Echelon_Z News_Newsletters Echelon Z News Newsletters
Echelon_Z-News_Newsletters Echelon_Z-News_Newsletters
User Manual: Echelon_Z-News_Newsletters
Open the PDF directly: View PDF .
Page Count: 86
=Eche1on¶ Inc. 15 October lf984
ZCPR3 NEWSLETTER 007
Answers to Newsletter 004 Generated Questions: l) Both President Larry
Boucher and New Business Developíríent Manager, jim Kurinsky, of Adaptec, 580
Cottonwood, Milpitas, CA 95035, 408/'346-8600, are happy to send you literature
on their company's fast controller boards and on companies that use them 2)
Prices for hard disks were given as less than $3000 for 10 to 40 megabyte
packaged units. A10 megabyte unit goes now for about $900. We're presently
looking for 80 megabytes for less than $3000! The up-to-$600 for quarter
megabyte of RAM is for aplug-in board, not the price of loose chips! (Thanks
to Robert Heckert, Fullerton, California, for high1ighting potential misunder-
standing caused by our phraseologies.)
Our position, restated, is: very useful programs need use no more than
20 or 30 kilobytes of RAM, of Transient Program Area. Using overlays and
chaining permit programs of any size to run fast, very fast, if afast,
correctly installed, Winchester is used for program-module storage. Such a
philosophy means that BIOS or CP/M-system size is not of much importance.
It seems there is some emotionalism involved in setting up ZCPR3 systems
with, say only 48K TPA. (We always assume RAM to be full 64K-bytes.) Our
experience suggests few CP/M programs need more than a48K TPA. We have run
both T/Maker and WordStar in 44K and, subjectively, can see no chance in
operating speed caused by reduced buffer allocation space. Who wants to
conduct measurements of time taken to scan files, run spreadsheets, etc., with
various sizes of TPA? We'll report your findings here.
Additionally, someone (you) should, in our opinion, do an in-depth
article comparing the Lasting-Value Softvaret1n nature of ZCPR3 to PC-DOS and
Unix. Any takers among you writers? We'll supply our experience, our facts
to support your trade-study writings; and surely you'll have no trouble
getting such an article published. Comparisons of this nature are hard to
come by. We'll help, if need be!
Important 8—Bit Program: Outline processing is amind expanding computeraid;
kamas is just that. The acronym comes from Know1e¢Íge And Mind Amplification
System, apiece of software destined to mark our B-bit world: outline
processing, wordprocessing, telecommunications, information retrieval, and a
Forth-like programming language, all-in-one. The system is somewhat command-
line-completion driven. Sounds like an ideal program for control by VFILER,
MENU, and VMENU. ZCPR3 could make KAMAS turn-key, from aseries of chained
(up to 255), custom, easy-to-alter menus. For $175.00 KAMAS sounds like
something we would like to push. CP/M-80 software development is alive and
well, thank you. But no thanks to many others. KAMAS is produced by Compu-
sophic Systems, 2525 SW 224th Street, Aloha, OR 97006. Write, orgive them
(Adam Trent, President) acall at telephone 503/649-3765. (Ezra Shapiro has a
four-page Preview of program in September issue of BYTE, starting page 123.)
Some think we don't write (and talk) enough about ZCPR3, but our attitude
is: we have asuper operating system and it's atool to be used to solve
every day prcMems. ZCPR3 provides the environment to integrate application
programs that work hard, provides auser-interface adaptable (throuüt VMENU,
MENU and VFILER) to the experience level of the console operator. k"e speak
and write of those programs and hardware ideal for the ZCPR3 environment, that
provide amore-than-competitive, cost effective solution to our problems. But
it seems our pronouncements cause astirring in certain intellectual circles,
ZCPR3 Newsletter 007
among those who know the truth of these matters, but are not following through
vith beliefs. They squirm and turn, sleep comes not,..are we tools of
commercialism and consumption? Are we part of this syndrome; amirror is in
the bathroom, but only look if you're not aZCPR3 user.
