QuestionAs i'm a bit new here midnite… could u please tell me what your forum is all about
Midnite: This forum is intended for ANYONE needing prg'ing…. hardware….. software ?'s on ANY cbm computer. I'd like to say hello to everyone…. And (As usual) Robert Baker from…. QLINK New Product Forum is here … to help me answer the tough ?'s !!!
QuestionMy GEOS won't Boot DO you Know what do??
Midnite: Try resetting the drive (by turning it off)…. sometimes when you are using the drive it will…. tend to lose it's read head…. location . Resetting will clear drive memory and you should be able to proceed…. If after many many tries, take it back to place of purchase to try it on their drives.
QuestionGood evening! I am thinking about get- ting a hard drive. Are any of them any good?
Midnite: There are currently four hard drives available right now…. And one coming …. I.C.T. 10-20 meg….. J.C.T. 3 1/2 to 10 meg…. Computer Specialties 10 and 20 meg… Xetec and their 20 meg drives…. and Progressive Perpherials coming along with a hard drive called Device Nine.
Questionwhat is the computer gazzette?
Midnite: Compute!'s Gazette is a publication of Compute! Pub. owned by ABC Publishing and prints a monthly magazine devoted to CBM coverage.
QuestionKnow much about the Promenade C1 Eprom Burner? What exactly happens when you erase an eprom for too long of a time?? Does it totally destroy it, and if it doesn't, is there a way to recover it?? It says that it doesn't program properly! (Core EPROM)
RBAKER: Shouldn't be any problem with over erasing, at least I haven't seen any problem in that area….. we do it all the time without any problem.
Midnite: Midnite Software Gazette is a small mag. Totally devoted to the user and product of CBM material.
QuestionI,Did
Midnite: If there are no physical defects you can see, take your drive in to check for alignment or get an alignment prg. that is available.
QuestionWhat is the best beginners machine lang.
Midnite: Butterfield's is good from Brady Pub. as well as Mansfield's ML book from Compute! Pub.
QuestionIs there any way you can list … a machine language program.. such as one that uses sys?
Midnite: Only with a ML monitor in your machine.
QuestionI'm presently in the market for a 1200 baud modem..any personal recomendations
Midnite: I (as many others) go for the least expensive….. but I use the CBM 1200 (1670) as it has a speaker built in so that if I dial wrong I can hear the mistake!
QuestionWhat woul you consider the best Eprom, which can contain the most information possible.. (You know.. more than the usual 8K, or 16K..) Are there EPROMS that will hold more information? Do you know which?
RBAKER: Not sure what you mean by 'best EPROM', but there are pretty big EPROM's these days…
Midnite: TinyMon…..Butterfield, SuperMON by MANY.
RBAKER: there are 27128 (128k), 27256 (256k), 27512 (512k) and larger!!
QuestionHow does Commodore feel about magazines, like yours? Hasn't been these magazines that have allowed Commodore's sales to be so high?…Program utilities, like TurboDisk from Compute and others have, I think, launched Commodore's success. Also…How do you guys figure out that Commodore's User Manual's SYS for a cold-start is wrong and it is SYS 64738. And… How do you find the numbers to program the computer to do Turbodisk, etc.?
Midnite: CBM is USUALLY helpful towards any third party co. …. supporting their products….. They are wise enough to know that we all make CBM successful….. On the TURBO I need R. Baker.
QuestionDoes anyone have Football by Sub-logic?
Midnite: I've seen it advertised in MANY mail order houses in RUN etc.
QuestionWhen will the Commodore 3.5" microfloppy drive be available, and what will be its formatted capacity?
Midnite: Latest news is that it will be available in late Feb. (or later?)…. due to heat and programming problems…. I believe it holds 880K (Bob?)
QuestionAs far as u know are there any programable robots on the market today (reasonably priced)
Midnite: I've had a chance to play with the ones from Access Softw. but…. they're NOT cheap….. I don't know of others.
RBAKER: On 1581, it should hold arount 800K and I wouldn' expect to see it before Feb or later. It's still in development according to my sources within CBM.
QuestionWhat c-128 word processors support the Hewlett-Packard laser printer?
Midnite: PaperClip 128, Pocket Writer 128 (sort of), WordPro 128 has the capabilities. And Visa Write Classic directly.!
QuestionHello! I am looking for a BBS program compatible with the C= 1670 modem. I have a Commodore 64 with 2 1541 disk drives. Do you have any suggestions?
RBAKER: There are quite a few around. You might try looking through the PD software libraries here….. on QLink.
Midnite: I'm personally and professionally against it. Piracy that is!
