1976_01_12 1976 01 12
User Manual: 1976_01_12
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tT.M. M E W C e M P ^ T E n C E M T E H S by Gwen Jennings Would you like to play StarTrek on an Altair Computer or have a computer control the utility usage in your home, or do your billing and inventory, or use an Altair Computer for scientific projects? Perhaps you would just like to spend some time exploring all the possible uses of the Altair. Do you need help with a special application or programming? Do you need an Altair product fast? Where are all these things possible? THE ALTAIR COMPUTER CENTER. Nearly a year ago the world's first computer store—The Computer Store—was opened by Dick Heiser in Los Angeles. The concept was new and daring, but it was the logical result of the Altair phenomenon. Until that time Altair microcomputers Computer .S^siemeewter^ ^tZant^ CacrjM STORES were sold largely through the mail. While MITS had tremendous success with this marketing technique, it was very difficult to provide all the necessary support for the Altair when corresponding with customers over the phone and through the mail. Besides selling Altairs, Heiser made his store available for a number of services, including kit assembly advice, software information, and a meeting place for computer hobbyists. In the August issue of "Computer Notes", Heiser reported that business was much better than he had ever imagined. "People in this business haven't been optimistic enough," reported Heiser, "I've tried to be as optimistic as possible, but that has turned out to be too conservative. You have to be wildly optimistic!" The impact of Heiser's pioneering effort was felt throughout the electronic industry and today there are 19 Altair Computer centers all across the United States and many more in the works. Just in the past month stores have been opened in Chicago, New York, Hartford , and Albuquerque. The concept of retailing electronic equipment was certainly not new, but the concept of a store for microcomputers providing a full spectrum of services was. At the very heart of the Altair .computer center is the main ingredient which is, "the personal touch". This idea U.S. of personalizing the computer market was started by MITS when it was a small firm of 15 people on Linn Avenue in Albuquerque. Since then, MITS has moved into a much larger facility and has grown to employ about 120 people, but the initial idea has not been lost. The people who own and run the Altair Computer Centers are very active in the computer field, both hardware and software. MITS dealers have assisted in configuring systems for schools, hobbyists, scientists, engineers, small business and industry. Many centers have extensive education programs from general computing to sophisticated usage technology. Demo units are in ail stores for hands-on demonstrations. There is no "typical" Altair Computer Center, although they all carry a full line of MITS products and provide consistently high quality service. Every location is as individualistic as its owner. In this issue of "Computer Notes", we are reviewing each of the Altair Computer Centers. In future issues, we will carry progress reports about the existing computer stores and keep you updated on the opening of new stores. Story starts on page 5 COMPUTER NOTES - MAYi PAGE TMO F f A e r e A o d o n / y o By David Bunnell Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to nearly 1000 members of the Southern California Computer Society. The occasion was their May 22 meeting, which was held at, of all places, the Samual Goldwyn Theater at The Academy of Motion Picture Arts § Sciences in Beverly Hills. Thanks to the SCCS and other hobby clubs, computer development will probably stay on the positive track. More and more people are learning about computers, and you hear less about 1984 horror stories. During that speech, it occurred to me, as I looked out over the audience, that computer hobbyists as a group have to be about the most sophisticated consumers in society today. One reason is they cover a wide range of professional backgrounds, income groups, age groups, etc., but a more important reason is that they have very inquisitive minds, and as computer people, they are very much involved in the mechanisms of how things work. Getting back to The Computer Store in Santa Monica, Dick Heiser made some interesting observations to me that I think could very well apply to all of us in the personal computer movement. I told the members of the audience that MITS was very lucky to have such a sophisticated customer base, that they had had a great influence on my company, and by in large we appreciate it. Many people, no doubt thinking about some of the criticisms we have received about delivery and other problems, chuckled rather loudly when I said this. Well, I meant it, and if I can digress a bit, I think I can explain why. Migraine on the Freeway The day before the SCCS meeting I was scheduled to have dinner with Yuri Spiro, publisher of Digital Design, at 6 p.m. in San Bemadino. Thinking that I had plenty of time, I left the Computer Store in Santa Monica at 4 p.m. By 6:30 p.m. I was on a jammed freeway at least 50 miles from San Bemadino, I had a massive headache, and was ready to foreswear the automobile habit for the rest of my days. Comparing computers to automobiles is, as they say in the trade, like comparing apples to oranges, but in some ways they both