Z3 TIPS: Take alook at what XDIRcan do. It's so powerful that most of us
never think of using things it can do, because we don't remember all its
power. The Utrailing option enables displaying all files in all User Areas.
The ability to log disk directory files into afile and then compare other
directories to that file is extremely useful and atime-saving feature for
scanning lots of disks to find differences among them. The negate option
permitting display of all but the listed files is novel in the CP/M world.
Study of options possible and comparison table below provides information on
its features. The table indicates why it is so difficult to describe with
mere words all features of directory display programs provided with ZCPR3.
Command: XDIR Version 2.0
Syntax: XDIR dir:afn ooo...
or XDIR /OOO...
Function: XDIR displays adisk directory on the console or printer
and is afile name scanner.
Options:
Aa -Indicate attributes of files to be selected
a=A for All Files (System and Non-System)
a=N for Non-System Files [default]
a=S for System Files
D-Send Output to Disk File XDIR.DIR
Ff -Enable aFile Scanner Function
f=L to Log File Names to FNAMES.DIR
f=P to Print File Names Stored in FNAMES.DIR
f=S to Scan Disk and Compare to FNAMES.DIR
I-Inspect Logged Files (use with FL option only)
N-Negate Selection of Files
Oo -Select Output Features
O=A to Disable Display of File Attributes (R, S)
o=F to Form Feed Printer when Display Done
O=G to Group Files by Name and Type
o=H to Display Files in Horizontal Format
P-Send Display to Printer
PF -Send Display to Printer with Trailing Form Feed
U-Select All User Areas
Ahardcopy printout (assuming you have aprinter) of all characteristics and
features of DIRS (as well as any other help HLP file) can be obtained using
the HELPPR program. Enter:
HELPPR <helpnamejlLP> <optíons> <cr>
Options for HELPPR are obtained by entering the customary double-slash after
the command name: HELPPR // <cr>
Not to s1ight other ZCPR3 directory display programs, let's compare them
to XDIR using amatrix table of features and functions. Z3 DIR is the
intrinsic assembled in the CP, RCP DIR is in the Resident Command Package, and
DIR, XD and XDIR are transient COM programs.
Page 2
ZCPR3 Newsletter 007
Directory Display Comparison Table
Attribute Z3 DIR RCP DIR DIR XD XDIR
Program Size N/A N/A 2K 4K 8K
Sort File Names No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Select Sort Order N/A No Yes Yes Yes
Select SYS Files Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Select All Files Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Negate File Select No No No No Yes
Display Attributes No No No Yes Yes
Horiz/Vert Format No No No Yes Yes
Printer Output ^P ^P No Yes Yes
Form Feed No No No Yes Yes
Select All Users No No No No Yes
Disk Output No No No No Yes
File Scanner No No No No Yes
And now to an equally important program: PRINT. Convenient printer fomatting
and extreme flexibility are main features. (PAGE, for output to console, has
similar features; remember PAGE and PRINT can replace intrinsic built-ins,
TYPE and LIST.)
Command: PRINT Version 2.0
Syntax: PRINT dir:afnl,dir:afn2,... o...
Function: Prints afile on the LST: device, like LIST does, but
offers many more options. Prints aheadirtg, pages
file, numbers pages, numbers lines, places date/time
stamp on output, puts file name on output, and more.
Optíons:
E-Exact Print (Expand Tabs, Form Feed, No Line or Page
Numbers, No Heading)
F-Toggle default of file name display on page header
(default is ON, so Fturns off name display)
H<delim>text<delim> -Define Heading text to appear at the top
of each page (deliin =@, for example)
I-Inspect Files (user selects files before printing begins)
L-Enable numbering of each line
M-Disable Multiple Run Flag (if multiple run is ON, then no
"Set Top of Form" message appears for each file and PRINT
moves from one file to another unattended) default is
with Multiple Run ON
N-Disable numbering of each page
On -Offset from left each line n-spaces to the right
Sri -Start printing on page n
T-Toggle date/tinie stamp in the header of each page (a TIME
subroutine must be assembled into PRINT to enable stamp)
GLOSSARY and ZCPR3 COMMANDS reference cards, presently shipped with our
software, have been sent complementary to all Echelon customers. We care
about your well beiríg and believe these two items assist every day use of
ZCPR3 B-bit CP/M software, both during initial learning and for promoting
fuller retention. These cards at computer-side permit quick operator assist
to forgotten commands and word meanings.