QuestionWhat is the best printer for the 64 under $200
RBAKER: If going for cheep but functional, there are quite a few buys on MPS-801's these days… or the MPS-1000 is starting to be discounted as the MPS-1200 is becoming available… Jim might be able to add a few others.
Midnite: Please bear with me here….. my terminal (and fingers…. are SLOW!)
QuestionWhat can you tell us abou the new (or soon-to-be released) products from CBM? Things like the 1581, 1351, 1764, Amiga 500, and the Amiga 2500?
RBAKER: The 1581 is still in development and beta test versions have not even been available as yet…… and my contacts are saying we won't see the 1581 before Feb or later… The 1764 is coming, with a new replacement power supply for the C64….No date as yet… New Amiga's are supposed to be announced at CES in Jan 8-11 in Las Vegas… Amiga 500 is supposed to be a stripped down Amiga for the mass merchants…Amiga 2500 is still… rumors that are unconfirmed by CBM…however they have stated quite firmly that they will not… introduce anything in the Amiga line with other than a 68000 in 1897! 1351 Mouse is now available in certain parts of the country. Selling at $49.99 list. Commodore distribution is not the best these days, especially with new products.
QuestionComment: I am a subscriber to Compute!'s Gazette since Jan,'84. I have been very pleased with its continued and complete support of the C64, I hope you have many years to come! are you available on E-mail for longer q
Midnite: yes I am but I get on only once… a week (usually Fri Nite). Slow but consistant.
QuestionI have a 128 and I would like to get the geos, now should I wait for a 128 version or can I go with what there is?? And in that case what should I get?
RBAKER: C128 GEOS is supposed to be out shortly. I'd check with the people from Berkley here on QL…. to confirm it is coming and wait if it is.
QuestionHow does the C64 look in terms of new products for '87? (I need some info on hardware {i.e. RAM expansions, hard disks, etc} and on revolutionary software {i.e. the good prgs})
RBAKER: The 1764 RAM expansion is coming, but no firm date as yet. Plenty of hard disks, I especially… like the Xetec (Fiscal Info) disk that I saw demoed in Toronto. Most hard drives will be … selling for around $900 though. Also plenty of new software is coming… watch for announcements in a few weeks when the CES show takes place in Las Vegas (Jan 8-11) I'll be posting all press releases as soon as they arrive in the New Prod Info here on QL
Midnite: Yes, I agree with Bob, all drives (except Xetec) are plugged into your C64's serial port.
QuestionWhat would you say is the Best Monitor for the Commodore 64c??
Midnite: TinyMon from Butterfield and SuperMon by many more.
QuestionHi Jim! Tell me why we see so FEW 128 programs on the market? Granted the ones that are out are good but! We need more interest! .
Midnite: As in counting jelly beans , it's a matter of numbers…. if software co.'s can't see the #'s to make a profit they won't do it.
QuestionIf a Drive refuses to read only the first couple of sectors in the first track, is that a sign the drive is out of alignment? Can a user align a drive? Or do you have to have it serviced proffessionaly?
RBAKER: Yes, it would probably be an indication that alignmenet may be at fault. You can try aligning…. it with a good quality alignment program or have it done by a service bureau (about $35).
QuestionIs there an MS-DOS SOFTWARE package available for the Amiga?
Midnite: There are two advertised in AmigaWorld that I have called about…. but they say they aren't done yet….. You'll be happy to know that Bob and I both had a chance to play…. with CBM's new SIDECAR for the Amiga in Toronto.
Questionhave you ever heard of mac-paint for the 64
Midnite: MacPaint I thought was for Apples Mac….. however there are literally dozens of excellent graphic prgs available for the C64.
QuestionWhat about 512k memory expansion and 3 1/2 inch drive for the C64 ????
RBAKER: 3.5" drive is the 1581, still in development and not expected until Feb at earliest…. beta test units are still not available within Commodore itself. The 1764 mem exp is coming but no firm data as yet.
QuestionWhat is Commodore's financial status these days…last quarter they turned a tiny but morale-boosting profit… how are they fixed for 1987 and beyond? Their mediocre distribution and customer service is worrisome to Commodore fans!
Midnite: CBM is in firm financial hands but Christmas should really help….. CBM makes great machines but not-so-good support other than Pete Bakzor.
QuestionIs ANYONE planning to make 128 games ???
Midnite: I've only seen public domain ones here on QLINK.
QuestionCan I use 1660 Modem with XMODEM?
Midnite: Yes, if the software supports it or you write your own xmodem protocol.
QuestionWill future versions of GEOS be able to support Hard Drives??
