in sequence before m o v i n g
o n to the n e x t stage, use of an
elusive p a s s w o r d ensures this.
W e l c o m e back Bug Byte.
P^SCiUH AS
(OF u i H o n -/o(.< U1ICL
Be ^ c h
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
Chat
News and comments from the
software scene.
• M a r t e c h have released a
c o m p u t e r p r o g r a m based o n the
highly successful Channel Four
T . V . Series, THE LIVING B O D Y .
'The Living Body" will cost
£ 1 4 . 9 5 f r o n high street stores
and c o m p u t e r shops.
• Fancy a bit of a ' w r e c k -
creation'? that's what
A r i o l a s o f t UK Ltd is promising
with PANZADROME.
The c o n c e p t is deceptively
simple: the Panzadrome is an
Island inhabited solely by robot
tanks w i t h v a r y i n g levels of in-
telligence and viciousness. Your
aim is to destroy it c o m p l e t e l y .
In P a n z a d r o m e o v e r 2 0 0
e n e m y tanks, mines and mor
tars o f f e r literally hundreds of
w a y s t o get yourself killed. A n d
all a g a i n s t a s p e c i a l , t o t a l l y
wreckable 'Panzadrome'
b a c k g r o u n d ( w h i c h y o u C3n
repair w i t h ' P o l y c r e t e ' ) . Pan-
zadrome c o s t s £ 7 . 9 5 .
• B A L L B L A Z E R is a r e c e n t
release f r o m A c t i v i s i o n . T h e
year is 3 0 9 7 , and y o u are a con-
t e s t e n t in the final round of the
I n t e r s t e l l a r Ballblazer C h a m
pionship. For the first t i m e a Ter-
ran has b a t t l e d t h r o u g h the
c o u n t l e s s q u a l i f y i n g rounds t o
c o m p e t e for the honour of his
planet and the u l t i m a t e title any
being can possess:
Masterblazer.
T w o players can play
s i m u l t a n e o u s l y or o n e player
c a n take o n one of nine practice
Droid players, each w i t h differ
ing levels of skill. Available for
£7.99.
t r u m . In t w o p a r t s p l u s a
n o v e l e t t e version of the story, it
is a text a d v e n t u r e w i t h graphics
a n d f e a t u r e s the c o m p u l s i v e
h u m o u r and w i c k e d problems
w h i c h w e r e evident in their first
game.
Actually, mentioning Snow
Q u e e n w a s just an excuse to
print a part of their press release
s h o w i n g t h e a u t h o r . Priscilia
Langridge in s o m e of her m a n y
guises.
j

^ w i t h a 'Hop Zap'
^ ^
*j>
Imagine Twosome
Imagine s o f t w a r e , in conjunc
tion w i t h Konami, have released
Mikie and Yie Ar Kung Fu.
Set in an A m e r i c a n high
school, the player takes on the
role of Mikie, the school romeo.
Mikie is trying t o send a message
t o his g i r l f r i e n d , b u t t h e
teachers, maniac janitor and
• DESERT RATS simulates the
N o r t h A f r i c a c a m p a i g n in
1 9 4 1 - 4 2 , from the arrival of
Rommel in Tripoli t o the Battle of
El Alamein. The bitter campaign
includes Operations Battleaxe
and Crusader and the Battle of
Gazala.
It is a f a s t , i n t e r a c t i v e
wargame w i t h a scrolling map
and six compelling scenarios, for
1 or 2 players. The game is
packaged in an A 5 video case,
comes w i t h a detailed instruc
tion booklet w h i c h includes
historical background notes on
the campaign w i t h maps and
photographs, and is priced at
£9.95 from CCS.
• SUPERMAN c o n t i n u e s his
constant battle t o save t h e
world. Darkside the arch enemy
of mankind, thirsts for universal
domination but he needs the
anti-life formula. This a w e s o m e
key is imprinted in the minds of
certain humans. Darksied is on
earth now and plots a reign of
&
^ s t u n n e d by assaulting t h e m
canteen chef are out to t h w a r t
his efforts.
The player must manipulate
Mikie t h r o u g h the school's
classrooms, locker rooms, can
teen, g y m n a s i u m , and eventual-
ly the school yard. You have to
collect hearts in these sections,
and each heart represents a let-
ter in Mikie's message w h i c h
will be depicted at the t o p of the
micro screen.
terror t o achieve his ends. Only
Superman (and you) can stop
him.
So gather your w i t s , put your
p o w e r s of concentration arid
courage t o the test t o help
Superman foil Darksied's
dastardly deeds. Available f r o m
US GOLD at £ 7 . 9 5 .
• THE W O R M IN PARADISE is
n o w in the shops. 2 0 0 + pic-
tures are included and it's the
first game to use LEVEL 9 ' s n e w
adventure system.
• Bubble Bus have released a
new budget game,
BRAINSTORM, at £ 1 . 9 9 .
Escape from Professor
Brainstorm's Castle is your only
hope of survival. The game is an
arcade/adventure with 6 5 0
different locations, 2 8 varieties
of Clones, 6 2 doors t o find and
open, using keys that are scat-
tered around and 8 guardians of
the t o w e r The Fire, The Plant,
Once the message is com-
plete the bell rings, and Mikie
can m o v e on to the next section.
Single hearts can be found on
the floor or under stools — any
class-mates can be m o v e d over
accessed via simultaneous use
a pelvic flip
of the direction and fire controls.
Assailants can be temporarily
w i t h a chicken (!) or basket ball.
But b e w a r e of t h e d a n c i n g
c h e e r l e a d e r s . One k i s s c a n
render Mikie temporarily inac-
tive! Even t h o u g h this may ap-
pear a dated plot the game is great
fun t o play.
Yie ar Kung Fu's scenario is
set in Japan, and the action
takes place against t w o col-
ourful backdrops The moun-
tain scene and the temple.
The objective of the game is
to develop Kung Fu profiency.
The W o l f ' s Head, The Eagle's
Head, The Snake, The Teapot.
The Boot and The Light Bulb.
Each one must be destroyed
in t u r n b y a n a p p r o p r i a t e
weapon. There are 16 w e a p o n s
in all, but eight are red herrings.
Only three keys may be carried
at any one time and only one of
the special weapons. At the bot-
t o m of the screen there are t w o
guages, one for Energy the other
Friday the 13th
A quiet holiday c a m p at Crystal
Lake is disturbed w h e n one of
the campers, Jason, is d r o w n -
ed. His mother, distraught w i t h
grief, blames the other campers
w h o did nothing to help him.
She v o w s r e v e n g e and
murders all the holiday makers
except one girl w h o kills her. The
survivor floats into the middle of
the lake where Jason, rises from
the water, to take his revenge.
Your task is complicated by hav-
ing to find a sanctuary, identify
and kill Jason w h o appears as a
and become the grandmaster in
the traditional martial arts skills.
The player takes on the role of
Oolong, w h o is set on becoming
a grandmaster in order to honour
the memory of his father. To
achieve success Oolong must
master the techniques of the six
teen different kick and punches
— controlled by the player via
the joystick or the keyboard.
Eight honourable opponents
equipped with fearsome
w e a p o n s a w a i t O o l o n g , in
eluding 'Star' a female warrior
w h o can kill w i t h a judiciously
placed 'Shuriken' 'Blues' is the
resident Kung Fu master, if the
player can KO him, then the
Grand Master title is his.
Yie Ar Kung Fu can be played
via the joystick or re-definable
keyboard controls. Each costs
£7.95.
for Damage. Each time a clone
hits y o u your Damage reading
goes up, this can be repaired at
the costs of some energy, or by
finding a repair damage pod. If
damage reaches m a x i m u m y o u
loose a life.
Energy can be replaced by
finding energy pods, but if you
run out of energy your laser will
be disabled. Extra lives may also
be found.
normal camper, in this n e w
game from Domark, w h o pro-
duced A View to a Kill and
Eureka.
The price is £ 8 . 9 5 and there
are five Eureka colour monitors
t o be w o n in a free sound e f f e c t s
competition. The unique feature
of these monitors is their ability
t o expand the game play area to
fill the w h o l e screen!
Each g a m e tape has 10
sound e f f e c t s recorded after the
computer program. By identify-
ing these sounds the purchaser
has a chance to w i n one of these
colour monitors.
11

Astronomer's
software
The book b o o m seems t o be dy-
ing off and m o s t n e w publica-
tions s e e m to be for various
specialist markets. This one is
no e x c e p t i o n .
W r i t t e n by Robert A Macken-
zie and published by Sigma, it is
a c o l l e c t i o n of Spectrum
routines to p e r f o r m the various
c a l c u l a t i o n s n e e d e d b y all
d e v o t e e s of this subject.
The main p r o g r a m s are t o
enable a s t r o n o m e r s t o m a k e
predictions about the positions
of t h e s u n , m o o n , p l a n e t s ,
satellites, stars and m e t e o r ' s
and analyse observations, A
w e a l t h of i n f o r m a t i o n is also
given.
Very useful, and Mr.
M a c k e n z i e ' s p e d i g r e e Ihe is
f o u n d e r a n d d i r e c t o r of t h e
British M e t e o r S o c i e t y , and a
fellow of the Royal
A s t r o n o m i c a l a n d B r i t i s h In-
t e r p l a n e t a r y S o c i e t i e s ) lends
w e i g h t t o t h i s b o o k . It will cost
you £ 8 . 9 5 .
Microcomputer
Games Design
Subtitles f o r e d u c a t i o n and
e n t e r t a i n m e n t ' , this book is not
a book of listings, but a general
reading book for e v e r y o n e in-
terested in p r o g r a m m i n g .
Michael Rigg w r o t e it and
keeps the tone light, but
discusses m a n y of the aspects
of this p h e n o m e n a . Ideas are
t h r o w n out virtually f r o m every
page and, t h o u g h y o u m a y not
agree w i t h all his s t a t e m e n t s , at
least there is plenty of f o o d for
thought.
Not only does Mr. Rigg cover
Get lost with Wally. Wilma and Herbert and make enough money lor
your dream holiday next year
Three Weeks In Paradise is the latest Wally venture following hard on
the heels of such sucesses as Pyjamarama, Everyone 's a Wally and
Herbert's dummy run.
12
Comets
In the series called ' C o m p u t e r
C l u b ' , this is m u c h less w e i g h t y
than Astronomer's Software
and is more at m y level. A i m e d at
a m u c h more general reader this
is b e a u t i f u l l y p r e s e n t e d w i t h
f a s c i n a t i n g facts and informa-
tion, eye c a t c h i n g illustrations
and simple d e m o n s t r a t i o n pro
grams.
T h e book is published by
M a c d o n a l d at £ 5 . 9 5 and a tape
of the p r o g r a m s can be o b t a i n e d
for £ 3 . 9 5 if y o u do not f a n c y
e n t e r i n g t h e m yourself
This series is great in t h a t
t h e y make a reasonably suc-
c e s s f u l a t t e m p t to c o m b i n e
c o m p u t i n g w i t h other t o p i c s and
hobbies. Invaluable in schools,
and w i t h an appeal w h i c h c o v e r s
ail ages, I r e c o m m e n d that y o u
try and look t h e m out at your
bookshop.
t h e logistics of g a m e s design, he
also discusses languages, pro-
g r a m m i n g , specific utilities and
p r o g r a m s s u c h as Quill, D e v p a c
and m a n y more.
Here is that rare thing, a non-
specific book w h i c h could e v e n
r e v i v e the j a d e d a t t i t u d e of
yours truly and reinstall that
sense of e x c i t e m e n t t h a t I first
had w i t h the purchase of m y
ZX81..
A t £ 6 . 9 5 f r o m Sigma press I
r e c o m m e n d it t o you.
printer interface and A M X A r t , a
A Mouse in the d r a w i n g p r o g r a m and a g o o d
House? selection of utilities t o enable it
t o be used in your o w n programs
On more e x p e n s i v e c o m p u t e r s w i t h the m i n i m u m of e f f o r t .
the use of a m o u s e for c o n t r o l , Available f r o m A M S at Green
graphics and utility p r o g r a m s Lane, A p p l e t o n , W a r r i n g t o n ,
has been m a k i n g some i m p a c t . W A 4 5 N G for a very reasonable
A d v a n c e d M e m o r y S y s t e m s £ 6 9 . 9 5 this c o u l d enhance your
have n o w produced their A M X pleasure and o p e r a t i o n of your
M o u s e for the S p e c t r u m . computer.
This neat little d e v i c e c o m e s
c o m p l e t e w i t h an interface
w h i c h includes a C e n t r o n i c s
A MX/ffiiH-j^
A foxy keyboard
It is a useful size, 1 6 x 7 x 3
inches, w i t h a slope f r o m the
W i t h the p r o d u c t i o n of the Spec- rear to the f r o n t . Fitting is very
t r u m - sales of k e y b o a r d s have simple and the i n s t r u c t i o n s are
d r o p p e d , h o w e v e r Fox Elec idiot-proof, no need to feel w o r -
t r o n i c s Ltd, of Fox House, 3 5 ried a b o u t t a m p e r i n g w i t h your
M a r t h a m Rd, H e m s b u r y , Nr m a c h i n e if y o u are a c o m p l e t e
Great Y a r m o u t h , N o r f o l k , have newcomer.
b r o u g h t out a n e w m o d e l based The features it o f f e r s for the
o n their popular k e y b o a r d . price asked makes it one of the
M o s t serious S p e c t r u m users best b u y s around at the t i m e of
are still not satisfied w i t h the going t o press.
k e y b o a r d supplied and this o n e
f r o m Fox is definitely w o r t h con-
sidering if y o u w a n t t o i m p r o v e
your m a c h i n e . All Purpose
T h e 6 8 F X 2 Deluxe model is a Transfer unit
very smart looking keyboard
w h i c h at £ 4 9 . 9 5 is v e r y
reasonable. Featuring 6 8 g o o d
quality k e y s w h i c h have a solid Great n e w s for all f r u s t r a t e d
fuel and s a t i s f y i n g click t o t h e m , o w n e r s of storage media other
Fox have done their h o m e w o r k t h a n tape. A T and Y C o m p u t i n g
w e l l and all the peripherals w e L t d have p r o d u c e d a unit w h i c h
c o u l d find to try o u t operated w i l l p r o v i d e a Ram Image
p e r f e c t l y w i t h it. This includes Transfer Interface (R.I.T.I.) for
Interface I and Microdrives. most devices, Microdrive.
The w i d e variety of additional W a f a d r i v e , T e c h n o l o g y Resear
keys are w e l l planned and laid c h B e t a disk d r i v e a n d the
o u t and include Single Entry E O p u s Disk drive.
M o d e , Caps L o c k , G r a p h i c s , A n R.I.T.I, makes a c o m p l e t e
Run, Break. Delete, Edit, Dot. c o p y of the S p e c t r u m ' s R A M
C o m m a * I. and so, in t h e o r y , any program
A numeric k e y p a d is also w h i c h has loaded, regardless of
f e a t u r e d along w i t h the essen- the p r o t e c t i o n built in, should
tial full sized space bar. One transfer.
c r i t i c i s m I have made in the past W e had a quick try of the
is the stick on key labels usually SPEC-MATE as they call it, and
used on cheaper k e y b o a r d s . The it p e r f o r m e d w e l t w i t h t h e
Fox unit has properly engraved W a f a d r i v e , M i c r o d r i v e and TRL
key t o p s . u n i t s w h i c h w e have in the
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 ZX
 HARDWARE NEWS

office. It is well designed and Available from 3 5 Villa Rd.

operation is simplicity itself,
press a b u t t o n and select the op
tion for the device required and it
does the rest. There are also op
tions t o save in special formats.
Well w o r t h considering,
although it may be w o r t h bear-
ing in mind that every time a bet-
ter mouse trap is invented the
mice soon get smarter!
London. S W 9 7ND.
• D E A T H W A K E is the latest
f r o m Quicksilva. Set in the final
stages of a terrible war, the
player, as admiral in chief, has
the a w e s o m e task of restoring
the homelands' morale and
preparing for the great victories
needed to regain lost territory.
Arcade action and more than
just a subtle hint of strategy
combine t o make D e a t h w a k e a
game to w a t c h out for.
D e a t h w a k e will cost £ 7 . 9 5 .

Socket top me!

A rather upmarket s y s t e m is the
one f r o m Comblock electrical
Ltd. w h o provide a six w a y . mini
plug mains board complete w i t h
plugs and a four into one wall
plug featuring the same plugs
and w h i c h are therefore inter-
changable.
The six w a y unit contains
PCB's w h i c h help to reduce the
w e i g h t by some 6 0 % , and the
size by some 3 0 % .
Philips monitor t o p of the range models both
Available in most electrical the market. are included as standard. Unlike
stores, all Conblock need to do computer prices. Monitor prices
n o w is to get their press agents Philips have introduced a n e w have remained pretty constant
to include the price on their press range of colour monitors for a and at £ 2 2 0 , £ 2 4 5 , £ 2 8 0 , and
releases. . . wide range of computers. QL £ 3 2 5 for their CM8500,
o w n e r s may be interested and CM 8 501, CM 8 5 2 4 and
so m a y f a n a t i c a l S p e c t r u m C M 8 5 3 3 respectively they are
owners, not overpriced Pictured is the
A choice of composite video C M 8 5 2 4 , a standard resolution
or RGB is offered, but o n t h e t w o model.

A plug for
duraplug
If, like me, y o u end up wonder-
ing where to plug in ail your bits
and bobs, computer, TV. Tape
recorder, possibly a printer and
disk drive, then Duraplug have
c o m e up w i t h an alternative t o
the bulky square adaptor or long
four in a r o w socket.
Called the MultiLine plug,
y o u wire four units directly into
the plug, it even features a 'main
on' indicator light. It looks to be a
very useful unit and at around
£ 5 . 0 0 it is nearly a quarter of the
price of buying a four in a r o w
and four 3 pin plugs.

a
J9
 'Hardware'
*zx looks at some new add-ons for the
Spectrum.'
W e are used t o e x t r a v a g a n t
claims here at Z X C , and w h e n
this small w e d g e shaped bit of
plastic w i t h an edge c o n n e c t o r
on the t h i n end arrived w e w e r e
not terribly excited. Even
Rodney Holland's g l o w i n g letter
'extraordinary . . . grand title
p r o d u c t . . . o v e r C I 8 , 0 0 0 and
eight m o n t h s t o d e v e l o p ' only
raised a k n o w i n g glance.
But as a serious p r o g r a m m e r
on the S p e c t r u m I w a s in for a
treat, this is a little marvel!
W h a t is Microsource? Well, it
is really three units in one w h i c h
c o m b i n e t o p r o d u c e one of the
m o s t p o w e r f u l t o o l s for the
dedicated p r o g r a m m e r . T h e unit
provides you with an
ASSEMBLER, a FORTH inter-
preter and a versatile DEBUG or
Monitor.
A c c o m p a n y i n g it is a 3 8
page manual w h i c h provides all
the instructions needed to
o p e r a t e t h e b e a s t a n d is
satisfactorily clear and concise.
A s w i t h all similar p r o g r a m s no
a t t e m p t to t e a c h m a c h i n e c o d e
or FORTH p r o g r a m m i n g is m a d e
and the user is either already
proficient or will have to learn
f r o m another source.
The assembler produces
s t a n d alone c o d e w h i c h is por-
table w h i l e the FORTH inter-
p r e t e r is m a c h i n e (or u n i t }
d e p e n d e n t . B o t h c a n be used
f r o m w i t h i n BASIC and com-
m a n d s for each are held in REM
lines. A s s e m b l e r prefixed by ' ! '
and FORTH by ' and BASIC
variables c a n be used t o pass
parameters t o and f r o m either.
The assembler is a t w o pass
assembler and all Z 8 0 O p codes
are s u p p o r t e d , plus a w i d e selec-
tion of p s e u d o op c o d e s s u c h as
DEFB, D E F W e t c . A u s e f u l
f e a t u r e is the w a y in w h i c h
operands c a n be t y p e d as BASIC
expressions. When the
a s s e m b l e r is c a l l e d (by LET
assemble number) t h e w h o l e
p r o g r a m is s c a n n e d and A L L
code, irrespective of its p o s i t i o n
w i t h i n the p r o g r a m , is c o m p i l e d .
This c a n be a s s e m b l e d as a
direct c o m m a n d or d u r i n g RUN
time.
The FORTH used is an im-
p l i m e n t a t i o n of FORTH 7 9 , is
1 6 bit integer and also has s o m e
unusual and useful features
s u c h as a l l o w i n g the USR com-
m a n d t o call m a c h i n e c o d e .
14
Unlike the assembler, the
FORTH compiler only c o m p i l e s
t h e code f o l l o w i n g the com-
m a n d , m o s t usefully f r o m w i t h i n
a p r o g r a m , and s t o p s w h e n it
reaches the next Basic c o m -
mand.
The only d i s a d v a n t a g e w i t h
this language is t h a t y o u m u s t
have a M i c r o s o u r c e unit attach-
ed, as, unlike the assembler,
FORTH does not generate code
w h i c h can be used independent
ly.
Finally, the D e b u g utility >s
easy t o use and p e r f o r m s all the
t a s k s y o u are likely to require
f r o m s u c h a program, including
single s t e p p i n g breakpoints and
memory manipulation.
A n y of these features c o u l d
be o b t a i n e d as individual pro
g r a m s , but apart f r o m the con-
straints of h a v i n g to load t h e m
and the m e m o r y t h e y w o u l d
o c c u p y , h a v i n g all t h r e e
together and available instantly
m a k e s the M i c r o s o u r c e v e r y
p o w e r f u l . You could, for exam-
ple, w r i t e a p r o g r a m in Basic and
t h e n m o d i f y sections t o FORTH
or assembly so that all three
t y p e s of c o d e exist in the same
p r o g r a m yet still be able t o run
and use it.
A t r e m e n d o u s a m o u n t of
t h o u g h t has been put into this
p r o d u c t , it is c o m p a t i b l e w i t h
m i c r o d r i v e s and Interface 1 and
c o m m a n d s and o p t i o n s are in-
c l u d e d t o m a k e the best use of
t h e m . I really have n o t h i n g but
praise for this device, but I did
find that s o m e t i m e s m y bad
habits caused s o m e c o n f u s i o n ,
for instance I w r o t e 'JRNZ
label'. The assembler insisted o n
the f o r m 'JR NZ, label', but
t h a n k s t o the e x t e n s i v e error
trapping, I soon got t o k n o w its
r e q u i r e m e n t s and this really is a
small quibble w i t h a well
t h o u g h t out unit.
1 h a v e no h e s i t a t i o n in
wholeheartedly recommending
this unit to a n y o n e w h o takes
their c o m p u t i n g seriously.
Quadhouse Computers UK.
Regent House, Victoria Rd,
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 ZX
Middlesbrough, Cleveland
TS1 3HX.
Price: E 1 4 . 0 0
Big Beeps
The S o u n d b o o s t unit f r o m SSL
is a small circuit board w i t h three
coloured leads ending in press-
o n clips a t t a c h e d t o it. The cir-
cuitry modifies the S p e c t r u m
s o u n d generation and o u t p u t s it
t h r o u g h t h e T V speaker, t o u g h
luck if y o u ' v e lashed out o n a
proper monitor 1
Attaching the gizmo was
very easy, but m a y cause con-
cern as it means y o u invalidate
the guarantee by opening the
S p e c t r u m ' s case. U n s c r e w case
s c r e w s , separate case halves,
p o s i t i o n unit and a t t a c h leads as
per i n s t r u c t i o n s w h i c h in-
clude a g o o d d i a g r a m for those
a m o n g us of a n e r v o u s disposi-
tion and B o b ' s your uncle.
Before r e c o n n e c t i n g the t w o
halves of the case it is w o r t h
entering a BEEP c o m m a n d , turn
ing u p the T V v o l u m e and then
adjusting b o t h the T V t u n i n g and
a little fine t u n i n g on the unit t o
get the best s o u n d y o u can.
Fitting is that simple, and it
w o r k e d . U n f o r t u n a t e l y , the
s o u n d is very poor. I tried it on
t w o S p e c t r u m s , each w i t h its
o w n d i f f e r e n t , T V . Tuning is a
very precise job but even at the
best possible c o m b i n a t i o n of
s e t t i n g s the b a c k g r o u n d noise
w a s so high as t o be e x t r e m e l y
irritating. W h e n the v o l u m e w a s
t o w e r e d so t h a t the b a c k g r o u n d
hiss w a s u n o b t r u s i v e t h e n the
level of s o u n d w a s only about
t w i c e as loud as the S p e c t r u m
beeper.
W o r s e w a s t o f o l l o w , over
the next f e w days the unit and
the T V c o n s i s t a n t l y needed t o
be re t u n e d and I w a s beginning
to experience S A V E / L O A D pro-
blems. I ' m not saying the unit
c a u s e d t h e m , but w h e n I even
tually g a v e up and r e m o v e d it,
they disappeared — coin-
cidence?
From the c o m p a n y w h o have
p r o d u c e d possibly the finest
k e y b o a r d for the S p e c t r u m and
o n e of t h e m o s t exciting
graphics aids in the Graphics
Pad, this w a s a great disappoint-
m e n t and, at C 9 . 9 5 c a n n o t be
recommended.
Ray Elder
 (jjeerah

are proud to announce

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125 Joystick
Compatible with ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Vic 20.
Amstrad. Atao, MSX. etc,
At only C8.95 the features on the 125 are second to none
Besides its unique internal structure, built to withstand
immense punishment from even the most vigorous games
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sensitive fire buttons. Two are housed in (he handgrip
which has been moulded tor extra comlort and ease
of operation. The trigger finger tire button provides
ease and comfort lor your linger and the top tire
button is contoured 10 fit your thumb tor sure lire
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control and two hand firing whether you are right or left
handed
A built in auto-tire switch provides continuous
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The 125 comes complete f f l
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modules Comprehensive error handling Easy interfaces to QLfeatures

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I Please send me: Assembler £ 3 9 . 9 5 • LISP £59.95 • BCPL £ 5 9 . 9 5 • QL C £ 9 9 . 9 5 •
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QL Business
Software
Good s o f t w a r e of any descrip
tion has been s t o w t o appear for
the Sinclair QL. But as the QL
w a s primarily i n t e n d e d as a
business micro, this s o f t w a r e
famine has had a particularly
deleterious e f f e c t on QL sales.
Fortunately, business s o f t w a r e
is starting t o appear. One of the
first producers is a c o m p a n y by
the name of T r i p t y c h Publishing.
They have p r o d u c e d a series of
packages called the 'Brain-
p o w e r ' range. There are current-
ly three programs in the range
for the QL, QL Entrepreneur, QL
Project Planner, and QL Decision
Maker. These packages each
cost C 3 9 . 9 5, and are sold under
the Sinclair label.
All these packages are sold in
the standard Sinclair 'black
b o x ' . T i l t the b o x , and a loose
leaf folder drops out c o n t a i n i n g
the i n s t r u c t i o n m a n u a l a n d
microdrive w a l l e t . Each package
is supplied w i t h f o u r m i c r o -
drives, these being a m i x t u r e of
training courses, application
programs, and one spare cart
ridge for b a c k u p . The applica
tions will not w o r k w i t h o u t first
backing up the p r o g r a m , but y o u
have t o find t h e i n f o r m a t i o n at
the back of e a c h manual o n h o w
t o d o this.
Each package is primarily in
tended as a training course, but
y o u also get one or m o r e applica
tion p r o g r a m s w h i c h allow the
user t o put business t h e o r y to
practical use.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur is a i m e d at the em- Getting started
bryonic businessman; it tries to
f o c u s the m i n d on h o w t o start a S t a r t i n g a business is one area
business. The 1 2 8 page manual w h e r e y o u need a sound plan of
is easy t o f o l l o w . It s t a r t s w i t h a action, as well as finance. Y o u ' l l
very c o m p r e h e n s i v e list of items need a c t i o n plans for any project
w h i c h the potential entre
preneur m u s t address t o f o r m g r o u n d t o o . If there are several
his or her business plan. The list a c t i v i t i e s in a project w h i c h are
16
OL BUSINESS
is so long that it is sure t o put o f f
all b u t the m o s t resolute, but
highlights the f a c t that tremen-
d o u s t h o u g h t and planning m u s t
g o into a business idea if suc-
cess is t o be achieved.
There is one tutorial p r o g r a m
w i t h Entrepreneur, this explains
the principle balance sheets. If
y o u k n o w absolutely n o t h i n g
about the s u b j e c t , t h e n f o l l o w
ing the manual and the w e l l for-
m a t t e d screen displays, you
s h o u l d acquire a basic k n o w
ledge in a couple of hours.
Entrepreneur's t w o applica
tion p r o g r a m s are similar; t h e y
allow y o u t o d e v e l o p a financial
plan of the f u t u r e business. In so
d o i n g , s e v e r a l f i n a n c i a l con-
c e p t s are i n t r o d u c e d and ex-
plained well. The programs (one
is for a single p r o d u c t business,
the other for a business w i t h
multiple p r o d u c t s ) e x p e c t y o u t o
enter all the relevant informa-
tion. Q u e s t i o n s are clear, and
they are carefully presented as a
checklist in the manual. T h e pro-
g r a m t h e n analyses all this data
to p r o d u c e a series of financial
reports. These w i l l tell y o u if
your plans are s o u n d or if s o m e
m o d i f i c a t i o n s are needed. Your
bank manager should be suffi-
ciently impressed to grant the
loan y o u need t o get started!
A n d , if y o u ' r e just an armchair
e n t r e p r e n e u r , t h e n there are
s o m e e x a m p l e s in the book t o
t r y ; t h e y ' l l give y o u a surprising-
ly g o o d feel for the d e m a n d s of
s e t t i n g - u p a n e w business.
o n c e the business is off the
i n t e r d e p e n d e n t , all r e q u i r i n g
t i m e and e f f o r t , t h e n y o u ' l l need
to plan the m o s t e f f e c t i v e se-
q u e n c e of a c t i o n s in order to
c o m p l e t e the project in the t i m e
a l l o w e d , and w i t h i n budget. The
t e c h n i q u e of c r i t i c a l p a t h
analysis is one p o w e r f u l w a y of
planning a n d c o n t r o l l i n g a pro-
ject, and 'Project Planner'
teaches y o u the principles of
this technique on t w o tutorial
m i c r o d r i v e c a r t r i d g e s (again,
used e f f e c t i v e l y w i t h the
manual). A third cartridge gives
y o u an a p p l i c a t i o n p r o g r a m to
plan your o w n project, or t o just
try one or more of t h e e x a m p l e s
given in the manual.
By telling the c o m p u t e r the
activities w h i c h will be involved
in the project, h o w long they will
take, h o w m a n y people will be
i n v o l v e d in the project, and h o w
the activities interact (e.g.
w h i c h jobs m u s t be c o m p l e t e d
before others can start), a 'net-
w o r k ' is c o n s t r u c t e d . W h e r e
y o u have more t i m e t o c o m p l e t e
a job t h a n the j o b should take,
y o u w i l l h a v e ' f l o a t ' (spare
time). But there will be one or
more series of jobs w h e r e there
is n o t i m e t o spare; there are the
critical activities, and the plan-
n e r k n o w s t h a t he h a s t o
manage these more carefully t o
ensure that the project goes t o
plan.
Project Planner presents the
n e t w o r k t o y o u in a number of
w a y s , as a n e t w o r k , bar c h a r t s
or tables. If y o u decide t o alter
the plan (you have a bright idea
on h o w t o i m p r o v e the plan)
t h e n y o u can alter the design
and logic of the n e t w o r k , get a
n e w set of analyses f r o m the
c o m p u t e r , t h e n d e c i d e for
yourself e x a c t l y w h a t will be the
better option.
A g a i n , Project Planner is ex-
cellent for the business s t u d e n t ,
w h o should gain a v e r y g o o d ap-
preciation of the principle and
practise of n e t w o r k analysis. It
also a l l o w s the user t o develop
and refine plans before the start
of projects. Its limitation, c o m
pared w i t h far more expensive
project planning programs on
'real' business micros, is the ap-
parent inability t o help in the
m a n a g e m e n t of on going pro-
jects. O n c e a project is under-
w a y , inevitably there are pro-
blems, or, o n the other hand, ac
tivities w h i c h are c o m p l e t e d
faster t h a n planned. There ap-
pears no w a y t o feed s t a t u s in-
formation into program, and
receive reports o n their e f f e c t on
the n e t w o r k . The printout of the
jobs list, in the f o r m of a table or
bar c h a r t , is available. Unfor-
t u n a t e l y , critical activities are
not highlighted on the printout
( a l t h o u g h t h e y are on the
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
screen), so i t ' s a bit d i f f i c u l t to
find t h e m in a long list. Bar chart
p r i n t o u t s are hard t o read as
t h e y lack a grid to help y o u judge
the position of bars. Still, the
program doesn't cost $ 1 0 0 +
as o t h e r s d o , and t o o m u c h
should not be e x p e c t e d . B u t ,
these are limitations of w h i c h
serious users should be a w a r e .
Decision Maker
Perhaps the one p r o g r a m of the
three w h i c h could be used by
b o t h s t u d e n t s and b u s i n e s s m e n
alike is Decision Maker. The pro-
g r a m is based u p o n the principle
of d e c i s i o n t r e e s a n d r i s k
analysis. A n y decision one
makes c a n have a n u m b e r of
c h a n c e o u t c o m e s ; each o n e of
these may require further deci-
sions or result in more out-
c o m e s , each w i t h some pro-
bability of actually occuring. So,
f r o m one decision s t e m s several
o u t c o m e s and further decisions,
d r a w these d i a g r a m m a t i c a l l y ,
and y o u get a decision tree. A d d
the c o s t s (or profits) associated
w i t h e a c h o u t c o m e , and hazard
s o m e guess at t h e probability of
c h a n c e o u t c o m e s actually oc-
curing, and y o u end u p w i t h all
the r e q u i r e m e n t s to calculate
the best decision. To check that
the decision is ' b e s t ' , t w o fur-
ther t e c h n i q u e s called 'risk' and
'sensitivity analyses' are applied
by the p r o g r a m .
In actual fact, the mathe-
m a t i c s involved (and all the pro-
g r a m really does for y o u is t o do
the sums) is quite trivial, and
o n c e y o u k n o w the rules, t h e n
m o s l simple decision trees can
be solved in a f e w m i n u t e s w i t h
a calculator. The logic of con-
s t r u c t i n g and decision tree, and
adding the required data are left
entirely t o y o u , b u t , of course,
the p r o g r a m helps to d r a w (and
p r o d u c e o n a Epson printer)
s o m e neat decision trees, and if
y o u dislike m a t h s , then all the
hard w o r k is done for y o u .
So, in m u c h the same w a y as
the other m e m b e r s of the 'Brain-
p o w e r ' series, Decision Maker \s
a computer aided tutorial
s y s t e m w i t h a relatively un-
s o p h i s t i c a t e d a p p l i c a t i o n pro
g r a m w h i c h a l l o w s the theory to
be applied. A s tutorial packages,
all three are excellent, a l t h o u g h
the price of each m u s t be c o n
sidered high w h e n c o m p a r e d
w i t h standard t e x t books on
these subjects. All three applica-
tion p r o g r a m s are s o m e w h a t
limited, b u t , again, serve the
s t u d e n t w e l l t o practise the
t h e o r y supplied by the tutorial
programs. But, workhorse
business programs, unfor
t u n a t e l y , they are n o t .
David Nowotnik
I

I K E Y B O A R D S J O Y S T I C K 1
I SPECTRUM REPLACEMENT I N T E R F A C E S

T H E 6 8 F X 2
FOR THE SPECTRUM 1
THE ULTIMATE 1
THE FOX PROGRAMME 1
JOYSTICK INTERFACE:- 1
^ ^ ^ ^ t a ^ T w Wha! the review M i d . . .
• S j b j L k m SINCLAIR USER
FEBRUARY 1984
"Provide! the easiest Interlace
on the market to u*e"
SINCLAIR USER A N N U A L 1985
"At £28.95 the Interlace I t
excellent value"
ZX C O M P U T I N G J A N U A R Y 1985 1

1 £ 3 9 - 9 5
the lo use,
ONLY INCL. get my approval"

1 WE ARE NOW ABLE TO OFFER THIS * Compioie compatibility with all programs
1 TRULY SUPERIOR KEYBOARD AT * games
1 THIS EXTRA SPECIAL PRICE £39-95
THIS KEYBOARD IS FANTASTIC
T H E FOX P R O G R A M M A B L E I N T E R F A C E — A N I N T E R F A C E W t T H
* m-built memory to store up to 16 different
keysets at one time
Battely back-up so no loss of memory after
power off. (Battery recharge during loss so no
replacements are required). SPECIAL
* One switch only (or simplicity of use
* Full casing OFFER
— —

ITS FEATURES INCLUDE: * Through port lor further expansion

» Proven compatibility w i i h the microdrive.
a > •> v 1 1
U I M L Y ..

1 * FULL SIZE SPACE BAR * Built-in pseudo Rom facility with Rom for
personnel too! kit. O
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O Q
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* INDIVIDUAL GOLD PLATED KEY- * Compatible with Quickshot II rapid fire.

* Compatible with all Atari-type joysticks J^mm
INCL
m

SWITCHES THE INTERFACE THAT ONCE

PROGRAMMED NEVER NEEDS SPECIAL OFFER
_ _ ' „

* SINGLE ENTRY KEYS INCLUDE PROGRAMMING AGAIN!!! BUY THE ABOVE INTERFACE WITH |
NO T A P E S ! ! NO L E A D S TO THE QUICKSHOT II JOYSTICK
FULLSTOP, S H I F T LOCK, EX- C H A N G E !l FOR ONLY

TENDED MODE, COMMA, FULL- JUST FLICK THE SWITCH AND

PLAY THE GAME WITH FOX
d A
J T O ^ - Y D
QC

STOP, EDIT DELETE BREAK,

MINUS, \ RUN D I V I D E A N D
OR BUY OUR STANDARD 1
CURSOR CONTROLS JOYSTICK INTERFACE 1
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SEND NOW TO PLEASE SEND ME:- 1

FOX ELECTRONICS LTD 68FX2 KEYBOARD • Name
FOX HOUSE 68FX1 KEYBOARD O Address
35 MARTHAM RD PROGRAMMABLE INTERFACE •
HEMSBY Q/S II + PROG. INTERFACE •
STANDARD INTERFACE • I enclose £
GREAT YARMOUTH STANDARD + Q/S II • or Debit my Barclaycard/
NORFOLK NR2 94NQ SPECTRUM UPGRADE • Access
 K SPECTRUM CAME

This is a great g a m e for younger

m e m b e r s of the family </ liked
playing it! Ed). The idea is to
guide the telephone w h i c h c o n
tinually descends f r o m the sky
{A UFOne?) o n t o the head of the
w a n d e r i n g non-terrestrial. No,
y o u are not t r y i n g t o brain him,
but provide h i m w i t h the means
t o c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h his h o m e
planet (have y o u seen the

A Strange Being has been spotted by

telephone company's In
tergalactic charges?).

Nicholas Pearson as it searches Potters A f t e r each a t t e m p t , w h e t h e r

y o u w i n or lose, the player has

Bar for a working telephone.

the o p t i o n t o play again im-
m e d i a t e l y (if h e ' s impatient) or
t o see the appropriate end of
g a m e graphics. A n d finally, for
t h o s e w h o are very s l o w , there
is a " H o l d the p h o n e " feature
which slows the game down.
Brief b u t c o m p l e t e instructions
are given by the p r o g r a m so
y o u ' v e seen the film, read the
book n o w e t c , e t c .

NB. Is a telephone engineer a

phoney?

R M I T O S T AY H E R E F O R E V E R
MISSED ONCE W I T H T H E RHONE

1 REM * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * s TO PLAY CONTROLS A

• U n d e r l i n e d c h a r a c t e r s * RE 3 PIGHT AND 5 LEFT"
* a r e entered in * 45 PRINT : PRINT ; FLASH 1} IN
*GRAPHICS mode. * VERSE 1 J" YOU CAN HAVE THE "HOLD
*********************** THE LINE FEATURE BY PRESSING 'h
'THIS SLOWS THE DECENT OF TH
3 BORDER 0: PAPER 0: INK 6: C E PHONE DOWN
LS " 5 FLASH 0i INVERSE 0J
4 GO SUB 9000 50 BORDER 0: PAPER 0: INK 6
24 RANDOMIZE : CLS 55 FOR a=0 T O 29
25 BORDER 0: PAPER 0: INK 6 60 PRINT AT 2 1 , a ; " E "
35 PRINT AT 3,13; FLASH 1;" AL 65 INK 4: PRINT AT 0 , a ; " E n

I EN " 70 INK 4: PRINT AT 21,0?"S"

40 INK 6: PRINT : PRINT INVER 75 PRINT AT 1 7 , a ; " E F " ; A T IS,a;
GE l i " S " i INVERSE 0;"AVE THE A H " R B " ; A T 1 9 , a ; " C D "

EN BY LANDING YOUR TELEPHONE O 77 IF INKEY$="S" OR INKEY$="s"

N HIS HEAD E . G . * EF' BEWARE YOU THEN GO TO 82
ONLY HAVE 1 GO AMD HE MIGHT NO 80 NEXT a
T NOTICE THE PHONE THEN. FRESS 81 GO TO 25

18 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 18
 K SPECTRUM CAME

82 CLS : BORDER 6: PAPER 5: IN 350 INK 5: PRINT H0» INVERSE l;

K 0 " YOU HAVE LOST DO YOU WISH TO
83 PRINT ; INVERSE 1 ; AT 4 , 0 ! " IMMEDIATELY START AGAIN (y/ri
BEWARE THE IF YOU TOUCH IT >": INVERSE 0
YOU LOOSE. DON'T WORRY IF YOU 360 LET Ln=9600: GO TO 500
RUB THEM OUT. 3"70 PAUSE 100: GO TO 9600
84 PRINT : PRINT • YOU ARE ABO 380 INK 5: PRINT #0; INVERSE lj
UT TO START PREPARE!" " YOU BLEW UP THE PHONE DO YGU
39 PAUSE 250 WANT TO START THE GAME AGAIN
90 BORDER 0: PAPER 0'. INK 6 IMMEDIATELY WITH A NEW PHONE
101 CLS "; INVERSE 0
105 REM 390 LET Ln=9675
106 REM * * * GAME * * * 500 LET Z*=INKEYS
110 REM * * * MOVEMENT * * * 510 IF 15="y" OR Z$="Y" THEN G
120 REM O TO 24
130 LET x = INT <RND*20>+1 520 IF Z t O ' n " AND Z S O ' N " THEN
140 LET a=1: LET b=l GO TO 500
150 FOR w=0 TO 6 530 CLS : GO TO Ln
160 LET d = INT <RND*3>+3 8997 REM
1">0 LET c = INT (RND*29>+1 8998 REM * USER DEFINED GRAFHICS
180 PRINT AT d,c ; "*" 8999 REM
190 NEXT w 9000 RESTORE
208 PAUSE 100 9002 FOR i=USR "A" TO USR »F"+7
209 LET 5=0.2 9003 READ v: POKE i , v : NEXT l
211 FOR g=0 TO 20 9015 DATA BIN 00000111,BIN 00000

214 LET a=a+l: LET b=b+l 011,BIN 00011111,BIN 01111111,BI

215 LET x= x-<INKEYS="5" AND x >0 N 01111111,BIN 01100111,BIN 0110

) + ( INKEY$="3" AND x<lt?) 1111,BIN 01101111

225 IF INKEY*="h" THEN LET s=s 9020 DATA BIN 11100000,BIN 11000
+ 0.2 000,BIN 11111000,BIN 11111110,BI
230 LET v=b N 11111110,BIN 11110110,BIN 1111
235 IF b=18 THEN GO TO 350 0110,BIN 11100110
236 IF SCREENS <v,x>="*" THEN 9025 DATA BIN 11101111)BIN 11101
GO TO 380 111,BIN 01101111,BIN 00011111,BI
N 00011111,BIN 00011000,BIN 0011
238 IF SCREENS •b , x + 1) = " * " THEN
GO TO 380 100,BIN 00111000
9030 DATA BIN 11110111,BIN 11110
240 BEEP s,B+1: PRINT AT V , x ; " I
111,BIN 11110110,BIN 11111000,BI
"}AT b,x + 1 ; " u " ; A T b - i , x ; " ";AT
N 11111000,BIN 00011000,BIN 0011
b- 1 , X- l ; " "iAT b - 1 , X + 15 "
00,BIN 0001100
245 LET 5=0.03
9032 DATA BIN 00011111,BIN 00111
250 PRINT AT 1 6 , 2 9 ; " ";AT 17,2
111,BIN 01111111,BIN 11100111,BI
<?: " " ; AT 18, 29; "
N 11100110,BIN 111 1 1 0 0 1 , B I N 0001
260 PRINT AT 16,a;"EF»;AT 16,a-
1100,BIN 00001111
l ; " ";AT 17,a}"RB";AT 1 7 , a - l ; n "
9033 DATA BIN 11110000,BIN 11111
5AT 1 8 , a ; " C" ; AT 18,a+1;"D";AT 13
000,BIN 11111110,BIN 11100111,BI
, a -1; -
N 01100111,BIN 10011111,BIN 1111
270 PRINT AT 20,15} INVERSE 1?" 1100,BIN 11110000
HOME ! ! ! ! "; INVERSE 0 9 0 3 4 FOR B=USR "T" TO USR "U"+7:
280 PLOT 0,20: DRAW 255,0 READ v : POKE B , v : NEXT B
290 IF b=16 AND a=* THEN GO TO 9035 DATA BIN 00000000,BIN 00111
310 111,BIN 00111111,BIN 00110011,BI
300 GO TO 20° N 001 10011,BIN 00001 111,BIN 0001
310 INK 5: PRINT MO; INVERSE 1} 1111,BIN 00111111
" YOU HAVE WON DO YOU WANT TO 9040 DATA BIN 00000000,BIN 11111
START THE GAME IMMEDIATELY<Y/N 100,BIN 11111100,BIN 11001100,BI
)"} INVERSE 0 N 11001100,BIN 11110000,BIN 1111
320 LET Ln =9300: GO TO 500 1000,BIN 11111100

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 19
 K SPECTRUM CAME

9042 FOR W=0 TO 7 1 1 , 0 ; " BE GOOD f ! ! !

9043 READ S 9585 PRINT AT 12,0;"NNNNNNNNNNNN
9044 POKE USR "N"+W,S NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN"
9045 NEXT W 9590 PRINT : PRINT
9046 DATA BIN 00011 110,BIN 00011 9592 PRINT INVERSE 1;AT 14,3;"E
100,BIN 01111011,BIN 011111110,B F»;AT 1 5 , 8 ; ; A T 16,8;"CD»: BE
IN 01011100,BIN 00111100,BIN 011 EP 0 . 0 9 , 1 : PRINT AT 1 6 , 8 ; " ";AT
01100,BIN 11011100 I 5 , s ; n

9047 RETURN 9595 PRINT : PRINT " EF DO YOU W

9300 REM ANT ANOTHER GO EF «
9310 REM * * * THE WINNING ROUTINE 9596 LET Lr. = 9 9 9 9 : GO TO 500
9320 REM 9610 REM
9340 PAUSE 100 9611 REM * * * THE LOSER ROUTINE *
9355 LET e=0 -612 REM
9356 LET e=e + l 9613 PAUSE 100: PAPER 01 INK l :
9360 INK 4: PLOT 0 , e : DRAW 255,0 CLS
9365 IF e=100 THEN GO TO 9368 9614 FOR a=0 TO 20
9367 GO TO 9356 9615 LET c = INT (RND*28)+1
9363 INK 3: PRINT AT 8 , 0 ; " N " 9616 LET b=INT <RND*13)+1
9370 INK 5: PRINT AT 7 , 1 2 ; " J L 9617 PRINT AT b , c ! " . "
" ! AT 6,11; "Wm mm' "618 NEXT a
9372 PRINT AT 5 , 1 1 ; ' • • • • • " i AT 9620 FOR a=2 TO 30
4 , n ; " J M L " 9630 INK 4: CIRCLE 7 5 , 7 5 , a
9440 BEEP 1,2: BEEP 0 . 3 , 1 2 : BEEP 9632 NEXT a
0 . 4 , 1 2 : BEEP 0 . 4 , 1 1 : BEEF 0 . 4 , 1 9634 FOP b=0 TO 15
2: BEEP 0 . 8 , 1 1 : BEEP 1,7 9636 INK 6: CIRCLE 190,75,b
9450 FAUSE 30 9638 NEXT b
9460 BEEP 1,2: BEEP 0 . 8 , 1 2 : BEEP 9640 FOR c=0 TO 10
0 . 4 , 1 2 : BEEP 0 4,11: BEEP 0 . 4 , 1 9642 INK 5: CIRCLE 130,70,c
2: BEEP 0 . 9 , 1 4 : BEEP 1,11 9643 NEXT c
9470 PAUSE 30 9659 INK 4: PRINT AT 6,6; INVERS
9480 BEEP 1,2: BEEP 0 . 8 , 1 2 BEEP E 1;" EARTH -J INVERSE 0
0 . 4 , 1 2 : BEEP 0 . 4 , 1 1 : BEEP 0 . 4 , 1 9660 PRINT AT 13,0; INVERSE 1 J "
2: BEEP 0 . 8 , 1 1 ! EEEP 1,7 EF EF EF AM I TO STAY HERE FOR
9490 FAUSE 20 EVER.YOU MISSED ONCE WITH THE
9500 BEEP 0 . 8 , 1 2 : BEEP 0 . 8 , 7 : BE PHONE DO YOU WANT ANOTHER GO <
EP 0. 8 , 1 2 : BEEP 0 3,11: BEEP 1,1 y/r, ) " ; INVERSE 0
1 9663 LET Ln=9999: GO TO 500
9510 LET a=0 9675 CLS : PRINT ; FLASH 1;AT 2,
9515 LET a = a +1 5 5" YOU DONE IT NOW ' 1 ! "
9520 IF a= 15 THEM GO TO 9550 9680 FOR x=46 TO 0 STEP -2
9522 INK 3: BEEP 0 . 0 3 , a : PRINT A 9682 PLOT 0 , x : DRAW 255,0
T 8 , a ; n N " ; A T 8 , a - 1 ; " " 9684 NEXT x
^523 FOR b=8 TO 3 STEP -1 9636 FOR x = 10 TO 25
9524 GO TO 9515 9688 BEEP 0 . 0 2 , x : PRINT AT 15,x;
9548 REM "N";AT 1 5 , x - 1 ; " "
9549 REM * * * GO HOME * * * 9690 NEXT x
9550 REM 9695 PRINT ; FLASH 0;AT 4 , 0 ; " HE
9552 PRINT AT 8 , 1 4 ; " " HAS STARTED TO SULK.HE WANTS T
9555 LET b=8 O PHONE HOME BUT HOW CAN HE D
9560 LET b=b-1 O THAT WITH NO PHONE."
9565 PRINT AT b , 1 5 ; " N " ; A T b+1,15 9700 PRINT : PRINT " WILL YOU
*» it ii HELP HIM AND START THE GAME A
9570 IF b=6 THEN GO TO 9580 GAIN ( y / n ) "
9575 GO TO 9560 9702 PLOT 0,85: DRAW 255,0
9580 INK 5: PRINT AT 10,0f B NNNNN 9710 LET Ln=9999: GO TO 500
N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N •• ; A T 9999 STOP

20 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 20
 y r p i ^

[WINNERS m
r ^ Ai v»«n in the national pr«s

of the ASP DREAM HOLIDAY Competition

Argu^Jpecialist Publications Ltd. arc pleased to announce
of the fabulous Dream Holiday Competition,
HKS'I PKI/>
aholidav an> where in Ihe world
upio a value o t h . i s been
awarded in Mr K.Gouldthorp
u f : W,HK1MJ« Road, RaddilTe
-on Ircnt Nottingham \ f i l 2 - H i
r\
Second Prize
: vers latest in portable * ideo |
camerarecorderrunrrh <nrr
WOO) goes in MrC K Dul1\
of tij Cross Flats Place. BecMon.
Leeds LSI! 7JN
Third I'n/e
the eser popular BBC NI.MJL- B
Microcomputer plu^ software
package. awarded to Master P.
Dawson ot tl l.adiesjde. Brae.
Shetland 7M2 VSX
/ the w inner oi ihe
fourth pri*e
7
upern M i n o l t a X H X ) c a m e r a
fiflnun lens and tlashj-un is
ce Sullivan Dt 1 A d m e f s
f V'IRO \ illagc Meophant.
DAIJ OST

ASH would like to thank everyone w hi entered the competition,

and t'ONGRATi'I.ATlONSio Mr Ginmlihorp lor h^ winning
sentence which we've printed heli»w

"...to combat boredom bv the beach, mt

keep magazines in easy reach!" f

If an advertisement POOLS PREDICTION

Outputs, best draws, homes and aways

is wrong we're here

Features analytical draw finder.
Prints team form comparison graphs.
Analyses and graphs results every week.

to put it right Takes full account of midweek games and cup" matches between
main league teams.
Promotion/relegation option. (Can be used from season to season).
Easy to use, even for beginners.
If you see an a d v e r t i s e m e n t in the press, in print, Gives paper printout of predictions if required.
Full back-up service.

/
on posters or in t h e c i n e m a w h i c h y o u f i n d
unacceptable, write t o us at t h e address below.
The Advertising Standards Authority.
ASA Ltd. Dupt 3 Brook House. Tonington Place. London WC1E 7HN
48 WINS (309 DIVIDENDS) received by author so far
"This is the best and most scientific of any program I have seen" -
Mr R A.P. (Secretary, Orpington Computer Club).
'Once again, thank you for one of the best investments I have made"
- M r D.L.8. (Feltham).
"I would like to congratulate you on your excellent service it is a

BINDERS
rare thing these days" - Mr L.G.P. (Shrewsbury)
"I found your program very professional and userfriendly I am very
satisfied with it" - Mr B.D. (Spalding).

FOR YOUR VALUABLE RACING PREDICTION

COLLECTION OF An easy to use predictor, by the same author, for the flat racing
season.
Z.X. COMPUTING # £5.20\
No knowledge of racing required.
MAGAZINES inc
Input information from any daily newspaper.
'SMART EASY TO USE P&P
Holds data on draw advantage and ground conditions for 37 British
' T O P QUALITY courses.
Self-teaching program is never out-of-date. Customers report wins
To ASP Readers Service, PO Box 35, Wolsey of up to 33/1.
House, Wolsey Road, Hemel Hempstead,
Herts HP2 4SS (0442-41221) Ask for: British Pools £11.95
Please supply Z.X. C o m p u t i n g Binders £5.20 inc. PAP Australian Pools £11.95
Total £. (Please make cheques payable to ASP Lid.) Flat Racing £11.95
Years Required 198 . 198... 198 . ,198 Allow 7 days lor
d e l i v e r y . C h e q u e s , P.O.'* p a y a b l e t o Rombest Or quote

Name A c e e s i / E u r o e a r d . Mastercard number.

Overseas customers please add £1 tor p i p
Address Rombest, Dept. ZX, 2. Welland CroM. Bicester. Oxon., 0X6 8GD.
Please allow 21 days lor delivery Available tor ifl Spectrum Bnlish Poo's also Bva.labd? toi Commodore 64.
 8K SPECTRUM CAM

Keith Burton has a close encounter of

the arachnid kind.
A s c a r e t a k e r of S p e c t r u m
Manor y o u have t o keep the
building clear of spiders and
clear u p t h o s e n a s t y creepy
w e b s . There are three floors t o
patrol and s o m e idiot has left
three invisible mines on each
floor! Fortunately, as y o u enter
e a c h floor the mines b e c o m e
visible for a f e w seconds so that
y o u c a n m a k e sure y o u avoid
t h e m . The spiders, being very
light f o o t e d , d o not trigger off
the mines.
Y o u have three lives to risk
and cleaning up a piece of w e b
scores one point. Dead spiders,
the n o n - f l a s h i n g kind, also score
one point but live spiders score a
generous t w e n t y - f i v e points. If
y o u are one of the t o p five spider
e x t e r m i n a t o r s t h e n y o u are
rewarded w i t h having your
n a m e held for posterity in the
high score chart.
So, carefully positioning your
fingers over the QZIP keys for
UP. D O W N , LEFT and RIGHT do
your bit for m a n k i n d in the battle
against these horrid, harmless
beasties.
But first y o u have to t y p e it
in. . ,

t Rf"M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 2~'0 PRINT AT i , z J " H«

f U n d e r l i n e d c h a r a c t e r s ! 280 BEET .005,z
• a r e entered in # 290 NEXT 2
•GRAPHICS mode. * 300 LET d~a1 LET a-b: LET b~d:
TM ^MTMTMi W
n Kn Mn M MT
r T lfT
U lTt T
KMT M
T lTf M«UITMT X
w v Www
ww
IF c-1 THEN LET c - l: GO TO 320
100 REM GET ur V A R I A B L E S EE! 310 LET c — 1
I 320 NEXT i
110 DIM n*<45): DIM h ( 6) 330 FOR i = l TO 17 STEP 2: PRINT
120 LET n«="zx zx z x AT i » l l ; FLASH 1J PAPER 7; INK
x zx • 2 ! " SPIDERS *: NEXT i
130 rOKE 23658,0 310 FOR 1=2 TO 16 STEP 2: PRINT
140 DIM m«(30,30) AT 1,11? FLASH 1* PAPER 2; INK
150 GO SUB 3210 7{" SPIDERS "I NEXT i: PRINT AT
160 BORDER l : PAPER L: INK 1 9 , 4 ; " KEITH BURTON 1983
LS 350 PRINT AT 21,0! FLASH 1}"
200 REM HBB9 GRAPHIC INTRO PRESS ANY KEY TO PLAY " :
210 LET a«lS LET b=30: LET c = l PAUSE 0: GO SUB 3100
220 LET 1f=3: LET h i = 0 400 REM m m START OF GAME IBB
230 FOR i - 0 TO 21 4 10 LET sc—0
240 FOR I - a TO b STEP c 420 LET I f = 3
250 IF c — 1 THEM PRINT AT i , z 1 130 LET 1=1
; INK 2i GO TO 270 500 REM H B SET UP SCREEN BBS
260 PRINT AT i , z + l j INK 6J"C" 5 l 0 BORDER 0: PAPER 0! INK 6t C

22 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 I8K SPECTRUM GAME)

LS 9 0 0 REM WTMM MOVE YOU W M M

515 IF 1>3 OR 1(1 THEN LET 1=1 910 IF m * ( x , y - l ) = w * THEN GO TO

520 GO SUB 201043*1 970
570 FOR 1=1 TO 7: BORDER i: BEE 920 IF SCREEN* C x , y - l l < > " " THE
P .01,1: BEEP .01,20-1: NEXT i: N LET sc=5c+1: BEEP .01,10
BORDER 0 930 IF y - l < l THEN RETURN
580 FOR 1=0 TO 19: PRINT AT i +1 940 PRINT AT x, yf ' •
, 1 I m * < i + 1> : NEXT i 950 LET y - y - 1
590 PRINT AT x,yJ"E" 960 PRINT AT x , y { ' F *
600 LET mx1*INT (RND*19)+l: LET 970 RETURN
mx2=INT (RND*19)+l: LET mx3=INT 980 IF m * ( x , y + l ) = w * THEM GO TO
<RND*19>+1: LET my 1= I N T (RND*16 1040
)+2: LET my2=INT (RND*16)+2: LET 990 IF SCREEN* ( x , y + l ) < > - * THE
my3=INT (RND*16)+2 N LET sc=sc+l: BEEP .01,10
610 IF m«(mxl,rnyl)=wt THEN GO 1000 IF y+1>20 THEN RETURN
TO 600 1010 PRINT AT x,yJ " "
620 IF m*(mx2,my2)=w* THEN GO 1020 LET y=y+1
TO 600 1030 PRINT AT x,y»"F*
630 IF m*(mx3,my3)=w* THEN GO 1040 RETURN
TO 6 0 0 1050 IF m * ( x - 1 , y ) = w * THEN GO TO
640 PRINT AT mxl.mylj FLASH 1; 1110
INK 21 " J " I AT m x 2 , m y 2 | " I " 1 AT mx3, 1060 IF SCREEN* (x-l,y><>" " THE
my3?"I-: PAUSE 25: PRINT AT mxl, N LET sc=sc+l: BEEP .01,10
Tttyn • * ; AT mx2, my2; " " J AT mx3,my 1070 IF x-1< 1 THEN RETURN
3; " " 1080 PRINT AT x,yJ• -
650 PRINT AT 10,0;'U";AT 1 1 , 0 ; ' 1090 LET x=x —1
P";AT 9,22;-D-;AT 10,22;-O-;AT I 1100 PRINT AT x , y | • F "
1 , 2 2 ; " W I AT 1 2 , 225 "N" 1110 RETURN
660 PRINT AT 2,25; INK 2; BRIGH 1120 IF m*Cx + 1 , y ) = n * THEM GO TO
T 1;"SCORE iAT - 6,25J-HIGH-;AT 10 1 180
,25; -LEVEL-;AT 14,25 J* LIVES" 1130 IF SCREEN* ( x + l , y ) < > " * THE
67 7 0 PRINT AT 4,25; BRIGHT l; IN N LET sc=sc +1: BEEP .01,10
K 6;sc;AT 8 , 2 5 ; h ( l > ; A T 1 2 , 2 5 | l ; A 1140 IF x+1>19 THEN RETURN
T 16,25| 1 f 1150 PRINT AT x , y I " "
' 680 LET 5x1=10: LET sy1=13: LET 1160 LET x=x+l
sx2=14: LET sy2=15: PRINT AT sx 1170 PRINT AT x , y f " F -
1,syi; INK 5; BRIGHT 1; " H " I AT sx 1180 RETURN
2,sy2j INK 2} BRIGHT 1 J " H" 1200 REM f CHANGE LEVEL E3599
700 REM mm MAIN LOOP 1210 IF y=l AND x = l l THEN LET 1
710 INK 7 = 1 + 1: IF 1< = 3 THEN GO TO 510
720 LET a*=INKEY*: BEEP .009,-1 1220 IF y=20 AND x = l l THEN LET
0: IF a * = - i - THEN GO SUB 910 1=1-1: IF 1> = 1 THEN GO TO 510
730 IF a«="p- THEN GO SUB 980 1230 IF 1>3 THEN LET 1=1: GO TO
74 0 IF a*=*q* THEM GO SUB 1050 510
750 IF a*="z" THEN GO SUB 1120 1240 IF 1<1 THEN LET 1=3: GO TO
760 IF x=11 AND (y-1 OR y=20) T 510
HEN GO TO 1210 1250 GO TO 1210
770 GO SUB 1310 1 300 REM n a m MOVE SPIDERS M M
780 IF mx1=x AND my1-y THEN GO 1310 PRINT AT s x l , s y 1 I "
SUB 1700 1320 PRINT AT s x 2 , 5 y 2 | - ^ '
790 IF mx2 = x AND tny2 = y THEN GO 1330 IF m * ( s x l + 1 , s y l ) < > w * AND sx
SUB 1700 l>x THEN LET s x l = 9 x l + l
800 IF mx3=x AND my3=y THEN GO 1340 IF m*(sx2+1,sy2><>w* AND sx
SUB 1700 2>x THEN LET sx2=sx2+l
810 PRINT AT 4,25? BRIGHT li IN 1350 IF m * ( s x l - l , s y l ) < > w * AND sx
K 6 J 5C l<x THEN LET s x l = s x l - l
820 GO TO 720 1360 IF m * ( s x 2 - l , s y 2 ) < > m * AND sx

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986 23

 18K SPECTRUM GAMI

2<x THEN LET s x 2 = s x 2 - l 1790 PRINT AT 3 , 9 ; " |

1370 IF m * ( s x l , s y l + 1 ) < > w $ AND sy
1 >y THEN LET s y l = s y l t l 1800 PRINT AT 4 , 7 ;
1380 IF m*(sx2,sy2+1) < >wwS$ AND sy
2>y THEN LET sy2=sy2+l 1810 PRINT AT 3 t 9 | " 1
1390 IF n>* t s x 1 , g y 1 - 1 ) < > « • AND sy
K y THEN LET s y l - s y l - 1 1820 PRINT AT 6 , 9 ;
1400 IF m « ( 5 x 2 , s y 2 - l ) < > w « AND sy
2<y THEN LET s y 2 = s y 2 - l 1830 PRINT AT 9 , 7 ; " !
1410 IF 5x1(1 THEN LET x 1— 1
1470 IF sx2<1 THEN LET sx2~1 840 PRINT AT 1 0 , 7 ; " B • fl B •
1130 IF 5x1)19 THEN LET s x l = 1 9
1440 IF sx2>19 THEN LET sx2"19 830 PRINT AT 1 1 , 7 ; " a s e e
1450 IF s y 2 >19 THEN LET sy2-19
1460 IF sy1>19 THEN LET sy1 = I 9 860 PRINT AT 12,7J"B B B B B B
1470 IF sy1< 2 THEN LET sy1=2
1480 IF sy2<2 THEN LET sy2=2 870 PRINT AT 13,7;"!
1190 PRINT AT 5 x l ( s y l ! INK 4 ; - h *
1500 PRINT AT 5x2,sy2» I N K 2 ? " H" 1880 PRINT AT 17,7;"YOU STEPPED

1310 IF (sxl=x AND sy1= y) OR (sx ON A MINE!-

2-x AND sy2=y) THEN GO TO 1610 1890 PRINT AT 19,11;'LOSE A LIFE

*
1320 RETURN
1600 REM m CAUGHT A SPIDER KT35 1900 NEXT 1

1610 PRINT AT x , y } BRIGHT 1| FLA 1910 NEXT n

SH 1| INK 4| PAPER S|"H»: LET sc 1920 PRINT AT 20,10; FLASH l ; " C H

•=sc + 2 3 : FOR n=10 TO -10 STEP - l : ANGE LEVEL"

BEEP .01,n: NEXT n 1930 FOR 1=30 TO -30 STEP -4*. BE

1620 LET s x l = I N T (RND*19)+2: LET EP . 0 0 3 , 1 : NEXT 1

1940 LET 1=1-1: IF 1<1 THEN LET
5x2=" I N T <RND*19)+2
1*1+2
1630 LET s y l - I N T <RND*16)+2: LET
1930 GO TO 310
sy1 3 INT <RND*16)+2
1640 IF m * ( s x l , s y l ) - w * THEN GO 2000 REM WM H A L L OF FAME BB
TO 1620 2010 IF s c >h ( 5 > THEN GO TO 2200
1630 IF m * ( s x 2 , s y 2 ) = w * THEN GO 2020 CLS
TO 1620 2030 FOR 1=1 TO 3: IF s c ) h ( i ) TH
1660 PRINT AT s x l , s y l ; INK 4i - H" EN FOR t = i TO 3: LET h ( t + l > = h ( t
1670 PRINT AT s x 2 , s y 2 ; INK 2 1 ' H" ): LET n * ( ( ( ( 1 + 1 ) * 6 ) - 5 ) TO <( i + 1
1680 RETURN ) * 6 > ) = n » ( < < 1 * 6 ) - 3 > TO ( i * 6 > > : LE
1690 STOP T h ( l ) = s c : LET n * ( ( ( i * 6 ) - 3 ) TO (
1700 REM M M N EXPLOSION b o b 1*6) )=p»: LET i =3
1710 OVER l : FLASH l : PRINT AT 0 2040 NEXT 1
,01 INK 21 PAPER
6 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2030 FOR 1=1 TO 20: PRINT AT

M M M I I ) M ) M ) M t ) I I I ) I ) I I I '' Fr Ou ; PAPER 4 | "

•: NEXT 1
R n~60 TO -40 STEP -2: BEEP .008
2060 FOR 1-6 TO 13: PRINT AT 1,7
,n; NEXT n: FLASH 0t OVER 0
I PAPER 1;" " : N
1720 FOR 1=1 TO 30: OUT 2 3 4 , i : N
EXT 1
EXT i
2070 PRINT AT 3 , 7 | PAPER 2;"
1730 FOR p=-10 TO -30 STEP -2: B
EEP . 1 , p : NEXT p
2080 PRINT AT 1,121 FLASH l ; " S P I
1740 LET l f - l f - 1
1730 IF l f < = 0 THEN GO TO 2000 DERS*

1760 CLS 2090 FOR 1=0 TO 7: INK 1! PRINT

1770 FOR n=1 TO 3: FOR i =1 TO 7: AT 3,9;"HALL OF FAME": BEEP .008

INK t: BEEP . 0 0 8 , i - 3 : BEEP .008 ,1: NEXT 1

,1-10 2100 PAPER 1

1780 PRINT AT 2 , 9 J " B 2110 PRINT AT 3,91 PAPER 2;"NAME

SCORE "

24 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY,MARCH 1 9 8 6
 K SPECTRUM CAME

2120 FOR 1=1 TO 5: PRINT AT i+6, F F F"

7fi»AT i+ 6 , 9 ; n * ( C < 1 * 6 ) - 5 ) TO <i* 2 4 3 0 LET ra«(13)="F F F FFFFFF
6 ) M A T l + 6 , 1 8 l h ( l ) : NEXT i F F F"
2130 PRINT AT 13,8;"PRESS S TO Q 2440 LET ra»(14>-"F F F
UIT " F F F"
2140 PAPER 0 2450 LET m*(15)="F F F
2130 PRINT AT 17,7;'PRESS C FOR p p frm

COPY";AT 19,7;"PRESS P TO PLAY" 2460 LET fn«(16)*"F F FFFFF ^FFF

2160 PAUSE 0 F F F"
2170 IF INKEY«="c" THEN COPY : 2 4 7 0 LET m»(17)="F F
GO TO 2160 p pr>
2180 IF INKEY*='q" THEN STOP 2480 LET M*(18)="F FFFFFFF FrFF
2190 IF INKEY«="p" THEN GO TO 1 FFF F"
10 2490 LET m*(19)="F
2199 GO TO 2160 F"
2200 REM • WELL DONE ENTER NAME! 2500 LET M»(20)="FFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
2210 CLS FFFFF"
2220 FOR 1=1 TO 4 2510 LET x = l l : LET y=2: PRINT AT
2230 LET z • —" n i r - i • n r x , y I " F •
inir ii int. • • • ii 2520 LET w«="F-: RETURN
• I I I I . II Ul I . B-4 U L 2600 REM mmm SET UP LEVEL 2 uam
JK I U K - . . 2610 LET M* ( 1 ) = " % W » V . V . V . W . V . ' .
2240 FOR a=0 TO 13 STEP 5: PRINT V . W
AT a,0| INK i + f a / 5 ) \ z * 2620 LET M«(2)="% WW WW
2250 NEXT a \ "
2260 NEXT 1 2630 LET M*(3)="*.
2270 FOR X=1 TO 25: FOR Y=20 TO V
50 STEP 10: BEEP .008,Y! BEEP .0 2640 LET M » ( 4 ) = " \ % WWW
1 ,Y-5! NEXT Y: NEXT X \
2280 POKE 23658,8! INPUT "ENTER 2650 LET M * < 5 ) = "«. •„ \
YOUR NAME"fp»: IF LEN p*>6 THEN % %"
LET p»=p*( TO 6)
2290 POKE 23658,0: GO TO 2020 2660 LET M*<6)="«. «. \ \
2300 REM B H SET UP LEVEL 1 B5H
2310 LET m « ( U = , FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF 2670 LET M»(7)="S \ WW %

2320 LET m*(2)="E 2 6 8 0 LET M*(8) = "S «. \ \

S V
r * 2690 LET M * ( 9 ) = " \ % \
2330 LET m* t 3 ) = " F EEEEEEE t Z t t t \ %*
FF r m ' 2700 LET M« ( 10) * " \ \
2340 LET m«(4)~"F F \ S S"
F f m
2710 LET M* ( 1 1 ) = " «. % \ \
2350 LET m«(5)='F F FFFFF FFFFF V "
F F"
2720 LET M»TL2)=F"*, S \
2360 LET m * ( 6 ) = ' F F F F
% \ S*
F F"
2730 LET M * ( 1 3 ) » " , \
2370 LET ra«(7)-"FFF F
\ S"
F F" 2740 LET M*<14>="\ ». V , V , \
2380 LET m«(8)-"F F f f f f f f f f f f
F F" 2750 LET M*<15)="\ % %
2390 LET m»(9)«'E F F FFFFFFFF F % \ "
F r • 2760 LET M«<16)="\ \ \
2100 LET m»tl0)="F F F FF \ \ \ "
F F F* 2770 LET M*(17>="% \ WWW
2110 LET m * < l l ) = " \ \M
F" 2780 LET M*(18)= " \
2420 LET m«(12)»"F F F FFFFFF

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986 25

 L8K SPECTRUM CAMI

2790 LET m « ( 1 9 ) = , \ V . \ " . 3260 POKE USR a « + i , a

3270 NEXT 1
2800 LET m*<20)=" W . W . V . V . ' . V . V . 3280 NEXT t

s w . % * 3290 DATA " e " , 3 6 , 1 6 , 1 2 4 , 1 8 6 , 3 6 , 3

2810 LET x = l l t LET y = 2 : PRINT AT 6 , 6 8 , 6 8

x , y | 3300 DATA * -f " , 2 3 3 , 1 9 3 , 1 8 9 , 1 7 3 , 1 8

2820 LET RETURN 1,189, 193,233

2900 REM • • « SET UP LEVEL 3 BBSS 3310 DATA " g " , 0 , 0 , 1 1 9 , 3 4 , 2 3 3 , 3 4 ,

2910 LET m«<1)-"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 119,0

oootr 3320 DATA • h " , 0 , 0 , 2 4 , 6 0 , 6 6 , 9 0 , 1 6

2920 LET m » ( Z I - - 0 O OO 3,163
O" 3330 DATA • 1 • , 0 , 0 , 2 4 , 6 0 , 6 0 , 1 2 6 , 0
2930 LET m * ( 3 ) « " 0 O O OOOOOOOOO ,0