Z3 Bug Report: Two more come from Peter Lyman of Pasadena, California. FINDF
and UNERASE both will not do their jobs if the files searched for are the
Page 3
ZCPR3 Newsletter 007
first four in the directory on track two of the floppy disk. Also from Peter,
HELP doesn't expand tabs because of direct use of BIOS calls, instead of using
BDOS calls. So text HLP files using TAB for indent and big spaces don't look
too goocí! Quick solution is to not use TAB in HELP text files, but five (or
eight) spaces instead. We're 1ooking for asatisfactory long-term solution.
Magazine Articles: Page 396 of BYTE, September 1984, gives alittle history
of ZCPR3 and points to where it's going; stated at article's end, "to be
continued." InfoWorld, 17 September, 1984, starting page 59, carries an
excellent review piece by Allen Mehr about Ampro Bookshelftm Series 100
Computers, as well' as kind words describing ZCPR3 and Shell Friendlytn1. The
machine received hitghest ratings in categories Setup, Ease of Use, and, most
important, Performance. (Please don't miss Echelon's full page ads in Issue
#10 of User's Guide andOctoberComputer Language magazines.)
Part One of aZCPR3 article by Richard Conn appears as keystone piece in
October Computer Language, November for the second part. An in-depth,
independent review of ZCPR3 also appears in the November '84 issue.
The Dr. Dobb's journal article on SYSLIB3 by Robert Blum appears in the
November 1984 issue. That same issue of DDJhas an interesting write-up on
about making files public (9ioba1, from any directory, access of both command
and text files) using alicensed DISK7tm program for special displaying and
copying of pUB1ictm files, as well as normal files. Bridger Mitchell of
Plu*Perfect Systems, Box 1494, Idyllwiid, CA 92349, 714/659-4432, has a
thoroughly developed approach to public files under CP/M. We are considering
implementing afeature like public files under ZCPR3 if we can preserve
directory password security.
IBM versus AT&T: Microsoft wins over Digital Research, we must report. Xenix
(Unix System 3) wins over AT&T System 5. System 3is the standard now, and
IBM has taken Unix development away from the erstwhile monopoly, bureaucracy-
infested AT&T. IBM is competition-tough. The PC-AT (Advanced Technology)
with Local Area Network (LAN) from Sytek, Mountain View, California, is the
product big-business wants, and probably needs and deserves. (IBM has rights
to purchase 5% of Sytek, which in turn is 51% owned by General Instrument!)
IBM appears to not be going the time-share approach of mainframes and minis
using Unix. LAN is efficient, we said this in several ways before. ESD
(Entry Systems Division) wins over other divisions; Florida leads the struggle
against other parts of the IBM world. AT&T should have established System 5
as the standard before it came out with computer hardware. Apple is dead in
this market, good night Lisa, or is it Irene? DRI Concurrent DOS is still-
born, nary amovement detected! Who needs sales to Fortune 500 companies
anyway? Ahuge, savvy marketing staff cuts the mustard. That's our musings.
Digital Research, if any single company can be given such credit, caused
the microprocessor to become popular with its virtual-machine operating system
for B-bit 8080 cpu's. But just when the going got competitive, got rough, its
leadership was found wanting. New leadership of late has done no better.
johnny-come-recentlies know little of what they need to know. They miss the
boat--see not the patch for the code! We sorrow, again and again. Blood
comes from our pores but, as we all know, we reap what we sow; natural law
cannot be circumvented.