symbolize the massive influence technology has had on society. The automobile has provided us with unprecedented mobility and its positive aspects are really undeniable. However, I can't help thinking how it may have turned out a lot better if there had been a Southern California Automobile Society to hound manufacturers about such things as emissions and safety and to regulate and in some ways direct the growth of the beast. The politics of the moment In order to start the world's first computer store, Heiser had to make a number of risky decisions. Had the idea failed, he could very well have ended up in debt for life. The idea didn't fail, and now Heiser is in a mode where he says he is no longer making risky decisions. Instead, he is concentrating on such conservative things as providing his customers good service and building up his good business reputation. Whereas, his first store seemed to strive for pizzazz and hard sell, the new Computer Store is remarkably low key and professional. As I see it, the Southern California Computer Society is in the same boat. Their meeting Saturday was absolutely flawless and professional. From the presentations by filmmaker and electro-optical technique expert, John Whitney, computer graphic experts, Ivan Sutherland and Glen Fleck, to the cheese sandwiches and Mexican coffee, the whole affair was just super. Unfortunately, there seems to be a certain amount of grumbling and politics going on in the Southern California Computer Society that could very well be destructive. A few hot headed individuals have used the society as an opportunity to seize the microphone and make their self-importance known. Sure, the issues are important, but most of them seem to boil down to momentary polemics with little impact on long range goals. The same can be said of many of the other clubs. The giant killers who would take on the big, faceless companies are more likely to destroy their own organizations than destroy companies. Sure, its OK to keep the manufacturers in line, but the tact should be cooperation and not confrontation. The dilemma is this: some vocal hobbyists seem to feel that manufacturers should not make profit, that all of their time and effort should be donated to the cause on a charity basis. At the same time, others seem to feel that manufacturers should provide an inordinate amount of support to the point where it becomes ludicrous. The first criterion rules out any large, professional companies entering the hobbyist field and the second criterion rules out the small guy. What's important after all The people at MITS would like to make it clear that we have found the vast majority of computer hobbyists to be reputable, up-front people. We have enjoyed our association with hobbyist clubs, publications, and individuals. And we recognize the importance of the computer hobbyist. My concern is not the damage the hobbyist can do to MITS, because in the final analysis what MITS does internally will decide the success or failure of the company. My concern is that hobbyists will get so side tracked by club politics that they won't have time for what is really important. And that, my friends, is personal computing. COMPUTER I ' j l O T E S g; Publisher David Bunnell S Editor Andrea Lewis ip: Production Tom Antreasian A1 McCahon Grace Brown Contributors Ed Roberts Gale Schonfeld Paul Allen Tom Durston Steve Pollini Pat Godding Mark Chamberlin Paul Wasmund Dave Silva COMPUTER NOTES -MAYn117b THE END PAGE F I F T E E N by Ed Roberts, President of MITS, Inc. After rereading my column for this month I decided that it is more of an advertisement for the 680b and 8800b than it is ramblings. I hope you will forgive me for this, but I am enthused and very pleased with the results of both programs. 680b The Altair 680b is now in production. By the time you read this column the backlog of 680's will have been shipped and there will be 680's in stock. We will have a 680b with 33K words of memory at the NCC (National Computer Conference) to be held at the New York City Coliseum June 7-11. The 680 BASIC is essentially identical to 8K Altair 8800 BASIC. A 680b with 33K of memory running BASIC is truly impressive. In terms of both software and hardware it is significantly more powerful than any other 6800 system currently available. Just in case you haven't followed the 680 program, let me describe a few of the unique features of the 680. 1) It is the only 6800 processor available which has a full front panel. I personally consider a front panel extremely useful for system maintenance and a must for hardware development. The 680b will soon be available at lower cost without a front panel for those who prefer. 2) The minimum unit includes IK words of static RAM and a PROM monitor which can be ordered to operate with either TTY, RS232 or 5-level Baudot TeletypesTM The 1/0 port will electrically interface with either an ASR-33 Teletype, standard RS232 or Baudot Teletype 1/0 driver (also a unique feature). 3) The basic unit has provision for IK words of PROM memory. 