O O" 3340 RETURN

2940 LET m * ( 4 ) = " 0 3400 REM m a m I N S T R U C T I O N S • • •
O" 3410 LET I$="YDU a r e t h e c a r e t a k
2930 LET m»(3)»"0 OOOOOOOO O OOO er o f an o l d house. The house ha
OO o - s t h r e e l e v e l s y o u may move
2960 LET m * ( 6 ) = " 0 O O up and down t h e l e v e l s when e v e
O" r y o u wish b y g o i n g t o t h e s t a i r w
2970 LET m * ( 7 ) = " 0 OOO 0 0 O 0 0 ays on each l e v e l . You j o b i s t
OOO" o -find and k i l l any s p i d e r s yo
2980 LET m*(8>="0 O O 00 O O u can see The s p i d e r s a r e alw
O" ays s p i n n i n g webs which y o u must
2990 LET m*(9>="0 0 0 O O O a 1s o c1ean up.
O O" BEWARE on each l e v
3000 LET m$(10)="O O O O O el t h r e e mines have been p l a
O OO' nted they won't harm t h e spid
3010 LET m « ( l l ) = " 0 O 000 O O ers b u t they w i l l k i l l y o u .
O O You w i l l be g i v e n a
3020 LET m*(12)™"O O O quick look a t where t h e mines
O" are each timeyou change l e v e l s . "
3030 LET m* (13)^*00000 OO O O OO 3420 BORDER 1! PAPER l : INK 6: C
OOO O" LS
3040 LET m*(14>«"0 O 3430 PRINT AT 1 , 1 1 ? FLASH 1? P A P
o- ER 2»"SPIDERS"
3030 LET m * ( 1 3 ) = * 0 000 0000 OOOO 3440 PRINT AT 2 , 0
OH O O " 3430 FOR 1 = 1 TO L E N IF z * ( i )
3060 L E T m * ( 16 ) = " O OO 00 O • THEN PRINT " '*,: NEXT i
O" 3433 PRINT ( i ) } : BEEP .009,10:
3070 LET m®(17) =•O 00 O O • NEXT i
O O" 3460 PRINT AT 2 1 , 4 j " P R E S S ANY KE
3 0 8 0 LFT w»(18) =*0 O OOO OOOOO Y": PAUSE 0: BEEP 1 , 0
OOO O " 3470 CLS I PRINT AT 0 , 1 0 ! FLASH
3090 L E T m * ( 19 ) = • O OOOOO 1 J " I N S T R U C T I O N S ' J AT 2 , 2 i FLASH 0
Q. I " I 1 e-f t " | A T 4, 2 J "P r i g h t " JAT 6,
3100 LET x - l l : L E T y =2 t PRINT AT 2| "S u p " IAT 8 , 2 f " Z down"J AT 1 0 , 2
x , y ; " F" Y o u " J AT 1 2 , 2 | 1 p o i n t " J AT
3110 LET m»(20)="000000000000000 1 4 , 2 } " y 23 p o i n t s ' j A T 1 6 , 2 J " I
OOOOO' mine - lose a l i - f e ' i A T 20,2J"PRE
SS A N Y K E Y WHEN READY * : PAUSE 0
3120 LET w«~"0": RETURN
3480 RETURN
3200 REM • S E T UP UDG M
3210 RESTORE 3290 9900 REM PROGRAM LENGTH 1 2 . 9
3220 FOR t = l TO 3
3230 READ a * SAVE "SPIDERS" LINE l : VERIFY "
3240 FOR 1 = 0 TO 7 SPIDERS": STOP
3230 READ a 9999 REM 2 9 0 3 0 0 0 10 4 9 0

26 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6

Printer Ploys
Charles A Barron gets to grips with
using his printer.
So Uncte Clive has killed off the
ZX Printer — one of the m o s t
useful and impressive little t o y s
he ever gave us. But t h e n he
gave us Interface I and w h o c a n
resist plugging in a real live full
width printer to its little R S 2 3 2
port ?
But n o w that w e all have a
real printer, can w e m a k e best
use of it? The first essential is
some s o f t w a r e to m a k e the
thing work properly some-
thing like Tasword 2, perhaps,
which will f o r m a t our print outs
with neatly justified right-hand
margins. But t h a t ' s just a start.
Do your d o c u m e n t s involve t y p
iny the same n a m e or f o r m u l a
over and over again 7 Well, if
your software a l l o w s y o u t o
seek and replace a w o r d , y o u
can save yourself a great deal of
finger-tapping. For e x a m p l e , I
spend most of my hours at m y
Spectrum p r e t e n d i n g i t ' s a
word processor in order to w r i t e
plays. N o w the one t h i n g y o u
can be sure of in w r i t i n g a play is
that you are going t o have a lot
of repetitive typing: every t i m e a
character speaks y o u need his
name in full. A page of quick fire
dialogue may use a c h a r a c t e r ' s
name 2 0 or 3 0 times, especially
when you consider that y o u not
Only begin every speech w i t h
the speaker's name, y o u also
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
HARDWARE
have the characters c o n s t a n t l y
addressing each other by n a m e :
Y o u ' v e seen the k i n d of thing:
M U R G A T R O Y D : Daphne!
DAPHNE: Murgatroyd! It's you!
M U R G A T R O Y D : A s y o u say
Daphne, it is I.
D A P H N E : A t last, M u r g a t r o y d .
Four Murgatroyds and four
Daphnes in just four lines of
deathless dialogue. Most
writers cheat, w h e n writing
their draft versions of the text,
and use abbreviations for the
n a m e s . Ever n o t i c e d h o w
c h a r a c t e r s ' names a l w a y s begin
w i t h d i f f e r e n t letters of the
alphabet? That w a y w e can just
use t h e initial letter for identifica-
tion in the early scripts. ( W e ' r e
w a y a h e a d of o n e W i l l i a m
S h a k e s p e a r e here; M a c b e t h ,
Malcolm. Macduff all in one
play. He m u s t have been fonder
of quill-scratching t h a n I a m of
keyboard-tapping.)
Once the rough d r a f t has
been cleaned up and polished,
y o u just have to use the find
and-rep/ace f u n c t i o n t o find all
y o u r c h a r a c t e r - i d e n t i f i c a t i o n in-
itials and replace t h e m w i t h t h e
n a m e s in full. So, the d r a f t looks
like this:
M : D!
D: M! I t ' s y o u '
M: A s y o u say, D. It is I.
D: A t last, M .
A n d the filled o u t version looks
like the q u o t a t i o n above. A sav
ing of 5 6 k e y - t a p s in four lines!
Once the play, or w h a t e v e r ,
is c o m p l e t e , y o u ' l l w a n t to give
it a finished look. Page numbers.
M a y b e even page headers?
(That is w h e r e the title of the
piece appears at the t o p of every
page.) An unconscionable
a m o u n t of t y p i n g for just a little
f a n c y d e c o r a t i o n . A n d none of
the s o f t w a r e packages for the
S p e c t r u m that I've c o m e across
a l l o w s a u t o m a t i c page number
ing. T h a t is t h e o n l y really
d e s i r a b l e f u n c t i o n of t h o s e
C 5 0 0 0 w o r d processors that is
missing on Uncle Clive's little
PROGRAM LISTING
3 " N o of p a g e s ? " ; n
5 F O R M A T " b " ; 4 8 0 0 : OPEN # 3 ; " b "
10 FOR a - 1 T O n
20 LPRINT "
30 LPRINT CHRS 12
40 NEXT a
50 CLOSE # 3
w o n d e r . ( T h o u g h by the t i m e
y o u ' v e added Interface and the
printer and a couple of
m i c r o d r i v e cartridges to store
your prose on, it is beginning to
c o s t about as m u c h as the
£ 5 0 0 0 job!).
Here is a little p r o g r a m that
will give y o u a u t o m a t i c page
n u m b e r i n g and a u t o m a t i c page
headers at the cost of t y p i n g it
not only once. It will only w o r k if
your p r i n t e r / i n t e r f a c e / s o f t w a r e
c o m b i n a t i o n a l l o w s y o u to pro
g r a m in a f o r m f e e d instruction:
that m o v e s the paper t h r o u g h
the printer one full fanfold. You
should also set t h e m to give y o u
a u t o m a t i c skip over the perfora-
tions, if that is possible.
Run off your d o c u m e n t ,
keeping the perforations intact;
tear o f f the last sheet and t h e n
f e e d in page one again, setting
the t o p of the page carefully t o
w h e r e y o u w o u l d w a n t the page
header t o c o m e . Set the pro-
gram running and the printer w i l l
run your printed play or W h i t e
Paper t h r o u g h again, pausing
only once every page to add the
titles and page n u m b e r s .
In the p r o g r a m listing, w h i c h
should w o r k for the c o m m o n
types of d o t matrix printers, y o u
will have to set the baud rate t o
suit your o w n set up, and put
e n o u g h spaces into your title in
line 2 0 t o bring it t o the desired
position on the page. If your
printer can be p r o g r a m m e d w i t h
T A B settings, then y o u can use
these instead of the r o w of
spaces. The p r o g r a m begins by
asking y o u h o w m a n y pages
your opus runs to. If y o u are t o o
tired after c o m p o s i n g the thing
t o face c o u n t i n g t h e m , y o u c a n
a l w a y s lie to your c o m p u t e r and
pretend to have w r i t t e n 2 0 0 0
pages it will give u p the pro
g r a m of its o w n a c c o r d w h e n it
runs out of paper. (But it may
never trust y o u to tell the t r u t h
again!),
CHR$ 1 2 is simply the F o r m
Feed control code; your
m a c h i n e m a y need a d i f f e r e n t
c o d e , t h o u g h that is unlikely.
Refer, as they say, to the m a n u a l
and adjust the p r o g r a m accor
dingly. ' A s The 8 a t A t N o o n ' is
w h a t w e call in the trade a
variable; please d o n ' t n a m e all
your d o c u m e n t s after m y play.
A s The Bat A t N o o n ";a
27
 ISPECTRUM ARCADE!

in this frustrating, amazing chase game,

Peter Watson mixes planning with
action — you'll need a good head to go
down to the depths and back!
The o b j e c t of the g a m e is t o
retrieve all the treasure f r o m the
d u n g e o n w i t h o u t being caught
by the goblins. Treasure m u s t be
c o l l e c t e d in order, beginning at
the highest level, and then taken
back to the green door safe
keeping.
To collect a treasure y o u simp-
ly m o v e your m a n up to the re-
quired treasure and he will then
a u t o m a t i c a l l y start flashing, in
d i c a t i n g pick-up.
Y o u have three lives, but if
c a u g h t by a goblin w h i l s t in
possession of a treasure, y o u
are i m m e d i a t e l y killed and the
g a m e ends. A treasure that is
The goblin c o ordmates are W h e n the p r o g r a m listing has
n o t due for collection will block
held in t w o arrays, e a c h goblin all been entered and c h e c k e d it
the path of your m a n . This is not
being m o v e d once e a c h c y c l e of should be saved using the direct
a problem since he has five
the 'goblin m o v e ' loop. Fifteen command GOTO 9 9 9 0 . The
s t i c k s of d y n a m i t e w h i c h he c a n
User Defined Graphics listing will t h e n be S A V E d in the
use t o blast holes in the floor (or
characters are used for a u t o - r u n m o d e f o l l o w e d by a re-
ceiling if at the l o w e s t level). T o
treasures, goblins, man and quest t o r e w i n d tape ready for
use the d y n a m i t e , m o v e your
screen c o n s t r u c t i o n etc verification.
m a n adjacent to s u c h a treasure
a n d t h e n press the ' 0 ' key. The
floor (or ceiling} w i l l flash red Listing details
leaving a hole for your m a n to
pass t h r o u g h . 10 80 Initialisation
100 310 M a i n g a m e loop
Instructions and control
900-960 Variables
details ie cursor k e y s for left,
right, up and d o w n , and 0 t o use 1000-1060 Take treasure
d y n a m i t e , are given at the begin- 2000 2040 Treasure at door
ning of the g a m e . Your status is 3000-3040 Loose life
g i v e n d u r i n g t h e g a m e ie 3500-3540 Sound
treasure collected, number of 4000 4070 Use d y n a m i t e
s t i c k s of d y n a m i t e and lives left. 4500-4570 Explosion
T o w i n the g a m e y o u need t o 5000-5050 Another game
6000-6060 Win game
use ail the d y n a m i t e and entice
the goblins a w a y f r o m the area 7000 7060 Game title
of the green door in order t o give 7070-7140 Instructions
y o u r m a n time to get the 71 5 0 - 7 2 1 0 Game controls
treasures back . . .(unfor- 8000-8150 Screen
t u n a t e l y the goblins are rather 9000 9060 UDG's
quick w i t t e d l l . 9990 9993 Save and v e r i f y
The g a m e will not fit a 1 6K
S p e c t r u m in its c o m p l e t e f o r m .
H o w e v e r if the title, i n s t r u c t i o n s Graphic details
and c o n t r o l details (lines
7 0 0 0 7 2 1 0 i n c l u s i v e ! are Line 8 0 Graphic G , H . I , J , K . L . M . N
deleted it should fit. Line 3 0 Line 1 8 0 Graphic C
should be c h a n g e d to: G 0 S U 8 Line 2 7 0 Graphic 8 (x 3>
9 0 0 0 : CLS Line 2 8 0 Graphic D
Line 3 0 1 0 , 3 0 3 0 , 4 0 6 0 Graphic 8
Line 4 0 2 0 , 4 0 3 0 , 4 0 4 0 Graphics A A
Program details 4050,8020
Line 7 1 7 0 Inverse V i d e o 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 0
The p r o g r a m consists of a main Line 7 1 8 0 Graphic C
game loop w i t h calls t o various Line 8 0 7 0 Graphic F (x30>
sub-routines. Extensive use is Lini 8 0 8 0 Graphic E ( x 3 2 )
m a d e of the A T T R i b u t e com- Line 8 1 0 0 Graphic E
m a n d and so any c h a n g e s of col Line 8 1 2 0 Graphic B
our on the playing area of the Line 8 1 3 0 Graphic 0 1x5), Graphic C ( x 3 )
screen should be made w i t h Line 8 1 4 0 Graphic G , H , I , J , K , L , M , N
care.

28 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 ISPECTRUM ARCADE!

1 REM * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * OR ATTR (y , x - 1)~7 AND NOT k THE

• U n d e r l i n e d c h a r a c t e r s * N BEEP . 1 , 3 0 : GO SUB 1000
Hare e n t e r e d in * 170 IF ATTR (y,x +1)=32 AND k TH
*GRAPHICS mode. * EN GO SUB 3500: GO SUB 2000
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 180 PRINT AT y,X i FLASH kj INK
6 ; " C - : BEEP .003,50
10 PAPER 0: BORDER 0: TNK "C: c 190 FOR z —1 TO 3
t.n 200 PRINT AT q ( z ) , p < z ) » " "
70 PRINT AT 11,3) PAPER I J TNK 210 LET p ( z ) = p ( z ) + 1
7; PL A S H l i " Please wait a mome 220 IF ATTR ( q ( z ) , p < z ) ) = 7 THEN
nt " LET p ( z ) = p ( z ) + l
GD SUB 9000: GO SUB ^000 230 IF q ( z ) > y AND ATTR ( q ( z ) - l ,
40 DIM p ( 3 ) : DIM q(3) p ( z ) ) < > 5 THEN LET q ( z ) = q ( z ) - l
60 GO SUB H000: Gn SUB 900 240 IF q C z K y AND ATTR ( q ( z ) + l ,
70 LET d=5: LET k=0: LET 1=3! p < z ) > < >5 THEN LET q ( z ) = q ( z ) + l
I FT t = l 250 IF ATTR <q<z) , p ( z) >=4 THEN
80 LET j ^ ' G H I J K L M N " LET p ( z ) = - p ( z )
100 REM Move man & g o b l i n s 260 IF ATTR ( q t Z ) , p ( Z) ) = 6 THEN
110 LET a E x: LET b= y GO SUB 3500: GO SUB 3000: GO TO
120 LET x= x-(INKEY«="5' AND x>l 1 10
AND ATTR ( y , x - l ) < > 5 AND ATTR (y 270 IF ATTR (qCz>,pCz))=134 THE
, x-1)<>7) + (INKEYS="8" AND x<30 A N GO SUB 3500: PRINT AT 21,28;
ND ATTR <y,x+l)<>5 AND ATTR (y,x TNK 2 ; » H H " : GO SUB 3000
+ 1)< >7) 280 PRINT AT q ( z ) , p ( z M INK 4?"
130 LET y = y - ( I N K E Y * = " 7 ' AND y>l D"
AND ATTR ( y - 1 , x ) < > 5 ) + ( I N K E Y « = • 6 2<?0 IF p ( z ) = ~ l OR p (z ) = 3 0 THEN
• AND y<19 AND ATTR <y+l,x><>5> LET p ( z ) = - p ( z )
140 IF INKEYS="0" THEN GO SUB 300 NEXT z
4000 310 GO TO 110
150 IF a < >X OR b O y THEN PRINT 9 0 0 'REM V a r i a b l e s
AT b,a; " " 910 FOR q=l TO 3
160 IF ATTR (y , x + 1 ) =7 AND NOT k 970 LET p ( q ) = l

29 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 ISPECTRUM ARCADE!

930 LET q(q)=12+q*2 ATTR ( y , x - l ) = 7 THEN PRINT AT y-

940 NEXT q 1, x + 1 J FLASH H INK 2;-«ii": GO S
950 LET x=30: LET y=2 UB 4500: PRINT AT y - l , x + l ; FLASH
960 RETURN 0}- •: LET d=d-l: PRINT AT 21,
1000 REM Take t r e a s u r e 10+d} INK 2|
1010 FOR c=t TO 8 4060 IF d=0 THEN PRTNT AT 21,10
1070 IF t=c AND y —2 + 2 * c THEN GO J FLASH lj PAPER 2; INK 6;•GONE'
•
TO 1030
1 0 3 0 NEXT c 4070 RETURN
1040 IF NOT k THEN GO SUB 40O0:
4500 REM Explosion
GO TO 1060
4510 FOR e=0 TO 50 STEP 6
1050 LET k=l: PRINT AT y , x - l j " "
4520 BEEP .005,e
J AT y , x + 1 J• •
4530 NEXT e
1060 RETURN
4540 FOR e=50 TO 20 STFP -1
7000 REM Treasure at door
4550 BEEP .005,e
2010 PRINT AT 0 , R + ( t * 2 ) ; PAPER 7 4560 NEXT e
; INK 6 ; j « ( t > 4570 RETURN
2020 LET k=0: LET t = t+l i
5000 REM Another Game"?
2030 IF t =9 THEN GO TO 6000
5010 INPUT • Another Garnet
2040 RETURN
<y/n> LINE z*
3000 REM Loose l i f e
5020 IF OR z*='Y" THEN C
3010 LET 1=1-1: PRINT AT 21,28+1
LS : GO TO 40
f INK 2;
5030 IF z*= " n " OR z<6=" N " THFN C
3020 IF NOT k THFN PRINT AT q<z
LS : GO TO 5050
> , p ( z > ; ' ": PRINT AT q ( 1 ) , p <1 ) ; "
5040 IF z«<>"y- OR z * < > " Y " OR z*
•: PRINT AT q ( 2 ) , p < 7 ) ; " ": PR T N
< >•n" OR z * < > " N " THEN GO T O 5 0 1
T AT q ( 3 ) , p ( 3 > ; " "! GO SUB 900 0
3030 IF 1=0 THEN PRINT AT 2 1,29
5050 PRINT * * INK RND*6; BRIGHT
; INK 2 ; " B " : GO SUB 3500: GO TO
1j TAB RND*15J"0K, BYE FOR NOW":
5000 POKE 23692,235: GO TO 5050
3040 RETURN 6000 REM Win game
3500 REM Sound 6010 CLS
3 5 10 FOR s =50 TO 0 STFP -7 6020 PRINT AT 10,10; BRIGHT l; T
3520 BEEP .01,5 NK INT <RND*6)+1j"WELL DONE 11

3530 NFXT s
3540 RETURN You have a l l the trea
4000 REM Use dynamite sure"
4010 IF INKEYSC>"0" OR d=0 THEN 6030 LET w=INT <RND*50)
GO TO 4070 6040 BEEP .01,w
4020 IF TNKEY<6="0' AND y<>lR AND 6050 IF INKEY*="" THEN GO TO 60
ATTR < y , x + 1)=7 THEN PRINT AT y 20
+1,X-2J FLASH l; INK ?;'QB": GO 6060 STOP
SUB 4500: PRINT AT y + l , x - 2 ; FlAS 7000 REM Game t i t l e
H 0; " •: LET d=d - 1 : PRTNT AT 21 7010 PAPER 0: BORDER 0: CI S
,10 +d; INK 2i 7020 PRINT # 0 ; AT 1,0; INK 7 \ * Pr-
4030 IF INKFY«="0" ANN y<>18 AND ess any key for i n s t r u c t i o n s " ,
ATTR (y,X-1)=7 THFN PRTNT AT y 7030 PRINT AT 3,0; TNK INT (RND*
+1,X +1; FLASH I; INK 2;-£<I;": GO
SUB 4500: PRINT AT y + l , x + l ; FLAS 6> + 1 J
H 0;• ": LET d=d - 1 : PRINT AT 21 • •
, 1 0 + D; INK 2 ; • R"
4040 IF TNKFY«=-0- AND y=18 AND
ATTR ( y , x +1 ) = 7 THFN PRINT AT y-
l,x~2j FLASH lj INK 2;"OQ": GO S
UB 4500: PRINT AT y - l , x - 2 ; FLASH
0}- LET d=d-l: PRINT AT 21,
10 + d J TNK 2;
4050 IF INKEY$="0" AND y=18 AND

30 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986

 ISPECTRUM ARCADE!

8020 PRINT AT b , a ; INK 5 ; " Q n " : B

EEP .005,{b+a)
a • 8030 NEXT b: NEXT a
8040 FOR c = 3 TO 17 STEP 2
8050 PRINT AT c,4+INT (RND*5)*5;

7040 PRINT AT 19,16; INK INT (RN

8060 NEXT c
D*6J + 1 ; " by Peter Watson": BEEP
8070 PRINT AT 1 , 1 ; INK 5:"FFFFFF
.01,INT <RND*50>
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF*
7050 IF INKEY*="• THEN GO T O 7 0
8080 PRINT AT 2 0 , 0 ; PAPER 7; INK
3 ; • EEEEEJEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
7060 PAUSE 0: BEEP . 1 , 3 0 : CLS
EEEE "
7070 REM I n s t r u c t i o n s '
8090 FOR d = l TO 19
7080 PRINT AT 0 , 4 ; INK 4; BRIGHT
8100 PRINT AT d , 0 ; PAPER 7; INK
1 i " I N S T R U C T I O N S "
3 ; • E • ; A T d , 3 l ; PAPER 7; INK 3 ; " ^
7090 PRINT AT 2,0? INK 7;"Your q
": BEEP . 0 0 5 , ( 5 0 - 0 )
uest i s t o r e t r i e v e a l l t h e t r
8110 NEXT d
easure from t h e dungeon."
8120 PRINT AT 2 , 3 1 ; PAPER 4; INK
7100 PRINT AT 5 , 0 ; INK 7 ; " T r e a s u
0 ; " B " ; A T 0 , 0 ; PAPER ?; INK 6 ; •
re must be c o l l e c t e d i n order
TREASURE
(highest level - f i r s t ) and taken
8130 PRINT AT 2 1 , 0 ; PAPER 2; INK
to t h e green d o o r . "
61" DYNAMITE POOPO LIVES
7 U 0 PRINT AT 9 , 0 ; TNK 7 ; " A n y i t
CCC "
em not due f a r c o l l e c t i o n w i l l r>
8140 PRINT AT 4 , 7 ; INK 7 ; " £ " j A T
lock your path (but not t h e gn
6,22; INK 7 ; " H " ; A T 8 , 1 7 ; INK 7 ; "
b l i n s ' M . However, I -f adjace
I " ; A T 10,12; INK 7 ; " } AT 12,27}
nt t o such a t r e a s u r e , youcan tjs
INK 7 ; " L " JAT 1 4 , 7 | INK 7 ; - V " ; A T
e your dynamite t o b l a s t hales
16,12; INK 7; "M";AT 18,22; INK
in t h e -floor (or c e i l i n g i f nn
-?; • N "
the bottom l e v e l ) . "
8150 RETURN
7120 PRINT AT 1 7 , 0 ; INK 7;"You h
9000 REM Graphics
ave t h r e e l i v e s - b u t i-f raugh
9010 FOR n = 1 TO 15: READ a *
t by a g o b l i n w h i l s t i n posse
9020 FOR p = 0 TO 7 : READ q: POKE
si on of t r e a s u r e i t. * «= i n s t a
USR a$+p,q
nt death ' ' "
9030 NEXT p: NEXT n
7130 PRINT # 0 i AT 1 , 0 ; PAPER 6; I
9040 DATA " A " , 2 5 5 , 2 5 5 , 2 1 9 , 2 2 8 , 2 5
NK 2; FLASH I I " Press any key f
, 1 6 4 , 8 , 0 , " B " , 2 5 5 , 1 2 9 , 1 8 9 , 1 8 9 , 1 2 9
or c o n t r o 1 s . . . "
, 1 6 1 , 1 2 9 , 1 2 9 , " C " , 2 8 , 2 8 , 1 3 6 , 1 2 6 , 2
7140 PAUSE 0: BEEP . 1 , 3 0 : CLS
9 , 28 , 2 0 , 54 , "D " , 5 7 ,5 7 , 1 7 , 2 5 5 , 185 ,
7150 REM Game c o n t r o l s
5 7 , 1 7 0 , 2 3 8 , " E " , 3 4 , 2 5 5 , 1 3 6 , 7 5 5 , 3 4
7,160 PRINT AT 3 , 8 ; INK 4 ; BRIGHT
, 2 5 5 , 1 3 6 , 2 5 5 , " F " , 2 5 5 , 2 5 5 , 2 5 5 , 6 0 ,
1 5 " C O N T R O L S "
2 4 , 1 2 6 , 9 0 , 2 4
7170 PRINT AT 7 , 1 ; INK 7; "5
9050 DATA " G " , 8 , 8 , 2 0 , 2 0 , 2 0 , 2 0 , 2 8
6 7 8 0
, 0 , " H " , 8 , 2 0 , 4 2 , 6 9 , 4 2 , 2 0 , 8 , 0 , " I " ,
1 , 2 6 , 4 , 1 0 , 1 8 , 3 2 , 6 4 , 0 , " J " , 1 6 , 8 4 , 5
1e* t d 6 , 2 5 4 , 5 6 , 8 4 , 1 6 , 0 , " K " , 0 , 2 , 5 , 2 5 3 , 6
own up r i g h t d y n a m i t e ' 9 , 2 2 9 , 1 6 2 , 0 , " L " , 1 6 , 6 8 , 4 0 , 1 3 0 , 5 6 ,
7180 PRINT AT 1 3 , 6 ; FLASH l j INK 1 8 6 , 5 6 , 0 , " M " , 0 , 1 6 , 4 , 1 8 , 3 6 , 8 2 , 8 , 0
6;"C-JAT 1 3 , 8 ? FLASH 0; INK 7 * " , " N " , 2 4 , 1 8 9 , 1 5 3 , 9 0 , 1 2 6 , 9 0 , 1 2 6 , 0 ,
treasure c o l l e c t e d " " 0 " , 0 , 6 , 2 4 , 5 6 , 1 1 2 , 2 2 4 , 1 9 2 , 0
7190 PRINT AT 2 1 , 3 j PAPER 2J INK 9060 RETURN
6| FLASH 1 ; " Press any key t o p
9990 CLS : SAVE " g o b l i n " LINE 1
l a y . . . •
9991 PRINT AT 1 0 , 0 ; INK 7;"Re-wi
7200 PAUSE 0: CLS : BEEP . 1 , 3 0
nd tape then r u n t o VERIFY."
7210 RETURN 999? VERIFY " g o b l i n "
8000 REM S c r e e n c o n s t r u c t i o n 9993 PRINT AT 1 0 , 0 ; INK 7 ; '
8010 FOR a = l TO 3 0 STEP 2: FOR b Tape V e r i -f i e d . " : ST
=3 TO 19 STEP 2 OP

31 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 GRAPHICS

Light Screen
Designer
Part 10: by Toni Baker
ELL S U B . T h i s s u b r o u t i n e
calculates t h e c o o r d i n a t e s (x,y)
of a point on the ellipse. For e a c h
d i f f e r e n t angle, t , a d i f f e r e n t
p o i n t o n t h e ellipse w i l l be
(Mx.My) (Cx.Cy) calculated. T h e resulting coor-
dinates will be left o n the t o p of
t h e calculator stack.
T h e n e x t subroutine is called
ELL Q . T h i s is t h e r o u t i n e
w h i c h actually d r a w s the ellipse.
The first t h i n g the routine does is
t o calculate N, w h i c h is t h e
n u m b e r of points a r o u n d t h e
ellipse needed t o give a s m o o t h
HORIZONTAL looking curve. (Actually the
n u m b e r is 4 * N , since N is t h e
n u m b e r of points needed for a
q u a r t e r e l l i p s e ) . T h e n it
calculates i, the angle needed t o
ensure that 4 * N points are plot
ted evenly a r o u n d the ellipse. MB
is t r a n s f e r r e d i n t o t h e B C
register pair, a n d i is stored in
m e m o r y three. Note that t h e
r o u t i n e w i l l o n l y w o r k if
m e m o r i e s M 4 t o MF are first
assigned as a b o v e . A n y w a y , the
subroutine then proceeds to
d r a w t h e c u r v e by running into
the s u b r o u t i n e CURVE.
C U R V E is t h e s u b r o u t i n e
w h i c h d r a w s a curve. It is c o m -
pletely general a n d will in fact
d r a w any c u r v e w h a t s o e v e r , be
it an ellipse, a spirograph pat
tern, or a superior epitrochoid' It
requires three Things:
(1) That BC c o n t a i n s t h e
number of line s e g m e n t s t o be

LOX.OY)

Figure 1; The m e a n i n g ! o f symbols used.

N o t e that t. * and y are intended t o refer
l o a general, r a l h e i t h a n specific, p o i n t o n
the ellipse.

In this, t h e p e n u l t i m a t e part of Ellipses

the Light Screen Designer pro-
gram, I shall be c o v e r i n g ellipses.
The p r o g r a m has t w o ellipse pro-
cedures; ELLIPSE and
Q U A R T E R ELLIPSE. First
t h o u g h , I ' d like t o talk about last
issue's article. One b u g c r o p p e d
up, w h i c h w a s that if the cursor
w a s set t o print in italics, and
cursor left w a s repeatedly
pressed, strange t h i n g s w o u l d
happen at the left hand edge of
the screen. The bug o c c u r r e d at
address E 4 5 E , w h e r e t h e b y t e
readng 2 0 should have read 3 2
The other error I made a The p r o g r a m makes exten-
rather silly o n e w a s that I
f o r g o t t o actually link t h e pro-
cedure into t h e rest of t h e pro-
gram! This is of course simple t o
do y o u just store t h e address
of t h e start of the procedure in
the c o m m a n d addresses table.
The alterations in figure 3 will
therefore (a) cure t h e b u g , (b)
link in t h e text proceedure, a n d
(c) link in this e d i t i o n ' s ellipse
proceedures as well (well, w e
might as well w h i l e w e ' r e at it).
Anyway ellipses. This is
rather d i f f e r e n t f r o m all the other
line or c u r v e d r a w i n g routines
w e ' v e c o v e r e d so far because it
d o e s n ' t make any use of a ready ELLIPSFC
made R O M routine. It c a n ' t ,
because there isn't one. W h e n
w e c o v e r e d circles and arcs w e
w e r e able t o m a k e use of t h e
R O M ' s CIRCLE or D R A W A R C
routines, b u t the S p e c t r u m w a s
never designed t o d r a w ellipses.
This is s o m e t h i n g w e have t o ar-
range all by ourselves.
sive use of t h e c a l c u l a t o r
memories in fact it needs six-
teen of t h e m . If y o u refer t o t h e
d i a g r a m in figure one, and com-
pare it t o the chart b e l o w (figure
4 ) , y o u ' l l see exactly h o w these
m e m o r i e s are used:
If y o u d o n ' t u n d e r s t a n d a n y
of the t e r m s in the list y o u should M o
be able t o suss it all o u t by look
ing at the diagram. O n t o the pro QUARTER ELLIPSE
gram. . . Figuro 2 How to the curves.
The first s u b r o u t i n e is called

32 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 32
 GRAPHICS

sor to the main cursor. Again,

E452 3 2 DEFB 3 2
DB86 61 E5 DEFW E561 , T E X T _ MODE Link in text procedure
DB46 1 B E 7 DEFW E71 B,Q ELLIPSE
DB5E 9 0 E6 DEFW E690,ELLIPSE
Figure 3. Alterations to hist issue's
drawn.
(2) That HL contains the ad
dress of a subroutine w h i c h
calculates the next point on the
curve, and possibly
(3) if this subroutine requires
any q u a n t i t i e s s t o r e d in
calculator memories, that such
memories are initialised.
CREATE MEM will create new
calculator memories. It requires
that BC contains five times the
number of memories needed.
On return the new memories will
be numbered from MO upwards
and should all be considered to
contain rubbish. Note that it is
usually necessary to restore all
calculator memories to normal
before returning to BASIC, and
this may be done by loading
MEM (at address 5 C 6 8 ) w i t h
the value 5 C 9 2 .
At address E 6 9 0 is t h e
ELLIPSE subroutine itself. All it
requires is that the three cursors
are in the right place on the
How to use the figure t w o will show you w h a t I
J u m p displacement
to TEST CPOS
Procedures mean. One final thing I should
point out is that BREAK will
Link in quarter ellipse To use the ELLIPSE procedure work throughout the drawing of
procedure you need to place the Origin Cur these curves. If you press CAPS
Link in ellipse pro- sor and the Main Cursor at either SHIFT w i t h SPACE whilst the
cedure end of the major axis, w i t h the program is in the middle of draw-
Marker Cursor at any other point ing a curve then the program will
on the ellipse. Figure t w o will simply stop drawing the curve
routines.
s h o w you w h a t I mean. and return to the main Light
s c r e e n . It w o r k s by f i r s t The QUARTER ELLIPSE is a Screen Designer program.
calculating Px and Py — the little different. Whereas a whole The next article will be the
coordinates of the centre of the ellipse may be d r a w n at any final part in the Light Screen
ellipse, and then calculating a, angle, a quarter ellipse must Designer series. It will complete
the length of half of the major always be upright (with the ma the program, by talking about
axis. It then calls the ANGLE jor axis horizontal). A quarter p a i n t i n g , or c o l o u r i n g i n ,
subroutine listed in part 8 to ellipse will always be d r a w n an- outlines. See you then.
w o r k out s, the inclination of the ticlockwise from the origin cur- Torn Baker
ellipse. Next it has to work out b,
the length of the minor axis, MO not used. Note that memories MO, M l and M 2
w h i c h it does by first working Ml not used. are corrupted by the functions
out u and v (see figure 1}. It sets M2 not used. SIN and COS.
up the memories ready to draw M3 t The increment of the angle t on each pass of
the ellipse and uses the ELL Q the loop.
s u b r o u t i n e t o do the actual M4 s The inclination of the major axis to the
drawing. horizontal.
STK REGS is quite a boring M5 t Eccentric angle of point (x,y) on ellipse.
subroutine really. All it does is to M6 a Half on the major axis.
put the contents of the registers M7 b Half on the minor axis.
onto the calculator stack in the M8 Mx-Px
order, L,H,E,D,C,B w i t h B be M9 My-Py
ing at the top. MA a * cos t
A t a d d r e s s E 7 1 B is t h e MB b'sin t
QUARTER ELLIPSE procedure. MC cos s
This first of all works out w h i c h MD sin s
quadrant the quarter-ellipse (alls ME Px x coordinate of centre of ellipse.
into, then sets up the memories MF Py y coordinate of centre of ellipse.
and uses ELL Q to do the draw
ing. Figure 4. Use of calculator memories.

cso t s r e 27 Int X
SF EILJUB RST ?a l ^ g q j e the c a l c u l a t o r . ET r e c a l l KF
m r e c a l l KK Px EA r e c a l l KA i,iy,('ce9 t
« r e c a l l »5 Px.t 121 r e c a l l KU x,Py,a*C09 t . s l n s
20 cos Fx,cos t 04 nultlply x , P y , a * s l n s'eos t
ti r e c a l l M6 Fx,cos I , a OF add x,Py*a*sln s'cos t
multiply px,a*eos t E£ r e c a l l KB x , p y * a ' s l n s'cos t . b ' s l n t
CA atore HA <KAsi a»cos t ) . EC r e c a l l KC x,py»«"sin S'COII t , b ' s i n t , c o « s
EC rflCfll I HC Px,a*cos t,e»» a 04 multiply x,!>y*a'sln s'cos t . b ' e o a s " s l n t
04 multiply Px,»*eoii s'eos t or add x,Py»«"sln s'cos t«b'cos s " s l n t
OF add P*»a*ccs s*eos t A2 const h a l f x,Py»a"sln S * m s t ' h ' c o s s * » i n t , 4
K5 recall H5 KX*fl *COfl »•«» t,t or add x , F y * a ' s l r i s'eos t»b'eos s ' s l n t
IF sin !l*a*C0a S'OOs t,Bin t 27 lnt
rr r e c a l l K? Fx*a"eo.i s*oos t . s l n t,t E5 r e c a l l K5
04 multiply Px»a»co* »*co» t , b « a l n t EJ r e c a l l KJ x,y,t,l
CB store HS (HBl. b'Sin t). OF add x.y.t.l
ELI r e c a l l KD Pxta'cos s*cos t , b " s l n t , s l n s C5 store M5 (H5i» newly lncr»wnt9d annle t»i).
04 nultlply px»n«co» e'cos t , b ' s i n s ' s l n t 0? delete
05 subtract Px«a"cos s»eos t ~ b * s l n s * s l n t je snd calc Dlsenicn
i' e t)i» c a l c u l a t o r .
A2 const half Pma'cos s'eos t - b » s l j i s ' s l n t,j C9 RET
or ndd Px+e*cos 3*cos s*si.n t*j

OHO CJ s t o r s K) \M5:- 1, the lncrenent In ar.xla).

r> i-iji CJSH AF Stack the c a r r y f l a g . 0? delete J
£F RST 28 Er.SAK* the c l a e u l a t o r . » end calc Disentitle the c a l c u l a t o r .
u MCall Pt a CtWZZD CALL PDA?, FP_T0_1C PC :-N (nu^er of incrsnents In
17 r e c a l l H7 a quarter e l l i p s e ] .
or add »*b F1 POP AF Restore tl-^s c a r r y flat.
J4500£?C1? Ptlc data pl/(2«sqr 2 ) «*b,pl/<?«»v 2) J606 JR C,D«_ELL Junp i f only quarter e l l i p s e reqd.
04 nultlply <e«b)»pl/(2«nr 60 LC H,B
27 lot l n t M s t b ) ' p l / ( 2 * s q r ?>) 69 LB L,C
A1 const one Lit (<a*b)*plA?*sqr 29 ADD HL.Hl
or add K 29 ADO HL,HL
Ji duplicate K,M 44 u> B,H
4> const p l / 2 N,JI,pi/? 4D LD C,L BC:> 4"It.
01 exchange 21FKE5 Dfi_ELL L0 HL,ELL_SUB HLi- address o f e l l i p o c subroutine.
05 dlrlde N,1
 -

GRAPHICS

OKC K4A 01 exctianite Ky,Hx,a,py

C5 CURVE PUSH SC Stack nisfber of passes. a store K2 t « i . Fy).
E5 FUSH ML Stack address of mbroutlne. recall H3 Hy,Hx,a,Py,P*
E3
CD2C16 CALL l62C,CALL_J!mr Call subroutine required. end c*lc Disengage tbe calculator.
38
C3DC22 CALL 22DC.FL0T Plot the first point.
CDi^E? CALL ANGLE Calculate the Inclination, a.
It FOP KL HI,:, subrt address.
of tbe najor .axis to the horliontal.
C1 POP BC BCt> n-jnber of passes.
015000 U) BC.0050
C5 cv_ioor PUSH BC CD89I* Create sixteen calculator n*morles.
CALL Bt&5,CfUATT,_«W
B PUSH HL EF Kaangaje the calculator.
BST 28
C32C16 CALL l6SC,CALL_JimP Call subroutine. tty,Hx,»,Fy,Px,s
CD0725 CALL 23C7,STK_TO_BC Bt.xj C:.y; store H4 (K4i. a).
C4
110101 LD DE.OlOl 02 delete Hy,Hx,a,Py,Px
78 LD A,S At- x. CE store HE (HE:- Px).
FDJ644 SUB (COOIDSJO At. x displacement. 02 delete Hy.Hx.a,!^
3004 JS H:,CY_I
store HF (HF:- Py).
CF
16FF Ds» KF u> Indicate x dlep negatlT*. delete Hy,Hx,a
U> D.PF
02
ED44 sin Aabstx displacement). C6 store Hfc (Hfc:. a).
47 aj BARS(x displacenent).
LD B,A
02 delete Hy.Hx
79 LO A,C A:, y.
C8 store H8 (KB;. Hx),
FD9643 SUB (COORDSJR) ) displacenent.
02 delete Ky
)004 JR KC,CV_?
C9 store H? <H?l- Hy).
1EPF LD t,rr E:^ KF to Indicate y disp netstife.
02 delete
ED44 KKJ
14 recall H4 s
4r CV_2 LD C,A Ci- ABS(y displacement).
20 cos cos s
C0BA24 Draw line gegnent. CC (HC:. cos s).
CALL 24BA,DRAW_3
store HC
CD541F CALL 1F54,BRE*K_>:£I Test whether CAPS SHIFT/SPACE pressed. m a l l H4 cos s,s
It
11 POP HL IF sin cos s,aln s
C1 POP BC
CD store MD (HD:. sin »).
J005 JR *C,CV_BCIr .•uitp If so. SB recall HB cos a,sin s,Kx
01 ESC BC
EE. recall HK cos sfaln s,Mx,px
78 IN A,B
subtract cos 3,sin s^Kx-Fx
03
B1 OR C
C8 store H8 (KB;. Hx-Px).
2030 JR tt,CV_100P loop back If not finished. nultlply cos s,(Hx-ft()*sln s
04
21W7 CV_HIT LD HL,2758 IB negate cos s,-(Hx-Px)"sin s
W ax KL't- 2758. 01 exchange -<Hx-Px)«siii s,cos s
<9 RET
E9 recall K9 -(Hx-Px)*sin 3,COS B,^
EF recall HF -{Hx-px)*sln 3pcos s,f*|r,fV
ORG 03 subtract -(Hx-Px)*sln s,cos s.hftr-Py
FT CRUTEJIEH HST 30 Create mrory In workspace. C9 store H9 (H9t- it^Fy).
IB DEC OB DE: points to first byle of area. 04 multiply -(Hx-Px>»ain s,(Hy-Py)*cos s
£0*366)0 U> (MBO.DB Point calculator **™ry to area. OF add a
C9 R£T

OHO fiSO
CD22K ELLIPSE CALL E022,reS7_MRKK Return If marker cursor not in use.
C5 PUSH BC Stack cursor coordinates.
CDC AS? CALL E2QA t5TART_LIME Get cursor coords Into cale ntns.
EF RST 28 IhfAge the calculator.
E2 recall K2 *y
E3 recall H! Hy.Hx
EO RECALL HO Hy.Hx,Oy
E4 recall H4 Hy.Hx,Oy.Cy 1 . ..,,
OF add Hy,Mx,Cy<Qr
A2 const half Ky,Kx,Cy*£ry,i
04 nultlply Hy.Hx,Py
duplicate Hy.Hx^jHy s • \f UC,
31
El recall K4 Ky,Hx,Py,Py,Cy
03 subtract Hy.Hx,fy,Py-Cy
31 duplicate Hy.Hx.Py(py-Cy,ry-Cy
04 nwltlply ny.tx.ry,{F»-cy)p ' JA -..•«!
ti recall H5 Hy.Hx,py,(Py-Cy)?,Cx
11 recall Hi Hy,Hx,py,(Fy-Cy)?,Cx,Qx
OF add Hy.Kx.Py.tPj^Cy^.Cx^Ox
A2 const half I'V.Hx.ty, (Py-Cy)' .Cxrfx.i
04 miltiply
C3 store H> (K3t- Pi).
E5 recall Hi Ny,Hx,py,(Py-Cy)2,P*,Cx
03 subtract Hy, Hi, Py, {Fy-Cy, Px-Cx
31 duplicate Ky, Hx, py, (Py-Cy I 2 , Px-Cx, Px- Cx
04 arultlply i^y.Hx, ty, (Py-Cy J2, (Px-Cx )2
OF add Hy.Hx.Py, (Py-Cy )?.(Px-Cx)?
15 recall H3 Hy.Hx,Py,(Py-Cy)Z*(Px-C*)Z,Px
01 •(change Hy,Hx,Py,Px,(I,y-Cy)?.(P*-Cx)?
28 •qr Hy,Hx,Py,Px,»
01 exc r.ar.gn Hy,Hx,Py,a,Fx
C3 store H) (K3t- Px).
OB delate Hy.Hx.f?,.

34 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 34
 GRAPHICS

11 const On* ORO E71S

18 recall H8 u,1,Mx-Px C5 q_ELirpsE PUSH BC Stack cursor eoordir-atea.
EC n u l l MC n t I >K3t-V*,coa a ED5B0EDB LD o M O R i o n u * ) DBi- Origin cursor coords.
C4 miliiply u,1,(Hx-Px)»cea a 7A LE A , D A w Oy'
39 null K9 u,i,(Kx-Px)*cos 90 SOB Ai« dirrerer.ce in y coords.
tt> recall WJ u,i j (Hx-Px)«coa a,)ty-Py,ain b J810 JH C,«BL_2
04 multiply o,1,Otx-Px)*co( I , («y-br)»eln s 61 LD H,A H » b , ilnor a x l e .
OP add U,1,V 7B LD A , E A» Ox
)t £uplicate H,1,V,V 91 SUB C A fiiffercr.ee in x coords.
04 nultiply B.l.T2 3805 jk c . a t t j
tt recall f.6
2
U,1,V , * 6P LD L,A L u a , najor uli.
)1 duplicate I.1.,»»« 5») LD A ,01 A:- quadrant ™t»r.
01 maltiply 1918 JK ClEXJ

05 divide ED44 QSL_t KB)

03 subtract u,1-v*/a* 6F LD L,A Li- a, w j o r ails.
28 •qr tt.iqrO-vW) IP XOR A Ala 0 . quadrant niwfcur.
05 divide b ieaA JR SE1_J
CT • lore K7 (M7i- b , the nlror u l i ) . E344 eiL_? no
02 delete 61 U> R,A Ht- b , » l « r axil.
10 rati wro TB LD A,£ A I . Ox
05 store N5 <H.5i- t i - 0 ) . 91 SUB C Al* differerc* in x coords.
« delete >606 JH C,QEL_4
a end calc Dlsergage Uie calculator. 6r LD L,A Li> a , iwjor axis.
WJ6C7 C1LL DPJ8,CAJ1CkL_HAJU[ Cancel u e narker cursor. JB& ui A,a? A la quadrant r.uftber.

17 AND A K«j«t carry to indicate e l l i p i e . 48 5£L_J LD C,E BC:- coords of ellipse centre.

CD26E& ELL_2 CALL «6?6,Ei:._q Draw the ellipse. taofc JB

CCB?l6 CALL 16B7,S£TJ»HK Clear workspace a<«J restorn calc ITMT.J . ED44 5EL_4 no
CJ»£0 JP E099 • CC_HOVl «o*f the origin c u r w r and return. 6t LD L,A Lia a , »»Jor axis.
5B0J LD 1 , 0 } Ala quadrant nunber.

42 3EL_5 LD B,D BCia coords of * U i p « e centre.

1600 QEL_6 LD D , 0 0 Di* 0 r inclination of e l l i p j e .
if LD E,A I la quadrant n-jjiter.
C3EAES CALL DEEA,AUJUST_B Adjust coords to ROH convention.
CD06E7 CALL E706,ST*_R£aS Put regs onto calculator stack.
015000 LD BC.0050
CSB9U6 CALL £689 j Cft£ATt_HH1 Create sixteen calculator rencrlea.

mm

BF RST 28 tir the calculator.

e.b.q.o.px.py
cr etore HP (KPt- Py).
02 delete a.b.q.O.F*
CI •tore ME (KEt* Px}.
ce delete ».b,q,0
C4 store H4 (K4:a s : « 0 ; Inclination of ellipee!.
CD store HD (KDia a In s w 0).
02 delete e,b,q
ORG £706 Al const one a,b,q,1

C5 sttjtEos PUSH K CC etore KC (KCla COS S la l).

D5 r'sh us 0) subtract e,b,n-1

E5 F0SH HI AJ const pi/2

<Xo; ID B,OJ 04 nultlply a,b,(q-l)*pl/S
El 3TSO_LOOP rep hi HL:» next r e ; pair fne> stock. C5 store M5 (M5i. t l a an^le correspondinc
Ci PUSH BC Stack B. to start of curve).

ti PUSH HL S U c k H. 02 delete a,b

70 LD A , L C7 • tore K7 (17 la b>.

CALL 2De8,STAC*_A Stack one « g onto calc (tack. 02 delete •

E1 PUP HL C6 store H6

7C LD A|K 02 delete
CKKD CALL 2DC8,5?ACK_A Stack one r « ( onto calc (tack. 56 end c«lc Disengage the calculator.
CI POP ac 57 SCP Set carry to Indicate
ion turn srao_Loop quarter elllpa* only.

0? RUT C5TAI£ JP E 6 » , 1 L L _ 2 Drav curve and finish o f f .

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 35

The a d v e n t u r e m a r k e t at the
m o m e n t seems t o be s w a m p e d
w i t h adaptions, be t h e y ot i V
s h o w s , or books. This begs the
q u e s t i o n is a n y o n e p r o d u c i n g
original g a m e s t h e s e d a y s ? ' .
W e ' v e also g o t a plethora of
graphic a d v e n t u r e s w h i c h are
o f t e n poor t e x t a d v e n t u r e s w i t h
useless pictures or so called
animated' adventures.
W h a t e v e r happened t o Ye
Olde T e x t A d v e n t u r e ? T h e r e
d o e s n ' t s e e m to have been an
original and enjoyable text
a d v e n t u r e for ages, Is it a dead
art? I ' m sure the market is still
there, but the s o f t w a r e houses
believe a g a m e w o n ' t sell
w i t h o u t pictures. I ' m not anti-
graphics in f a c t they c a n in some
cases add greatly to a g a m e Oc
casionally I'd like t o take a stab
at a g o o d , f r u s t r a t i n g a n d
lengthy t e x t a d v e n t u r e , but v e r y
{ e w are released n o w . I t ' s a pity,
because the genre is far f r o m ex
hausted. Even Level 9 n o w add
graphics to their games.
Anyday now I expect a
revival of text only a d v e n t u r e s
s w e e p i n g a w a y o f t e n useless
graphics and giving us a rip roar
ing plot instead w i t h plenty of
fiendish problems. Ah, well,
w i s h f u l t h i n k i n g , I suppose!
J u s t t o repeat w h a t I said last
issue, I'd like t o hear f r o m y o u .
W h a t do y o u think of a d v e n t u r e
g a m e s in general ? W h a t about
market trends and the quality of
p r o d u c t the s o f t w a r e house pre-
sent y o u w i t h ? Also, specific
problems with adventures
w o u l d be w e l c o m e . A s I c a n ' t
possibly play e v e r y t h i n g , o f f e r s
of help and solutions t o par-
ticular problems w o u l d also be
greatfully received. All letters,
problems and s o l u t i o n s should
be addressed to: M i n d p l a y , ZX
C o m p u t i n g , 1 Golden Square,
London, W 1 R 3 A B .
The Never Ending
Story
Ocean
Software
£9.95
The Never Ending Story — w a s
originally a novel, a film, and has
n o w resurfaced as a c o m p u t e r
a d v e n t u r e game. The micro ver
sion of the story is a graphic text
a d v e n t u r e w i t h illustrations for
s o m e locations, all o b j e c t s and
s o m e special events. The g a m e
is split into three parts comprised
of o v e r 1 0 0 K of d a t a a n d
code. O b j e c t s carried and the
c u r r e n t ' c o n d i t i o n ' of y o u r
character is carried f r o m one
part t o another
36
MINDPLAY
Mindplay
The use of graphics in the
g a m e is relatively unusual c o m
p a r e d w i t h t h e m a j o r i t y of
graphic a d v e n t u r e s . The screen
dislay is split in t w o halves, w i t h
the lower section reserved tor
the a d v e n t u r e ' s t e x t , the
graphics inhabit the t o p half of
the screen. This itself is in turn
sub-divided. There is a
b a c k g r o u n d scene w h i c h fills
the g r a p h i c s area and other
graphics are printed over this.
These ' o t h e r ' graphics include
pictures of every object in i h e
g a m e . A l t h o u g h you can only
carry five at a time only five can
be displayed at one time. T h e
s i x t h place in the object display
area is t a k e n up w i t h a c u t e pic-
ture of one of your t w o possible
companions.
Larger screen illustrations for
locations and special e v e n t s are
displayed in the t o p left of the
screen. The i n s t r u c t i o n s claim
the graphics are not intended to
replace the t e x t but merely to
e n h a n c e it. They are certainly
not sophisticated e n o u g h to
replace the t e x t , but the neat
layout and interesting little pic-
tures certainly add s o m e t h i n g t o
an o t h e r w i s e lacklustre g a m e .
A s to the story itself, it broad-
ly f o l l o w s the plot of the original
book. The g a m e is set in Fan-
tasia a w o r l d of the i m a g i n a t i o n
f a c i n g e x t i n c t i o n by the 'all con-
s u m i n g n o t h i n g ' , e r o d i n g its
very fabric and c o n d e m n i n g it t o
oblivion. The w o r l d needs a hero
f r o m the 'Real W o r l d ' ( t h a t ' s
you!), s o m e o n e w h o will believe
in Fantasia and so save it f r o m
disaster. In the g a m e the player
takes the part of A t r e y u , and
m u s t find the saviour of Fan-
tasia. Only t h r o u g h your
endeavours will the k i n g d o m be
restored t o glory. There is cer-
tainly n o t h i n g in the plot that
adventurers w o u l d see as par
ticularly original. I t ' s a n o t h e r
variation o n the old fantasy land
plot. The colour graphics, add
s o m e t h i n g t o this game, m a k i n g
it an e n i o y a b l e , il s t a n d a r d
a d v e n t u r e .
The Ludoids
Adventures
Bug Byte
£2.95
This is a real t i m e four part
adventure with animated
graphics, taking you on a
journey t h r o u g h t i m e and space
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY,MARCH 1 9 8 6
t o defeat the Ludoid menace.
I t ' s n o t bad either!
S o . j u s t w h o are t h e s e
Ludoids? A p p a r e n t l y , they are
a g r o u p of c o s m i c V e g a n s l d o n ' t
ask w h a t they are!) w h o have in-
filtrated the corrupt N e w t o n i a n
Rocket C o . ' w i t h the aim of
d i s r u p t i n g t h e g a l a c t i c Free
Trade's revolutionary Trans
M a t t r a n s p o r t s y s t e m . Your a i m
is t o hunt out and destroy Trans
M a t j a m m i n g e q u i p m e n t planted
a r o u n d the galaxy by the
Ludoids, and so u t i m a t e l y defeat
the Ludoid menace! this is a fair
ly original variation on the old
quest plot and the game
features several original,
h u m o u r o u s t o u c h e s s u c h as the
Rambo of the m i c r o w o r l d Ram
b o t ' This depressive killer robot
is out to get y o u and provides an
e x t r a hazard in your w a n d e r i n g s
around the galaxy in search o l
the j a m m e r s .
The g a m e is a 'Quadraplex
A d v e n t u r e " , w h i c h is Bug B y t e ' s
w a y of s a y i n g i t ' s split into four
parts. The first part is set in the
' C a p S h i f t ' space bar (!), w i t h the
f o l l o w i n g three on the planets
o f g Glacia (pretty cold), Vacatia
(nice and relaxing) and A q u a
(lifejacket required). There is
p l e n t y of t o n g u e in c h e e k
h u m o u r t h r o u g h o u t the g a m e
w h i c h certainly helps t o brighten
it up.
A s t o the graphics, w e l l they
are slightly a n i m a t e d . For in-
s t a n c e after ordering f r o m the
f o o d m a c h i n e a tray c o m p l e t e
w i t h m u n c h i e s appears t o drift
f r o m the m a c h i n e . The graphics
are full screen illustrations, most
of t h e m very good, w h i c h scroll
o f f i h e screen t o allow the t e x t
to take over and the majority of
locations feature an illustration.
A t the end of each of the
g a m e s four sections y o u find
c o d e d c o - o r d i n a t e s left by
friendly agents w h i c h give y o u
access to the next section. The
friendly agents, t h o u g h , are not
friendly e n o u g h to give you a
hand in c o m p l e t i n g your task to
o v e r c o m e the Ludoids 1
All in all, a very enjoyable and
e n t e r t a i n i n g g a m e , w i t h nice
t o u c h e s . I look f o r w a r d to the
Ludoids return in the not t o o dis-
tant future.

The Quest For The
Holy Grail
Mastertronic
£1.99
This g a m e , I s e e m t o r e m e m b e r ,
w a s released quite a w h i l e ago
by D r e a m S o f t w a r e , It n o w ap
pears under the M a s t e r t r o n i c
banner as part of their assault on
the budget s o f t w a r e m a r k e t .
Mastertronic have produced
several a d v e n t u r e s at a b u d g e t
price, but none of t h e m have
been particularly original or im-
aginative.
The Q u e s t For The Holy Grail
claims to be M o n t y P y t h o n w i t h
chips! U n f o r t u n a t e l y , t h e g a m e
d o e s n ' t live up t o this tag. It at
t e m p t s t o e m u l a t e the P y t h o n
teams h u m o u r , but I c a n ' t help
feeling that J o h n Cleese and c o .
w o u l d be embarrassed to be
associated w i t h this game.
While it is a passable a d v e n t u r e ,
the M o n t y P y t h o n c o n n e c t i o n is
very loose. S o m e t h i n g I w o u l d
like t o see w o u l d be an OFFICIAL
Monty Python game that
could be interesting!
Back to the g a m e in hand.
Your aim is to guide bold Sir Tap
pen t h r o u g h the medieval terrors
^Tortoise Wise I;
More thoughts from a parent who gets
Yes, of course I've felt like 'Tur
rung T u r t l e ' more t h a n just a f e w
times. But a gentle reminder
to the kind reader w h o w r o t e t o
TURTLEWISE i t ' s TORTOISE
Sir, and p r o u d of it to b o o t .
The c o m p e t i t i o n still s e e m s
formidable as I look over the
s h o u l d e r s of t h e y o u n g e r
generation, h u n c h e d over their
keyboards during their n o n
sleeping, non-eating hours.
I used to ask i n n o c e n t l y ,
'Can y o u explain w h a t y o u
are t r y i n g to d o in this p r o g r a m
son 7 ' But that is rather like stick-
ing y o u r h e a d u n d e r the
guillotine t h e s e days. The t e m p -
tation to lop great c h u n k s f r o m
my already fragile d i g n i t y is t o o
great for t h e m .
I stay o n w a t c h . O n the
defence. Learning their little
ploys t o w e a k e n m y morale. M y
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY, MARCH 1 9 8 6
MINDPLAY
left behind.
m o t t o , T o r t o i s e w i s e , is ' S l o w l y
but surely . . . ' .
D a d , ' says the eldest son
earnestly, w h i l e I relax in front of
the box w a t c h i n g a f a v o u r i t e
p r o g r a m m e (spelt w i t h ME at
the end of the w o r d ) .
'Dad, I ' m g e t t i n g a RETURN
w i t h o u t G O S U B error report.
Shall I check t o see if a G O T O
has been entered instead of a
G O S U B in the p r o g r a m ? '
Stay c a l m , I think t o m y s e l f .
This is not a genuine enquiry. It
is m e a n t to make m e look stupid.
D o n ' t take your eyes o f f the
screen, a n s w e r c a l m l y and c o n
fidently 'Surely y o u k n o w the
a n s w e r t o that one by n o w .
d o n ' t y o u ? ' T o w h i c h the reply is
s o m e t h i n g along the lines o f , 'Of
yes. Of course I k n o w . I w a s just
c h e c k i n g t o s e e if YOU
k n e w . . . ' A n d t h e n there is a
h a u g h t y laugh.
But y o u get used to that
laugh. A s parents w e get used t o
that laugh. It is t h e same laugh
that greets your g y r a t i o n s o n the
d a n c e floor at C h r i s t m a s parties
w i t h the f a m i l y . The same laugh
that greets y o u r flares every
time y o u w e r e t h e m , or your
records w h e n y o u play t h e m ,
the grey hairs, the m i d d l e age
spread . . . w e ' v e m e t it before.
Try a retort like, 'They laugh
ed at M a r c o n i y o u k n o w ' or
t h e y laughed at C o p e r n i c u s . '
That usually stalls t h e m for a
while, and gives y o u a c h a n c e t o
s h o w off a bit of n o n m i c r o bas
ed k n o w l e d g e . So d o not
despair. Indeed, a w o r d of c o m
fort to the reader w h o w r o t e that
the only M a c h i n e C o d e she is
ever likely to learn, is f o u n d o n
the labels of w a s h i n g that piles
in search of t h e legendary Holy
Grail. The landscape is filled by
several w e i r d characters w h o do
s t r a n g e t h i n g s . There is t h e
three headed knight w h o has a
lot on his shoulders and o t h e r s
w i t h o d d names s u c h as NC, LC
and SC. To be avoided at all
c o s t s is the rampant killer w h i t e
rabbit, w h o literally has an ex-
plosive personality. All this is
mildly a m u s i n g but never ' z a n y '
as claim .id on the c a s s e t t e inlay.
The text part of the a d v e n t u r e is
quite enjoyable, h u m o r o u s in
places, b u t , n o t h i n g remarkable.
The real p r o b l e m w i t h this
g a m e is i t ' s graphics. These
really s h o w the g a m e ' s age,
being square c h u n k y block
g r a p h i c s w i t h the o c c a s i o n a l
sparse line d r a w i n g . The
graphics are really disappoin-
ting. C o m p a r e d t o these the
graphics of Never Ending Story
are positive masterpieces.
This g a m e c o u l d have been
so m u c h m o r e b u t , u n f o r t u n a t e -
ly at no point does the g a m e live
u p to the inlays promise that it is
the c o m p u t e r game t o sur-
pass all o t h e r s . ' It m o s t d e f i n i t e -
ly is not. I t ' s more a very average
g a m e w i t h t o u c h e s of h u m o u r
and o u t d a t e d graphics.
Brian Robb •
u p around the house. M y sons
m a y be familiar w i t h a program-
mable Interface. But it will be
years before they are familiar
w i t h our p r o g r a m m a b l e w a s h i n g
machine. . .
It is a w a i t i n g g a m e .
A year ago, the eldest son
c o n f i d e n t l y s t a t e d his c o n v i c
t i o n that in his life girls could
never take the place of c o m
puters, He lavished his t i m e and
m o n e y o n his S p e c t r u m and may
even have kissed it g o o d n i g h t
for all I k n o w . W h a t I do k n o w is
that since then, p u b e r t y has
s m a c k e d him b e t w e e n his
eyeballs and s o m e days he's all
over the place. Do I buy a n e w
g a m e or a n e w record? Do I spot
the b u g s in a p r o g r a m or try not
t o be b u g g e d by the spots on m y
nose? D o I sit at the k e y b o a r d
and turn on the S p e c t r u m or do I
sit at a friend's house and get
t u r n e d o n by his eldest sister?
W e parents have lived w i t h
this state of affairs for years. It is
called C O N F U S I O N and there is
n o t h i n g quite like it for closing
the gap, T o r t o i s e w i s e .
I c a n ' t w a i t until he 'falls in
l o v e ' . T h a t ' s w h e n I'll quietly nip
o u t a n d buy t h a t QL a n d
printer. . .
David Stewart m
37

We, the Jury
Gladiator
Domark
£8.95
Gladiator s h o w s life at the sharp
end of the Roman empire 3s y o u
h o n e y o u r c o m b a t skills to
avoid d e a t h in t h e arena and
w o r k your w a y up t o b e c o m e
the Emperor's c h a m p i o n .
Before going i n t o the arena
for real y o u can w a t c h t w o prac-
ticed gladiators h a c k i n g a w a y at
each other and m a k e a w a g e r o n
the outcome. To prepare
yourself it is advisable t o experi
38
REVIEWS
m e n t w i t h the various move-
m e n t s and w e a p o n s at your
disposal on a s t a t i o n a r y oppo-
n e n t in a t w o player m o d e . This
h o w e v e r , can be more d i f f i c u l t
t h a n y o u imagine as if y o u get
t o o close y o u m a y w a l k o n t o the
s w o r d of your inert adversary.
W h e n y o u have lunged, jabb-
ed, parried and t h r u s t to an ac-
ceptable standard y o u are ready
for the c o n t e s t t o begin. A n im
porant element is c h o o s i n g your
weapons an a r m o u r y of dag-
gers, s w o r d s , lances, n e t s and
t r i d e n t s can be u s e d or if y o u fee!
defensive there is a choice of
shields. In all there are 4 5 op-
tions f r o m w h i c h y o u can select is c o n f i r m e d by looking to the
three. Y o u w o n ' t see w h a t fier- Emperor — the figure
s o m e w e a p o n s your c o m p u t e r t r a n s f o r m s into a huge hand t o
c h a m p i o n has o p t e d for until y o u give the t h u m b s up or t h u m b s
are face t o face. d o w n signal.
The c o n t r o l s are c o m p l e x If single c o m b a t games ap-
a n d t a k e t i m e to m a s t e r either on peal to y o u , Gladiator should
the k e y b o a r d or w i t h joystick, provide y o u w i t h m a n y hours of
there are 25 separate s w a s h b u c k l i n g pleasure and if
m o v e m e n t s and m a n y require a y o u w a n t a duelling g a m e w i t h
double-burst on the joystick. that extra element of d i f f i c u l t y
W h i l e y o u are still i m p r o v i n g t h e n definitely t a k e a stab at this
y o u r gladiator skills y o u w i l l one.
have t o get used t o playing pin-
cushion for your o p p o n e n t . GRAPHICS * * * *
There are three b o u t s in each ADDICTIVENESS * * * *
g a m e and your defeat or v i c t o r y OVERALL * * * *
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
Sweevos world
Gargoyle Games
£7.95
This is the first c o m p u t e r g a m e
that's actually made me laugh
out l o u d ' U n l i k e G a r g o y l e ' s
earlier g a m e s that have been
quite serious and m e n t a l l y tax
ing, S w e e v o ' s W o r l d is an en
joyable, tongue-in-cheek r o m p
t h r o u g h t h e sort of t e r r i t o r y
originally explored by U l t i m a t e in
Knight Lore a n d Alien 8 .
S w e e v o is a Self Willed Ex
treme E n v i r o n m e n t V o c a t i o n a l
Organism, designed t o g o out in-
to the galaxy and clean up in-
hospitable planets. The t r o u b l e
is that, as Self W i l l e d E x t r e m e
Environment O r g a n i s m s go,
poor S w e e v o is a bit of a failure,
he's failed all the t e s t s that the
Sweevo machines are m e a n t t o
undergo (he failed t o t u r n u p for
the memory test, as he f o r g o t all
about it), but his Robo M a s t e r
has decided t o give him one
more chance t o redeem himself.
The artificial planetoid, Knutz
Folly, created by one m a d Baron
Knutz and his w i f e Hazel is
populated by all sorts of genetic
e x p e r i m e n t s c r e a t e d by t h e
Baron, and it is S w e e v o ' s task to
boldly go w h e r e no S w e e v o has
gone before and clean out the
place.
Graphically speaking Knutz
Folly bears a strong
resemblance t o the Starship in
Alien 8. The v i e w is the same
sort of overhead p e r s p e c t i v e as
in the U l t i m a t e g a m e s , a n d
Sweevo, w h o is an ungainly, but
endearing l o o k i n g c h a r a c t e r
moves diagonally a c r o s s t h e
screen as he m o v e s a r o u n d the
rooms. K e y b o a r d c o n t r o l of
Sweevo is actually better t h a n
the c o n t r o l s y s t e m u s e d by
Ultimate, t h o u g h . I n s t e a d of
rotating and m o v i n g in the direc-
tion that he is facing, S w e e v o
simply m o v e s in one of four
d i r e c t i o n s by u s i n g t h e ap-
propriate keys, and I f o u n d this
system m u c h easier t o use t h a n
that of Alien 8 / K n i g h t l o r e .
39 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
r o o m s of Knutz Folly
c o n t a i n the sort of obstacles,
block and traps that have
become famiiliar to games
players, but instead of being
able to jump over these
o b s t a c l e s S w e e v o m u s t locate
e l e v a t o r p a d s in t h e r o o m s
w h i c h will lift him up. But i t ' s not
a l w a y s o b v i o u s h o w he c a n use
t h e s e pads to get a r o u n d
o b s t a c l e s and S w e e v o has to
collect obiects, s u c h as tins and
b o o t s w h i c h will c o m e in h a n d y .
S o m e of the traps that are in
his w a y are very novel. There are
great fingers that come
t h r u s t i n g up out of the ground,
Incan s t a t u e s that d o the same,
and pixie-like creatures that look
c u t e but are absolutely deadly.
All these t h i n g s are large and
finely detailed, and very w e l l
animated especially the
fingers that have a sort of surreal
quality (well, w h e n w a s the last
t i m e that y o u s a w a six foot
finger p o p up o u t of n o w h e r e ? ) .
All the screens are d r a w n in
just t w o colours, in order t o
a v o i d a t t r i b u t e clashes, but the
overall quality of the graphics is
excellent.
T h e o u t s t a n d i n g feature of
' S w e e v o ' s W o r l d t h o u g h , is the
w a r p e d s e n s e of h u m o u r it
displays. S o m e of the deadliest
o b j e c t s in the g a m e are bits of
fruit, and the w a y t o recharge
S w e e v o ' s e n e r g y level is t o
goose a goose (you see, t h e r e ' s
this goose runing around, the
one that lays the Golden Eggs,
and if y o u run up behind it and g o
' B o o ! ' t h e n it will recharge your
batteries). Oh, and if y o u w a l k
into a r o o m t h a t has a hole in the
floor, t h e n drop t h o u g h that hole
at your peril!
T h e r e ' s m u c h m o r e in
S w e e v o ' s W o r l d that I c o u l d g o
o n a b o u t , but the best t h i n g I c a n
say a b o u t t h e g a m e is that I'd
rather go back and carry o n play-
ing it t h a n sit here and w a f f l e o n
much longer. . .
GRAPHICS * * * * *
ADDICTtVENESS * * * * *
OVERALL * * * * *
Spellbound
Mastertronic
£2.99
This is a real budget g e m f r o m
Mastertronic's new M.A.D
range ( M a s t e r t r o n i c ' s A d d e d
Dimension). Titles on this label
will be £ 1 dearer t h a n the rest of
their games, but if Spellbound is
an e x a m p l e of the standards
that these g a m e s will set, t h e n
t h e y ' r e going t o be w o r t h every
penny.
Spellbound is the f o l l o w u p t o
Finders Keepers, but is a larger
and more s o p h i s t i c a t e d g a m e ,
w h i c h c o m b i n e s arcade a c t i o n
w i t h an a d v e n t u r e style com-
mand system.
Y o u play the part of The
Magic Knight, w h o has to
rescue Gimbel the W i z a r d and a
n u m b e r of o t h e r c h a r a c t e r s ,
f r o m a castle w h e r e t h e y have all
b e e n t r a p p e d a f t e r o n e of
G i m b e l ' s spells w e n t w r o n g .
The Knight is a large, finely
detailed sprite, w h o is s m o o t h l y
a n i m a t e d as he w a n d e r s a r o u n d
the r o o m s of the castle. In his
wanderings the Knight will
c o m e across the characters he
is looking for, as well as a variety
of objects t h a t can be used t o
solve the problems that will bar
his w a y . In solving i h e s e pro-
blems y o u are able t o use an in-
genious s y s t e m of p u l l - d o w n
m e n u s t o assemble s o m e q u i t e
s o p h i s t i c a t e d c o m m a n d s , just
as if y o u w e r e m a n i p u l a t i n g ob-
j e c t s in an adventure. For in-
stance, if y o u are carrying some
o b j e c t s and y o u w a n t to use one
in s o m e w a y , by pressing 'fire'
y o u call d o w n the first menu.
This presents y o u w i t h com-
m a n d s s u c h as Get, Drop, Ex-
amine, B l o w , Cast Spell, and so
on. T h e n by going t o the next
m e n u y o u c a n s p e c i f y w h i c h ob-
ject or character that c o m m a n d
is t o be used on.
All the characters and ob-
jects in the g a m e have their o w n
s t a t u s tables w i t h details of
w e i g h t , magical energy, s t a t e of
mind, and other qualities that
will a l l o w y o u to use t h e m during
the g a m e . This adds another ele
m e n t of puzzle solving to the
g a m e as y o u have t o w o r k out
the best w a y t o use all the ob-
j e c t s a n d t o k e e p all t h e
characters safe and happy. A n d ,
if t h a t ' s n o t enough, t h e r e ' s a
t i m e limit and s o m e of the usual
arcade-style obstacles and traps
t o get past as well.
All in all. Spellbound is a
g a m e that w o u l d be g o o d value
even if a f e w more p o u n d s w e r e
a d d e d t o t h e price. M a s t e r
t r o n i c s and the g a m e ' s author,
David J o n e s , have done v e r y
w e l l t o p r o d u c e s u c h an ex-
cellent g a m e at s u c h a l o w price.
GRAPHICS * * * * *
ADDICTIVENESS * * * * *
OVERALL * * * * * •
ZX
 Con <