Another IBM move having profound industry consequences is their endorse-
ment of Graphic Systems Software, Wilsonvilie, Oregon, graphics operating
system. This move, similar to the way IBM adopted Microsoft's MS-DOS, means
good-bye GSX from ORÍ! Mindset Corporation, Sunnyvale, California, saw the
wisdom of GSS when taking it on for their super PC clone. (But we wonder how
long such clones can be around with the PC-AT priced the way it is.)
Page 4
ZCPR3 Newsletter 007
Wyse Technology, our favorite terminal manufacturer, located in San Jose,
California, has done so well (last year's sales of over $17 milliom they are
goiríg public with an offeriñ9 of 1.8 million shares of stock at approximately
$8.00 per share. Asuccess in Silicon Valley. coming from customer-insight,
courage and simple hard work; westcoast good news! And now for...
Bad News: Sadness darkens our faces with the knowledge that Ziff-Davis is
cance1ling publication of Microsystems magazine. We are charter subscribers,
remember the first issue produced with aDiablo daisywheel. The magazine's
demise signals another bow-wave in the microcomputer incÍustry--publishing
power moving from East to West. ComputerLanguage and Dr. Dobb's more than
fills the gap vacated by Microsystems, and User's Guide, so unique in our
industry, continues as the journal of new computer users, and of those who
desire an in-depth understandim of popular computer programs. Weekly Info-
World completes the quadrangle with timely micro-news and product reviews.
Four influential--thus powerful--journals westcoast produced! (Let's not
forget both Unix magazines, UnixWorld and UnixReview, are from this same
coast.)
Also, Mícrocomputíng magazine is finished after much twisting and
churning. BYTE more than covers whatever small void created by one less such
publication. And furthermore, BYTE, seeing the handwriting on the wall, is
covering CP/M-80 activity with renewed vigor. Gee, that's good news!
About two years ago we proclaimed, while many seemed not to know what we
we were tUkim about, "There's something sick with an industry that requires
so much money spent in advertising products. Company managers funneling
stockholder (or vc) equity capital to pay for ads before products succeed, or
much less make money--such paths lead to Chapter Eleven." Comes time now to
pay for short term views, for so little soul exhibited. We need more
constructive ideas from people, less copy-cats. Too many clone-magazines, too
few impressed and inspired readers, too many ads with mind-numbing and
language-altering word: Íngs! The industry yields to natural karmic
retribution. (Maybe magazine subscription prices are too low, ad prices too
high, management decisions lack insight; something certainly has been and is
far less than whole.)
We presently favor four magazines and their editors:
I. User's Guide 2. Dr, Dobb's journal
POB 5245 2464 Embarcadero Way
Redwood City, CA 94063 Palo Alto, CA 94303
3. Computer Language 4. BYTE
131 Townsend Street 70 Main Street
San Francisco, CA 94107 Peterborough, NH 03458
Please support them by making known your feelings, your likes and dislikes,
and subscribing. Echelon has ads in two of them now and will have in them
all, if business justifies. Our attitudes could change if their editorial
policies ever promote other than ahealthy climate in which we can learn and
in which we can grow--1earning, growing, that's what we call living! See you
down the lines...
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
RCP/M & BBS Modem: 408/258-8128
Page 5
ZCPR3 Newsletter 007
Trademarks: CP/M, Digital Research; Z3-Dot-Com, Alpha Systems; Bookshelf,
Friendly, Ampro Computers; Lisa, Apple Computer; 280, 2i1og; Unix, AT&T Bell
Laboratories; ZCPR3, SYSLIB3, TERM3, EMSG, Richard L. Conn; DISCAT, Lasting-
Value Software, DISK7, Echelon; PC-DOS, IBM, Int'l Business Machines; WY-50,
Wyseword, Wyse Technology; KAMAS, Compusophic Systems; PUBlic, Plu*Perfect
Systems.
Newsletter 007 is Copyright 1984 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permis-
sion to reprint granted automatically if source credit is given to Echelon.