256 words are included in the basic unit. 4) The I/O buffer is a full UART system, i.e., ACIA 6850, not a bit banger as on most other 6800 systems. By Gale Schonfeld The last month has really been a busy one for those of us in the Customer Service Department. We have added two new people, Dottie West and Becki Chrisman; Kris Ray is now helping Hugh Scupp with industrial orders, and Mollee Smith and I are working hard to help you with your orders and problems. Software Library We need your help to expedite the processing of Software Library 5) A low-power, high-speed addon 16K static memory will be available in quantity in less than 60 days. Incidentally, if you are wondering where the 33K words of memory come from in the system I described earlier, it consists of two 16K static cards plus the IK static mainframe memory. The price for this 16K memory card is $68 5. Order part number 680 BSM. 6) The Altair 680 BASIC is the only real higher language available for any 6800 system. A copy of BASIC will be free to anyone who purchases a 680b and a 16K memory card. The wait has been a long and frustrating one for many 680 customers , but I am sure that in retrospect they will find the wait has been rewarded by owning the finest 6800 processor available anywhere. ALTAIR 8800b Shipments on the 8800b are now scheduled to begin in late June or early July. The Altair 8800b is the ultimate in low cost computer systems. Admittedly,I am not the most unbiased evaluator, but I don't think there will be any question in anyone's mind as to the position of the 8800b in the hierarchy of low cost systems. Your first impression of the 8800b should be extremely positive due to its all new industrial design. But if you go deeper, your positive reaction will increase enormously. The front panel electronics are a totally new design which can be reprogrammed by simply changing one PROM. For the purist, there is not one single shot in the whole system. The front panel is logically isolated from the system bus by an isolation/interface card. Front panel logic wiring is routed to the interface card via preassembled ribbon cables and connectors. The CPU design has been improved and clock signals are crystal controlled both in frequency and pulse width. The motherboard supplied with the unit has 18 slots. We rate the power supply at 18 amps DC. At 8V (actually the transformer is rated at close to 30 amps RMS), the + 18V supply has a entries. Please try to conform to the following guidelines: (1) All entries should be submitted on our coding forms. These are available for $2.00 per 50. Please specify how many cover sheets you need. If this is not specified, you will be sent 20 cover sheets and 30 second sheets. (2) All entries should be TYPED. Xerox, hand-written, and compu^jr print-out copies are very difficult to print from, usually require * typing, and may be reason frr,* i total of 4 amps. There are literally hundreds of design changes and improvements in the 8800b which are not available in any predecessor. Now for the update kit. If you currently own an 8800 Altair and you wish to upgrade to an 8800b, you can. The cost for the update kit is $489. The only things you keep from your original Altair are the front panel switches, LED's, the 8080, 8212, the case and your motherboard. The rest of your original Altair system can be used for spare parts or prototyping. If you want the new flat handled switches and new LED's, add $78. Ordering information for the basic update kit - order 8800 B-U kit at $489. For new switches and LED's kit order B-SL at $78. If you want just the "b" power supply, order 8800 B-PS at $147. More detailed information will appear in future advertisements and brochures. MY SYSTEM I am frequently asked what kind of System I have. Unfortunately, my answer for the last two years has been more often "no system" rather than a description of a system. The problem has been that each time I have gotten a system together it has been "recalled" for use at a conference or demo, etc. But about a month ago I took "delivery" on a system that I intend to fight to keep. It consists of an Altair 8800 (not A or B--I intend to upgrade to a "b" when the 8800b backlog is cleared), 60K of RAM memory, 2K of PROM memory for boots, dual floppy disk, a line printer, ASR-33 and a 9600 baud 24 line, 80 character CRT terminal (Lear Sigler ADM-3). I feel that this system very closely approaches the reasonable upper limit of a personal computer. A plotter is the only lacking element and that problem will soon be resolved for all of us. acceptance into the library. (3) All entries should be submitted on 8 1/2 x 11 white paper. Entries of larger size normally need to be retyped or reduced in size, which reduces the readability of the program. Please send all entries to the attention of the Software Department. If you have any problems after judging, please feel free to contact me. Returning Merchandise When you return an item for exchange, replacement, credit or refund, please enclose a note (and a — continued on page 10- PACE FOUR THE COMPUTER SYSTEMCENTER 3 3 3 0 Piedmont Road Atlanta. GA 30305 COMPUTER NOTES - MAYn COMPUTER STORES Total commitment and support for the computer user is the theme of THE COMPUTER SYSTEMCENTER, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Featuring the MITS Altair microcomputer product line, the Systemcenter stresses complete system performance from the hobbyist to the professional. Their business software packages include an Accounting system, an Inventory system, and a Word Processing system, all of which are written for the Altair 8800 CPU using the disk BASIC language software. For the user whose needs exceed the storage capacity of the floppy disk, the Systemcenter has announced hard disk units with Altair-compatible controllers. "By adding on-line storage capacity