RJScott: Have you ever thought of POKING your computer, but were afraid? When is a PEEK not a PEEK? Has that magnificent new contraption got you trapped with SYNTAX ERROR and FILE NOT FOUND ERROR? Do you ever want to KICK your 64? Well, that's why we're here tonight! You can PROGRAM it to KICK ITSELF! Put it in "A LOOP" and have it kick itself around the block! Make it say those nasty words to itself that you're not permitted to say! I'd like to introduce Paul Gernhard, Paul II, who is our Producer of the Commodore Information Network. Also with us is Christopher Santoro, Chris NH, who is the Supervisor of the QUANTUMLINK Guides. We hope to make this a fun and learning session for you folks who are new to computers. So fasten your seatbelts! Hands on the KEYS! Get ready, get SET….COMPUTE! Well Paul WAS here!
Chris NH: Tonight, we'll begin with a brief introduction to your C64's keyboard. Have you ever wondered what all of those keys do? We'll, here's a brief overview. 🙂 You use the computer's keyboard to relate instructions and information to your C64. It is important that you know the basics of how to use the keyboard and the special keys. The keyboard itself resembles and functions just as a typewriter keyboard does. There are a number of keys on your C64's keyboard which you don't normally find on a typewriter. The RETURN key is the most important. When you press the RETURN key, you are telling the computer to accept the information you've just typed. Normally, you must press RETURN to signal the computer to act on what you've just typed. The SHIFT key has two uses. When your computer is in "upper/lower case" mode (described later), the SHIFT key will give you the standard upper-case letters. In "upper case/graphic" mode, the SHIFT key will display the graphic character to the right on the front of the key. For example, in "upper case/graphic" mode, pressing SHIFT and the "-" key will display a vertical line. Another special key is the COMMODORE key. This is the key in the lower left-hand corner of the keyboard with the Commodore logo on it. This key has two uses: to be used with the RETURN key to change from "upper case/graphic" mode to "upper/lower case" mode and to produce graphics. When in "upper case/graphic" mode, it is used to produce the graphic symbol on the left on the front of the key. The "CLR/HOME" key, located in the upper right-hand corner of the keyboard, also has two uses. When pressed by itself, it places the cursor (the flashing square) in the upper left-hand corner of the screen. When you hold the SHIFT key and press the CLR/HOME key, you will clear the computer's screen. The "CRSR" keys are located in the lower right-hand corner of the keyboard. These keys are used to move the cursor. For example, to move the cursor to the right, you'd press the "CRSR" key with the arrow pointing to the right. To move the cursor to the left, simply hold the SHIFT key and press the CRSR key with the arrow pointing to the left (on top). The "INST/DEL" key, in the upper right-hand corner of the keyboard, will let you delete (erase) mistakes you have made. If you press this key once, your cursor will "back up" one space, erasing the character that used to be there. If you press SHIFT with the INST/DEL key, you will be able to insert one character where the cursor is. (INST/DEL stands for INSerT/DELete.) There are also function keys located on the right-hand side of your C64's keyboard. These keys might seem to do nothing when you press them but, when you're using a program that looks for the function keys (like the Q-Link software), the keys really WILL work. All of the functions I'm describing are used OFFLINE (when not connected to Q-Link). Some of these keys and functions do work while connected to Q-Link, however. Before you can save programs with your disk drive, you must first prepare the disks for use. This is called "formatting." By issuing a special "format" command, you tell the disk drive to get the disk ready to accept data. The disk cannot be used until this command is given to the computer.
RJScott: Well Paul made it back! Hello again Paul! Now onto some of your questions.
Chris NH: Before you format a disk, you must first decide on two pieces of information for the new disk: the disk's name and the disk's ID code. The name of the disk can be up to 16 characters long. The disk's ID is two characters long. You should try to assign a different ID to each of your disks. To do the actual formatting, type: OPEN15,8,15,"N0:diskname,id" CLOSE 15 This will prepare the disk for use.
