Midnite: Hello Everyone! Welcome this evening with Robert Baker and myself. To the Midnite forum. Tonite we'll try and cover general or specific ?'s about CBM computers… Any thoughts this evening Robert?
RBAKER: Nothing special, I'll just be standing by to help when I can.
QuestionRjscott,tommorrows quiz is At the Club Picnic But what room ? Will STRATUS let us know?
Midnite: RJScott?
RJScott: Yes, you'll know. I celebration of QLink's First Birthday, Express Music, QLink's complete Online record catalog, sponsors a rock music quizz every night in November. The first Subscriber to send EMail to my account (NOT Online Messages and do NOT select "Ask A Question"), will win an Express Music Catalog. Express Music is the world's largest music catalog. Use it to order any tape, record, CD, or video right on QLink. You'll have access to the latest releases of hard to find classics. The catalog contains more than 24,000 items and 200 pages. It also includes $50.00 in record discounts. Smokey Robinson sang the National Anthem at one of the Boston-Mets World Series games. He is also, of course, famous for his leadership of the Motown super group, the Miracles. Motown has just started releasing the 60's and 70's material in the CD format with one interesting twist. Because CD's hold so much information, they are releasing all these classics as double albums on a single disk. They are only charging the normal album price. It's a GREAT deal! ..Anyway back to Smokey… *QUESTION* Smokey was also an important producer for Motown. Name the first act he produced. Remember NO online messages ONLY EMail to my account. NO OLMS PLEASE!
QuestionWhat is the discussion about tonite? 🙂
Midnite: Essentially, CBM in general with an overtone of honesty.
QuestionRBAKER… any comment on the 6480 Volks? Jim: How close is the Geos book?
Midnite: Boy, Glad you asked!…. As of today, printer says 1 1/2 weeks to … delivery. I'm holding them to it. Good book about GEOS.
QuestionIs This Where Trivia is?
Midnite: No, not now.
QuestionThe Deltacon Gazette said that the Midnite Newletter has stopped printing, why????
Midnite: The Midnite Software Gazette is still printing…. though alittle LATE but still … thriving in the Midwest of America and 16 countries… our schedule is not dictated by the months of the year.
QuestionAny news about new models of the C64 or C128?
Midnite: Just that CBM is fiddling around with a few…. new packages that are going to be put in the box of the machine.
Questionwhat do you think of bobs' term 128?
Midnite: Bob's TermPro 128 is the most comprehensive on the market…. right now, excellent buffer editing and such…. even includes a way to fix the 1660 bug of older modems…. Very good manual included, I think INFO Mag rated it 3+ Stars.
QuestionI JUST GOT A MODEM WHAT CAN I USE IT FOR BESIDES QLINK
Midnite: Besides all the INFO available here in QLINK …. such as the encylc and such…. the contacts you can make with other users…. and the shops and products available here, you can use… the modem to communicate with your friends who have one…. as well, it's nice to be able to swap material this way …. (PD) of course!
RJScott: 🙂
RBAKER: …and there are now commercial software games you can play via modem with others.
QuestionHear anything about the new Amiga 500?
RBAKER: Rumors say Amiga 500 will be a stripped down Amiga 1000 that would sell for about $500-600…. Officially, Commodore says we may see something like that early next year. Probably announcements around the CES show in early January. However, Commodore has asked me to pass on that we probably won't see.. anything like the rumored Ranger machine in the near future.
QuestionHere in Memphis, TN all local stores have discontinued all, and I mean all C-128 products. What has happened to cauese this? Also, the same stores, K-mart, Target and other discount stores have discontinued selling any programs. Why?
Midnite: That's a very good question….. Basically, these stores try to sell products that sell-through quickly and easily…. Due to the nature of the c-128 it is difficult… for them to support anything other than light duty programs…. also you are noticing a change in the market as far as CBM and distributors …. are concerned.
QuestionWould you know anything about a prg. called CP/M Translator from Q-Links CP/M section said it would transfer from CBM formatted disk to a CP/M formatted disk on the c-128 using a 1541 drive.
RBAKER: Sorry, but I haven't tried that particular utility. Check with sysop 128 or sysop blr….. since they frequent that area and should be able to help.
QuestionAny thoughts on what is the best C-128 terminals or bbs programs?
Midnite: My favorites include, BobsTermPro either 64 or 128, … Proterm 64 from King MicroWare and a new one…. from Prism Software. BBS'S I still like and use Punter's New C1-64.4 PunterNet software and … obviously many of the PD Punter/XMODEM programs here on QLINK.