in the megabyte range to the work-horse Altair mainframe," states Richard Stafford, head of the development project, "we are able to offer to the end user a price/performance capability unmatched in the entire industry." On the retail front, community involvement is accented. An on-site classroom facility is used for public instruction, and frequent lectures and demonstrations are held at area organizations. Jim Dunion, public spokesman for THE COMPUTER SYSTEMCENTER, will address a session at the June National Computer Conference in New York. His topic will center around the structure and responsibilities of the nationally-emerging retail computer store. the COMPUTER STORE, INC. 120 Cambridge St. Burlington, MA 01803 The Computer Store founders, Dick Brown and Sid Halligan, are technological entrepreneurs who declared their independence from Digital Equipment and Prime Computer, respectively, to do their own thing with the things they know best: mini- and microcomputers. At the Computer Store you can purchase just about anything associated with small computers. The store features the MITS line of Altair 8800 and 680 kits and fullyassembled systems, but equipment from such commercial vendors as Digital Equipment and Data General is available as well. Also for sale are tools and instruments; books and manuals; logic, memory and processor chips and boards; components such as keyboards, power supplies and T.V. monitors; and software. A blueprint library and copying services are provided to stimulate what Sid Halligan calls "technology transfer at the hobbyist level." (He assures us, however, that proprietary software rights will be respected.) Experimenters with problems can receive assistance from a technical staff with access to a library of diagnostic and development software, and equipped with ROM burners and a full complement of test equipment. Regular patrons are invited to attend educational film showings and vendor presentations. Computer .S^ore., jTyze., Bmr'Z.-wy^oM Besides the products already mentioned, Brown and Halligan also act as distributors of commercial terminals and products, and stock such general computer supplies as printer paper and ribbons, hard and floppy disks, paper tape and cards, and magnetic cartridges and cassettes. The Computer Store is already a distributor for the Information Terminals line of floppy and cassette drives, and for the 3M line of magnetic media. This is in keeping with Halligan 's observation that computers no longer present a public image of mysterious electronic brains that require the care of an elite group of specialists. Instead, Halligan sees computers as increasingly ubiquitous tools that before the end of this decade will be as accepted and almost as pervasive as office typewriters or copiers. COMPUTER PRODUCTS UNLIMITED 4216 West 12th St. Little Rock. AR 72204 Computer Products Unlimited (CPU), in Little Rock, Arkansas, opened January 29 of this year. Located on one of the main arteries, at 4216 West 12th Street, CPU is easily accessible to both local and out-of-town customers. The ownermanager is Harry W. Mohrmann, 31, who has an extensive background in hardware and software development and in electronics. CPU caters to the small business, and toward this end offers designing, installation, and maintenance of complete computer systems for any application. Custom software is also available, as well as programming instruction for any businessperson who desires it. The hobbyist has not been neglected, either. CPU carries a complete line of MITS equipment, as well as technical books and magazines, electronic tools and parts, and simulation board games. In addition, a work area is available in which hobbyists may build their kits or receive assistance in trouble-shooting and repair. Time is available, by the hour, on three in-house computers to play games or to learn programming. Customers may choose to use anything from 4K BASIC to Extended BASIC utilizing floppy disks, CRT, line printer, and a card reader. the COMPUTER STORE, INC. 63 South Main St. Windsor Locks, CT 06096 The Computer Store, serving the Hartford, Conn, and Springfield, Mass. area is located at 63 South Main Street, Windsor Locks, Conn. It is at the junction of Conn. Route 159 and Interstate 91. The staff is ready to meet the computer needs of both home hobbyists and businessmen alike with a full line of computer products and services. George and Susan Gilpatrick will assist you in designing the perfect system for your application. They bring together extensive knowledge of hardware and software design and business applications. They own one of the first Altair 8800's and have spent the past year developing operating systems for the home user. They are now looking forward to being able to serve the business community with custom tailored systems. M^rmoTm CPy tn LittZe RccA: One service that has been especially popular with customers is a 24-hour turnaround mail order service. All MITS hardware and software is available by calling (501) 6662839. Additional activities include assistance to computer clubs in surrounding areas by way of demonstrations and hands-on-experience for members of the clubs. Hardware classes at the local university have been enlightened in the area of minicomputers through lecture-demonstrations and question-and-answer periods. Many students and club members have found it helpful to be able to drop by CPU for further information. The