Midnite: That's a good question, they've solved the speed of the 1541…. and should have an expanded version for the new 512 K C-64…. but a hard drive would be great!
QuestionHas any one looked into the PC 2 com project. I own a c-128 and xt clone and would like to try the link.
Midnite: CBM has been selling PC workalikes (clone) is a bad word :)….. They have a PC and a XT workalike available for about 1000 to 2000 dollars (US)
CommentComment: This is a very enjoyable service Qlink makes available. Thank You to All involved. 🙂
Midnite: Thank you very much.
QuestionWhat is the difference between the MPS 1000 and the MPS-1200?
RBAKER: They're similar but MPS-1200 provides more features. It's now fully EPSON compatible with …. all the fancy features…underlining, different size fonts, etc. Cost is now about $40 to 50 more
Midnite: By doing, get a ML monitor a play with code….. and gather a few ML books from earlier discussions.
QuestionWhat does the "c" in 64c stand for ???
Midnite: compatible.
QuestionBest hard disk for a 128?
Midnite: That's a really tough one….. depends on what you want to do….. in terms of speed, versus compatiblity versus…. programmability.
QuestionHow does a program align your drives?
Midnite: The program doesn't do it….. The prg. shows you wear the read/write head is at and you must adjust accordingly.
QuestionI have been using timeworks to set up a record keeping system for plumbing. CPM seems slow by what I've been able to find out. My best reference for what to do with my 128 tells me to wait till Mar. 87. There is suposed to be more business programs coming out for the 128 to use for business. Can you add or up- date me? My wife says timeworks is waiting to see if the 128 gets into many business be- fore it developes any more for the 128.
Midnite: I hate to wait….. there are many good accounting and inv. control prgs available…. such as B.E.S.T. Software, CMS , and others.
QuestionWhat price on the sidecar for the Amiga? I heard rumors it was in the $900.00 + range.
Midnite: That is correct, 1000 retail.
QuestionMy Amiga does not have a number on it.. which version do I have?
RBAKER: I assume you mean the hdwr. Anyway, it's probably etched in copper on the main pc brd but… involves opening the case and voiding your warranty if still valid.
Questionaren't there any chips out there to give the C64 more memory and also one that ca n speed it up considerably.
Midnite: You can add more internally but very difficult to do so…. My favorites are the new Kernal ROMS you can purchase that have…. many features including speed-up loads built-in.
QuestionHow compatible are the ROM upgrades offered by third paties? (for C64 and 1541). Aren't the ROM programs copyrighted?
Midnite: Very good, the ones I've gotten, tho super games with Rapid Lock and such are a bear at times.
CommentIf anyone has made the mistake of buying a Mini-Gemstic…you can dust it off now …it is great to use with GEOS…(if you hands are big enuff you can hold it in only one hand)…next best thing to a mouse!!!!!!
QuestionWhat is a good prog. for alignment of 1541, with permanent fix?
Midnite: Cardinal Software's 1541 and 1571 Physical Exams are the ones I use.
QuestionWhat's the list price on the new 3 1/2 inch CBM drive?
RBAKER: Price has not been set as yet but CBM has said it is expected to be a low volume item and will…
CommentWhat printer driver do I use for GEOS and an Oki 10?
QuestionIs there anyway to update the ROM chips in the older C=64's, like Version 2 to Version 3? Also are SID chips compatable with all ROM versions?
RBAKER: definitely sell for more than the 1571!
Midnite: Yes, a few mail order houses have CBM chips to buy, and all ROM versions are compatable with SID chips.
CommentIf u need a pad for your mouse….go to a local scuba diving shop and buy…some wet suit material…(it costs about $1 a yard)….mount it on a board fuzzy side up.
QuestionHow do you feel about piracy?
Midnite: Personally and professionaly against it.
QuestionWithout getting into the whole controversy over copy protection, I have read about a program called "Fast Hack'em"…is this a commercial release, or PD? (I want it for archival purposes only, actually).
Midnite: Fast Hack 'Em is produced by Basement Boys Software…. and written by Michael J. Henry.
CommentI find it interesting that it is usually NOT Commodre who truly discovers what there machines can do…for instance, isn't it true that it was a magazine article that proved the 128 could use high res graphics in 80 column mode?
Midnite: yes.
QuestionDoes Berkley softworks plan to develop GEOS for the 128 in 128 mode?
Midnite: yes, Pete B. from CBM has a copy he's playing with. It will only be in 40 col. though.
QuestionHow do you feel about the Prometheus 1200 Baud Modem?? Is it worth it?