Paul II: 'ello everyone! Had a minor problem getting here, but I did make it! 🙂
QuestionMy VICModem has a bad chip, where can I find the chip I need?
Paul II: Unless it is a standard chip you'll have problems getting it. Commodore does not repair the modems or stock parts for them. Generally Commodore will replace it for a minor charge. If it's the original VICModem you might find it just as inexpensive to buy a used on.
QuestionCan it hurt the computer if run a pencil along the cartradge port?
RJScott: Paul?
Paul II: Most likely you wounld have any real problems with it.. The materials in Pecil lead do conduct to a minor extent, but this shouldn't be noticed by the computer. But why risk it. I don't see much reason to run a pencil along it.
Questionwhen will you be getting new games?
RJScott: This Forum is centering on the use of your Commodore. You might wish to ask that question…. in our CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT under "Talk To Q-Link"
QuestionIs it necessary or a good idea to clean your disk drive with kits?
RJScott: There appear to be "pros" and "cons"…. on the issue of cleaning a drive with a commercial cleaner. I have 3 drives…2 of which have never been cleaned… and I have no better or worse performance for having cleaned ONE of them with a commercial disk drive cleaner.
Questionis there any GOOD not so expensive sound digitizing software for 64 that you can give me the address / phone number to?
Paul II: Off hand it's not the software that is expensive, it's the hardware required to do the digitizing that costs the most.
QuestionWhat happened to Hollywood Hotline? It hasn't been updated for a week.
Paul II: I would recomend that you check out the new product information section in the Commodore Information Network for more information.
Chris NH: Due to Q-Link's moving, certain services have not been updated as regularly as we would like. These services include the Hollywood Hotline. Once the move is completed, check back for newly- updated material. This should be in effect by the end of the week. 🙂
Questioncan you please tell me what bbs is and how it works evERYOne on here keeps telling me about this
Chris NH: A BBS is a "Bulletin Board System." BBS's are usually privately-run computerized message boards. Members from across the country can call the BBS and exchange messages and programs, much like a mini-Q-Link. Each BBS has one or more SysOps (System Operators) who run the BBS. For information and numbers of BBS's in your area, check the "Telecommunications" section of the "Commodore Community" area of the COMMODORE INFORMATION NETWORK.
QuestionHow can you output to the screen, in a program, to print UPPER and lower case letters?
RJScott: Paul?
Paul II: If you use a print statment such as: PRINT CHR$(14) at the start of your program it has the same effect as pressing the {SHIFT} {Commodore (C=)} keys and your program will switch to upper and lower case.
QuestionHow do you program the Function Keys for your own programs?
Paul II: Program keys on the C64 can be read just like any other key, they return charater codes. For instance, the below program will get a key and check to see if it's the F1 key… 10 GET A$ 20 IF A$ = CHR$(133) THEN PRINT "F1 KEY WAS PRESSED": END 30 PRINT "F1 KEY NOT PRESSED" 40 END
QuestionIs it bad to un/plug a joystick while the computer is on?
Paul II: From a technical point of view it is not a good idea to plug in or unplug ANYTHING from your computer or accesories when the computer is on.
RJScott: Especially in WINTER time when the air is dry.. Static electricity can be present…. and just TOUCHING that port can blow your sound chip (If port #2)
QuestionMy computer screen will suddenly phreak out, and i have to turn the computer on again. i seems to happen at least once a night. is thois because of my power pack going back?
RJScott: Paul?
Paul II: Before coming to Q-Link I spent two years with Commodore and I learned much about this problem. 9 times out of 10 you'll find it is a problem in your power supply. It's caused by the 5 volt regulater failing when it's hot. This will generally happen more often, and after a shorter period of time, if you have modems, Expanders or such pluged in.
QuestionHow deep a math background do I need to do some useful Basic programming?