QuestionMidnite, (rbaker doesnt like me for some reason) What do you think of the Deltacon upgrade for the c-128? Will they ever release it, or is just never going to appear and just fade away ?
RBAKER: Sorry, I got the original question but haven't received anything from Deltacon to be able to… comment on them. Sorry! Maybe Jim or someone else can add something.
Midnite: As of now, CBM introducing it to the public around Jan.
QuestionAny news on the 1581? Is it true that Commodore has threatened lawsuits against the maker of "Jim Butterfields Wet and Wild Adventure in Porno Land?"
Midnite: I haven't heard of that, anyone care to help?
RJScott: no
RBAKER: ON subject of 1581, the drive is still effectively in development… and will definitely not surface at dealers before late Jan or Feb, if not later. They're still fixing problems with the drive as per my talk with Commodore this week. I got some details that were posted in the New Product Info section of CIN this week if you need more info.
RJScott: Sorry, there was NO winner tonight in our Express Music Trivia Contest. The CORRECT ANSWER was: Mary Wells (My Guy; You Beat Me To The Punch)
QuestionWould you know who to order BOB'S TermPRO 128 from?
Midnite: yes, Progressive Peripherals, Denver CO.
QuestionIs QuantumLink planning on making it possible for Amiga owners to call it?
RBAKER: They do plan to eventually make it available to Amiga users, but the necessary software is not… currently on their production schedule.
Questionin the use of sixth sense 128 using the 1670 modem is their anyway you know of to keep redialing until a conection was made
Midnite: Not that I've seen uploaded yet although I hear someone has added that feature but haven't … seen it.
QuestionIs quantumlink going to get any of the new Comm TERM software.
RBAKER: According to RJScott, we think it's already live here on QLink.
RJScott: If you're speaking of the PD Software, it should already be in our Libraries…I'll run and check and be right back.
QuestionAre thet going to start making software where it can't be copied???
Midnite: Only if it's NON-HUMAN engineered.
QuestionJIM, is the VOLKS 6480 modem a good buy?
Midnite: yes, at 80+ dollars for 1200 baud I haven't seen 1200 baud cheaper!
QuestionIs there any word on Commodore 3 1/2 Inc Drive From Commodore?
Midnite: Yes, Bob answered that earlier.
RBAKER: Don't expect is before Feb at the earliest. It's still in development. See New Prod Info for more details.
QuestionDid Rjscott announce winner yet ?
RBAKER: Sorry, there was no winner tonight!
Questionhow could i get a prg. to start a bbs
Midnite: The best place is here on QLINK…. in the software d/l section (telecommunications) there are a … number of good public domain BBS programs there.
Questionalso what are the min.equipment req.
Midnite: The minimum requirements are C-64, disk drive, modem and of course video display…. it's really inexpensive with a C-64.
Questionuh…did you get my question?
Midnite: No, please repeat.
QuestionIs there any memory extention 3rd party manufacturer's for the 64??
Midnite: There are two that I'm aware of. CBM obviously, and a company featured in the… Sept Oct issue of INFO, Bob do you remember them?
QuestionWhen will we see the Sidecar, or PC10 ??
Midnite: I had been told the PC should be on shelves before end of year and…. the Sidecar Late December / Early January…. if I remember right they came via Germany.
Questionis there a delay in the questions orwhat
RBAKER: Agrees with dates I've been told and have seen in various articles also.
Midnite: Yes, there is a delay here, it's my typing and trying to think at the same time!
RJScott: The Map to find Comm Term 3+ and the doc file for it is: Commodore Software Showcase, Telecommunications, Terminal programs, search by filename, 7/6/86 to 9/29/85. On the THIRD page is where you will find it.
Questionuse of 1750 in 128 mode how do you use the stash and fetch comma ds am uncertain of book instructions
RBAKER: The Stash and Fetch commands were ment to use the built in DMA capabilities of the… C128 to perform fast transfers of data between memory locations. Both commands use parameters … that specify the starting address of each block, the length and the memory bank number. The commands simply perform a block move of the specified areas between built in ram and exp.
QuestionI was trying to write a program that saved info to disk what is the proper format for this?
Midnite: open8,8,8,"0:data,s,w" tells the computer to save data to a SEQ file on drive 0… and the print#8,a$ would print the variable a$ to the disk and to close it say…. close8,8,8.
QuestionWill Kmart Or Toys R Us Ever Get To Sell The Amiga? People In My Town Were Mad WEWhen Federated?!? Started Selling Them….
RJScott: I'd hate to see KMart or Toys R Us selling something that's not a toy.