staff and management are anxious to be of assistance at any time, on any problem. Our friends PAGE FIVE COMPUTER NOTES - MAY-, lTTt, ACROSS THE U S. are encouraged to come in to browse, read, ask questions, exchange ideas, or simply talk. We are open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 6, and we have plenty of parking, so when you are in our neighborhood, drop by to see us. MARSH DATA SYSTEMS 5405-B Southern Comfort Blvd. Tampa. FL 33614 A multi-faceted staff of six people is waiting to serve you at Marsh Data Systems in Tampa, Florida. Emphasizing complete inventory and fast service, MDS is ready to talk computers with everyone from the newest Altair owner to the most sophisticated systems buyer. Here's a rundown of the personnel who make MDS the busy place it is: Dennis May, formerly director of an IBM installation in Canada for 12 years, is on hand for any general information about microcomputers. He knows systems -- both large and small. programs, written in BASIC, are being placed on cassette tape for sale as a package. The first program developed is for a mailing list. It will print out lists in Zip Code order for bulk mailing, or in alphabetical order. Specific names can be searched and printed out. If you know only the person's first name, for instance "Paul", the program will print out all the information about every Paul. An individual's name can also be located in the mailing list if you know only the street number. Many other applications programs are being developed plus utility programs such bubble sort, merge, etc. "Whatever your computer needs, we at Marsh Data Systems welcome the change to satisfy them." Store hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Mon.-Thurs. and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Phone 813-886-9890. If you need information on the modification or operation of BASIC, Bill Turner is the man to talk to. Bill has many years experience developing operating systems for computers and has just finished developing BASIC for a major computer manufacturer. Directing clients to the proper department is the responsibility of secretary Maria Salas, who keeps traffic running smoothly through the store. If you have questions on applications programs, you'll see Paul Payne who has been developing and installing business systems for many years and knows the best method to accomplish your objective. Technical advisor is Jerry Alexander, who knows the operation of Altair circuits in detail. If it's interface information you need, you'll talk to Don Marsh. Don MarsTz MgrsTa Data .Systems Many useful items of interest to Altair owners are available at Marsh Data Systems. They stock most of the integrated circuits in the Altair and have sockets kits for Altair interface and memory boards. Also available: a set of instructions for interfacing various devices to the Altair. Application 5 tore in iSanta Monica THE COMPUTER STORE (Arrowhead Computer Co.) 8 2 0 Broadway Santa Monica, CA 90401 "The Computer Store has gone big!" That's the story that's going around Los Angeles. After 10 months in business, Dick and Lois Heiser decided to move into larger quarters. Their first year as the world's first computer dealers saw a rapid growth of interest in personal computers. Correspondingly, business grew beyond their optimistic predictions. The Computer Store had its beginnings in a 1200 sq. ft. storefront in a central, but slightly seedy location on the west side of Los Angeles. Dick handled the store alone for a week; thereafter, one by one, new people joined the staff to serve the increasing needs of the store. Lois was the first to join, leaving a long-time programming job at the Rand Corporation. Next to join the staff of The Computer Store was Mike Eusey, a self defined "computer freak" who was one of the first to order an Altair in January of 1975. Mike loves to talk about computers, especially the MITS products. He's easily identified by his red hair, dry wit, and ease with explaining the "black box" computer to non-computer people. One of Mike's side interests is music synthesis using computers. Steve Zook, the next staff member, has developed a reputation for his talents in trouble-shooting hardware problems. Although Steve is modest about his talents, Dick feels that he is a "computer doctor" without equal. Besides hardware repair, Steve has written an assembler package for the 8800 in addition to demo software. John Trotter and Gary Shannon are the latest to join The Computer Store. Both John and Gary have years of software experience. Gary has also built several of his own personal computers from scratch. John is involved in developing software for the Cromemco TV Dazzler. Gary, among several interests, has taken the 680 demo unit under his wing and developed demo software for it. With this able crew, The Computer Store moved to 820 Broadway in Santa Monica on May 5th. The new store location is ideal for computer nuts who also love the ocean - it's eight blocks from the sea. The store showroom has three demo units: a floppy disk, printer, disk BASIC system; a TV Dazzler system; and a 680 with TV typewriter system. A wall rack of computer hardware and software literature is also provided. The future for The Computer Store and its crew of avid computer fans looks bright. Besides being a success, The Computer Store is also a lot of fun. Dick sees the hobby market expanding as well as the small business market. He