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
=i Echelonjnc. 12 November 1984
ZCPR3 009
Z3 TIPS: CD and ST haven't been discussed much and presently appear to be
little used features of ZCPR3. But that should change when we understand the
environmental flexibility attained with them. CD (change directory) is used
to change from one directory to another with password access security. That's
useful, but another most important task it perfOrms is automatically running
ST.COM (if exists) on entering the requested directory! ST (start) is an
alias file (a series of commands known by ashort name) that is used to change
from aprevious environment to another, one more useful and efficient for
present tasks. For example, ST loads new SYSn.NDR file as well as new RCP and
FCP files! Then MENU may be auto-entered as we recommend doing with DISCAT
and its global alias, CAT. (ST is an alias command; NDR, RCP, and FCP are
system segments loaded by LDR.COM and are memory resident.) Thus the environ-
ment is tailored with those tools to perform work efficiently; we go to a
different area for this reason. Alittle thought and p1anning applied to all
tasks envisioned, convenient work space set-up for each--that's advanced
coirtputing! An environment is: specifically desKned work space.
Each named directory, SYSn.NDR, (with optional password access) is
created using MKDIR. ALIAS.COM is used to create custom ST.COM'S. Alias ST
must always have the name ST (that's the only file CD auto-runs), but NDR'S
may have any name as n= as the type is NDR. If you are careful, all can
have exact same file name, but don't copy them from directory to directory--
one overwrites another! Thowh with same name their contents are different;
they each produce change, creating desired local environment, e.g.:
B0: wORK>cd text:<cr>
PW? mypass<cr>
C7: TEXT> (ST has been auto-loaded)
As distributed, ZCPR3 permits 14 (fourteen is an odd number, but adozen
never seemed enough) named directories simultaneously in memory (though it's
easy to allocate more memory buffer space if that's desired, 18 bytes per
name). But by running ST adifferent named directory file can be loaded for
each directory entered, permitting up to 448 names per (1ogical) drive (14
names x 32 areas). Certainly such alimit places few bounds on most planning
activities and resultant environments!
We've come up vith aversion of ZEX not requiring assembly to install on your
system. Advantage to those who don't own MAC and SID/ZSID is obvious.
Hurrah! Now installation of all ZCPR3 utilities is identical using Z3INS.COM,
SYS.ENV (or Z3.ENV if running Z3-Dot-Com), and ZCPR3.INS. The program object
file is on ZCPR3 RCP/M as ZEX.OBJ. Rename to ZEX.COM before installing with
Z3INS. (DDT-patching at standard location 1OAH is single-file quick way.)
More programs on the RCP/M: Ted Emigh (Raleigh, North Carolina) dev-
eloped aZCPR3 tool called FINDERR. Warning and fatal errors from M80
assembly sets ZCPR3 registers; ZEX processing, and the like, react accord-
ingly. Other transient (application) programs probably can use FINDERR tech-
niques to advantage, trappiíi9 error conditions under ZCPR3. The five files of
FINDERR(inc1uding upgradecí M80.ZEX) are on the ZCPR3 RCP/M as FINDERR.LBR.
Also LDR11 is there! It's finally fully fixed, we really believe.
Additionally, latest version of DU3 can be downloaded as DU3.OBJ. Seems
some CP/M BIOS implementations didn't like the way the internal help text was
being processed. Hopefully new version takes care of that problem.
ZCPR3 Newsletter 009
ZCPR3 BBS and RCP/M Comments: David McCord has been sensational ¿;etting the
ZCPR3 board up and running, and with such dispatch. (Isaac Salmnan, North
Hollywood, California, 213/615-6410, and his ZCPR3 RCP/M were an inspiration.)
Tim Gary's METAL message system employed has many bells and whistles; truly a
desirable interface that's easy to use.
When 1oggii: íg on for first time, record all dialog (with your modem
program) so you can later study the transaction offline. Be sure to retain
list of system commands and instructions going into CP/M area. And remember,
after entering CP/M area, to type PHD (print working directories) so you see
(and know) names of all available directories. Here's how you go from one to
another--you name them! The command line prompt appears: AO: COMMAND> and
you go to another disk/user area by typing desired directory name.