Midnite: Yes, it's a good modem and it DOES work.
QuestionCan the 64C handle EPROMS 27256 or 27512?? Would they be worth it.????
RBAKER: The 6502 CPU in the C64 can only address 64K, anything larger must be paged. So not much sense…
QuestionHow come when sometimes when I try to reboot Superkit 1541 by pressing 'C= M' it locks up???
RBAKER: using larger EPROM's on the C64.
Midnite: I'm not sure, but James Dimagio (sp) says that he has great support for his…. products and you should call Prism Software about it.
QuestionWhat's the best way to learn assembly?
Midnite: By doing, get a ml monitor and look at the code…. keep Butterfield's ML book close though.
Questionwell the one I have is called mac-paint for the 64 and most of the headings are in germany and run great on the 64. we recieved the program from a friend that returned from over there.
Midnite: Yes, there are MANY NEW graphic prgs over in Europe, I just received… Artist 64 from Wigmore House and Wayne Schmidt (Inner Earth fame) …. thinks it's great.
QuestionThere are about 10 or so IBM comp. programs for professional photogs. Are there any for the Commodore? If not how can I put one together?
RBAKER: There are a few C64 pgms for doing various darkroom tasks, but majority of video type pgms are… for the Amiga though.
QuestionOn the hard drive for GEOS if you use one floppy and a hard the program looks the second drive and will search the hard drive for files.
Midnite: Yes, as long as the second drive is another device #.
QuestionWhat printer driver in GEOS do I use to print black letters, not color, for an Okimate 10?
Midnite: I would use the CBM driver.
QuestionHave you seen Comp. to RGBI kit for 1702
Midnite: No, but there are a couple of cable kits available to go 40 or 80 with a C-128.
CommentComment: Fast Hackem is commercial. Super Kit 1541 V2 is better than Fast Hack'Em It has more features Hi Jim, Long time, eh! How ya doing? Eh? David Bradley
Midnite: (showing off) we DO have celebreties here!
CommentBest way is reading books like Compute's (ahem) Machine Language for Beginners.
QuestionSpeaking of foriegn software, how to you think the new imports from Germany and England stack up with the domestic brands?
Midnite: I was in London at the CBM show and I saw ALOT of programs that are excellent bets of being…. BIG sellers in the USA. In the U.K. the C-64 is considered a game machine only and there are .. literally 100's of games coming out every 4 to 5 months.
CommentIt seems to me,that the software mfgr's are not writing software for the 128 (in 128 mode) because they can write a program for the 64 and sell it to both 64 & 128 owners to be used in 64 mode so why bother using the added memory in the 128 to make a better program? ( I wish they would!) Comment: The Craddoc Captionwriter is a CP/M pgm that will run on 128 and capt ion your slides on special small labels. It's used by many pros.
QuestionCould I have a suggestion for a BBS?
Midnite: I use Punter BBS but there are ALOT of cheaper ones…… Syntec is good, Blue Board is better, …. most others I've used is public domain.
QuestionDo you know of any software to help me with printing on my comrex 220?
RBAKER: Sorry, but haven't played with one as yet.. Unless Jim or someone else here can help.
CommentThere are lots of Public Domain BBS's around too, eh!
Midnite: Dave Bradley said the above.
Commentwhat do you mean help with printing on the comrex 220? If you want a better character set, there is one available…
QuestionThe Comrex is an MPS-801 clone, eh!
Midnite: Thank you Davey.
QuestionIs there any difference between machine language and assembly language and is one any better thea the other.
RBAKER: Let's see…assembly language is the binary information the microprocessor reads from memory… and executes. Machine language is a short hand notation for humans like you and me to write… code to create assembly code with the aid of an assembler. It's very tedious to write assembly… code but it can be done. Usually we always use an assembler of some sort.
Midnite: Bob, anything going on in your section of QLINK?
RBAKER: Yes, we're just about to restructure the message boards in the… New Products section of CIN. We're creating separate boards for
Midnite: What section?
RBAKER: info on C64/128, Amiga, General prod & info, plus a questions and comment board and a download library. Watch for downloadable catalogs, demos, etc. Should be ready in a few days!
Midnite: I would like to thank you all for your patience with us here tonite….. I hope we have helped you. And thanks again to Robert Baker of CBM fame for helping me tonite! Good Nite!
CommentIt is a chip that replaces the old ROM in the printer… It has been fun, eh! See you later, eh! Good luck with the new book! David Bradley It is a great thing to have…I have a Comrex 220 and the chip makes the printer useful, eh! If you want to get a chip for your 220 call (416) 858-9298…