expects to support both. To fill the software gap, Dick and crew intend to develop software themselves. They have also been talking about the unique opportunity available to programmers, now that the affordable small system exists. "Systems houses are the answer to the software gap," Dick asserts. Everyone is invited to visit The Computer Store. It can be reached by taking the Santa Monica Freeway west to the "last Santa Monica exit" at Lincoln Blvd. Turn right on Lincoln, go two blocks to Broadway, turn right on Broadway. The Computer Store is on your right. Phone: (213) 451-0713. GATEWAY ELECTRONtCS 2839 W. 44th Ave. Denver, CO 80211 Gateway Electronics, Inc. of Colorado is a retail store oriented to the hobbyist with a complete stock of MITS products, full service and many support items. They have 6 full-time employees, including a repairman. In addition to serving the hobbyist, they have customers from schools, manufacturers, and small businesses. There are two demonstration units in the store; an 8800 with 24K of memory, and a new Altair 680b. -continued on page 7- COMPUTER MOTES - MAYi 117b PAGE SIX Now, you can buy an Altair 8 8 0 0 or Altair 680 c o m p u t e r kit right off the shelf. Most ali Altair options, software a n d m a n u a i s are a!so available. The MtTS Deater List below is just t h e beginning: offth RETAIL COMPUTER STORE, INC. 410 N.E. 72nd GATEWAY ELECTRONICS Seattle, WA 98115 2839 W. 44th Ave. (206) 524-4101 Denver, CO 80211 (303)458-5444 COMPUTER KITS 1044 University Ave. Berkeley. CA 94710 (415)845-5300 THE COMPUTER STORE (Arrowhead Computer Co.) 820 Broadway Santa Monica, CA 90401 (213)451-0713 THE COMPUTER SHACK 3120 San Mateo NE Albuquerque. NM 87110 GATEWAY ELECTRONICS 8123-25 Page Blvd. St. Louis. MO 63130 (314)427-6116 BYTE'TRONICS Suite 103 - 1600 Hayes St. Nashville, TN 3 7 9 1 9 (615)329-1979 CHICAGO COMPUTER STORE 517Ta!cott Rd. Park Ridge, IL 6 0 0 6 8 (312)823-2388 s h e ! f MICROSYSTEMS 6605A Backlick Rd. Springfield, VA 22150 (Washington DC area) (703)569-1110 COMPUTER PRODUCTS UNLIMITED 4216 West 12th St. Little Rock. AK 7 2 2 0 4 (501)666-2839 THE COMPUTER SYSTEMCENTER 3330 Piedmont Road Atlanta. GA 3 0 3 0 5 (404)231-1691 the COMPUTER STORE, INC. 120 Cambridge St. Burlington. MA 01803 (617)272-8770 the COMPUTER STORE, INC. 63 South Main St. Windsor Locks. CT 0 6 0 9 6 the COMPUTER STORE of NEW YORK 55 West 39th St. New York. NY 10018 THE COMPUTER ROOM 3938 Beau D'Rue Drive Eagan. MN 55122 (612)452-2567 THE COMPUTER STORE OF ANN ARBOR 310 East Washington St. Ann Arbor. MI 48108 MARSH DATA SYSTEMS 5405-8 Southern Comfort Blvd. Tampa, FL 33614 (813) 886-9890 NOTE Attair is a trademark of MtTs,usually between 700-950 ns Kits returned for repair will receive a visual inspection, which will usually save time for the test technician. In the near future, the QC Department will be responsible for electrical testing, and all boards and assemblies will have a visual and electrical inspection stamp to insure you that the product received has been through a complete Quality Control check. Robert Scott, QC Supervisor continued from page 3 Customer Service News copy of your invoice, if possible) specifically stating the reason for return such as duplicate shipment, damaged in shipment, etc., and how you wish us to proceed—such as replacement of the item, credit your account, or issue refund. Repair Department -f RDY Future QC operations will include incoming inspection of PC Boards on a sample basis and random sampling of kits to insure that the correct parts are being shipped at all times. If you do not enclose a letter, processing of your return may be delayed until we have contacted you. .mm :120 nsec ^ MITS, Inc. is in the process of up-dating and improving their Quality Control Program. This results in more reliability and a better appearance in our products. Input sense switches 062 100 000 3 4 5 6 7 The following -continued on page 11 When returning an item for repair, please address the package to the attention of the Repair Department. Be sure that items are properly packed to avoid damage in shipment. Always enclose a letter stating what the problems are with your unit. Our Repair Department will acknowledge receipt of your package, including your work order number, in the event that you need to contact them. If you feel there are problems with certain IC chips, such as CPU or memory chips, please return the entire board so that the Repair Department may test and check-out the item for all possible problems. continued on page 12 COMPUTER NOTES -MAYn117b PAGE F I F T E E N Computer Stores -continued from page 9- /r , ) or X=INSTR( , , ) Examples: PRINT INSTR("MITS ALTAIR 8883","8800") 13 OK PRINT INSTR(7,"MITS ALTAIR 8803","A") 9 OK The first position of the string is always one. If the is greater than the length of the string being searched or if the is null, INSTR returns zero. If the second string argument is the null (length zero) string, INSTR will return (the default is one if is omitted. It the < searcn str ing> cannot be found in tne , INSTR returns zero. Otherwise INSTR returns the character position of the first occurance of in the . An FUNCTION CALL error will occur if the Cnumeric tormula> is less than or equal to zero or greater than 255 decimal. #5-3-764 Author: George Rompot Length: 197 bytes Title: TARGET Plays a game where missies are shot at a moving target. Score is kept on the screen of VDM-1. #5-4-762 Author: Bill Thompson Length: 141 lines (HP BASIC) Title: Polar Plotting Calculates and plots a function on a polar graph. #5-4-763 Author: Bill Thompson Length: 375 lines (HP BASIC) Title: Multiple Linear Regression Program performs multiple linear regression analysis for one independent variable and up to six independent transforms. #5-6-761 Author: Craig Pearce Length: 43 lines (Altair BASIC) Title: BAGELS Plays familiar 3-digit number guessing game. #5-6-762 Author: Craig Pearce Length: 19 lines (Altair BASIC) Title: Number Predictor Number guessing game. Exceptionally well documented. #5-6-763 Author: Craig Pearce Length: 24 lines (Altair BASIC) Title: Day of the Week Calculates day of the week for any date later than September 14, 1752. Renaming Files - the NAME Statement file: The NAME statement is used to change the name of a 6 8 0 NAME AS [, ) s Example s NAME "OLDFILE" AS "NEWFILE" The must exist or A FILE NOT FOUND error will occur. A file with the same name as must not exist or a FILE ALREADY EXISTS error will occur. After the NAME statement has been executed the file will exist on the same disk in the same area of disk space. Only the name has been changed, -continued on page 14- S o f t w a r e P o ! i c y By Paul Allen Pricing for 680 software has been determined. The assembler, editor and 8K BASIC will be available at no charge with the 680 16K memory board. If you do not own a MITS 6800 machine and wish to run 680 BASIC, the cost is $200 for a hex paper tape with 1/0 patch points and manual provided. This does not, include a source listing. We can relocate BASIC in memory or configure it for special 1/0 devices for an extra charge. OEM licenses for 6800 BASIC are also available. Write or call me if you are interested. The Assembler/Editor package is also available (without purchase of a machine) with patch points and manual for $75. Also the Altair software library and software contest are now open to 680 programs as well as 8800 programs. PACE FOURTEEN COMPUTER NOTES - MAY-, 117b Disk Extended BASIC -continued from page 13- A few bugs have been uncovered in the PIP utility program, lines below (changes underlined): 19 By Paul Wasmund CLOSEl:PRINT"+";^ 5100 GQSUB6000:GQSUB4000 9011 IF EOF(l) THEN 19 12022 INPUT 12010 C$ 2020 DOS is near Change the THEN 19 THEN 19 A$=DSKI$((S*17)AND31) The change to line 19 allows LIST to be performed more than once. The changes in 9011, 12022 and 12010 change references from a non-existant line 18 to line 19. The changes to 2020 fix a bug in the DIRectory command that limited the number of files printed to 8. Here is a program (SUBS) I wrote which demonstrates the use of INSTR and LINE INPUT to perform a string substitute on a program file saved in ASCII code on the disk. First an example run of the program is given (all double quotes in a saved copy of the program are changed to percent signs): OK RUM WHAT I S THE F I L E NAME ON DISK 0 ? SUBSA WHAT I S THE SEARCH STRING? " WHAT I S THE SUBSTITUTE STRING? X WHAT I S THE OUTPUT F I L E NAME DISK 0 ? SUBSA2 10 PRINT ZWHAT I S THE F I L E NAME ON DISK 0 ? X H L I N E INPUT P i 15 PRINT ZWHAT I S THE SEARCH STRING? Z i : L I N E INPUT SS PRINT ZWHAT I S THE SUBSTITUTE STRING? Z * ; L I N E INPUT NS 20 PRINT ZWHAT I S THE OUTPUT F I L E NAME DISK 0 ? Z i i L I N E INPUT 0$ 2 5 OPEN $ I Z * : * P S 2 6 OPEN Z0Z* 2 ; 0$ 75 L S - Z Z : I F X=0 THEN 90 ELSE LS-LEFTS< TS, X-1 > 1000 PRINT Z*DONE*Z:END *D0NE* OK REM ABOVE I S OUTPUT PRODUCED BY " S U B S " PROGRAM OK REM PROGRAM L I S T E D BELOW: LOK IST 5 CLEAR 1000 10 PRINT "WHAT I S THE F I L E NAME ON DISK 0 ? " ; : L I N E INPUT PS i 5 PRINT "WHAT I S THE SEARCH STRING? " ; ; L I N E INPUT SS 17 PRINT "WHAT I S THE SUBSTITUTE STRING? " U L I N E INPUT NS 20 PRINT "WHAT I S THE OUTPUT F I L E NAME DISK 0 ? : L I N E INPUT OS 25 OPEN " I " , 1*PS 2 6 OPEN " 0 " , 2* OS 30 I F E0F< ! ) THEN ! 0 0 0 40 L I N E INPUT # ! , T S 50 S - : t F * 0 55 X * I N S T R < S , T S , S S ) 60 I F X < * 0 THEN 75 65 I F F THEN PRINT TS 66 PRINT # 2 * T S t 6 0 T 0 30 7 5 H * " " : I F X=*0 THEN 90 ELSE L S " L E F T S ( T S F X - I ) 00 RS-MIDS < TS,X+L EN(S S ) ) 90 TS-LS^NS+RS 100 S - L E N ( L S ) + L E N ( N S ) + I : F - I : G 0 T 0 55 ! 0 0 0 PRINT " * D O N E * " : E N D OK Afterword: The variable F is used as a flag to remember whether any substitutions have been made in a particular line. The long-awaited Disk Operating System is on the way. At this time the DEBUG program is finished, the System Monitor and Text Editor are nearing completion, and the Assembler is about two weeks from completion. Documentation for this powerful new system has been started, and we hope to release the package in July. The Assembler is the biggest news in the DOS. It is a full twopass assembler with features that: 1) generate relocatable code, 2) produce a full assembler listing, and 3) allow operand expressions. Since the output of the Assembler is relocatable, a Linking Loader is included to link routines assembled separately into a complete object program. The System Monitor (about 7K bytes) is the core of the Disk Operating System. It contains all disk management code, drivers for all peripherals including the line printer, and the command decoding routines. The following is a list of some of the DOS commands: RUN -Runs a file created by the SAVE command SAVE -Saves absolute programs created by the Linking Loader COPY -Copies files and merges files (replaces