Tau ceti
CRL
£9.95
M a n y a t t e m p t s have been made
t o c o m b i n e fast arcade a c t i o n
w i t h complex adventure type
g u e s t s b u t n o n e m o r e suc-
cessfully t h a n this one f r o m
CRL.
W i t h a w e l l set sci-fi scenario
and a seemingly simple task, t o
s h u t d o w n the Fusion reactor in
the capital city of Centralis on
T a u Ceti, y o u are set d o w n in
one of the cities at the controls
of a s k i m m e r . This m a c h i n e
literally bristles w i t h e q u i p m e n t
and a r m a m e n t s , a laser, eight
heat seeking missiles, anti
missile missiles, flares, scan-
ners, c o m p a s s , shields, night
stands and a computer
(guaranteed debugged!).
The first plays are used simp-
ly g e t t i n g t o k n o w h o w t o use alt
this e q u i p m e n t and t h e n y o u Swords And w h a t ' s it like? is a m e n u of o p t i o n s w h i c h are
have the joy of using a d v e n t u r e Sorcery Quite simply it is the best ver-
sion of D u n g e o n s and Dragons
selected by scrolling t h e m until
the o n e y o u w a n t is at the far left
style c o m m a n d s to com-
m u n i c a t e w i t h your c a m c o r d e r , PSS ever p r o d u c e d on a c o m p u t e r . and then pressing key 9 . Initial
recognising the various £9.95 Using only six keys, three for characters c a n either be the
buildings, a r t i f a c t s and e n e m y m o v e m e n t and three t o access built-in default o n e (Flubbit the
c r a f t , and using the m a p (very This is not really an arcade g a m e menus, a w i d e range of actions Dull), y o u can load a previously
impressive) and teleport s y s t e m and, unlike T a u Ceti w h i c h is ar c a n be e x e c u t e d . T w o large w i n - s a v e d character f r o m tape or in
t o get around. cade w i t h an adventure plot, this d o w s are used, the m a n one at itialise a n e w c h a r a c t e r and
The arcade sequences alone is strategy w i t h graphics. the t o p c e n t r e of the screen is a ' t r a i n ' him/her.
w o u l d have m a d e a g o o d g a m e , I have a friend w h o b o u g h t a plan v i e w of the maze s h o w i n g A little practice is required,
but t h e additional s t r a t e g y and S p e c t r u m a year ago because he your position and any m o n s t e r s but o n c e m a s t e r e d , using t h e
t h o u g h t required puts this g a m e hoped to play D u n g e o n s and in the v i c i n i t y . Your character k e y s gives fast access to the op-
in the same league as Elite. D r a g o n s o n it, a l t h o u g h several w a l k s around this maze and tions w h i c h is just as well as the
I k n o w these g a m e s d o n ' t ap- brave a t t e m p t s have been w h e n y o u are engaged in battle, g a m e needs fast decisions. 1
peal t o e v e r y o n e , but for those m a d e , n o t h i n g actually satisfied it b e c o m e s your s t a t u s screen really enjoyed it and had s o m e
w h o like a real challenge in the h i m and eventually he sold it. displaying b o t h the m o n s t e r ' s f a s c i n a t i n g and h u m o r o u s con-
best of c o m p u t e r g a m i n g this is T h i s p r o g r a m will m a k e h i m sick and y o u r o w n status details. v e r s a t i o n s w i t h s o m e rather
a must. that he d i d n ' t w a i t ! O n the right of the T V screen strange beings. All is f o r g i v e n
This is surely a first for Z X C , PSS have been promising this is a 3 D perspective v i e w of w h a t PSS, s w o r d s and sorcery is well
another rare six star program. p r o g r a m for over a year n o w , y o u are f a c i n g , this also alters as w o r t h the wait.
surely the longest w a i t for a pro- y o u m o v e . A t the b o t t o m of the
GRAPHICS * * * * * g r a m so far, and w e have been screen a w i n d o w displays ac- GRAPHICS * * * * *
ADDICTIVENESS * * * * * g e n t l y reminding t h e m at every t i o n s and c o n v e r s a t i o n s w h i c h ADDICTIVENESS * * * * *
OVERALL * * * * * * o p p o r t u n i t y . So, n o w its here, y o u are engaged in. Finally there OVERALL * * * * *

40 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 ZX

Beach Head 11
us. cold
£7.95
A shoot ' e m u p w a r g a m e f r o m
US Gold w h i c h I e n j o y e d m o r e
1han the original. There are plen
ty of options o n e or t w o
players, three d i f f i c u l t y levels,
choice of b e i n g a t t a c k e r or
d e f e n d e r a n d k e y b o a r d or
joystick options.
The game c o n s i s t s of four
phases; a t t a c k , rescue, escape
and battle. Beach Head II bears
some vague resemblance t o the
arcade g a m e Commando,
although t h e g r a p h i c s are
nowhere near as g o o d .
The graphics are excellent,
though small, and they are w e l l
animated. Scores t e n d to be of
the massive variety and these
are kept o n a high score table.
Sound is t o the S p e c t r u m ' s
usual standard. The m a c h i n e
plays a mean g a m e in the one
player mode and should provide
a challenge for the m o s t ardent
arcadian. I particularly liked the
two player m o d e w h e r e y o u c a n
get rid of your aggression by
slaughtering a friend.
There are s o m e w h o believe
that this kind of w a n t o n destruc-
tion is morally u n h e a l t h y — I
suggest they avoid this pro
gram. Personally I f o u n d this t o
be a g o o d e x a m p l e of t h e
mindless zap e v e r y t h i n g that
moves game, and I must also ad-
mit to enjoying a f e w plays
when the strain of c o p i n g w i t h
the state of the art m i n d b e n d e r s
becomes too m u c h .
GRAPHICS * *
ADDICTIVENESS * * *
OVERALL * *
41 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
I r e m e m b e r o w n i n g one of these
devices, y o u spun the w h e e l in
side the f r a m e and as long as it
w h i r l e d fast e n o u g h or d i d n ' t hit
a n y t h i n g , it w o u l d b a l a n c e
u p r i g h t o n virtually a n y t h i n g , a
piece of string, a pencil point, or
f o l l o w a ramp of books.
W h y I m e n t i o n t h i s is
because M e l b o u r n e House has
created a p r o g r a m in w h i c h the
m o v e m e n t of their g y r o s c o p e is
incredibly a c c u r a t e w h e n c o m -
pared t o the real thing!
W i t h some similarities to
Marble Madness, n o w a hit in
the arcades, y o u have t o steer
this a w k w a r d o b j e c t d o w n five
maze-like ramps, e a c h exten-
ding over four s c r e e n s . t h e s e are
beautifully c r e a t e d in solid 3 D
perspective a n d have w a l l s and
pits t o crash into. A s if that is not
hard e n o u g h , there are steep
slopes, slippery glass patches,
directional m a g n e t s , aliens and
n a r r o w ledges to c o n t e n d w i t h .
Oh, and y o u are racing against
the clock, but at least y o u get
seven lives w i t h extra ones for
e v e r y 1 0 0 0 points.
I played this g a m e for far
longer t h a n I c o u l d really spare
for the r e v i e w and f o u n d gentle
n u d g i n g ot the joystick lor keys)
g a m e me the m o s t control.
A n o t h e r tip — d o n ' t let the
g y r o s c o p e build u p too m u c h
s p e e d . I c o m p l e t e d the first
screen after a f e w plays b u t only
c o m p l e t e d the s e c o n d screen
once, and after m a n y a t t e m p t s a
tearing of the hair program.
A m e n t i o n here of the sound.
I a m sure t h e y m u s t have used
their W H A M p r o g r a m because it
is w i t h o u t doubt one of the m o s t
impressive bits of m u s i c I have
heard so far.
Brilliant One of the s t a t e of
the art p r o g r a m s a w a r d e d our
rare six star a w a r d ,
* GRAPHICS * * * * *
* ADDICTIVENESS * * * * *
* OVERALL * * * * * *
I, Of The Mask
Electric Dreams
£9.99
From Ex Quicksilva p r o g r a m m e r
Sandy W h i t e , he of Ant Attack
and Zombie Zombie, comes a
graphically s t u n n i n g , f r e n e t i c
3D perspective maze game.
Your e n e m y is t i m e and the only
w a y to get a n y w h e r e at all is by
quick thinking.
The i n s t r u c t i o n s are vague,
but your task is t o search the
maze and collect the parts of the
r o b o t , in t h e c o r r e c t o r d e r ,
b e f o r e y o u r e n e r g y is e x -
h a u s t e d . It is impossible t o simp
ly run a r o u n d the maze and y o u
have to make frequent and
strategic use of the c r y s t a l s
f o u n d at each j u n c t i o n . Firing at
one will transport y o u t o another
j u n c t i o n , another will transport
y o u to a d i f f e r e n t passage of the
maze and the third will reveal a
piece of the robot w h i c h has t o
be hit three times o n d i f f e r e n t
faces t o be collected.
The robot pieces are not iden
tified and y o u have t o learn by
e x p e r i e n c e w h i c h is w h i c h .
S h o o t i n g a piece out of order
loses o n e of y o u r three lives.
Your energy runs o u t at an
a l a r m i n g rate and o n l y by
s h o o t i n g a robot piece c a n it be
replenished. I o f t e n had to
sacrifice a life in order to keep u p
the e n e r g y . R u n n i n g o u t of
energy ends the game.
I tried m a p p i n g the maze (a
full m a p is available on screen)
but the t r a n s p o r t i n g s y s t e m is
not s h o w n .
One for those w h o enjoy fast
thinking, f r u s t r a t i n g g a m e s .
GRAPHICS * * * * *
ADDICTIVENESS * * *
OVERALL * * * *
Potty Professor
Software Farm
£6.95
S o f t w a r e Farm, a l e a d e r i n Z X 8 1
games, t u r n their hand t o the
S p e c t r u m market and, as c o u l d
be e x p e c t e d f r o m a c o m p a n y
w h o established and pioneered
Hi-resolution graphics on a
m a c h i n e never d e s i g n e d for
t h e m , it is d i f f e r e n t .
The p r o g r a m m e r m u s t be a
f a n of H e a t h R o b i n s o n . For
those w h o d o n ' t k n o w , Robin-
s o n w a s t h e inventor of the trivia
m a c h i n e , a w h o l e r o o m of c o m
plicated machinery linked
together t o p e r f o r m some sim-
ple act s u c h as lighting a m a t c h ,
and this is the aim of the game.
You are presented w i t h a task
(the first is t o flush the toilet),
and a graphic representation of a
set of objects. These may be
s e l e c t e d a n d p o s i t i o n e d in
various places to create a
m a c h i n e to p e r f o r m the desired
task.
Not all of the o b j e c t s may be
required, and s o m e m a y be
needed more t h a n once. The ac-
tual task can only be successful-
ly p e r f o r m e d when you
duplicate the m a c h i n e that the
programmer intended you to
use. M y m o a n is that I created
several devices w h i c h I ' m sure
w o u l d have w o r k e d , only t o see
t h e m c o l l a p s e w h e n s e t in
operation. A n o t h e r quibble is
the accuract that is needed in
p o s t i o n i n g the o b j e c t s , there ap
pears t o be very little r o o m for
error.
This is an unusual p r o g r a m
w h i c h will appeal to the lateral
thinkers a m o n g y o u and to t h o s e
of y o u w h o e n j o y t i n k e r i n g
a r o u n d w i t h mechanical things.
Y o u ' l l need a lot of patience
though.
GRAPHICS * * *
ADDICTIVENESS * * *
* * * * •
OVERALL
ZX

3S&
BCs Quest For
Tires
Software Projects
£7.95
Direct f r o m c o m i c strip to screen
c o m e s Thor of BC. Frantically
pedalling his u n i c y c l e he faces a
f o r m i d a b l e task, first he m u s t
j u n p rocks and holes, then duck
and j u m p until he reaches the
river.
T o cross the nver he has t o
leap on the b a c k s of turtles and
t h e n hitch a lift on the Dooky
Bird. Once he has a c h i e v e d this
he is beset by falling volcanic
debris as w e l l as obstacles on
t h e g r o u n d until he reaches the
cave w h e r e Fat Broad and stalac
tites w a i t to hinder his final ob-
j e c t i v e of rescuing C u t e Chick.
A c t i o n s are f a i r l y s i m p l e :
speed up, s l o w d o w n , m o v e for-
w a r d or back, j u m p and d u c k .
K e y b o a r d use is w e l l t h o u g h t
out, W Q M K plus ENTER and the
usual j o y s t i c k o p t i o n s are includ
ed. Using a j o y s t i c k does m a k e
life easier w i t h this g a m e .
G r a p h i c a l l y t h i s is w e l l
d e s i g n e d , the c h a r a c t e r s are
carefully drawn, excellently
a n i m a t e d and the b a c k g r o u n d s
are a t t r a c t i v e . Inevitably there is
a little colour clashing due t o the
limitations of the a t t r i b u t e file
and the range of colours used,
t h o u g h personally I did not find
this o f f p u t t i n g .
For w h a t a m o u n t s to a fairly
unsophisticated game I found
that I had spent an unusually
long ttme ' t e s t i n g ' it and 1 have
gone back t o it a f e w times
since. Every time I misjudge an
a c t i o n I kick myself and try again
because I K N O W I c a n d o better
is this the definition of addic-
tion?
GRAPHICS * * * *
ADDICT1VENESS * * * * *
OVERALL * * * * *
42
One Man and his
Droid
Mastertronic
£1.99
This is yet another p r o g r a m f r o m
M a s t e r t r o n i c w h i c h p r o v e s that
cheap does n o t a l w a y s equal
nasty.
There have been one or t w o
s h e e p d o g t y p e p r o g r a m s before
b u t in general t h e y w e r e p r e t t y
dire. This g a m e has got it right
and provides all the irritation ad
f r u s t r a t i o n of dealing w i t h the
mindless w o o l m a c h i n e s that I
remember f r o m m y days on the
f a r m . A c t u a l y , the g a m e does
not have a rural s e t t i n g b u t , as
the title implies, is set in the
f u t u r e on t h e planet An-
dromadous.
T h e task is v e r y m u c h in the
sheepdog vein as your droid has
t o r o u n d up the six Ramboids in
t w e n t y c a v e r n s w i t h i n a time
limit and take t h e m in c o r r e c t
order to be t r a n s p o r t e d back to
Earth.
Each c a v e r n consists of a
maze of tunnels w h i c h your
droid c a n fly around, dig himself
d o w n t o allow Ramboids t o pass
o v e r h i m or t u n n e l t h r o u g h
walls. Each o p e r a t i n g m o d e is
selected by pressing the fire but-
t o n and, by holding the fire but
t o n d o w n , y o u will be s h o w n the
location of each remaining Ram
boid.
Before y o u c a n actually begin
to r o u n d u p the flock y o u have to
get f r o m the b o t t o m of the
screen to the t o p past hundreds
of ' w i l d ' R a m b o i d s who
o b s t r u c t your path, this seem-
ingly simple task c a n be annoy-
ingly f r u s t r a t i n g . A nice t o u c h is
that at the start of e a c h g a m e
y o u c a n enter a p a s s w o r d w h i c h
will allow y o u t o begin o n the
screen y o u last achieved access
to.
A n a c t i o n p a c k e d mind bog-
gier at a great price.
GRAPHICS * * * *
ADDICTIVENESS * * * * *
OVERALL * * * *
world Series
Basketball
imagine
£7.95
T h i s c o m p a n y s e e m s t o be
specialising in s p o r t s simula-
tions at the m o m e n t , and seems
t o prove that specialisation is no
bad thing. I used t o enjoy playing
the old arcade g a m e of Basket-
ball w i t h the roller ball and t w o
players, but this g a m e relegates
it to the realms of a n t i q u i t y
Y o u can either play against
another o p p o n e n t or against the
c o m p u t e r and c o n t r o l a t e a m of
four players. The a c t i o n is fast
and y o u need plenty of practice
t o w i n , especially against the
c o m p u t e r , even at the l o w e s t of
the six skill levels. Luckily a prac-
tice m o d e is provided.
To do well in this g a m e it is
n o t e n o u g h t o just run w i t h the
ball and shoot for t h e basket,
y o u need t o develop the techni
q u e of passing t o your other
players. C o n t r o l of the players is
cleverly done in that the m e m b e r
of your t e a m nearest or actually
w i t h the ball is highlighted and
under your c o n t r o l . Pressing fire
causes h i m to j u m p , holding fire
causes each player in the t e a m
to j u m p in turn, so w h e n the
player y o u w a n t t o c o n t r o l
j u m p s , y o u release the fire but-
t o n and c o n t r o l has passed to
him.
W h i l e t h e p l a y e r ( s ) under
control move the c o m p u t e r
takes charge of the remainder of
the t e a m and tries to m o v e t h e m
m an appropriate manner, usual
ly this is v e r y e f f e c t i v e a l t h o u g h I
have seen players i m m i t a t i n g
headless c h i c k c n s o n occasion.
A challenging, fast, and fairly
realistic g a m e .
GRAPHICS * * * * *
ADDICTIVENESS * * * *
OVERALL * * * * *
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 ZX
Crumpy Cumphrey
Supersleuth
Gremlin Graphics
£7.95
The copy w e received w a s a pre-
production copy and had no in-
structions whatsoever, so if I get
something slightly w r o n g I claim
ignorance!
Y o u appear to be a store detec-
tive w h o is striving to keep his job.
Messages appear at the b o t t o m of
the screen and I assume you have
to deal w i t h them. These tend to
vary from the mundane (the boss
w a n t s a cup of coffee), to the
bizarre (ducks on the ground
floor!)
Wandering around, you begin,
to remember the layout of the
store and where various objects
can be found. The series or se-
quence of actions to achieve your
objectives is one w h i c h you must
discover for yourselves. I must ad-
mit I have not been able to get
very far at all (and I've tried, h o w
I've tried!).
The animation is superb and of
the large animated cartoon varie-
t y , t h e other c h a r a c t e r s are
carefully created and all the ac-
tiontakes place in a well designed,
frustratingly complex building. K
this kind of visual arcade puzzle is
your cup of team then this game is
for you. but personally I find it ir-
ritating.
I think there is probably more
to this p r o g r a m t h a n I have
discovered and so I will simply say
that if you liked Everyone's a Wal-
ly you'll probably enjoy this one, if
you are easily frustrated then try it
out at your local shop first.
GRAPHICS * * * *
ADDICTIVENESS * *
* * *
OVERALL

Discovering
Discovery
Hints and tips for the Opus disc drive,
from John wase.
The Discovery unit with a second
5 25" disc unit attached, together
with my faithful Spectrum and
FX 80 Note the extender ribbon
cable as recommended by Ray
Elder
The Discovery disc s y s t e m has
had several reviews in the m o n t h s
since its release, ranging f r o m
thorough articles t o the glib and
superficial. It is hard t o blame
the reviewers tor they o f t e n only
have the i t e m for a f e w frantic
days. H o w e v e r , I ' v e had mine
for several m o n t h s , so perhaps I
can add a f e w hints for potential
disc-buyers.
Paging the ROM
For those w h o haven't read the
reviews, I'll give a quick ex
planation of the D i s c o v e r y ' s
working. D i s c o v e r y R O M in
tercepts S p e c t r u m error-
messages; if the s t a t e m e n t con-
tains a disc c o m m a n d , t h e n the
Spectrum ROM is paged out and
temporarily replaced by
Discovery's ROM. Sinclair
himself e m p l o y e d a s i m i l a r
method w i t h his R O M controlled
mfcrodrtves: in the present case
it controls discs. W h i l s t this
presents one or t w o small pro-
blems, it also has c o m p e l l i n g ad-
vantages.
Because Discovery apes In
terface I, it is not c o m p a t i b l e
with microdrives, ( a l t h o u g h net-
working is possible v i a . t h e on-
board parallel i n t e r f a c e ) .
H o w e v e r , it w i l l a c c e p t all
BASIC microdrive c o m m a n d s ;
moreover, these are e x t e n d e d ,
for i n s t a n c e * m ' c h a n n e l is
default. This makes syntax im-
mediately familiar. Additionally,
IX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986
HARDWARE
there is the overriding advan-
tage of direct access t o s t r e a m s
a n d channels.
Reliability and
expansion
M y experiences w i t h the 3 . 5 "
single sided drive Discovery unit
have been g o o d . Sceptics might
be interested t o k n o w that I have
as yet had n o errors w i t h 3 . 5 "
discs - they're incredibly
reliable. Their f o r m a t t e d capaci-
ty of 1 7 8 K (about t w i c e that of
a rnicrodrive) is, h o w e v e r , still
quite l o w , so I added the R A M
c h i p and a s e c o n d drive, but
mine is a double sided, double
d e n s i t y , self p o w e r e d 5 . 2 5 "
unit of f o r m a t t e d c a p a c i t y
7 1 8 K . I've invalidated my
guarantee, b u t e n o r m o u s l y in-
creased c a p a c i t y : ( 5 . 2 5 " is still
very m u c h a standard a pity
O p u s d o n ' t m a r k e t a 5 . 2 5 " unit
since their s y s t e m o b v i o u s l y
runs it).
A l t h o u g h t h e s o f t w a r e is
already built in t o d e t e c t disc size
and d e n s i t y , m y m o d i f i c a t i o n
has t w o disadvantages. Firstly,
the t w o units m u s t be con-
nected to a c o m m o n mains
source: if the s w i t c h o n the back
of Discovery is used, the t w o
discs get out of phase and the
s y s t e m crashes. S e c o n d l y , in
the original Discovery 2 s y s t e m ,
MOVE " d " ; 1 TO " d " ; 2 copies
the c o m p l e t e disc f r o m one
3 . 5 " drive t o another; h o w e v e r ,
w h e n I t r y this the s y s t e m
d e t e c t s t w o d i f f e r e n t disc sizes
giving the error report " n w r o n g
d i s c " (this is not in the hand-
b o o k , but i t ' s there).
Obscure errors
This brings m e to the s y s t e m
itself a most workmanlike
piece of code. So far, I ' v e f o u n d
n o b u g s and enquiries h a v e
revealed only one (extremely
obscure). The error-trapping is a
case in point I ' v e already
m e n t i o n e d one u n d o c u m e n t e d
error report. If you disassemble
the R O M , y o u ' l l find another
try opening a s t r e a m to a s t r e a m
(the m i n d boggles, but i t ' s possi-
ble!), t h e n try printing it (e.g.
OPEN # 5 ; # 5 : PRINT # 5 -
t h o s e w i t h o u t Discovery can get
the error message by sending
m e an s.a.e.!). The R O M is
t h e r e f o r e in m a n y w a y s dif
ferent f r o m Sinclair's Interface I
R O M , and the h o o k - c o d e s are
different. I am fortunate enough
to have acquired a c o m p l e t e
table giving more t h a n s u f f i c i e n t
information for the average
machine-coder, please w r i t e to
m e for a c o p y .
Tape to disc
BASIC s o f t w a r e is very easy to
m o d i f y ; T a s w o r d ll's microdrive
version goes straight on.
E v e s h a m M i c r o C e n t r e ' s Inter
face III transfers e v e n machine-
c o d e : transfer t o tape and use a
h e a d e r reader ( w h i c h t h e y ' l l
supply) up above R A M T O P to
give start and l e n g t h of the three
CODE sections, then alter the
BASIC loader accordingly.
peripheral power
Discovery is very reliable. The
o n board p o w e r supply has at-
tracted unfavourable comment,
b u t in f a c t has a m p l e spare
c a p a c i t y for any n u m b e r of add
ons. It is not the quickest disc,
(but w e ' r e talking seconds, not
m i n u t e s ) , for instance the n e w
K e m p s t o n is quicker. H o w e v e r ,
its real p o w e r lies in its c o m b i n a
t i o n of direct access to s t r e a m s
and channels and its r a n d o m ac-
cess facilities; n o other s y s t e m
has quite this c o m b i n a t i o n .
Files are OPENed using the
" M " c h a n n e l j u s t as w i t h
microdrives, and are similarly
M O V E d t o s c r e e n or printer
t h r o u g h the o n board parallel in
t e r f a c e to c h e c k c o n t e n t s ; to get
T a s w o r d II t o print, all y o u d o is
insert OPEN # 3 ; " b " at the start
of line 1 5.
A s e x t e n s i o n s t o microdrive
s y n t a x , files are specified as IN
or O U T ; w i t h EXP y o u c a n ex-
pand a file, and w i t h POINT y o u
can read r a n d o m l y any item.
This is e x t r e m e l y p o w e r f u l in
sorting data; for instance a
d e d i c a t e d database is currently
being w r i t t e n w h i c h will store a
d e d i c a t e d database is currently
being w r i t t e n w h i c h will store
scientific references,
recoverable at random, o n the
basis of a u t h o r s , k e y w o r d s , or
of journal. So, ' w h a t did Fred
Bloggs publish on SUPERBASIC
i n Z X C o m p u t i n g ? ' is i m
mediately answerable. The
catalogue, itself a file, can be
p r i n t e d o u t , or even used as sort
data prior to ERASEing
a u t o m a t i c a l l y u n w a n t e d files.
I had t h o u g h t of u s i n g
Discovery w i t h s o m e of the Beta
Basic routines, (for instance it
w i l l c o n v e r t s t r i n g s t o all
c a p i t a l s , s i m p l y f y i n g subse-
q u e n t l y sorting). U n f o r t u n a t e l y ,
the p r o g r a m thinks there is an In
t e r f a c e ! ROM there, and s o m e
parts (the error messages for a
start), g e t s c r e w e d up. I a m
assured that a Discovery-
c o m p a t i b l e Beta Basic 3 . 0 will
be o n the market by the time this
is in print.
Finally, readers might like to
k n o w that there is a Discovery
user group, based in Holland,
(for the s y s t e m has sold well in
t e r n a t i o n a l l y ) : c o n t a c t D. C .
K r u i t h o f , Boeierkade 6 , 2 7 2 5
CH Zoetermeer, The
Netherlands. In short. Discovery
is just w h a t one might have ex-
p e c t e d of Company which
already has a reputation for pro
d u c i n g add-ons for other micros,
t h a v e f o u n d it v e r s a t i l e ,
w o r k m a n l i k e , absolutely reliable
and strongly r e c o m m e n d it.
Readers can contact John I/Vase
c/o Department of Chemical
Engineering, University of Birm-
ingham
43
 Micro Music
This month we look at WHAM, no, not
the group but Melbourne House's much
vaunted program for the Spectrum.
•
MT
1
'
Wham! The Music Box, is claim-
ed to be the 'complete sound
s y s t e m for your S p e c t r u m ' and
as such has a lot t o live up to.
The Spectrum has long been
noted for its particularly pathetic
sound facilities and, apart f r o m a
f e w e x c e p t i o n s — Romantic
Robot's Music T y p e w r i t e r f o r in-
stance, p r o g r a m s w h i c h are
based on this feature are d o o m
ed t o failure. So w h a t has M H
produced to entice us?
The answer is a novel and
adventurous w a y of producing
{to all intents and purposes)
T W O channel sound w i t h o u t
any add-on units. No, I c o u l d n ' t
believe it either and loaded in the
program w i t h a large dose of
scepticism.
The program is supplied w i t h
five demonstration songs built
in, all by W h a m (the group) and
very impressive they sound too
well, technically speaking
anyway.
V o l u m e is not very loud at the
best of times and sound quality
on the S p e c t r u m has a l w a y s
been rather dubious, but it is true
there is very definitely t w o chan-
nel sound and also, by very
Clever timing, a rhythmic per
cussion effect as well.
Even played on an unadorned
Spectrum it's w a y ahead of
anything else, but add a sound
boost, such as Cheetah's or the
Currah Microspeech or the SSL
units w h i c h output the sound
through the TV speaker — or
even the DK Tronics amp, and
you have a very respectable
music machine.
On Test
At first I w a s concerned w i t h the
t that the instructions only
••y y- Ly Ly ^ r
took up six sides of a cassette in-
lay. I like m y instructions t o be at
idiot level and explained step by
step. In fact they are a lesson in
brevity and precision. They do
use a step by step approach and
v e r y q u i c k l y and clearly in
troduce y o u to using the pro-
gram.
There is no a t t e m p t t o teach
any music at all, the user is
assumed t o have a background
knowledge or to be willing t o ex
periment. The problem w i t h ex-
p e r i m e n t i n g is t h a t y o u get
things w r o n g and need to be
continually changing them. The
editing facilities of some other
programs have been a serious
problem but w i t h W H A M you
can delete back by one note at a
time or o v e r w r i t e selectively.
This makes editing quick and
simple.
W h e n the program is first
loaded y o u are faced w i t h the
'main* options menu consisting
of:
1. Load a tune.
2. Save a tune.
3. Hear the tune.
4. ' W h a m p i l e ' the tune.
y y
V "J! V V v
5. Set tempo,
6. Edit mode.
7. Help page.
A l l t h e s e e x c e p t ( 4 ) , are
s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d and I'll go into
this one later.
From each of these options
y o u are taken t o a screen w i t h its
o w n set of controls and options.
These are, on the whole, well
prompted and easy to use, and a
constant display of status is pro-
vided. Music is entered by using
the keys CAPS SHIFT to SPACE
as a piano keyboard and each
press produces a semi-quaver
on the staves. You have a range
of four octaves w h i c h y o u select
by pressing keys 1 to 4.
Notes longer than a semi-
quaver are supposedly produc
ed by repeating as many semi-
quavers as are required to make
up the note. These are played as
separate notes t o play a quick,
staccatto semi-quaver trill. To
get around this you have to be
quite ingenious w i t h the use of
rests and tempo techniques.
Other keys w h i c h have func
tions are, (6) to return to the
main menu, (7) to erase the
whole tune. (9) rewind, (0) step
back one note, (Q) replay tune,
(W) set repeat marker, (E) bass
drum e f f e c t , (R) restart, (T) tog-
gle b e t w e e n channels 1 and 2,
(O) fast f o r w a r d , (P) play single
note.
Percussion
D r u m e f f e c t s are possible f r o m a
simple synthesizer type section.
Pressing E places a standard
bass d r u m effect in the music
and pressing 8 puts you into
'noise' creation.
Once in this option you have
L • •• -
9
the choice of selecting b e t w e e n
seven different w a v e f o r m s and
four durations, these are posi-
tioned in the music by the Y,U or
I keys.
You have to be very clever in-
deed t o use these options effec
tively as the Bass d r u m takes out
one note f r o m one channel and
the noise takes up a note from
both channels. A s you can im-
agine, this can be very effective
but y o u have to be extremely in-
genious t o use it t o its full.
whampile
This is one of the main reasons
w h y some people will purchase
this program. By using this op
tion you can compile a tune in
m e m o r y and save it to tape.
This saved version can be
reloaded and run independently
to W H A M and can be incor-
porated into your o w n programs
t o play either note by note as the
program operates, or as a one
o f f introduction piece.
This does for sound w h a t the
graphics utilities did for title
screens or HURG did for DIY
games. I am impressed, but I
must say that as a serious tool
for a musician or composer then
it is not really of any real use.
However, as a fun program it is
brilliant. I took it to a school and
let the pupils there try it and,
although none had any musical
knowledge, it fascinated and
e n t e r t a i n e d t h e m for hours.
Finally, as a means of getting im-
pressive sounds and music in
your o w n programs it is in-
valuable, ! may be mistaken, but
I ' m sure I heard WHAMPILED
music in GYROSCOPE,
Melbourne House's latest ar
cade game.

Machine Code Trace
Coventry's Carol Brooksbank wrote this
utility to find bugs in her programs and
she thought she'd share it with us.
I don't k n o w about y o u , but I
don't think that I have ever w r i t -
ten a machine code p r o g r a m
which ran p e r f e c t l y first t i m e .
You k n o w the feeling. Eagerly,
you type in your latest master-
piece, enter R A N D O M I Z E USR
something-or-other and
CRASH! There y o u sit, w i t h a
frozen k e y b o a r d and o n l y a
b l a n k s c r e e n or a p r e t t y
psychedelic p a t t e r n t o look at.
You have no idea w h e t h e r there
is a fault in the logic of your pro-
gram, whether you have m a d e a
typing mistake or m i s c o u n t e d a
displacement, and y o u d o n ' t
know where to start looking for
the trouble, because y o u d o n o t
know how far into the p r o g r a m
the crash occurred. Well, help is
at hand.
This machine c o d e p r o g r a m
will give you a hex trace at the
right of the screen, as your pro-
gram runs. It is only a partial
trace, as it does not s h o w the
address of every i n s t r u c t i o n s as
it is executed if it did, the
display w o u l d change so fast
that you w o u l d never be able t o
read it but every 1 / 5 0 s e c o n d
it gives you the address that the
program has reached. This is
enough to let y o u keep an eye on
the progress of your p r o g r a m ,
and to see w h e r e things start t o
go wrong. For instance, if the
crash is caused by the p r o g r a m
getting into an endless loop, y o u
will see the same sequence of
bytes repeated over and over
again after the crash happens. If
you left out a return instruction,
so that the program starts runn-
ing through the e m p t y b y t e s
above your program, that t o o
will be obvious. But remember
that the trouble is not a l w a y s at
the point where the crash hap-
pens. A w r o n g displacement in-
struction may be some w a y
away from the point to w h i c h it
directs the program. You will
still have to think for yourself t o
decide w h y the program runs as
it does.
Why is the display in hex?
Two reasons. The first is purely
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
SPECTRUM UTILITY
personal. I w r o t e the p r o g r a m
for myself in the first place, and I
a l w a y s w o r k in hex, so a d e c i m a l
d i s p l a y w o u l d n o t be v e r y
helpful. (One of these days I
shall f i n d m y s e l f a s k i n g the
greengrocer for " O A pounds of
potatoes, please".) The second
reason is rather more i m p o r t a n t .
There is a direct relationship bet-
w e e n t h e b i n a r y f o r m of a
number the bit p a t t e r n held in
the registers — and the hex
f o r m , w h i c h makes the conver
sion b e t w e e n the t w o very
s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d . C o n v e r t i n g an
address to decimal w o u l d in-
v o l v e m u l t i p l y i n g the high b y t e
by 2 5 6 , adding the l o w byte,
t h e n isolating t h e 5 digits one by
one for printing, all of w h i c h
w o u l d make the routine m u c h
m o r e c o m p l i c a t e d . Since t h e
trace routine is in the f o r m of an
i n t e r r u p t s u b r o u t i n e , it is
desirable that it should be as
short and simple as possible.
The routine m a k e s use of the
f a c t t h a t , w h e n e v e r the Spec-
t r u m p e r f o r m s a subroutine, the
r e t u r n address is pushed o n t o
the s t a c k . O n an i n t e r r u p t
subroutine, the return address is
the p r o g r a m c o u n t e r , the point
reached in the main program. If
w e c a n retrieve this address
f r o m the s t a c k and display it, w e
have a trace. O b v i o u s l y , there
are a lot of i n s t r u c t i o n s p e r f o r m
ed in b e t w e e n the interrupts
w h i c h are not displayed, but this
is usually e n o u g h to let y o u see
w h e r e a p r o g r a m takes a w r o n g
turning. So, if y o u r m a c h i n e
c o d e p r o g r a m crashes, toad in
this routine w i t h your o w n pro
gram I a m a s s u m i n g that y o u
a l w a y s take the precaution of
t a p i n g your p r o g r a m s b e f o r e
running t h e m , just in case —
enter R A N D O M I Z E USR 6 5 2 7 1
<48K>, 3 2 5 0 3 ( 1 6 K ) , run your
p r o g r a m again, and all should be
revealed.
Details
The p r o g r a m is explained by the
notes in the listing, but there are
one or t w o details w h i c h need
more explanation. The interrupt
subroutine starts by saving the
present value of HL in the t w o
s p a r e b y t e s in t h e s y s t e m
variables area at 5CBO. This is
necessary because the existing
values of registers m u s t a l w a y s
be saved at the start of an inter
rupt subroutine, and if w e p u s h
it o n t o the stack, it will cover u p
the address w e are trying to
retrieve. The address is then
POPped f r o m the stack in HL,
PUSHed back again so that it is
in its correct place w h e n the
return is m a d e f r o m the sub-
routine, and the other register
values can t h e n be saved on the
s t a c k . The other spare b y t e
a m o n g the s y s t e m variables,
5 C 8 1 , is used as an interrupt
counter If this has r e a c h e d 2 2 d ,
the printing position is set t o the
t o p of t h e s c r e e n a n d t h e
counter reset t o 0 . O t h e r w i s e ,
the routine j u m p s f o r w a r d t o
print the address.
The print subroutine s t a r t s
w i t h the i n s t r u c t i o n A N D OF,
w h i c h has the e f f e x t of resetting
bits 4 7 of the A register, leaving
bits 0 - 3 u n c h a n g e d , isolating
the number w e w i s h t o print.
PRINT m u s t be called, therefore,
w i t h the number t o be printed in
bits 0 - 3 of A . If the n u m b e r to be
printed is the " l e f t h a n d " digit of
the t w o in the A register, the in-
s t r u c t i o n RRA is p e r f o r m e d 4
times, to m o v e it to the " r i g h t -
h a n d " position, but the print
s u b r o u t i n e is c a l l e d d i r e c t l y
w h e n t h e " r i g h t h a n d " digit it t o
be printed. W h e n PRINT is call
ed, the DE register holds the first
b y t e of the screen position for
the digit, and at the end of the
P R I N T s u b r o u t i n e , DE i s
restored t o that position.
Since there are only 1 6 digits
w h i c h w e shall need t o print, 0 - 9
and A-F, a table is set up, star-
ting at FED7 ( 7 E D 7 1 6K>, w h i c h
holds the start addresses of the
bit p a t t e r n s of those digits in the
R O M character table. Doubling
the value of the number t o print
and adding it to the address of
our table, points t o the correct
place in the table t o retrieve the
R O M address for that character.
The digit can t h e n be printed.
A f t e r the 4 digits have been
printed, the p r o g r a m variable
SCRP at FF1 3 17F1 31 is p o i n t e d
to the next screen r o w d o w n ,
and the p r o g r a m exits via the
normal interrupt subroutine.
T h e listing is for the 4 8 K
m a c h i n e . 1 6K folk s h o u l d
c h a n g e the initial " F " in the ad-
dresses to " 7 " , each C A L L
PRINT i n s t r u c t i o n should read
C D B 9 7 E , a n d t h e b y t e s al
7E8D, w h i c h point t o HL t o the
start of the table should be
2 1 D 7 7E. A t S T A R T , the high
b y t e of the interrupt vector ad-
dress should be 2 8 , giving the
b y t e s 3 E 2 8 . The interrupt vec-
tor address is not required at
7EFF, so the four b y t e s b e t w e e n
7EFD and 7 F 0 1 m a y be chang-
ed to NOP if y o u w i s h , t h o u g h if
they are left as t h e y are the pro-
gram will simply ignore t h e m .
Saving
T o S A V E the routine o n tape:
SAVE " m / c t r a c e " CODE
6 5 1 1 6 , 1 8 4 (48K)
SAVE " m / c t r a c e " CODE
32348, 184I16K)
T o S T A R T the trace:
RANDOMIZE USR 65271
(48K)
RANDOMIZE USR 32503
(16K)
T o STOP the trace:
RANDOMIZE USR 65292
(48K)
RANDOMIZE USR 32524
(16K)
Finally, remember that the trace
will not w o r k if the interrupts are
disabled. Y o u m u s t change your
Dl and El i n s t r u c t i o n s to NOP
while using the trace, and
restore t h e m w h e n y o u have
c o r r e c t e d your problems. ^
45
 MACHINE CODE TRACE PROGRAM L I S T I N G

ADD. M/CODE LABEL ASSEMBLY NOTES

FE5C 2 2 B <"> 5 C INT S/R LD(5CB0),HL Save p r e s e n t v a l u e of HL

FE5F E1 POP HL Fetch program counter
FE60 E5 PUSH HL Save i t a g a i n
FE61 F5 PUSH AF Save
FE62 C5 PUSH BC all
FE63 D5 PUSH DE realsters
FEM 3AB15C LD A . ( 5 C 8 1 ) Fetch program counter
3C INC A u p d a t e ana
FE68 32815C LD(5C81),A s t o r e i t agai n
FE 6B FEU CP 16 Has c o u n t e r r e a c h e d 22d?
FE6D 200 B JRNZ CONT Jump f o r w a r d i f n o t
FE6F 11 1 C 4 o LD DE.401C Set v a r i a b l e t o
FE72 ED5313FF LD(SCRP),DE first screen p o s i t i o n
FE7fa AF XOR A Set c o u n t e r
FE77 3 2 81 5 C LD < 5 C 8 1 ) , A to 0
FE7A ED5B13FF CONT LD DE,(SCRP) Fetch c u r r e n t screen p o s i t i o n
FE7E 7C LD A, H F e t c h f i r s t two d i g i t s
FE7F IF RRA First digit
F E 60 IF RRA to b i t s
FEB 1 IF RRA 0 - 3
FE62 IF RRA of A r e q i s t e r
FE83 CDB9FE CALL PRINT Print f i r s t digit
FEB6 13 I N l DE Point to next screen p o s i t i o n
F E 87 7C LD A, H Fetch second d i g i t
FE88 CDB9FE CALL PRINT P r i n t second d i g i t
FE9B « *?
I> INC DE Next s c r e e n p o s i t i o n
FE8C 7D LD A ,L F e t c h l a s t two d i g i t s
FESD IF RRA Third d i q l t
FE8E IF RRA to b i t s
FE8F IF RRA 0 - 3
F E90 IF RRA of A r e g i s t e r
FE9i CDB9FE CALL PRINT Print tnird digit
FE<?4 13 INC DE Next s c r e e n p o s i t i o n
FE95 7D LD A , L Fetch 1ast d i g i t
FE96 CDB9FE CALL PRINT Print last diqlt
FE99 2A13FF LD HL,(SCRP) Fetch cur r e n t " s c r e e n p o s i t i o n
FE9C CB1C RR H P o i n t HL
FE9E CB1C RR H to next
FEAO CB IC RR H screen row
FEA2 012000 LD B C , 0 0 2 0 down
FEA5 ED4A ADD HL,BC
FEA7 CB 14 RL H
FEA9 CBii RL H
FE AB CB 1 4 RL H
FEAD 2213FF LD(SCRP),HL Save new s c r e e n p o s i t i o n
FEBO D1 POP DE Restore
FEB 1 CI POP BC all
FEB2 F1 POP AF regi sters
FEB3 2AB05C LD H L . ( 5 C B 0 ) R e s t o r e HL
FEB6 C33800 JP0038 E x i t v i a n o r ma 1 l n t e r r u p t s / r
FEB1' E60F PRINT AND OF I s o l a t e number t o p r i n t
FEBB 87 ADD A,A Doub1e i t
FEBC £5 PUSH HL Save p r o g r a m c o u n t e r
FEBD 21D7FE LD HL.FED7 S t a r t of t a b l e t o HL
FECO 0600 LD B , 0 0 Displacement to
FEC2 4F LD C, A BC
FEC3 09 ADD HL,BC Add t o s t a r t of t a b l e
FEC4 46 LD B , ( H L ) F e t c h ROM
FEC5 23 INC HL character table
FEC6 4E LD C , (HL) address for digit
FEC7 C5 PUSH BC and t r a n s f e r t o
FEC8 E 1 POP HL HL
FEC9 06f»8 LD B , 0 8 C o u n t e r o f b y t e s t o pr i n t
FECB 7E RPT LD A . ( H L ) Fetch byte to p r i n t
FECC 12 LD (DE) , A Print it
FECD 23 INC HL Point to next character byte
FECE 14 INC D Point to next screen byte
FECF 10FA DJNZ RPT Jump back u n l e s s 8 b y t e s p r i n t e c
FED 1 1t An LD A. D R e s t o r e DE
FED2 D60R SUB 08 to screen p o s i t i o n

46 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 ZX
 SPECTRUM UTILITY " . 53' V ' -'

FED4 57 LD D, A for d i g i t 1
FEDS El POP HL Fetch program counter
FEDfc C9 RET Exit subroutine
FED? 3D80 TABLE DEFB
FED9 3 DBS DEFB
FEDE; 3D90 DEFB
FEOD 3D98 DEFB
FEDF 3DA0 DEFB
FEE 1 3DA8 DEFB
FEE3 3D80 DEFB
FEES 3DB8 DEFB
FEE7 3DC0 DEFB
FE£9 3 DCS DEFB
FEEB 3E08 DEFB
FEED 3E10 DEFB
FEEF 3E18 DEFB
FEF1 3E20 DEFB
FEF3 3E28 DEFB
FEF5 3E30 DEFB
FEF7 211C40 START LD HL,401C Store f i r s t
FEF A 2213FF LD(SCRP),HL screen p o s i t i o n
FEFD 1802 JR PASS By- p a ss
FEFF 5CFE DEFB i n t e r r u p t vector address
FF01 AF PASS XOR A Set i n t e r r u p t counter
FF 02 32B15C LD C5C81 ,A to 0
FF05 3EFE LD A,FE H i g h b y t e of interrupt
FF07 ED47 LD I , A vector address to I r e g i s t e r
FF09 ED5E 1112 S e l e c t i n t e r r u p t mode 2
FF06 C9 RET Return
FFOC ED56 STOP I M1 S e l e c t normal i n t e r r u p t mode
FF 0E 3E3F LD A , 3 F Normal i n t e r r u p t v a l u e
FF 1 0 ED47 LD I , A to I r e g i s t e r
FF 1 2 C9 RET Return
FF 1 3 0000 SCRP DEFB Program variable

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XS F F
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15 F S
X 5 EE ©
X S EI X
J. 0 M F
xS F ©
X s EE ©
X S EZ X
X 0 FL F
XS F ©
OES C
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XOMF

SCREEN DUMP OF MACHINE CODE TRACE DISPLAY

ZX
47 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 OL
Damian Clay takes a look at more new
games for the QL.
Fantasia player takes o n the role of a spy
in a hostile c o u n t r y under the
Adventure absolute rule of the emperor.
S.B. Software Your mission is in t w o parts: t o
£8.50 recapture s o m e of the sacred
treasures looted from your
c o u n t r y and t o assassinate t h e
This p r o g r a m is a t e x t a d v e n t u r e e m p e r o r w h o is oppressing your
set in a series of scenes. The people.
48
There is not m u c h in the w a y
of graphics, and b o t h sound and
colour are v e r y limited, but t h e n
t h e y are n o t really needed in an
a d v e n t u r e p r o g r a m . The t e x t is
set out in three w i n d o w s , t w o
w h i c h tell y o u your l o c a t i o n and
objects and one for input.
It is very easy t o b a c k u p as
there is a b a c k u p p r o g r a m on the
cartridge w h i c h is run separately
f r o m the master cartridge. It is
easy t o use, all y o u have to do is
place the master in m d v i and
your blank cartridge in m d v 2
and run the b a c k u p p r o g r a m .
Playing is very simple but it is
very easy t o get lost unless y o u
keep a m a p of your m o v e m e n t s .
C o m m a n d s are also very simple
and c a n be easily r e m e m b e r e d
It is p r e s e n t e d v e r y w e l l
a l t h o u g h there are no o n s c r e e n
i n s t r u c t i o n s a n d the w r i t t e n
ones are t w o t y p e d sheets of
A 4 , but they explain the g a m e
and h o w to play it v e r y w e l l .
It is quite a g o o d g a m e overall
and is a very g o o d g a m e for
a d v e n t u r e lovers, a t m o s p h e r e is
w e l l created and s o m e of the
problems are q u i t e d i f f i c u l t .
GRAPHICS NA
ADDICTIVENESS * * * * p u t e r ' s and it has t o try t o better
OVERALL * * * your score. U n f o r t u n a t e l y the
Steve Davis
Snooker
CDS
£14.95
This g a m e is a c o m p u t e r Simula
t i o n of t h e g a m e of snooker
w h e r e y o u can play either the
c o m p u t e r , another o p p o n e n t , or
the c o m p u t e r can play itself.
The graphics are excellent
and they m a k e it look very m u c h
like a real table. Use of colour is
also very g o o d and c o m p l i m e n t
the graphics, h o w e v e r black is
represented by a green w i t h a
pink centre and the b r o w n by a
green w i t h a red centre. S o u n d is
fairly w e l l used and s o u n d s quite
good.
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY'MARCH 1 9 8 6
M a k i n g a b a c k u p is easy if
y o u k n o w a little about c o p y i n g
f r o m one m i c r o d r i v e t o another
or disk, because u n f o r t u n a t e l y
there is n o b a c k u p p r o g r a m on
the cartridge w h i c h c o u l d cause
problems.
There is no high score routine
as s u c h but there is a high break
table w h i c h is a fairly g o o d idea.
Playing is q u i t e simple w i t h very
g o o d onscreen p r o m p t s and
easy t o u n d e r s t a n d instructions.
The only really hard parts are
selecting your spin and your
p o w e r , but w h e n y o u get used
t o it it b e c o m e s more easy to
judge.
Overall it is an excellent g a m e
and is w o r t h every p e n n y , w e l l
w r i t t e n and is well w o r t h adding
t o your collection.
GRAPHICS * * * * *
ADDICTIVENESS * * * *
OVERALL * * * * *
OL Blackjack
Ouest
This g a m e is a c o m p u t e r card
g a m e s i m u l a t i o n of the English
c a s i n o v e r s i o n of B l a c k j a c k
(pontoon), w h e r e the object of
the g a m e is t o get a blackjack or
as near to 2 1 as possible.
Y o u stari the g a m e by sign-
ing a c h e q u e for £ 1 0 0 w h i c h is
your m o n e y to use t o bet o n your
cards. A f t e r y o u have signed
y o u r c h e q u e y o u start to play.
First y o u place your bet, t h e n
it displays b o t h of your cards
f a c e u p a n d the c o m p u t e r ' s
cards o n e face up and one face
d o w n . It is your turn first, and
y o u can HIT ( t w i s t ) , DOUBLE or
STICK. If y o u have t w o cards of
equal value the c o m p u t e r asks if
y o u w o u l d like t o split. A f t e r y o u
have had your t u r n it is t h e com-
g a m e does not accept five card
t r i c k s or allow y o u to ' b u r n ' o n
fourteen.
The graphics are very g o o d
and the cards look nearly real.
Use of colour is also good, a n d
sound, t h o u g h limited, is fairly
realistic.
T h e g a m e is v e r y w e l l
presented a l t h o u g h the instruc-
tions are a t y p e d sheet of blue
A 4 paper, but these give y o u in-
s t r u c t i o n s on h o w t o use the
g a m e and a very brief introduc-
tion t o the actual g a m e of black
jack.
Overall it is a v e r y g o o d g a m e
and is well w o r t h adding t o your
collection.
GRAPHICS * * * * *
ADDICTIVENESS * * * *
OVERALL * * * * *

Microdrive File
Utility Suite
w.F. Barnard of Oxon helps to get us
organised with three useful programs
for use with files.
We'd like to k n o w a bit a b o u t
you for our f i l e s " said S i m o n and
Garfunkle to M r s Robinson. She
needn't have w o r r i e d if they
were kept on a m i c r o d n v e as
they are bound to get lost or c o n
fused.
But, n o w w e have this suite
of programs to enable micro-
drive o w n e r s t o get s o m e order
and organisation in their s y s t e m ,
three in all and they p e r f o r m the
following tasks:
1) FILE ANALYSER
This program p r o m p t s for the
name of a file and w h i c h micro-
drive it is on. It t h e n reads
through the file displaying infor
mation about each line and t h e n
the line itself. The i n f o r m a t i o n is
of the f o r m :
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
I
MICRODRIVE UTILITY
Line number, Line length. Max-
imum line length so far, and the
Total number of bytes in the file
so far.
The listing c a n be halted for
v i e w i n g by pressing any key. Itis
a s s u m e d that the last line of the
file is f o u r stars i.e. ' • * • • '
2) FILE COPIER
W i t h only o n e m i c r o d r i v e it is not
easy to make copies of data files
o n t o other cartridges. This pro-
g r a m will make a c o p y of a
m i c r o d r i v e file to another car-
tidge using only one microdrive.
The size of the file is limited by
the a m o u n t of m e m o r y available
in the c o m p u t e r .
The p r o g r a m p r o m p t s for the
filename, the n u m b e r of lines in
t h e file and the l e n g t h of the
longest line in the file. If any of
this i n f o r m a t i o n is not k n o w n
t h e n the file should be first read
by m y File Analyser. If t h e last
line of the file is not ' * • * • '
then this is added for f u t u r e use.
A facility is also included t o
make a c o p y of this file to
c a s s e t t e . This is s o m e t i m e s
k n o w n as archiving.
FILE SORTER
This p r o g r a m a l l o w s microdrive
files of u p t o 9 0 K t o be s o r t e d
into alphabetical order. The size
of the file that can be s o r t e d
d e p e n d s on h o w m a n y micro-
drives y o u have. A s s u m i n g that
a full 9 0 K is available o n your
cartridges then with one
microdrive a file of 3 0 K c a n be
sorted, w i t h t w o microdrives a
file of 4 5 K . and w i t h t h r e e
m i c r o d r i v e s a file of 9 0 K .
The p r o g r a m uses t w o t e m
porary files d u r i n g m y sort and
merge a l g o r i t h m . The last line of
t h e f i l e a g a i n s h o u l d be
' * • * • ' . The program will
take some m i n u t e s to sort a
large file so it tells y o u roughly
w h a t it is d o i n g w h i l s t ex-
ecuting.
The p r o g r a m reads so m a n y
lines f r o m the m a i n file into an
array and t h e n sorts these into
order. It t h e n merges this array
w i t h one of the t e m p o r a r y files
into the other t e m p o r a r y file.
This c o n t i n u e s until the end of
the main file. The number of
lines that are read f r o m the m a i n
file and sorted is selected by the
user. This value together w i t h
the l e n g t h of the longest line
should be as large as the c o m
puter's memory allows.
49
 Program 1. File Analyser.
2 REM * M i c r o d r i v e F i l e Analy 333 LET t o t a l = t o t a l + l e n + 1 : REM
ser * 1-<CR>
6 340 IF 1en >max1 e n THEN LET max
10 GO SUB 100: REM i n i t 1en=1 en
20 GO SUB analyse 343 POKE 23692,0
30 STOP 530 PRINT INVERSE 1 ) l i n e ; '
99 L e n - * I len) " M a x - * Jmax 1e n J " Tot~
100 REM * * * * * * * * " | t o t a l
101 REM * I n i t * 360 PRINT a*
102 REM * * * * * * * * 363 IF INKEY«<>"" THEN GO TO 5
103 63! REM wait if key pressed
110 CLS tt: CLEAR tt 370 IF a « < > " * * * * • THEN GO TO 3
120 INPUT "What is the f i l e n a m e 10
2 "f LINE f * 373
130 IF LEN f * = 0 OR LEN f * > 1 0 TH 380 CLOSE #4
EN GO TO 120 390 RETURN
140 INPUT "Which m i c r o d r i v e num 393
ber is i t on? "find 600 ERASE B n a f l l - F i l e an'
130 IF mdCl OR md >8 THEN GO TO 610 SAVE * " m " J l } " F i l e an" LINE
140 10
160 LET l i n e = 0
163 LET t o t a1~0
170 LET naxlen=0 Program 2 Datafile
180 LET analyse=300
11 REM * Copy M i c r o d r i v e Data
190 OPEN # 4 f "in" | m d | f *
F i l e *
200 RETURN
12 REM * Using Only 1 D r i v e .
499 *

14 REM If 2 d r i v e s are a v a i l a b
n n n n n n n n i i n n n i K m
le then use the MOVE command.
301 REM * Analyse f i l e . T h i s ro
16 REM * MOVE , n i , U ; ' O r i g i n a l "
u t i n e H i l l end in EOF e r r o r *
TO " m " I 2 | " C o p y " *
302 REM * u n l e s s the l a s t l i n e
19
of the f i l e is * * * * *
20 CLS CLEAR tt
303 REM H i m n n n n n n n M i H
30 INPUT "What is the f i l e n a m e
n m n n i n i » m i n m » > n e
? •( LINE f «
304
30 INPUT "How many l i n e s in th
310 INPUT #4| LINE a*
e f i l e ? "? 1 i n
320 LET 1i ne=1ine+i
60 INPUT "What is the l e n g t h o
330 LET 1en-LEN a*

50 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 ZX
 MICRODRIVE UTILITY!

* the longest l i n e ? ' ! l e n 70 GO SUB c l o a e f l i e s

65 75 IF MOT end THEN GO TO 50
69 REM may -fail here if f i l e t 80
oo large t o hold in memory 85 GO SUB f i n i s h o f f
70 DIM a«(1 in, len+3) 90 GO TO 9999
73 99
80 OPEN H 4 J " m " } 1 J f <$ 100 REM * * * * * * * *
83 101 REM * I n i t *
90 FOR i =1 TO 1 i n 102 REM * * * * * * * *
100 INPUT #41 LINE b* 103
110 LET a*(i)«=b* 110 CLEAR tt: CLS tt
120 LET a $ ( i , I e n + 1 TO )=STR* 115 PRINT AT 0 , 3 | ' M i c r o d r i v e Fi
LEN b* le S o r t e r "
130 NEXT i 120 PRINT AT 1,81"W.F.Barnard B
135 . Sc . "
140 CLOSE tt4 125 PRINT AT 2 , l l J " A p r i l 1984"
143 126
150 INPUT "Place your new c a r t r 128 REM 1 i m i t = max no. l i n e s rea
idge in y o u r m i c r o d r i v e and press d from i / p f i l e & s o r t e d
ENTER"» LINE c * 129 REM 1en=max l i n e l e n g t h
133 130 REM a*< 1 i m i t , l e n +3 ) = M i m i t *
160 OPEN #4» "m" M M * l i n e s of M e n * chars (+3 to hoi
163 d o r i g i n a l l e n g t h )
170 FOR i = l TO 1 in 131
180 PRINT H 4 ; a ® ( i , TO VAL a$ 135 DIM f * ( 3 , 1 1 ) : REM 3 m i c r o d r
( i, len +1 TO ) ) ive no.s + f i l e n a m e s
190 NEXT i 140 LET b * = " " : REM input l i n e
193 145 LET TRUE®1: REM Boolean va1
199 REM if l a s t l i n e in f i l e no ues
t * * * * then add i t . 150 LET FALSE=0
200 IF b»< > " * * * * " THEN PRINT M 155 LET swap=FALSE: REM used in
4 ; " * * * * " sor t rout 1ne
210 CLOSE #4 157 LET end=FALSE! REM end of i
213 npu t f i l e .
220 INPUT "Would yo l i k e to mak 160 LET u s e r i n p u t = 2 5 0
e a backup copy of your f i l e on 165 LET i n i t f i l e s = 4 0 0
c a s s e t t e CY/N)? " i b * 170 LET read 1ines=500
230 IF b * - " Y " OR b * = " y " THEM S 175 LET s h e l l s o r t - 6 0 0
AVE f * DATA a*() 180 LET o p e n f i l e s = 8 0 0
235 195 LET merge=900
240 STOP 200 LET c 1 o s e f i l e s = l 1 0 0
999 202 LET f i lename=1300
1000 ERASE "m" M S " C o p y f i l e " 205 LET -f i n i s h o f f«1200
1010 SAVE *"m"J I I " C o p y f i l e " LIN 206 LET o1d=5: LET new=6! REM s
E 10 tream no.s
Program 3. File Sorter. 210 RETURN
11 REM * M i c r o d r i v e F i l e S o r t e 249
r * 250 REM **-*-*-*-**-**-* * * * *
15 251 REM * User input *
20 GO SUB 100: REM i n i t
30 GO SUB user input 253
40 GO SUB ini t f i l e s 233 PRINT * " P l e a s e type in the
45 name of your f i l e t o be s o r t e d 1
50 GO SUB read l i n e s n the -form:-"
55 GO SUB she 11sor t 260 PRINT * " I f red"

60 GO SUB openf i1es 263 PRINT •-where 1 is the micr

65 GO SUB merge o d r i v e numberand * f r e d * is the f

ZX
51 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 IMICRODRIVE UTILITY!

i1ename.• 502 REM n i l i n U H K H K 3 H H H H H H H E

270 GO SUB f i l e n a m e n u n
271 PRINT ' " M a i n -file = • | b* 503
272 LET f * t l ) » b * 504 POKE 23692,0: REM auto scro
274 PRINT '"How many l i n e s to b 1 1
e read and s o r t e d at a time?" 505 PRINT *"Reading main f i l e "
273 INPUT 1 imi t 510 LET count=0
276 PRINT •"What is the l e n g t h 515
of the longest l i n e in you 520 INPUT «4| LINE b«
r f i l e ? ' 530 IF b*="*HHHfr" THEN LET end =
277 INPUT len: IF 1e n <1 THEN TRUE: RETURN
0 TO 276 540 LET c o u n t = c o u n t + l
278 DIM a t ( l i m i t , l e n + 3 ) 550 LET a * ( c o u n t ) = b »
279 560 LET a » ( c o u n t , l e n + 1 TO >=STR

280 PRINT ' " P l e a s e type in the • LEN b«

names o-f 2 -files, in the same 570 IF c o u n t < >1i mi t THEN GO TO

•format as above, t h a t can be 520

used -for o u t p u t . " 575

283 GO SUB -filename 580 RETURN

286 PRINT *"Temporary F i l e 1 =• 599

600 REM 4HHHHHHHHHHHHHHt-***»
290 LET f * ( 2 ) = b * 601 REM * S h e l l s o r t a*(> *
295 GO SUB f i l e n a m e
296 PRINT "Temporary F i l e 2 = ' 603

1 b« 605 PRINT ' " S o r t i n g "

300 LET f*(3)=»b« 610 IF count <2 THEN RETURN

303 615 LET sh 1 1

310 IF f * ( l ) = f * ( 2 > OR f * ( 2 ) = f » ( 620 IF s h K c o u n t THEN LET shl =

3) OR f * ( l ) = f « ( 3 > THEN PRINT »' sh1*2: GO TO 620

S o r r y , you c a n ' t have the same 625

-filenames f o r input and o u t p u t ! " 630 LET s h l - s h l / 2

: GO TO 250 635

350 LET o * = f * ( 3 ) : REM o l d f i l e 640 LET swap=FALSE

355 LET n * = f « ( 2 > : REM n e w f i l e 645

360 RETURN 650 FOR i = 1 TO c o u n t - s h l

399 660 IF a * ( i ) < = a * ( i + s h l ) THEN

400 REM M I X K M»M X * * I M M * GO TO 690

401 REM * I n i t f i l e s * 670 LET b * = a * ( i > : LET a * ( i > =

a * ( i +sh1)

403 680 LET a » ( i + s h l ) = b » : LET sw

410 PRINT ' " I n i t i a l i s i n g f i l e s " ap=TRUE

415 PRINT ' " O p e n i n g main f i l e " 690 NEXT i

420 OPEN #4|"m"iVAL f * ( l , l ) J f * < 695

1,2 TO ) : REM mai n f i l e 700 IF swap THEN GO TO 640

421 705

425 PRINT ' " C r e a t i n g n e w f i l e " 710 IF s h l O l THEN GO TO 630

430 OPEN ttnewl"m";VAL n * ( l ) i n * ( 715

2 TO y: REM c r e a t e n e w f i l e 720 RETURN

440 PRINT # n e w ; " * * * + " : REM w i t h 799
f i l e t e r m i n a t o r
450 CLOSE ttnew *

460 RETURN 801 REM * Open new Ic old f i l e s

499 *
802 REM n i n i n n n n n i n ^ m
•JHHHHHf *
501 REM * Read l i n e s from main 803
f i l e * 810 IF c o u n t - 0 THEN RETURN

52 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 IMICRODRIVE UTILITY!

1083
811
1090 RETURN
815 REM snap new fc o l d f i 1ename
1099
s
1100 REM * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
820 LET b*=o«: LET o«=n«: LET n * *

821 1101 REM * Close new fc o l d f i l e s

*
825 PRINT " O p e n i n g o l d t i l e "
830 OPEN Hold J "m"JVAL o * ( 1 > ; o * (
2 TO ) **

831 1 103

835 PRINT " O p e n i n g new f i l e " 1110 IF c o u n t s THEN RETURN

810 OPEN « n e w | ' m ' l V A L n « ( l ) | n « ( 1120 PRINT H n e w f ' m * ' : REM term

2 TO > i nator

850 RETURN 1130 CLOSE Mnew

899 1140 CLOSE ttold

Q0ICV
r XJ Kj P
r\ PC M
H RMJt ¥H¥K¥R
¥X¥H
¥ 1
¥ I¥XL R
T X
M ¥W M ¥ ¥K ¥K ¥R¥W¥ X¥ X¥ ¥ RR
T It ¥ 1141
H » » » n i l l l ( K I I 1143 PRINT " E r a s i n g o l d f i l e "

901 REM * Merge a * (> w i t h o l d * i 1150 ERASE " m " » VAL o * ( l M o * < 2 TO
le i n t o newfi1e * )

902 REM 1160 RETURN

*M *«* •y*Wt fH* Wf M
X TV fV TJtKVXVItWR Vnw w * 1 199

903 1200 REM

905 PRINT * "Merging" 1201 REM * F i n i s h o f f *

910 IF count=0 THEN RETURN 1202 REM

920 LET p t r = l : REM p o i n t e r i n t o 1203

a* ( ) 1210 CLOSE H4*. REM main f i l e

925 1220 CLEAR HI CLS #

930 INPUT Hoid J LINE b * 1225

1230 PRINT Your f i l e " ' f * ( 1 , 2 TO
940 IF b*="-****' THEN GO TO 10
00 ) ' " o n m i c r o d r i v e " ; f « ( l , l )

945 1240 PRINT * " i s now s o r t e d in th

930 IF p t r > c o u n t THEN GO TO 10 e f i l e "

50 1250 PRINT n * ( 2 TO ) on m i c r o d r

960 IF b * < = a * ( p t r , TO len) THEN i ve "J n * ( 1 )

PRINT Mnewjb*: GO TO 930 1260 RETURN

970 PRINT ttnewja*(ptr, TO UAL a 1299

* (ptr t 1en + 1 TO ) ) 1300 REM * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

980 LET p t r = p t r + 1 IT Jf" ^ ^ ^ ^

990 GO TO 950 1301 REM * Got f i l e n a m e in form

995 1f red *
1000 REM End of o l d f i l e - w r i t e 1302 REM * where 1 is m i c r o d r i v e
rest of a*() to n e w f i l e . no. *
1005 1303 REM * and ' f r e d * is the f i l
1010 FOR i - p t r TO count ename *

1020 PRINT # n e w j a * ( i , TO VAL 1304 REM

a « ( i , l e n + 1 TO )> X MffIf i H f Jf"

1030 NEXT i 1305

1035 1310 INPUT LINE b*

1040 RETURN 1320 IF LEN b*<2 OR LEN b * ) l l TH

1045 EN GO TO 1310

1050 REM End of a * ( ) - copy r e s t 1330 IF b * ( 1 ) < " 1 " OR b * ( 1 ) > " 8 " T

of o l . d f i l e to n e w f i l e . HEN GO TO 1310

1055 1340 RETURN

1060 PRINT Hnewfb* 1399

1070 INPUT #oldJ LINE b* 1400 ERASE " m " i 1 ; " S o r t e r "

1080 IF b « < > " * * * * ' THEN GO TO 1 1410 SAVE * " m " J 15 " S o r t e r " LINE 1
060 0

53 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 ZX81 CAME

Starfighter
Han Crielard has been stargazing in the
Netherlands and invites all budding
space pilots to try shooting them!

The object of the g a m e is to t w o parts, BASIC and machine

BASIC listing
shoot at the stars (inverse ' * 'I code. The m a c h i n e c o d e prints
w h i c h g r o w up. If there are four the score in inverse characters Line(s)
stars above each other, y o u lose at the t o p left of the screen, and
a life. Your task is t o prevent i n c r e m e n t s ii by t e n p o i n t s at a 1 m a c h i n e code.
such a g r o u p of four stars form- time. 10-90 makes the screen black, and sets up variables
ing. Y o u shoot at the stars, and if First, t y p e in the machine print the i n s t r u c t i o n s o n the screen
99-210
y o u hit them, they are c o d e loader and RUN it. The 220-390 print the same screen.
d e s t r o y e d , but not for long. The c o m p u t e r will display a series of 399 460 variables used in the shoot routine.
game ends w h e n y o u have run m e m o r y address a n d ask y o u t o start key routine.
470-480
o u t of lives (you begin w i t h INPUT s o m e n u m b e r s . These 489-840 mam program.
three). If y o u beat the high score are g i v e n in the disassembly 999-1040 m o v e spaceship left.
y o u c a n enter your n a m e (up to listing (figure 1). Then t y p e in 1999 2040 m o v e spaceship right.
thirteen characters), and at the the BASIC listing and y o u are 2999 3230 s p a c e s h i p ' s shoot routine
end of the game the f o l l o w i n g ready t o start. 3999 4210 'lost life' routine
o p t i o n s are displayed: The graphics characters in 4999-5060 print lives o n screen.
line 3 1 0 are the g r a p h i c s 5999 7530 g a m e over routine, a n d print i n s t r u c t i o n s .
Press 1 for i n s t r u c t i o n s . characters on the ' A ' key 7999 8300 input n a m e and high-score.
Press 2 to play again. To S A V E the g a m e , t y p e GOTO 8499-8610 extra life routine.
9 0 0 0 . The g a m e will S A V E 8999 9030 S A V E routine.
Pressing ' 1' or ' 2 ' will give the itself a n d t h e n RUN.
appropriate response, You gain If y o u find i h a t the score
an e x t r a life u p o n r e a c h i n g needed to gain an extra life is t o o
Machine code loader
2 0 0 0 points. high, t h e n alter line 8 3 0 as re-
The p r o g r a m is d i v i d e d i n t o quired.
1 REM XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

»yyyy
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
10 SCROLL
20 FOR X-16514 TO 16345
30 PRINT XI• "J
40 INPUT A
30 POKE X,A
60 PRINT A
Figure 1. Disassembly listing. 70 SCROLL

r* ***•»»• * 1
MACHINE DISASSEMBLY 80 NEXT X

LABELS ADDRESS ASSS;iBL3R DECIMAL

SET UP 16514 NOP 0

16515 NOP
16516 LD HL, (D-FILE) 42 12 64
16519 LD DE,512 17 f* 2
1652? ADD HL,DE 25 1 REM U?F£Rh40) 1 : 6fcRNDE£RND ) £
16523 LD ( 1 6 5 1 4 ) , H I 34 130 64 ; uSSF/ P R I N T ?THN C^XXX
ii? POKE 1 6 4 1 3 : 0
SCORE 16526 LD EL, (D-FILS) 42 12 64 ' :0 Lil ! 5 — |
16529 LD DE, 1 2 17 12 0
16532 ADD HL, DE 25 _ f t
16533 LD A, (HL) 126 60 LET" HT =0
16534 INC A 60 70 LET I $ = ' j
16535 CP 166 254 166
16537 JR NZ 5 32 5
16539 LD (KL),156 54 156 105 PRINT hT 2 . 1 0 : " m
16541 DEC HL 43 THB 10; '^m^Jj^f^M -1
16542 JR 245 24 245 i
16544 LD (HL),A 119 110 PRINT RT 6 , 5 ; "
• r.T —> q • "
16545 RET 2(21 >H • t > D ,

54 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 ZX
 ZX81 CAME

4 0 1 0 I F ;_V Q T ^ E N P R I N T R T 1 5 , 9 ,

4 0 2 0 IF L U = 8 T H E N GOTO 6000
4 8 ^ 8 G~<5UB S000
4 0 4 0 FOR U = 8 TO 50
4 0 5 0 NEXT U
4 0 6 0 DIM P ( l l )
4 0 7 0 LET D = 15
4 1 0 0 l-OSUE? =000
4 2 0 0 PRINT RT 9 , D ; " 8 "
1 5 8 P R I N T A T 4 2 1 0 GOTO 520
H $ 4 9 9 9 REM
1 6 0 P R I N T R T 2 0 , 5 ; " ; R T 2 0 , 3 , 5 0 0 0 L E T U $ = C H R $ ( L U + 1 5 6 3
1$ R T 3 , 2 9 ; U $
2 0 0 P R I N T R T 2-3,4-; "I 5060 RET UR N
5999 REM
2 1 0 I F I N K E Y $ = " " T H E N G O T O 2 1 0 5O00 F i j w i j = 0 T»~i 2 0
2 2 0 L E T S C = 0 6010 PRINT R T _ 1 1 , 1.; "
2 3 0 L E T L U = 3 &0c0 r O ^ D = 0 TO 1
2 4 0 L E T = 6030 NEXT B
2 5 0 G O S U B 1 0 0 0 6048 PRINT RT 1 1 , 1 ; "|
3 0 0 P R I N T R T 3 6 0 ^ 0 NEXT U
T R B 1 0 ; " 3 F. 0 F. 0 u Q 5 i ifj
3 1 0 P R I N T R T .3 . 1 0 ; " 7000 IF 5 C / H I THEN GOSUB 3800
; R T 1 4 , 1 0 ; - M M 7010 n n T n - p n,-i-rt oi D /siU • RD *J h• _esD $
*
3 2 0 P R I N T H T 9 , 1 5 7 0 2 0 P R I N T R T 1 6 , 3 : "T
3 3 0 P R I N T R T 1 6 = 1 2 ;
3 4 0 P R I N T R T 1 3 , 3 ;
1 7 , 3 ;

3 5 0 P R I N T R T 3 , 2 3 ; " A ,-X J
3 6 0 P R I N T R T £ 0 , 5 ; " CT 1 . _,-]k

.; H $ , R T 2 2 . , 5 J ' .1 R T 7 0 6 0 G O T O " 7 8 6 8 - ( 6 9 6 8 R N D I N K E Y 5 =
3 7 0 P R I N T : ,
" L J + C4 0 R N D I N K E Y $ = " 2 " <
3 9 9 REM m •—• — V
4 0 0 DIM P i l l ) i*—
vw — B
4 5 5 L E T D =15 7170 G O T O 2 0
4 7 0 IF INKEYS<>"M" THEN GOTO 47 7999 REM ^ ^ S ^ s f c t t a K
0 3 0 0 0 PRINT RT 6 , 5^ ; 5 TrfS
: R T ~ 1 7 , 5 ; "
4 9 ^ P R I N T A T 1 6 , 0 ; B $ ; A T 1 3 , 0 ; 3 $
5 0 0 L E T R = U 3 R 1 6 5 1 6 3 8 2 0 P O K E 1 * 4 - 1 3 , 2
^ 1 0 L E T S C = 5 C + 1 0 3 0 5 0 I N P U T 1 $
5 2 0 L E T D $ = I N K E Y $ 3 0 7 0 I F L E N I S > 1 3 T H E N G O T O 3 0 6 0
5 3 0 L E T D = D - ( I N K E Y $ = " Z " A N D D > 1 3 8 3 0 F O R H = 1 T O L E N 1 $
& 1 + T I N K E Y $ = " X " R N D D < 2 0 ? 3100 LET L=C0DE 1$(Hi
5 4 0 P R I N T H I 3 1 1 0 I F L < 1 2 9 T H E N L E T 1 5 ( H ) = C H R
5 5 0 IF D S = ' M THEN GOSUB 3 0 0 0 5 ( L + 1 2 B )
600 LET F=INT ( R N D * l l i + 1 8 3 1 2 0 I F L > 1 2 3 T H E N L E T I $ ( H ) = C H R
610 LET B=INT (RND*4)+18 $ ( L - I 2 8 )
6 2 0 I F P E E K ( P E E K 1 6 3 9 6 + 2 5 6 * P E E 3 1 3 0 N E X T H
K 1 6 3 9 7 4 6 * 3 3 + F + I S = 1 5 1 THEN GOTO 3 1 4 0 P O K T 1 6 4 1 3 , 8
600 3 1 5 0 P R I N T R T 2 2 , 0 ; B S ; B $
: N T R T B ; F ; " B " ' 3 2 8 0 L E T H I = 3 0
700 L E T P ( F - 9 ) ~ P T F - 9 ) + 1 3 2 1 0 L E T J S = S T R $ H I
—' A
F I 0 I F _ P ( F - 9 : I = 4 T H E N G O T O 4 0 0 0 O c. c. t 1 i H S = H S ( T O 5 - L E N J $ >
3 0 0 L E T R = U S K I & 5 2 6 3 2 3 0 F O R X = 1 T O L E N J S
820 . E T 5 C = 5 C + 1 0 3 ^ 4 0 L E T H $ = H $ + C H R $ ( C O D E J $ I X ; +
3 3* 0 =-C = 2 0 0 0 T H E N G O S U B 3 5 0 0 1 2 3 3
GOTO 520 3 2 5 0 N E X T X
1000 FOR R =0 TO 2 3 3 2 6 0 P R I N T R T 2 0 , 1 6 ; M S
1010 PRINT RT R , 0 : B $ 3 2 7 0 P R I N T R T 2 2 , 5 ; " S A ; hT 2 2 , 3 ,
1020 NEXT R IS
1030 RETURN 3 3 0 0 R E T U R N
20Q0 FOR M =9 TO 13 3 4 9 9 R E M
2010 PRINT RT M , 0 ; B $ 3 5 0 8 F O R G = 1 T O 2 0
2020 NEXT M 3 5 1 0 P R I N T R T 1 6 , 1 0 ; B $ (
2030 PRINI HT 1 6 , 0 : B $ ; B $ 3 5 2 0 L E T R = R N D * R N D
2040 RETURN 3540 P R I N T R T 1 6 , 1 0 ; "I
2999 REM 3 5 5 0 N E X T G
3 0 0 0 F O R Z = 1 0 T O 1 3 3 5 6 8 L L T L U = L U + 1
3 0 1 0 P R I N T R T Z , D ; " 1 3 5 7 0 G O S U B 5 0 . 0 0
3 0 2 0 N E X T Z 3 5 3 0 F O P L = 1 T O 1 0
3 2 0 0 F O R X = 1 0 T O 1 3 3 5 9 0 N E X T L
3 2 1 0 P R I N ; H I X , D ; "1 3 6 0 0 P R I N T R T 1 6 , 1 0 ; B S !
T O 1 8 3
3 2 2 0 N E X T X 3T? 1 0 R E T U K N
3 2 2 5 L E T P ( D - 9 ) = 0 9 0 0 0 5 R U E " 5 T R R F I G H T E Q "
3 2 3 0 R E T U R N 9 0 1 0 C L S
3999 r f m Y 0 2 0 S L O U
4 0 0 0 L E T . U = L U - 1 9 8 3 8 R U N

ZX
55 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6

Train Race
Train yourself to be better with the
times tables. Clyde Bish comes to you
inter-city from Exeter.
A great p r o g r a m w i i h w h i c h to
practise y o u r tables, w i t h a c u t e
line in graphics. The t e c h n i q u e s
w h i c h m a k e this different f r o m
the run of the mill m u l t i p l i c a t i o n
tester programs are that the
a n s w e r is given so the multiplier
is needed, and the t i m e limit for
the player is o b t a i n e d f r o m a test
at the s t a r t .
C o u p l e d w i t h C l y d e ' s tight
programming techniques and
use of the Horizon " B i g P r i n t "
routine, all in all a p r o g r a m f r o m
w h i c h e v e r y o n e could learn.
The scenario is a race bet
w e e n t w o trains to the end of
the track. A c o r r e c t response
m o v e s t h e player's train ( w i t h
appropriate graphic and s o u n d
e f f e c t s ) . A n incorrect one
m o v e s the c o m p u t e r ' s train. It
also incorporates a routine for
56
PECTRUM EDUCATIONAL
t e s t i n g the speed at w h i c h the
child c a n find the key in q u e s t i o n
and a l l o w s for this in the reac
tion time thus not penalising the
child w h o is unfamiliar w i t h the
keyboard. (There m u s t be a f e w
of t h e m still a r o u n d ' !
On L O A D i n g , the title
" T R A I N R A C E " appears in large
letters, c o u r t e s y of Sir U n c l e ' s
" H o r i z o n s " tape} and a train
chugs and s t e a m s across the
screen. The friendly c o m p u t e r
t h e n introduces itself, asks the
player's name, and explains the
idea of t h e g a m e , g i v i n g a
d e m o n s t r a t i o n of w h a t t o do.
A f t e r c h e c k i n g the t i m e it
takes for the child t o locate and
press specified keys (this infor
m e t i o n being used later to deter
mine the delay time during the
game) a c h o i c e of m a x i m u m
w i t h the multiplier missing and
invites the child to press a
number key. If the choice is cor
rect the child's train t o o t s , and
c h u g s o n o n e space. If the
response is incorrect the c o m -
p u t e r ' s train m o v e s on. The
g a m e c o n t i n u e s until one of the
trains reaches the b u f f e r s . If it is
the child's train that w i n s , the
machine produces a musical
border e f f e c t .
The score is displayed, along
w i t h an i n v i t a t i o n to play again
w i t h the s a m e or a n e w player at
the same or a d i f f e r e n t level.
Entering the
program
Firstly, L O A D in the " w a l l "
g a m e f r o m your Horizons tape,
then BREAK and NEW the
m a c h i n e . ( D o n ' t panic you
only w a n t the m a c h i n e c o d e and
t h a t ' s safe above R A M T O P ) .
N o w t y p e in the listing, but note
that the capital letters in quota
t i o n m a r k s in lines 3 , 4 , 5 , 1 0 0 .
1 1 0 , 5 6 0 Inot the word
" W R O N G " ) , 6 0 0 (not the w o r d
"CORRECT"}, 5000, 5050
and 5 0 8 0 (not the w o r d " C O R
RECT" are used-defined
graphics and m u s t be entered in
the graphics m o d e .
T o S A V E the p r o g r a m use:
S A V E " t r a i n r a c e " LINE 9 9 9 9 :
SAVE " m c " CODE 3 2 2 5 6 ,
300
and v e r i f y w i t h :
VERIFY " " : VERIFY " " CODE
If y o u have a printer a t t a c h e d
and w a n t a p r i n t o u t of the
c h i l d ' s n a m e , the level, and the
score add the line
multipliers f r o m 2 t o 9 is o f f e r e d .
T he g a m e is n o w ready to begin. 1 0 0 8 LPRINT n $ , m ' "right";s,
The c o m p u t e r displays a s u m "wrong";t"
TRAIN
RACE
I'T I I I T F P'i W t T T T T M I I I
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 SPECTRUM EDUCATIONAL!