Midnite: I predict there will be a time when the AMIGA … will be available through them simple because…. there's money to be made selling through there for the manufacturer.
RBAKER: Supposedly the Amiga 500 will go that route according to the rumor mill.
Midnite: In response on the memory expanders for the C-64…. the other company that had one is Performance Peripherals, 518-436-0485 …. INFO MAG provided that INFOrmation! Thanks Mark!
QuestionI have a 128 and have had to take two of them back so far. I heard rumors that they have problems and erase the Rom. Is This true?
Midnite: In a sense yes, C-128's can be refurbished, …. earlier versions of the C-128 were prone to problems, especially in the cartridge area, …. but in the last 6 months or so it hasn't surfaced.
QuestionIs there any hardware available that will allow the C-64 to do 2400 baud?
Midnite: yes there is , rite now Anchor has one as well as Hayes but they are in the 300+ dollars range.
Questionany info on how to get a prog. to start my own bbs?
Midnite: Just go to the software up/load section on QLINK and go into the …. telecommunications section and browse for BBS's there.
QuestionGoing back to my previous question, I meant to say that all types of programs for ANY computer. Also these same stores are completely doing away will any and all items of computer products. I personally think we as users are in trouble…. Be that as it may, is Commodore aware of this and if so or not so what can we as users do about this? Could you answer a copyright question?
Midnite: Yessir.
QuestionWhat is the Poke #'S that show the creators of the 128? On the screen?!
RBAKER: try: Poke 32800,123,45,6
Midnite: Only for the living.
QuestionWhy is there air? Could you answer a question about… copyright laws?
Midnite: yessir.
QuestionDoes your Geos Ref Manual show how to convert Geopaint to Doodle?
Midnite: You bet it does, also Flexidraw.
CommentI have been BETA testing the new Pocket Writer II software and like it very much . Have you seen it? And if so you like it?
Midnite: No I havn't seen it but I do use Pocket Writer 128 for nearly all my text processing.
QuestionHey RJ, Do you have a winner?
Midnite: Sorry no winner.
Questionwhat are the problems the earlier 128's had, I have one and so far so good.
Midnite: It was mainly in the cartridge port, a few 128's wouldn't reconize them.
QuestionHow do we order your GEOS book when out?
Midnite: Thank you, the order address is MIDNITE PRESS/MIDNITE SOFTWARE GAZETTE, 1212 Hagan St, … Champaign ILL. 61820, 14.95 for book.
RBAKER: On C128 bugs… using TRAPS, if trap id = type mismatch, there was a problem with not cleaning temporary storage if multiple errors occurred you got a.. formula too complex error. Fix was POKE 24,7 in trap handler routine to avoid it.
Midnite: That's a good question, under most all laws yes you are,…. the only problem comes in due to warranty and implied warranties and the ORIGINAL owner clauses.
RBAKER: Also in C128's, unresolved line# during renumber caused rest of program following on..gosub or… on..goto to be garbled and destroyed.
QuestionWhat is GEOS?
Midnite: Graphic Environment Operating System and after 7 weeks of tearing into it, …. I should know that answer!
Questionone of the cartridge's I had didn't work but I thought it was the cartridge, was that my 128 or the cartridge.
Midnite: My test of a C-128 involves plugging in a cart called RANCH from Spinnaker Software…. if it comes up OK the computer is OK otherwise. Thank you all very much for stopping in here this late in the …. evening…. Mr Baker, where can we find you on QUANTUMLINK?
QuestionWhat is the status of the 128 mode GEOS and what will it have that the 64 mode one won't?
Midnite: The 128 version is due in Feb/march of next year.
RBAKER: I'm back to full time work in the New Product Information section of CIN and about to make a major mailing to every company I have on record making or offering Commodore related products. Be sure to check often as information is being posted within 48 hours after I receive it. typically 3 to 5 messages a day. If anyone needs an address of phone number for any company, just let me know via email.
QuestionAny news on availability of the 1764 RAM expander for the C64?
RBAKER: Should be available now and includes a replacement power supply for C64.
Midnite: Be aware also that the book 'How to Get the Most Out of GEOS(tm) from Midnite Press, …. is available in two to three weeks AND Dr. IMMERS CBM DOS Book out in Feb of '87 AND ….. WAYNE SCHMIDT (of Inner Earth pic fame) will be coming out with a book about …. graphics and applications of same….. thankx everyone!
QuestionIs it possible to convert a 300 baud modem to a larger size modem such as 1200 or larger and if so what would you have to do.
RBAKER: More trouble than what it's worth and virtually impractical. Nite everyone.