the Print, Merge, and Dump commands of other disk operating systems) RENAME-Renames a disk file KILL -Deletes files from the disk MOUNT -Reads information from disk to determine how much is in use UNLOAD-Closes all disk files and flags that the disk needs to be mounted Programs are also included for copying one disk to another, initiating disks, etc. the m y s t e r i o u s issue 8 Many C/N subscribers have written to our Customer Service Department saying that they have received Computer Notes Issue 7 and Issue 9, but no Issue 8. So I guess it's finally out in the open--there is no Issue 8! The January '76 issue was #7, and the next issue, February '76, was mistakenly assigned #9. -Andrea PAGE FIFTEEN COMPUTER NOTES - MAYn 117b 680b PTRC -continued from page 8- CMVM/fer ( M i New Address for: El Paso Computer Group - EPCG 9716 Saigon Drive El Paso, TX 79925 River City Computer Hobbyists 2642 Lamar Ave. Memphis, TN 38114 901-743-6155 Ventura County Computer Society PO Box 525 Port Hueneme, CA 93041 Contact: John A. Borders 805-985-1631 Oregonians: A computer group is forming in Oregon—membership is presently at 49. Meetings are the last Saturday of each month. The club is currently nameless, but is running a contest to select a name. Contact one of their officers for more information: Bill Marsh/Portland, OR/288-9692 Mike Boyd/Milwaukie, OR/659-7214 Joseph Bartel/Portland, OR/233-8283 John Lynch/Lake Oswego, OR/636-8598 The relay used in the MITS 88TYA is a Guardian 10 amp 1345 DC relay (form C). The coil draws approximately 5 milliamps and is therefore easily driven by the 20ma interface labelled "PTRC" (Paper Tape Reader Controller) on the 680b main board. To connect the relay to an ASR-3320, remove the jumper between pins 7 and 8 on J3 of the Teletype. Connect pin 7 of J3 to pin 1 of the relay and pin 8 of J3 to pin 3 of the Teletype. All of the software necessary to control this output while assembling a program is contained within the Assembler. However, if you want to control this output to read in a data file from paper tape while not assembling a program, the following information will be useful. When the RTS output goes high, the reader is turned on. When it is low, the reader is turned off. To turn the reader on: LDA STA A A #$ $ D1 F000 This stores D1 in Uie Control Register of the ACIA. Bits five and six function together such that when six is a one and five is a zero, the RTS line is high with Transmitting Interrupt Disabled. The Control Register is also set for a * 16 clock, two stop bits, eight bits, and no parity. D. A. Lejall 650 Maple Drive Courtenay, B.C. Canada V9N 5N6 To turn the reader off: LDA STA A A #$ $ John R. Phelan 3117 Pitt NE Albuquerque, NM 87111 B1 F000 This stores B1 in the ACIA Control Register. Bits five and six function together such that when they are both zeros the RTS line is low with Transmitting Interrupt Disabled. The Control Register is also set for a 4 16 clock, two stop bits, eight bits, and no parity. To turn the reader off with Transmitting Interrupt Enabled, do a LDA A #$ 91 instead of a LDA A #$ Bl. For further information on the ACIA Control Register, see the 680b Programming Manual, Appendix C. Ronald L. Allen USS McCandless (FF-1084) FPO, New York, NY 09501 Michael G. Fuchs 1402 Rue de Calais Apt. #191 Bellevue, NE 68005 If you would like your name published in C/N so that other Altair users may contact you, send name and address to Gale Schonfeld, Customer Service Dept. at MITS. ADDRESS CHANGES Send notification of change of address to the attention of Customer Service/MITS, Inc./ 2 4 5 0 A ^ m o SE/Albuquerque, NM 87106. Include your most recent mailing label from Computer N o t e ^ Allow 4-6 weeks. Notification of C h a n g e o f A d d r e s s NEW ADDRESS: NAME -APT.# ADDRESS CtTY STATE — ZtP_ PAGE SIXTEEN COMPUTER NOTES - MAYi 117b ... J t o o g o o d t o b e true, t h e A!tair 16K Static R A M b o a r d is easily t h e m o s t a d v a n c e d m e m o r y m o d u i e yet d e v e l o p e d for t h e Altair 8800, 8800a a n d 8800b computers. Four A!tair 16K Static boards add up to the entire 64K of memory directty accessibte by the Attair. The Attair 16K Static b o a r d offers t w o surprise f e a t u r e s — m i n i m a ! power requirements a n d fast access t i m e . O n e Aitair 16K Static b o a r d d r a w s less c u r r e n t t h a n a n y 8800 c o m p a t i b l e 4K boards, t h u s f o u r Altair 16K Static b o a r d s c a n b e p l u g g e d i n t o t h e Altair 8800 w i t h o u t b e e f i n g u p t h e p o w e r supply. T h e m a x i m u m access t i m e of t h e Attair 16K Static b o a r d is 215 n a n o s e c o n d s , w h i c h m a k e s this b o a r d t h e fastest AUtair c o m p a t i b t e static b o a r d in existence. The Aitair 16K Static is n o w in full p r o d u c t i o n . Special i n t r o d u c t o r y price is $765 in kit f o r m a n d $945 a s s e m b l e d . { * r MAH TH)S COUPON TODAY ** { BankAmerjcard # ! ! [ ; I or Master Charge # — Q Altair 16K Static O Kit D Assembled (include $3 for postage and handling) O Please send free information package and price sheet. I ' i NAME I j ADDRESS j ) CITY STATE AND Z ! P _ MITS/2450 Alamo SE/Albuquerque, NM 87106/505-243-7821 I ' Enclosed is check for $ - - r I : I— Prices, delivery and specifications subject to change. AHow up to 60 days for 2450 Alamo SE/A!buquerque, NM 87106/505-243-7821 I ! j 1
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