" : PRINT A T 9 , n + 1 J " 1 I | " ; AT

Figure 1. Line breakdown
10,n+1; " j m m " > AT 1 1 , n + 1 J " MOPOR"
Line 3 POKEs Caps S h i f t f o l l o w e d by the title ;AT 8,N +1; I N K 5 ; • S § " : BEEP . 0 1
sequence. During this the graphics are set u p
, - 3 0 : NEXT n : CLS
so as n o t t o p r o d u c e a noticable pause in the
running of the p r o g r a m . 6 I N K2 : L E Txs=5: LET ys=10:
45 m o v e s the train across the track. LET yy = 65 ? L E Tp $ ^ " H E L L 0 " : GO S
6 asks for the player's n a m e .
UB 3000: INPUT I N K 1;TAB 5}"Wha
100-110 train d r a w s u b r o u t i n e .
200-230 train p o s i t i o n / c o l o u r subroutine. t 1 s your name?"''TAB 5;"Type t h e
500-720 main p r o g r a m loop. T h e c o m p u t e r selects the l e t t e r s then"'TAB 5 ; " p r e s s ENTE
q u e s t i o n s , c h e c k s the a n s w e r s , and p r o d u c e s
R'"'r.$: CLS: GO T O 5 0 0 0
the s m o k e graphics before calling the
subroutines above. 100 PRINT AT w,X 5 INK i i " 1 II " i
1000 1 0 4 0 end/play again? routine. AT w+1,x? " ; ("JKLH" AND b$="YOU
3000 3 1 0 0 large letters subroutine.
")+<"STU" AND b*="ME")|AT w+2,xj
5000-5090 i n s t r u c t i o n s and d e m o n s t r a t i o n .
5100-5160 c h e c k s speed of key press and sets level of " 'JQE23" ! AT w+1, 31; I N K 1 ; " G" ; A T
play w+2 , 3 1 J " I " : PRINT N FFFFFFFFFFFFF
9000 9 0 5 0 sets up user-defined graphics, FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF": BEEP .01, -
9999 p r o g r a m a u t o r u n s t o this line, L O A D i n g in the
large letters m a c h i n e c o d e f r o m the Horizons 20
tape b e f o r e starting. 110 INK i : PRINT AT w, xJ " 1 H
JAT w41,x J " J "| INVERSE lfbSJ I N
VERSE 0!AT w +2 , x J " DEED": INK 1!
PRINT AT w + 1 , 3 1 J " G " J A T w+ 2 , 3 1 f "
I": PRINT "FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
FFFFFFFFFFF" BEEP . 0 1 , - 3 0 : RETU
RN
LET w-l; LET X«T:
LET b$ ="ME ": RETURN
230 LET i =4 I LET W=6: LET x=s:

M 1 F'T 1 r f w r f r J LET bS="YOU"; RETURN

500 P A P E R 71 BORDER • CLS : LE

3
T t=0: LETs = t : GO SUB 200: GO S
J f ^ K
iTwT UB 110! GO SUB 2 3 0 : GO SUB 1 1 0

I ' l l show y o u a m u l t i p l i c a t i o n 510 LETa=INT (m*RND+l>: LET b =

sum l i k e t h i s o n e INT (RND*10): PRINT AT 1 2 , 1 0 ; a ; M

x = 10 X ? = "Ja*b: PAUSE d + 1.00: LETa

$=INKEY$: PRINT AT 12,14;a$
Y o u ' l l h a v e to p r e s s the n u m b e r
o to 9 ) w h i c h g o e s w h e r e the H 550 I F a$=STR* b THEN GO T O 6 0
is. If y o u ' r e r i g h t then y o u r 0
train m o v e s - liKe this
560 PRINT AT 14,12; FLASH 1J"WR
ONGn : L E Tt = t + i : FOR n= l TO 2 : P
1 REM *********************** RINT AT 0 , t + l ; FLASH 0 i INK 5 } " 9
* U n d e r l i n e d c h a r a c t e r s * BC": BEEP . 5 , 3 6 : PRINT AT 0 , t + l ;
• a r e e n t e r e d i n * ": FAUSE 5 : NEXT n : GO S U B 2
*GRAPHICS mcde. * 0.0: GO S U B 100: GO T O 7 0 0
*********************** 600 PRINT AT 14,11; FLASH l}"CO
3 POKE 23658,3: PAPER 6 : EORD RRECT": L E Ts = s + l : FORn = l TO2 :
EF 6 : CLSt INK l : LETxs =5: LET PRINT AT 5 . S + 1 ; FLASH 0J INK 5 ;
>'=. = 8 : LET>y=0: LET pS="TRAIN": "R8C": BEEP .5,31: PRINT AT 5 , s +
?0 SUF 3.000: LETyy=100: LET 1;" " : PAUSE 5 : NEXT n : GO S U B
= "RACE * : GO S U B 3.000: GO S U B 9 0 0 230: GO S U B 1 0 0
0: PRINT AT 1 2 , 0 ; INK 0i"FFFFFFF 700 PAUSE 5 0 : PRINT AT 14,10;"
^EEEE^EFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF" "JAT 12,105"
4 I N K2 : FOR n - 0 TO 2 5 : P R I N T 710 I F s =26 OR t = 2 6 THEN GO TO
AT 9, nJ * 1H I "IAT 10,n?" M l " ; 10.00
AT l l , n ; " DEED": I F n = 0 THEN PA ? 2 0 GO TO 5 1 0
USE 5 0 1000 I F s=26 THEN BORDER 2 : BEE
5 PRINT AT 8,'n+1; I N K 5 ; " B§C p . 5 , 0 : BORDER 3 : BEEP .75,5: BO
'•: BEEP . 0 1 , - 2 0 : PRINT AT 8 , n + 2; RDER 4 : BEEP . 2 5 , 5 : BORDER 5 : BE

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 19R6 57

 (SPECTRUM EDUCATIONAL)

EP .5,5: BORDER 6: BEEP .5,0: BO 5070 PAUSE 500: PRINT AT 10,0;"

RDER 7: BEEP 1,5 it t
1.005 PAPER 6: BORDER 6: CLS : LE
T xs =2: LET ys =3: LET yy=25: LET II » » t ?
FOR n=l TO 4: PRINT "
p$="You Scored": GO SUB 3000: P NE
RINT AT 10, 12;s j " RIGHT";'''TAB XT n
1 2 ! t ; " WRONG" 5080 PRINT AT 13,14;"5";AT 15,11
101.0 PAUSE 200: CLS : LET xs=3: ; FLASH l;"CORRECT": LET s=s+l:
LET y 5 =4: LET y y=50: LET p$="Tha FOR n=1 TO 2: PRINT AT 5 , s + l ; IN
nk you": GO SUB 3000: PAUSE 150: K 5; FLASH 0 ; " : BEEP .5,31:
INK 2: LET x5 = 2: LET ys=3: LET PRINT AT 5 , s +1j " ": PAUSE 5: N
yy=100: LET p$="Play again?<Y/N) EXT n: GO SUB 230: GO SUB 100
": GO SUE 3000: PAUSE 0 5090 PRINT AT 1 8 , 0 ; " I f y o u ' r e wr
1020 INK 3: LET xs=l: LET ys=2: ong, or don * t M *"answer then my t
LET yy = 135: LET p$="Sarne Flayer? r a i n moves": PAUSE 200: CLS
(Y/N)": GO SUB 30.00: PAUSE 0: I 5100 PRINT "Let 1 p r a c t i c e pressi
F I N K E Y $ < "> " Y " THEN RUN ng the numbers": PAUSE 150: PR
103.0 LET yy=160: INK 0: LET p$=" INT ''TAB 13;"Ready!": PAUSE 75:
Sane tables? (Y/N)": GO SUE 3000 CLS : LET d=.0: LET "40518":
: PAUSE 0: IF INKEY$="Y" THEM C FOR n=1 TO 5: PRINT '"'TAB 12;"P
LS : GO TO 500 ress ";a$(ri): FOR c = l TO 1000: I
1040 CLS : GO TO 5150 F INKEY$=a*(n) THEN GO TO 512.0
3000 LET xx=(256-8*xs*LEN p$)/2 5 110 NEXT c
3100 LET i=23306: POKE i , x x : POK *^!20 IF c >d THEN LET d=c
E i +1,y y: POKE i+2,xs: POKE i+3, 5 130 CLS : PAUSE 25: NEXT n
ys: POKE i * 4 , 8 : LET i=i+4: LET w 5140 CLS : PRINT "OK, we're read
=LEN pt>: FOR ri = l TO w: POKE i+h, / to p l a y " : RANDOMIZE
CODE p$(n): NEXT n: POKE i+w+1,2 5150 PRINT ' ' ' " P r e s s maximum mu1
55: LET w = USR 32256: RETURN t i p1 i er ( 2 to 9 ) " : PAUSE 0: LET m
5000 PAPER 7: BORDER 7: LET s=0: $=INKEYS
LET t=s: INK l: CLS : PRINT AT 5160 LET m=VAL m$: CLS : GO TO 5
12,0J"Wei 1 f n * 5 " we're g o i n g " ' ' 00
"to race t r a i n s - l i k e these": P 900.0 RESTORE : FOR n=USR "a" TO
AUSE 200: GO SUB 200: GO SUB 110 USR "u"*?: READ a: POKE n,a: NEX
: GO SUE 730: GO SUB 110: PAUSE T n: RETURN
5.0: FOP n = 12 TO 14: PRINT AT n,0 9050 DATA 60,126,255,255,255,255
tI » , 12"7, 6 0 , 4 8 , 2 5 2 , 254 , 2 5 5 , 2 5 5 , 2 5 5 , 2
n : NEXT n: PRINT AT 1 2 , 0 ; " I ' m 55,60,0,0,120,252,252,252,248,24
d r i v i n g the RED t r a i n " : PAUSE 20 0 , 2 5 5 , 2 5 5 , 2 5 5 , 5 6 , 6 8 , 8 4 , 6 8 , 5 6 , 2 5 5
0: FOR n=1 TO 2: PRINT AT 0,t+2; ,??5,255,130,146,130,130,120,255
INK 5;"gBC": BEEP .5,36: PRINT , 2 5 5 , 2 4 , 2 4 , 0 , 0 , 0 , 0 , 1 5 , 2 0 7 , 2 5 5 , 2 5
AT 0 , t +2 ; " -: PAUSE 5: NEXT r. 5,207,15,15,15
5.050 PRINT AT 12,0; "You're d r i v i 9060 DATA 0 , 0 , 0 , 0 , 0 , 6 , 1 5 , 1 5 , 0 , 0 ,
ng the GREEN t r a i n " : FAUSE 200: 0 , 0 , 0 , 9 6 , 2 4 0 , 2 4 0 , 2 5 5 , 2 4 7 , 2 5 1 , 2 5 3
FOR n=l TO 2: PRINT AT 5,s+2; IN ,254,254,254,255,255,220,187,123
K 5?"8§Q": BEEP .5,31: PRINT AT ,251,251,252,255,255,59,219,219,
5 , s +2; " ": PAUSE 5: NEXT r. 219, 219,60,255,240,208,208,208,2
5055 PRINT AT 12,0;" 0 8 , 2 0 8 , 4 8 , 2-10, 1 5 , 1 5 , 1 5 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 4 , 3
H ,255,255,255,136,73,72,72,135,25
5060 PAUSE 50: PRINT AT 1 0 , 0 ; " I ' 5 , 2 5 5 , 2 5 5 , 4 0 , 4 1 , 4 0 , 4 0 , 1 9 9 , 2 5 5 , 2 5
II show you a mu1tip1 i c a t i o n " ' " s 5,255,35,36,37,36,195,240,240,24
um l i k e t h i s one"* * TAB 10;"2 x ? 0 , 1 2 8 , 6 4 , 6 4 , 6 4 , 1 2 8 , 2 5 5 , 2 5 1 , 2 4 9 , 2
= 1 0 " ' ' " Y o u ' 1 1 have to press th 50,251,251,251,255,255,216,155,8
e number"'"(0 to 9) which goes w 8,219,219,216,255,255,31,255,63,
here the ? " ' " i s . If y o u ' r e r i g h t 255,255,31,255
then y o u r " ' " t r a i n moves - l i k e 9999 CLEAR 32255: LOAD ""CODE 32
t h i s " 256,300: GO TO 1

58 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986

 K SPECTRUM CAME

Astro Balloons
A n o t h e r set of i n s t r u c t i o n s is
given in the p r o g r a m , along w i t h
a c h o i c e of s o u n d or n o t , and the
skill level. This ranges f r o m 0 (in-
credibly t e d i o u s ) to 9 (im-

A crazy game from D. Mearns of possibly fast). Being a hot air

balloon there are n o brakes. This

studious Oxon! m e a n s , that o n c e y o u have

s t a r t e d g o i n g in a certain direc-
tion you will keep going
(regardless of w h e t h e r or not
special gas w h i c h will leave tox- y o u are pressing that key) in that
ic f u m e s behind. If y o u double direction until another direction
back on yourself y o u will die in key is pressed. T h e k e y s t o use
stantly. are g i v e n in the p r o g r a m . G o o d
Y o u may w o n d e r w h y stars luck!
have been used as the asteroids
i n s t e a d of User Defined Notes
G r a p h i c s . T h i s is b e c a u s e
SCREEN$ w h i c h I have used For those of y o u w h o are in-
l o detect collisions cannot terested, I h a v e p r o v i d e d a brief
recognize UDGs. Stars looked b r e a k d o w n of the p r o g r a m plus
the most realistic out of the a list of the variables used (see
Sinclair character set. figure 1).

Figure 1 Variables and line break

down.

20-90 Print balloon and c h e c k for w i n . I N K E Y $ .

(Stages 1 to 3).
100 410 M o v e balloon a n d check lor crash. (Stages 1
t o 3).
2000 2330 Print r a n d o m maze for stage 4 .
2500-2560 Print balloon. I N K E Y $ . (Stage 4 ) .
2600-2910 M o v e balloon and c h e c k for crash. (Stage 4).
3000-3010 Check for w i n , (Stage 4).
3700 3750 End of stage routine.
3800 3820 Crash routine.
8000 8080 Print i n s t r u c t i o n s .
9000 9070 Initialisation procedures.
9100-9220 Print maze. (Stages 1 to 3).
9998 9999 User D e f i n e d Graphics.

Whilst out in your hot air balloon f i e l d is g u a r d e d by s e v e r a l a reserved for r a n d o m n u m b e r s .

one Sunday a f t e r n o o n , y o u ac-
cidentally drift out of the E a r t h ' s
atmosphere and t h r o u g h a pass-
ing black hole into another solar
system. Y o u land o n the planet
Garthrog w h e r e t h e e m p e r o r
tells y o u t h a t t o g e t b a c k
through the black hole y o u w i l l
need a good supply of A i n t h o r
crystals. H o w e v e r , the c r y s t a l
asteroid belts. There is only one d direction travelling in.
w a y t h r o u g h e a c h asteroid belt, f-g reserved for FOR NEXT loops.
and e v e n if y o u s u c c e e d y o u gold number of gold bars collected.
m u s t have ten gold bars t o pay pa skill level.
the gatekeepers at points along pause a m o u n t of t i m e t o pause in b e t w e e n m o v e s of the
the w a y . The emperor gives y o u balloon.
t e n to start o f f w i t h , but after sc score.
that y o u m u s t pick up the ten o n screen stage 11 t o 4 ) .
your w a y . The emperor t h e n has x,y X and Y co-ordinate of balloon.
your balloon refuelled w i t h a

1 REM * * * * * * * * *** * * * * * * * * * * * * 35 IF INKEY*=-M" OR INKEY*='0'

• U n d e r l i n e d c h a r a c t e r s * THEN PAUSE 1: PAUSE 0
• a r e entered in * 40 PRINT AT X,yj INK 3 J ' . "
•GRAPHICS mode. * 50 IF INKEY*="5" OR INKEY*="0'
THEN GO TO 100
60 IF INKEY*='6" OR INKEY*~ * A"
5 LET SCREEN=4: LET SC=0 THEN GO TO 200
6 POKE 23653,0 ~>0 IF INKEY*="7" OR INKEY*="0"
7 GO SUB 9990 THEM GO TO 300
10 GO SUB 9000 80 IF INKEY«="8" OR INKEY«="P"
15 POKE 23658, 8 THEN GO TO 400
20 PRINT AT x , y j INK 3 ; " Q " : IF 90 GO TO {d*4>*100-300
THEN BEEP .008,20 100 IF ATTR <x , y - 1 ) = 6 THEN PRI
25 PAUSE pause NT AT x , y - 1 J " *: LET sc=sc+10: B
30 IF X=10 AND Y~6 AND g o l d - 1 0 EEP . 5 , 2 0 : LET g o l d = g o l d + l
THEN GO TO 3700 105 LET SC=SC+l: IF SCREEN* (x,

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 59
 SPECTRUM GAME

y - 1) O " " THEN GO TO 3800 THEN GO TO 2800

110 LET d=l: LET y=y-1: GO TO 2 2560 GO TO D*100+2000
0 2600 LET d=6: IF SCREEN* ( x + l , y )
200 IF ATTR ( x + l , y ) = 6 THEN PRI = •*" THEN GO TO 3800
NT AT x • 1 , y I " LET sc=sc+10: U 2605 IF SCREEN* t x + l , y ) = " . " THEN
EEP .3,20: LET g o l d = g o l d H LET sc=sc +INT (RND*l0)
203 LET SC=SC+l: IF SCREEN* lx + 26l0 LET x=x+l: GO TO 2510
1 , y ) < >" " THEN GO TO 3800 2700 LET d=7: IF SCREEN* ( x - l , y )
210 LET SC=SC•1: LET d=2: LET x ="+' THEN GO TO 3800
=x+l! GO TO 20 2705 IF SCREEN* < x - l , y > = " . " THEN
300 IF ATTR ( x - 1 , y ) = 6 THEN PRI LET SC=SC+INT (RND*l0)
NT AT x - 1 , y » " ": LET sc=sc+10: B 2710 LET x=x-1: GO TO 2510
EEP .5,20: LET g o l d = g o l d + l 2800 LET d=8: IF SCREEN* ( x , y + l )
305 LET SC=SC+i: IF SCREEN® <x- ="*" THEN GO TO 3800
1 , y ) < >• " THEN GO TO 3800 2805 IF SCREEN* ( x , y + l ) = " . " THEN
310 LET d=3: LET x = x - i : GO TO 2 LET sc = sc + INT (RND*10>
0 2810 LET y=y+l: GO TO 2510
400 IF ATTR (x,y+1)=6 THEN PRI 2900 LET d=9: IF SCREEN* ( x , y - l )
NT AT x , y + l ; * •: LET sc=sc+10: £ THEN GO TO 3800
EEP .5,20: LET gold=gold+l 2905 IF SCREEN* < x , y - l ) = " . " THEN
105 LET SC=SC+l: IF SCREEN* <x, LET sc = sc +INT <RND*10)
y • 1 )< >• " THEN GO TO 3800 2910 LET y-y~1: GO TO 2510
410 LET d=4: LET y=y+l: GO TO 2 3000 FOR F=0 TO 21: FOR G=0 TO 3
0 l: IF SCREEN* ( F , G ) = " . " THEN PA
2001 LET d=8 USE l: PAUSE 0: GO TO 2520
2005 PAPER 0: CLS : INK 7: BORDE 3010 NEXT G: NEXT F
R 0 3700 PRINT AT 0,0?: FOR F=-1 TO 2
2010 FOR TO 22: PRINT • * * * * » 2: LET A=INT (RND*6)+l: PRINT I
* * * * * * * * * * * J F * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * " : NF NK A ; * * * - ) H H H H H T * * * - I H ( - * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * "
XT i
2011 LET x = 11: LET y-1 3710 NEXT F
2020 LET a=IMT <RND*3)+1 3720 INK 2: PAPER 6: PRINT AT 8,
2025 PRINT AT x,yf INK 2 J " . " 10; FLASH l;"WELL DONE ! ! • ; A T 16
2030 GO TO a*100+2000 ,11|-SCORE:•JSC: PAUSE 50: LET S
2100 LET y=y+1 CREEN=SCREEN+1
2105 IF y>30 THEN GO TO 2500 3730 IF S C R E E N >4 THEN LET SCREE
2110 GO TO 2020 N=l: LET PAUSE=PAUSE-5: IF PAUSE
2200 LET x=x + l <1 THEN LET PAUSE=1
2210 IF x >20 THEN LET x=20 3750 GO SUB 9100: GO TO 20
2220 GO TO 2020 3800 INK 2: PAPER 6: PRINT AT 7,
2300 LET x= x - l 9; FLASH 1;"YOU CRASHED ! ••;AT 1
2315 IF x<l THEN LET x=l 4,12;"SCORE:-;sc
2330 GO TO 2020 3805 FOR f = l TO 200: NEXT 4
2500 LET x=l1: LET y=l 3810 PRINT AT 21,0}* PRESS ANY K
2310 PRINT AT x,y; INK 3;"S" EY FOR ANOTHER GAME'
2313 PAUSE pause 3820 IF INKEY®="" THEN GO TO 38
2513 IF INKEY*="0" OR INKEY*="M" 20
THEN GO TO 3000 3830 RUN
2517 PRINT AT x , y? " " 4000 LET go 1d=10: IF screen>l TH
2518 BEEP .008,20 EN LET g o 1d = 0
2520 IF INKEY*="5" OR INKEY*='0" 8000 INK 6: PRINT AT 2 , 0 ; " S t a g e
THEN GO TO 2900 1-Gulde the b a l l o o n I?)
2530 IF INKEY*~• 6 " OR INKEY*~"A" round the course w h i l e
THEN GO TO 2600 a v o i d i n g the deadly
2510 IF INKEY* = "7 * OR INKEYS="Q" a s t e r o i d s (*) and your
THEN GO TO 2700 own t r a i l ( , ) . "
2350 IF INKEY*=-8" OR INKEY*="P" 8010 PRINT *"Stage 2-As stage 1,

60 7X COMPUTING FFRRUARY'MARCH 1 9 8 6
 K SPECTRUM CAME

but you must eat a l l the 00 TO 2000

gold bars (?) to pass 9110 PRINT "»»*XXmKH(* X * * * * * * * *
through the g a t e . "
8020 PRINT *"Stage 3-As above,bu m i n m n **
t more a s t e r o i d s h * mini*
ave moveed in" 9120 PRINT "* J LTX TX X
T T XT J TL

8030 PRINT •"Stage 4 - N e g o t i a t e y * If If If

T X T ** * *******
our way along the t w i s t i n * H 4 IK K X it M X "It "Jf" ^ ^
K.M.M M y y w j t JC. •
g passage. C o l l e c t a l l T T T T T T T 1TT

the c r y s t a l s ( . ) t o pass. 9L30 PRINT " * * * *

M H M. TM 1JTt *TXT JTt * * *
Press pause when compl T T T
* J L J L J t X X X X X X J L J L
eted . " T T T T T T T T T T *

8040 PAUSE l : PAUSE 0 **-** * *"

8050 INK 5: PRINT AT 2,01' 9140 PRINT "* * ' ; INK 2; • _ • I

* * * * * * * * * *
INK 7 1 " * * * *
UP, 7 or Q * * * " 1 INK 21 I I " ; I N K 7J - *
* * * * * *

DOWN. . . . 6 or A ¥ ¥ ¥ M ¥ JL
T T T T T T

9150 PRINT "* W W

T T
XJL
T T
JT ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥
T T T T ^ T

8060 PRINT " LEFT . . . . 5 or X.JL11X. ¥ ¥

** ******
0 * **** **** *
RIGHT...8 or T T T T T T T

P 9160 PRINT
* * * *
"*
* "
** ****
PAUSE...0 or * *****
T T T T T T T
* ********
WW ¥ ¥ ¥ JLJUL
M T T T T T T T T

80->0 FOR f = l TO 9: PRINT " *** *** *•

•: NEX 9170 PRINT " * * * *********
T * M M M
T T T
m M «
T T T *IfT*ItT•m ; INK 2 t " I R ; INK
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
8080 PAUSE 1: PAUSE 0 7; "**
9000 INK 7: PAPER 01 BORDER 0! C * ' ; INK 2; " "5 INK 7 ; " * * * ***
LS : PRINT TAB 91 INK 4;"CRAZY B
ALLOONS'JTAB 9 j " «": 9180 PRINT " * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
PRINT AT 21,0; Derek Mearns fc JC-JC.JC.Jt
T T T T T¥ T¥ T¥ ¥T ¥T ¥T ¥T JL
T •

Robert E n r i g h t " 9190 LET g o 1d = 1 0

9010 FOR f=0 TO 40: NEXT * 9200 INK 6: IF SCREEN >1 THEN PR
9012 PRINT AT 3,0;"Do you want i INT AT 11,1J"B"}AT l f 6 ; " B » | A T 2,
n s t r u c t i o n s ?".* IF INKEY*="y" OR 16) " B * | A T 7, 17) " B " i A T 6, 14| •B" ; A
INKEY«="Y" THEN GO TO 8000 T 1 2 , 1 1 } " B * J AT 9, 16! " B " | A T 10,25
9014 IF INKEY*="n" OR INKEY*="N" ?'P";AT 17,5)*B"|AT i i , 3 | " B « : LE
THEN GO TO 9018 T go 1d=0
9016 GO TO 9012 9210 INK 4: IF screen=3 THEN PR
9018 FOR f = l TO 20: NEXT i INT AT 10, 1 I " * " | A T 2 , 1 7 J " * " ! A T 3
9020 PRINT AT 3,0?"Do you want s , 1 9 ; " * " J AT 6 , 19 J " * * J AT 3 , 2 J " * " ; A
ound ? ": IF INKEY*="" THE T 3 , 1 1 ; * * " IAT 3 , 2 8 1 " * "
N GO TO 9020 9220 IF s c r e e n >2 THEN PRINT AT
9030 IF INKEY®="y" OR INKEY*="Y" 5 , 2 9 ; " * " J AT 7 , 2 6 ; * * " ; A T 1 2 , 2 2 ; " *
THEN LET s * = ' y " : GO TO 9050 •;AT 10,26J"*"|AT I S , 1 3 1 " * * SAT 1
9040 IF INKEY*="n" OR INKEY*="N" 8 , 8 ? " * • | A T 13,51"*"
THEN LET s * = ' n " : GO TO 9050 9980 RETURN
9045 GO TO 9030 9990 FOR -f •» 1 4 4 TO 145: FOR g=0 T
9050 PRINT AT 3 , 0 ; " E n t e r the ski O 7: READ a: POKE USR CHR* *+g,a
11 level (0 TO 9)• : NEXT g: NEXT *
9060 INPUT pa: IF pa<0 OR pa>9 T 9996 LET d=3
HEN GO TO 9060 9997 LET x=19: LET y=2
9070 LET pause=(9-pa)*10+1 9998 RETURN
9100 RESTORE : INK 7: PAPER 0: C 9999 DATA 16,56,124,56,84,68,68,
LS : BORDER 0: IF screen>3 THEN 1 2 4 , 0 , 0 , 0 , 6 0 , 1 2 6 , 2 5 5 , 0 , 0

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986 61

 J

a the meteoric rise of ZX Computing!a

 yj ,J t .*!.'. , 4
, aT

The return of Ha Hey's Comet from its round trip of the sofa r system has
always heralded a momentous event.
1986 is no exception.
WAMM-
iipyw^llt ON MARCH 28
z x COMPUTING GOES MONTHLY
With a fresh new look, full colour pages and the latest news and
reviews, ZX Computing Monthly! will be geared for owners of all
Sinclair machines. An expanded games review section featuring
colour screenshots and in-depth analysis of the top releases makes
ZX Computing Monthly! a must for the avid games player.

For Sinclair owners searching for new uses for their machines ZX will
explore novel applications and utilities.

ZX will continue to publish high quality programming projects and.

series on how to improve your computing expertise.

ZX will be interviewing leading software authors to bring you an in-

valuable insight into how the best selling utilities and games are
created.

All this plus our regular adventure column Mindplay, expert help
with computing problems, programming contests, exciting
competitions and special offers makes the new ZX Computing FROM
Monthly! indispensible for the Sinclair owner. Don't miss it -place MARCH 28
an order with your newsagent now!
ONLY £1.50

So you want to
buy a printer!?
John wase's jaundiced look at hard-copy
machines.
Well, w h a t do y o u w a n t it for? If
y o u simply w a n t t o LIST pro-
grams a ZX Printer will probably
suffice i t ' s incredibly c h e a p
{assuming t h a t y o u c a n still f i n d
one for sale). O n t h e other hand,
printing t e x t , or data after
calculations is a m u c h more
d e m a n d i n g o c c u p a t i o n , needing
printers w h i l l take up to A 4
paper. So, check y o u r piggy-
bank and t h e n decide u p o n the
paper size y o u w a n t , decide
w h e t h e r n a r r o w is s u f f i c i e n t ,
decide w h e t h e r y o u need per-
f o r a t e d , roller p a p e r or c u t
sheets. (If y o u w a n t to print out
programs, the computer can
have apoplexy if y o u try t o s t o p
and change the paper you really
need roller or p e r f o r a t e d for this
purpose). G o o d , y o u ' v e decid-
ed. N o w for the printer.
Daisy, daisy. . .
Daisy w h e e l p r i n t e r s have a
plastic w h e e l , like a daisy, about
3 " across. Each petal has a let-
ter o n it, and the relevant letter is
struck against a ribbon. S o m e
Fig 7. A daisy-wheel, and the sort of result one gets from it.
64
UTILITY
cheap t y p e s have fabric ribbons,
but the better have cellulose f i l m
ribbons and give superb letter
quality bank manager s t u f f .
T h e y ' r e n o t t o o noisy, b u t fairly
s l o w (the cheapest only a f e w
characters per second), and y o u
c a n print only w h a t ' s on the
daisy-wheel: subscript and
s u p e r s c r i p t are a v a i l a b l e o n
s o m e t h r o u g h s o f t w a r e com-
m a n d s w h i c h m o v e the carriage
up or d o w n , b u t print is c h a n g e d
only by c h a n g i n g the daisy-
w h e e l — t o r t u o u s in m i d -
stream.
Double-strike dots
D o t - m a t r i x printers are probably
the m o s t versatile. They print a
series of d o t s and t h e greater the
density of d o t s the better t h e
quality of the resultant letters.
Various m e t h o d s of double strik-
ing i m p r o v e still further the letter
quality. The best is almost (but
n o t quite) as g o o d as daisy-
w h e e l , and usually a lot quicker,
t h o u g h t h e y can be rather noisy.
T h e y will o f t e n print pictures —
u s e f u l if y o u w a n t s c r e e n
D o u b l e — s t i- i k (5
Dot-matrix printer* tre pr
a ser1rs of dots; the qrea
quality of the resultant
s t r i U n q improve *ti I 1 tur
almost (but not quite) as
quicker, thouqh they can B
picturei - useful 1f yew w
retained m their own ROM
they can t t>e fiddled with
Fig 2. Normal and emphasized
mode on an Epson FX80 printer
d u m p s . Their letters are retained
in their o w n ROM (Read Only
M e m o r y ) w h e r e of course they
c a n ' t be fiddled w i t h ; w i t h more
expensive ones have a range of
t y p e f a c e s (including italic) and
the m o s t expensive ones an ad-
ditional R A M (Random A c c e s s
M e m o r y ) enabling y o u t o design
your o w n leters or t o d o w n l o a d
other standard t y p e f o n t s .
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
D o u b 1 « - s t r i k<
Dot-matrix printers are pr
a aeries of dots) the grea
quality of the resultant
striking improve still fur
almost (but not quit»> a*
quicker, though they can b
pictures - useful if you w
retained in their own ROfl
they can't be fiddled with
Paper, ribbon and
interface
Some d o t - m a t r i x printers need
special paper (can be pricey),
s o m e need a ribbon, s o m e will
do w i t h either. S o m e print in a
variety of colours by raising or
l o w e r i n g a multicolour ribbon.
The cheapest of all, the original
ZX d o t - m a t r i c printer, ( n o w ap-
p r o a c h i n g o b s o l e s c e n c e ) , the
A l p h a c o m and the Floyd res-
p o n d directly t o the S p e c t r u m
R O M routines and c o n n e c t u p
directly t o the S p e c t r u m outlet
p o r t . A l l o t h e r p r i n t e r s , of

whatever t y p e will require y o u
to buy a separate i n t e r f a c e and
connecting cable: y o u m u s t add
the cost of this to the cost of
your printer.
Difficult
descenders
The next cheapest dot m a t r i x
printers are likely t o print o n
relatively n a r r o w paper, t h e n
progress up t o A 4 . S o m e of the
cheapest of even the A 4 t y p e s
will still have i n s u f f i c i e n t d o t s t o
give l e t t e r s w i t h proper
descenders: t e x t f r o m s u c h
printers can be d i f f i c u l t to read.
If this worries y o u , d o n ' t buy.
Do remember that y o u have
by n o w passed the price of the
Spectrum by q u i t e a long w a y . A
good printer c a n be driven v e r y
satisfactorily by an inexpensive
computer. Isn't it w o r t h p a y i n g
just a little m o r e to achieve a rea-
soanble print quality, for once
you have b o u g h t a printer at that
sort of price, y o u ' r e stuck w i t h
it!
PLOT and DRAW
The third sort of printer is the
This is a parallel interface in the
usual box w i t h t h e f a m i l i a r
ribbon cable. T h e d i f f e r e n c e is
that it contains not just the usual
Z80A PIO chip, but that it also
has an additional 8K EPROM.
This is arranged in banks of 1 K,
each of w h i c h displaces, in turn,
the 1 5 - 1 6 K area of the Spec
trum ROM. So w h a t ? Well, this
area contains t h e character set,
and each bank, as well as con-
taining the printer driver soft-
ware ( w h i c h includes a COPY
routine), also c o n t a i n s a
character set. O n s w i t c h i n g on,
bank 0 is selected, w h i c h is the
standard S p e c t r u m set. Banks
l . 2 . 4 . 5, 6 and 7 c o r r e s p o n d t o
French, G e r m a n , Danish,
Swedish, Italian and Spanish.
"All very p r e t t y , " y o u m a y say,
"but w i l l I ever u s e t h i s ? "
Perhaps not, but bank 3 , besides
a Tasword printer-driver, con-
tains d a t a t o c h a n g e t h e
Tasword character set to those
other nationalities, too, a n d this
is the real value of the p a c k a g e .
This i n t e r f a c e is n o t t h e
easiest to use. It is n o t the
strongest, nor the cheapest, nor
yet the most user friendly, in
spite of the very detailed instruc
lions. H o w e v e r , m o s t multi-
lingual users will also w a n t to
use a w o r d p r o c e s s o r , (e.g.
Tasword), and here it c o u l d be
invaluable, for by a l e w altera-
65 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
UTILITY
prmter p l o t t e r . This usually has
a f o u n t of letters w h i c h it can
print in a variety of sizes by c o m
plicated m o v e m e n t s of the pen
(side t o side) and the roller (up
and d o w n ) . They will also res
p o n d t o c o m m a n d s t o PLOT and
D R A W , and t h u s - m a k e all sorts
of pictures and graphs. A s the
m e c h a n i s m w e a r s , so the letters
g e t more and more d i s t o r t e d .
S o m e of the cheaper ones re
quire m o n t h s of w o r k and a long,
long p r o g r a m t o get t h e m to,
say, d r a w graphs. D o n ' t be over
c o m e by the d e m o n s t r a t i o n pic-
ture w h i c h it w i l l d r a w ; (one of
our post docs spent many hours
p r o v i d i n g s o f t w a r e for a c h e a p
plotter t o d r a w graphs f r o m data
put into a B * * B, a l t h o u g h the
t h i n g w o u l d d r a w the m o s t
marvellous demonstration
graphs on its o w n ) . So, unless
y o u have t o o m u c h time o n your
hands, make sure p r o g r a m m i n g
is easy.
If y o u need to d r a w o v e r h e a d
p r o j e c t i o n transparencies or pro-
fessional graphs for reproduc-
tion. d o make sure that ap
propriate pens are available and
will fit, a n d that o v e r h e a d pro-
jector transparencies are firmly
gripped and d o not slip.
Polyprint, the multilingual
printer interface.
tions t o T a s w o r d ' s BASIC pro-
gram, a variable, (e.g. n). c o u l d
be u s e d w h i c h w o u l d auto-
matically s w i t c h the text and
also the printer o n printing (the
e x a m p l e s are for t h e Epson
F X 8 0 , but can easily be a d a p t e d
t o other printers). The variable
could w e l l be s t o r e d along w i t h ,
for e x a m p l e , c o m m e r c i a l ad
dresses o n Masterfile, and, by
Turning turtle
Finally, there are the turtles,
w h i c h w a l k along the floor or
table w i t h ' p e n u p ' and 'pen
down' commands. Although
they are claimed t o p r o d u c e
large p o s t e r s / d r a w i n g / p l a n s ,
they m o v e only on the basis of
their o w n w e i g h t and frictional
grip and errors are c u m u l a t i v e ; I
do not believe their a c c u r a c y is
s u f f i c i e n t for general use as a
printer.
Decisions,
decisions
So, y o u ' v e decided w h i c h sort.
It c a n be bought f r o m a general
multiple, f r o m a specific c o m -
puter shop, or mail order. W h i c h
one?
A f e w tips m i g h t help.
1. See a range of the t y p e y o u
like d e m o n s t r a t e d if at all possi-
ble.
2 . A s k about the prices of
special paper, special pens and
replacement ribbons, t o g e t h e r
w i t h the n u m b e r of reasonable
copies f r o m each ribbon. Check
the a v a i l a b l y of these i t e m s .
means of Mailmerge, the f o r e i g n
addresses and envelopes w o u l d
be correctly printed. All clever
s t u f f if y o u need a n u m b e r of
foreign languages.
H o w e v e r , the real p o w e r of
this d e v i c e lies in the ease w i t h
w h i c h the various 1K banks c a n
be called. Perhaps y o u d o n ' t
w a n t all t h o s e Spectrum
displays w i t h the e x c e p t i o n of
3 . If portable, ask h o w long the
batteries last (on some small
portables, t h e y ' l l do only four or
five pages before expiring, so
y o u ' l l either have to have
rechargeable batteries and a re-
charger, or a m a i n adaptor (ex-
tra?) or b o t h ) .
4 . A s k all your friends about
reliability. A c h e a p and nasty
d o t - m a t r i x t h a t jams and loses
your text is a curse, tf it is being
used, for instance, to monitor an
e x p e r i m e n t a n d print h o u r l y
results, y o u lose t h e e x p e r i m e n t
too, for it jams u p the c o m p u t e r .
Read all the r e v i e w s y o u can
use y o u r local library.
5. Buy by mail order only if y o u
are c o n v i n c e d that the printer is
reliable and w o n ' t need cons-
tant servicing/sending to the
makers. Buy c h e a p ones only
f r o m a local s h o p w h e r e y o u can
c o m p l a i n if w h e n t h e y g o
wrong,
6 . W a t c h the price. S o m e of the
more popular (and very reliable)
printers like the Epson range can
vary in price by over C I 0 0 for
the same model, but f o r t u n a t e l y
c a n be b o u g h t w i t h c o n f i d e n c e
by m a i l - o r d e r . S o , in t h e s e
cases, s h o p around.
G o o d printing!
the T a s w o r d bank, ( w h i c h con-
tains all the National character
sets) I probably w o u l d n ' t !
This leaves y o u w i t h at least six
1K banks to play w i t h . Using an
EPROM-blower (e.g. C a m b r i d g e
M i c r o e l e c t r o n i c s ' PROMER SP
or BLOPROM SP), the c o n t e n t s
of the EPROM c a n be read into
R A M and S A V E d o n tape (for
s u b s e q u e n t r e p l a c e m e n t if
necessary). The R A M c a n t h e n
be POKEd as required and the
EPROM r e b l o w n . Y o u could, for
instance, incorporate foreign
character f o n t s like Arabic or
Greek, or m a t h e m a t i c a l sym-
bols, perhaps w i t h the data t o
e n a b l e d o w n l o a d i n g of t h e
printer. This gives this interface
unique advantages, (provided
that y o u have a c c u m u l a t e d all
the other peices of gear).
If I w a n t e d |ust t o w r i t e in
G e r m a n , and n o t h i n g else, then I
w o u l d be inclined merely t o
POKE the relevant n e w letters
into T a s w o r d . This is a specialist
piece of e q u i p m e n t and w o n ' t
appeal to e v e r y o n e . H o w e v e r ,
to the specialist the c o m b i n a t i o n
of all the facilities it o f f e r s c o u l d
prove invaluable.
Poly print IS available, mail-order,
from Cambridge Microelec-
tronics, 1 Mi!ton Road, Cam
bridge, price €44.95 plus
V.A.J.

Microdrive to
Wafadrive
Carol Brooksbank deals with the
problems of converting Microdrive
programs to work on the wafadrive.
II y o u are t h i n k i n g of b u y i n g a
Rotronics W a f a d r i v e , y o u m a y
be w o n d e r i n g w h e t h e r it is
possible to convert the
Microdrive options on commer
cial p r o g r a m s so that they can
be used w i t h W a f a d r i v e . it is not
only possible, it is easy.
I have recently c o n v e r t e d the
C a m p b e l l Masterfile program,
w i t h the MF Print o p t i o n for full
size printers, and the examples
given in this article are taken
from that.
First, y o u m u s t e x a m i n e the
Basic p r o g r a m , and identify all
66
SPECTRUM UTILITY
the lines w h i c h will need conver-
son. T h e y are easy t o s p o t , as
k e y w o r d s s u c h as L O A D or
S A V E will be f o l l o w e d by an
asterisk and inverted c o m m a s
enclosing a l o w e r case " m " , ie.
LOAD * "m";d;nS
SAVE * " m " ; d ; n $ CODE,a,b
LOAD * " m " ; d ; n $ CODE
SAVE * " m " ; d : n $ D A T A f$()
In these e x a m p l e s , d represents
the drive n u m b e r , n$ the pro-
g r a m n a m e , a the m a c h i n e code
address, b the n u m b e r of b y t e s
and f$ the data array.
In the Masterfile program,
the drive number is specified by
pressing keys 1 - 8 to select a
particular microdrive in
response to the prompt
T A P E / M I C R O D R I V E ? Key 0
selects the tape option. Y o u
have t o decide w h e t h e r it is
necessary for y o u t o select a
particular w a f a d r i v e in this w a y .
It is very rarely essential t o
s w i t c h f r o m one drive t o another
in the course of a program,
because the s o f t w a r e w r i t e r s
c a n n o t be sure that a user will
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
o w n more t h a n o n e drive.
I decided to make the pro-
g r a m operate o n the default
drive, drive a on p o w e r up,
because it is easy t o go into
Basic and designate drive b as
the default drive if necessary. If
y o u feel y o u must be able t o
s w i t c h drives w i t h o u t g o i n g into
Basic, y o u will have t o insert
s o m e e x t r a l i n e s of B a s i c ,
possibly in the f o r m of a sub-
routine if there are not e n o u g h
free lines at the point w h e r e y o u
are m a k i n g t h e alterations.
IF d = 1 THEN LET d $ = "a"
IF d - 2 THEN LET d $ = " b "
LET q $ - n$
LET n $ = d$ + " : " + q$
The instructions w h i c h f o l l o w
will operate on the specified
drive if the Basic listed above is
present, but on the default drive
w i t h o u t it.
Alter simple L O A D and S A V E
i n s t r u c t i o n s w h i c h load and
save Basic so that they read
LOAD * n $
S A V E n$
S A V E * n $ LINE n n n n (auto-
running programs)
M a c h i n e code s a v i n g instruc-
tions should be altered to read
SAVE *n$,a,b
M a c h i n e code loading instruc
tions are exactly like Basic ones,
the w o r d CODE is not used in
Wafadrive instructions. You
must remember though, that
y o u c a n n o t have t w o p r o g r a m s
on the same w a f e r w i t h the
same name, so if the Basic and
c o d e p r o g r a m names are the
same, alter one or the other. I
simply add A, B e t c . t o the
m a c h i n e code n a m e , so that if
the Basic p r o g r a m is M F , the
m a c h i n e c o d e is M F A . Also, if
t h e c o d e b e i n g s a v e d is
s o m e t h i n g s u c h as a file, so that
y o u m a y w i s h to save u p d a t e d
versions under the same name,
use the f o r m ;
S A V E # n $ , a,b
This will avoid h a v i n g to erase
the old file, or give the n e w one
another name before being able
t o save it.
Data
The only area w h e r e y o u meet
any d i f f i c u l t y is in the saving and
loading of data arrays. There are
no W a f a d r i v e equivalents t o the
M i c r o d r i v e data instructions.
S A V E (or L O A D ) * " m " ; d ; n$
D A T A f${)

Data is n o r m a l l y s a v e d o n
wafers by using t h e OPEN # and
PRINT # i n s t i t u t i o n s , and read
by using the OPEN # and INPUT
# instructions. Y o u c o u l d w r i t e
extra lines of Basic t o use this
method, b u t it is rather cumber-
some and there is a m u c h easier
way.
Alter the datas loading lines
to
MERGE *n$
Write the f o l l o w i n g short pro-
gram, and save it on the w a f e r
you are using for your main pro-
gram, calling it w h a t e v e r y o u
like.
0 LOAD DATA f$()
9999 REM
If LINE 9 9 9 9 is used by the main
program, replace it w i t h any line
number w h i c h is unused. f $
must be the array letter used by
the program.
Whenever y o u are using your
main program, use the save t o
tape option for saving any files
which are in the f o r m of data
arrays, tt is a w i s e p r e c a u t i o i n t o
make b a c k u p copies of w a f e r
files on tape a n y w a y , so y o u will
Son of Microdriver
Strikes Back!
The M i r a g e M i c r o d r i v e r g o t
some excellent r e v i e w s w h e n it
was first launched just a f e w
months ago, and n o w M i r a g e
have p r o d u c e d a Version 2 . 0
Microdriver that is faster and
also offers s o m e n e w facilities.
In c a s e y o u m i s s e d t h e
reviews of the original version I'll
just do a quick recap. The pur-
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
SPECTRUM UTILITY
not be w a s t i n g time. Then, load
in the short p r o g r a m above f r o m
w a f e r , run it, start the tape and
the file w i l l be loaded into the
S p e c t r u m . N o w delete line 1 0 .
and save the p r o g r a m on w a f e r ,
using the appropriate file name.
The file will be saved, t o g e t h e r
w i t h the Basic REM line, and y o u
will be able t o load it into your
main program quite normally
w h e n required, because the pro-
g r a m w i l l ignore the m e r g e d
REM line.
To a n y o n e used t o loading
programs from tape, this
m e t h o d of l o a d i n g d i f f e r e n t
Basic p r o g r a m s m a y s o u n d s l o w
and elaborate, but r e m e m b e r
that p r o g r a m s load very q u i c k l y
f r o m the w a f e r s . Y o u d o n o t
have t o search for the p r o g r a m s ,
the W a f a d r i v e does that for y o u ,
so c h a n g i n g p r o g r a m s in mid-
s t r e a m is quick and easy.
You should keep all t h e Basic,
m a c h i n e c o d e and file p r o g r a m s
t h a t y o u w i l l w i s h to use
together on the same w a f e r , so
that loading t h e m as needed is
quick and easy. I w r o t e a loading
p r o g r a m for M a s t e r f i l e w h i c h
loads t h e K e m p s t o n i n t e r f a c e
software, the Masterfile
m a c h i n e c o d e and the M a s t e f i l e
Basic so that L O A D * "master-
pose of the M i c r o d r i v e r is t o per-
f o r m tape to m i c r o d r i v e , or e v e n
tape to tape transfers of all
S p e c t r u m s o f t w a r e , so that y o u
can n o w use y o u r m i c r o d r i v e for
LOADing commercial software
w i t h o u t needing to spend hours
of h a c k i n g t o get past piracy pro-
tection systems. However, the
Microdriver does n o t encourage
piracy, since any b a c k - u p copies
of s o f t w a r e will only run if t h e
Microdriver is still c o n n e c t e d to
the S p e c t r u m . This doesn't
m a k e p i r a c y i m p o s s i b l e , but
f i l e " gets the w h o l e program
running for me.
interface
W h y d o I have a K e m p s t o n inter-
face w h e n the W a f a d r v i e has
C e n t r o n i c s and R S 2 3 2 inter-
faces. y o u ask. Well, I already
had b o t h a K e m p s t o n and a mor-
bid dislike of parting w i t h m y
hard-earned w h e n I b o u g h t the
W a f a d r i v e , so I s a w no reason t o
buy another C e n t r o n i c s connec-
ting lead w h e n the K e m p s t o n
w o r k s p e r f e c t l y w e l l w i t h it.
What about making backup
copies of games onto
W a f a d r i v e ? I have put Psion
Chess o n t o w a f e r s u c c e s s f u l l y ,
and it loads m u c h more q u i c k l y .
Y o u have t w o problems in this
area. First, c a n y o u break into
the program successfully, to
make any sort of c o p y ? If so,
y o u are h a l f w a y there. W h e t h e r
y o u can n o w c o p y t o w a f e r s
d e p e n d s on h o w m u c h m e m o r y
is used by the p r o g r a m c o n c e r n
ed. The W a f a d r i v e uses part of
the S p e c t r u m m e m o r y for its
o w n operations, and there m a y
not be r o o m for the p r o g r a m a n d
the W a f a d r i v e to o p e r a t e
t o g e t h e r . Psion Scrabble is an
e x a m p l e . If the W a f a d r i v e is
since the Microdriver costs
almost £ 4 0 it does m a k e it
financially impractical, so that
should keep the i n d u s t r y h a p p y .
The Microdriver looks just
like a j o y s t i c k interface, except
for a small red b u t t o n on one
side, and an e x p a n s i o n port in
the back. It plugs into the rear
port o n the Interface 1, and o n c e
the m i c r o d r i v e is set up w i t h a
cartridge in it, y o u can load
whatever software you choose
f r o m tape. Once the s o f t w a r e is
loaded y o u t h e n press the but-
t o n on the side of the Micro-
driver, f o l l o w the p r o m p t s , a n d
let the thing d o all the w o r k for
you.
The w h o l e process is v e r y
easy t o f o l l o w as the Microdriver
d o e s n ' t require y o u t o d o m u c h
more t h a n c h o o s e the o p t i o n
y o u w a n t ( S A V E / L O A D etc* and
give the p r o g r a m a n a m e . W i t h
its Version 2 . 0 R O M , the n e w
M i c r o d r i v e r is e v e n faster t h a n
before, and w h e n I m a d e a back-
u p copy of a g a m e that took five
m i n u t e s to load f r o m c a s s e t t e ,
the microdrive v e r s i o n loaded in
only eight s e c o n d s (thirty s e v e n
and a half t i m e s faster t h a n
tapel!
The n e w facilities available
w i t h Version 2 . 0 are; an improv-
ed POKE facility t h a t a l l o w s y o u
operative w h e n y o u try to load
Scrabble, y o u get the report
' O u t of m e m o r y ' , and y o u can-
n o t initialise t h e W a f a d r i v e w i t h
Scrabble already loaded. If y o u
c a n enter N E W * w h e n the
p r o g r a m is loaded y o u have no
p r o b l e m , if y o u c a n ' t f o r g e t it.
r e m e m b e r , t h o u g h , t h a t t o keep
on the right side of the l a w , any
b a c k u p copies y o u m a k e m u s t
be entirely for your o w n use, and
not supplied to o t h e r s .
A n y other problems? Well,
the only other one I m e t w a s , I
a m sure, peculiar to me. O w i n g
to the curious g e o g r a p h y of m y
small h o m e , the printer sits o n
t o p of the freezer, and w h e n e v e r
the freezer m o t o r c u t s in and
out, it resets the S p e c t r u m . M y
dealer tells m e that s o m e t h i n g
called ' T h e Plug' w o u l d cure
this, and I m a y yet brush the
m o t h s o f f m y A c c e s s cards and
try it, b u t in the m e a n t i m e I
s w i t c h the freezer t o fast freeze
w h e n I use the S p e c t r u m so that
the m o t o r is on p e r m a n e n t l y ,
and that cures it. A p a r t f r o m
that, no problems. In f a c t , I find
the p r o g r a m c o n v e r s i o n s quite
absorbing, and the resulting
speed when using the
W a f a d r i v e a great blessing. I a m
sure y o u will too.
t o enter pokes tor infinite lives
and so on; an o p t i o n t h a t a l l o w s
y o u t o c h o o s e w h e t h e r or n o t
y o u w a n t t o save the current
screen display this can save
a b o u t 7K of space on the car-
tridge and further reduces
loading t i m e s ; COPY — this
a l l o w s y o u t o print a c o m p l e t e
screen d u m p t o the ZX Printer
(and, as far as I c a n tell, t o other
d e d i c a t e d printers s u c h as the
A l p h a c o m 3 2 and Seikosha
G P 5 0 S ) . There is also a D U M P
facility, that a l l o w s y o u t o store
screen d u m p s or sections of
m e m o r y o n t o microdrive.
If y o u ' v e g o t a microdrive and
w a n t t o use it t o speed up
loading of s o f t w a r e t h e n the
M i c r o d r i v e r is an e x c e l l e n t
device. I t ' s reliable and v e r y sim-
ple t o use, a n d t h o u g h , at
£ 3 9 . 9 5 it isn't cheap, if y o u use
a lot of c a s s e t t e based s o f t w a r e
t h e n its c o n v e n i e n c e value
should j u s t i f y the expense.
For o w n e r s of the existing
Version 1 . 0 Microdriver, Mirage
are quite laudably o f f e r i n g an
upgrade sevice at a cost of
£ 5 . 9 5 w h e n the original
Microdriver is returned.
Enquiries, upgrade order e t c .
to; Mirage M i c r o c o m p u t e r s Lts,
2 4 Bank S t , Braintree, Essex
C M 7 7 U L (tel. 0 3 7 6 4 8 3 2 1 ) .
67
 UTILITY

interfaces
dard; a serial board will cost ex
tra.

face to face.
interface 1
This bad n e w s m u s t be set
against t h e g o o d n e w s that
Sinclair's Interface 1 already has
an RS232 p o r t s u i t a b l e for
printers on board. So if y o u
already have Interface 1, y o u

The problem of hooking up the

m u s t balance the cost of paying
e x t r a for an RS32 board on the

Spectrum to a suitable printer is

printer and a printer cable
against paying for a separate

investigated by John wase.

Not so very long ago. M a t t
Nicholson, w r i t i n g for You and
Your Barclaycard, suggested in
an article o n h o m e c o m p u t e r s
that there w a s s o m e d i f f i c u l t y in
c o n n e c t i n g a S p e c t r u m u p to a
printer. H o w t i m e s have c h a n g
ed! I t ' s n o w not only easy, but
y o u ' r e spoilt for c h o i c e over the
means available. L e t ' s look at
the w a y i t ' s done and s o m e of
the alternatives available.
Hardware
hassles. . .
There are likely to be four types
of S p e c t r u m h a r d w a r e t o
consider — the original rubber
b u t t o n S p e c t r u m , t h e Spec-
t r u m + , Interface 1 and add-on
keyboards, each influencing
the w a y a printer m i g h t be con-
nected.
N o w , have y o u c h o s e n your
printer? Y o u have? Y o u ' v e
Chosen it already, have y o u 7 By
mail order, too? So, y o u ' r e s t u c k
w i t h it 1 All right; l e t ' s see h o w to
c o n n e c t it up.
t i o n f r o m the R O M PRINT and
COPY routines fed o u t at the
rear port is n o t in a recognised
s t a n d a r d f o r m . T h e ZX printer
has a sort of built-in interface
w h i c h a l l o w s it t o interpret fluc-
t u a t i n g signals as ' m a k e a d o t ' or
'don't make a dot' (the
A l p h a c o m and Floyd c a n be said
t o e m u l a t e the ZX printer (hence
t h e i n t e r f a c e c o n t a i n i n g the
c h i p l a n d properly o r g a n i s e d
(hence the s o f t w a r e , w h i c h will,
for instance, permit proper
LLISTings of Sinclair
Keywords).
There are t w o main sorts of
add-on printer interfaces t o fit a
S p e c t r u m because there are t w o
main w a y s of sending informa-
t i o n t o a s t a n d a r d printer. The
parallel (or Centronics-type) in-
t e r f a c e takes e a c h byte and
sends each of the eight bits
simultaneously (i.e. in parallel)
t o the printer. The serial (or
RS232-type) i n t e r f a c e sends
each of the eight bits one after
the other.
Printers, in t u r n are sold set
up t o decode either serial infor-
m a t i o n , or parallel i n f o r m a t i o n
(or, occasionally, both) in other
w o r d s , the printer is itself equip-
ped w i t h a serial or w i t h a parallel
interface. The majority of printer
installations used t o be set up for
parallel t r a n s m i s s i o n of informa-
tion; h o w e v e r the s w i n g is n o w
tending t o w a r d s serial. Never
theless, m a n y printers still c o m e
w i t h a parallel interface as stan-
parallel interface to put on the
outlet port of the S p e c t r u m .
Perhaps this is w h y there are so
f e w other S p e c t r u m RS232 in
terfaces available; Euroelector-
nics Z X L p r i n t III being the only
c o m m o n one; unusual in that
the little box c o n t a i n s b o t h serial
and parallel boards, and that the
r e l e v a n t c a b l e s are s o l d
separately. ( A n d i t ' s the ZX
LPRINT III that w e use for prin-
t i n g listings and in w o r d pro-
cessing Ed.)
Parallel printing
A h , but y o u b o u g h t the one w i t h
the parallel port, d i d n ' t y o u !
Well, w h a t m a k e of interface are
y o u going to b u y , then? The
c h o i c e is b e w i l d e r i n g . A t least a
dozen, probably more. H o w
does one make a rational deci-
sion?
There are t w o main sorts of

ROM rattlers
If i t ' s a ZX printer, an A l p h a c o m ,
or a F l o y d , t h e n t h e s e are
designed to use the S p e c t r u m
R O M routines LLIST, LPRINT
and COPY. T h e y will each fit
directly into the S p e c t r u m or
S p e c t r u m + , via the rear expan-
sion p o r t , a l t h o u g h some m i g h t
not easily fit e v e r y sort of add-on
keyboard. For other printers, an
interface and cable are required
at extra cost — a point w o r t h
t h i n k i n g about if y o u w a n t only
t o LIST p r o g r a m s .

Why extra
interfaces?
Standard printers expect infor-
m a t i o n t o be presented t o t h e m
in standard fashion, and are
designed for this. The informa-

68 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 UTILITY

interfaces; in one sort the soft

ware is L O A D e d (e.g. f r o m the
cassette supplied), w h i l s t the
other has s o f t w a r e o n board on
EPROM. W h i l s t in theory the
cassette-based s o f t w a r e m u s t
oe fed in each time the printer is
used, in practice this is not as
oad as it loks: for instance, for
writing t e x t , T a s w o r d II incor-
porates m o d i f i c a t i o n s f o r a
range of interfaces; the POKEs
;ire saved w i t h the program. I t ' s
still necessary t o L O A D s o f t
ware, t h o u g h , f o r L L I S T ,
LPRINT a n d C O P Y ( v a r i o u s
sizes). This is located in the
printer buffer w h i c h N E W clears
out — a bit of a bind s o m e t i m e s .

Eprom for
efficiency
Interfaces w i t h a n o n b o a r d
EPROM are usually a little more
expensive, but all y o u have t o d o
is s w i t c h on and there it is. It
cant be NEWed a w a y , but there
can still be certain problems. For
instance, all ZX Basic's key-
words are e n c o d e d by single
ASCII codes or t o k e n s w h i c h are
decoded by the printer interface
software so that p r o g r a m s are
USTed correctly; s o m e t i m e s it
is necessary to use ASCII codes
to send other i n f o r m a t i o n t o the
printer, a n d s o m e t i m e s t h i s
can't easily be done if the soft
ware decodes t h e m ail the time,
in a d d i t i o n , c e r t a i n B a s i c -
augmenting programs, like Beta
Basic and MegaBasic can pre-
sent LISTing problems. Finally,
to make big screen copies IA4>
you need t o feed in additional
cassette-based software
anyway.
Fitting in
Now the little box itself. First, f o r
goodness sake d o n ' t just buy
one w i t h o u t t r y i n g it for size.
Some older interfaces will not
physically f i t the S p e c t r u m +
and some will not fit an add on
keyboard, so check first, n e x t ,
look at the design. Reject any in-
terface w h i c h is f l i m s y or w h i c h
has an edge c o n n e c t o r w h i c h is
not really g o o d and t i g h t , since
poor c o n n e c t i o n s can lead t o
edge connector, but simply
because it m a y have strained
the S p e c t r u m PCB, and put a
micro-crack in one of the con-
d u c t i v e tracks.
is the price right?
Check the r e v i e w s , check the
adverts. This last s u m m e r in a
seaside chainstore, I s a w an old
m o d e l being o f f e r e d as a special
r e d u c t i o n ; but it w a s still C 1 0
dearer t h a n the nationally adver-
tised price of a replacement
m o d e l ' Oh, do m a k e sure that
the i n s t r u c t i o n leaflet 3nd the
cable are included in the little
box.
If y o u are the p e r f e c t ig
n o r a m u s (join the club), take the
printer and Spectrum to the local
micro-shop (preferably not
chain-store). Their prices will
probably not be the cheapest,
b u t y o u are l i k e l y t o g e t
specialist a d v i c e ensuring that
y o u are a i d e d s a t i s f a c t o r i l y .
A l t e r n a t i v e l y , for the bargain
prices, order by mail order.
Cunning
W a f a d r i v e c o m e s w i t h Spectral
W r i t e r , (a w o r d processing pro
g r a m ) , a n d i n c o r p o r a t e s ap-
propriate t e x t printing i n t e r l a c e
s o f t w a r e . W i t h Discovery i t ' s
even easier: just enter the c o m
m a n d OPEN #3;"b" (for in
stance, insert this at the start of
line 1 5 in T a s w o r d II) and y o u ' r e
a w a y . Oh, and do, at s o m e
stage, m e n t i o n your rich uncle
that y o u will need (at extra c o s t l
a printer cable.
So, what can go
wrong?
Firstly never, ever, connect or
disconnect your Spectrum to
the interface of the printer with
the power on. S w i t c h off first. If
y o u pull the S p e c t r u m and inter
f a c e a p a r t w h i l s t t h e y are
p o w e r e d up, y o u can (and pro
bably will) b l o w t h e m b o t h .
T h u s , interface w o b b l e is bad
n e w s : a v o i d it. A c r a s h i n g
T a s w o r d can be c a u s e d by dirty
or loose c o n n e c t i o n s . C o n t i n u e d
crashing f r o m this cause
will d a m a g e the health of your
c o m p u t e r and interface. Power
d o w n , c h e c k that the D plug t o
the printer is tight, and clipped in
if clips are provided. Check that
it d o e s n ' t w o b b l e . Check that
the mains plugs are in order,
that, if a mains adapter is used, it
is s a t i s f a c t o r y ( w i t h o u t w o b b l e )
and that the S p e c t r u m p o w e r
supply is properly p l u g g e d in at
b o t h ends. The socket can o f t e n
be loosened on the S p e c t r u m
printed circuit board. Check that
the cable interface c o n n e c t i o n
is g o o d .
S o m e interfaces use a pin
connector; some (e.g.
Discovery), use an edge connec-
tor like the S p e c t r u m edge con-
e c t o r . D i r t y edge c o n n e c t o r s
c a n be cleaned w i t h an ink
eraser p r o v i d e d there is still
metal there! M a k e sure that the
interface c o n n e c t o r is n o t fouled
by the S p e c t r u m heat sink, (the
a l u m i n i u m strip); it must go right
h o m e . If trouble persists, t h e n
get your local micro shop to run a
test on the gear.
Good luck with your
endeavours and Happy Prin-
ting!

loss of text or, at w o r s t , loss of combinations

computer and interface! There
are t w o m a i n p a t t e r n s , t h e
upright box and the box w h i c h
ies flat at the back. If y o u favour
one of the latter, make sure that
it does n o t need additional sup-
port, particularly if y o u use an
add-on keyboard. If the inter
face is hanging o u t at the back, it
may not crash the c o m p u t e r
through a poor c o n n e c t i o n at the
If y o u are lucky e n o u g h to have a
rich uncle, he m i g h t be c o n n e d
into g e t t i n g y o u a c o m b i n a t o n
deal, like the Rotronics
Wafadrive, which comes with
b o t h parallel and serial inter
faces on board, or a Discovery
disc unit, w h i c h incorporates a
parallel port. B o t h these units
s u p p o t y LLIST and LPRINT.