Chris NH: You really don't need a very extensive mathematics background to learn to program. Most of the statements used by the computer are easy to understand. The PRINT command, for example, does exactly thata: prints information to the screen. As computers become more user-friendly, the old tale about having to be a math major to use computers will fade away.
RJScott: Paul, would you care to add to Chris' comments?
Paul II: You'll use as much math as your program needs to do the what you want it to. If you want it to add 1 and 1 and print it to the screen you'd use: PRINT 1+1 it's easy. Basic stands for BEGINNERS ALLPURPOSE SYMBOLIC INSTUCTION CODE That mean just that, it was writen for beginners and is simple and fun.!
QuestionIs there any good synthersizer for the c-64?
Paul II: It really depends on what kind of synthesizer you want. If you want a muci synthesiser the SID chip does a fine job, or you can use a MIDI interface to go to a keyboard music synthesizer. For voice there are several, most use hardware to do it. I have a original version of SAM, the Software Automated Mouth and if you can find one I would recomend it. Unfortunatly the company that published it isn't around anymore. Check out the New Products board, you'd be surprised what you'll find on this subject.
QuestionWhat's a good way to make this expensive toy earn its own keep?
RJScott: Chris?
Chris NH: There are a number of things you can do with your computer… You might want to check our "Money Machine" club, here on Q-L in the JUST FOR FUN department. Various programming projects can earn you money in your spare time… It really depends upon how much time you would like to invest and your skills. Paul, would you like to add to this?
Paul II: Well, I've turned my early computing experience on a early VIC-20 into a career… You'll also find that as you learn about computers you will probably find things you can do in your present job to make your life easier. 😀 (A VIC 20 is Commodore's predecessor to the C64)
QuestionHow do you make your computer last longer if you run a BBS?
RJScott: Paul?
Paul II: Well first you should understand that the C64 was not designed nor built to take 24 hour a day operation. You are definatly going to spend more on repairs than more convential use. But to help it go further… Fans on the C64 and drive(s) Regular cleaning of the drives and computer by a reputable service facility. Full surge protection on the computer power lines AND telephone line. And, as they say, a wing and a prayer. 😀
QuestionWhat do the initials FIDO stand for ?
RJScott: Paul?
Paul II: FIFO stands for First In First Out Just like a line of people at a checkout counter, the first person in line is the first person out of the store. 😀 Computer folks use this alot, just like the question queue here , The first questions put in are the first questions to be displayed….
RJScott: If the person asking meant FI "D" O – the FIDO program is a Networking BBS Program often used by IBM PC's…remember them?
Questiondo you know where i cna get a copy of commodore international?
Paul II: Commodore International what? 🙂
Questioncan you tell me what bbs I can download for a beginner
RJScott: Our Software Libraries in COMMODORE SOFTWARE SHOWCASE would be a start. Paul?
Paul II: And you may also want to check out the Telecom SIG for a local BBS… BBS systems are local in nature, not national such as Q-Link.
QuestionWhere can i got another sid chip?
RJScott: Paul, would you take that one?
Paul II: You should be able to get a new SID chip from a local Commodore Service Center. You'll find a list of them for your state in the Commodore Hotline area of the Commodore Information Network. You could also order it directly from Commodore. Again, go to the Commodore Hotline area and you can ask Commodore directly on how much and how to order. Sure Bob!
Questioncan you please tell me how to copy games from my friends disk to mine with the nibbler copying disk
Paul II: Well, this touches on an important issue.. If it's a public domain program you'll find you can just copy the file with any type of file or disk copier. If it a comercial game you'll find that it's copyrighted and it is ILLEGAL to copy the program.
QuestionDo you know what software companies are planning to do about Software Piracy???
RJScott: Paul?
Paul II: Well, generally what I'm seeing is that they are backing off of development of games (the most stolen type of programs), they are moving to other computer systems and…. unfortunatly… some are chosing to close down everything. :\ I'm also seeing an increase in the number of mergers in the software industry so that companies can combine themselves to at least keep the companies going. I also see a large lobby by software companies pushing the computer manufacturues toward building in HARDWARE protection.. and of course, new copy protection schemes are coming… adding to the cost of software.