AO:COMMAND>ZCPR3: takes you to the ZCPR3 directory area. It's not too much
different than our homebase computer systems! You can use TCSELECT to install
your terminal on the system, and then take advantage of screen-oriented
utilities (HELP, etc.) found there!
Dave intends (with Tim's assistance) to collect adatabase of BBS users'
terminals, characteristics auto-activated after initial log-on. Such a
feature is afirst, to our knowledge, for BBS's. ZCPR3 sets news standard!
Here's what you see if Hor ?is entered while in METAL message system:
++
:***ZCPR3 BBS HELP ** * :
+e+
"B" =Display system Login bulletins (important info).
"C"or"CPM" =To go to CP/M with extensive help shown before entering.
"E" =Enter a new message into the message data base (prompted).
"G" or "BYE" =Log off from the system through Metal BBS (comments req.).
"H" or "?" =Repeat the display of this message (9Ft help).
"K" =Kill a message to you (only) in the data base.
"LIST" =Inquire about auser of this system (last logirí date, etc).
"O" =Show alist of other systems near this Metal BBS.
"Q" =Show aquick listim (by subject) of current messages.
"R" =Retrieve aspecific message by number (repeatiñ9).
"REPLY" =Reply to amessage in the data base (fills in 'to' portion).
"RP" =Read new messages"since last login, in order with prompting.
"RS" =Read any messages in order with prompting.
"S" =Show alisting of messages with author and date info.
"U" =Change your password, or User parameters.
"W" =Re-Display the system Login Welcome Message.
"X" =Select the expert mode (short prompts) of operation.
"Y" or "CHAT" =Call for the System Operator (6:00 p.m. to 10: 00 p.m.).
"#" =Show vital numbers like high msg., caller #, etc.
Control Sor S=Suspend output for viewing, any key to restart scrollirm
Control Kor K=Cease current command and return to command mode.
Commands may be separated by a space or asemicolon to have more than one
command on one line. Example :R;234 would retrieve message 234.
All outputs will pause after 23 lines, type any key to continue when you
see the [mre) prompt.
Entering Cor CPM at the command line takes you to the RCP/M portion of
the system, where you upload and download files using Ward Christensen's
XMODEM error checkirig and correcting transmission protocol. TERM3 has this
protocol, plus...that's another story.
Page 2
ZCPR3 Newsletter 009
New-Users-of-CP/M Corner: The quickest and simplest way to get ZCPR3 up and
running (next to havint: aCP/M Assembly Language guru living with you) is to
install Z3-DOT—COM; installation takes four (4) minutes or less. After
instal1ing and having become somewhat familiar with the new environment, the
trick setup results from ptittiríg the command Z3 in your CP/M CCP command line
buffer. (Use DDT to do this.) Then on cold-boot the machine comes up in
ZCPR3 and not plain vanilla CP/M.
Here's how--SYSGEN your system disk outer tracks into memory (use of
SYSGEN is described in CP/M documentation received with your computer), SAVE
40 CPM.SYS <cr>. Then DDT CPM.SYS <cr>, display hex and ASCII code using D
<cr> repeatedly 'till Digita1 Research copyright notice shows:
-D<cr> (sixteen lines of hex and ASCII appear for each D<cr> entered.)
0980 C3 5C DF C3 58 OF 7F 00 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20
0990 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 43 4F 50 59 52 49 47 48 COPYRIGH
09AO 54 20 28 43 29 20 31 39 37 39 2C 20 44 49 47 49 T(C) 1979, DIGI
0980 54 41 4C 20 ..... etc. TAL RESEARCH ..
The important task is firÁiñ9 two "C3'"S (JMP instructions) separated by two
characters each, followed by"7F" and"OO" in the line ahead of the DR copy-
right notice. (Some computers, like Morrow or Radio Shack, use location I1OOH
or some other address, instead of standard DR DDT image address of 986H, for
command line buffer address.) Now using DDT'S S(set) command, do this:
(your console keyboard entries are in bold)
-S986<cr>
S986 7F <cr> (carriage return retains present hex value.)