69 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6

Epson Meets The
Spectrum
R.C. Luxton thought his troubles were
over when he got an FX80 — here he
explains the pitfalls.
W h e n I retired m y f a i t h f u l ZX
t h e r m a l printer in favour of a
shining n e w Epson F X 8 0 dot-
matrix printer, I f o n d l y imagined
that all m y troubles w o u l d be
over, and that I w o u l d simply
have t o press a key or t w o in
order to have lots of d i f f e r e n t
t y p e f a c e s and other p r i n t i n g
tricks at m y c o m m a n d .
How wrong I was!
The Epson does s u p r e m e l y
w e l l all that is claimed tor it, and
m y K e m p s t o n E C e n t r o n i c s in-
terface, w h i c h has a built in
Eprom and o c c u p i e s no space in
R A M , remains p e r m a n e n t l y at
t a c h e d t o the back of the Spec-
t r u m , quietly going about its
business. W h a t I did n o t k n o w
w a s that a k n o w l e d g e of C o n t r o l
and Escape codes w a s essential
to use the m a n y f u n c t i o n s of the
printer and t h a t s o m e hard s t u d y
of t h e F X S O ' s o p e r a t i o n s
manual w o u l d be needed.
The S p e c t r u m uses single
b y t e t o k e n s for k e y w o r d s and
the K e m p s t o n interface will in
terpret the t o k e n s t o print out
the full k e y w o r d s during
LLISTing. This h o w e v e r , can
c o n f u s e the printer so the Ep-
s o n ' s c o n t r o l codes m u s t be
entered w i t h the k e y w o r d s OFF.
T o s w i t c h OFF t h e t o k e n s ,
COPY : REM CHR$ 0 is entered
as a direct c o m m a n d . Similarly,
COPY : REM CHR$ 1 is entered
to s w i t c h t h e m on.
I s o o n f o u n d that the Escape
and C o n t r o l codes w o r k e d as
printed in the manual if I put the
codes in Basic lines and set the
t o k e n s w i t c h e s OFF w i t h a
direct c o m m a n d . T h u s : ESC SO,
the Enlarged m o d e s e t t i n g re
q u i r e s LPRINT CHR$ ( 2 7 ) ;
CHR$(14); to be sent to the
printer in order to print enlarged
characters.
Symbol shift
A snag become evident
h o w e v e r , w h e n I tried t o LLIST
p r o g r a m listings c o n t a i n i n g the
' £ ' and ' s y m b o l s . The F X 8 0
a l l o w s y o u to d o w n l o a d any one
70
HARDWARE
of nine d i f f e r e n t character sets
for the U S A , France, G e r m a n y ,
England, Denmark, Sweden,
Italy, Spain and Japan, e a c h of
w h i c h , in a d d i t i o n t o an
alphabet, numbers, etc, con-
tains a number of unfamiliar
c h a r a c t e r s applicable t o that
c o u n t r y ' s alphabet.
In all of the sets except those
for England and Spain, the c o d e
3 5 s y m b o l is ' W. In the English
set, c o d e 3 5 is the ' £ ' sign.
Thus, if y o u call the English set
( N o . 3 ) by i n p u t t i n g LPRINT
CHR$(27);"R";CHR$(3); t h e n
the Epson will faithfully print
every ' £ ' . But w h a t do y o u do if
y o u w a n t t o print BOTH L"s
A N D # ' s w i t h i n the listing?
(Have y o u n o t i c e d h o w m a n y
magazines print listings for
S p e c t r u m p r o g r a m s using an
italic b r a c k e t , or the ' £ ' , in place
of the ' # ' ? Presumably their
printer d u m p s have similar
troubles?).
In an ordinary Basic program,
it w o u l d b e s i m p l e t o c a l l
b a c k w a r d s and f o r w a r d s bet-
w e e n say, the G e r m a n set, w i t h
its code 351 H). and the English
set c o d e 3 5 ( C ) , but this w o u l d
not do for LLISTing It w a s t h e n
that I d i s c o v e r e d the ESC 6 ,
Printable C o d e Area Extension'
in the manual, w h i c h had ob-
viously been designed for such
use. This allows 3 3 extra
characters Spanish.
Japanese etc t o be loaded in
to c o d e n u m b e r s that are not
normally used, t h u s code 1 3 4 is
the ' £ ' character. For this y o u
enter, LPRINT CHR$(27);"6";
f o l l o w e d by a call for the
character you w a n t printed,
thus: LPRINT CHR$ 1 34 for the
' £ ' sign.
It became o b v i o u s t h e n that a
p r o g r a m w o u l d be needed t o set
up the printer and do all the s w i t -
ching necessary t o call the op-
tions required t o LLIST w i t h cor
rect printing of the ' W and ' £ '
characters. But. if these w e r e
c o n t a i n e d in just a f e w lines t o
MERGE at the end of a p r o g r a m
t o be LLISTed, t h e n the printer
the LLIST, and RETURN instruc
tions also o n separate lines, b u t )
w o u l d still like t o k n o w w h y the
S p e c t r u m will p e r f o r m instruc-
tions following a REM in s o m e
cases and not in others!
LLIST, m e r g e d on t o the end
of any p r o g r a m for Llisting, and
run by a direct c o m m a n d
GOTO 9985 works for me,
and w o u l d probably require very
little a d j u s t m e n t to m a k e it w o r k
e q u a l l y w e l l for a n y similar
printer i n t e r f a c e d to the Spec-
t r u m , e v e n w i t h a different inter-
face.
Extra care should be taken in
t y p i n g it in as s o m e of the s y n t a x
got c o n f u s e d , so that some care is u n u s u a l . T h e c o l o n s are
w o u l d have t o be taken s w i t essential and the CHR$ (27);
c h i n g the t o k e n s O N and OFF. "E"; in Line 9 9 9 9 sets the
p r i n t e r for e m p h a s i z e d Pica
LLIST face, but c a n be c h a n g e d as re-
quired.
W i t h s o f t w a r e - d r i v e n printer in
t e r f a c e s simple Pokes are s u f f i
cient t o s w i t c h t o k e n s on and Tasword
o f f , but this does not w o r k w i t h
the K e m p s t o n E! H o w e v e r , I This routine will take care of the
f o u n d that p u t t i n g the required LLISTing problem, but even the
COPY:REM CHR$ 0 (or 1) into a superb T A S W O R D II w o r d pro-
Basic line w o r k s , and Ihe Spec cessor p r o g r a m is not w i t h o u t
t r u m e v e n reads the CHR$ in its troubles. O n m y E p s o n F X 8 0 ,
s t r u c t i o n AFTER the REM the DIP s w i t c h pins S W 1 6, S W
( w h i c h it should not do), b u t that 1 -7 and S W 1 8 have been set
adding a c o l o n and another in- ON, OFF and OFF, w h i c h a u t o
s t r u c t i o n on the same line w i l l matically downloads the
not w o r k ! ENGLAND International
The simple a n s w e r w a s to Character Set w i t h its ' £ ' as
put the s w i t c h i n g c o m m a n d s o n character 3 5 , along w i t h other
a line of their o w n , as in lines characters specific t o that set
9 9 9 5 and 9 9 9 7 of m y p r o g r a m . This is fine if I w a n t to print the
How Does LLIST work?
s = 23755
FN a( ) = ( 2 3 7 5 9 ) Start of first p r o g r a m line.
FN b( ) ( 2 3 7 7 0 ) Remainder of the line.
Fnc( ) = Current line n u m b e r . I s & s * 11.
Line 9 9 8 6 If n e x t line - start of this routine, t h e n stop.
9987 Sets up printing f o r m a t and starts | FOR NEXT
loop.
9988 tf | ' #* (Code 3 5 ) , ( w h i c h w o u l d not prinl
thus!) then LLPRINT ' # '
9989 If) ' £ ' , (Code 9 6 ) , ( w h i c h w o u l d not print
thus!) then calls ESC 6 . Printable Code Area
Extension and LLPRINT CHR$ 1 3 4 ( £ ' ) .
9990 If j 'OPEN W (Code 2 1 1 1 , ( w h i c h w o u l d not
print thus!) t h e n LLPRINT 'OPEN #'
9991 If j 'CLOSE r (Code 2121, ( w h i c h w o u l d
not print thus!) t h e n LLPRINT 'CLOSE W
9992 If J - 3 2 , t h e n LLPRINT it! B e l o w 3 2 is n o t
printable.
9993 CHR$ 1 4 signifies a numerical c o n s t a n t in the
line, f o l l o w e d by five b y t e s for the n u m b e r
itself, so d o not LLPRINT them 1
9994 C o n t i n u e s w i t h the remainder of the line.
9999 Sets variables. The first sets Epson F X 8 0 for
Emphasised pica face CE') and can be c h a n g
ed as required.
IMPORTANT: 'OPEN £ ' in line 9 9 9 0 and 'CLOSE £ ' in line
9 9 9 1 MUSTbe entered using individual Jet
ters. S p e c t r u m k e y w o r d s will not w o r k w i t h
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 HARDWARE

' , but in this set there is n o ' W programmed character 1 2 8

(which is character 3 5 in m o s t
of t h e o t h e r international
character sets)!
A little study of the p r o g r a m
printer c o n t r o l codes s h o w s that
Graphics character 1 2 8 is pro-
g r a m m e d w i t h n u m b e r s 2 7,
112 and 4 8 , w h i l e character
143 has 2 7 , 1 12 and 4 9 . This
means that using G R A P H I C S 8 ,
(Code 1 2 8 ) , Escape c o d e 2 7 ,
and 'p' (Code 11 2 for the Ep
son proportional spacing m o d e ) ,
is sent to the printer, f o l l o w e d by
0' (OFF), in other w o r d s ,
GRAPHIC 8 sets 'Proportional
spacing' to OFF, while
GRAPHIC SHIFT 8. (Code
143), Escape c o d e 2 7 , c o d e
112 Cp'), and code 4 9 , C I ' ) ,
sets it t o ONI.
I decided that proportional
spacing w a s an o p t i o n that I
could d o w i t h o u t , so I s i m p l y re
w i t h 2 7 , 8 2 and 3 , and char
1 4 3 w i t h 2 7 , 8 2 and 2. w h i c h
are the codes for Escape code
2 7 : *R' (code 8 2 ) , the Epson In
ternational character set selec-
tion, w i t h ' 3 ' for the English set
and ' 2 ' for the G e r m a n version.
N o w , t o print ' £ ' I simply type
in the ' #' key, but t o obtain the
hash, I t y p e in GRAPHIC SHIFT
8, ^.GRAPHIC 8.
T h e K e m p s t o n E interface re
quires the t o k e n s to be s w i t c h e d
OFF b e f o r e loading T a s w o r d
COPY:REM CHR$ 0), and if the
dip s w i t c h N o . 2 (SW pin 2 - 4 ) in
the Epson printer is set on, then
line feeds are a u t o m a t i c . The
T a s w o r d Printer Linefeed should
b e s e t t o r 0 " , and the Printer Car-
riage Return t o 1 3 .
T h e S p e c t r u m m a n u a l , page
1 6 6 , explains h o w Basic pro-
g r a m lines are c o n s t r u c t e d .

• '..!• 11 V
M H
m
liil^jjliilhil^iL,!!
rail
9 9 8 5 GO SUB 9 9 9 9
9 9 8 6 IF FN c ()=9985 THEN LPRINT
ill^ki'lrii : STOP
9 9 8 7 L P R I N T TAB 1; (" " A N D FN c
41 (><=9)+(" " A N D FN c ( ) > = 1 0 A N D F
N c()< i 0 0 ) ; F N c < ) ; : FOR j =FN a()
TO FN b O
^lilSl^iS! 9 9 8 8 IF PEEK j = 3 5 THEN LPRINT "
m
BlpfHijjSa
£": N E X T j
9 9 8 9 IF PEEK j = 9 6 THEN GO SUB 9
995: L P R I N T C H R * (27);"6";: LPRI
NT C H R $ 134;: G O SUB 9997: N E X T
m
•
j
ffiL m K
i r i M m ffiH •lisffli km 9 9 9 0 IF PEEK j=211 THEN LPRINT
1,119'
i'^WsaKM H n a m fliMM
" OPEN £": N E X T j
9991 IF PEEK j = 2 1 2 THEN LPRINT
mm jmiiii •
HI
mam HSMSi
TIR; SHJ Milt SI BH H I " C L O S E £";: N E X T j
I
IBS IjWiliF « Will 9 9 9 2 IF PEEK j > = 3 2 THEN LPRINT
i C H R * PEEK j;
iteMSKKi ftmtMHM
9 9 9 3 IF PEEK j = 14 THEN LET j=j+
itiotmg mm H tmm
L Hi w 1 BIS m m
'Mt | t M i 9 9 9 4 N E X T j: L E T 5=FN bb(())++l1:: GO
JL ml
'II;
Hill '' ' ''I'
TO 9 9 8 6
9 9 9 5 COPY :: REM C H R * 0
9996 RETURN
9 9 9 7 COPY : REM CHRf 1
9998 RETURN
9 9 9 9 GO SUB 9995: L P R I N T C H R $ (2
7) ; "E " ; : L P R I N T C H R * (27)'; "R" ; CH
R $ (2); GO SUB 9997: LET 5 = 2 3 7 5 5
: DEF FN a ( ) = s + 4 : DEF FN b ( ) = s + 3
+PEEK < s + 2 > + 2 5 6 * P E E K (s+3): DEF
FN c ( ) = 2 5 6 * P E E K s + P E E K (s+1): RE
TURN : REM " E " ( l i n e 2) is -for EM
F'HASI ZED p r i n t . C h a n g e a s requir-
ed. *"LL I ST" ( c ) R . G . L u x t o n *

ZX
71 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6

Tasword or
Spectral?
Carol Brooksbank has been using both
wordprocessors for some time now and
gives some advice to those about to
venture into this field.
If y o u are t h i n k i n g of b u y i n g a
w o r d p r o c e s s o r p r o g r a m for
your S p e c t r u m , y o u c o u l d find
yourself t r y i n g t o c h o o s e bet
w e e n T A S W O R D 2 and SPEC
TRAL WRITER. The p r o g r a m s
are very similar. 8 o t h are superb
w o r d processors, p a c k i n g some
very impressive features into a
small e n o u g h space t o leave
r o o m for over 3 0 0 lines of your
creative genius in the
S p e c t r u m ' s m e m o r y . But there
are small b u t i m p o r t a n t dif
ferences, and t o c h o o s e the one
that will suit y o u best, y o u need
t o k n o w w h a t the d i f f e r e n c e s
are.
In this article, I a m c o n c e n
trating on those d i f f e r e n c e s , and
not describing operations w h i c h
are c o m m o n o n b o t h if the only
difference is the key pressed to
p e r f o r m the operation. B o t h pro
grams p e r f o r m all the basic f u n c
tions t o allow y o u t o enter, cor
rect, print, S A V E and L O A D
t e x t . The d i f f e r e n c e s are in the
extra features. S o m e y o u may
think vital, some y o u will pro-
bably have no use for. The final
c h o i c e will d e p e n d on your o w n
preferences, and the sort of
w o r k y o u do.
Screen Display
B o t h p r o g r a m s display t h e t e x t
on screen as it will be printed,
w i t h 6 4 characters per line, the
special t y p e f a c e s they use for
this are slightly d i f f e r e n t , (Fig.
1), and y o u may find one more
readable t h a n the other. If it
helps y o u t o decide, I prefer
SPECTRAL, m y h u s b a n d likes
T A S W O R D ! In f a c t , b o t h are
perfectly readable, but
T A S W O R D also has a ' w i n d o w '
f e a t u r e t o allow y o u t o see the
text full size if y o u have d i f f i c u l t y
reading t h e c o n d e n s e d print.
( T h o u g h this is a f e a t u r e I have
never needed t o use.)
72
WORDPRO
c u p y more than 1 line on the
paper, m a k i n g a nonsense of the
justification and w o r d - w r a p .
(Fig. 4). Y o u can o v e r c o m e this
w i t h T A S W O R D by indenting
the margins, r e d u c i n g the col-
u m n s per line. (Fig. 51.
Search facilities
Both p r o g r a m s use the ' a r r o w '
keys t o m o v e the cursor one let-
ter or one line in any direction,
but T A S W O R D also a l l o w s y o u
to m o v e the cursor back or for-
w a r d one w o r d at a time for rapid
m o v e m e n t . SPECTRAL has very
fast repeat, so t h a t a l t h o u g h the
cursor m o v e s one letter or one
line at a t i m e , if the key is held
d o w n c o n t i n u o u s l y the move-
ment is m u c h more rapid t h a n
TASWORD's word jumping.
T h e repeat speed m a y be altered
Fig. 1. 64 C O L U M N SCREEN DISPLAY by the SPECTRAL user if re-
quired. SPECTRALalsoallows the
i s a test p i t t e , to U e 5cretb A i . ^ l i i i w 1. cursor t o be m o v e d t o the next
full s t o p — m o v i n g a sentence at
If J speak i n the tonjujes of »e» v>4 anvels, but baw JM>T loue, a time.
I an a fioisji cr a c i a w i r t f cymbal. rtrj-rf if I bai't p r o f t e t i c B o t h p r o g r a m s allow y o u t o
; o » t r s , and understand a l l »yst«ries and a l l k»o«d$t. arid if i
a l l f a i t b , so as to r t w t i « nounUins, hut haot not l o w , 1 search for a particular w o r d or
ciN nothing. phrase, but T A S W O R D also has
the facility to replace every oc-
currence of a particular w o r d or
This i s a test piete to shun The srrceu display itf 5PEC7PSI phrase w i t h another w o r d or
WITEC. phrase a u t o m a t i c a l l y very
handy il y o u discover that y o u
If J spMb i o tbe 10JJ5UB5 trf juit assets, but haitp not Idwf..
I i t a nDisu gnng or a clanging ts«bal- BiU i f I haue prophetic have been mis-spelling a w o r d
and iwnterstam) a l l »KstpriE5 and a l l hmwledge, and i f ) throughout a document.
iMVs J U f i i t b , sa as to ffnoK* Mouofaias, bur baw oat louf., J
aM nothing. insertion
T A S W O R D has an Insert M o d e
w h i c h a l l o w s y o u to insert extra
T A S W O R D is displayed w i t h d e n t e d paragraphs w h i c h are
s e n t e n c e s in the middle of a
black print on w h i t e screen. justified, (Fig. 2). SPECTRAL
document without over-writing
S P E C T R A L is c y a n on blue, has full user-definable tabula-
w h a t is already there. W i t h
w h i c h appears w h i t e o n black on tion, as f o u n d on the best type-
SPECTRAL y o u m u s t first insert
a m o n o c h o r o m e T V , but there is w r i t e r s , w h i c h makes t y p i n g in
blank lines and t h e n t y p e the ad
a m e n u o p t i o n for changing the c o l u m n s v e r y easy. (Fig. 3), but
ditions in t h e m .
screen colours to suit yourself, y o u c a n n o t indent t h e right
and y o u c a n incorporate the col margin.
our c h a n g e s into a b a c k u p c o p y This feature will probably be Block Copying
of the p r o g r a m if y o u w a n t to a major factor in your choice bet-
make them permanent. W i t h T A S W O R D , the start and
w e e n the p r o g r a m s . Producing
end of the block t o be m o v e d or
w o r k in c o l u m n s is tedious w i t h
copied m u s t be m a r k e d , and it
Text Capacity T A S W O R D and simple w i t h
c a n t h e n be m o v e d t o lines
SPECTRAL. On the other hand,
w h i c h will be inserted above the
T A S W O R D , 3 2 0 lines of t e x t , the ability t o j u s t i f y to less than
SPECTRAL. 3 5 0 lines. the 6 4 t h c o l u m n c a n be very
line w i t h the cursor in it. For
s o m e reason, I never get this
useful. If y o u have a printer
right, and a l w a y s have to have
Tabulation w h i c h c a n produce alternative
several a t t e m p t s before I get the
t y p e f a c e s , y o u will have difficul-
block w h e r e I w a n t it — but that
T A S W O R D has no t a b s , but t y w i t h larger t h a n usual ones
is just a personal i n c o m p e t e n c e .
does have adjustable margins. when using SPECTRAL,
If the block is copied, it will still
These can be used t o produce in- because 6 4 characters m a y oc-
also appear in its original place,
but if m o v e d , the original will be
Ho. ?. TftSwORO INDENTED PARAGRAPHS. d e l e t e d and relocated.
SPECTRAL only copies text
' M i s f i r s t p a r a g r a p h i : t yped w i t h t h e full width , fcl coUnn blocks. If y o u w a n t to m o v e a
n,4i g i n s d'v 5e-t rthev T t ^ p r o g r a m i c L o a d e d . The par «jgf aph below paragraph y o u m u s t delete it
i r . t y p e d MI t h t h e l e f t m a r g i n » e t a t and t h e r i g h t at 50.
f r o m its original location after it
li I w i t h t h e tCflUue?; O* "p6>h i n d angels, but has been copied to the n e w one.
h * i v e n o t l o v e , 1 at. <J n o i s y gong or a clanging
cymbal. And if 1 rm^e prophetic powers, and
I find the c o p y i n g m e t h o d easier
u n d e r s t a n d a l l m y s t p r I f ^ and a l l l.nowl e d g e , and i f 1 to handle, t h o u g h . You insert
h . w s a l l f a i t h s o «;• t o r e m o v e m o u n t a i n s , but have e n o u g h blank lines to a c c o m -
n o t l o v e , 1 a« n o t h i n g .
m o d a t e the block w h e r e y o u
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY'MARCH 1 9 8 6
 WORDPRO

m a y b e n u m b e r e d or u n - to be c o m b i n e d w i t h data s t o r e d
Fig. 3. SPECTRAL TABULATED TEXT
umbered, the starting page using the Campbell M A S T E R
n u m b e r to be specified by the FILE program, t o p r o d u c e per-
ORG 71AF
user if it is a value other t h a n ' 1 ' . sonalized circular letters e t c .
71AF CDA371 ROOM CHK C A L L 8W
C A L L FP TO BC If the p a g e s are n u m b e r e d , There is also the TASPRINT pro-
CDA22D
LD A , ( 5 B 0 1 >
m o d e l will print the n u m b e r s at g r a m , w h i c h p r o d u c e s alter-
3A015B
LD L , A the t o p right hand corner of each native t y p e f o n t s w i t h suitable
6F
LD H , 0 0 page, w h i l s t m o d e 2 may be full-size printers.
2600
AF XOR A selected if the n u m b e r s are re- There are, at present, no sup
ED4A ADC H L , B C quired t o alternate b e t w e e n t h e plementary p r o g r a m s for SPEC-
01FF00 LD B C , O O F F top left and t o p right corners t o T R A L , t h o u g h thre have been
AF XOR A facilitate binding. SPECTRAL rumours of plans t o p r o d u c e a
ED42 SBC H L , B C a l l o w s a page heading of up t o merging p r o g r a m .
30uD JRNC NO ROOM 3 2 characters t o be printed if re- T A S W O R D has an e f f i c i e n t
CD9C71 C A L L SH quired, w h i c h will be printed on c u s t o m e r b a c k u p service, and
47 LD B , A the side opposite the number esoteric queries are a n s w e r e d
AF XOR A C o n t r o l characters m a y be used rapidly and helpfully. The only
3A025B LD A , ( 5 6 0 2 ) if this is to be underlined, or in letter 1 have ever w r i t t e n to
90 SUB B bold t y p e , e t c . S o f t e k , the publishers of SPEC-
3802 JRC NO ROOM SPECTRAL also a l l o w s the T R A L , w a s not a n s w e r e d , but
A7 AND A user t o s p e c i f y t h e m a r g i n w i d t h Rotronics, the m a n u f a c t u r e r s of
C9 RET and the number of lines o n a the W a f a d r i v e storage s y s t e m ,
37 NO ROOM SCF page before a f o r m f e e d is ex- will handle queries about SPEC-
C9 RET ecuted, The default values, TRAL and t h e y have issued a
J w h i c h operate unless the user l e a f l e t g i v i n g l i s t i n g s for an
c h a n g e s t h e m , centre the t e x t upgraded version.
w a n t to put it, and s p e c i f y that graphics keys (G-mode keys o n the 8 0 c o l u m n page, and give The upgrade gives several
the block starting line, and 1 -8) d e f i n e d as printer c o n t r o l s 6 0 lines per page. To c h a n g e t h e i m p r o v e m e n t s to SPECTRAL's
ending line, is to be m o v e d w h i c h suit Epson printers. The margins or centre the t e x t w i t h printing. Parameters s u c h as
to a position s t a r t i n g line. If y o u user c a n re-define these if re T A S W O R D , y o u m u s t use page n u m b e r s , m a r g i n w i d t h
have not left e n o u g h blank lines quired, either t o suit another printer c o n t r o l s to set the left and number of lines per page are
to receive the c o p i e d paragraph, printer, or t o c h a n g e t h e c o n t r o l s margin. O n the w h o l e , SPEC- selected at print time, instead of
you get an ' o v e r l a p p i n g error' available. These are entered into T R A L ' s p r i n t i n g facilities are going first t o another m e n u o p
report, but the t e x t is n o t over the t e x t w h e r e required for more versatile than tion, T h e printer c o n t r o l s are im-
written. underlining, bold t y p e , italics TASWORD's. proved, so the p r o g r a m n o w
e t c . w h e n u s i n g a full size recognises C H R $ (0), and there
Justification printer. is a multiple copies o p t i o n . You
SPECTRAL uses the graphics Printing Part of c a n also elect t o pause the prin-
Both programs allow
automatic word-wrap
for
or
keys in the same w a y , but t h e y
are not pre defined, and the user
Text ting o p e r a t i o n at the end of each
page to a l l o w for c h a n g i n g paper
justification to be t u r n e d o n or m u s t define each one to his o w n w h e n using single sheets.
T A S W O R D will print f r o m a
o f f , for single lines t o be un- requirements before m a k i n g the In addition, a b u g is r e m o v e d
specified line to another
justified, and single lines or personalized b a c k u p copy of the f r o m the p r o g r a m and there are
specified line. SPECTRAL will
paragraphs to be j u s t i f i e d . program. One d r a w b a c k w i t h i m p r o v e m e n t s to some of the
print f r o m the cursor t o the end
SPECTRAL has an e x t r a facility, SPECTRAL - the program m e n u s . For instance, the direc-
of the t e x t . If only a centre sec-
in that the w h o l e text-file c a n be recognizes ' 0 ' (zero) as a null tories are d i s p l a y e d w h e n
tion is t o be printed w i t h SPEC
un-justified or justified. The lat- c o d e , so c o d e s w h i c h include loading or erasing a W a f a d r i v e
TRAL, the cursor m u s t be placed
ter needs a p p r o a c h i n g w i t h cau- C H R $ (0) c a n n o t be used. W i t h file. The 'save p r o g r a m to w a f e r '
at the s t a r t i n g line, a f o r m f e e d
t i o n , b e c a u s e e v e r y line is an Epson printer there are usual- o p t i o n is i m p r o v e d so that the
printer code entered at the end
justified, including headings and ly alternatives w h i c h use other program loads m u c h more
of the p o r t i o n t o be printed, and
short e n d o f - p a r a g r a p h lines, codes, but this c o u l d be a pro- q u i c k l y . The listing, 'Upgrading
the printing o p e r a t i o n s t o p p e d
w h i c h gives s o m e very odd ef- blem w i t h other printers. Spectral W r i t e r ' is available f r o m
manually w h e n the required sec-
fects. W i t h SPECTRAL, it is also T A S W O R D recognizes ' 0 ' as Rotronics for 7 0 p or for C1 y o u
tion has been printed. Alter-
possible t o centre unjustified CHR$ (0). m a y send your original copy of
natively, a selected p o r t i o n can
text in the page, m o v e it t o the W i t h SPECTRAL, it is also the p r o g r a m t o Rotronics w h o
be S A V E d separately, and the
left margin or m o v e it t o the right possible t o send a line feed or will u p g r a d e it for y o u . The
s e c t i o n L O A D e d in place of the
margin, t h o u g h 1 c o n f e s s that I f o r m feed i n s t r u c t i o n t o the listing is three pages of BASIC
full text before printing. T e x t
have yet to find a use for this printer direct f r o m the k e y b o a r d . plus a n u m b e r of POKEs, s o the
w r i t t e n using T A S W O R D and
facility. extra 3 0 p to have it done for y o u
saved on tape may be loaded in-
SPECTRAL has a 'bell' a ZX Printer t o SPECTRAL. The reverse is
seems g o o d value.
beep w h i c h s o u n d s near the e n d W h i c h to chose? It really is a
only possible if the t e x t is shorter
of a line, w h i c h is handy if t e x t is B o t h p r o g r a m s send t e x t t o the personal choice. My own
t h a n 3 2 0 lines.
being e n t e r e d w i t h o u t w o r d - ZX printer in 6 4 c o l u m n f o r m a t . preference is for SPECTRAL,
wrap, or j u s t i f i c a t i o n , using the T A S W O R D will also print any because the t y p e of w o r k I do
program like a t y p e w r i t e r . specified line at double height. makes the tabs, the page
Supplementary n u m b e r i n g and heading and the
Saving Text Page Layout Programs page layout facilities very
useful, but I k n o w that others
W i t h T A S W O R D , the w h o l e t e x t T A S W O R D a l l o w s the user to The T A S W O R D user w i t h a prefer T A S W O R D . I hope that
file is S A V E d . Spectra! a l l o w s specify the tine spacing, but has M i c r o d r i v e can o b t a i n a p r o g r a m this article will at least help y o u
the user to specify that only cer- no facilities for page n u m b e r i n g called T ASMERGE w h i c h a l l o w s to c h o o s e the one w h i c h will suit
tain lines of t h e t e x t are t o be or heading. SPECTRAL has n o text p r o d u c e d w i t h T A S W O R D y o u best,
SAVEd if required. line spacing facilities, so double
line spacing m u s t be e n t e r e d as
Printer Controls a printer control. H o w e v e r ,
SPECTRAL has v e r y valuable
TASWORD comes with the page n u m b e r i n g facilities. Pages

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 73
 COMMUNICATIONS

xtending
gram, after s w i t c h i n g on, press
any key and then ' BREAK'. Now
type ' N E W ' on key ' A ' and
ENTER. Do NOT use option 7 on

VTX5000 BASIC
the menu, as this clears the
machine code f r o m memory.
N o w enter your Prestel cartridge
into microdrive one, and type
" R U N ' (ENTER). The program
will autorun.

David Knight presents a way of making Catalogue

Prestel more user friendly!
The program supplied in ROM
for the VTX 5 0 0 0 m o d e m is
very good, but it does not have
any microdrive or Interface 1
c o m m a n d s . I have w r i t t e n a pro-
gram, w h i c h , w h e n MERGED
w i t h the program supplied,
allows y o u to use the Microdrive
and R S 2 3 2 socket on the Inter
face 1 . I will explain the
modifications later.
First, type in the Xtend pro-
gram, o m i t t i n g lines 5 0 0 0 &
9 7 8 0 if you do not have a printer
attached via the R S 2 3 2 socket,
or if you w i s h t o use the ZX
Printer instead. Save the pro
gram w i t h GO TO 9 8 2 0 . N o w ,
s w i t c h the c o m p u t e r off and on
at t h e m a i n s , t o place t h e
M i c r o n e t m e n u in m e m o r y .
Press any key to go the main
menu, and press BREAK (Caps-
Shifted SPACE). N o w enter your
'prestel' cartridge into
microdrive 1 and type MERGE
* ; 1 ; " X t e n d " . This will make
all of the changes needed to the
program. Save the whole pro
gram w i t h GO TO 9 8 0 0 . You
should use a cartridge w i t h o u t
the filename 'run' on it.
In order to use your n e w pro
W i t h the n e w program, a f e w
changes have been made apart
f r o m just saving and loading on
microdrive instead of on tape.
Most obvious is the
'Catalogue/erase file(s)' option
on the main menu. To use this
place a cartridge in microdrive 1
and press any key. It will be
catalogued. Then y o u have the
option of erasing files. Once you
have erased all of the files you
need, press ENTER w i t h o u t any
filename, and the cartridge will

Figure 1 The Xtend program. 4400 RETURN

4997
798 REM Extended Prestel menu 4998 RFM P r i n t e r RS 232
799 4999
8(1(5 POKE 23609,10: PAPER l: BOP 5000 POKE mf,16: LET x=USR s t r :
DER 0: INK 7: LET mn=ot GO SUB d GO SUB 9730: GO TO mm
m: GO TO mc 7300 GO SUB 3100: GO CUB 4220: S
900 DATA "Main Prestel Menu",9, AVE * " m " ; i ; q S DATA bS M : GO TO 7
10,"Log ON or OFF","Preste1 Term 000
i n a l " , " S a v e Frame","View Frame", 7400 GO SUB 3100: GO SUB 4400: L
"Print F r a m e " , "Down 1 o a d e r M a i 1 OAD * " m " { l j q * DATA b*()
box Message","Enter BASIC","Cata 9100 GO SUB c i : GO SUB er: RESTO
logue/erase f i l e ( s ) ' RE ( 1 0 0 0 * m n +9 0 0 ) : READ PRINT
2997 TAB ( (32-LEN rnS)/2)} PAPCR 7} 1
2998 REM MDV save NK 2;m$'*: READ n i , o s : PRINT " K
2999 EY FUNCTION"**: FOR i=o TO n i -
3000 GO SUB 3100: GO SUB 4220: S l: READ m*t: PRINT TAB ( 1 • 1 ) j i J TA
AVE *"m";1;q*CODE ix-960,960: GO B I 7 ) i m $ " : NEXT i: PRINT W0; IN
TO mm VERSE l;"ENTER"} INVERSE 0 ; " GO
3100 GO SUB c l : INPUT "Catalogue TO Main Menu": LET 1*=CHR$ 17+CH
? LINE z*: IF z$="y" THEN P R* 2+" ON": IF ls=o THEN LET 1«
RINT AT 0,0;"Input cartridge and =CHRS 17+CHR* 4+CHR* 16+CHR® o+"
press a ley."'. PAUSE 0: PRINT A OFF"
T 0 , 0 ; " 9330 IF key>47 AND key<(48+ni) T
": CAT 1 HEN GO TO (I00+mn*1000+900*<mn=
3110 INPUT "Filename "> "J LINE q o ) + o s * 1 0 0 * ( k e y - 4 8 ) ) + ( 7 0 0 AND key
S: RETURN »CODE "Q")
4 1 97 9335 IF key=56 THEN GO TO 9700
4 198 REM MDV load 9697
4 1 99 9698 REM Erase / Catalogue
4200 GO SUB 3100 9699
4210 LOAD *"m";1;q*CODE : GO TO 9700 CLS ! PRINT "Press a key Hi
4 100 th c a r t r i d g e in mic r o d r ive. ":
4220 INPUT "Erase f i r s t 7 LIN PAUSE 0: CAT 1
E z*: IF z$=-y" THEN ERASE "m"; 9710 INPUT "Name •f i l e to erase (
j u s t ' INVERSE If"ENTER"; INVER

74 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986

 E E E M S S

SE 0 ; " to go to Main Menu) "j

! IF z«="* THEN CAT is PAUSE 0:
GO TO mm
9720 ERASE • m ' j l j z * ! GO TO 9710
9 7 2 4

<?725 REM P r i n t o u t through RS-232

9726
9730 CLOSE #3: OPEN # 3 ; " b " : FOR
a=ix~960 TO i x - 1 STEP 40 2 Load O m n i c a l c 2 : 3 Set w i l l be reset t o pica s i z e d
9735 FOR c=a TO a + 39 printer t o c o n d e n s e d m o d e ; 4 characters, so y o u will not be
NEW. able t o use c o n d e n s e d m o d e
9740 LET b=PEEK c O p t i o n s 1, 2 and 4 explain until y o u reload O m n i c a l c .
9750 IF b< 3 2 OR b>127 THEN LET themselves, o p t i o n 3 sets a d o t To get round this, load O m
m a t r i x printer into ' c o n d e n s e d ' nicalc, and set up a file. W h e n
n = 32
m o d e , a l l o w i n g 1 6 c o l u m n s of y o u w i s h t o print it, save the file
9760 LPRINT CHR* b; data in O m n i c a l c 2 t o be printed, and reload O m n i c a l c , this t i m e
9765 NEXT c this, I k n o w to be true on a s e t t i n g the printer to c o n d e n s e d
Brother M - 1 0 0 9 , but may be m o d e . Y o u m a y n o w print it out,
9767 LPRINT CHR* 13JCHR* 10;
d i f f e r e n t on other makes. I find in s e c t i o n s if necessary. This
9770 NEXT a that O m n i c a l c ' s Open 3 c o m a u t o r u n p r o g r a m m a y be ex-
9780 RETURN m a n d is u n s a t i s f a c t o r y , as it p a n d e d u p o n to load other pro-
opens channel 3 in ' b ' m o d e , grams other than Omnicalc,
9797
w h i c h does n o t line feed on m y s u c h as T a s w o r d 2. The Prestel
9798 REM Save updated BASIC printer It is necessary t o set the m e n u m a y also be further ex-
9799 bit s w i t c h e s d i f f e r e n t l y inside panded upon, so d o n o t be afraid
the printer, w h i c h is a bit sloppy. to do so. But y o u need a k n o w
9800 ERASE " m " ! U " r u n " : SAVE *"m ledge of BASIC and perhaps
Option 3 corrects this, and
• ; l ; " r u n ' LINE 800: VERIFY * " m " ; a l l o w s wider t e x t s t o be printed. m a c h i n e c o d e . I look f o r w a r d to
1 J • r u n " : REM Change ' r u n 1 to "ru H o w e v e r , if y o u s w i t c h your seeing further p r o j e c t s in this
printer off w h i l e in O m n i c a l c . it magazine and in others.
npr* i+ u s i n g a u t o r u n program.
9810 GO TO 800
Figure 2 Autorun program
9817
10 BORDER 4
9818 REM Save Xtender program
20 FOR a=t> TO 3 1: T NT AT *
981 9
} INK 2 ; ' B U } A T IF a<21
9820 ERASE " m - | 1 f " X t e n d " ! SAVE *
THEN PRINT AT INK 2;"»">A
" m " ; 1; "Xt end•
T a,31;
30 NEXT a
be c a t a l o g u e d again. T h e n it will c o n t a i n s Omnicalc 2 , a n d the
return to the main m e n u . e x t e n d e d BASIC. This makes it 40 I NP^UT " •
W h e n loading or saving, y o u possible t o enter data into O m 50 PRINT AT 4 , 4 ; ' P r e s t e l Car
are given the o p t i o n t o c a t a l o g u e n i c a l c a f t e r g e t t i n g it f r o m t r i d g e " ; OVER 1;AT 4 , 4 ;
the cartridge before loading lor P r e s t e l . T h i s is i d e a l f o r
saving). W h e n s a v i n g y o u are s t o c k b r o k i n g etc If y o u have
given the o p t i o n of erasing any Omnicalc 2 you may w i s h to do 60 PRINT AT 6 , 4 ; " P r e s s key 1,
file w i t h t h e s a m e f i l e n a m e this. T o start w i t h , y o u m u s t
2, 3 or 4";AT 9 , 4 ; " 1 P r e s t e l ext
before s a v i n g the current file. c o p y Omnicalc o n t o cartridge
This is similar w i t h b o t h screen (not using their m e t h o d , h o w - ended menu*;AT 1 1 , 4 ; " 2 Omnicalc
files and mailbox messages. ever, as it uses the filename t w o ' j A T 1 3 , 4 ; ' 3 Set p r i n t e r t o C
If y o u w i s h t o load a file f r o m ' r u n ' ) . C o p y it w i t h one of the
ondensed*fAT 1 5 , 4 ; " 4 Return t o B
tape, y o u m a y BREAK into t h e t a p e / m i c r o d r i v e c o p i e r s avail-
program, and type LOAD able, preferably w i t h the file- ASIC (NEW)"
" " C O D E T h e n t y p e GO T O n a m e ' r u n o t ' . I use Trans Ex- 70 LET a*=INKEY*
mm. press by R o m a n t i c Robot, b u t
80 IF a*="" THEN GO TO 70
The final change is for users any other should so. The Prestel
w i t h a full sized printer a t t a c h e d e x t e n d e d m e n u should be saved 90 IF a * - " I " THEN LOAD * " m'

via the R S 2 3 2 port. (I use a under the n a m e ' r u n p r ' . To d o ; " r u n p r "
Brother M 1 0 0 9 , b u t the pro- t h i s , c h a n g e line 9 8 0 0 ap-
propriately and GO TO 9 8 0 0 . 100 IF a«="2" THEN BORDER 7! L
gram should w o r k w i t h other
makes). It c h a n g e s o p t i o n 4 T y p e in the ' a u t o r u n ' pro- OAD * " m " ; 1 J " r u n o t •
from c o p y i n g t o the ZX Printer t o g r a m and save it under the n a m e 110 IF a*="3" THEN CLOSE #3:
copying t o a full-sized printer, it ' r u n ' LINE 0 . N o w y o u c a n use
is not p e r f e c t , h o w e v e r , as it will PEN tt3l"b": LPRINT CHR* 15;: CLO
the Prestel m e n u t h e same w a y
print block graphics as j u m b l e d as b e f o r e , e x c e p t t h a t y o u SE #3: OPEN # 3 f " f : POKE 23728,2
characters. If this is u n s a t i s f a c should choose option 2 w h e n 55: POKE 23729,255
tory for your needs, insert your the a u t o r u n p r o g r a m loads.
o w n copier f r o m line 9 7 0 0 on- 120 IF a*="4" THEN NEW
wards. It is p e r f e c t l y a d e q u a t e 200 GO TO 70
for printing pages of informa-
tion, but n o t for c o p y i n g pic-
Options 9000 ERASE " m " J 1J " r u n " i SAVE *"m

tures. " ; 1 J " run• LINE 0: VERIFY * - m " ; l ;

The full o p t i o n s are as f o l l o w s : 1
My current Prestel cartridge Load e x t e n d e d Prestel m e n u : "run"

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 75
 Tcisword plus.
John wall shows how to add wordcount,
paragraph-count and Header facilities
to Tasword ll.
Word Count
T a s w o r d T w o has rapidly
become the standard W o r d Pro-
cessor for the Spectrum and has
most of the features that pur
pose built W P ' s h a v e , t w o
f e a t u r e s t h a t are m i s s i n g
however are a current w o r d
count and automatic header.
This is a machine code routine
Figure 1. the machine code routine.
INITIAL CONDITIONS
W o r d count set to zero
File length + 2 5 6 2 0 , 7 3 6
File start address 3 1 , 9 9 9
CHECK IF NEXT BYTE IS NOT A SPACE
Select next byte a INCLHL
H o w many bytes t o go? DEC DE
CHECK IF FINISHED
Have w e reached the end of
the file? Is the most sig-
nificant byte of DE zero ?
If so return t o basic.
Is this byte a space? If so
try next byte.
INCREASE W O R D COUNT
If not a space then must be
start of new w o r d . Increase
w o r d count by One.
LOOK FOR END OF WORD
Select next byte
of word.
H o w many bytes t o go?
76
that gives, in a fraction of a se-
cond, the number of w o r d s
typed into the file up t o present.
Controlled f r o m BASIC, it also
gives a paragraph count.
The mam problem is where to
put the code. In T a s w o r d T w o
ihe text file is held b e t w e e n
3 2 0 0 0 and 5 2 4 8 0 w i t h an ex-
tra 1 2 8 bytes after that ob
viously used for o v e r f l o w
routines. The machine code sec-
tion is held from 5 4 7 8 0 to
6 5 5 3 5 . However, the machine
code also uses bytes lower than
5 4 7 8 0 for data storage. I chose
5 2 6 1 0 as an address as far as
possible from the data section of
the machine code routines and
no problems have arisen. The
main disadvantage is the extra
time the program takes to SAVE
and LOAD, perhaps another 1 0
seconds each for the basic and
the machine code.
The machine code routine in-
volves only relative jumps. You
might be puzzled by the 2 5 6
that is added to the DF register
initially. This is so that the test
lor the end of the text file is
LD BC, 0 0 0 0
LD DE, 5 1 0 0
LD HL, 7C FF
LD A, 0 0
CP D
RET Z
LD A , ( H L )
CP 2 0 32 dec-space
JR, Z next byte (a)
b INC BC
c INC HL
DEC DE
simplfied. Just before the end is
reached DE will hold 0 0 0 1 (hex
least significant byte first)
and the next decrease of DE will
leave FF 0 0 1255 decimal) and
the D register will hold zero and
the routine will return to basic.
The w o r d count is held in the BC
register so that the c o m m a n d
PRINT USR 5 2 6 1 0 will return
(he actual count (See lines 6 0
and 9 3 6 0 ) . The code could be
made shorter by o m i t t i n g the
CORRECT FOR END OF LINE
ERROR routine. H o w e v e r this
w o u l d give a false count
because the routine w o u l d not
separate t w o w o r d s one of
w h i c h ends at column 6 4 and
one w h i c h begins at column 1 of
the next line. There is a brief ex
planation of the code in figure 1.
Header Routine
This enables the recall of a pre-
entered address heading of up to
seven lines. It also pushed d o w n
the entered text so that the
CHECK IF FINISHED
Have w e reached the end of
the file, Is the most sig-
nificant byte of DE zero?
If so return t o basic.
CORRECT FOR END OF LINE ERROR
Is this the end of a line? LD A , 3F (63)
AND L
CPL
If not continue w i t h next
byte of word.
If last byte of line then
check next byte — first of
next line.
If next byte is a letter
then go to w o r d increase.
If this byte is not a space
then try next byte of w o r d .
If END OF WORD GO TO START
If this byte is a space look JR.
for next w o r d .
heading does not o v e r w r i t e it.
There is a facility from BASIC to
chage the heading at any time.
The header information is stored
b e t w e e n 5 2 6 6 0 and 5 3 1 0 7
4 4 8 bytes or seven lines of text
and the code to manipulate it
is f r o m 5 3 1 1 0 to 5 3 1 4 5 . The
code is three, almost identical,
block transfer routines of 12
bytes each. The first is describ
ed in figure 2.
The second routine has the
values in HL and DE interchang
ed. The third routine moves the
already entered text seven lines
d o w n and uses the LDDR in-
stead of LDIR.
The Basic at lines 9 0 0 0
simply calls the three routines in
the right order. Routine three
moves the text, then routine one
prints the header. Routine t w o is
used w h e n a n e w or edited
header is needed. See lines
9 0 1 0 and 9 0 4 0 .
LD A, 0 0
CP D
RET Z
JR NZ. d
INC HL
LD A, (HL)
CP 2 0
DEC HL
JR, NZ, b
d LD A, (HL)
CP 2 0 3 2 dec space
JR NZ, c
a

Figure 2. Block transfer routine.
Load HL w i t h address of first
b y t e to be m o v e d :
Load DE w i t h address of
destination:
Load BC w i t h length of block:
Use LDIR
Return to BASIC:
Basic
Modifications
M o d i f i c a t i o n s are required to
T a s w o r d Basic. There is n o t
m u c h spare r o o m in the Basic
area w i t h T a s w o r d loaded so
some preliminary w o r k has t o be
done. All the n u m b e r s in lines up
to 1 0 0 0 m u s t be c h a n g e d to
VAL " n u m b e r " .
Provision m u s t be made to
display t h e i n f o r m a t i o n . One
item o n the STOP M E N U has
been c h a n g e d and one has been
a d d e d . I n s t e a d of " b a c k t o
b a s i c " there is " h e a d i n g (lor a
l e t t e r ) " and then " w o r d c o u n t "
has been added at the b o t t o m of
the m e n u .
1. Load T a s w o r d in the normal
way.
LD HL, CD B4 ( 5 2 6 6 0 )
LD DE, 7 D 0 0 ( 3 2 0 0 0 )
LD BC, CO 0 1 ( 4 4 8 )
LDIR
RET
2 . Edit e v e r y line t o 1 0 0 0
replacing numbers w i t h V A L
" n u m b e r " . Note that this
d o e s n ' t apply t o n u m b e r s in str-
ings e.g. PRINT " 2 fix
heading as t y p e d " , or n u m b e r s
in variables e.g. j 1 , or initial line
n u m b e r s but it does apply t o
GOTO and GOSUB line
n u m b e r s . Each time y o u do this
y o u save three b y t e s . Y o u can
check h o w m u c h m e m o r y y o u
have saved by t y p i n g in line
9 9 9 0 and using G O T O 9 9 9 0
every n o w and t h e n . The n e w
Basic requires over 1 0 0 0 bytes
of extra space. If y o u need
Microdrive routines you will
need t o make e v e n more space
by using V A L " n u m b e r " right
t h r o u g h the program.
3 . A d d or m o d i f y the lines as
s h o w n in the listing, m a k i n g ab-
solutely certain that the
n u m b e r s in lines 9 8 1 0 a n d
9 8 2 0 are E X A C T L Y as printed,
as a single error could crash the
entire p r o g r a m .
4. Type GOTO 9800 and
ENTER.
5. N o w delete lines 9 8 0 0 to
9990.
6 . Save your n e w p r o g r a m on
tape (or Microdrive} by using
S A V E " t a s w o r d " LINE 1 5 :
SAVE "tasword" CODE
5 2 6 1 0 , 1 2 9 2 5 (or s i m i l a r
M/Drive commands).
7. Check that the p r o g r a m sav-
ed properly by VERIFYing it. Use
VERIFY " " : V E R I F Y " " C O D E .
The machine code is
a u t o m a t i c a l l y called each t i m e
y o u g o t o the m e n u via S Y M B O L
SHIFT/STOP and again using
o p t i o n ' t ' . If y o u have made any
m i s t a k e s at all t h e n the p r o g r a m
will crash and y o u will have t o
start again. Due to this it m i g h t
be better to save the p r o g r a m
after step 3 until v o u are sure it is
w o r k i n g properly
Once y o u have saved a c o p y
as in steps 6 and 7 y o u can lust it
out by RUN Going IO the STOP
m e n u y o u should see a w o r d
count of zero. Load a file or t y p e
s o m e t h i n g in and take note of
the w o r d c o u n t value. If y o u
have a fairly long t e x t file, try out
the paragraph count facility.
Y o u will need t o n o t e the start
line and the end line of the
paragraph y o u w a n t to c o u n t
t h e n go to the STOP m e n u and
select " w " . Remember the
routine will count separate
p u n c t u a t i o n marks like " - " as
c o m p l e t e w o r d s . The same will
apply t o n u m b e r s .
The Heading menu item
a l l o w s y o u t o print the heading
already held at 5 2 6 6 0 or if
there is no heading in t h e n y o u
c a n t y p e your o w n in and ' f i x ' it
t o be recalled at any t i m e .
H o w e v e r , once y o u have f i x e d it
y o u m u s t t h e n re-SAVE the pro-
g r a m so t h a t it w i l l be available,
each time y o u re-LOAD. Y o u
c a n do this s a v i n g by using item
t ' on the m e n u .

25 fin SUB VAL "4000-: PRINT AT 710 SAVE a*CODE VAL "52610",VAL
VAL " 2 " ,VAL "0" i " p r i n t t e x t 4i 1 "12925"! GO SUB VAL "900"
e p " 790 VERIFY aSCODE : PRINT AT VA
55 PRINT : PRINT "heading (for L "21",VAL "20"J" m/code O.K. ' !
l e t t e r ) h* RUN
60 PRINT : FRINT "word count t 9000 CLS : PRINT "new heading? y
o t a l = ";USR VAL " 5 2 6 1 0 " J TAB VAL /n"
•31"J"w" 9002 IF INKEYS<>'y" AND INKEY3K >
170 IF b = VAL "104" THEN LET i *= "n" THEN GO TO VAL '9002*
VAL "18" 9010 IF INKEY*='n" THEN RANDOMI
175 IF b«=VAL "119" THEN LET i= ZE USR VAL "53134": RANDOMIZE US
VAL "20" R VAL * 5 3 i 1 0 " : RUN
180 IF i O V A L "0" THEN PRINT A 9020 PRINT "1 - go back and type
T i-VAL "2",VAL "31"! FLASH VAL new heading SEVEN LINES MAXI
•1";CHR* b ; : GO TO VAL "500" MUM"*'"2 - -fix heading as typed"
500 PRINT AT VAL "20",VAL "10"; 9022 IF INKEY*<>"1* AND INKEYS<>
": PRINT AT VAL "18 "2" THEN GO TO VAL "9022"
",VAL "30" i" "I PRINT MVAL " l ' i " 9030 IF I N K E Y * = ' l " THEN RUN
press the "; FLASH VAL "1*J"ENT 9040 RANDOMIZE USR VAL "53122":
ER"J FLASH VAL * 0 " ; " key to proc RUN
eed"*" p r e s s "; FLASH VAL " l ' i * 7300 INPUT ' S t a r t l i n e : * ; x : IF
c " ; FLASH VAL "0"5" to change ch x ? VAL "320* OR x< VAL "1" THEN G
a i ce • O TO VAL "9300"
670 IF b=VAL "104" THEN GO TO 9310 PRINT AT VAL "18",VAL "31"!
VAL "9000" • " i " p a r a s t a r t s at l i n e " i x j "
680 IF b=VAL "119" THEN GO TO
VAL "?300" 9320 INPUT "End l i n e : " i y : IF y>
699 REM d e l e t e VAL "320" OR y<VAL "1" OR y<x TH

ZX
77 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 SPECTRUM UTILITY

EN GO TO VAL "9320" 20402450030350270620001862000620

9330 PRINT "para ends at l i n e 63165254000032007035126254032043
"»y 032235126254032032231024217"

9340 LET pk=VAL "52614": LET s t = 9820 DATA "033180205017000125001

VAL " 3 1 9 9 9 " + VAL "64"*<x-VAL "1") 19200123717620103300012501718020

: LET 1n = VAL " 6 4 " * ( y - x + V A L "1") 50011920012371762010330632030172

9 3 5 0 POKE p k + V A L "3",VAL " 2 5 6 " * ( 55204001064078237184201"

st/VAL "256 * -INT (st/VAL " 2 5 6 " ) ) 9840 READ a$: FOR n=53110 TO 531
9351 POKE pk+VAL INT tst/VAL 45: LET a=VAL a*( TO 3 ) : POKE n,
"256") a: LET a$=a$<4 TO ): NEXT n: STO
9352 POKE pk,VAL " 2 5 6 " * ( 1 n / V A L " P
2 5 6 " - INT (In/VAL "256")> 9990 PRINT VAL "65536"-USR VAL "
9353 POKE pk+VAL " 1 " , I N T (In/VAL 7962"
• 2 5 6 " ) + VAL "1"
9360 PRINT "para count = ";UGR V
AL "52610";TAB VAL "25"; PLASH V
AL " 1 " ; " a n y k e y ' : PAUSE VAL "0"
9370 POKE pk,VAL "0": POKE p k + VA
L "1",VAL "81": POKE pk+VAL " 3 " ,
VAL "255": POKE pk+VAL "4",VAL "
124": RUN
9800 RESTORE : READ a*! FOR n=52
610 TO 52657! LET a=VAL aS ( TO 3
): POKE n,a: LET a*=a*<4 TO ): N
EXT n
9810 DATA "001000000017000081033
25512403502706200013620012625403

ZX81Fast Load
This simple little p r o g r a m in-
creases the Baud rate at w h i c h
the Z X 8 1 saves and loads t o
1 5 0 0 . This means that the
already a w k w a r d save/load
system becomes even more
critical, h o w e v e r I have f o u n d lan Deaville lives in the fast lane in
that p r o v i d e d y o u keep your
c a s s e t t e in g o o d o p e r a t i n g con- Rotherham and explains to the other
d i t i o n , clean and w i t h the heads
r e g u l a r l y a d j u s t e d , then n o ZX8lers how to join him.
real p r o b l e m s s h o u l d be ex
perienced.
Y o u m u s t make absolutely cer PROGRAM 1 20 FAST
tain that the characters in Line
3 0 IF A » = " " T H E N G O T O 8 0
1 0 are e x a c t l y the same, and
the Line 1 REM must c o n t a i n 1 REM 244 CHARS 40 POKE X,16*C0DE A«+CODE A«<2>-
2 4 4 characters. It m i g h t be ETC, ETC 476
w i s e t o save a c o p y of this pro 10 L E T A*«"CD230F11067FCD2B7FCD2 3 0 L E T A*=»A«(3 T O )
g r a m BEFORE r u n n i n g it! B0F211D7F221640CD707FCD2B0FC90B0 6 0 L E Y X"=X+1
H a v i n g RUN the p r o g r a m , B0B000000000000CDA80338F9EB11CB1 70 GOTO 30
delete one line at a time, lines 1 0
to 9 0 and t y p e in m a k i n g sure 2CD460F302E10FE1B7AB320F4CD4E7FC 80 SLOW
Line 1 REM is still there pro B7E2328F8210940CD4E7FCDFC0118F83 90 STOP
g r a m 2. Prepare a c a s s e t t e and E37CB13C89FE602C6014FD3FF062310F
RUN the p r o g r a m , it will save ECD460F307206IE10FE0D20EEC3D87F1
itself o n tape a n d t h e n set itself PROGRAM 2
8E0C DA803CB12CB0ACD7C7F18FB0E010
u p ready for use. Before saving
or loading any p r o g r a m load this 6003E7FDBFED3FF1F30491717382810F 10 SAVE "SUPERLOAD"
in first, a p r o g r a m m u s t be saved 1F1BAD2E303626BCD7C7FCB7A792003C 2 0 P R I N T "TO S A V E USE RAND USR 3
at this speed before y o u can B7B7B38F310F3D12004FE3630B23FCB1 2312"
reload it at the higher Baud rate.
130ADC97AA728BBCF0CA7063010FEC36 3 0 P R I N T "TO L O A D USE RAND USR 3
Use R A N D USR 3 2 5 1 2 to
E7F21824011007F01E000EDB021FF7E2 2323"
save a p r o g r a m and R A N D USR
3 2 5 2 5 t o s u b s e q u e n t l y reload a 20440C3C303" 40 PAUSE 130
program. 13 L E T X - 1 6 3 1 4 30 RAND USR 16738 •

78 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
 ZX81 DOMESTIC

Home
Managemen
Graphics
Glaswegian Mr A.G.
Cameron provides a
graphic account of your
domestic financ
This p r o g r a m began as a simple
routine w h i c h I used t o plot a bar
chart of m y electricity bills since
I m o v e d into m y n e w house!
Gradually it has d e v e l o p e d a pro-
per INPUT r o u t i n e , a S A V E
routine, a facility t o list the cur-
rent data, and the ability t o scale, based o n the m a x i m u m program with its data n u m b e r w h i c h , w h e n divided in-
generate a vertical scale value y o u w i s h to plot. These (2080-2130). to the data, will p r o d u c e a result
a u t o m a t i c a l l y . W i t h the recent s t a t e m e n t s are only e x e c u t e d less t h a n 4 4 , so that it can be
arrival of a n e w ZX printer, it has
also acquired hardcopy
o n the initial s e t t i n g up run of Scale p l o t t e d o n the Z X 8 1 's 6 4 x 4 4
grid. Lines 2 4 1 0 t o 2 4 7 0 store
the p r o g r a m .
facilities. Lines 1 0 7 0 to 1 2 1 0 display The s u b r o u t i n e entitled " S C A L E the vertical axis labels for later
There is e x t e n s i v e use of the main m e n u screen and call DEFINITION" ( 2 3 3 0 - 2 4 8 0 ) use by the plot routine.
subroutines in the p r o g r a m , as I the appropriate subroutine looks c o n f u s i n g at first glance. The a c c o m p a n y i n g hier-
a m a c o n f i r m e d ' s t r u c t u r e d ' pro- d e p e n d i n g o n the u s e r ' s selec- This sets up the vertical axis archical d i a g r a m s h o w s the rela-
grammer, a n d this is the easiest tion, scale. The user is p r o m p t e d for t i o n s h i p s b e t w e e n all t h e
w a y t o add n e w c o d e t o an old The rest of the p r o g r a m con- the m a x i m u m value he w i s h e s s u b r o u t i n e s called in the pro-
program. sists of the various s u b r o u t i n e s t o plot t o IM). Lines 2 3 8 0 - 2 4 0 0 gram. I find diagrams like these
Line 1 0 3 0 sets u p the array for a c c e p t i n g ( 1 2 2 0 1 3 6 0 1 , work out a number which, w h e n e x t r e m e l y useful as an aid to
to c o n t a i n your data, and lines correcting ( 2 1 4 0 - 2 2 8 0 ) and multiplied by four, w i l l give a u n d e r s t a n d i n g the logical struc-
1 0 4 0 and 1 0 5 0 p r o m p t for 3nd listing (1 3 7 0 - 1 7 5 0 ) data, plot value (N) greater t h a n or equal t o ture of a p r o g r a m .
accept a title for the chart. Line ting the bar chart (1 7 6 0 - 1 9 4 0 ) , M . The labels for the scale are A f t e r t y p i n g in the p r o g r a m
1 0 6 0 calls a subroutine to set printing the chart t h e n w o r k e d out by accumul- and R U N n i n g it for the first time,
up t h e required v e r t i c a l axis 1 1 9 5 0 - 1 9 9 0 ) , and s a v i n g the ating N four times. D is the y o u will be asked for a title for

HOME M A N A G E M E N T G R A P H I C S

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 79
 ZX81 DOMESTIC

the c h a r t , t h e n for the m a x i m u m d e s t r o y e d as the array A ( 2 4 ) 1270 IF A(B)< >0 A N D B < 2 4 THEN 60
value v o u w i s h to plot. W h e n will be re-initialised. T o re-enter
y o u have responded t o these the p r o g r a m at the main m e n u TO 1260
p r o m p t s y o u w i l l be presented after e x i t i n g for any reason, 1280 IF B = 2 4 AND A ( B ) < > 0 THEN GO
w i t h the main m e n u . Enter the enter:
TO 1310
number of t h e o p t i o n y o u w a n t ,
and press " N E W L I N E " . O p t i o n GOTO 1070 1290 G O S U B 2000
2 — i n p u t Data is a g o o d place 1300 GOTO 1350
t o start! There are still s o m e enhance- 1310 SLOW
T o save the p r o g r a m and m e n t s w h i c h c o u l d easily be in-
d a t a , e n t e r o p t i o n 5. On c o r p o r a t e d into this program. 1320 FOR B=1 TO 50
reloading, the p r o g r a m will run For e x a m p l e , h o w a b o u t fully 1330 P R I N T AT 10,0;"DATA BUFFER
automatically, andgostraight to a u t o m a t i c scaling? All y o u need F U L L . . . R E P R O G R A M " ; A T 10,0;"
the m a i n m e n u , missing out the is a fairly simple module, called
" T I T L E " and " S C A L E DEFINI- f r o m the Plot routine, t o scan
T I O N " steps. If y o u w a n t to t h r o u g h the data array to find 1340 NEXT B
change the scale or the title, y o u the highest value, t h e n call a
have to leave the p r o g r a m (op m o d i f i e d version of the Scale
1350 SLOW
t i o n 6), and enter: Definition m o d u l e t o set up your 1360 RETURN
axis labels. A more interesting 1370 REM L I S T OR TR
GOTO 1040 project w o u l d be to replace the
1380 CLS
e x i s t i n g Plot module w i t h one
The Title and Scale Definition w h i c h uses block graphics s y m 1390 P R I N T AT 17,0;" CUPPENl
screens will be displayed again, bols to plot t w o values side by OR TO
and y o u can enter n e w values. side (a ' c l u s t e r e d bar' chart).
Remember that if y o u use RUN Happy ( s t r u c t u r e d ) pro
1400 LET B = 0
a g a i n , y o u r d a t a w i l l be gramming. 1410 P R I N T " D A T A " , " D A T A "
1420 P R I N T " P O I N T " t " V A L U E "
1000 REM H' j H E HRNRGEHEN T 1430 PRINT
GPflPHIC5 1440 L E T B=B+1
1010 REM * * V E R S I 0 N 1.2** 1450 IF A(B)< >0 THEN PRINT B; >i _
1020 REM ** 2 0 — A P R - 8 4 * * ";CHR$ (B+37),A(B)
1030 DIM A(24) 1460 SCROLL
1040 P R I N T "PLEASE INPUT TITLE, 1470 IF A ( B ) = 0 THEN LET B = 2 4
1480 IF B < 2 4 THEN GOTO 1440
1050 INPUT T$ 1490 S C R O L L
1060 G O S U B 2330 1500 SCROLL
1070 REM H R I N M E N U R N O C O N T R O L 1510 P R I N T "PRESS 0 TO C O N T I N U E "
1 080 SLOW
1090 C L S 1520 SCROLL
1 100 P R I N T AT 0 , ( I N T ((32-LEN T$ 1530 P R I N T ' a FOR HARDCOPY
) / 2 ) ) ; T $

1110 PRINT 1540 IF INKEY$="" THEN GOTO 1540

1120 P R I N T M M ENTER...(1)TO 1550 IF INKEY$="C" THEN GOTO 158

INPUT D A T A " , " ...(2)TO LIS 0
T DATA", ..(3)TO C H A N G E 1560 IF INKEY$="P" THEN GOSUB 15
DATA"," (4)TO PLOT CHAR 90
TII » it (5 > TO S A V E " , " 1570 GOTO 1540
...(6)TO E X I T " 1580 RETURN
1130 INPUT X 1590 REM H R R D C 0 P V DR T R LISTING
1140 IF X=1 THEN G O S U B 1220 1600 FAST
1150 IF X=2 THEN G O S U B 1370 1610 FOR F=1 TO 5
1160 IF X=3 THEN G O S U B 2 1 4 0 1620 LPRINT
1170 IF X=4 THEN G O S U B 1760 1630 NEXT F
1180 IF X=5 THEN GOTO 2 0 8 0 1640 L P R I N T AT 17,0;" CURRENT
1190 IF X=6 THEN GOTO 2 2 9 0 Li R T n f
1200 F A S T 1650 LET B = 0
1210 GOTO 1070 1660 LPRINT " D A T A " , " D A T A "
1220 REM 0 R T R C R P T U R E 1670 L P R I N T " P O I N T " , " V A L U E "
1230 C L S 1680 LET B=B+1
1240 FAST 1690 IF A < B)< >0 THEN L P R I N T B;
1250 LET B=0 - ";CHR* (B+37);AT 0 , 1 6 ; A ( B )
1260 LET B=B+1 1700 IF B < 2 4 THEN GOTO 1680

80 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 80
 ZX81 DOMESTIC

1710 FOR F=1 TO 5 BE"

1720 L P R I N T 2 1 7 0 P R I N T AT 2 , 2 ; " E N T E R T H E L E T
1730 N E X T F TER (FROM THE C H A R T ) OF T H E
1740 S L O W V A L U E TO BE CORRECTED"
1750 R E T U R N 2 1 8 0 INPUT X*
1760 REM P L 0 T R 0 U I I N E 2190 LET Y=CODE XS-37
1770 C L S 2 2 0 0 P R I N T AT 2 , 2 ; " C U R R E N T V A L U E
1780 G O S U B 2 4 9 0 IS: " ; A ( Y ) ; "
1790 FOR B—1 TO 2 4 ii

1800 P R I N T AT 2 1 , ( B + 2 ) ; C H R $ (B+3 2210 P R I N T AT 4 , 0 ; " P L E A S E INPUT

7) NEW VALUE..."
1810 F O R C = 2 TO INT (A(B)/D> 2220 INPUT E
1820 P L O T ( ( ( B * 2 ) — 1 ) + 5 ) , C 2230 LET A(Y)=E
1830 N E X T C 2240 CLS
1840 N E X T B 2250 P R I N T AT 10,8; "IU F' 0 R T E C 0 H P L
1850 P R I N T AT 1 0 , 2 7 ; " P R E S S " ; A T 1
1,27;TO";AT 12,27;"CONT;";AT 2 2 6 0 P A U S E 100
13,27;"0 TO";AT 14,27;"PRINT" 2270 CLS
1860 P O K E 1 6 4 1 8 , 0 2280 RETURN
1870 P R I N T AT 2 3 , ( I N T <(32-LEN T 2 2 9 0 REM @ESMJ
$ > / 2 ) ) ; T * 2300 CLS
1880 P O K E 1 6 4 1 8 , 2 2 3 1 0 P R I N T "READY'
1890 IF I N K E Y * = " " T H E N G O T O 1890 2320 STOP
2 3 3 0 REM S C R L E D E F I N I I I O N
1900 IF INKEY*="P" THEN GOSUB 19 2340 CLS
50 2 3 5 0 P R I N T AT 0, 11; " ; A
1910 IF INKEY$="C" THEN GOTO 193 T 1 , 8 ; " S C A L E D E F I N I T I O N " ; A T 3,1;
0 " P L E A S E E N T E R THE M A X I M U M V A L U E
1920 G O T O 1890 YOU W I S H TO C H A R T . . . "
1930 CLS 2 3 6 0 INPUT M
1940 RETURN 2 3 7 0 DIM B ( 5 )
1950 REM r - P I N I L« ft F1F" H 2380 LET D=INT (M/44+.99999)
1960 COPY 2390 LET T=D*44
1970 LPRINT 2400 LET N=T/4
1980 L P R I N T AT 0,(1 NT ((32-LEN T 2 4 1 0 REM S E T UP Y - A X I S A R R A Y
$ ) / 2 ) );T* 2420 LET B(1)=0
1990 R E T U R N 2 4 3 0 LET V=N
2000 REM I N P U T R O U T I N E 2 4 4 0 FOR F = 2 TO 5
2010 S L O W 2 4 5 0 LET B ( F ) = V
2020 P R I N T AT 0,11; "ID R T R I N P U T 2 4 6 0 LET V = V + N
2 0 3 0 P R I N T AT 2 1 , 1 ; " I N P U T V A L U E 2470 NEXT F
,D t (";CHR$ ( B + 3 7 ) ; " ) " 2480 RETURN
2 0 4 0 INPUT E 2 4 9 0 REM R U T 0 5 C H L I N G
2050 LET A(B)=E 2500 LET W=0
2060 C L S 2 5 1 0 FOR F=1 TO 5
2070 RETURN 2 5 2 0 P R I N T AT ( 2 0 - W ) , 0 ; S T R * B ( F )
2080 REM U-|:»l=MaaiiT17n
2090 CLS 2530 LET W=W+5
2100 P R I N T " t m i a i T A P E " , , "THEN P 2540 NEXT F
RESS N E H L I NE 2550 RETURN
2110 IF I N K E Y $ = " " T H E N G O T O 2 1 1 0

2120 SAVE "BARCHARU"

2130 G O T O 1070
2140 REM 0 R T H C O R R E C T ! 0 N
2150 CLS
2160 P R I N T AT 0,8; Ci R T n C O ft R E C TI

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 81
 PECTRUM BU SINES

Multi
R.L. van Der wardt sent us this versatile
filing program from Holland — just for
the record!
•SMSLIM ENTER HLTEP BACK FORWARD
ORDER RESET L I ST DELETE
PRINT COPY QUIT SELECT

MODERN TANKS
t. a n k X 1 R 2

country BORNEO
c r e w 234-

a r fn j iii t n t. 90mm , 5 0 i n 7 . 6 2 m m

1 9 . 0 0 0

eng i ne SCANIA D S - 1 1 6

Km / 5 5

This is a superb, user-friendly, The first entry is the file name

program w i t h a w i d e range of and then y o u have to enter the
possible uses. One key c o m number of fields you require (to a
mands are utilised t o the full and m a x i m u m of eight). Once this
as it is w r i t t e n in Basic it can be has been entered then enter one
modified to individual user's re- by one each of the field titles. ENTER skips over a field. O — Orders (sorts)
quirements. W h e n this is c o m p l e t e y o u D - Delete a record alphabetically
W h e n you have t y p e d in the should be passed to the main S — Selects a required record P — Print, as w r i t t e n t o a Spec
program or loaded it f r o m tape screen w h i c h gives the follow L — lists the w h o l e file, pressing trum printer Sinclair,
you have the option to load a file ing options: a key halts the listing. A l p h a c o m or G P 5 0 s , but can be
or define a record's layout. Ob B - Goes back one record altered by changing the pro
viously if this is the first time you F — Goes f o r w a r d one record gram.
have used the program y o u will E Enter a record R - Reset, goes back to the first Q Quit. Goes back to the main
need to define the layout. A — Alter a record. pressing record menu.

lO Rf"M k=VAL a«(3): LET paj=VAL <4l:

LET b r = VAL (5) : FOR f =0 TO L FN
a$-6: PRINT AT i BRIGHT 15' 3
* * * * * * ****KXK*N*X**KIIXI<y
PRINT AT PAPER pap? INK
* Mill T T - F T I F *
ink; BRIGHT b r | a « ( f » 6 i : NEXT f:
I w r i t t e n hy *
NEXT d! RETURN
* R.L. v.d. Ward! *
* * * * * **** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 60 RFM
i nkeyS i n p u t - s y s

20 PAPFR ft: TNK 9: pnRDTR O* T 70 LET yy=y: DIM zS<l,max»

\ ASH 0: BRIGHT 0: DVrR o: INVfRS RO PRINT AT x , y j BRIGHT 1} OVI
F 0: CLS : pnkr 7 3 ^ 6 7 , 1: POKC 77 R 1; "5-
658,O: FOR n = USR -a- TP USR "h" ?0 PAURR 15: LET X«=INKEVI
l: POKE n,126: NEXT n: RTM B=A 100 TT CODE x*=6 THCN R A N D O M 17.
30 GO TO 220 E USR 43 17: GO TO 80
40 RFM 110 IF CODE X«<12 OR CODE
d a t a - p r i n t - s y s AND CODE x*(37 OR CODE v * M 2 : 1 T

HEN GO TO 80
50 READ a: FOR d=l TO a! READ 120 FOR n=1 TO 5: NEXT n
a*: LET x = VAL a® ( 1 TO 2): LET i;, 130 IF CODE v«=12 THFN GO TO 1

82 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986

 SPECTRUM BUSINESS

70 0

140 IT CODE x»=13 THEN GO TO 7 740 RFM

00 d e f i n e 1ayou t
150 LET z«s(1,y-yy*i>=xs: PRINT
AT x , y y ; BRIGHT 1 J 7 « ( 1 ) : LET y~y 350 DIM r « < l l , 3 2 ) : DIM t » ( 5 0 1 , 2
H : IF y=max+yy THEN LET y = y - l 1): LET t i ( 5 0 1 ) = S T R $ l : LET t = l
160 GO TO 80 360 RESTORE 360: CLS : DATA 2 , "
170 RFM 00621 LAYOUT
de1ete ",*20700Name of f i l e (max.
'.7 c h a r s ) " : GO SUB 50
180 IF y - y y THEN PRINT AT x, y5 370 LET max=32! LET x=21: LET y
" ": GO TO P0 =0: GO SUB 60: LET r « ( 1 > = z * ( 1 , T
190 PRINT AT x , y ; " "t LET f1, O 32): PRINT AT 3 , 0 ; PAPER 1? IN
y - v y ) = " " : LET z * < 1 , m a x ) = " " : LET K 7 } r t ( l )
y=y-1: PRINT AT x , y j " "J GO TO O 380 PRINT AT 2 0 , 0 , , , , : RESTORE
0 380: DATA I,"20700Number of f i e i

700 REM ds (max. 8 ) " : GO SUB 50: LET m-i

enter = i : LET x=20: LET y=26: GO SUB

0: IF CODE 7$(1)< 49 OR CODE 7%(\
710 PRINT AT x , y y ; BRIGHT 1;zt< )>56 THEN GO TO 380
1 ) ! RETURN 390 LET r $ ( 2 ) = z * ( l )
770 REM 400 FOR s=l TO VAL r*{2>
s t a r t of program 410 PRINT AT 2 0 , 0 , , , : RESTORE 4
10: DATA 1,"20700Name of f i e l d "
230 RESTORE 230: CLS : DATA 2 , " +STR* s: GO SUB 50
M0621 MULTI-FILE 420 LET max=10: LET y =0: LET * =
' , - 0 2 7 0 1 W r i t t e n by R.L. 21; GO SUB 60: LET r $ ( s + 2 ) = z * ( 1 )
v.d. u a r d t " : GO SUB 50 430 PRINT AT s + 4 , 0 ; r $ < s + 2 ) : NEX
240 RESTORE 240: DATA 2,"11060P T s
ress 1 to load a f i l e from tape" 440 PRINT AT 2 0 , 0 , , , , : FOR r. = 0
,"13050 Press 2 to d e f i n e lay TO 300: NEXT n: GO TO 620
out ": GO SUB 50 450 REM
750 TF TNKFYS="1" THEN GO TO 7 menu
"!0

260 TF INI<rYI="7" THEN GO TO 3 460 RESTORE 460: CLS : DATA 3 , "

O0621 MULT I - F I L E
770 Gn TO 75(=? " , " 0 2 7 0 1 W r i t t e n by R.L.
7no RFM v . d . Wardt u , "03701 1985 Ksr,
load a f i l e from tape garoo S o f t w a r e " : GO SUB 50
470 RESTORE 470: DATA 5 , " 0 9 7 0 0
290 DIM rtS( 1 1 , 3 2 ) : DIM t %< 50 1, 2 f I 1 ENTER THE FILE", " 1 1700
1 ) C21 RESTART MULT I - F I L E " , "1370
300 RESTORE 300: CLS : DATA 2, " 0 C3] SAVE THE F I L E " , "15700
00621 LOAD A FILE FROM TAPF [41 LOAD A F I L E " , " 2 1 0 6 0 P
","05700ENTFR LOAD NAME:"I RESS THE APPROPRIATE KEY GO
C.O SUB 50 SUB 50
310 LET max=6: LET /=16: LET x= 480 LET a4=INKEY$
5: GO SUB 60: LET s * = z * ( l , TO 6) 490 IF a $ < " i " OR a$>1 THEN G
320 RESTORE 320: DATA 2,"05060 O TO 480
INSERT TAPE AND PRESS ^ P L AY"" 500 PRINT AT VAL a$*2+7,5; OVER
,"10700 Loading -for l; BRIGHT l ; - m r : FOR n=0 TO 7
MF": GO SUB 50*. PAUSE 50: PRINT 00: NEXT n
AT 1 5 , 0 j : LET 1 " M F L "+5$: LOA 510 IF a $ = " l " THEN GO TO 620
D IS DATA r $ ( ) : PAUSE 50: PRINT 520 IF a$="2" THEN GO TO 220
AT 1 5 , 0 ; : LET 1<S="MFR "t5$: LOAD 530 IF a*="3" THEN GO TO 550
1S DATA t * ( ) 540 IF a*="4" THEN GO TO 280
330 LET t=VAL t £ ( 5 0 l ) : GO TO 62 550 REM

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY.'MARCH 1 9 8 6 83
 (SPECTRUM BUSINES

save the f i l e : LET s * = z $ ( l , TO y-yy>

840 FOR n=1 TO t STEP UAL rS<2>
560 LET t$(501)=STR® t 850 IF t « ( n , TO LEN 5$)=B$ THEN
570 CLS : RESTORE 570: DATA 2 , " BEEP .05,20: LET p=n: PRINT AT
00621 SAVE THE FILE 2 1 , 0 , , ; A T 3 , 0 , , : GO SUB 1530: G
","05700ENTER FILENAME": GO O TO 660
SUEi 5 0 860 NEXT n: BEEP . 0 5 , 0 : PRINT A
580 LET max=6: LET y=15: LET x= T 2 1 , 0 , , ; A T 3 , 0 , , : FOR n=0 TO 25
5: GO SUB 60: LET (1, TO 6) : NEXT n
590 RESTORE 590: DATA 2,"05060 870 GO TO 660
INSERT TAPE AND PRESS ^REC"" 880 RFM
,"10700 Saving reset "p"
: GO SUB 50
600 LET 19i="MFL " + s<6: SAVE 1$ D 890 LET p=1: GO TO 660
ATA r * ( ) : LET 1S="MFR PAUS 900 REM
E 50: POKE 23736,181: SAVE DA copy t h i s r e c o r d
TA t!£<)
610 PAUSE 50: BEEP .075,20: PAU 910 PRINT AT 21,0; PAPER 1;"~CO
SE 50: GO TO 450 py-v _ PLEASE WAIT"
620 REM 920 LPRINT r $ ( l > : LPRINT
operat ing -file 930 FOR n=3 TO VAL r l ( 2 ) + 2 : LPR
INT r t ( n , TO 10);" " ; t $ < p + n - 3 > :
630 LET p=1: LET m e m = I NT (500/V NEXT n
AL r $ < 2) ) 940 LPRINT : LPRINT : PRINT AT
640 CLS : PRINT AT 0 , 0 ; PAPER 7 2 1 , 0 , , : GO TO 660
; INK l ; " MENU "; INVERSE 15" EN 950 RFM
TER AL. T E R BACK FORWARD OR copy a l l records
DER RESET LIST DELETE PR
TNT COPY QUIT SELECT 960 PRINT AT 21,0; PAPER t; M ~PR
650 PRINT AT 4,0; PAPER 2i INK TNT"' - PI E A S E WAIT"
6; BRIGHT l J r S t l ) : FOR n=3 TO VA 970 LPRINT r<£Cl): LPRINT : LPR!
L r«i<2)+2: PRINT AT n*2,0J INUER N T

SE i | r « ( n , TO 10): NEXT n 980 FOR 4=1 TO t-VAL r%(2) STEP

660 GO SUB 1530 VAL r$<7>
670 POKF 23658,0: LET a$=INKEY$ O90 FOP n= 3 TO VA' : * < 2 ) + 2 * L

: IF THEN GO TO 670 I NT r<fc(n, TO 10);" " ? t « ( + U i - 3 )

680 IF a$="s u THEN GO TO 810 1000 IF T NKEY'Ji< > " " T HEN PRINT A
690 IF a<S= r" u THEN GO TO 880 T 2 1 , 0 , , : GO TO 660
700 IF a*="c" THEN GO TO 900 1010 NEXT n: L P R INT' : LPRINT
710 IF a$="p" THEN GO TO 950 1020 NEXT 4
720 IF a*= u d u THEN GO TO 1040 1030 LPRINT : LPRINT : PRINT AT
730 IF a«= M e" THEN GO TO 1150 2 1 , 0 , , : GO TO 660
740 IF 34="a" THEN GO TO 1710 1040 REM
750 IF a <E="o" THEN GO TO 1300 d e l e t e t h i s record
760 IF 3 t = " l " THEN GO TO 14 1 0
770 IF THEN GO TO I 470 1050 IF t = l THEN GO TO 670
780 TF 3S="b" THEN GO TO 1500 1060 PRINT AT 21,0; PAPER I : "D^1
790 IF a$="q" THEN GO TO 450 ete t h i s record"? ( y /n >"
800 GO TO 670 1070 POKE 23658,0: IF INKEY*="n"
810 REM THEN PRINT AT 2 1 , 0 , , : GO TO 66
s e l e c t 0
1080 IF TNKEY*="y" THEN GO TO 1
820 PRINT AT 21,0; PAPER 1i"~SE 1 0 0

LECT*" " 1090 GO TO 1070

830 RESTORE 830: DATA 1,"03701E 1100 PRINT AT 2 1 , 0 , , : PRINT AT ?
NTER ORDER": GO SUB 50: LET x=3: 1,0) PAPER 1 ; ' P l e a s e Wait"
LET y=12: LET max=20: GO SUB 60 1110 FOR + «=p TO p +VAL r * ( 2 ) - l : I

84 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY;MARCH 1 9 8 6
 ISPECTRUM BUSINES!