QuestionCan I put a switch into one or two lines of the printer connection to avoid unplugging to use Q-link?
Paul II: Well, yes, I suppose you could. It would involve cutting the cable and switchin all the lines on it. Not something for the non-technical.
QuestionCan I assign chr$ values to the function keys?
RJScott: Chris?
Chris NH: The function keys have already been given certain CHR$ codes… They begin at 133 and end at 140. To use the F-Keys, as Paul mentioned, requires a program that looks for those keypresses. Simply use an "IF" statement, like: IF A$<>CHR$(133) THEN PRINT"NOT F1" You can then "program" the function keys to perform certain tasks within your program.
QuestionTell me more about commodore 3 1/2 disk drive and is it doublesided or single an d some other features?
RJScott: Paul, would you take that one?
Paul II: The new Commodore 3.5 inch disk is a real nice system. I've used 3.5 inch drives for a while and LOVE them! they are more durable and hold more the 1581 3.5" drive is double sided, stores about 800K of information… The drive does a full track buffering when reading which speed up getting things off the disk. It has a sub-directory arrangment which means that you can categorize the information on the disk to make it easy to find. All in all, a nice drive. I may never buy another 5 1/4" drive again!
Question? did anyone send email to me?
RJScott: Dunno Arrington…we didn't see any. 😀
Paul II: Well, I didn't… How about you Chris?
QuestionHow do you Program a 1650 to auto dial? You know,the Pulses?
Chris NH: Not I! 🙂
Paul II: hmm. time to pull out the 1650 manual… 😀 ok… in short… There is a memory location you have to poke on and off in the correct timing to simulate pulse dial. It's all done, for the most part, in software. The 1650 manual has a sample program on how to do it, you'll also find some good basic programs in the Telecom library that you can download and see how it's done. It's a bit complicated to go into detail on it in this forum.
QuestionHow did you first get this job did you work for commodore before
Paul II: Yes, I worked for Commodore for two years before coming to Q-Link. While I was at Commodore I got involved personally here on Q-Link and did some of the early forums for the Amiga Computer. But to tell the truth, It all really started from a small table set up in the laundry room and a VIC 20 system set up on it. 😀
Questionhow does machine language work?
RJScott: Eric, want to take that one?
EricM3: Machine Language is the language that is "closest" to the Microprocessor… It is the fastest executing or "running" language, in that it takes no translation to execute a Machine Language program. A BASIC program, however, takes a GREAT deal of translation to get it to execute. The Microprocessor can ONLY run Machine language programs, so in order for a basic program to run, it either has to be "Interpreted", which roughly runs a maching language "mini- program" which represents each basic command. A Basic program may also be "Compiled" which can make the program run faster, by first converting it INTO machine language.
QuestionNo, Fido in reference to a bbs.:}
Paul II: Yes, Sorry about that before.. I was in programming mode.. and didn't catch the "D". 😀
QuestionWhat is all this stuff about a 6 voice Sid Chip and it is STEREO??? Is it true?
RJScott: Paul, care to take that one?
Paul II: Well, to tell you the truth, I havn't heard anything about it. The Amiga has stereo sound, but I haven't heard any roomers about bringing that to the 64 line.
QuestionWhy Do Companies bother to protect their sodtware when pirates just turn around, crack it, and ditributate it, sometimes even before they are released. OI think it is a waste of time to protect software.
RJScott: Paul?
Paul II: Well it's a matter of getting a few extra weeks out of the market life of the software to help get SOME return on investment. Well folks.. I think it's about time to say good night.
RJScott: Thank you all for stopping by our C=64 Forum! Special thanks to Paul Gernhardt, producer of our… COMMODORE INFORMATION NETWORK… and Chris Santoro, Supervisor of the QLINK GUIDES…. and EricM3, SYSOP Eric.