ET NEXT i 1360 IF v£<1)<=w$(1> THEN GO TO

1120 FOR +=p TO t - 1 ! LET t « ( + ) = t 1390
*(-f+VAL r * ( 2 ) ) I NEXT + 1370 FOR *=1 TO VAL r $ < 2 ) : LET t
1130 LET t=t-VAL r * ( 2 ) <S( j + + - 1 ) = w * < f ) : NEXT f
1140 PRINT AT 2 1 , 0 , , : LET p = l : G 1380 FOR f = l TO VAL r S ( 2 ) : LET t
O TO 660 $ ( j + f + ( VAL r*<2>-1) ) ( f ) : NEXT
f
1150 REM
e n t e r 1390 NEXT j : NEXT k
1400 PRINT AT 2 1 , 0 , , : LET p = i : B
1160 IF ( t - 1 ) / V A L r$(2)>=mem THE EEP .05,20: GO TO 660
N GO TO 1570 1410 REM
1170 FOR n=l TO VAl r $ ( ? ) : PRINT 1 i s t
AT n * 2 + 4 , 1 1 ; "
•: NEXT n 1420 PRINT AT 21,0; PAPER l J ' ^ L I
1180 PAUSE 10: LET x= 4: FOR g=l ST^": FOR p=l TO t-VAL r J I 2 ) STE
TO VAL r $ ( 2 ) : LET x=x+2: LET y =1 P VAL r<S(2)
l: LET max*2i: GO SUB 60: LET t« 1430 GO SUB 1530
< t ) = z « ( l , TO 21): LET t = t + i : NEX 1410 FOR n=1 TO 75: IF INKEY®<>"
T 3 " THEN BEEP .5,20: PRINT AT 21,
1190 LET p»t-VAL r«<2>: IF p<=0 0 , , : GO TO 670
THEN LET p=l 1450 NEXT n
1200 GO TO 660 1460 NEXT p: LET p=p-VAL r « ( 2 ) :
1210 REM PRINT AT 2 1 , 0 , , : GO TO 6^0
a l t e r 1470 REM
f o r w a r d
1215 IF t = l THEN GO TO 670
1220 PRINT AT 21,0; PAPER 1}"~AL 1480 LET p = p + VAl. r$<2>: IF p> = t
TER^": PRINT AT 3,0f INVERSE 1i THEN LET p=t-VAL r * <2)
BRIGHT 1;" Press -ENTERS to ski 1490 GO TO 660
p a -field " 1500 REM
1230 PAUSE 10: LET t t = t : LET t=p bac k
: LET max=2l: LET y = l i : LET x= 4
1240 FOR q=l TO VAL rtt(2) 1510 LET p =p-VAL r $ ( 2 ) : IF p<=0
1250 LET y » l l : LET x=x+2: GO SUB THEN LET p=l
60 1520 GO TO 660
1260 IF z * ( t ) = " 1530 REM
• THEN PRINT AT x , l l ? BRIGH p r i n t r ecor d
T 1 ; t * ( t ) : GO TO 1280
1270 LET t * ( t > « z * ( l , TO 21) 1540 IF t =0 THEN RETURN
1280 LET t = t + i : NEXT q 1550 IF p<=0 THEN LET p=l
1290 PRINT AT 2 1 , 0 , , J A T 3 , 0 , , : L 1560 LET d»l!. FOR n=p TO p +VAL r
ET t = t t : GO TO 660 * ( 2 > - l t PRINT AT*d*2+4,11; BRIGH
1300 REM T l ; t * ( n ) : LET d=d+i: NEXT n: RE
a l p h a b e t i c a l order TURN
1570 REM
1310 PRINT AT 21,0? PAPER 1J"^OR no more memory l e f t
nrp~ PLEASE WAIT*
1320 DIM v$(VAL r $ ( 2 > , 2 1 > : DIM w 1580 PRINT AT 21,0; PAPER 1;"
%< V A L r « ( 2 ) ,21) NO MORE MEMORY LEFT!
1330 FOR k=l TO t-VAL r*<2> STEP FOR n=0 TO 15: BEEP .05,20: BEEP
VAL r « ( 2 ) : FOR j = l TO t-(VAL r * .05,25: NEXT n
<2 ) +1 ) - k STEP VAL r$(2) 1590 FOR n=0 TO 200! NEXT n
1340 FOR -f = l TO VAL r * < 2 ) : LET v 1600 PRINT AT 2 1 , 0 , ,
* ( + ) = t « ( j - 1) : NEXT * 16 10 GO TO 660
1350 FOR TO VAL r $ < 2 ) : LET w 9999 CLEAR : SAVE "MULTI-FILE" L
$ < -f ) = t * ( j + -f + ( V A L r $ ( 2 > - l ) > : NEXT INE 0: PAUSE 50: VERIFY "MUL T I - F
4 TL E " : PAUSE 50: RUN

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY,MARCH 1 9 8 6 8b
 (SPECTRUM DOMESTIC)

lines 3 3 4 0 , 3 3 6 0 , 3 3 9 0 and
3 4 1 0 , w h i c h r e m o v e or imple-
ment Spectrum c o m m a n d word
t o k e n s should be either left out
or s u b s t i t u t e d w i t h those re-
quired by your interface. If you
w i s h t o use a printer other t h a n
the Epson or Star y o u will have
to check the printer codes
An excellent spreadsheet program from a g a i n s t t h o s e g i v e n in y o u r
printer manual. If y o u do not
J.F. Tydeman, specifically for the have t h e W a f a d r i v e , y o u will be
unable t o enter s o m e of the lines
wafadrive and Kempston E, but very as these use the W a f a d r i v e ' s Ex-
t e n d e d Basic. D o n ' t enter these

easily modified to suit all systems. lines w h i c h only occur in the

Load Save routine. M o d i f y the
M e n u accordingly.

T A B C A L C is a spreadsheet pro d o e s n ' t have e n o u g h characters use M i c r o d r i v e , m o d i f y the ap- Program

g r a m designed to take full ad-
v a n t a g e of the facilities o f f e r e d
by the R o b o t r o n i c s W a f a d r i v e
and a line printer. A n alternative
listing is p r o v i d e d to permit the
p r o g r a m t o be used w i t h the
K e m p s t o n 'E' interface and a lit
tie h a c k i n g is all that is required
t o adapt the p r o g r a m t o other in-
terfaces and M i c r o d r i v e . Tape
facilities h a v e n ' t been f o r g o t t e n
either, b u t the ZX printer just
p e r l i n e t o p r o d u c e a useful print
out f r o m this type of program.
Entering the
listing
Listing 1 is for the W a f a d r i v e
and uses the W a f a d r i v e ' s Cen-
tronics port to feed the printer.
Simply enter the listing and run
the program. Should y o u w i s h to
propriate LOAD/SAVE com-
m a n d s in the routine starting at
line 5 0 0 0 but note the d i f f e r e n t
w a y in w h i c h the W a f a d r i v e
handles the loading and saving
of data. Enter listing 2 instead of
lines 3 0 0 0 t o 3 4 2 0 if y o u w i s h
t o use the K e m p s t o n 'E' inter-
face. Listing 2 should be easily
m o d i f i e d to suit other interfaces.
I n t e r f a c e s o f t w a r e should be
entered instead of line 3 0 2 0 and
Description
T h e p r o g r a m , w h i c h stores in-
f o r m a t i o n entered in a three
dimensional array, uses the
Spectrum's string handling
facilities extensively, particular-
ly w h e n handling t h e screen
display. It is m e n u driven and
features eight principal routines.
A description of these is given in
figure 1.

Figure 1. Description of main routines. 3180 3310 Requests the input of a tille and sends t o the
printer the data t o be printed.
2000 2060 Defines certain variables representing either a 4010-4070 C h e c k s t o see if the appropriate Totals Hags
screen location or the c o r r e s p o n d i n g position have been reset If not, goes to the ap
in the array A $ and then prints the initial propriate subroutine.
screen display. 4080 4200 Sets all c o l u m n totals initially t o 0 and enters a
2070-2 220 T h e Input Logo. This loop enables the cursor series of nested loops t o total each c o l u m n ,
t o be m o v e d and data t o be entered or deleted Safeguards included in lines 4 1 5 0 and 4 1 6 0
as required. S u b r o u t i n e s l o c a t e d at lines prevent the p r o g r a m crashing if a nul e n t r y is
2 2 3 0 2 5 1 0 are called to print on screen as f o u n d , or the total b e c o m e s t o o big.
required. The principle o p t i o n s available are: 4210-4350 Similar routine for Line Totals.
Caps shift + ' 5 ' M o v e cursor left 4360-4370 Minor subroutine t o set k e y b o a r d ' c l i c k ' .
Caps shift + ' 6 ' M o v e cursor d o w n REFORMAT/INITIALISE. . . LINES 9000 9440
Caps shift + ' 7 ' M o v e cursor u p
Caps shift + ' 8 ' M o v e cursor right W h e n using the p r o g r a m for the first t i m e it m u s t be f o r m a t t e d . To
Symb.shift + 'A' Return to m e n u d o this select o p t i o n 1 f r o m t h e Main M e n u .
S y m b . s h i f t + ' : ' — Print ' : ' at cursor
Delete Delete at cursor, and backspace. LINE NUMBERS DESCRIPTION
Enter M o v e cursor to first position of next 9010 Gives the o p p o r t u n i t y t o return t o the m e n u if
c o l u m n . If end of array, print cursor at beginn- the o p t i o n has been chosen in error.
ing of next line 9020-9170 This section permits y o u t o d e f i n e u p to 1 5
A S C 2 Character Print al cursor p o s i t i o n c o l u m n titles, each eight spaces w i d e . Line
' T ' — Entered t o indicate the position of a sub- Titles and Totals c o l u m n s are not included as
total. they are f o r m a t t e d a u t o m a t i c a l l y . The max
2230-2310 Reprint screen display if cursor m o v e s o f f right i m u m w i d t h of the array A $ is 1 3 6
hand edge. characters, w h i c h c o r r e s p o n d s t o the number
2320-2370 Reprint screen display if cursor m o v e s o f f left of characters w h i c h c a n be p r i n t e d in con-
hand edge. densed m o d e .
2380-2420 Reprint screen display if cursor m o v e s o f f t o p 9180 9310 Routine for entering Line Titles. Up t o 9 9 titles
edge. may be entered. If y o u w i s h to enter t e x t c o m -
2430 2470 Reprint screen display if cursor m o v e s o f f bot m a n d s y o u m a y enter a blank title in the ap
torn edge. propriate line. This facility is also available
2480-2490 'Enter' S u b r o u t i n e . w h e n e n t e r i n g c o l u m n titles. Used t o g e t h e r it
3000-31 70 Print o n screen a m e n u of various printer is possible t o f o r m a t the p r o g r a m to the re
codes and f o r m a t o p t i o n s . A little practice will quired dimensions w i t h o u t entering titles and
enable y o u to select an appropriate f o r m a t and should be used if only text entry, or c o l u m n s
print it a n y w h e r e desired on A 4 paper. The of non standard w i d t h are required. Titles m a y
BOX o p t i o n is used t o print out numeric data t h e n be entered f r o m the m a i n program.
in the f o r m of a.table and should be used in 9320 9340 Permits c o l u m n markers t o be entered and
c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h LINE S P A C I N G for o p t i m u m should only be selected if c o l u m n s of a stan-
e f f e c t . Print o p t i o n s are cancelled w h e n prin- dard eight character w i d t h are required.
t i n g is c o m p l e t e d and m u s t be re-entered if a 9340-9450 Defines certain variables used by the Printer
c o p y is required. Routine.

86 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 ZX
 (SPECTRUM D0MESTI1

y o u have selected a f o r m a t con- Paper and Ink colours to be set

MONTHLY EXPENSES
1AR 8 5 HOTEL MEALS DRINKS FARES SUNDRY TOTALS
taining more than 6 x 8 from the Menu,
character columns, (excluding
1 2. 65 J 1 . 8 0 i" 4 . 45 Titles and Totals), you will need
t o select the condensed printing
Clear numeric data
O
1 mode. (Lines 6140-6200
SUN 3 O
9 . 54 3 . 44 I 12.98 Nested loops are used t o clear
1
20. 30 6 . 32 1 .OO 27. 62
calculation the array w i t h the exception of
= 1
0
Routine (Lines line and c o l u m n t i t l e s . T h e
I routine then calls part of the for-
*
12.54|
4000-4370) mat routine to allow the option
7 12.54
of entering column markers.
a I O This routine should only be used
l if standard eight-character col-
9 I o
umns have been formatted. If cancel/reinstate
i
SUN lO i o either, or both, Column and Line totals (Lines
l
11 l 0 totals have been cancelled (Op-
tion 8) then flags will have been
6000-6130)
12 4.25 8.62 | . 90 13. 77
set to prevent the appropriate
13 21 . 65 21. 65 This routine prints a menu w h i c h
1 part of the routine from func-
g i v e s o p t i o n s t o c a n c e l or
14 1
i 1.23 1 .23 tioning. A safeguard is included
r e i n s t a t e Line a n d C o l u m n
1 w h i c h will prevent Totals con-
15 I O Totals. Flags are set and the ar-
taining more digits than the col-
I ray sliced according to the op-
16 I 0 u m n w i d t h f r o m being printed.
tion selected. Data recorded in
SUN 17 1 0 A n audible warning is given dur-
I these segments is retained in
ing calculation should this oc-
IS I 0 m e m o r y . Exercising this option
I cur. A s the routine can take
I fully, after f o r m a t t i n g without
19 4.63 1.91 1 6. 54 some time if the array has been
Line/Column Titles or Column
extensively filled w i t h data, the
20 O Markers, enables t e x t only to be
column or line number currently
21 2 . 45 J . 90 3. 35 entered. If you w i s h to enter a
being totalled is displayed on
mixture of text and numeric data
22 o screen.
then enter numeric data first,
23 1 O calculate totals (if required),
1
1 cancel Line and column totals
SUN 24 t 0 SAVE/LOAD routine and t h e n enter t e x t . If ap-
25 O (Lines 5000-5300) plicable, Column and Line Totals
26 1 O should be reinstated before sen-
(
A c o m p r e h e n s i v e routine t o ding data to the printer.
27 18. 44 2.45 1 . 65 j 22.54
l o a d / s a v e to t a p e or w a f e r
28 1 0
( w h i c h could easily be adapted important points
29 2 . 45 . 98 j 3. 43 for use in other programs. If you
1 are converting this routine to 1. The largest number w h i c h
30 1 0
microdrive it should be noted can be entered is
SUN SI 1 O that Saving or Loading Data on 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 or in decimal
TOTALS 60. 39 27, 19 7.8 28.89j 5.83 130. 1 the Wafadrive is carried out by f o r m 9 9 9 9 . 9 9 . Totals or
reading the different elements of sub-totals w h i c h exceed
the array A $ . This is achieved this will not be entered.
w i t h nested loops w h i c h are
Enter a n d / o r Data File loaded o t h e r w i s e an Er-
necessary with tape or
2. Text c o m m e n t s must not
be entered before totals
ror will result.
Amend Data (Lines Sub totals at any line may be microdrive. Note that Column have been calculated.
2000-2510) selected by entering a ' T ' in the T i t l e s and all t h e variables 3. The program must be IN-
first space of the column where necessary to run an unformat ITIALISED or D A T A LOAD-
This routine is the heart of the it is required. These markers ted version of the program are ED before selecting any of
program and is probably the should be entered each time a also saved. the other MENU options.
most complex. It w o r k s by slic- calculation, or recalculation is 4. Should the program return
to BASIC for any reason it
ing the three dimension array
A $ , defined during initialisation,
made as the calculation routine
removes them.
Attributes (Lines m a y be r e s t a r t e d w i t h
and printing on the screen in t w o 8000-8020) GOTO 1. Do not use RUN
' W i n d o w s ' . These w i n d o w s as this will clear all data
correspond t o the f o l l o w i n g Printer Routine A simple routine w h i c h enables e n t e r e d .
screen locations. Line 0 , Col (Lines 3000-3420)
umn 8, and Line 2 0 , Column 3 1 .
A ' * ' cursor w h i c h may be The listing of this routine in the Program 1
moved to any position on the main program uses the
screen using the cursor keys, or w a f a d n v e ' s Centronics port. If, 500 REM TABCALC
to the next column by depress- however, you do not have a
ing ENTER should be positioned wafadrive, listing 2 will give you 510 BRIGHT I: INK 5: BORDER 0:
where it is required t o enter or the same printer facilities via the PAPER 0: CI S
amend data. If the cursor moves Kempston 'E' interface. Both
1000 BEEP .5,2: POKE 23658,8: CL
off the screen in any direction listings are for Epson or Star
the a p p r o p r i a t e w i n d o w is printers but should be easy to S : PRINT AT 0,10) INVERSE 1 I "OP
reprinted. A slight pause is ex modify for other printers. The TTONS"*''
perienced at this point. T h e routine provides an extensive
1010 PRINT "(1) RE-FORMAT/INITIA
Enter A m e n d option MUST NOT range of formats and up to 1 3 6
be selected unless the program c h a r a c t e r s per line m a y be List";''
has either been Formatted, or a printed in condensed mode. If 1020 PRINT "(2) ENTER AND/OR AME

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986 87

 IPECTRUM DOMESTIC!

ND DATA"J'* X , Y ; " * " : PAUSE 2

1030 PRINT "(3) PRINTER R O U T I NET" 2080 PRINT ; OVER 1; PAPER 8;AT
• F » x,Y;•*"
I
I N P R I N T "(4) CALCULATION ROUT 2090 LET B«=INKEY*
INE " i ' ' 2100 IF L >= 1 AND CODE B«6> = 3 2 AN
1050 PRINT "(5) SAVE/LOAD ROUTIN D CODE B$< = 1 2 7 THEN PRINT ;AT X
E " ; * ' ,Y;B«: LET AT(P,L,C)=B«: LET Y=Y
1060 PRINT "(6) ATTRIBUTES"}'' +1: LET C=C+L: GO SUB 4360: IF Y
1070 PRINT "(7) CLEAR NUMERIC DA >31 OR OWIDTH THEN GO SUB 2230
TA"J * ' 2110 IF L<I AND CODE B*>=32 AND
1080 PRINT " <S> CANCEL/RE INSTATE CODE B$<=127 THEN PRINT ;AT X,Y
TOTALS" ; * * ;B*: LET A*(VAST,I,C)=B«: GO SUB
1085 PRINT "(9) WAFER DIRECTORY" 4360: LET y=Y+l: LET C=C+l: IF
• **
t Y>31 OR OWIDTH THEN GO SUB 223
1090 PRINT H0JAT 0,0? INVERSE 1J 0
•SELECT ROUTINE NUMBER REQUIRED" 2120 IF B*=CHR* 9 THEN LET Y=Y+
T PAUSE 0 L: LET C=C+L: GO SUB 4360: IF Y>
1100 TF TNKEY«="1" THEN GO SUB 31 OR OWIDTH THEN GO SUB 2230
f?000 2130 IF B*=CHR$ 8 THEN LET Y=Y-
1110 IF INKEY$="2" THEN GO SUB I: LET C=C-I: GO SUB 4360: GO SU
2000 B 7000
1120 IE INKEY$="3" THEN GO SUB 2140 IF B*=CHR* 10 THEN LET X=X
3000 +1: LET L«L+L: GO SUB 4360: IF X
1130 TF INKEY«="4" THEN GO SUB >20 OR L >LINES OR (20*(P-1) ) + (L-
4000 1)=W THEN LET P=P+L: GO SUB 243
1140 IF INKEY«="5" THEN GO SUB 0
5000 2150 IF B$=CHR* 11 THEN GO SUB
1150 IF INKEY*="6" THEN GO SUB 7040: GO SUB 4360: LET X=X-I: LE
8000 T L = L - l : IF L <0 THEN LET L =0: L
1160 IF I N K E • 7 • THEN GO SUB ET X=0: BEEP . 1 , . 1
6140 2160 IF CODE BS=195 THEN LET B*
1170 IF INKEY*="8" THEN GO SUB =CHR$ 124: PRINT ;AT X,Y;B$: LET
6000 A3I(P,L,C)=B«: LET Y= Y+L: LET C=
1180 IF INKEYS="9" THEN CLS : I c+L: GO SUB 4360: IF Y>31 OR C>W
NPUT "DRIVE A OR B^";D«: GO SUB IDTH THEN GO SUB 2230
6500 2170 IF CODE BS=12 AND X=0 THEN
1190 GO TO 1000 GO SUB 7000: PRTNT ;AT X,Y;" "Z
2000 REM MAIN LOOP LET A*(VAST,1,C)="": LET Y=Y-1:
2010 LET P=l: LET X=l! LET Y=8: LET C=C-L: GO SUB 4360
LET L=1: LET C=9 2180 IF CODE B$=12 AND X>0 THEN
2020 CLS GO SUB 7000: GO SUB 4360: PRINT
7030 IF WIDTH > 32 THEN PRINT IN ; INVERSE 1;AT X,Y;" LET A»(
VERSE 1;AS(VAST,1, TO 32): FOR N P , L , C ) = " " : LET Y=Y-L: LET C=C-1
TO LINES: PRINT ; INVERSE L;A 2190 IF CODE B$=13 THEN LET C=C
*<P,N,I TO 8); INVERSE 0;A»(P,N, -Y: LET Y=INT (Y/8): LET Y=Y*8+8
9 TO ^2): TF N=W THEN GO TO 206 : LET C=C+Y: GO SUB 4360: GO SUB
0 2430
70^0 TF WIDTH < =32 THEN PRINT I 2200 IF B«=CHR$ 226 THEN BEEP .
NVER5E L;A«(VAST,L, TO WIDTH): F 5 , . 5 : RETURN
OR N=1 TO LINES: PRINT ; INVERSE 2210 PRINT AT 21,0; INVERSE 1;"P
I ; A « ( P , N , I TO 8>; INVERSE 0;A*< AGE " ; P ; " ";AT 2 1 , I I ; - L I N E " ; L ; "
P,N,9 TO WIDTH): IF N= W THEN GO •;AT 21,21;'COLUMN ";c;" "
TO 2 0 6 0 2220 GO TO 2070
2 0 5 0 NEXT N 2230 IF OWIDTH THEN LET C=C-1:
2060 PRINT ; INVERSE 15 A T 21,0; " LET Y=Y-l: BEEP . 5 , . 5 : RETURN
2240 IF L >11NES THEN LET 1=1-1:
LET X=X-l: BEEP . 2 , . 2 : RETURN
2070 PRINT ; OVER If PAPER 8;AT 2250 LET Y=8

88 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986 88

 IPECTRUM DOMESTIC!

2260 IF C +23 >WIDTH THEN PRINT A 2510 RETURN

T 0,8;US<9 TO 32): PRINT AT 0,8; 3000 REM PRINTER CODES
INVERSE 1JASfVAST,1,C TO WIDTH) 3010 CLS :
: GO TO-2280 3020 OPEN # * 4 , " c "
2270 IF C-23<=WIDTH THEN PRINT 3030 POKE 23679,WIDTH
AT 0 , 8 ; INVERSE 15 A S < V A S T , 1 , C TO 3040 PRINT J INVERSE 1;AT 0 , 1 9 ; "
C +23 > PRINTER CODES"
2280 IF C+23<WIDTH THEN FOR N= 1 3050 PRINT ;AT 0 , 0 ; " ( 1 ) COMPRES
TO 20: IF N+20*(P-l><=W THEN P S E D " ; ' ' ; " ( 2 > ENLARGED";'•;" (3)
RINT ; INVERSE 1;AT N,0;AS<P,L-X S U B S C R I P T " ; ' ' ; " t 4 ) IMPRESSED";
+N,1 TO 8 ) ; INVERSE 0;AT N,8;AS( • • ; " ( 5 ) I T A L I C S " J ( 6 ) BOXED
P,L-X+N,C TO C+23): NEXT N " ; * * ; " < 7) SET LEFT MARGIN
2270 IF C+23 >=WIDTH THEN FOR N= "(8) DOUBLE STRIKE";**;"<9> LI
1 TO LINES: IF N+20*(P~1)<=W THE NE S P A C I N G " } ' T ; " ( P ) LLPRINT DAT
N PRINT ; INVERSE 1;AT N,0;AS(P A * ; * * ; " <M> MAIN MENU"
,L-X+N,1 TO 8 ) ; INVERSE 0;AT N,8 3060 PRINT ;AT 2,19; INVERSE l ; "
;US(9 TO )JAT N,8;AS<P,L-X+N,C T ENTER NUMBER";AT 3 , 1 9 ; " REQUIR
O WIDTH): NEXT N ED. ": PAUSE 0*. IF INKEYS="P" T
2300 IF N^21 THEN FOR M=N TO 20 HEN GO TO 3180
: PRINT AT N,0;US(1 TO 32): NEXT 3070 IF INKEYS="1" THEN PRINT tt
N 4;CHRS 15
2310 RETURN 3080 IF INKEYS="2" THEN PR TNT »
2320 REM LEFT 4JCHRS 27+CHRS 87
2330 IF C<9 THEN LET C=C + l : LET 3090 IF INKEYS="3" THEN PRINT «
Y=Y+l: BEEP .5,.5:'RETURN 4;CHRS 27+CHRS 83
2340 LET Y=31 3100 IF INKEYS="4" THEN PRINT H
2350 PRINT AT 0 , 8 ; INVERSE 1;AS( 4;CHRS 27+CHRS 69
VAST,1,C-23 TO C) 3110 IF INKEYS="5" THEN PRINT M
2360 FOR N=1 TO LINES: IF N+20*( 4;CHRS 27+CHRS 52
P - 1 X = W THEN PRINT AT N,8;AS(P, 3120 IF INKEYS='6" THEN LET R=1
L-X+N,C-23 T O C ) : NEXT N 3130 IF INKEYt=" 7 " THEN GO SUP
2370 RETURN 3320
2380 REM UP 3140 IF INKEYS—"8" THEN PRINT tt
2390 IF P<1 THEN LET P=P+l: LET 4;CHRS 27+CHRS 71
l.=L + l : LET X=X+l: BEEP . 1, . 1S R 3150 IF TNKEYS="9" THFN GO SUB
ETURN 3380
2400 LET YY=Y: LET CC=C: LET C=C 3160 IF INKEYS="M" THEN CLOSE #
-Y+8: LET L=20: LET X=20! LET Y= *4: RETURN
8: GO SUB 2280 3170 GO TO 3030
24 10 LET Y=YY: LET C=CC 3180 CLS : PRINT #0;AT 0,0; I NVF
2420 RETURN RSE lJ'SET PAPER POSITION k PRES
2430 REM DOWN S ENTER": PAUSE 0
7 4 4 0 IF P > P A G E S OR W < 1 0 0 A N D ((2 3190 INPUT ; INVERSE 15"INPUT ""
0 * P ) + L - 1 ) = W THEN L E T P = P - i : IET TITLE'" OR " " E N T E R " Z S
X = X - 1 : LET L = L - 1 : B E E P . 2 , . 2 : p 3206 PRINT #4;AT 0,8;ZS: PRINT M
ETURN 4; ' "
2^50 LET YY=Y: LET CC=C: LET C=C 3210 PRINT #4;AS(VAST,1,1 TO WID
-Y +8: LET Y=8: LET L=l: LET X=i: TH)
GO SUB 2280 3220 FOR M=1 TO PAGES: FOR N=1 T
2460 LET Y=YY: LET C=CC 0 LINES
2470 RETURN 3230 IF LEN TS>=WIDTH AND M=1 AN
2480 REM ENTER D N—1 AND R=1 THEN PRINT #4;TS(
2490 IF C >=WIDTH THEN LET X = X+1 1 TO WIDTH)
: LET L=L+1: LET Y=8: LET C=9: G 3235 tF LEN TS<WIDTH AND M=1 AND
0 SUB 2260: IF X >20 OR <20*<P-1) N=1 AND R=1 THEN PRINT «4;TS
> + L - 1 > 3E W THEN LET P = P+ 1 : GO SUB 3240 IF R=1 THEN PRINT «4;SS(1
2430: RETURN TO WIDTH)
2500 IF Y >31 THEN GO SUB 2230 3250 PRINT #4;AS(M,N,1 TO WIDTH)

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 89
 IPECTRUM DOMESTIC!

3260 IF R= I THEN PRINT #4;RS(I TF COR=1 THEN LET COR=0: LET AS

TO WIDTH) (PAGES,W-20*(PAGES-1),O TO 0+6)=
3270 IF ((M-1)*20)+N=W THEN GO "TOO BIG*: NEXT O
TO 3290 4170 NEXT N
3280 NEXT N: NEXT M 4 180 NEXT M
3290 LET R=0 4 190 NEXT 0
3300 PRINT **4}CHRS 27+CHRS 64 4200 RETURN
3310 CLOSE #*4: RETURN 4 210 REM LINES
3330 INPUT J INVERSE L;"NUMBER O 4220 LET COUNT=0
F CHARACTER. SPACES FOR MARGIN 4230 FOR M=1 TO PAGES
• J z 4240 FOR N=1 TO 20
3350 PRINT W4;CHRS 2 7 + C H R S 7 7 + CH 4250 IF AS(M,N,1 TO 7> = "
RS Z THEN LET AS(M,N,0 TO 0+6)="
3370 RETURN " : GO TO. 4320
3380 PRINT AT 10,0; INVERSE L;"N 4260 PRINT ; INVERSE 1;AT 10,5;"
UMBER PIXELS FOR LINE SPACING E CALCULATING LINE : ";N+(20*(M-
NTER: 8 = NORMAL: 6 = SUBSCRIPT4 1 ) ) ! " "
= COMPRESSED SUBSCRIPT 4270 LET AS(M,N,WIDTH-7 TO WIDTH
: INPUT Z - 1)=" 0"
3400 PRINT #4;CHRS 27+CHRS 65+CH 4280 FOR 0=9 TO (WIDTH-15) STEP
RS Z 8
3420 CLS : RETURN 4290 IF AS(M,N,0 TO 0+6)="
4000 REM TOTALS * THEN GO TO 4310
4010 CLS : IF COLT=0 AND LINT=0 4300 LET TOT=VAL AS(M,N,(WIDTH-7
THEN PRINT ; FLASH 1;AT 10,0;"T ) TO (WIDTH-1))+VAL AS(M,N,0 TO
OTALS CALCULATION NOT AVAILABIF" 0+6): GO SUB 8030: LET AS(M,N,WI
: PAUSE 200: RETURN DTH-7 TO WIDTH-1)=VS: IF COR=! T
4020 IF COLT=0 THEN GO TO 4040 HEN LET COR=0: LET AS(M,N,WIDTH
4030 GO SUB 4080 -7 TO WIDTH-1)="TOO BIG": NEXT O
4040 IF LINT=0 THEN RETURN 4310 NEXT O
4050 BEEP . 1 , . 1 4320 NEXT N
4060 GO SUB 4210 4330 NEXT M
4070 RETURN 4340 BEEP . 5 , . 5
4080 REM COLUMN 4350 RETURN
4090 FOR N=9 TO (WIDTH-8) STEP 8 4360 REM KEYBOARD CLICK
: LET A*(PAGES,W-20*(PAGES-1),N 4370 BEEP .007,3: RETURN
TO N+6)= " 0": NEXT N 5000 CLS : PRINT "SAVE I LOAD OP
4100 FOR 0=9 TO WIDTH-8 STEP 8: TIONS": PRINT AT 2 , 0 ; " ( 1 ) SAVE P
LET TOT=0: LET SUBTOT=0: LET COU ROGRAM TO TAPE ";AT 4 , 0 ; " ( 2 ) SAV
NT=0 E PROGRAM WAFER DRIVE A " J AT 6,0;
4110 PRINT ; INVERSE 1;AT 10,5;" *(3) SAVE PROGRAM WAFER DRIVE B"
C A L C U L A T I N G COLUMN : " ; I N T (0/8) JAT 8 , 0 ; " ( 4 ) SAVE DATA TO TAPE"
• • •
i 5010 PRINT AT 10,0;"(5) SAVE DAT
4 1 2 0 F O R M = 1 TO P A G E S A TO WAFER DRIVE A";AT 12,0;"(6)
4 130 FOR N=1 TO 20 SAVE DATA TO WAFER DRIVE B";AT
4140 LET COUNT=COUNT+1: IF COUNT 14,0J"(7) LOAD DATA FROM TAPE";A
>W-1 THEN GO TO 4190 T 16,0;"(8) LOAD DATA FROM WAFER
4150 IF AS(M,N,0 TO 0+6)=" DRIVE A"JAT 18,0;"<9) LOAD DATA
" THEN GO TO 4170 FROM WAFER DRIVE B"
4155 IF A«(M,N,0)="T" THEN LET 5020 PRINT #0JAT 0,0;"SELECT NUM
SUBTOT=TOT-SUBTOT: LET ES=STRS S LER OF OPTION REQUIRED": PAUSE 0
UBTOT: GO SUB 8500: LET AS(M,N,0 5030 IF INKEYS= * 2" THEN CAT *:
TO 0+6)=ES: LET SUBTOT=TOT: GO INPUT "NAME 7 ";GS: SAVE #QS LIN
TO 4170 E 500: VERIFY *QS: CAT *: PAUSE
4160 LET TOT"VAL AS(PAGES,W-20*( 150: RETURN
PAGES-1) ,O TO 0 +6 ) + VAL AS(M,N,0 5040 IF INKEYS="3" THEN POKE 23
TO 0+6): GO SUB 8030: LET AS(PAG 767,1: CAT * : INPUT "NAME ^ ";QS
ES , W - 2 0 - * (PAGES - 1 ) , O TO 0+6>=YS: : SAVE #QS LINE 500: VERIFY *GS:

90 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986 90

 IPECTRUM DOMESTIC!

CAT *: POKE 23767,0! PAUSE 150: 6040 PRINT AT 1 0 , 0 ; " ( 3 ) CANCEL

RETURN COLUMN TOTALS"
5050 TF INKEY*="4" THEN GO SUB 6050 PRINT AT 15,0}"(4) RE-INST
5200: INPUT "NAME ? SAVE 6 ATE COLUMN TOTALS"
% DATA A * ( ) : RETURN 6060 PRINT AT 20,0*," (5) RETURN
5060 IF INKEY«6="5" THEN GO SUB TO MAIN MENU"
5200: GO TO 5130 6070 PRINT 4*0; A T 1,0J INVERSE 1}
5070 IF INKEY$="6" THEN GO SUB "SELECT APPROPRIATE NUMBER ": PA
5200: POKE 23767,1: GO SUB 5130: USE 0
POKE 23767,0: RETURN 6080 IF INKEY*="1" AND LINT=1 TH
5080 IF INKEY*="7" THEN CLS : I EN LET LINT=0: LET W I DTH»=W I D T H -
NPUT "NAME ?";Q«: PRINT AT 20,10 8
;"START THE TAPE": LOAD DATA 6090 IF INKEY*="2" AND LINT=0 TH
A$(): GO SUB 5300: RETURN EN LET LINT=l: LET WIDTH=WIDTH+
5090 IF INKEY*="8" THEN GO SUB 8
5150: GO SUB 5300: RETURN 6100 IF INKEY*="3" AND COLT=l TH
5100 IF INKEYS="9" THEN POKE 23 EN LET COLT~0: LET W=W-1
767,1: GO SUB 5150: POKE 23767,0 6110 IF INKEY«="4" AND COLT=0 TH
:: GO SUB 5300: RETURN EN LET COLT=l: LET W=W+1
5110 IF INKEY*="1" THEN INPUT " 6120 IF INKEY«="5" THEN RETURN
NAME? -IQ«: SAVE Q$ LINE 500: RE 6130 GO TO 6000
TURN 6140 REM CLEAR NUMERIC DATA
5120 GO TO 5000 6150 FOR M=1 TO PAGES
5130 CAT *: INPUT "NAME -;QT: 6160 FOR N=1 TO LINES
INPUT "ERASED";Z%: IF 2$="Y" THE 6170 LET A*(M,N,9 TO >=""
N ERASE *Q* 6180 NEXT N: NEXT M
5140 OPEN #*4,G«: FOR M=1 TO 6: 6190 GO SUB 9320
FOR N=1 TO 20: PRINT 444 ; A * ( M , N > : 6200 RETURN
NEXT N: NEXT M: CLOSE ***4: CL.S 6500 REM WAFER DIRECTORY
: CAT * : PAUSE 150: RETURN 6510 LET D*=D*+":": CAT *D*
5150 CAT *: INPUT "NAME ? "JQS 6520 PRINT 440J A T 0,0? INVERSE If
5160 DIM A S ( 6 , 2 0 , 136) : OPEN ***4, "PRESS ANY KEY TO CONTINUE": PAU
Q*: FOR M=1 TO 6: FOR N=1 TO 20: SE 0
INPUT * 4 4 ; A S < M , N> : NEXT N: NEXT 6530 RETURN
M: CLOSE *4*4: RETURN 7000 REM CURSER LEFT
5170 RETURN 7010 IF C< 9 AND C >0 THEN RETURN
5200 CLS : PRINT *40JAT 0,0J"SAVI
NG " I 9 * : LET A*<6,2)=STRS WIDTH: 7020 IF Y< 8 THEN GO SUB 2320
LET A«(6,3)=STR* LINES: LET A*( 7030 RETURN
6,4)=STR* W: LET A*(6,5)=STRS VA 7040 REM CURSER UP
ST: LET A*<6,6)=STRS PAGES: LET 7050 IF L<1 AND L>-1 AND P=1 THC
A*<6,7)=STR* COLT: LET A«(6,8)=S N RETURN
TR* LINT: LET AS(6,9)=STR* COR: 7060 IF X<1 THEN LET P=P-1: GO
RETURN SUB 2380
5300 LET WIDTH=VAL AS<6,2): LET 7070 RETURN
LINES=VAL A * ( 6 , 3 ) : LET W=VAL A«( 8000 REM ATTRIBUTES
6 , 4 ) : LET VAST=VAL A$(6,5): LET 8010 CLS : INPUT "BRIGHT7";BR I:
PAGES=VAL A«(6,6)*. LET COLT=VAL INPUT "PAPER COLOUR 7 " ; P A P ; , ; " I N
A$(6,7>: LET LINT=VAL AL(6,8): L K COLOUR? "JINK: BRIGHT BRI: PAP
ET COR=VAL A$(6,9): GO SUB 9350: EF? P A P : BORDER PAP: INK INK: CLS
RETURN
6000 REM CANCEL/REINSTATE TOTAL 8020 RETURN
S 8030 REM TOTALS-JUSTIFICATION t*
6010 CLS CORRECTION FOR TO MANY DIGITS'
6020 PRINT AT 1 , 0 ; " ( 1 ) CANCEL L 8040 IF LEN STR* TOT>7 THEN BEE
INE TOTALS" P . 5 , . 5 : LET COR=l: RETURN
6030 PRINT AT 5,0;"<2> RE-INSTA 8050 LET Y«=STR« TOT
TE LINE TOTALS" 8060 IF LEN Y«<7 THEN LET Y*-"

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986 91

 IPECTRUM DOMESTIC!

•+Y»: GO TO 8060 S LIMITED TO A " ; ' ' ; : PRINT ;TAB

8070 RETURN 3J"MAXIMUM OF 7 CHARACTERS'"
8500 REM SUBTOTAL JUSTIFICATION 9200 PRINT AT 18,0;"INPUT S WHEN
8510 IF LEN ES<7 THEN LET ES=" YOU HAVE ENTERED ALL THE LINE
"+ES: GO TO 8510 TITLES REQUIRED. "
8590 RETURN 9210 PRINT AT 21,0;"PRESS ENTER
9000 REM FORMAT FOR A BLANK TITLE
9010 CLS : PRINT FLASH 1;AT 10, 9220 LET COUNT=0: FOR M=1 TO 5:
5?"ARE YOU CERTAIN^ (Y/N)": PAUS FOR N=1 TO 20: LET COUNT=COUNT+1
E 0: IF INKEYS="N" THEN RETURN 9225 IF COUNT=100 THEN GO TO 92
9020 CLS ! PRINT ; INVERSE 1;AT 90
8,0;"ENTER THE NUMBER OF 8 CHAR 9230 PRINT AT 0,0; INVERSE 1;"EN
ACTERWIDE COLUMNS YOU REQUIRE. D TER LINE ";COUNT
O NOTINCLUDE TOTALS OR TITLES CO 9240 GO,SUB 9460
LUMNS MAXIMUM 15 9250 IF ZS»"S" .THEN GO TO 9290
": INPUT WIDTH 9260 LET AS(M,N,1 TO 7)=ZS
9030 LET WIDTH=(WIDTH+2)*8: IE W 9280 NEXT N: NEXT M
IDTH >136 THEN CLS Z PRINT } INV 9290 LET AS(M, N, 1 TO 7)="TOTALS"
ERSE 1;AT 10,10;"TO MANY COLUMNS 9300 LET PAGES=M: LET W=(20*(M-1
»"i PAUSE 150: CLS : GO TO 9070 ) +N)
9040 IF WIDTH >80 THEN CLS : PRI 9305 IF LINES< 21 THEN LET LINES
NT INVERSE 1;AT 10,0;"YOU MUST =LINES+1
SELECT CONDENSED PRINTING 9310 IF LINES=21 THEN LET LINES
IN THE PRINTER ROUTINE ": PAUSE = 20
1 0 0 9320 CLS I PRINT INVERSE 1;AT 1
9050 LET COR = 0 : LET LINT=1*. LET 0,2,"DO YOU WISH TO ENTER COLUMN
COLT=l: LET CO=0: LET W=99: LET PRINT INVERSE 1JAT 12,10;"M
PAGES=INT (W/20)+l: LET VAST=6: ARKERS? Y/N": INPUT LINE ZS: IF
LET LTNES=20 ZS="N" THEN CLS : GO TO 9350
9060 DIM AS(6,20,WIDTH) 9330 CLS : PRINT FLASH 1;AT 10,
9070 CLS 10;"PLEASE WAIT!": FOR 0=1 TO PA
9080 LET A=INT (WIDTH/8J-2: PR IN GES: FOR N=1 TO LINES: FOR M=8 T
T AT 5 , 5 ! "ENTER THE: NAMES OF-'. O WIDTH STEP 8: LET AS(O,N,M)="!
' ' ; T A B 5;"UP TO " ; A ; " COl UMN TIT ": NEXT M: IF <O-1)*20+N=W THEN
LES" CLS : GO TO 9350
9090 PRINT AT 10,3? "EACH TI TIF I 9340 NEXT N! NEXT O: CLS
S LIMITED TO A " ? * ' ; : PRINT ;TAB 9350 LET SS="
3;"MAXIMUM OF 7 CHARACTERS'" 9360 FOR N=1 TO (WIDTH-8) STEP 8
9100 PRINT AT 15,0;"INPUT S WHEN : LET ss=ss+": NEXT N:
YOU HAVE ENTERED ALL THE COLU LET SS=SS+"!"
MN TITLES REOUIRED. " 9370 LET R=0
9110 PRINT AT 20,0;"PRESS ENTER 9380 LET US="": FOR N=1 TO 32: t
FOR A BLANK TITLE ET US=US+" ": NEXT N
9120 FOR N=9 TO WIDTH-8 STEP 8: 9400 LET RS="
PRINT INVERSE 1;AT 0,0;"ENTRY " 9410 FOR N=1 TO (WIDTH-8) STEP 8
;INT ( N - l ) / 8 : LET RS = R S + " ! ": NEXT N:
9 130 GO SUB 9460 LET R$=RS+"{"
9140 IF ZS="S" OR ZS="S" THFN L 9420 LET TS="
ET WIDTH = N+7: GO TO 9 170 9430 FOR N=1 TO (WIDTH-9): LET T
9150 LET AS(VAST,1,N TO (N+6>)=Z S = T S + : NEXT N
S 9440 RETURN
9160 NEXT N 9450 REM : GO SUB
9170 LET AS(VAST,1,N TO <N+6))=" 9460 INPUT LINE ZS: IF LEN ZS>7
TOTALS" THEN PRINT FLASH 1;AT 2 0 , 0 ; " I
9180 CLS *. PRINT AT 7 , 5 ; "ENTER T NCORRECT! RE-ENTER!": PAUSE 50:
HE NAMES O F : - " ; ' ' ; T A B 5;"UP TO 9 PRINT AT 20,0;"
9 LINE TITLES" ' ": GO TO 9460
9190 PRINT AT 13,3;"EACH TITLE 1 9470 RETURN

92 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986 92

 IPECTRUM DOMESTIC!

CHRS 27;CHRS 27;CHRS 69

£*«#S£S 3110 IF INKEYS="5" THEN LPRINT
IM 85 I0UL
1
MLS mm fonts SUHW TOTALS CHRS 27;CHRS 27;CHRS 52
1 2.6 5 1.80 4.451 3120 IF INKEYS="6" THEN LET R=1
1 0\
SiftI 1 : CLS
1 0)
1
9.54 1.44 3130 IF INKEYS="7" THEN GO SUB
2<uoi
1
6.12 1.00 Ik .62!
1 01 3320
1
1
1 12.54 12.54', 3140 IF INKEYS="8" THEN LPRINT
8 1
1 0!
9 1 0! CHRS 2 7 J CHRS 27JCHRS 71
1
SIM 10 1 0\ 3150 IF INKEYS="9" THEN GO SUB
1
11 1
1 0\
3380
12 4.25 9.62 .90 13.77',
11 21.651 3160 IF INKEYS="M" THEN RETURN
1

»
14 J
1
1.21 1.2l\
15 0\ 3170 GO TO 3030
16.44ii 5.00 2.96 5.0% 11.41 3180 CLS : PRINT »0}AT 0,0; INVE
SttH i
i
IS i o: RSE L;"SET PAPER POSITION FE PRES
t
19 *i 4.61 1.91 6.54: ENTER": PAUSE 0
20 <i 01
S
3190 INPUT ; INVERSE 1|"INPUT ""
2.45 .90 1.15!
ii 10.35j 12.15 12.7: TITLE"" OR " " E N T E R " J Z S
21 i 1.12 1.12\ 3200 LPRINT ;AT 0,8;ZS: LPRINT
SDH 24 5.79 4.56 10.15'.
1 0\
25 i
1 3210 LPRINT ;AS(VAST,1,1 TO WIDT
26 0\
H)
27 1S.44\
1
2.45 1.65 22.54'.
i 0\ 3220 FOR M= 1 TO PAGES*. FOR N=1 T
3? 1
2.45 .98 L'i
JO O LINES
StfH 11 0\ 3230 IF LEN TS>=WIDTH AND M=1 AN
WHS 99.m 50.11 15.12 11.97 7.15 205.95',
D N=1 AND R=1 THEN LPRINT ;TS(1
TO WIDTH)
3235 IF LEN TS<WIDTH AND M=1 AND
N=1 AND R=1 THEN LPRINT }TS
3740 IF R=L THEN LPRINT »SS(1 T
O WIDTH)
3250 LPRINT ;AS(M,N,1 TO WIDTH)
Program 2. Kempston E inter-face code
3260 IF R=1 THEN LPRINT ;RS(1 T
to replace main program lines
O WIDTH)
30005REM PRINTER C O D E S 3270 IF ((M-1)*20)+N=W THEN GO
3 0 1 0 CLS : TO 3290
3 0 2 0 COPY I REM /I 3280 NEXT N: NEXT M
3 0 3 0 POKE 23679,WIDTH 3290 LET R=0
3 0 4 0 PRINT ; INVERSE 1}AT 0,19;" 3300 LPRINT CHRS 27»CHRS 27;CHRS
PRINTER CODES" 64
3 0 5 0 PRINT ;AT 0,0;"(1) COMPRES 3310 RETURN
SED";'*;"(2) ENLARGED"J'';"(3) 3330 INPUT ; INVERSE 1;"NUMBER O
SUBSCRIPT";'*;"(4) IMPRESSED"; F CHARACTER SPACES FOR MARGIN
* *;"<5) I T A L I C S " ; ' ' ; " < 6 ) BOXED •»z
• ; ' * ; " ( 7 ) SET LEFT MARGIN " ; * ' ; 3340 COPY : REM CHRS 0
"(8) DOUBLE S T R I K E " ; * * ; " ( 9 ) LI 3350 LPRINT CHRS 27;CHRS 77|CHRS
NE SPACING";*';"(P) LLPRINT DAT Z
A " ; * * ; " < M) MAIN MENU" 3360 COPY : REM CHRS 1
3060 PRINT ;AT 2F19J INVERSE 15" 3370 RETURN
ENTER NUMBER";AT 3 , 1 9 ; " REQUIR 3380 PRINT AT 10,0J INVERSE 1J"N
ED. •: PAUSE 0T IF INKEYS="P" T UMBER PIXELS FOR LINE SPACING E
HEN GO TO 3180 NTER: 8 = NORMAL: 6 » SUBSCRIPT4
3070 IF INKEYS="1" THEN LPRINT = COMPRESSED SUBSCRIPT
CHRS 27;CHRS 15 : INPUT Z
3080 IF INKEYS="2" THEN LPRINT 3390 COPY : REM CHRS 0
CHRS 27;CHRS 27;CHRS 87 3400 LPRINT CHRS 27;CHRS 65;CHRS
3090 IF INKEYS="3" THEN LPRINT Z
CHRS 27;CHRS 2 7 J CHRS 83 3410 COPY : REM CHRS 1
3100 IP INKEYS="4" THEN LPRINT 3420 CLS ! RETURN

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986 93


Across the Pond
by Mark L. Fendrick
It has been more t h a n a year and
a half since Timex left
t h o u s a n d s of us in the lurch, but
as y o u c a n see, w e h a v e n ' t
disappeared or ' g i v e n up the
c h i p ' . This past year has seen
m a n y n e w p r o d u c t s appear for
our c o m p u t e r s . M a n y of these
are f r o m the U n i t e d K i n g d o m ,
w h e r e t h e S p e c t r u m (and Spec-
t r u m + ) is still a popular micro-
computer. A few hardware
items have appeared as well,
s o m e d e v e l o p e d specifically for
the T i m e x a d a p t a t i o n s in addi-
tion t o m o d i f i e d S p e c t r u m c o m -
patibles.
S o m e of the m o s t i m p o r t a n t
add-ons w h i c h b e c a m e q u i t e
popular in the last year w e r e
those devices w h i c h enabled the
Timex/Sinclair 2 0 6 8 to run
Sinclair ZX S p e c t r u m s o f t w a r e .
Unlike the situation here in the
States, literally t h o u s a n d s of
titles exist for the S p e c t r u m in
Europe and other parts of the
w o r l d . Until n o w a g o o d p o r t i o n
of the available S p e c t r u m s o f t
w a r e w o u l d n o t w o r k due to dif-
ferences in the t w o o p e r a t i n g
systems. (Some software writ
t e n in BASIC w o u l d load a n d
run, but the majority of t h e best
programs contain varying
degrees of m a c h i n e c o d e and d o
not work on the A m e r i c a n
machine.)
ROM and EMU
The E M U series of S p e c t r u m
e m u l a t o r s w e r e the first of these
devices t o appear on t h e m a r k e t
developed by Douglas D e w e y
of the Triangle Sinclair Users
G r o u p ( 2 0 6 J a m e s Street, Carr
boro, NC 2 7 5 1 0 ) . For t h o s e of
you unfamiliar with this
e m u l a t o r , it is a circuit board
w h i c h is inserted into the Com-
m a n d Cartridge port a n d replace
the standard T/S 2068
operating system with a
pseudo-Spectrum operating
s y s t e m . Using this device, the
vast a s s o r t m e n t of S p e c t r u m
s o f t w a r e , w h i c h w a s previously
unable t o operate o n a T / S 2 0 6 8
will w o r k just fine.
A second emulator w h i c h
became available t h r o u g h m a n y
Sinclair d i s t r i b u t o r s t h i s year,
was the ROMSWITCH,
developed by G. Russell Elec-
t r o n i c s ( R . D , 1, B o x 5 3 9 ,
94
US NEWS
C e n t r e Hall, PA 1 6 8 2 8 ; ( 8 1 4 )
3 6 4 - 1 3 2 5 ) . Unlike the E M U
emulator, this d e v i c e gets per-
m a n e n t l y installed inside y o u r
c o m p u t e r , and is m a n i p u l a t e d
by w a y of a m a g n e t i c s w i t c h
w h i c h s i t s o n t o p of t h e
keyboard. This does require
o p e n i n g of the c o m p u t e r , b u t is
q u i t e simple t o install, a l t h o u g h
m o s t d e a l e r s w h o sell t h i s
d e v i c e also provide Uor a small
fee) installation service. A s I ex-
plained in m y earlier r e v i e w of
the R O M S W I T C H , h o w e v e r , t h e
installation requires no c u t t i n g
or drilling, is a c c o m p l i s h e d using
nothing more than a screw-
driver, and is simple e n o u g h t o
f o l l o w the i n s t r u c t i o n s and run
S p e c t r u m sof t w a r e in a b o u t f ive
minutes.
But, if y o u w a n t e d t o use any
of t h e S p e c t r u m h a r d w a r e
peripherals, a S p e c t r u m R O M is
not e n o u g h . W h e n Timex releas-
ed the T / S 2 0 6 8 , for s o m e
reason t h e y r e c o n f i g u r e d t h e ex-
pansion bus and r e m o v e d the
9 V p o w e r w h i c h is present on
the S p e c t r u m bus. Because of
this, a d d - o n s d e v e l o p e d for t h e
S p e c t r u m are inoperable on a
T / S 2 0 6 8 . This t o o has been
r e m e d i e d in 1 9 8 5 w i t h t h e
Z-link. This device, w h e n at-
t a c h e d to a T / S 2 0 6 8 c o n t a i n i n g
an e m u l a t o r of one sort or the
other, reconfigures the Timex
bus w h i l e adding the 9 V re
quired t o run m a n y S p e c t r u m
designed add-ons. A m o n g the
dealers o f f e r i n g the Z-link are
T.E.J, C o m p u t e r Services ( 8 5 9
N. Virgil A v e n u e , Los A n g e l e s
C A 9 0 0 2 9 ; ( 2 1 3 ) 6 6 5 - 5 1 1 1)
and Curry C o m p u t e r ( 5 3 4 4 W
Banff, Glendale, AZ ( 6 0 2 )
978-2902).
For t h o s e w h o w a n t b o t h the
S p e c t r u m s o f t w a r e and hard-
w a r e e m u l a t i o n in o n e device,
D a m c o Enterprises ( 6 7 Bradley
C t , Fall River, M a s s . 0 2 7 2 0 ;
( 6 1 7 ) 6 7 8 - 2 1 1 0 ) has m a r k e t e d
a d e v i c e w h i c h they call the
R a i n b o w Plus interface. This in-
t e r f a c e c o n t a i n s b o t h features
necessary t o run S p e c t r u m soft
w a r e as well as t o a t t a c h Spec
t r u m h a r d w a r e al) in a single cas-
ed device. The T i m e x C o m m a n d
Cartridge port is available for
t h o s e f e w C o m m a n d Cartridges
w h i c h w e r e made available, and
a l l o w s s w i t c h i n g beck and f o r t h
b e t w e e n modes.
UK sources
W i t h all these e m u l a t o r s n o w
available, US o w n e r s needed a
source for S p e c t r u m h a r d w a r e
a n d s o f t w a r e . M a n y of t h e
dealers w h o sell these e m u l a t o r s
are s t o c k i n g up on p r o g r a m s and
add-ons f r o m the United
Kingdom. Among these,
a l t h o u g h by no m e a n s limited to
these v e n d o r s alone, are Curry
C o m p u t e r , D a m c o Enterprises,
Zebra S y s t e m s ( 7 8 - 0 6 J a m a i c a
A v e n u e , W o o d h a v e n , N e w York
1 1 4 2 1 ; ( 7 1 8 ) 2 9 6 - 2 3 8 5 ) , and
t h e English M i c r o C o n n e c t i o n
( 1 5 Kilburn C o u r t , N e w p o r t , Rl
0 2 8 4 0 ; ( 4 0 1 ) 8 4 9 - 3 8 0 5 ) . The
English Micro Connection
handles both Spectrum soft-
w a r e as w e l l as selling the Spec
t r u m + along w i t h all of the
popular add-ons. (You may
w a n t t o k e e p in m i n d t h a t
a l t h o u g h t h e r e are d e v i c e s
w h i c h allow y o u to use b o t h
Timex and Sinclair s o f t w a r e and
h a r d w a r e on your T / S 2 0 6 8 .
there is n o device w h i c h a l l o w s
the opposite transformation.
O w n i n g a S p e c t r u m eliminates
t h e possibility of using m o s t pro-
d u c t s designed for the T/S
2068.) One company,
h o w e v e r , continues to take
s o m e of t h e m o s t popular Spec-
t r u m s o f t w a r e and m o d i f y it t o
w o r k o n t h e T / S 2 0 6 8 , o f t e n ad
ding the ability t o utilize m a n y of
the T i m e x ' s a d v a n c e d features,
s u c h as j o y s t i c k control.
Knighted Computers (707
H i g h l a n d S t r e e t , F u l t o n , NY
1 3 0 6 9 ; ( 3 1 5 ) 5 9 3 - 8 2 1 9 ) has
o b t a i n e d rights t o translate all of
Q u i c k s i l v a ' s S p e c t r u m line. In
addition t o the m a n y fine g a m e s
( s u c h as F i g h t e r P i l o t —
m o d i f i e d t o use the Timex
j o y s t i c k port) K n i g h t e d C o m -
puters also has m a n y fine
serious applications s o f t w a r e as
well.
One of the best, and m o s t in-
e x p e n s i v e w a y s of g e t t i n g
British s o f t w a r e is f r o m the
dealers in England t h e m s e l v e s .
The dollar is still q u i t e s t r o n g as
c o m p a r e d to the British pound,
and usually this results in the
price being l o w e r w h e n ordering
direct. M a n y British dealers ac-
cept M a s t e r C a r d and/or Visa
w h i c h m a k e s the handling of the
e x c h a n g e of c u r r e n c y q u i t e sim-
ple as the bank handles all of that
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
for y o u . The m o s t e f f i c i e n t com-
pany I have discovered to date
also has the m o s t extensive
catalogue I have y e t seen. T o
make m a t t e r s even better, their
prices are q u i t e l o w , w h i l e the
quality of their service is quite
high. O n any order I have placed
w i t h t h e m , I have received m y
tapes w i t h i n t e n days. (I have
o f t e n had t o w a i t longer for pro-
grams f r o m A m e r i c a n com-
panies). W r i t e t o S p e e d y s o f t
( 3 7 C h u r c h Road, London
S W 1 3 9 H Q , England) lor your
c o p y of their large catalogue.
Mass storage
In 1 9 8 4 the m o s t eagerly an-
t i c i p a t e d release w a s the
m o d e m for the T / S 2 0 6 8 . and
then the S m a r t II s o f t w a r e t o ac
c o m p a n y it. In 1 9 8 5 the prize
w a s mass storage devices. A s
a d v a n c e d as the T / S 2 0 6 8 is, it
is h a n d i c a p p e d by the necessity
of using a cassette based mass
storage s y s t e m s l o w and
c l u m s y — w i t h no m e t h o d of
a u t o m a t i c a l l y turning the
cassette player on or o f f . One of
the features w h i c h d r e w m a n y
of us t o the T / S 2 0 6 8 in the first
place w a s t h e promise of m i c r o
drives such as those available
for the ZX S p e c t r u m . Of course,
Timex abandoned us before
t h e y b r o u g h t it to market, so
third party designers s t e p p e d in
and t o o k up t h e slack, U n l i k e t h e
m o d e m , w h i c h w a s already
designed and ready for release,
independent developers had t o
w o r k f r o m s c r a t c h t o m e e t the
need. Today the Sinclair o w n e r
is in a p o s i t i o n q u i t e unfamiliar in
t h e p a s t , a n d a c h o i c e of
s y s t e m s is available f r o m w h i c h
t o choose. T h o s e w h o w a n t a
t r a d i t i o n a l disk d r i v e s y s t e m
have at least t w o f r o m w h i c h t o
choose. A E R C O (Box 1 8 9 3 0 ,
Austin, Texas 7 8 7 6 0 ; ( 5 1 2 )
4 5 1 - 5 8 7 4 ) , w h i c h has been
p r o d u c i n g interfaces for the
Sinclair c o m p u t e r s since almost
the beginning, has finally releas-
ed its long a d v e r t i s e d disk drive
s y s t e m . A s e c o n d s y s t e m has
been developed and m a r k e t e d
by Ramex International (1 7 6 2 0
2 6 Mile Road, W a s h i n g t o n ,
Michigan; (313) 7 8 1 - 5 8 0 0 ) .
T o c o m p a r e s y s t e m specifica
tions w r i t e to b o t h c o m p a n i e s
and request more i n f o r m a t i o n .
A l s o n o w a v a i l a b l e is a
m i c r o d r i v e for the T / S 2 0 6 8 .
A l t h o u g h this is not the s y s t e m
p r o m i s e d by T i m e x , it is f r o m a
c o m p a n y w h i c h has been in-
v o l v e d w i t h the T i m e x c o m p u t e r
f r o m the t i m e w h e n the T / S
1 0 0 0 w a s the only m i c r o in the
line. The A & J M i c r o d r i v e Com-
pany ( 1 0 5 0 East Duane
A v e n u e , Suite 1, S u n n y v a l e , C A
9 4 0 8 6 ; ( 4 0 8 1 7 3 2 9 2 9 2 1 first
developed a microdrive w i t h in
t e r f a c e for the T S 1 0 0 0 , a n d
w h e n the T . S 2 0 6 8 c a m e o n t o
the m a r k e t p l a c e t h e y r e s p o n d e d
w i t h the c o m p a t i b l e model
Utilizing a stringy f l o p p y w a f e r
w h i c h measures one a n d three
quarter inches by t w o and one
half inches by one quarter of an
i n c h , their o p e r a t i n g s y s t e m
c o m e s on an EPROM w h i c h re
quires very simple additions to
the L O A D and S A V E s t a t e m e n t s
to a c t i v a t e the m i c r o drive. W i t h
m u c h increased speed, and
a u t o m a t i c o n / o f f under s o f t
w a r e c o n t r o l , this reasonably
priced s y s t e m solves m a n y of
the p r o b l e m s of the original
c a s s e t t e based m o d e . To m a k e
this p a c k a g e e v e n m o r e attrac
tive, the A & J i n t e r f a c e a l l o w s
use of the c a s s e t t e port, and
contains a parallel printer inter-
face.
A final mass storage s y s t e m ,
believe it or not, is f r o m Timex
C o m p u t e r C o r p o r a t i o n ! No, not
the g r o u p f o r m e r l y headed by
Dan Ross in W a t e r b u r y , Con-
n e t i c u t , but by T i m e x of Por
tugal. Zebra S y s t e m s has signed
an a g r e e m e n t w i t h Timex of Por
tugal t o i m p o r t the TC 2 0 6 8
s y s t e m t o this c o u n t r y . This is a
T S 2 0 6 8 look-alike w i t h an
A m e r i c a n R O M and a S p e c t r u m
c o m p a t i b l e e x p a n s i o n bus. The
c o m p u t e r also c o m e s w i t h a
S p e c t r u m emulator I w h i c h does
not w o r k w i t h the T / S 2 0 6 8 )
giving this c o m p u t e r , nick-
named the Silver A v e n g e r , the
best of b o t h machines. Design
ed as part of this s y s t e m is a
m a t c h i n g 3 Yi inch disk interface
and drive. Zebra S y s t e m s has
made this disk s y s t e m available,
not only for the TC 2 0 6 8 , but
for the T S 2 0 6 8 as well.
Zebra
While w e are on the subject
of Zebra S y s t e m s , y o u w o u l d
certainly w a n t to w r i t e for their
catalogue, c u r r e n t l y the largest
Timex/Sinclair c a t a l o g u e around
One of the reasons for this is that
Zebra still actively s u p p o r t s the
Timex line; c a r r y i n g m o s t of
w h a t is available f r o m other
sources as w e l l as c o n t i n u i n g t o
produce n e w p r o d u c t s of their
o w n for our machines. Last year
t h e y released t w o e x c e l l e n t
hardware developments the
ZebraTalker II and the Zebra
Graphics Pad for the T S
2 0 6 8 . T h e y b a c k e d u p these
p r o d u c t s w i t h s o m e excellent
s o f t w a r e to go w i t h both.
ZebraTalker II c o m e s w i t h t w o
95 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
f i n e p r o g r a m s t o a s s i s t in
c r e a t i n g the speech y o u require
f r o m your speech synthesizer.
The p h o n e m e editor helps y o u to
create the phoneme strings
utilized by the device, and add
t h e m to your o w n p r o g r a m s .
The Text to-Speech s o f t w a r e
( w h i c h y o u can merge w i t h any
p r o g r a m y o u have, or write)
a l l o w s y o u t o t y p e in t e x t , w h i c h
automatically gets converted
and sent to the ZebraTalker.
N o t h i n g c o u l d be simpler.
The Zebra Graphics Tablet is
an interface designed t o con-
nect a supplied Koala Graphics
Tablet to your T / S 2 0 6 8 . The
s o f t w a r e p r o v i d e d a l l o w s y o u to
' d r a w ' on the tablet w i t h a
s t y l u s (included) and have t h a t
' d r a w i n g ' transferred to your T V
or monitor screen. C o p i e s c a n b e
sent t o your T / S 2 0 4 0 printer if
y o u desire. T w o n e w releases
also w o r k w i t h your Zebra
Graphics Tablet Coloring
Book and T e c h - D r a w . Coloring
Book is terrific for the children
w h o are a l w a y s around w a n t i n g
to use your c o m p u t e r . A n u m b e r
of pre d r a w n circus scenes are
available for the kids to color us-
ing the simple m e n u provided.
Unlike traditional coloring
books, a child c a n ' u n d r a w '
a n y t h i n g , and the picture c a n
a l w a y s be restored to its original
u n c o l o u r e d c o n d i t i o n s i m p l y by
reloading the s o f t w a r e . A se-
cond program Tech Draw
c o m e s w i t h features s u c h as
various textured shadings,
brush strokes, selectable input
and o u t p u t (to a T / S 2 0 4 0
printer or a full size printer in t w o
sizes) on c o n v e n i e n t pull d o w n
m e n u s . Of course y o u m a y save
any of your creations.
D.I.Y.
A n y of y o u w h o regret miss-
ing the time, in 1 9 8 1 / 2 , w h e n
Sinclair o f f e r e d the Z X 8 1 as a
do-it-yourself kit, here is your
second chance. Both Zebra
S y s t e m s and Sunset Electronics
( 2 2 5 4 Taraval Street, San Fran-
c i s c o , C A 9 4 11 6 ; (4 1 5)
6 6 5 - 6 1 6 1 ) are n o w o f f e r i n g
the kit once again. They c o m e
w i t h all parts and instructions as
well as a limited w a r r a n t y . This
is a great item for user groups as
q u a n t i t y d i s c o u n t s are available.
They w o u l d make fine presents
too. (Personal note to m y w i f e ,
kids, p a r e n t s or w h o e v e r I
w o u l d n ' t m i n d g e t t i n g one!)
Remember t h a i a n y t h i n g still
available for the T / S 1 0 0 0 will
w o r k on the Z X 8 1 .
Before w e leave the topic of
graphics, I w o u l d like t o remind
y o u about three fine programs.
Both Multi-Draw (Knighted
C o m p u t e r s ) and D r a w II (Peech
II) are m u l t i - f e a t u r e d graphics
p r o g r a m s w h i c h p r o d u c e ex-
cellent results. A n e w entry in
the field is Pixel S k e t c h and
G r a p h i c s Editor f r o m L e m k e
Software Development ( 2 1 4 4
W h i t e Oak, W i c h i t a , KS 6 7 2 0 7 ;
(316) 6 8 7 0 3 1 5 ) . I am now
p u t t i n g this p r o g r a m to a full test
but in the m e a n w h i l e you m a y
w a n t to w r i t e t o Lemke Soft
w a r e fo their full catalogue.
There are still m a n y p r o d u c t s
w h i c h I have simply not had a
c h a n c e t o fully test yet, w h i c h
will be t o p i c s in f u t u r e c o l u m n s ,
One of the m o s t interesting cur
rently on m y desk is f r o m G.
Russell Electronics. It is an ex
perimental p r o g r a m for the T / S
1 0 0 0 (and T S 1 5 0 0 and Z X 8 1
of c o u r s e ) t o c r e a t e m u l t i -
c o l o u r e d graphic scenes on your
black and w h i t e T V w i t h no
h a r d w a r e c h a n g e s or additions
other t h a n an optical screen
w h i c h goes over your TV
screen. You are s u p p o s e d to be
able to paint in 9 colours in-
c l u d i n g various shades of red,
blue, y e l l o w , black and w h i t e , I
a m q u i t e a n x i o u s t o try this (got
ta find a black and w h i t e set) and
will report t o y o u a s s o o n as I d o .
I w a s saddened to hear, as I
prepared to w r i t e this m o n t h ' s
column, that H a w g Wild Soft
w a r e w a s t h r o w i n g in the t o w e l
and going o u t of business. Your
presence shall be m i s s e d Gary.
Y o u may also w a n t to w r i t e
t o the f o l l o w i n g c o m p a n i e s for
copies of their Sinclair related
catalogues:
E. A r t h u r B r o w n C o m p a n y ,
3 4 0 4 P a w n e e Drive, Alexandria
MN 5 6 3 0 8 , (612) 7 6 2 - 8 8 4 7 .
H e a t h C o m p u t e r Services, 9 5 0
E a s t - 5 2 S o u t h , G r e e n t o w n , IN
4 6 9 3 6 , (317) 6 2 8 - 3 1 3 0 .
T w e n t y f i r s t C e n t u r y Elec-
tronics. 6 8 1 3 Polk Street, Gut-
tenberg. NJ 0 7 0 9 3 , (201)
869-2616.
A n y dealers that I missed please
accept m y apologies, and send
me a c o p y of your current cata
logue.
ZX

we take a close look at Metacomco's
version of the C language.
This is a package designed for
the professional C p r o g r a m m e r ,
but is also user friendly e n o u g h
t o be considered by the h o m e
user. As can be e x p e c t e d for
such a specialist program, the
cost is high at C 9 9 . 9 5 , but for
this y o u get a plug in EPROM
c o n t a i n i n g part of Q I C , t w o car
tridges w i t h the compiler phases
1 and 2 . and a third cartridge
w i t h the Screen Editor, C run
time s y s t e m and the linker. Also
i n c l u d e d is a 2 0 0 + p a g e
manual. Before looking at the
package in d e p t h it m a y be
w o r t h w h i l e l o o k i n g at the
language.
The C Language
A l t h o u g h M e t a c o m c o say C is a
high level language it is generally
considered to be a m e d i u m level
one and w a s d e s i g n e d for
general purpose applications o n
the UNIX o p e r a t i n g s y s t e m by
Dennis Ritchie. This language
has several advantages. For a
start it is a c o m p i l e d language
w h i c h means that the final code
is in the m a c h i n e language of the
processor and so will p e r f o r m at
very high speed. Secondly, it
has excellent data s t r u c t u r e s
a n d fairly s t r u c t u r e d c o n t r o l
f l o w . Portability is a major ad-
vantage of the language, a pro-
g r a m w r i t t e n in C for the Hisoft
D compiler for the S p e c t r u m will
w o r k on any other C compiler,
p r o v i d i n g , of c o u r s e , no
m a c h i n e specific code has been
used.
Due to this portability a large
library of general f u n c t i o n s are
available w h i c h saves having t o
program many routines
yourself. C has m a n y f o l l o w e r s
w h o are ardent fans, but to be
fair, it also has its critics.
Metacomco's c
This is a full version w h i c h is as
c o m p a t i b l e w i t h the original as is
possible. Designed by Lattice, it
is based in their tried and t e s t e d
8 0 8 6 8 8 C c o m p i l e r s and in
eludes a large library of UNIX
96
LANGUAGES
and Q D O S f u n c t i o n s , fu
floating point arithmetic,
M a c r o s and e x t e n s i v e error trap
ping and messages.
The screen editor is the main
unit for creating C routines and
is very flexible, w i t h a large set
of c u r s o r a n d e d i t i n g c o m -
m a n d s , user defined w i n d o w s
and the ability t o run multiple
versions. The linker will take the
files c r e a t e d by the editor and
the library and link t h e m
t o g e t h e r before c o m p i l a t i o n into
the final p r o g r a m code.
In Use
OK, so far all this c o u l d be glean-
ed f r o m the press release and
a d v e r t i s i n g claims of M e t a c o m -
c o , n o w w e c o m e to the acid
test. Using it.
For a start, and M e t a c o m c c
a d m i t this, the m i c r o d r i v e tapes
are a risky media lor storing s u c h
an expensive program. Backup
t a p e s are e s s e n t i a l ,
preferably a disk drive for max
i m u m security. I used a 4 0 track
w i t h the T e c h n o l o g y Research
interface and I have not had any
problems w i t h my copies,
a l t h o u g h M e t a c o m c o are slack
in not p r o v i d i n g any built in
b a c k u p routines. Users at this
level are unlikely t o possess
similar quality e q u i p m e n t . M o s t
i m p o r t a n t l y , even t h o u g h the
m a n u a l is a w e l l w r i t t e n and
l e n g t h y t o m e , it is a ' f u n c t i o n a l
d e s c r i p t i o n ' o n l y a n d no
t e a c h i n g ot the C language is
u n d e r t a k e n . Users are a s s u m e d
to be proficient and if not they
are directed to the 'C' bible, The
C Programming Language
B . W . Kernighan and D M . Rit
chie and published by Prentice
Hall. A n alternative is C at a
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY MARCH 1 9 8 6
r
Glance by A . D e n n i n g and
published by C h a p m a n and Hall.
The manual c o v e r s the usage
of all the p r o g r a m s and gives in
detail the f e w departures f r o m
the standard. The portable
library is likewise explained in
detail. S o m e of the library pro
g r a m s are c o n c e r n e d w i t h
m e m o r y allocations, s o m e are
I/O routines and finally, there are
a set of M a c r o s for general file,
string and m a t h e m a t i c a l opera-
tions.
The Editor is a joy t o use. it
can be s o o n m a s t e r e d and enter-
ing p r o g r a m s and routines is
simplicity itself. H o w e v e r , using
the compiler is a fairly lengthy
business and needs to be ap-
p r o a c h e d carefully and step by
step. Experienced p r o g r a m m e r s
w i l l not find any problems but
the n o v i c e m a y find it c o n f u s i n g .
O n c e the p r o g r a m or suite of
routines has been created o n t o
tape or disk t h e n the first part oft
the compiler is used. This com-
piles the source programs into
an i n t e r m e d i a t e c o d e ready for
use by the s e c o n d part of the
compiler. Finally the object code
is linked t o any other routines
and the c o m p l e t e d p r o g r a m may
be saved.
Opinion
This m u s t be the definitive C
compiler for the QL. E v e r y t h i n g
is p r o v i d e d for the e x p e r i e n c e d
p r o g r a m m e r , and it they are
c o m p e t e n t in C they will find it
easy t o use this well produced
version. I e n t e r e d the sample
p r o g r a m s supplied and also a
c o u p l e of o t h e r s t h a t I had
developed on the S p e c t r u m and
all c o m p i l e d a n d o p e r a t e d
w i t h o u t any p r o b l e m . It seemed
too g o o d t o be true!
For n o v i c e s or those w i s h i n g
to learn it c o u l d be looked at as
an i n v e s t m e n t , if y o u approach
and it seriously t h e n all the features
you could ever w a n t are provid
ed.
The price makes it prohibitive
for the h o m e dabbler and y o u
m u s t be certain that y o u will be
intending t o get full value out of
the p r o g r a m . It is perhaps wise
to buy a t e a c h i n g book t o study
before investing in this p r o g r a m
(you'll need it a n y w a y ) .
Finally y e t a n o t h e r m o a n
about the microdrives. I k n o w it
isn't M e t a c o m c o ' s f a u l t , but
after m a k i n g only one b a c k u p
c o p y one of the tapes failed. A
f r u s t r a t i n g and expensive pro-
blem.
by
QL C p r i c e d £ 9 9 . 9 5 is
available f r o m M e t a c o m c o , 2 6
Portland Square, Bristol
BS2 8RZ.
Quicksort
Clive Smith tests his skill and strategy in
this software selection.
Waterloo
M.C. Lothlorien
£9.95
Ever since I saw Rod Steiger
storming around as Napoleon
I've been interested in this bat
tie. Unltke most w a r g a m e s for
the computer you do not c o m
mand the British side or the
historical winners, yep, you get
lumbered w i t h being Napoleon.
A l t h o u g h cast as the under-
dogs, a f e w liberties have been
taken in order to enhance the
p a y a b i l i t y of the game, the
French army has been increased
to five corps of infantry instead
of four, and the Prussian army
will arrive earlier than in reality to
make your task a little more dif
ficult. Purists may not approve.
The game is played by means
of g r a p h i c s a n d single key
presses f o r m a series of option
menus. This allows for an unex-
pected variety of actions to be
taken quickly and easily.
The playing area w a s a little
small and al first I w a s confused
due t o the booklet map being
printed w i t h the French army at
the b o t t o m and the English at
the top, but onscreen the map is
rotated 9 0 degrees clockwise. I
spent quite a while trying to
move the w r o n g army.
Once I began to play properly
I soon mastered the first, and
easiest, of the three levels and
achieved a decisive victory on
my second play. For w h a t ap
pears a simple, s l o w , intellectual
exercise I found it unaccoun-
tably gripping and addictive.
Not tonight Josephine, I ' m
going t o have another w h a c k at
Wellington.
OVERALL * * * *
1 so might avaricious individuals,
was
321 Family Quiz
TBD
£9.95
Everything is t h r o w n into this
blatant a t t e m p t at exploiting
Y T V ' s (inexplicably) successful
s h o w . Ted Rogers narrates the
instructions i>nd presents each
section on the tape, and a wide
range of prizes f r o m toy Dusty
Bins to a seven day holiday in
Spam is up for grabs.
The program is in three sec-
tions and will operate on all
Spectrums including the f e w
1 6K versions still in existence,
no source of possible sales has
been overlooked!
Section one is the quiz part
and three families take turns in
answering general knowledge
questions by pressing True or
False. Section t w o is a simple ar
cade s e q u e n c e a n d s e c t i o n
three is a lucky dip, w i t h not
even the c o n v o l u t e d clues of the
original TV program to 'help'.
Fans of 3 2 1 will possibly find
something of interest here and
although it is w o r t h pointing out
t h a t e v e n if y o u a c h i e v e
everything possible you do not
get the prize but only an entry in
the 'Grand D r a w ' for these
prizes. It is realistic in that the
game had the same e f f e c t on me
as the TV s h o w , I fell asleep!
Personally I think this program
w o u l d be better s t u f f e d into
Dusty Bin!
OVERALL * headlamp failure and crash
H 1986
Rothmans Football
Quick Quiz
cassell Ltd
£8.95
Here is a 'just for fun' quiz, no
tie in w i t h famous personalities
or T V s h o w s , no o f f e r s of
fabulous prizes, in fact the w o r s t
that it could be accused of is the
plug for Rothmans.
For fans of the art of spherical
dexterity this is a challenging
test the knowledge, 1 8 sets of
questions totalling 1 0 0 0 ques-
tions in all, and covering every
aspect from general, to trivia
and non league football.
The quiz is well presented,
giving three variations in play
format, Assigned, Three in a
Row and the Race. A full quiz
can be played w h i c h involves a
combination of all three.
Not a lot t o add, except that it
is a good example of h o w the
quiz can be implemented on a
computer and it is a must for
football fanatics.
OVERALL * * * *
Endurance
CRL
£7.95
Beware! From the picture on the
cover you may think that this is
an arcade game — not so. This is
in fact a strategy and tactical
g a m e par excellence, if this
game is bought by mistake then
it m a y w e l l c o n v e r t a f e w
hardened arcade addicts.
One to six players can com-
pete and the keys are
r e d e f m a b l e or a K e m p s t o n
joystick can be used. Games
may be saved t o tape t o allow
you to continue w i t h a game
later on.
The first stage is in selecting
the bike c o m p o n e n t s and the
riders, this is done by choosing
between options displayed
g r a p h i c a l l y . D u r i n g the race
messages will be given and y o u
can send instructions t o your
riders. Wear and tear must be
dealt w i t h as well as refuelling.
Unexpected problems such as
damage will add to your head
aches.
A s a motorbike fanatic I loved
this game and I suppose you had
better take that into account
w h e n looking at my rating, I find
the arcade simulations of motor-
cycle racing unsatisfying but the
program seemed to produce all
the atmosphere and excitement
of the track, I felt sorry for the
unsung managers of the teams
after playing this.
OVERALL * * * * *
Strongman
Martech
£7.95
Oh no, I thought, my T A C 2 'in-
destructable' joystick had just
snapped whilst playing
Supertest, and I c o u l d n ' t a f f o r d
to get another to test a similar
game.
Well, there is an interesting
option in this game. The in-
famous left/right action only has
to be done at the start of the
game to set the overall strength
w h i c h is split b e t w e e n each
muscle, thereafter it becomes a
matter of strategy in assigning
the amount of power and effort
each muscle puts into each task.
Fortunately for me, the 'train-
ing session' of building up your
strength can be bypassed and a
random amount of strength is
allocated. The tasks are Truck
Pull, Log Chop, Barrel Loading,
Car Roll, Fairground Bell, Sumo
Wrestling.
During each event some ac-
tion, timing the pressing of the
fire button etc, is required and I
w a s not going to get out of the
L R action that easily, for Barrel
Loading and Fairground Bell w e
were back t o it and the keyboard
had to suffer for the sake of this
review.
M a r t e c h have tried to do
something a bit different and
have succeeded on the whole,
the graphics are not as detailed
as in some varieties of this
game, but the slightly more
varied gameplay and extra
thought required make up for it.
W o r t h your consideration.
OVERALL * * * *
97

Spectrum
By the t i m e y o u read this the
n e w g o v e r n m e n t s c h e m e t o pro
vide additional educational s o f t
w a r e s u p p o r t for schools should
be w e l l under w a y . This s c h e m e
will make n e w p r o g r a m s or the
equivalent m o n e y available t o
s c h o o l s , the d i f f e r i n g pro
cedures d e p e n d e n t u p o n the in-
dividual Education A u t h o r i t i e s .
If y o u are the teacher respon-
sible for purchasing n e w soft-
w a r e t h e n u n f o r t u n a t e l y the age
old problem of suitability still ex-
ists. If y o u are lucky e n o u g h t o
have access t o a Teachers' Cen-
tre w i t h a s o f t w a r e library for
reference t h e n the problem is
not so bad. O f t e n h o w e v e r ,
w o r d of m o u t h r e c o m m e n d a t i o n
or impartial r e v i e w s are the only
m e a n s by w h i c h it is possible to
be sure of o b t a i n i n g t h e right
p r o g r a m for your needs.
Classroom
Adventures
I personally m u s t a d m i t a par-
ticular p r e f e r e n c e for adven-
tures w i t h i n the c l a s s r o o m . It is
possible, w i t h a certain a m o u n t
of guidance f r o m the teacher, or
e v e n parent if these are used at
h o m e , to e x t e n d an a d v e n t u r e
p r o g r a m into t h e basis for a
w h o l e c u r r i c u l u m topic.
Jack in Magicland has been
available for s o m e time n o w and
is t h e first in a trilogy of adven-
tures for children aged 6 1 2. All
have been w r i t t e n by a Primary
School teacher and c o m p i l e d
w i t h The Quill, the adventure
w r i t i n g aid by Gilsoft.
O n first impressions there is
nothing spectacular to make
y o u leap w i t h a n t i c i p a t i o n , no
loading screen and only a block
graphic title page. H o w e v e r , t h e
delights a w a i t w i t h i n .
The first a d v e n t u r e is based
u p o n the s t o r y of J a c k and the
Beanstalk and is t e x t only. I tried
this w i t h several g r o u p s of 9 - 1 0
year olds and they f o u n d n o dif
f i c u l t y w i t h the readability of the
text a l t h o u g h it w o u l d probably
be rather heavy g o i n g for the
average 6 year old.
The story begins w i t h the
pupil t a k i n g the part of a very
lazy J a c k , reluctantly e n t r u s t e d
98
EDUCATION
t o g o and sell the last remaining
i t e m of value, the family c o w .
O n c e a c c o m p l i s h e d the a d v e n
turer proper begins.
A s w i t h all a d v e n t u r e s e a c h
l o c a t i o n is d e s c r i b e d f o r t h e
player and a response is t h e n ex-
pected. W h a t m a k e s this adven-
t u r e s o real are the v e r y at-
m o s p h e r i c d e s c r i p t i o n s . The
children loved t h e m and w e r e in
n o w a y d i s a p p o i n t e d by the lack
of graphics. Indeed this is a plus
point in that they c a n go a w a y
and recreate their o w n impres-
sions of the locations and the
characters which they meet.
Despite the fact t h a t there are no
pictures the interest is m a i n t a i n
ed by the t e x t and by careful use
of colour in paper and ink w h i c h
g o s o m e w a y to adding t o the
scene description.
K e y b o a r d entries are simple,
using N O R T H , S O U T H , or the
standard verb/noun statements
s u c h as GET S W O R D , GIVE
B O T T L E , or a b b r e v i a t i o n s .
S o m e t e x t is lit up t o provide
clues for t h e next a c t i o n . A t
s o m e points these represent the
only course of a c t i o n so it is w i s e
t o t a k e heed of t h e m '
The children I tried this w i t h
w o r k e d in g r o u p s and t o o k great
care in d e c i s i o n making,
especially after their first at-
t e m p t resulted in being sent to
bed by J a c k ' s m o t h e r for being
foolish! It w a s e n c o u r a g i n g t o
see the a m o u n t of discussion
that t o o k place, even f r o m
children w h o normally took little
part in class activities. A s the
a d v e n t u r e proceeded it b e c a m e
harder and harder t o get t h e m
a w a y f r o m it, t h e y were
d e l i g h t e d at every n e w location
and puz2le!
W o r k i n g t h r o u g h the adven-
ture the children discovered
m a n y l o c a t i o n s and p u z z l i n g
situations. This gave p l e n t y of
o p p o r t u n i t y for t h e m t o decide
t h e necessary f o r m of com-
mands t o give the c o m p u t e r .
T h e brief d u p l i c a t e d Teachers'
Notes suggest that the p r o g r a m
will encourage reading and spell-
ing t e c h n i q u e s a n d t h i s un-
d o u b t e d l y is the case, if only for
the f a c t that the c o m p u t e r will
not accept incorrect spellings!
W a t c h i n g the children play
this a d v e n t u r e it w a s possible t o
see m a n y ideas w h i c h can be ex-
t e n d e d into other areas of the
timetable and overall I felt that
the p r o g r a m has a great deal of
potential. Language w o r k is just
one area in w h i c h the possi-
bilities are almost endless.
O n the m i n u s side are a f e w
minor points. Lots of t e x t to read
on a single screen, and a f e w
idiosyncrasies have crept into
t h e s t o r y l i n e (in t h e g i a n t ' s
treasure r o o m it is impossible t o
lift a reel of t h r e a d but y o u c a n
carry a chest of treasure). Care
needs t o be t a k e n t o o w h e n us-
ing the REDESCRIBE o p t i o n , this
c a n occasionally put y o u back in
a situation f r o m w h i c h there is
no w a y out!
For t h o s e w h o require
graphics. Turtle will provide a
p h o t o c o p i e d booklet of delight
fully a m u s i n g illustrations and a
map.
The n o t e s supplied provide all
the a n s w e r s for teachers
w i t h o u t t h e t i m e to g o fully
t h r o u g h it together w i t h a f e w
related ideas for further w o r k . I
feel that this is one area of the
package that c o u l d have been
more substantial for t h o s e w h o
d o not have the ideas f l o w i n g
f r o m their fingertips, but on the
w h o l e this, in my opinion, is a
w o r t h w h i l e and value-for
m o n e y program. A n d the verdict
of the children 7 'Great!'
Pirates!
T h e t h i r d of t h e a d v e n t u r e
trilogy. Jack and the Pirates
m o v e s a w a y f r o m a fairy story
s e t t i n g and p u t s Jack in the days
of pirates and Long J o h n Silver.
For m e this does not have the
same initial appeal or the amus-
ing descriptions, but the further
the children got into the
s t o r y l i n e the more possibilities
b e c a m e apparent. The problems
are more complex here and a
m a p soon b e c o m e s essential.
This is a w o r t h w h i l e exercise in
e a c h of the a d v e n t u r e s a n d
again, c a n lead to a lot of f o l l o w -
up work.
A s w e l l as looking o u t for
t h e m s e l v e s in this adventure it is
also necessary for the players to
t a k e care of a certain character
e n c o u n t e r e d at the start, he c a n
help y o u out if y o u d o n ' t lose
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
him.
A s a basis for project w o r k
t h e s e a d v e n t u r e s h a v e been
w e l l s t r u c t u r e d and offer c o n
siderable potential. T h e y do not
c o n t a i n a w e a l t h of related sug
gestions and this m i g h t be an
area for i m p r o v e m e n t in the
f u t u r e b u t , w i t h a little t h o u g h t
and t i m e t h e y c o u l d be very
valuable additions t o y o u r Spec-
t r u m educational library.
Halley's Comet
Finally t o s o m e t h i n g entirely dif-
ferent; Ha/ley's Comet (Your
Own Planetarium). In v i e w of
the current mania s w e e p i n g cer
tain sections of our populace
this is very t i m e l y a l t h o u g h by no
m e a n s original in idea.
There seems t o be a super-
a b u n d a n c e of a s t r o n o m y pro-
g r a m s at the m o m e n t , h o w e v e r
this deals specifically w i t h
H a l l e y ' s C o m e t and after only a
short time in w h i c h t o look at it
seems to be an e x t r e m e l y detail-
ed program.
It is possible t o go b a c k w a r d s
and f o r w a r d s in t i m e t o see t h e
d i f f e r i n g s t a r planet c o n f i g u r a
tions for any given date. There
are e x t e n s i v e o p t i o n s for v i e w
ing planetary m o t i o n s and star
c h a r t s as well as being able to
use one of the t w o p r o g r a m s as
a c o m p u t e r equivalent of an
O r r e r y ( m o d e l of t h e solar
system!).
A n almost endless list of key
f u n c t i o n s puts y o u in c o m m a n d
of y o u r o w n c o m p u t e r i s e d
p l a n e t a r i u m and these take a lit
tie g e t t i n g used to. A little prac-
tise h o w e v e r soon makes these
second nature.
The program has zoom
facilities as well as being able t o
f o l l o w m o v e m e n t s of planets
and stars in daylight. One rather
silly s u g g e s t i o n is to take your
television outside at night to
c o m p a r e your display w i t h the
night s k y . N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g this
h o w e v e r , the p r o g r a m seems
v e r y c o m p e t e n t . It has a c o m
prehensive duplicated booklet
w h i c h is v e r y necessary t o get
u s e d to all the d i f f e r e n t keys!
If y o u require a p r o g r a m to
k e e p tabs of the C o m e t o n
c l o u d y n i g h t s t h e n this w e l l
w o r t h a look.
Jack in Magicland, Jack in
Crazy land. Jack and the Pirates.
Spectrum 48K, €5.95 each,
from; Turtle Software, Bridge
Street Mills, Witney, Ox on,
0X8 6YH.
Halley's Comet. Spectrum 48K,
C8.95 from; Anima Scientific
Computing, 33 Lilac Walk,
Hebburn, Tyne and Wear
NE31 2LT.
 SPECTRUM UTILITY

Creator Good things come in small

packages they say,
and Bill Mcintosh's useful
program proves it!
you will find that the data
statements containing your
c o d e have been inserted. T h e
listing c a n n o w be S A V E D or
PRINTED in t h e n o r m a l w a y .
T o POKE t h e code back into
m e m o r y simply c h a n g e X in line
5 of t h e HEX LOADER t o t h e
start address of your c o d e a n d
run.

5 I.FT * * 6 5 0 0 0 ! LET a = 1 0 : LET

b=J 1: LET c = 12! LET d = 1 3 : LET e
14! LET * = 1 5
10 READ a *
20 FOR n = 1 TO 15 STEP 2
30 LET w=VAL a * ( n )
40 LET w=w*16: LET w=w+VAL
n + 1)
50 POKE x , w : LET x=x+l
60 NEXT n
70 GO T O 10
80 STOP
This p r o g r a m takes c o d e f r o m program code with SAVE 9977 DATA •00000000710E2772"
m e m o r y b e t w e e n t w o specified "DATACREATE" CODE
addresses a n d creates D A T A 65000,220. 9973 DATA •9FFE2AEAFDED5BEP"
s t a t e m e n t s w h i c h c o n t a i n the The start address of the c o d e 9974 DATA "FDB7ED527DE60778"
code in string f o r m using hex t h a t y o u w i s h t o c o n v e r t should 9975 DATA •0E2AEAFD7DE6F86F-
n o t a t i o n . O b v i o u s l y this c a n be POKE ed into 6 5 0 0 0 a n d
save m u c h t i m e a n d e f f o r t , 6 5 0 0 1 and t h e address of the 9976 DATA "1108001922EAFD2A"
especially in preparing p r o g r a m s last byte should be POKE-ed into 9977 DATA •EAFD2B22EAFDED5B"
for s u b m i s s i o n t o magazines. 6 5 0 0 2 and 6 5 0 0 3 using the 9978 DATA "E8FDB7ED5272A1FE"
The code has been m e t h o d in Figure 1 as a n exam-
deliberately kept inside string 9979 DATA •21BCFE22A5FE3E08"
ple.
9980 DATA -32A3FE2AEAFD2B22-
9981 DATA •EAFD237E219EFE77 "
10 LET X = 3 0 0 0 0 : REM start address 9987 DATA -AFED6F47ED6F4FED "
20 POKE 6 5 0 0 0 , X - 2 5 6 * ) N T ( X / 2 5 6 ) 9983 DATA "6F79FE0A3803C607"
30 POKE 6 5 0 0 1 , I N T ( X / 2 5 6 )
9984 DATA •4F78FE0A3803C607•
40 LET X = 3 0 2 3 4 : REM end address
50 POKE 6 5 0 0 2 , X - 2 5 6 ' I N T ( X / 2 5 6 ) 9985 DATA -472AA5FE79C63077-
60 POKE 6 5 0 0 3 . I N T ( X / 2 5 6 ) •2B78C630777B22A5"
9986 DATA
9987 DATA "FE21A3FE3520C421"
q u o t e s in order t o keep t h e a m - T y p e a n d RUN a n d t h e n 9988 DATA •CB5C011800CD5516'
m o u n t of m e m o r y that the NEW. Before running the "2A9FFE2B229FFE23"
s t a t e m e n t s take u p t o an ab- m a c h i n e c o d e there m u s t be one 9989 DATA
solute m i n i m u m . p r o g r a m line in BASIC n u m b e r e d 9990 DATA " EB21A7FE7223732B"
T o use t h e p r o g r a m , first of 9999. This can contain 9991 DATA " 11CB5C011800EDB0"
all CLEAR R A M T O P t o s o m e a n y t h i n g that y o u like. It m a y be •2AA1FE110800B7ED"
value b e l o w 6 5 0 0 0 . T y p e in the of more use t h o u g h t o u s e 9 9 9 9 9992 DATA
HEX loader f o l l o w e d b y t h e as a REM s t a t e m e n t t o make 9993 DATA •52D21DFE21C80011•
D A T A lines. W h e n y o u ' r e happy notes a b o u t the listing. The data 9994 DATA "C800CDB503C90000"
that all is correct t h e n t y p e RUN line n u m b e r s start f r o m s o m e
and w a i t until t h e m e s s a g e ' O u t number, depending on the 9995 DATA "0000000000000000"
of data' appears. T h e p r o g r a m a m o u n t of code, increase in 9996 DATA "00I400E422000000 B

code will t h e n have been placed single steps, and a l w a y s end at •0000000000000000"
9997 DATA
into m e m o r y at 6 5 0 0 0 a n d is 9998
9998 DATA -0000000000220D00"
about 2 2 0 b y t e s long. W h e n T y p e in R A N D USR 6 5 0 0 4 .
y o u have done this, S A V E t h e W h e n t h e o p e r a t i o n is c o m p l e t e 9999 REM START 65000, END 65220

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 99
Conversion tips
(PROGRAMMING TIPS!

A guide to ZX81 /Spectrum program conversions

from David Nowotnik.
T h e v e r s i o n s of B A S I C o f f e r e d
by the t w o Z X c o m p u t e r s are
so similar t h a t m a n y p r o g r a m s
f o r o n e c a n be u s e d b y the
o t h e r . T h e Z X 8 1 has only t w o
c o m m a n d s w h i c h are n o t pre-
sent on the Spectrum,
S C R O L L and U N P L O T , and
these should cause you f e w
problems when converting
Z X 8 1 p r o g r a m s t o t h e Spec-
t r u m (see T a b l e 1).
There are q u i t e a lot of c o m -
mands and functions on the
Spectrum which are not
available o n the Z X 8 1 . A list of
t h e s e a p p e a r s in Table 4 . T h e
stars indicate those c o m m a n d s
a n d f u n c t i o n s for w h i c h there
is n o s i m p l e t r a n s l a t i o n t o
Z X 8 1 BASIC. Those for colour
a n d s o u n d c a n be o m m i t t e d ;
but y o u w i l l h a v e t o f i n d s o m e
a l t e r n a t i v e for t h e high resolu-
t i o n a n d file I/O c o m m a n d s .
The c o m m a n d PLOT a p p e a r s
o n b o t h c o m p u t e r s , but t h e ef-
f e c t is q u i t e d i f f e r e n t , so
b e w a r e ! A n o t h e r t i p : PEEK and
POKE s h o u l d be used w i t h cau-
t i o n . tn c o n v e r s i o n , addresses
w i l l a l m o s t c e r t a i n l y h a v e t o be
changed. Some of those
c h a n g e s appear in t h e tables.
A c o m m a n d s u c h as POKE
USR " a " . . . . o n t h e Spec-
t r u m i n d i c a t e s User Defined
G r a p h i c s ; Z X 8 1 users d o n ' t
have t h i s f a c i l i t y , so y o u ' l l
h a v e t o o m i t this and use a
s t a n d a r d c h a r a c t e r instead.

ZX81 Spectrum Comments

SCROLL R A N D O M I S E USR 3 5 8 2 If t h e p r o g r a m uses r a n d o m n u m b e r s , t h e y

or c o u l d b e c o m e rather p r e d i c t a b l e w i t h t h e first
LET t = USR 3 5 8 2 o p t i o n . If so, use t h e s e c o n d , u s i n g a variable (in this
case t) w h i c h is o t h e r w i s e not u s e d .
PLOT Y , X PRINT A T 2 1 - Y / 2 . X / 2 ; Print t h e a p p r o p r i a t e quarter s q u a r e g r a p h i c s
character.
UNPLOT Y,X PRINT A T 2 1 - Y / 2 . X / 2 ; Print a space, or the a p p r o p r i a t e quarter square
i graphics character.
i
Table 1 ZX81 to Spectrum conversions.

Spectrum ZX81 Comments

BIN BIN a l l o w s t h e represen-

eg LET y = BIN LET y = ( d e c i m a l no.) t a t i o n of a n u m b e r in
10010101 Conversion to decimal: b i n a r y . O n t h e Z X 8 1 use t h e
10010101 =149 decimal equivalent, but
b e w a r e ; BIN is o f t e n
128 6 4 32 16 8 4 2 1 used w i t h User D e f i n e d
A d d these n u m b e r s t o g e t h e r w h e n G r a p h i c s , w h i c h are not
a 1 a p p e a r s at the a p p r o p r i a t e available on t h e Z X 8 1 .
p o s i t i o n in b i n a r y .

READ^DATA LET READ a n d D A T A are

eg READ x , y LET X = 5 0 used t o s t o r e a lot of
DATA 5 0 , 6 0 LET Y = 6 0 i n f o r m a t i o n in a p r o g r a m . Use
LET i n s t e a d .

DEF FN a n d FN The defined function can

•

eg DEF a(x) = SQR x LET X $ = " S Q R X " appear in a s t r i n g . Use

LET t = FN a(i) LET X = I the k e y w o r d f o r built-in
LET T = V A L X $ f u n c t i o n s (eg SQR). The
e q u i v a l e n t of FN m a y need 2
lines, as s h o w n .

PLOT no equivalent

SCREEN$
e g LET a = SCREEN? x , y LET A = PEEK(PEEK 1 6 3 9 6 U s e d in i n t e r a c t i v e g a m e s
+ 2 5 6 ' P E E K 1 6 3 9 7 + 1 + Y + 3 3 * X | t o d e t e c t c h a r a c t e r s in the
display file. N o t e — this
f o r m u l a only w o r k s w h e n a
R A M pack is f i t t e d .
Table 2 Spectrum to ZX81 conversions.

100 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 ZX

 [PROGRAMMING TIPS!
ZX81 Spectrum Comments
1 FRAMES Both computers have a counter
POKE 1 6 4 3 6 , 2 5 5 POKE 2 3 6 7 2 , O i P O K E 2 3 6 7 3 , 0 w h i c h a c c u r a t e l y varies by 5 0
POKE 1 6 4 3 7 , 2 5 5 e v e : y s e c o n d . In the e x a m p l e .
LET t = (PEEK 2 3 6 7 2 + 2 5 6 * use t h e first line t o s t a r t t h e
LET T = ( 6 5 5 3 5 - PEEK PEEK 2 3 6 7 3 ) / 5 0 ' c l o c k ' . T h e variable T w i l l
1 6 4 3 6 - 2 5 6 * PEEK 1 6 4 3 7 ) have t h e t i m e in s e c o n d s a f t e r
/50 For t i m e s greater t h a n 1 0 the start. The counter can
m i n u t e s , y o u c a n use b y t e only be u s e d f o r 1 0 m i n u t e s .
2 3 6 7 4 as w e l l .
2 Line n u m b e r zero
C o n v e r t s t h e first line of a
POKE 1 6 5 1 0 , 0 POKE 2 3 7 5 6 , 0 p r o g r a m t o line n u m b e r zero.
(As t h e s t a r t of B A S I C can w h i c h c a n n o t be e d i t e d , a n d
move, eg w i t h microdrives) so is p r o t e c t e d .
use w i t h c a u t i o n .
3 RAMTOP
POKE 1 6 3 8 8 , X - 2 5 6 * I N T CLEAR x C r e a t e s a safe area at t h e
(X/256) t o p of R A M s t a r t i n g a t a d d r e s s
POKE 1 6 3 8 9 , INT ( X / 2 5 6 ) x, f o r s t o r i n g d a t a , m a c h i n e
Table 3 General interconversion hints. code etc.

•
BEEP *
FORMAT ATTR
BORDER *
INK BIN
•
BRIGHT INVERSE FN
CAT *
MERGE IN *

CIRCLE *
MOVE OVER
•
CLOSE OPEN POINT *

DATA OUT SCREEN$

DEF FN PAPER VAL$ *

«
DRAW READ
ERASE #
RESTORE
FLASH *
VERIFY
Table 4 Spectrum functions not available on the ZX81.

System variables Conversion Table. LAST K

MARGIN
16421
16424
23560
No Equivalent
MEM 16415 23656
Variable ZX81/ Spectrum/
MEMBOTT 16477 23698
T/S 1 0 0 0 TS2068 MODE 16390 23617
NXTLIN 16425 23637
BREG 16414 23655 OLDPCC 16427 23662
CDFLAG 16443 No Equivalent PPC 16391 23621
CH A D D 16406 23645 PRBUFF 16444 23296
COORDS 16438 23677 PR CC 16440 23680
C O O R D S (Byte 2 ) 16439 23678 RAMTOP 16388 23730
DEST 16402 23629 SEED 16434 23670
DF CC 16398 23684 S PSN 16441 23688
D FILE 16396 No Equivalent S POSN (Byte 2) 16442 23689
DF SZ 16418 23659 STKBOT 16410 23651
E LINE 16404 23641 STKEND 16412 23653
ERR NR 16384 23610 STOP 16419 23660
E PPC 16294 23625 STRLEN 16430 23666
ERR SP 16386 23613 T-ADDR 16432 23668
FLAGS 16385 23611 VARS 16400 23627
FLAGX 16429 23665 VERSN 16393 No Equivalent
FRAMES 16436 23672 X PTR 16408 23647

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 101

 SPECTRUM GAME

Hugh Davis has been visiting the

Hereford arcades and offers you the
chance to get rich quick!
The p r o g r a m ' C o i n D r o p ' is a
v e r s i o n of the coin-in-the-slot
g a m e popular in seaside and
f a i r g r o u n d a m u s e m e n t arcades.
A . c o i n is a l l o w e d t o fall d o w n a
vertical pin-board bouncing
f r o m one pin t o another in a ran
d o m p a t h until it reaches one of
six coin-bearing channels. T h e
channels c o n t a i n a n y t h i n g f r o m
zero t o f o u r coins, and the aim is
t o bring the total u p t o five, u p o n
w h i c h all f i v e will ' d r o p ' t o t h e
player's a d v a n t a g e . Coins w o n
in this w a y c a n be retained or
r e i n s e r t e d . T h e r e s u l t is in-
fluenced principally by the deci-
sion w h e n t o a l l o w the coin t o
fall d u r i n g its passage along the
t o p of the b o a r d . H o w e v e r ,
there is the facility t o ' n u d g e ' the
***********************
coin just once in either direction. * U n d e r l i n e d c h a r a c t e r s *
The f o u r t h c h a n n e l s w a l l o w s up * a r e e n t e r e d in *
all coins and so should be avoid-
*GRAPHICS mode. *
ed! Y o u have only six coins t o
start w i t h , and so it is essential ***********************
t o make an early gain. GO SUB 3000: BORDER 5: PAPE
INK 1
Figure t. lines
LET ow=0
3000-3050 define graphics LET a$="«6«: LET b<S=" C O "
2500-2538 w r i t e t h e title
GO SUB 2500
2 540-2580 illustrate t h e title page
2600-2670 print t h e i n s t r u c t i o n s CLS
35-65 d r a w t h e pinboard FOR n=0 TO 21i DIM i$(26>:
75-85 d r a w t h e c o i n channels
PAPER 6;AT n , 3 ? i $ : DIM j $
1000-1050 d r a w a r a n d o m n u m b e r of coins in e a c h of five
channels (2): PRINT PAPER 5}AT ri, 0 ; j ® ; AT
1 105-1 1 6 0 transport a c o i n across the t o p of the board n , 3 0 ; j « : NEXT n
1200-1320 cause the c o i n t o fall as far as the first pin
40 FOR n=0 TO 192 STEP 32
135-190 cause the c o i n t o b o u n c e d o w n t h e pins as far
as t h e c o i n channels 45 CIRCLE 32 + n , 7 7 , 2 : BEEP . 0 5 ,
500-560 make t h e c o i n c o m e t o rest i m m e d i a t e l y a b o v e 1.0: CIRCLE 32 +n, 109,2: BEEP . 05,
the next highest c o i n in its channel
20: CIRCLE 32+n,141,2: BEEP . 0 5 .
604-61 5 e m p t y a filled channel
2000-2080 print the Score Sheet at t h e end of t h e g a m e 30
50 NEXT n
Figure 2. Variables
35 FOR n=0 TO 160 STEP 32
a$ t o p half of coin 60 CIRCLE 4 8 + ri, 9 3 , 2 ! BEEP 05,
b$ b o t t o m half of c o i n 4 0 : CIRCLE 48+n,125,2: BEEP 05,
a to f no. of coins in t h e channels
g no. of coins in the channel being t o p p e d up 2 0

k decides d i r e c t i o n of horizontal m o t i o n 65 NEXT n

m distance fallen 70 PAUSE 100
t gross loss
w gross w i n n i n g s "72 DEF FN t ( ) = I NT C(65536*PEEK
nw net w i n n i n g s in any one g a m e 23674 +256*FEEK 2 3 6 7 3 +FEEK 23672
ow overall w i n n i n g s
i /50)
cr coins in hand
(x,y) coin coordinates 74 LET 11 =FN t i l

102 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY'MARCH 1 9 8 6

 K SPECTRUM CAME

FOP <-. = C TO 21 565 IF y=17 THEN PRINT AT 20,1

30 F P IM T INK 4;AT ;, 2) " Z " 5 AT 7 ; - ";AT 2 1 , 1 7 ; - ": BEEP 1,0
n , " ? ; E " 56S IF cr<=0 THEN GO TO 2000
IF N-12 THEN PRINT INK 2; 570 PRINT INK 2; FLASH 1 JAT 1,
AT r. , 3} " EF EF EF EF EF EF 20;" Press L n

CF-: REM GRAPHICS EF 575 IF INKEY$="1" THEN PRINT

90 NEXT n INK 2! FLASH i ; A T 1 , 2 7 ; " M " : GO T
95 PLOT INK 3 } 2 4 , 1 5 ? : DRAW I 0 1100
NK 3 \ 2 0 7 , 0 576 LET t=FN t ( ) : IF t>t1+240 T
100 LET w=0: LET 1=0 HEN GO TO 1990
110 PAUSE 100 578 IF INKEY$= H a" AND 1>40 THEM
120 GO TO 1000 LET r.w=w-l: GO TO 20.00
130 PRINT AT x , y ; " "JAT x + l , y i 580 GO TO 575
If II
600 BEEP 1,40
135 IF INKEYS="a" AND 1>40 THEN 604 FOR r»=0 TO 4
LET r.w = w - l : GO TO 2000 606 LET w=w+10I LET tiw=w-l; LET
140 LET k=2*C0S ( P I * <INT (RND*2 cr=nw+60
) ) ) 608 PRINT AT 12 +2 * r . , / { " " ; AT 1
150 LET x = x +2 3 +2 * r t , y ; " BEEP . 1 , 3 0 : PAUSE
151 IF m=2 AND y<23 AND INKEY*= 20
"p" THEN LET y=y +2: GO TO 160 610 PRINT AT .0, 1 5 ; "
152 IF m=3 AND y>7 AND INKEY$=" 612 PRINT BRIGHT l ; FLASH 1;AT
q" THEN LET y=y-2: GO TO 160 0 , 1 5 ; c r
154 IF k>0 AND y=27 THEN LET y 615 NEXT r.
=y-k: GO TO 160 618 IF c r < =0 THEN GO TO 2000
155 IF k >0 AND y<26 THEN LET y 620 IF y=5 THEN LET a=0
= y + k 621 IF y=9 THEN LET b=0
157 IF k <0 AND y =3 THEN LET y = 622 IF y=13 THEM LET c=0
y - k : GO TO 160 624 IF y=21 THEN LET e=.0
158 IF k <0 AND y>4 THEN LET y = 625 IF y=25 THEN LET +=0
y + k 630 PRINT INK 2? FLASH 1;AT 1,
160 PRINT INK 1JAT x , y J a * f A T x 20; M Press L "

+ 1, y ; b * 635 IF INKEY*="1" THEN PRINT

INK 2} FLASH 1;AT 1 , 2 7 ) " M " : GO T
165 BEEP . 0 5 , 2 0
0 1100
166 FOR n=1 TO 100: NEXT n
638 IF INKEY*="a" AND 1>40 THEN
170 LET m=m+1
GO TO 2000
180 IF m=6 THEN GO TO 500
640 GO TO 635
190 GO TO 130
1000 LET a*INT <RND*3>: FOR n=l
500 IF y=5 THEN LET g=a: LET a
TO a: IF a< >0 THEN PRINT INK 1
=a+1: GO TO 530
505 IF y=9 THEN LET g=b: LET b 1 AT 23-2*n,5}b«5AT 2 2 - 2 * n , 5 ; a * :

=b+l: GO TO 530 BEEP . 0 5 , 0 : NEXT n

510 IF y=13 THEN LET g=c: LET 1010 LET b-INT (RND*3): FOR n«l

c = c + l : GO TO 530 TO b: IF b< >0 THEN PRINT INK 1

515 IF y=17 THEN LET g=0: GO T I AT 2 3 - 2 * n , 9 1 b « | A T 22-2*n,9»a«:

0 530 BEEP .05,10: NEXT n

520 IF y=21 THEN LET g=e: LET 1020 LET c*INT (RND*5): FOR n-1

e=e +1: GO TO 530 TO c: IF c<>0 THEN PRINT INK 1

525 IF y=25 THEN LET g=+: LET ;AT 2 3 - 2 * r » , 1 3 ; b * ; AT 2 2 - 2 * n , 1 3 ; a S

+ = + + 1
: BEEP .05,20: NEXT n

530 IF g=4 THEN GO TO 600 1040 LET e=INT (RND*5): FOR n=l

540 FOR n=0 TO 3 - g : PRINT INK TO e! IF e< >0 THEN PRINT INK 1

1;AT 12 +2 * n , y » " "}AT 1 3 + 2 * n , y ; " ; AT 2 3 - 2 * r > , 2 1 ; b s ; AT 22-2*n,21JaS

"}AT 14+2*M,y5a«iAT 1 5 + 2 * n , y j b ! BEEP .05,30: NEXT n
* 1050 LET f = INT <RND*3): FOR n»l

550 PAUSE 20 TO f : IF + O 0 THEN PRINT INK 1

560 NEXT n JAT 2 3 - 2 * n , 2 5 »b S j AT 2 2 - 2 * n , 2 5 ; a S

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 103

 SPECTRUM GAME

: BEEF .05,40: NEXT r. 2002 LET ow=ow+nw

1060 PRINT INK Zi FLASH 1;AT 1, 2003 IF ow>=0 AND INT t ( o w - 1 0 ) / l
20!" Press L " 00)=INT (ow/100) THEN PRINT IN
1065 IF INKEY$="1" THEN PRINT K 7; PAPER 1J FLASH 1;AT 1,4;" W
INK 2; FLASH 1;AT 1,27;"M": GO T INNINGS SO FAR #"}AT l , 2 2 i o w / 1 0
0 1 100 0 J " 0 "

1068 IF INKEY$="a" AMD 1:-40 THEN 2004 IF ow)=0 AND INT ( ( o w - 1 0 ) / I

GO TO 2000 00) O I N T (ow / 100) THEN PRINT I
1070 GO TO 1065 NK 7; PAPER l; FLASH 1JJAT 1,4;"
1100 LET 1=1+10; LET NW=W-1: LET WINNINGS SO FAR #"}AT l , 2 2 j o w /
cr=nw+60 100 ? " . 0 "

1101 FRIMT AT 0,155" 2006 IF ow<0 AND INT (< O W"10)/10

1102 PRINT BRIGHT lj FLASH 1;AT 0)=INT (ow/100) THEN FRINT INK
0, 1 5 ; c r 7? FAPER l; PLASH 1JAT 1,7;" LO
1104 PRINT INK 15AT 0,31 a$ j AT 1 SS SO TAR #"?AT 1,21}-ow/100J"Q
,3jbS: PAUSE 6
It

1105 FOR R; = 3 TO 27 7O07 IP ow<0 AND INT ((ow-10)/10

1110 PRINT AT 0,r>;" "JAT 1 , r: J " 0)< >INT (ow/100) THEN PRINT IN
II K 7} PAFER l; FLASH 1 ; A T 1 , 7 J ' ' L
1115 IF n=27 AND c r < =G THEN GO OSS 30 FAR »)"iAT 1 , 2 1 J-ow / 100 5 "
TO 2000 .0 "
1120 IF n=27 THEN GO TO 1060 700? FOR n=0 TO S
1130 PRINT INK 1JAT 0 , n + 1J a $ ; A T 201C DIM i$(Z6)
1,n+1;b$ 2020 PRINT PAFEF. 2; ERIGHT 1 ; AT
1140 PAUSE 6 13 + n , 3 J
115.0 IF I N K E Y $ = " m" AMD INT (n/2) 2030 NEXT n
O I N T ( ( n - l ) / 2 ) THEN LET y=n+1: 2040 FRINT INK 7; PAPER 2,AT 14
PRINT AT 1 , 2 0 5" ": GO T .4;"Yov have j u s t spent J FLASH
0 1200 1J FRIGHT I ; AT 1 4 , 2 4 ; 1 ; '' p '
1160 NEXT n 7050 PRINT INK "J r AFER 2;AT 16
1200 LET x=0: LET m=0 ,7?-and have won "; PLASH l; E M
1210 PRINT AT x , y J" "JAT .. + I , y 5 GHT l ; AT 1 £.20 ? w; "p"
II It 2060 IF nw> = 0 THEN PRINT INK 7
1212 PRINT AT 0 , 1 5 ; " : PAPER 2 J AT 18,5;' our net gain
1215 PRINT ERIGHT 1; FLASH HAT i= " } INK D AFER 0} FLASH 1J
0 , 15 ; c r FRIGHT 1iAT i e , 2 2 ; n w j " p "
1220 LET x = x +2 : LET rn=m+l 7070 IF w<0 THEN PRINT INK
1230 PRINT INK 1;AT x,y!a$;AT x FAPEP 7JAT 18,5;"Vour net loss
+ 1 , y ; b S is " : INK 7: PAPER .0; FLASH i; B
1240 BEEP .05,20: FOR n=l TO 50: PIGHT 1J A T 18, 22 5-nw; "p"
NEXT n 20E.0 PRINT INK 7f PAPER l j FLAS
1250 IF INT ((y+1)/4)=INT (<y+3) H 1J BRIGHT 1J AT 2 0 , 4 ; " r r e s s F
/4) THEN GO TO 1300 to play again "
1260 IF m=2 THEN GO TO 1300 2082 IF L>t1+240 AND INKEY$="p"
1270 GO TO 1210 THEN LET 11= F N t<): LET ow=0: G

1300 PRINT AT x , y ; " ";AT x + l , y j 0 TO 2100

U II 2085 IF INKEY*="p" THEN GO TO 2

1310 PLOT INK 35 2 4 , 1 5 9 : DRAW I 100

NK 3 J 207,0 2090 GO TO 2040

1320 GO TO 135 2100 FRINT AT 1,3!"

II

1990 PRINT AT 0 , 1 5 | " M ;AT 1,2

2105 FOR n=0 TO 8
0} "
2110 DIM iS(26)
1992 PRINT INK l; FLASH 1}AT 1,
2120 PRINT PAPER 65 A T 13 + r . , 3 j i $
8J n ARCADE CLOSING "
2130 NEXT n
1994 FOR n~0 TO 400: NEXT n
2140 GO TO 75
2000 PRINT AT 0 , 1 5 } " "iAT 1,2
2500 DIM iS(704): PRINT AT 0,0}1
0;" "

104 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY'MARCH 1986

 K SPECTRUM CAME

% 15,q;b$*. BEEP . 05 , q
2520 PLOT 26,144: DRAW 0 , - 3 2 , 1 1 * 2565 LET q=q+4: IF q<29 THEN GO
PI / 10: BEEP . 0b, 10 TO 2560
2523 PAUSE 30 2570 IF q=29 THEN PRINT FLASH
2524 PLOT 32,112: DRAW 12,32: BE 1; BRIGHT l; INK 1;AT 10,2J" PRE
EP .05,10: DRAW 12,-32: BEEP .05 SS <I> FOR INSTRUCTIONS "
,10: PLOT 35,120: DRAW 13,0: BEE 2575 IF INKEY$="i" THEN GO TO 2
P .05,10 600
2526 PLOT 80,136: DRAW - 8 , - 8 , 3 * P 2580 GO TO 2570
1/2: BEEP .05,10: PLOT 64,120: D 2600 CLS
RAW 8 , 8 , 3 * P I / 2 I BEEP . 0 5 , 1 0 2610 PRINT INVERSE 1 ; AT 1 , 1 0 ; "
2527 PAUSE 30 CASH-FLOW "
2528 PLOT 88,112: DRAW 0,32: BEE 2615 PRINT AT 3,2; "Get + ive coin,
P .05,10: PLOT 104,112: DRAW 0 , 3 s in one column to s t a r t
2: BEEP . 0 5 , 1 0 : PLOT 83,128: DRA the i l o w . "
W 16,0: BEEP . 0 5 , 1 0 2620 PRINT AT 6 , 3 ; " Y o u have s i x
2529 PAUSE 30 10p p i e c e s to p1 ay w i t h , p l u
2530 PLOT 116,128: DRAW 3 , 0 : BEE s any w i n n i n g s "
P . 0 5 , 1 0 2622 FOR n=0 TO 400: NEXT r.
2531 PAUSE 30 2625 PRINT INK 6; PAPER 2;AT 10
2532 PLOT 136,112: DRAW 0,32: EE , 1 ; " CONTROLS "
EP .05,10: DRAW 16,0: BEEP . 0 5 , 1 2630 PRINT AT 1 0 , 1 3 ; " L i n s e r t s c
0: PLOT 136,123! DRAW 10,O: BEEF o i n";A T 1 1 , 13J "M l e t s i t f a l l "
. 0 5 , 1 0 2635 PRINT AT 13,3; "F and Q nudg
2533 PAUSE 30 e the c o i n to r i g h t or le-f
2534 PLOT 176,1121 DRAW - 1 6 , 0 : B t (once o n l y ) "
EEP .05,10: DRAW 0,32: BEEF .05, 2640 PRINT AT 1 7 , 2 ; "< A > enables
10 yru to abandon a yame w i t h
2535 PAUSE 30 your wini i ngs a f t e r sp
25"6 FLOT 194,144: DRAW 0 , - 3 2 , 5 * ending 50p "
P I / 6 : BEEP . 0 5 , 1 0 : DRAW 0 , 3 2 , 5 * F 2642 FOR n=0 T 0 400: NEXT r>
1/6: BEEP .05,10 2644 DIN i«(160>: PRINT FAFER 6
253" FAL'SF 30 :AT 3 , 0 : i s
2538 FLOT 21^,144: DRAW 3 , - 3 2 : B 264 6 PPTNT INK 1} FLASH 1}AT 5,
EEP .05,10: DRAW 3,16: BEEP .05, 2i " ARCADE CLOSES IN 4 MINUTES "
10: DRAW 8 , - 1 6 : FEEP .05,10: DRA 2648 FOR n=0 TO q n 0 : ME"T n
W 8,32: BEEF . 0 5 , 1 0 265^ PRINT AT 5 , 2 ; "
2540 FOR n=13 TO 21 "; INK* r; PLASH 1
2545 PRINT INK 2;AT n , 3 ; " E ^ EF 5 . 7 ; " =RESS 2 TO PLAY "
EF EF EF EF EF" 7660 IF INKEY$="z" T HEN RETURN
2550 PRINT INK 4!AT n , Z i " F » ; A T 2670 GO TO 2660
n , 2 9 ; " E " 3000 RESTOPE : LET r=0
2555 NEXT n 3010 LET u=PEEK 23675+256*PEEK 2
2558 LET q=5 36"76
2560 FOR r,=0 TO 3: PRINT INK 1} 3020 READ j : IF j = . 5 THEN RETUR
AT 1 2 + 2 * n , q i " " 5AT 1 3 + 2 * n , q ! " N
";AT I 4 +2*n , q ; ; AT 15 + 2 * r i , q i b l : 3030 POKE u + n f J : LET n=n+l: GO T
BEEP . 05 , q : NEXT r. 0 3020
2561 FOR r.=0 TO 2: PRINT INK 1} 3040 DATA 7 , 3 1 , 6 3 , 1 1 2 , 1 1 9 , 2 2 3 , 2 3
AT 12 + 2 * n , q > " "iAT 13 + 2 * n , q J " 9,231, 2 2 4 , 2 4 8 , 2 5 2 , 1 4 , 2 3 0 , 2 4 7 , 2 4
" i AT 14 +2 * n , q ; A T 15+2*n,q;b$: 7,247, 2 3 1 , 2 2 4 , 2 3 1 , ® ? , 1 1 2 , 6 3 , 3 1 ,
BEEF . 0 5 , q : NEXT n 7, 2 4 7 , 2 4 7 , 2 3 1 , 1 9 3 , 1 4 , 2 5 2 , 2 4 8 , 2 2
2562 FOR n =0 TO 1: PRINT INK If 4
AT 12 +2 * n , q ! " "!AT 1 3 + 2 * n , q i " 3050 DATA 1 2 7 , 1 2 7 , 1 2 7 , 1 2 7 , 1 2 7 , 1 2
" ; AT 14 + 2 * n , q ; a t ; AT 15 +2 * n , q f .' 7,127,127, 2 5 4 , 2 5 4 , 2 5 4 , 2 5 4 , 2 5 4 , 2
BEEP . 0 5 , q: NEXT r, 54,254,254, .5
2563 PRINT INK 1JAT 14,qJa$;AT 9020 SAVE " c a s h - f l o w " LINE 1

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 105


Problem Page
This issue I h a d a n o f f e r I
c o u l d n ' t refuse, Ray t h e Ed ask-
ed m e t o give s o m e advice o n
how GRANDSTAND, which we
published a c o u p l e of m o n t h s
back for the Z X 8 0 , c o u l d be
c o n v e r t e d for the S p e c t r u m . A p -
parently he has been i n u n d a t e d
w i t h pleas for help!
Data
The lirst t h i n g is that D A T A is
s i m u l a t e d in lines 1 t o 7 , so
c h a n g e lines 1 t o 7 t o D A T A
lines so t h a t e a c h f o l l o w s the
format:
1 DATA "LIVERPOOL",
" M A N . UTD.'\ "NOTTM. F.",
" Q . P . R . " , and so o n
until all t h e names are entered.
There is n o need t o be precise
w i t h each name being nine
characters long, b u t a m a x i m u m
l e n g t h of nine c h a r a c t e r s is
wise.
106
PROBLEM PAGE
T h e main use of this Data is
m a d e in lines 2 2 t o 3 8 , so
r e m o v e all t h e s e l i n e s a n d
replace t h e m w i t h
2 2 RESTORE A
2 3 FOR c = 1 T O B : READ o $ :
NEXT c
2 4 FOR c = 1 T O LEN o$
2 5 PRINT o $ ( c ) ; : PAUSE 2 5
2 6 NEXT c
2 8 RETURN
Briefly, t h e subroutine at line 3 1
does t h e same as the RESTORE
( n o w in line 2 2 ) . Line 2 3 reads
the Data until the required n a m e
is in o $ and the l o o p f r o m 2 4 t o
2 6 prints o u t each letter of the
name. PAUSE 2 5 causes a slight
delay t o i m i t a t e the T V t e l e t y p e
style printing.
Lines 9 9 5 2 and 9 9 5 5 need
t o be c h a n g e d t o RESTORE A t o
allow for the r e m o v a l of the
s u b r o u t i n e at 3 1 . If y o u find any
G O S U B 3 0 lines w h i c h I ' v e
missed then d o n ' t forget to
change them yourself to
RESTORE A .
The r a n d o m n u m b e r routine
is d i f f e r e n t in the Z X 8 0 and A L L
o c c u r e n c e s of R N D ( n u m b e r )
should be replaced b y :
INT (RND * n u m b e r + 1)
So the line 1 2 0 should read:
1 2 0 LET c(a) = INT (RND *
+ 1) + 10
Save
T h e s a v e r o u t i n e is p r e t t y
straightforward, but I w o u l d
c h a n g e it t o 1 5 5 0 SAVE
" g r a n d s t a n d " LINE 1 0 1 0 , a n d
Line 1 5 6 0 t o GO TO 1 0 1 0 .
The PEEK 1 6 4 2 1 in Line
3 4 9 0 is a w a y of c h e c k i n g for a
full screen. The S p e c t r u m does
not need this line as it will o f f e r a
scroll w h e n the screen is full.
T h e r e f o r e leave out Line 3 4 9 0 .
H o w e v e r it appears again in Line
8 3 4 2 w h e r e its purpose is dif
f e r e n t , so t o get t h e same result
change the 1 6 4 2 1 t o t h e Spec-
t r u m address 2 3 6 8 9 , (this c a n
also be done in line 3 4 9 0 if y o u
w i s h ) , also the s a m e appears in
line 8 5 1 5 and 8 5 1 6 .
The lines f r o m 9 9 6 0 to
9 9 8 8 print t h e title s c r e e n .
Replace all these w i t h a r t w o r k of
your o w n or, if y o u d o not w a n t
t o g o t o t h e trouble, simply o m i t
t h e m e x c e p t for 9 9 8 8 RETURN.
Leave this last line in because at
s o m e p o i n t s the p r o g r a m will
j u m p t o this routine and it is best
t o keep it in case y o u fail t o f i n d
all the GO SUB 9 9 6 0 state-
m e n t s . I w o u l d p u t s o m e simple
title in a n y w a y , even if it is only
t o PRINT the n a m e of t h e g a m e .
N o w for the hardest bit of all;
lines 9 9 5 2 t o 9 9 5 9 deal w i t h
m o v e m e n t of t e a m s by p o k i n g
. n f o r m a t i o n a r o u n d the REMs.
W e have to f i n d another w a y , so
perhaps it is w o r t h g o i n g back t o
s t a n d a r d principles, and w r i t i n g
the p r o g r a m in a m o r e s t r u c t u r e d
w a y . A d d lines:
9 0 1 9 D I M 0 $ ( 1 4 9 , 9 ) : REM 1
c o u n t e d 1 4 9 data items.
9 0 2 0 RESTORE: FOR i = 1 T O
149
9 0 2 1 R E A D o$(i): N E X T i
N o w all the Data is held in the
e l e m e n t s of array o $ ( ) and so
lines 2 2 t o 2 8 can be further
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986
modified to:
2 2 G O SUB 2 6
2 3 FOR c = 1 TO 9
2 4 PRINT o $ ( B + X , c | ; : PAUSE
25
2 5 NEXT c
2 6 LET X = V A L " 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 4 4
068092124125" (((A-D*
3 + 1 ) T O { ( A - 1 ) * 3 + 3»
2 7 RETURN
A p a r t f r o m Line 2 2 , w h i c h
g o s u b s t o 2 6 t o get the position
in o $ ( ) that the n a m e n o w oc-
cupies and t h e n returns to the
same routine (recursive), the
lines are s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d .
M a k i n g t h e t r a n s f e r s also
b e c o m e s simple, replace lines
10
9 9 5 2 to 9 9 5 9 with:
9 9 5 2 GO SUB 2 6 : LET A A = X
9 9 5 3 LET A - C: G O S U B 2 6
9 9 5 4 LET o $ ( D + X) = o$
(B + A A )
9 9 5 6 LET o $ ( B + A A ) = v $
9 9 5 7 RETURN
N o w , the reason w e had the fun-
ny recursive positioning of line
2 6 b e c o m e s clear, w e c a n use it
f r o m this routine t o d e t e r m i n e
t h e X value. O n c e the t w o posi-
tions of the t e a m s have been
d e t e r m i n e d t h e n t h e y are s w a p
ped.
Finally, I have w r i t t e n this as I
developed the conversions
deliberately in an a t t e m p t t o
demonstrate h o w a problem
m a y be s o l v e d and t h e n resolved
as a c o n v e r s i o n p r o g r e s s e s .
S t r u c t u r e d p r o g r a m m i n g is
great, p r o v i d i n g y o u have all the
f u n c t i o n s y o u require available.
The Z X 8 0 and 8 1 d o not have
data capabilities and the w a y s of
e m u l a t i n g it are m a n y a n d
varied, this w a s a clever but fair
ly s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d m e t h o d .
Of course, there are other
w a y s , l o o k i n g at it in retrospect I
w o u l d p r o b a b l y use a three
dimensional array DIM
o $ ( 3 2 , 7 , 9 ) a n d r e a d each of the
seven R E M / D A T A separately,
t h e n t h e a w k w a r d Line 2 6
couldbe left o u t as t h e ' A ' value
b e c o m e s the s e c o n d element —
ie. Line 2 4 w o u l d b e c o m e PRINT
o $ ( B , A , c ) and lines 2 2 and 2 6
w o u l d be r e d u n d a n t . M a n y lines
c o u l d also be c o m p r e s s e d into
multi-line s t a t e m e n t s , and by
u s i n g t h e DEF FN f u n c t i o n
several of the calculations could
be speeded up and p e r f o r m e d
more e f f i c i e n t l y ,
I hope this has g i v e n y o u all
s o m e ideas, personally I f i n d
c o n v e r t i n g p r o g r a m s s e c o n d on-
ly t o creating an original for giv-
ing satisfaction, and as a l w a y s ,
if y o u have a p r o b l e m d r o p m e a
line, and I'll d o m y best to help.
 IPECTRUM DOMESTIC!
if you are a budding Steve DavisLthis
program from Dungannon's Brian
Buckley will straighten your cue.
W h e n playing Snooker the m o s t
tedious part is keeping track of
the score. Not being an e x p e r t , I
also have difficulty in
r e m e m b e r i n g the value of each
colour! Frequently m y family
spend more time discussing the
a c c u r a c y of the scores t h a n ac-
tually playing, so w h e n this pro-
g r a m arrived ( f o u n d it very
valuable indeed. N o w here it is
for y o u t o share the benefits of
an a c c u r a t e and i m p a r t i a l
referee.
H a v i n g t y p e d the p r o g r a m in-
t o the m a c h i n e , S A V E it w i t h
S A V E " S N O O K S C O R E " LINE
3 0 . This will ensure t h a t the pro-
g r a m a u t o m a t i c a l l y RUNs w h e n
subsequently LOADed from
ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6
tape. All D A T A should be check-
ed for errors. A f t e r responding
to all of the p r o m p t s at the start
of the p r o g r a m , there will be a
short pause (about two
seconds) as all t h e U D G ' s a r e set
up. Y o u w i l l t h e n see a snooker
table being d r a w n o n the screen,
f o l l o w e d by t h e s c o r e b o a r d
itself. This is the main display. I
shall n o w describe the various
features of t h e p r o g r a m .
Score correction
Pressing the " - " k e y , ( S Y M -
BOL SHIFT and " J " pressed
together), brings the score cor-
rection facility into operation.
This a l l o w s c o r r e c t i o n s t o be
m a d e to either p l a y e r ' s score.
W h e n called, t w o s h o r t BEEPs
will be heard, and a p r o m p t
" P l e a s e ENTER b a l l t o be
d e l e t e d " w i l l appear at the base
of the screen. The response t o
the p r o m p t will be the incorrect
ball. For e x a m p l e , if y o u ac-
cidentally add the blue ball t o
your score instead of a red. Y o u
w o u l d press " — " t o use the cor-
rection routine, and in response
to the p r o m p t , ENTER " E " . The
p r o m p t will t h e n disappear and
the value of the blue ball w i l l be
r e m o v e d f r o m your score. Y o u
will n o t i c e that " L a s t S h o t " has
c h a n g e d t o " e r r o r " , t o remind
y o u that the c o r r e c t e d ball has
107
 F L A S H should be c h a n g e d t o the A f t e r c and d there is only one
Control keys.
other player. The f o l l o w i n g ex space in q u o t a t i o n marks. These
1 - C h a n g e s F L A S H i n g of one p l a y e r ' s n a m e t o ample w i l l illustrate w h y . numbers are the same
the other. During his visit t o the table, t h r o u g h o u t the listing.
player 1 p o t s a red ball, f o l l o w e d
0 - W h e n pressed at the end of a f r a m e , resets
by the black. His break is n o w In line 1 8 0 , the q u o t a t i o n
break and points t o 0 , and increases the ap
eight points. He returns t o his m a r k s a f t e r s$ c o n t a i n t w o
propriate f r a m e score by 1.
seat after missing the n e x t red spaces.
R A d d s value of Red ball t o score of player
(failing t o pot it), w i t h his break In line 3 8 0 , the first set of
w h o s e n a m e is FLASHing.
still eight points. Player 2 c o m e s quotation marks contain 2 0
Y - A d d s value of Y e l l o w ball.
t o t h e table. The scoreboard spaces, and the second, 3 2 .
G - A d d s value of Green ball.
n o w s h o w s his n a m e FLASHing. In line 5 4 0 , 3 2 spaces are
N - A d d s value of B r o w n ball.
He a t t e m p t s to pot a red ball but c o n t a i n e d in t h e q u o t a t i o n
E A d d s value of Blue ball
fails, returning t o his seat. Player marks.
P - A d d s value of Pink ball.
1 t h e n c o m e s t o the table again, Line 5 8 0 also has 3 2 spaces
K - A d d s value of Black ball.
a n d the scoreboard c h a n g e s so w i t h i n q u o t a t i o n marks.
F Brings Foul shot s u b r o u t i n e i n t o operation.
that his n a m e FLASHes. A s the In line 6 8 0 , w i t h i n the same
Brings score c o r r e c t i o n s u b r o u t i n e into opera-
F L A S H c h a n g e s back to player q u o t a t i o n m a r k s as " M A T C H
tion.
t ' s n a m e , his previous break is O V E R " , four spaces are con-
reset t o 0 . If the F L A S H had not tained before and after the
yet to be input. Y o u should y o u are familiar w i t h the ENTER- been c h a n g e d to player 2 w h e n words.
remember that w h e n c o r r e c t i n g ing s y s t e m used in this part of he w a s p l a y i n g (even t h o u g h he In line 6 9 0 , t w o spaces are
a s c o r e , t h e p o i n t s w i l l be the p r o g r a m , y o u can just press d i d n ' t score anything), it means inserted before and after the
d e d u c t e d f r o m the player w h o s e " E N T E R " w h e n the value of the t h a t a n y t h i n g t h a t player 1 w o r d in q u o t a t i o n marks.
name is F L A S H i n g , and f o u l s h o t is four points (after call scores this time will be added In line 7 0 0 , the string after
" E N T E R " M U S T be used. This ing the routine of course), as it is o n t o his previous break, thus " M A T C H INFORMATION" con
is to give the player using the w h e n y o u miss a red, or acciden- m a k i n g the break incorrect. s i s t s o f 17 CHR$ 1 3 1 ' s .
facility time t o think. tally p o t a coloured ball w h o s e Line 7 1 0 h a s 3 2 C H R $
value is w o r t h up to and in Points to note 1 3 1 's in q u o t a t i o n marks.
FOUl shots eluding f o u r points. If a f o u l shot In 7 2 0 , w i t h i n the q u o t a t i o n
is played and the points for it In lines 1 1 8 0 and 1 2 0 0 , the marks, there are five spaces
If a foul s h o t is played, the player given to the w r o n g player c a p i t a l l e t t e r s c o n t a i n e d in before and after the w o r d s .
r e s p o n s i b l e s h o u l d h a v e his (pressing " F " w h e n the inno double q u o t a t i o n m a r k s should Line 1 1 7 0 has 3 2 CHR$
name set to F L A S H . The "F" cent player's name was be t y p e d in using GRAPHICS 1 4 3 ' s w i t h i n its q u o t a t i o n
key should t h e n be pressed. F L A S H i n g , instead of the guilty m o d e as they are user d e f i n e d marks.
A f t e r t w o s h o r t BEEPs, a p r o m p t p l a y e r ' s name), just change the graphics characters. A list of
" P l e a s e ENTER the f o u l e d b a l l " F L A S H and carry out the score t h e m appears b e l o w : In the first q u o t a t i o n m a r k s in
will appear at the base of the c o r r e c t i o n procedure, r e m o v i n g line 1 1 8 0 , there is one CHR$
screen. The response to this will the value of the foul, and t h e n 1 4 3 and A . In the second set,
be the colour (only one letter!} of the procedure for f o u l shots, 1 4 CHR$ 1 4 3 ' s . In set three. B,
"A"
t h e ball w h i c h w a s f o u l e d , given above. w h i l e in set four 1 3 CHR$
f o l l o w e d by " E N T E R " . If the cue "B"
1 4 3 ' s . Finally, in set five, C and
"C"
ball w a s p o t t e d , j u s t p r e s s Break "D"
1 CHR$ 1 4 3 are contained.
" E N T E R " . If for e x a m p l e , y o u In t h e long s t r i n g in line
accidentally pot the black ball in- The p r o g r a m w i l l display each tlgM 1 1 9 0 , t h e r e are 3 0 CHRS
stead of a red, set your n a m e t o p l a y e r ' s break t h r o u g h o u t the ttp W 1 4 3 ' s . Line 1 2 0 0 is almost the
FLASH and t h e n press " F " . In m a t c h , but this will be correct is same as line 1 1 8 0 . The dif-
response t o the p r o m p t , ENTER the f o l l o w i n g m e t h o d is used. ferences are in sets 1, 3, and 5,
" K " . Y o u w i l l t h e n see your op- It is essential that the player In line 1 6 0 , s$ c o n t a i n s seven w h e r e the graphics characters
p o n e n t ' s score increase by at t h e table should have his spaces, and f o l l o w i n g a. b, b1 are D, E, and F. Line 1 2 1 0 has
seven points and your " L a s t n a m e F L A S H i n g . W h e n his visit and b 2 , w i t h i n the q u o t a t i o n 3 2 CHR$ 1 4 3 ' s in q u o t a t i o n
s h o t " c h a n g e to " f o u l " . W h e n to the table is c o m p l e t e , the m a r k s there are t w o spaces. marks.

Figure 2 Variables. af ) Stores player 1 's f r a m e scores t h r o u g h o u t the

match.
a Player 1 's score d u r i n g a frame. b( ) Scores player 2 ' s frame s c o r e d t h r o u g h o u t the
b Player 2 ' s score d u r i n g a frame. match.
c Player 1 's overall f r a m e score. b1 Player 1 's break.
d Player 2 ' s overall f r a m e score. b2 Player 2 ' s break.
e Value of blue ball. s1 X position of Player 1 's scores.
f Value of a Foul shot. s2 X - p o s i t i o n of Player 2 ' s scores.
9 Value of Green ball. p1-p6 D A T A for p o c k e t s for main display.
k Value of black ball. hi Highest break of m a t c h .
1 Number of f r a m e s over w h i c h m a t c h is being hif Frame in w h i c h highest break w a s obtained.
played. a$ Player 1 's name.
n Value of b r o w n ball. b$ Player 2 ' s name.
P Value of Pink ball. c$ Holds INKEY$.
r Value of Red ball. f$ INPUT for a f o u l s h o t .
s LEN a $ . h$ Holds n a m e of player w i t h highest break.
t X - p o s i t i o n of Player 1 's name. m$ Holds n a m e of w i n n e r of each f r a m e .
u LEN b $ . s$ Last s h o t .
V X - p o s i t i o n of Player 2 ' s name. vS INPUT for score correction.
w a m i n u s b. w$ " p o i n t . " or " p o i n t s . " , d e p e n d i n g on score dif-
X b m i n u s a. ference.
y Value of Y e l l o w ball. x$ " F r a m e . " or " F r a m e s . " , d e p e n d i n g o n I.
z Current f r a m e . 7$ "leads b y " .

108 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6

 IPECTRUM DOMESTIC!

Figure 3 Line description 360 (f b a. Player 2 ' s f r a m e score (d) is increased

LINE NUMBER LINE FUNCTION by 1, and b$ is assigned t o m $ .
30 Sets screen colours and BEEPS u p o n L O A D i n g 370 Each Player's final score in a f r a m e is assigned
f r o m tape. t o the subscripted variables a and b. A check
40 Sets " L " cursor, PRINTS title and asks if in- is m a d e t o see of a w i n n e r e x i s t s , and if so,
s t r u c t i o n s are required. c o n t r o l is sent to 6 7 0 .
60 A s s i g n s pressed key to y $ . If y $ is " y " , con- 380 Plays a short tune at t h e e n d of a f r a m e and
trol is sent to 8 6 0 for i n s t r u c t i o n s to be blanks out the last shot for each player. A l s o
PRINTed. blanks out the lead line.
70 Resets screen colours u p o n returning f r o m in- 390 Increases current f r a m e by 1. Sends c o n t r o l
structions. back to the start of the main loop.
80 READs values f r o m the D A T A s t a t e m e n t in 400 & 410 Check for keypresses.
line 9 0 and sets these variables. 420 A s s i g n s any pressed key to string variable c $ .
100 Sets " C " cursor and a c t i v a t e s k e y b o a r d 430 C r a s h p r o o f i n g : c h e c k s for valid k e y s being
BEEP. Requests Player 1 's n a m e t o be pressed. If an invalid key is pressed, a BEEP is
ENTERed. issued a n d c o n t r o l sent back to the start of the
110 Requests Player 2 ' s n a m e t o be ENTERed. s u b r o u t i n e s at line 4 0 0 .
120 Requests the n u m b e r of f r a m e s over w h i c h 450 590 4 5 0 4 3 0 assign certain strings t o s$ depen-
the m a t c h is t o be played to be ENTERed, and ding o n c $ . 5 4 0 - 5 8 0 u p d a t e lead tine and
sets x $ . calculate the x - p o s i t i o n so as to keep it cen
130 PRINTs a thank y o u message, s w i t c h e s tralised on screen.
k e y b o a r d BEEP o f f , sets " L " cursor and sends 600 Requests input for a f o u l shot and c h e c k s en-
c o n t r o l t o s u b r o u t i n e at 1 1 1 0 w h i c h PRINTs a try is valid If n o t , t h e n c o n t r o l is sent back t o
snooker table o n screen. M a i n screen is t h e n the start of t h e line.
PRINTed o n the table. 610 If f$ (input in a b o v e line) is one of five certain
140 Reserves space for u n s c r i p t e d variables a and strings, t h e n f$ is set to " 4 " .
b. These are used t o hold the scores at the 630 Deals w i t h a f o u l shot against Player 2 by ad-
end of each frame. d i n g the relevant a m o u n t of his score and
150 Start of main loop, PRINTing it o n screen.
160 Sets various scores t o 0 and t h e n PRINTs 640 A s 6 3 0 , b u t for Player 1.
these on screen. 650 Requests input for score c o r r e c t i o n and
170 Sets Player 1 's break t o 0 . c h e c k s input for validity. If an invalid input is
180 F L A S H e s Player 1 's n a m e and PRINTs all of d e t e c t e d , c o n t r o l is sent back to the start of
his scores. the line.
190 C h e c k s c $ for " " , and if f o u n d brings score 670 BEEPs a n d flashes BORDER w i t h various col-
c o r r e c t i o n routines into operation. ours at the end of the m a t c h .
200 A s in 1 9 0 , but c h e c k s for " f " and deals w i t h 680 Resets scores t o 0 and PRINTs final screen.
f o u l shots. 700 PRINTs i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t highest break etc.
210 Sets s$ to " " and sends c o n t r o l to 2 6 0 if 71 0 PRINTS all f r a m e scores for e a c h player.
c $ is " 1 " . 720 Gives i n s t r u c t i o n s for using p r o g r a m again.
220 If c $ is " 0 " (end of frame) and a b, sends 730 A s s i g n s INKEY$ t o z $ . If z$ is " y " , p r o g r a m
control to 3 5 0 . is RUN again.
240 U p d a t e s Player 1 's p o i n t s score and break 740 Erases p r o g r a m f r o m m e m o r y as it is no longer
C h e c k s tp see of the break the highest required. R A N D O M I Z E USR 0 w a s used as
break and if so. m a k e s h $ a$ and hif - the N E W did not r e m o v e U D G ' s .
current f r a m e 17) A l s o males hi bl. 750 & 760 S c a n k e y b o a r d for pressed keys.
260 Sets Player 2 ' s break t o 0 . 780 Calculates x p o s i t i o n of Player 1 's n a m e and
270 FLASHes Player 2 ' s n a m e and PRINTs all of scores.
his scores. 790 Calculates x - p o s i t i o n of Player 2 ' s n a m e and
280 C h e c k s of c $ is " — " , and if so, sends c o n t r o l scores.
to score c o r r e c t i o n routines. 800 & 810 Prevent a and b l b e c o m i n g negative.
290 Checks if c $ os " t " , and if so, sends c o n t r o l 830 & 840 Prevent b and b2 b e c o m i n g negative.
t o subroutine dealing w i t h f o u l shots. 860 1030 Instructions.
300 If c $ is " 1 " , sets s$ t o " " and sends con- 1040 PRINTs i n s t r u c t i o n s about seeing i n s t r u c t i o n s
trol to 1 7 0 . again.
310 Sends c o n t r o l t o 3 5 0 if c $ is " 0 " and b a. 1060 A s s i g n s INKEY$ t o z $ . If z$ is " y " . t h e n in-
330 Updates Player 2 ' s p o i n t s score and break. s t r u c t i o n s are PRINTed again by sending con-
C h e c k s t o see if the break = the highest trol t o line 8 6 0 .
break and if so, m a k e s h $ b$ a m d hif z. 1110-1160 Sets u p U D G ' s for p o c k e t s ,
A l s o m a k e s hi - b 2 . 1170-1210 D r a w s table.
350 If a b. Player 1 's f r a m e score (c) is increased 1220 1 260 D R A W s lines on table.
by 1, and a$ is assigned to m $ . 1280 1330 D A T A for U D G ' s .

1 REM rian B u c k l e y " : P A U S E 75: P R I N T

•Underlined characters* AT 1 1 , 1 ; " D o you nant i n s t r u c t i o n
f a r e entered in * s {y/n>?"
•GRAPHICS mode. * 5 0 GO SUB 7 5 0
M K K X X I H K X M M JHHHHHHhfr * * ** 60 L E T y * = I N K E Y » : IF y » = " y " TH
30 C L S ! B O R D E R 4: PAPER 4: IN EN GO TO 8 6 0
K 0 : C L S ! BEEP .1,10: B E E P .1,1 7 0 B O R D E R 4: PAPER 4: INK 0: C
5 LS
40 P O K E 2 3 6 3 8 , 0 : P R I N T AT 3,7; 73 REM 80 k 90 BALL V A L U E S ETC
'Snooker S c o r e b o a r d " ; A T 7.8; B 80 R E A D z . C p d . r . y . g . n . e . p . U . f ,

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 109

 HB—WFPECTRUM POMESTICI

X,M,hi 2 3 0 BEEP .05,40

90 DATA 1,0,0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,4, 2 4 0 L E T a - a + V A L c«: L E T b l - b l + V
0 , 0 , 0 AL c«: GO SUB 450: IF bl>-hi THE
100 BEEP .1,20: P O K E 2 3 6 5 8 , 8 : P N L E T h i - b l : L E T h « - a « : L E T hi-f
O K E 2 3 6 0 9 , 7 5 : C L S : P R I N T AT 0 , 0 •z
; " P l e a s e : | A T 5,01'Enter player
l's first n a m e " : INPUT aC: GO S 2 5 0 GO TO 180
UB 7 8 0
110 P R I N T AT 8 , 0 1 " E n t e r p l a y e r 2 6 0 LET b2-0
2' 5 -first n a m e " : INPUT b « : GO SU 270 PRINT F L A S H 1 1 AT 3 , v | b « | F
B 790 L A S H 01 AT 3,t J a*I AT 6 , s 2 | b | " "»
120 L E T x*«=" F r a m e s . PRINT A AT 9 , 3 2 ( d ) " "I AT 1 2 , 9 2 1 b 2 | " "»A
T 11,0; "Enter the n u m b e r o-f fram T 16,sZ-(LEN s * / 2 ) | s « I " ": GO S
es o v e r " * " w h i c h the m a t c h is to UB 4 0 0
be p l a y e d " : INPUT l: IF 1<2 T H E N 2 8 0 IF c « - * - " THEN GO SUB 650:
LET x$=" F r a m e . ": IF 1<=0 TH LET b - b - V A L v«: LET b 2 ~ b 2 - V A L v
EN BEEP .5,-5: GO TO 120 «: GO SUB 630: GO SUB 4 5 0 : BEEP
.05,40: GO TO 2 7 0
125 REM 130 S E T S UP M A I N SCREEN 2 9 0 IF c « - " f " THEN GO SUB 600:
GO TO 6 4 0
130 P R I N T AT 1 5 , 1 0 ; " T h a n k - y o u " : 3 0 0 IF c « - " l " THEN BEEP .1,20:
P A U S E 50: CLS : P O K E 2 3 6 0 9 , 0 : P LET GO TO 170
OKE 2 3 6 5 8 , 0 : C L S : GO SUB 1110: 3 1 0 IF c « - " 0 " A N D b O a THEN GO
PRINT I N V E R S E If B R I G H T 1;AT 0, TO 3 5 0
3J "Over " ; 1 ; xSj TAB 20» " Fr atne : " i z 3 2 0 B E E P .05,40
; I N V E R S E 0; B R I G H T 0f F L A S H l;A 3 3 0 LET b - b + V A L c«: LET b 2 - b 2 * V
T 3,tIa$| FLASH 0|AT 3,v;b*;AT 6 AL c«: GO SUB 4 5 0 : IF b2>-hi THE
,1;"Points:"»AT 9,1I"Frames:";AT N LET h i - b 2 : LET h t - b ( : LET hi*
1 2 , 1 » " B r e a k :•J AT 15,1 J "Last"J A —z
T 16,3;"shot:" 3 4 0 GO TO 2 7 0
140 DIM a(1): DIM b(1> 345 REM 350-390
150 FOR q e 1 TO 1 U P D A T E F R A M E S C O R E S tc
160 L E T a=0: L E T b = 0 ! L E T s»=" H I G H E S T BREAK E T C .
" : LET b l = 0 : LET b 2 - 0 : PRI C H E C K S FOR W I N N E R
NT AT 6 , s l | a ; " "J AT 6 , s 2 ; b J "
;AT 9,siici- " ; A T 9,*2;di" M A T 3 5 0 IF a>b THEN LET c - c + l : LET
12,sHblJ" " ; A T 12, s21 b 2 ; • "|A m*-a«
T 16, s 1 - (LEN s « / 2 ) | s * 3 6 0 IF b >a T H E N L E T d - d * l : LET
n«-b«
170 LET b l - 0 3 7 0 LET a ( q ) - a : LET b ( q > - b : IF
180 P R I N T I N V E R S E 1} B R I G H T 1) c >d A N D c >INT (1/2) OR d>c A N D d
AT 0 , 2 6 ; z : P R I N T I N V E R S E 0; BRI >INT (1/2) THEN GO TO 6 7 0
GHT 0 | F L A S H 11 AT 3,tfa*» F L A S H 3 6 0 FOR o-l TO 5: B E E P .l,o: NE
0J AT 3,vj b»; AT 6 , s 1 ; a ! " "i AT 9, XT o: P R I N T AT 1 6 , s i - ( L E N a « / 2 > |
s U c | * M A T 12, s 1 J bl } " "»AT 16, - I AT 2 1 , 0 | "
si-(LEN s*/2);®«J" GO S U B 4 0
0
190 IF c * - " - " THEN GO S U B 6 5 0 : 3 9 0 LET z - z + l : NEXT q
LET a » a - V A L v»: L E T b l = b l - V A L v
«: GO SUB 800: GO SUB 450: BEEP 3 9 5 REM S U B R O U T I N E 4 0 0 - 4 4 0 :
.05,40: GO TO 180 400lc410 S C A N K E Y B O A R D
2 0 0 IF c » = " + " THEN GO S U B 6 0 0 : 430 CRASHPROOFING
GO TO 6 3 0
2 1 0 IF c « - " l " THEN B E E P .1,20: 4 0 0 IF INKEY*<>"" THEN GO TO 4
LET s«-" •: G O TO 2 6 0 00
2 2 0 IF c « - " 0 " A N D a<>b THEN GO 410 IF I N K E Y * - " " THEN GO TO 41
TO 3 5 0 0

110 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6

 IPECTRUM DOMESTIC!

420 LET c«-INKEY* - AND +«<>"e" AND +»<>"p" AND

4 3 0 IF c*< >"r" A N D c*< >"y" A N D < > "k " THEN GO TO 6 0 0
c»< > " g " A N D c*< >"n• A N D c « < > " e " 6 1 0 IF + * - " " OR f * - " r " OR f«-"y
A N D c « < > " p " A N D c * < > " k " A N D c»<> • OR 4 » « " g " OR f « - " n " T H E N LET
A N D c * < >"-" A N D C * < > " 1 " A N D f*-"4"
c«<>"0" THEN B E E P . 3 , - 1 0 : GO TO 620 RETURN
400
440 RETURN 625 REM 630 FOUL AGAINST PR. 2

445 REM SUBROUTINE 450-590 6 3 0 L E T b - b * V A L f«: P R I N T AT 6,

4 5 0 - 5 3 0 U P D A T E S« s2|b|" ": B E E P . 0 5 , 4 0 : GO S U B 4
540-500 UPDATE LEAD 5 0 : GO TO 100
LINE
6 3 5 REM 640 FOUL AGAINST PR. 1
450 IF c*«" 4' THEN LET s«-" fo
ul • 640 LET a-a+VAL P R I N T AT 6,
460 IF c«-' THEN LET s»-" er si|a|" BEEP .05,40: GO SUB 4
r or " 5 0 : GO TO 2 7 0
4 7 0 IF c * - 1 r" T H E N LET •«-" re
d" 645 REM SUBROUTINE 650
4 9 0 IF c « - ' y" T H E N LET ye SCORE CORRECTION
llOH*
4 9 0 IF c«-' g* T H E N LET gr 650 BEEP .05,35: BEEP .05,30: I
een" N P U T " P l e a s e E N T E R ball to b e d e
5 0 0 IF c«-' n• THEN LET s«-" br l e t e d " ' v « : IF v » < > " r " A N D v « < > " y
own " • A N D v » < > " g " A N D v » < > " n " A N D v«
3 1 0 IF c«-' e" T H E N LET »«-" bl <>"e" A N D v * < > " p " A N D v » < > " k " A N
ue* D v«<>"f" THEN GO TO 6 5 0
520 IF c*-' p" T H E N LET s»-" pi 660 RETURN
nk'
5 3 0 IF c«-''k" T H E N LET bl 6 6 5 REM 670fc680 E N D OF MATCH
ack *
5 4 0 L E T w«- p o i n t s . - : LET 2 * - " 6 7 0 FOR m-1 TO 3: FOR o-l TO 3 5
leads by "J P R I N T AT 2 1 , 0 | " S T E P 3: B E E P . 0 1 , o : B O R D E R 0 / 6 :
N E X T o: N E X T • : B O R D E R 4
5 5 0 IF a - b - 1 OR b - a - 1 T H E N LET 660 LET a-0: LET b-0: LET bl-0:
w * " " pot nt." LET b2-0: PRINT AT 6,«l|a|" "I
3 6 0 IF a>b THEN L E T w - a - b : PRI AT 6, s2 lb)" M A T 9 , s l | c | " " | AT
NT AT 21,15-•LEN ( a * + z * * N « ) / 2 | a t | 9 , s 2 1 d | " "|AT 12,si I bl I " * I AT 1
z*1H|H« 2,s2Ib2I" "I F L A S H 1| B R I G H T 1|
5 7 0 IF b > a THEN L E T x - b - a : PRI AT 1 6 , 1 0 ! " MATCH OVER "I I
NT A T 21,15- -LEN ( b «+z*+w«>/2|b*| NK II F L A S H 01 B R I G H T 0 | A T 2 1 , 0 )
Z $ | X | H *
560 IF b - a T H E N PRINT AT 20,01
6 9 0 P R I N T Nil F L A S H 1| B R I G H T 1
|" P r e s s any key tor m a t c h info
590 RETURN •: GO S U B 7 5 0 : C L S

595 REM S U B R O U T I N E 6 0 0 - 6 2 0 695 REM 700le710 M A T C H INFO.

600 FOUL SHOT
6 1 0 A S S I G N S V A L U E S TO
CERTAIN FOUL SHOTS
600 BEEP .05,35: BEEP .05,30: I
N P U T " P l e a s e E N T E R the -fouled b a
1 1 " * * * : IF f * < > " " A N D f*< >"r" AN
D 4•< >"y• A N D f * < > " g " A N D f « < > " n
7 0 0 P R I N T AT 0 , 9 1 " M A T C H I N F O R M A
T I O N " | INK 7 I A T 1 , 9 1 "
•' INK 0 |
m « | " won in f r a m e " | z | " . " ' " T h e h
ighest b r e a k of the m a t c h " * " w a s
"J h i|" w h i c h "|h»|" o b t a i n e d - ' M
n f r a m e "|hi fI"."

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 111

 PECTRUM DOMESTIC!

7 1 0 P R I N T ' 'Frame: 'I TAB t|a«|TA 650 RETURN

B v | b * ' INK 7 I "
6 5 5 REM 660-1040 INSTRUCTIONS
": INK 0: FOR w-1
TO z: P R I N T TAB 2 » w | T A B s l f a ( w ) 8 6 0 B O R D E R 01 P A P E R 01 INK 6: C
I TAB s 2 | b ( w ) : N E X T w LS : P R I N T B R I G H T If I N V E R S E 1|
7 2 0 P R I N T Wl| F L A S H 1| B R I G H T 1 AT 0 , 6 | • I N S T R U C T I O N S FOR USE"I B
)" P r e s s •'Y•" to u s e a g a i n R I G H T 0| I N V E R S E 0 ) * ' * " T h e f o l i o
•: GO SUB 7 5 0 Ming m e t h o d has b e e n - ' " u s e d to e
7 3 0 L E T z * - I N K E Y » : IF z * - " y ' TH nter the p o t t e d bal1 . "
EN RUN 6 7 0 P R I N T '"The f i r s t letter o4
e a c h ball I s " * " p r e s s e d on the k
7 3 5 REM 740 PROGRAM REMOVAL e y b o a r d and t h e " ' " v a l u e of that
ball is added t o " * " t h e s c o r e o4
740 CLS : PRINT "This program w the p l a y e r w h o s e "
ill r e m o v e i t a e U " ' ' c o m p l e t e l y 6 8 0 P R I N T • n a m e is f l a s h i n g . • * '
from m e m o r y in f i v e " * ' T A B 1 2 | " s e - e . g . If a red ball is p o t t e d , t h
c o n d s " ! P A U S E 10: FOR n-1 TO 5: e " " R " " Uey is p r e s s e d l a g r e e n ba
B E E P . 1 , 3 0 : P A U S E 40: N E X T n: RA 111-
N D O M I Z E USR 0 6 9 0 P R I N T •the ""G"" Uey, ind s
o o n . " ' "Th< e x c e p t i o n s a n t h o s
7 4 5 REM SUBROUTINE 750-770 e balls"
750le760 S C A N K E Y B O A R D 900 PRINT "whose c o l o u r s begin
w i t h " * B " " . " ' - T o enter t h e s e bal
750 IE1 INKEY*<>"" THEN GO TO 7 Is,the L A S T " * " l e t t e r is u s e d . . . '
50 : GO SUB 1 0 6 0
760 IF INKEY*--" THEN GO TO 76 9 1 0 P R I N T "e.g. To e n t e r a b r o w
0 n b a l 1 , p r e s s " ' " t h e ""N"" keyl a
770 RETURN b l u e b a l l , t h e " " E " " " " k e y | and f
inally the b 1 a c k , • " K " " . "
7 7 5 REM SUBROUTINE 700 920 PRINT 'To c h a n g e the flash
C A L C U L A T E S C O L U M N OF ing of o n e " ' " n a m e tD the o t h e r ,
P R . l'S N A M E tc S C O R E p r e s s " 1 " . " " R e s e t t i n g the poi
n t s to 0 at theend of a f r a m e is
7 6 0 L E T 3—LEN a*: L E T t - 1 4 - ( s / 2 achieved by p r e s s i n g the ""0"
>: L E T s l - t + ( s / 2 ) - 1 : R E T U R N " key."
9 3 0 P R I N T *"If a foul shot o c c u
765 REM SUBROUTINE 790 r s , t h e g u i l t y " ' p l a y e r ' s n a m e sh
C A L C U L A T E S C O L U M N OF ou1d be set to f l a s h and the ""
PR. 2 ' S N A M E k S C O R E F"" key p r e s s e d . "
9 4 0 P R I N T "In r e s p o n s e to the p
rompt w h i c h " * " w i l l appear, ENTE
7 9 0 L E T u - L E N b«: L E T v - 2 5 - ( u / 2 R the f o u l e d b a l l . If the c u e b
): L E T s2-v + < u / 2 > - 1 : R E T U R N all w a s p o t t e d t h e n just press
""ENTER"". The"'"appropriate a
7 9 5 REM SUBROUTINE 600-620 mount will then b e '
P R E V E N T S bl fc a < 0 9 5 0 P R I N T "added to the innoc
ent p 1 a y e r * s ' * ' s c o r e . ' : GO SUB 1
800 IF b1< 0 THEN LET bl-0 060
910 IF^ a < 0 THEN L£T a-0 9 6 0 P R I N T "The program also
620 RETURN offers t h e " * " f a c i 1 i t y of c o r r e c
ting a w r o n g " ' " i n p u t . For e x a m p
8 2 5 REM SUBROUTINE 630-850 le, say you p o t " ' " t h e g r e e n bal
P R E V E N T S b 2 (t b < 0 1 and a c c i d e n t a l l y " ' " a d d the bl
ack to your s c o r e (or"
630 IF b2< 0 THEN LET b 2 - 0 9 7 0 P R I N T "give p o i n t s to the w
640 IF b < 0 T H E N LET b-0 r o n g p1 a y e r ) '*"a11 that you h a v e

112 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6

 IPECTRUM DOMESTIC!

to do is p r e a a " "the m i n u s Uey( 1 1 1 0 - 1 1 6 0 S E T S UP P O C K E T S

symbol shift k J) . " '"In r e s p o n s 1 1 7 0 - 1 2 6 0 D R A W S TABLE
e to the p r o m p t , E N T E R "
9 6 0 P R I N T "•"*:•- and the v a l u e 1110 FOR i-0 TO 7: R E A D pi: POKE
of the b l a c k " ' " b a 1 1 will be dedu USR " a " + i , p i : NEXT i
cted from y o u r " * " s c o r e , e n a b 1 i n g 1120 FOR i-0 TO 7: R E A D p2: POKE
the g r e e n ball tobe E N T E R e d " : GO USR "b" • i,p2: NEXT i
SUB 1 0 9 0 1130 FOR i-0 TO 7: R E A D p3: POKE
9 9 0 P R I N T "It should be reme USR " c " M , p 3 : NEXT i
mbered that"'"when correcting 1140 FOR i-0 TO 7: R E A D p4: POKE
a score, t h e * ' " p o i n t s will be USR " d " + i , p 4 : NEXT i
d e d u c t e d from t h e " * " p l a y e r w h o s e 1150 FOR i - 0 TO 71 R E A D p5: POKE
name is f1 a s h i n g , • * " a n d the USR " e " + i , p 5 : NEXT i
last s h o t " " will s h o w " ' " " " e r r o r 1160 FOR i-0 TO 7: R E A D p6: POKE
"" to remind you that a"'"co USR "f"+i,p6: NEXT i
r r e c t i o n is b e i n g m a d e . " 1170 PRINT INK 01 *
1000 P R I N T *"To keep the corr
ect "break d i s p l a y e d , it i
s e s s e n t i a l t h a t " "the player 1190 P R I N T INK "I INK 41
who is s h o o t i n g " ' " s h o u l d have " I
his name f l a s h i n g . " ' "e.g. If pi INK 0|" "| INK 4|"
ayer 1 has just s c o r e d " * " a n d pla "I INK 0|"
yer 2 does not s c o r e , t h e " 1190 FOR i-1 TO 16: P R I N T INK 0
1010 P R I N T "next pot by playe I • "| INK 4 » "
r 1 will b e " ' " a d d e d to his prev
ious b r e a k , a n d " ' " p o i n t s o b t a i n e d ' » INK 0f " ": NEXT i
on two v i s i t s " * " t o the table do 1200 PRINT INK 01" "I INK 4|
not count as o n e " ' " b r e a k . " : GO " I
SUB 1090 INK 0|" ") INK t|"
1020 P R I N T B R I G H T 11 I N V E R S E 1| "| INK 0|"
AT 0 , 9 | " S U M M A R Y OP K E Y S " : I N V E R S 1210 P R I N T INK 01"
E 0: P R I N T * * "R - R e d " ' " Y - Yell
ow " * " G - Green • * "p - P i n k " "N -
b r o w N " * "E - b l u E " "K - b l a c K " " F 1220 P L O T P A P E R 7| INK 4| INVER
- F o u 1 " * " 1 - c h a n g e n a m e flash* SE 1170,24
*"0 - end of frame" 1230 D R A W P A P E R 7| INK 41 INVER
1030 P R I N T "- - s c o r e c o r r e c t i o n SE 1 1 0 , 1 4 3
"* * "This p r o g r a m u s e s the INKEYS 1240 PLOT PAPER 71 INK 4| INVER
" • " f u n c t i o n , so it is not n e c e s s SE 1 1 7 0 , 6 0
ary"* "to p r e s s " " E N T E R " " , u n l e s s 1250 P L O T PAPER 7| INK 4| INVER
this i s " * " i n d i c a t e d by a p r o m p t SE 1(70,64: D R A W P A P E R 7| INK 4
•
I INVERSE 1|0,64,-PI*1.03
1040 PRINT B R I G H T 1| F L A S H 1|AT 1260 PLOT PAPER 7| INK 4| INVER
2 0 , 2 | "Press - - y - to see instru SE 1 | 1 3 2 , 9 4 : P L O T PAPER 7, INK
c t i o n s " | A T 2 1 , 2 1 " a g a i n , a n y other 4| I N V E R S E 1 1 1 9 0 , 9 4 : P L O T PAPER
key to s t a r t . * 7| INK 4| I N V E R S E 1 | 2 2 5 , 9 4
1050 GO SUB 7 5 0 1270 R E T U R N A
1060 LET z « - I N K E Y « : IF x«-"y" TH 1290 DATA 2 5 2 , 2 5 2 , 2 5 2 , 2 4 9 , 2 4 0 , 2 2
EN GO TO 6 6 0 4,0,0
1070 C L S : GO TO 7 0 1290 DATA 2 5 5 , 2 5 5 , 2 5 5 , 2 5 5 , 1 2 6 , 6 0
1090 P R I N T B R I G H T 1| F L A S H 11 AT ,0,0
2 1 , 2 1 " P r e s s any key to c o n t i n u e 1300 DATA 63,63,63,31,15,7,0,0
... 1310 DATA 0,0,224,240,249,252,25
1090 GO SUB 7 5 0 2, 2 5 2
1100 C L S : R E T U R N 1320 DATA 0,0,60,126,255,255,255
, 255
1105 REM SUBROUTINE 1110-1270 1330 DATA 0,0,7,15,31,63,63,63

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 113

 SPECTRUM GAME

Bounce Down
Jack Knight goes beyond catching a
s t r u c t the c a n n o n , not mainly
because i t ' s simpler, but, as
User D e f i n e d Graphics can be
coarse, the result here w o u l d
have been no i m p r o v e m e n t . The
e x c e p t i o n is the rim of the barrel
w h e r e the k e y b o a r d graphics
w o u l d have been too heavy.

bullet — catch a Brighton cannon ball!
T h e idea is c r a z y . C a t c h a
cannon-ball^ (but t h a t ' s not all).
W h a t ' s the cannon-ball doing?
W o u l d y o u believe, i t ' s bounc-
ing'
It takes a g o o d eye t o high
s c o r e in this original a r c a d e
g a m e w r i t t e n in BASIC. To play,
use the cursor k e y s and to
position the catcher t o take the
ball. But take care, a misjudge-
m e n t c a n be fatal, and t h e
b o u n c e of the ball is not regular.
If, instead of going t h r o u g h the
opening, the ball c o m e s d o w n
on the raised u p top, the catcher
is d e s t r o y e d . Y o u have a store of
s e v e n catchers, a n d 5 0 balls
w i t h w h i c h t o set up a record
score.
The main s e c t i o n s of the pro-
g r a m are clearly identified by
REMs w h i c h indicate their func-
tions. But, the f o l l o w i n g c o m
m e n t s may be of interest:
Variables d and a drive the
c a n n o n ball across the screen.
The b o u n c e is achieved by ad
ding or s u b t r a c t i n g dd ( and us-
ing a double negative to m a k e a
positive).
The p r o b l e m of i d e n t i f y i n g
the blue o p e n i n g of the catcher
f r o m the rest of the sky for the
purpose of recording c a t c h e s
w a s o v e r c o m e by printing a Y,
w h i c h is invisible because the
INK colour is the same as the sky
(and using SCREEN$). ATTRI-
BUTE is used to i d e n t i f y the cat-
cher and also t o ensure the can-
non ball eraser does not erase
part of the c a t c h e r .
To introduce variety, the
track of the ball is not only ran-
d o m i s e d at the m o u t h of the
cannon but is diverted
( " u n e v e n e s s of the g r o u n d " ) e n
route.
Keyboard graphics have
been used in particular t o con-
(You need to w a t c h out for these
t w o User D e f i n e d G r a p h i c s
w h e n t y p i n g the c a n n o n con-
s t r u c t i o n p r o g r a m line). T h e
c a n n o n ball had to be specially
designed ( c o m p l e t e w i t h shine)
but has been m a d e t o earn its liv-
ing by doubling, disguised in
w h i t e , as the s m o k e f r o m the
cannon.
Variable i has been used as an
o n / o f f s w i t c h t o ensure the ball
is c a u g h t only w h e n b o u n c i n g
d o w n and to restrict the
d e s t r u c t i o n of the catcher t o a
direct hit on the raised u p por-
tion.
The design of the p r o g r a m
m e a n s that N e w Game does not
go t h r o u g h the o p e n i n g instruc-
tions or the s e t t i n g - u p again.

130 P R I N T ; INK 5iAT 17,f;"Y";T

|H IL-HE 5 CANNON BHLL:. AB -f + l; INK 6 J "C•;AT 18,f; INK 6
S C O R E CATCHERS
J PAPER 3 | " W m m
140 IF ATTR (d,a)< >40 THEN PRI
NT AT d,a;" "
150 LET d~d+dd: LET a=a*aa
160 IF d-=17 THEN GO TO 2 0 0
170 IF d ™ 1 8 THEN GO TO 300
180 IF d=14 THEN GO TO 400
190 GO TO 100
200 REM *DECIDES C A T C H / L O S T CAT
C H E R * ( N B " G R A P H I C S + D)
210 IF ATTR (d,a)=46 AND i=l TH
EN GO TO 3000
2 2 0 IF SCREEN* <d,a)="Y" AND i-
1 THEN PRINT AT d,a;"D": BEEP .
1,0: PRINT AT d,a;" • : LET s=s*5
1 REM *********************** : P R I N T ; INK 7{ PAPER 0;AT 2,9;
• Under 1i ned c h a r a c t e r s * siAT 1,28J j-11" ": LET J - j - 1 ! G
*are entered in * O TO 2 4 0 0
• G R A P H I C S mode. * 230 GO TO 100
*********************** 300 IF ATTR id,a)=30 THEN LET
10 REM * BOUNCE DOWN* by Jack a=a-l: LET aa=0
Knight 310 LET dd=-dd
2 0 LET h=0 3 2 0 IF INT (RND*2 + 1 ) T H E N LE
30 GO TO 6000 T aa=0
90 REM *MAIN ROUT INE*<NB"GRAPH 330 LET i=0
ICS" + D , C ) 340 GO TO 100
100 IF a>31 THEN GO TO 500 400 LET dd=-dd
105 PRINT AT d,a; 410 LET aa=1
110 PRINT AT 17,4+li" "I PRINT 4 2 0 LET i = 1
AT 18,f;- IF ATTR <17,f)<>40 4 3 0 GO TO 100
THEN PRINT AT 17,*J" • 500 LET j » j - i : PRINT ; INK 7; P
120 LET 4= f+(INKEY*=*8" AND *< = APER 0 ; A T 1,28 i j i " IF j = 0 TH
2 9 ) - ( I N K E Y * = " 5 " AND *>=11> EN GO TO 4000

114 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY'MARCH 1 9 8 6

 K SPECTRUM CAME

T 1 5 , 2 t J A T 16,3;-D": BEEP .3
|H I G H E S T 0 CRNNON B H L L S S , - 2 0 : PRINT AT 14,3J" "!AT 15,2;
=• C O R E 0 CATCHERS
"JAT 16,3}" •
2999 GO TO 100
3000 REM *LOST CATCHER* (NB "GRA
PHICS"+D)
3100 PRINT AT d,a;-D"
3200 FOR a=1 TO 3: BEEP .2,5: BE
EP . 2 , - 5 : NEXT a
3300 PRINT AT 17,+;" ";AT 18,f;
• •

3400 LET g=8"l: PRINT ; INK 7; P

APER 0;AT 2,28;g;AT l , 2 8 i j - l | "
•: LET j = j - l
3500 IF g=0 OR j=0 THEN GO TO 4
000
510 GO TO 2400 3600 GO TO 2400
900 REM *OPENING* 4000 REM *CLOSING*
910 BORDER 0: PAPER 5: CLS 4050 FOR b=1 TO 3
920 PRINT J INK 1iAT 5 , 7 } " I F BA 4100 FOR a=7 TO 0 STEP -1
LL HITS TOP-";AT 7,7;"CATCHER DE 4200 BORDER a
STROYED*;AT 12,6;"TO MOVE CATCHE
4300 BEEP .1,a
R USE";AT 1 4 , I I ; " < - OR ->";AT 16 4400 NEXT a
,6;"(AFTER CANNON FIRES)" 4500 NEXT b
930 FOR a=l TO 20: BEEP . l , a : B 5000 REM *NEW GAME*
EEP . 1 , 2 0 - a : NEXT a: CLS 5100 PRINT ; INK l;AT 5,9;'FOR N
1000 REM If S E T S STAGE* (NB " GRAPH I EW G A M E - " ; A T 7,9;"PRESS --ENTER"
• • *
CS"+A,B,C)
>
1100 FOR a=19 TO 21: FOR b=0 TO 5200 IF INKEY*=CHR* 13 THEN GO
31: PRINT ; INK 4;AT a , b ; " B " ; : N TO 5400
EXT b: NEXT a
5300 GO TO 5200
1200 PRINT AT 14,1;"S"!TAB 0;"WM
5400 IF s >h THEN LET h=s
";TAB 0;"LB'JTAB 0;"B";TAB 0;"0*
5450 PRINT ; INK 7; PAPER 0;AT 2
1300 FOR a=0 TO 2: FOR b=0 TO 31 , 9 ; 0 ; - -;AT i , 2 8 ; 5 0 ; A T 2,28;7;
: PRINT ; INK 0;AT a , b ; " B " ; : NEX AT l , 9 ; h
T b: NEXT a 5500 PRINT AT 1 7 , ' } A T 18,f;
1400 PRINT ; INK 7; PAPER 0;AT 1 " ; AT 5,9; " " ; AT 7
,1;"HIGHEST:0";TAB 155"CANNON BA
, 9». • •
LLS:50";TAB l;"SCORE :0•;TAB 15
5600 GO TO 2000
;"CATCHERS :7"
6000 REM *CREATES GRAPHICS*
1500 PRINT ; INK 6JAT 17,15;"C";
6100 LET z= 255
AT 18,14; 'WM'
6200 FOR a=1 TO 4
1600 FOR a =1 TO 20: BEEP .1,20-a
6300 READ a*
: BEEP . l , a : NEXT a
6400 FOR b=0 TO 7
2000 REM ^INITIALISES VARIABLES
6500 READ c: POKE USR a*+b,c
ETC*JNB "GRAPHICS"+D)
6600 NEXT b
2100 LET 5=0
6700 NEXT a
2200 LET +=14
6800 DATA " A ' , 0 , 0 , 0 , 0 , 0 , 0 , 3 , 3
2300 LET g=7
6900 DATA " B " , 3 , 3 , 0 , 0 , 0 , 0 , 0 , 0
2350 LET i =0
7000 DATA " C " , 2 5 2 , 2 5 4 , z , z , z , z , z ,
2375 LET j=50
z
2400 LET c=INT (RND*2+1)
7100 DATA "D",60,126,239,223,223
2500 LET e=INT (RND*2+1)
,z,126,60
2600 LET d = 14 + c
7200 GO TO 900
2700 LET dd=l
2800 LET a=l+e
2900 LET aa=1 • •• %
v %• <
2950 PRINT INK 7 ; AT 14,3;"D";A

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 115

 ZX81 GAME

Alphcmumerics
Darren-John Norbury of
Andover sent us this 1 or 2
player game to make you
think!

A l p h a n u m e r i c s is l>ast?cl u p o n
the television quiz g a m e ' Count
d o w n ' . It is designed to lest the
p l a y e r ' s (or p l a y e r s ' ) q u i c k
thinking and agility w i l h letters
and numbers.
The g a m e is divided i n t o e i g h t
rounds, six of w h i c h arc letters
games, making the test
n u m b e r s g i i n i e s . In the letters
games the c o m p u t e r w i l l pick
nine letters totally at r a n d o m
I f o l l o w ii ig the ' v e r b oi c o n s o
n.int p i o m p t w h i c h is the only
say Di.it Die player lias in this
< box ii( letters) a n d display
[ l i n n The idea then, is t o m a k e
its long .1 w o n I .is possible inside
the allocated thirty seconds
(very rough t i m i n g ! f r o m the
displayed letters. A scoring
p r o m p t occurs at the end of
each g a m e . T h e letters g a m e s
are g a m e s 1 , 2 , 3 . 5 , 6 and 7
G a m e s 4 arid 8 . therefore,
.ire the n u m b e r s g a m e s . In this
case the c o m p u t e r p e r f o r m s the
c h o o s i n g p r o c e s s itself a n d
c o m e s up w i t h a display of 6 tan
d o m l y p i c k e d n u m b e r s , five of
w h i c h h a v e c o m e f r o m the
range 1 to 10 a n d the s i x t h of
w h i c h w i l l be either 2 5 , 5 0 . 7 5
or 1 0 0 . F o l l o w i n g this a target
figure w i l l be displayed The idea
of the g a m e is, using the four
m a t h e m a t i c a l operations (addi- scores then the higher scorer
tion. s u b t r a c t i o n , m u l t i p l i c a t i o n claims the points (the points be-
and division), to manipulate the ing equal to the number of let
t o p n u m b e r s to arrive at the ters in t he player's w o r d ) and the
target figure (using each of t h e lower scorer receives zero. If the
t o p n u m b e r s only once, if at all). n u m b e r of l e t t e r s e a c h has
Once again, a scoring p r o m p t a c h i e v e d is equal t h e n b o t h
appears at the end of the g a m e . players get the points a c c o r d i n g
to Ihe value of the w o r d s made.
A l p h a n u m e r i c s can be played In the numbers g a m e each per-
by either 1 or 2 people. If y o u ' r e son a l w a y s scores a c c o r d i n g to
playing alone then simply enter i n s t r u c t i o n laid d o w n by the
your score at the e n d of each c o m p u t e r , regardless of w h o is
r o u n d as p r o m p t e d W h e r e t w o nearer (unless, of course, they
people play, h o w e v e r , the scor are m o r e t h a n 1 5 adrift).
ing is slightly d i f f e r e n t , In the let The maximum points
ters game each of the players available in this g a m e are 8 0 ; m y
c o m p a r e their respective personal best is 4 6 , o n the one
scores. If there is a d i f f e r e n c e in player o p t i o n . Good luck!

l R E M Al P H A N l ' M F R I C S 4 7 I F A= 7 T H E N G O T O 300
6 1 F T S = 0 *=0 P R I N T " R O U N D " ; R " I S A L E T
•1
I F T A = 0 T P S G A M E

1 n P R I N T " a 1 p h a n u m c f : 5 1 F O R F = 1 TO 5 0
H
C 5 5 2 N E X T F

1 1 P R I N T 2 0 0 D I M ( 5 )

1 2 P R I N T " HOW M A N Y P L A Y E R S ( 1 7 ! 0 L E T V * ( 1 ) * " A "

OR 2 ) r>" 2 1 1 L E T V * ( 2 ) = " E "

LL J LL
1 3 I N P U T P 2 1 2 L E T V « C3> =
H Q , .
1 5 F O P T = 1 T O B 2 1 3 L E T ( 4 ? =
» U II
1 7 P R I N T " I N P U T N A M E " J I 2 1 4 L E T ( 5 ) =
N R I
1 8 I F 1 = 1 T H E N I N P UT G * i 'J D I M C * ( 2 ! >
J L E T n p .1
t ^ I F 1 = 2 T H E M I N P U T H I C $ ( 1 ) =
II P II
2 0 I F 1 = 1 T H E N L E T G S = 0 7 7 2 L E T C ® < 2 ) =

2 1 I F 1 = 2 T H E N L E T H S = 0 7 2 3 L E T C $ < 3 ) - M D "

7 2 N E X T I 2 7 4 L E T a (4 1 =
LL P * "

F O R F = 1 TO L 5 0 2 2 5 L E T C * < 5 ) = " G "

2 5 M E X T F 226 L F T C S ( 6 ) = " H "

» J <•
7 6 CL.S 2 7 7 L E T CS< 7 ) -

7 0 F O P R = 1 T O 8 2 2 S L E T C ® ( 8 ) = " K "

4 0 I F R = 4 T H E N L E T A = 2 7 2 9 L E T C S ( 9 ) = " L "

4 1 I F R = 5 T H E N L E T A = 0 2 3 0 L E T C * ( 1 0 ) = » M "

4 2 I F R = 3 T H E N L E T A = 2 2 3 1 L E T C S ( 1 1 ) s ' N "
I| P LL
4 4 I F A ~ 2 2 3 2 L E T C $ ( 1 2 )
=
T H E N P R I N T " R O UN D " ;
(L » 2 3 3 L E T C $ ( 1 3 ) = " Q "
R ; I S A N U M B E R S G A M E

4 5 f o p r = i TO 5 0 2 3 4 L E T ( 1 4 ) — " R "

N E X T F 2 3 5 L E T C * ( 1 5 ) = " S "

116 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986

 ZX81 CAME

236 LET C$(16)="T" 830 DIM ES(5,3)

237 LET C$(17)*"V" 840 LET E$(L)="25"
233 L.ET C${18)="W" 84 1 LET E$( 2 ) = "50"
239 LET C*(19)= "X" 847 LET E$(3)="50"
240 LPT CS ( 2 0 ) = " Y " 843 LET E$(4)="100"
241 LET CT(21)="Z" 844 LET ES(5)="75"
250 CLS 370 LET F = I NT <RND*5)+1
260 PRINT "VOWEL OR CONSONANT? 330 PRINT
(V OR C?)" S90 PRINT E<£(F);" •;
265 FOR T=1 TO 9 =>20 FOR 1=1 TO 5
270 INPUT BS 930 LET W = I NT (RND* 10 >+ 1
280 IF B$="V" THEN GOTO 300 940 PRINT W; RT
290 IF BS="C" THEN GOTO 350 950 NEXT I
300 LET D=INT <RND*5)+1 955 PRINT
305 PRINT " ";VS(D)J 956 LET H=0
3 \ 0 GOTO 370 960 LET H=INT (RND*1000)+1
350 LET D = I NT (RND*21)+1 1000 PRINT "THE TARGET FIGURE IS
360 PRINT " B ;CS(D); "; H
370 NEXT T 1 005 PRINT
380 PRINT 1010 PRINT "YOU HAVE 3 0 SECS TO
390 PRINT "YOU NOW HAVE 30 SEC. G E T ,AS N E A R "
S I N WHI CH- 1 020 P R I N T -AS POSSIBLE"
4 0 0 RP I NT " T O MAKE THE LONGEST 1030 FOR F= 1 TO 100
WORD YOU " 104O NEXT F
410 PRINT "CAN FROM THE ABOVE L 104 5 PRINT
ETTERS" 1050 PRINT "START"
420 POR F=1 TO 100 1055 PRINT
C0R P=1
425 PRINT 1060 TO 900
4T0 P R I KIT " ST ART " 1070 NEXT F
440 FNP F=1 TO 900 1 030 PRINT "STOP"
444 NEXT F 1090 PRINT "ENTER YOUR SCORE - I
44 = PF: I N T 0 POINTS "
JFCO P P I N T "FINISH" 1 1 0 0 P R ! NT "FOR SPOT ON, 5 FOR W
4 70 PRINT ITHIN 15"
4 SO PRINT "NOW CHECK THE VALID: 1 1 02 PRINT
TY OF
YOUR" 1 1 C4 PRINT "WHAT HAS "!G$;" SCOR
490 PRINT "WORD AND ENTER YCL'R ED?"
SCORE • n 1 105 I N P U T G>
500 PP I NT » pnX NTS CPP USING 1 1 0 6 L E T GS = GS + Q
" LETTER?" 1 107 IF B= 1 THEN GOTO 2000
505 PRINT 1 103 PRINT "WHAT HAS "}HSJ" SCOP
c^ O P R I N T "WHAT HAS i ii rL tt> it " 3CCR "

ED*"' ! 0° I NP'JT V
510 INPUT 0 1 1 1 0 I E T H S= H S + V
M ! L E T GS - G S * Q 2000 NEXT P
512 I C S= 1 THEM GOTO 20 10 CI r
C ( —
"WHAT HAS 11 QJ-^ip 201 2 PR T NT v •v-**yv.
PRINT " (HE;
E r*- 1 " * "

514 INPUT V 2013 PRINT FINAL SCOPH

5 15 L E T H S = HS + V c »

525 PR I N T 2014 PRINT * * * * * * X* * **

530 GOTO r000 *"

800 CLS 2016 PRINT GS;" SCORED ; GS

310 PRINT "POUND " ;P ; " IS A MUM 2017 PRINT
BERS GAME " 2018 P R I NT H$;" SCORED ";HS
320 PR I N T "HERE APE YOUR 5 ML'ME 201« PRINT
ERS" 20<20 P P T NT "MAXIMUM =30"

117 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1986

 ZX81 CAME

board (lines 2 5 0 0 - 2 5 4 0 1 .
N o w , using the cursor keys,
y o u m o v e the letters a r o u n d (ob-
viously y o u c a n only m o v e each

Letter Puzzle
letter horizontally or vertically
into the e m p t y square). This is
dealt w i t h in lines 1 0 0 3 7 0 . The
m o v e s y o u make are c o u n t e d ,
and a hi score (or rather a low-
score) is kept for finding the
s o l u t i o n in the least possible
moves.
A beautiful presentation of the block You will find that there are

puzzle game from Joao Campos of

s o m e initial settings that do not
a l l o w f o r a proper s o l u t i o n ;
t h a t ' s w h e n the last three letters
Portugal. are M - O - N instead of M N O; in
this case, either press the " F "
key to restart g a m e , or w a i t for
the c o m p u t e r to tell y o u that the
I have used letters in this version s o l u t i o n is i m p o s s i b l e (lines
rather t h a n the more o f t e n used 5 0 0 0 5 0 1 0 ) and invite y o u t o
A$ and B$ The t w o possible s o l u t i o n s . n u m b e r s , the m a i n reason being restart llines 4 1 4 0 - 4 1 7 0 ) .
C$ Set of the 1 5 letters + space. that e a c h square is represented
0$ Auxiliary set, t o load L$ r a n d o m l y . by only one character, and this
G$ and H$ The t w o " s o l u t i o n i m p o s s i b l e " c o n f i g u r a t i o n s . means it is easier to identify for
I and J Loop c o n t r o l variables. moving.
K$ INKEY$ hold. Once y o u have ENTERed and
L$ Letter d i s p o s i t i o n in the board. S A V E d the final version and y o u
M Original position of the m o v e d letter. have RUN the p r o g r a m then,
R R a n d o m pointer to C$ and D$ . after the title page has been
RCD Hi score. displayed, y o u have the o p t i o n
S Moves counter. of c h o o s i n g f r o m t w o solutions
s$ Initial o p t i o n (0,1 or 2 ) . of the puzzle. Y o u may c h o o s e
V E m p t y p o s i t i o n in the board. solution number one, or t w o , or,
X and Y Printing c o o r d i n a t e s ( c o l u m n a n d line). by pressing 0 , take any of the
t w o (lines 1 0 0 0 - 1 2 2 0 ) . The
This p r o g r a m is about 5 . 7 K long. c o m p u t e r t h e n s h u f f l e s the let-
ters (this is done in FAST m o d e
lines 6 0 0 - 9 9 0 ) and displays
f-igt/re I The main variables the initial d i s p o s i t i o n of the

130 LEI L s (M; = " "

1 9 0 L E T 5 = 3 + 1
2 0 0 P R I N T h T 13 3 + i 3 < 1 0 0 ) •MS 10
i ;S
2 1 0 GOSUB 3 0 0
2 1 5 I F L $ =G 5 OR L $ =H $ THEN C-0~0
5000
2 2 0 I F L $ = H « OR _ $ =6$ THEN GOTO
4-000
2 3 0 GOTO 1 0 0

•
3 0 0 LET Y =3 t I N T S U / 1 0 > t 2
MOUES 310 .FT X =3* •U-INT ( U / 1 0 ) * 1 0
3 2 0 P R I N T hT Y;>: TAB X i
13 j (U) ; " | " ; TAB X
0 LET Y = 3 * I N T tM 1 0 . i + 2
3 4 0 i_ET /•' = 3-*• <:M-INT ( H / 1 0 ! - 1 0 . 4 .
3 5 0 P R I N T AT Y ; X ; " ";TAB X
";TAB X;"
3 6 0 L E T U=M
7 0 RETURN
600 FH5"
610 DIM A $ ( 5 4 )
5 RHND 6 2 0 D I M B5 ' 5 4 I
10 GOSUB 3 0 0 0 630 DIM L $ • 54•
2 0 GOSUB 1 0 0 0 640 L E T OS = " f l B C D E F G H I J K L M N O
30 GOSUB 6 0 0 645 LET D$=C$
100 I F INKEY5=" THEN GOTO 1 0 0 650 FOR 1 = 1 1 TO 1 4
1 2 0 LET K 5 =INKEY% 5 6 0 LET H ; I I • =C 5 ; I - 1 0 1

1 3 0 I F K $ = : F : ' THEN GOTO 4-14-0 670 LET 5 5 ( I ) = 0 5 ( 4 * 1 - 4 - 3 )

1 4 0 I F K 5 < " 5 " OR • K$ > " 3 ThEf-i GO 660 GOSUB 9 0 0
TO 1 0 0 6 9 0 NEXT J
150 LET M = U : K | ) - 1 0 * £K$ = 6 7 0 0 FOR 1 = 2 1 TO 2 4
i +10 + ( K $ =711:« - i K $ = " 3 " ) 7 1 0 L E T A $ i I ; = C S i I - 1 6 . i
1 6 0 I F L $ t M; = ' THEN GOTO 1 0 0 720 LET S5 1 I ) = 0 5 !. 4 * I - S 2 m
1 7 0 LET L $ i U ; =LE tM) 730 GOSUB 90.0

118 ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6

 ZX81 GAME

i M-t?
—r a tI iNpf"c* A
' " 1 I" T
J. 2050 PRINT RT MOUES";TRB 2
""50 r ' j h . j. — w' j. t 34 4 ; " H I - S C O R E " ID R O D < > 1 0 0 0
750 LET R$ ( I ) = C $ ( I - 2030 PRINT RT 1 3 . 5 ; 3
^70 LET R$ (1) = C $ : 4 * 1 - 1 2 1 ) 2035 IF RCD<>1000 THEN PRINT R
7 . 5 Ci G0 S U£ 900 1 3 , 2 3 + ( R C D < 1 0 0 ) + (RCD <10) ; P C D
790 NEXT I 2070 FOR 1=11 TO 14
S00 FOR 1=41 TO 2030 GOSUB 2500
310 LET R $ ( I ) = C 5 ( 1 - 2 3 ) 2090 NEXT I
320 L E T B $ • I ) =C:5 ( 4 * 1 - 1 6 0 ) 2100 FOR 1=21 TO 2 4
330 GOSUB 900 2110 GOSUB £500
40 NEXT X 2120 NEXT I
350 GO S U B .2000 2130 FOR 1=31 TO 3 4
330 SLOW 2140 GOSUB 2500
370 RETURN 2150 NEXT I
900 i_ET R = I N T (RND*15) +1 2130 FOR 1=41 TO 4 4
910 IP D$(Si T H E N GOTO 930 2170 GOSUB 2500
'="20 L E T R=R + 1 2130 NEXT I
930 IF R >13 THEN LET R=1 2190 RETURN
94.0 GOTO 910 2500 LET Y = 3 * I N T ( 1 / 1 0 ) + 2
950 LET L$ (I) =C$(R) 2510 LET X = 3 * ( I - I N T ( 1 / 1 0 ) +10>
930 L E T D $ (R • = " + " 2530 IF i_$ ( I ) ' > " " THEN PRINT
970 IF L $ ( I ) = " THEN LET U= I v1 t • , ' F 3 * * ' " ; T R B X "I M s (I) ; " i
930 LET G $ =R % RB X; • LHJ"
931 LET G S ( 4 2 > =R $ ( 4 3 ) 2540 RETURN
932 LET G$ ( 4-3) = R $ ( 4 2 ) ^000 LET RCD=1000
933 LET H$=Bs 3010 PRINT 1 J , C A M P O S " J T A B 2"
934 LET H$ (24-) = B $ ( 3 4 ) 34"
935 LET H$ (34-) = B $ ( 2 4 ) 3020 PRINT
990 RETURN 3030 PRINT
1000 CLS
1020 P R I N T TwE. 9: 3040

103 0 PRINT AT 2 ; ? : " — o e M f i B 1 3050 PRINT

9; : , , ,AT 3 , 7 ; " IhBlCJ " ; T A B 1 fij&K. ^ L
9 , ' inEThi ' : TRB 7 " i EFGHi <1 '; TRB 3030 PRINT
19; 11 I B F J N I ; TRB 7; " JIJKLi " ; TAB 1 3 0 7O PRINT
7; " 2 • iCGKOi ThB 7 ; " |MNO i " ; T A B
19. jPHL I -; TRB 7 . " 1 "; TRB 1 3030 PKINT
q " • • in 1 1 >i gjg I B t "
104-0 P R I N T AT 9 , 2 ; "CHOOSE YOUR 0 309O PRINT
P T I O N : "
1050 PRINT ; , T h B 2 ; " 8 FOR SOLUTI 3110 - P I N T
ON 1 j " d J j L i m u j A i & f e i
1030 PRINT , •, T H B 2; FOR SOLUTI 3120 PRINT , , ; , , . T R B 3; (PRESS R
ON 2 ; " NY KEY)"
1370 PRINT ..THB 2 ; "13 FOR ANY OF 3130 IF INKEY $ = '" T H E N GOTO 3130
THE TUG . 3140 RETURN
1030 If :NKEY$ <> "HEN GOTO 103 4000 IF 3$ = " 1 " R N D L $ < > R $ OR 3 3 =
" 2 " RND L 5 < B$ T H E N GOTO 100
1090 IF I N KEY 5 = " T H E N GOTO 1090 4010 FOR 1 =1 TO 10
110.0 L E T 5 $ = I N KEY 5 402C PRINT wT 2 0 , 2 ; flfaHTTrf^-^y^
1110 IF S$<"S" OP 3 5 > " S " THEN GO CONGRATULATIONS."
TO 1030 4030 IF 3 > =RCD T H E N GOTO 4060
1120 PRINT RT 1 3 . 5 ; " * YOU CHOSE 4040 P R I N T RT 1 0 , 2 5 ; " R NEW"
OPTION CHR$ (CODE S$+12S) 404-5 P R I N T T R B 2 4 ; " H I - S C O R E "
1130 PRINT RT 2 0 . 3 ; " T O NO'JE _ET~ 4050 PRINT RT 1 3 , 2 3 + i S ' 1 0 0 ) + :S I
ERS, ;TAB 3; USE KEYS 5 5 7 3' 0) ; 5
1140 FOR 1 = 1 TO 125 4030 FOR J = 1 TO 2
1150 NEXT I 4070 NEXT J
1130 CLS 4-030 P R I N T RT 2 0 , 2 ; " Y O U MADE I ~ .
1 1 7 0 Tr-.r\ T.IT
~ r> J. • 1
QT
n t 35J2T*Z^qsgsM^a
W I S H T O 5T OP , j' , 4 0 911 0 I F 3 <RCD THEN PRINT RT 10 2
p" n If C^ • ^.TBCTI—t
,
M T
- , , , Ti-R ' ^ i J. '0 '. TR
er • " 3 H U F F .
B*
D •_• i-1_
r -r-—
i 1 ! —
~
4 1 0 0 FOR J = 1 T O 2
1 1 3 0 F ~'R J = 1 T.1U 4 1 1 0 NEXT J
1190 NEXT I 4 1 2 0 NEXT I
1200 L E T 3 4 1 3 0 IF THEN LET RCD=3
RT 21
1220 KETURN
4 145 IF I N K E Y S <> ' THEN GOTO 4-14
3
2010 PRINT AT 3, 4 1 5 0 IF I N K E Y 5 =' T H E N GOTO 4150
AT 1 3 , 3 ; " =Bn 4 1 3 0 CLS
R T 4. 3 I g H M M 4 1 7 0 GOTO 20
S, I M S . 5 0 0 0 PRINT RT 2 0 , 6 ; W l A f c E S T C ^ S
2020 FOR 1=5 TO 13
2030 PRINT RT 1 , 8 ; " H ;TRB 22; 5010 GOTO 4-140
1 9000 SAUE "PUZZLg"
2040 NEXT I 9010 RUN

ZX COMPUTING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 9 8 6 119

 ZX COMPUTING
Lineage: 40p per word F^ J
Semi display: €9.00 per single column centimetre Ring 01 - 437 0699
for informalion on series bookings/discounts.
Send your requirements to:
STUART TAYLOR
All a d v e r t i s e m e n t s in this s e c t i o n must be prepaid.
A d v e r t i s e m e n t s are a c c e p t e d s u b j e c t to the terms a n d c o n d i t i o n s A S P Ltd., 1 G o l d e n S q u a r e ,
p n n t e d on t h e advertisement rate c a r d (available o n request). L o n d o n W1
•
1 • UTILITIES SOFTWARE 1

SPECTRUM TAPE AND DRIVE

TRANSFER UTILITIES
ALL S P E C T R U M o w n e r s n e e d T C ? - o u r s p e c i a i i a l t a p e u t i l i t y S e n d SAE tor FULL
HORSE RACING WINNERS
D E T A I L S of this a m a z i n g a n d w i d e l y used p r o g r a m
• Integral header reade-
* i n c l u d e s B A U D R A T E (speed) measurer A l l e r a p r o f i t a b l e Hat season we have i n t r o d u c e d an e x c i t i n g p r o g r a m tor the
* can save high speert |erky parts in " n o r m a l f o r m tor DRIVE transfer N a t i o n a l Hunt — the B R I M A R O O N J U M P F O R M U L A
• -.0 m a n y extra features wfs c a n ' ! possitny list them here Just try H a n d see As m e
market leadei w e c a n t aftord to let y o u d o w n This is N O T A G A M E , b u t a s e n o u s p r o g r a m tor a n y o n e interested in making
C O S T only £6.50 (Of £9.99 o n c a r t r i d g e w i t h MT6 a special m drive p r o g r a m — money o u t of horse r a c i n g However, y o u d o n ' t have t o have r a c i n g k n o w l e d g e l o
£7.50 w i t h M T 6 o n tape) use the p r o g r a m it >s user f r i e n d l y a n d g u i d e s y o u t h r o u g h o u t

It d e a l s d i f f e r e n t l y w i t h i n e v a r i o u s t y p e s of races a n d i n c l u d e s past form. speed

TAPE TO DRIVE TRANSFER OF RECENT

I gufes g o i n g , d i s t a n c e winners, ctass of horst-s trainers at d i f l o r e n l c o u r s e s . etc
a n d i n c o r p o r a t e s m u c h specialised racing k n o w l e d g e

PROGRAMS T h i s k n o w l e d g e w a s put to g o o d use dvi'ing the Hat season w h e n , despite the poor
s u m m e r and i1s effect o n results, o u r flat p r o g r a m the Briroardon F o i m u l n
recorded on i n c r e d i b l e 39®° profit m a r g i n A l l <esulls are f u l l y c h e c k a b l e
Yes S P E C T R U M o w n e r s n o w have .1 L O W C O S T w a y ot t r a n f e r r i n g m a n y of even
m e L A T E S T h i g h s p e e d ' l e r k y p r o g r a m s t o their drives You w i l l bo amazedl Other Our c u s t o m e r s w e i o naturally d e l i g h t e d '
m e t h o d s are expensive or very limned.
"/ am most impressed by your oflo'ls to make racing pay • Mr G. T fCarhslej
Fir'.My y o u need our M O i 1; I tor m - d r i v e l or WD16 (lor Wafa or Disc drive They give
y o u the loots l o c o n v e r t p r o g r a m s so that Ihey will run o n your drive Includes Thanks for giving ma the etitjo ovor the nooktes - Mr. J.T. 'Wigan)
ability t o c o p e w i t h v l o n y p r o t j i a m s c a n s p t i l / c h o p byles in one g o . ' VAL creator,
FIEMkili make Visible, etc. etc FULL m a n u t i (highly r a l o d by C R A S H : w t l h "Ploase lot me know it you nave a National Hunt program as good as the Bnmardon
e x a m p l e transfers i a l s o n e ^ r l T'C7 lor latest p r o g r a m s : M D l b or W D 1 b cost £6.99 Formula ' - Mr S.H. t Hertford!
Manages mote programs" - Your S p e c l r u m ( T C 7 3'SO needed tor latest
Very many thanks lor two wonclorlut programs which are such fun to use and
programs)
worth every pound spent on them ' Mr T II iHomel Hempstead,
I have lound your program excellent • Mr C.S 'Woodley

LERM INFORMATION SHEETS Thank you very much lor a f00% service • Mr J H r Blackburn)
A return oICI80 Mr. J.G. tPrestwick)
E a c h sheel gives y o u the D E T A I L E D i n s t r u c t i o n s r e q u i r e d t o transfer 8 ot the m o r e
Full i n s t r u c t i o n s are a l s o senl on how to adapt the p r o g r a m t o your o w n n e e d ; a n d
P O P U L A R p r o g r a m s lo drive using our s o f t w a r e T n e y c o s t £ 1 each plus SAE. J p t o
i n c l u d e any ideas of y o u r o w n if y o u wish t o do so
sheel 5 avaiiabie.
TRANSFER PACK - T C 7 - M T 6 M D 1 b on C A R T R I D G E * i n f o r m a t i o n sheet* 1-3 PRICE £20 Ithis i n c l u d e s f u l l o p e r a t i n g i n s t r u c t i o n s and 10 pages o l d e t a i l e d
all tor £15.30 (other drive o w n e r s get p r o g r a m s o n tape - sheets l o t same price w i t h g u i d e l i n e s o n h o w to make r a c i n g pay)
WD l b r e p l a c i n g M D I b ) .
U P D A T E SERVICE: for lalest version o n v o u r L E R M prodtiC! send o l d tape arge
SAE to get a £2 R E D U C T I O N OVERSEAS: a d d £ t Europe. £2 o t h e r s for e a c h
p r o d u c t SAE lor enquiries Available for B B C ( B ) , S P E C T R U M , C o m m o d o r e , A m s t r a d .
S e n d c h e q u e or P.O. for r e t u r n of post service to
ALL P R O G R A M S CARRY OUR M O N E Y B A C K G U A R A N T E E (not u p d a t e * )
B R I M A R D O N C O M P U T E R R A C I N G SERVICE
LERM. OEPT ZX. 10 B R U N S W I C K G D N S . C O R B Y , N O R T H A N T S NN18 9ER. 48, P i e r r e m o n t Road, D a r l i n g t o n D L 3 6 D H

O t h e r r a c i n g software also availaD e. i n c l u d i n g the p r o l i t a b l e BRIMAROON

F O R M U L A for the tlal Details o n request

PUNTERS PARTNER FREE S P E C T R U M software oan

W n l l r n by a mathcmiilx'iin. fotmcily when you iOtn our library Games
permutation adviser for a leading pools educations .' Utilities available Full
VIDEO
rifrm
INTERFACE 007 FOOTBALL Of »ll forecasting mclhtxte I
have seen I consider yours the most
details I torn Cygnet Software'. 412
Fulbndge Road Wemngton. Peter-
The Ullimate device to transfer bcillian Mr E D of Somerset (copy to this
magazine) borough, Cambs PE4 6SE
ANY program, even Hyper Loads By a n a l y s i n g r e c e n t r e s u l t s an
to a Microdrive (Wafa/Disc- XXX V I D E O ACCUHA1E raling is computed tor each
team 'about 65 lor lowly Dn 4 o r S c o l s 2 t o
S E N S A T I O N A L postal software
drtve versions available shortly) 100 for a lop c l a i i clubl TRUE ODDS for bargains for Amsirad. Atan BBC
Simply load as normal, press a T e l e p h o n e (day or night) any match between these teams are C o m m o d o r e (ail f o r m a l s ) .
button on interlace 007 a n d i h e 0373 - 830563 displayed
HOMES AWAYS DRAWS shown order
Electron. Spectrum For Iree list
program Iree/es. Press a key & FOR DETAILS o l -nent send a SAE or phone Teletex
a special copy Saved to tape TREBLE CHANCE matches selected in Ihu Cleckhealon 0274 875299 2 8
same pattern as score d'aws occur on Ihe
Reload this by MERGE ' Enter Glossy list from: XXX Video coupon Brooklyn Court, Bradford Road.
GO TO 2 and program virtually Ciub, 2 Streatham High Rd.. UNIQUE scciiinulalive o d d ! calcu'slnr for Cleckheaton. W Yorks
lumps onto cartridge. Cartridges London SW16 individual (lued) odds betting
RACING Popular bets explained Com-
ALARMS
(You must be over 18 to ask for details)
Load independent of interface. prehensive calculator gives felums from
almost any bet
INTERFACE 007 . £29.95 EASY TO USE lull instructions given
{plus f l 50 Reg postage! FOR S A L E throughout Past results 4 team names are
in the program Updating cculdn't be
B U R G L A R A L A R M Equipment
O ' s e a s Europe *£2 Others - £ 4 easiei Please visil our 2,000 sq, ft,
S I N C L A I R 16K rampacks for ONLY £8.95 (overseas please add £! p i p ) showrooms or write or phone for
ZX-GUARANTEED (Dept ZX) Z X 8 1 . £ 6 . i n c l u d i n g VAT & BOXOFT (Dept Z)6S ALLANS MEADOW. your Iree catalogue. CWAS Lid.,
29 Chadderton Drive. Urisworth. NESTON. SOUTH WIRRAL L64 9SO
postage Halbar. Unit 1 Bury Walk, Tel: 051-33$ 2668 100 Rooley Avenue, Bradford BD6
Bury. Lanes. Tel: 061-766 5712 Available lor 48K Spectrum only IDB, Telephone (0274) 731532,
Bedford. Beds
 TO ADVERTISE YOUR REPAIRS AND
SPARES SERVICE PHONE STUART TAYLOR
01-437 0699
COMPUTER REPAIRS FREEPOST
SINCLAIR
SPECTRUM REPAIRS
rtctfrfeiMttil! rm'ojwivtrtSntisrcynpijlws
sf«< ir« rtraiiKi w c( ffif DW
Boat »ailE n w m Hlrsate w i t f i i SinctMr
COMPUTER REPAIRS
Kffijwm at preeqtBteCiirclu&He carta isiair. All m a c h i n e * d e s p a t c h e d w i t h i n 72 G u a r a n t e e d Six M o n t h s
CCStia;. VAt, fncswtvt 0 laJI V: tiiXM «»!()!'. h o u r s o l receipt We have been maintaining all types ot computer syslems from
Recurs guai jfllttd lot 3 monies S p e c l r u " i £ 17.00 ZX-81 £12.50
Spicfruni £1S;Srep»1s S p e c l r u m 16 t o 4BK upgrade £25.00
mainframes to micros for over 15 years and offer you:
l i n e parts. VAT a n d r e t u r n p o s t a g e )
OK El 1 SO nc pals
For a ( a i t a n d reliable service. s e n d
• Full overhaul and update with each repair
•t«Rim rt^S ncpali
UCra#M {15 55 nt pati m a n c m e . b n e l d e s c r i p t i o n o t fault a n d • Six months warranty on w hole computer not only the
Knfarr 1 11 flSftfleprt c h e q u e or postal o r d e r t o the e x p e r t s repair done
SUB Capital Computer Services, • 24hr turnaround on most faults - including soak test
Eft fWOO-parti Sinclair Depl.. 44 Rich's Road.
Etrew £1996 - parti Cardiff CF4 4AA.
• Returned to you by first class post fully insured
iKMtmriLqxKGwKil £15® Tol: (0222) 614401. • Freepost we pay the postage both ways
Civquwftelitnptoisepfxnt • All inclusive price lor any fault £20
&&txa< trade Pret M P ELECTRONICS (ZX), FREEPOST,
Cill or lord * i f tfeoje « P 0
TV. Servion el Cwntudqe Llil. DEREHAM. NORFOLK NR19 2BR
Frmcft i Road. Cmitrrt* CBdW Tel: 036287 327
I n (p?3 311371 BBC SPECTRUM REPAIRS
• S p e c t r u m repairs £18 96 mc parts,

S P E C T R U M REPAIRS •
insurance and p p
B B C B repairs £18 9r> • pints,
insurance and p • p
GIVE
S e n d your c o m p u t e r w i t h c h e q u e or
We expertly repair Speclrums
for Cl 7 inclusive of parts and
labour and relurn poslage
P O. for £18 95 and d e s c r i p t i o n o t tault
to SUREDATA (ZX).
Computer Service
YOUR SINCLAIR REPAIRS

BUSINESS
45 W y c h w o o d Avenue, E d g w a r e . New low li>ed prices Just look ill these —
Speclrums upgraded to 48K (or M i d d i . Tet: 01-951 0124 PL53 Speclmm/Plus £15.00
C34 inc P&P All keyboard Microdrive
Interface I
£18.00
£18.00
faults cosl only CI2
A BOOST
Interlace 2 £12.00
R. A. Electronics, ZX Printer £12.00
133 London Road South, Special winter otter t6-48K only £24 00
Please enclose briel description ot fault
Lowestoft. Suffolk.

CALL
SINCLAIR SERVICE CENTRE and £1 80 p i p lor each item sent to
Tel: (0502) 66289. Micro-Mend, Main Si, F « « l ,
Peterborough PEJ 3DB
Fast repair service for S p e c t r u m , ZX81. Tel: (0733) 241718

STUART
Interface 1 and r m c r o d n v e AH units
repaired to o r i g i n a l slnndard hy our
ZX S P E C T R U M REPAIRS H N C qualified Matt Average rnptur
CHECK THESE FACTS cost £15 but tor l i e r e s t i m a t e send your

TAYLOR
m a c h i n e w i t h £1 95 i r e t u r n p o s l a g e i
1 F AST R E L I A B L E SERVICE
w i t h a briel d e s c r i p t i o n of fault T u r n -
2 Q U A L I F I E D STAFF around appro* 24hrs. Established SPECTRUM REPAIRS
3 3 MONTH GUARANTEE International Service O u t w o r k is fully £14.95 inclusive of labour parts and p i p .
• • FREE P O S T E R • •

ON
g u a r a n t e e d Personal callers w e l c o m e Fast reliable service b y q u a l i f i e d c n g s
S e n d your m a c h i n e o n l y average r e p a . ' 2 4 h r s 3 m o n t h s guaran-
Plus ,1 c h e q u e ' P O for £ t 9 95 QUANTUM tee Ftw help Of odvit e ring
To M I C R O T R I X 33 City A r c a d e . C o v e n t r y C V t 3HX H S C o m p u t e r Services. Unit 2.

01-437
24 Gl. Moor SI B o l l o n BL1 1NP or p h o n e (0203) 24632 Of (0203) 7 t 4080 The Orchard. W a r l o n . Preston.
Tel 0304 396176 Lancashire PR4 1 BE Tel: (0772) 612686

0626
ACCESSORIES ELECTRONICS WANTED
« Connect a monitor t o your Spectiunt
E L E C T R O N I C S T A P E F O H 48K
• Super sharp text Superb colour graphics •
SPECTRUM • True T1VAnalogue outputs • come syncs
ZX S P E C T R U M
Fof small businesses and hobbyists Input
CAN YOU : im in 290
• Monitor quality pictures - no del crawl specification lor full det.rls of Any elect- Then call me now on 01 405 0978
•
•
Suns HGB monitors 4 monitor-'TVs
Simply plug - , into expansion port
ronic circuit SendCIS.00torqu*ckreptyto i Pat) anyiime
OUTPUT •
•
No Separate p<j*w Supply required
Mew through port version Anciws connection ot modems
N.J. E D W A R D S .
68. Woodhill Rise. C o s l m e y . Norwich

MODULE |0y 5lick interlace;, ele

Price £34 95 o• £36 95 (through portl • £ l p i p many addons pan 8
Norfolk NRS 0DW

software SAE lor details

20 Starling Close. B u c k h u r i l Hill Essex IG9 5TN
Tet. 01-504 2840

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lor handling ALL types ol programs,
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for full list l-iil-ih' HIHM
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 THIS IS MORE THAN JUST MANIPULATION OF USER
DEFINED GRAPHICS. You will find your own style develop-
ing as you become acquainted with the features of this
<•kjk I S stunning graphics package.
k* m The first time we saw ARTWORX we ended up staying at
| m the office till two in the morning! The more you work with
^ ^ ^ this program, the more you find you can do with it.
I » W h e n first loaded a comprehensive menu appears, bro-
\ * * \ v ken down into sections such as FREE, LINE, CIRCLE, POS-
Wjf 1 * ITION, ERASE and MODIFY. Within these are degrees of
1 1 lit 4 n n imii n variation accessed by moving the joystick controlled cur-
U/tKZt c o m e s sor to the option of your choice and hitting the fire button.

out oj
vrMl V / J the
f l l l t
I r i t S Hat
fli
TlUi
t h p 4 4 f l t The screen changes to "canvas" and your cursor be-
comes a tiny paintbrush activated and deactivated by

un to
is up
is Uou I
^ ^ I jou! •
pressing the fire button-
The speed at which the cursor moves and the thickness
of the lines you draw are controlled by a 1 - 4 keyboard

To change options, tap the space bar and you shoot back
to the menu to reselect.
You can create in modules on screen and then move
them around, reverse them, mirror them, expand or com-
press them, erase in part or in total, colour them using
"spray", "shade", background and paper selections.
Then combine the modules into a cohesive package and label using any of four typeface variations or select the User Defined
Graphics option and design your own typefaces! Save it or dump it to the printer, or, use Tasman's TasCopy to shade in grey scales
to the printer.
Also included is ARTWORX GALLERY- You can store up to five designs and recall, review at random or cycle your masterpiece to
create animation! This is one of those programs that once you see it run you've got to have one of your own.
ARTWORX is microdrive compatible, Kempston joystick compatible and will work with Tasman's Printer Interface, (or any printer
interface that uses printer buffer software). Create some magic of your own- ARTWORX. £ 9 , 9 5 includes VAT
Menu

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Question: What new Spectrum game program creates a whole new category of entertainment software, is neither arcade, nor adventure
based, and yet combines the thrill of c r m p e t i t i o n with a tough test of your general knowledge? time's up!I
Answer:
Answsr: TRIVIA 2000 - A detailed and fast paced version of the popular board game!
• Decide the number of players. • Determine how many questions each player is asked. • Fire u p the questions and see how well you can do.
The computer " t a u n t s " you, applauds your success and sympathizes when you are wrong. The scoreboard keeps track of each player's progress
and can be checked at any time - the number of questions asked to date, the percentage of the total answered correctly, all with as few disparaging
remarks as possible, (this program turns your Spectrum into an
arrogant machine!).
• ARTWORX Please add 50p
Trivia 2000 comes with a set of General Trivia Questions. You can • TRIVIA 2000
for shipping & handling
order more questions separately covering: Sports, Colour Code, Super • Please send information on " F R A M E " and 'TRUSS"
Sleuth and General Categories 1 and 2. Watch subsequent adverts for
new category listings
This is a great game individually or collectively and also a great way
Address
for non-computer users to experience the versatile attributes of the
Spectrum, (it's also a lot of fun!!). _£ 9 . 9 5
includes VAT
"FRAME" and "TRUSS" Postcode
At last, we have " F R A M E " and " T R U S S " programs that will put the

Rcimcx
Spectrum Plus to work for the Consulting Design Engineer, the Civil/ TM 17620 26 MILE ROAD
Structural and Mechanical Engineer as well as the Engineering student. WASHINGTON. MICHIGAN 48094 U S A
Please write for i n f o r m a t i o n and pricing. International Ltd. TELE: 01-313-781-5800
 n
M M i
hfl m
mm- software getting harder

rk

5 sf

SPECTRUM
&
AMSTR A D ^ J*
R.R.P. £8.95 ^ ^ ^

DURELL sates
dept., y y > v
Castle Lodge, Castle G r e e n , T a u n t o n T A 1 4 A B ^