S987 00 2 (numbers of characters in cmd, <cr> after each entry;
S988 20 5A then the command name in hex. Z3 =5A 33.)
S989 20 33
S98A 20 O(NULL for end of command sequence,
S98B 20 .aperiod to terminate Scommand, then last <cr>.)
^C (ctrl-c to exit DDT.)
Next, again SAVE40 CPM.SYS and SYSGENsaved file to system tracks. You now
have your"system" bothondiskboot tracks and as adisk file: CPM.SYS. And
more importantly you have Z3-Dot—Com up and running! Now you can experience
the range permitted by this epic program and environmentally enhanced
operating system.
If you have problems putting Z3 :in your command buffer and haven't been
successful after seven (7) tries, call your nearest good-neighbor helper, or
call us and we'll do what we can to talk you through the operation.
Two versions of Z3-Dot-Com are available: one for Z80 machines and
another for 8080/8085. The latter version is ideal for CompuPro/Zenith dual
operating system computers.
Z3 Bug Report: VFILER'S CMD-file menuhas aproblem. You can't execute#-
menu commands (user numbered) from the ill menu, but only from the directory-of-
files display! We've located and fixed the biig (undocumented characteristic).
The code change fix will be distributed within the fortnigPít.
Program bugs are gettirig few and far apart--that's been our goal from the
beginning of our software design and development activities. Let us know if
you find anymore of these pesky little things. We'll be using the ZCPR3 BBS
to release fixed object files and occasionally source. The board is the
quickest way to transmit and receive messages and programs to and from ZCPR3
users--we're atight community on the move.
Page 3
ZCPR3 Newsletter 009
From Author of ZCPR3, Richard Conn:
WHAT MAKES APROGRAM INTO A ZCPR3 TOOL?
There are many good programs in the public domain, and several ZCPR3
tools duplicate these programs in terms of functionality in one way or
another. For example, the PO offers the directory display programs D, SI), DI),
and others, while the ZCPR3 toolset offers the programs DIR, XI), and XDIR.
Why duplicate the effort in the ZCPR3 toolset--why not simply use available
public domain programs?
The programs in the public domain are not consistent in their syntax or
method of use, by and 1arge. Icreated the ZCPR3 tools to be consistent in a
number of ways:
1. The public domain tools which were not associated with
ZCPR3 did not know how to deal with the ZCPR3 environment.
Named directories, like PASCAL: ,could not be referenced,
and the command search path had no meaning to them, for
instance.
2. Aconsistent syntax was not supported. Some tools
required their arguments to be prefixed by"-", others by
"$", others by nothirig at all or aspace, etc. All of the
ZCPR3 tools prefix their arguments with a"/" if afile
reference is not provided, or aspace or a"/" if afile
reference is provided.
3. The built-in help feature was not universally
supported. Some programs told you how to use them if you
typed in their name with no arguments, others did not
provide any internal documentation at all, etc. Ididnot
succeed in making all of the ZCPR3 tools consistent in this
sense, but the attempt was rr,ade. Many, but not all, ZCPR3
tools contain built-in dOcumentation which is acquired by
typing tool's name followed by two slashes, like "XI) //".
4. The tools didn't support lists of files as arguments
when it rrtade functional sense to. I'm really astrong
advocate of this; if Iwant to print five files, for
instance, Iwould rather issue one PRINT command with five
files named (or one AFN and then perform an inspection) and
let it go than issue one PRINT command with one file name,
and then another PRINT command, etc.
Iencourage everyone to enjoy their ZCPR3 system, write tools for it, and
contribute them to the user community. Ifeel, however, that a program is not
aZCPR3 tool unless it abides by the rules specified above as much as possible
(rules 3and 4sometimes don't apply or are simply waived). SYSLIB, Z3LIB,
and VLIB all contribute toward providing the support necessary to make the job
of tool consistency and adherence to these rules less of atask.
Page /4
ZCPR3 Newsletter 009
Utility Update Note from Rick: The new DPROG (Version 1.1) is significantly
different from initial Phase 2release version, thanks to one simple change.
Instead of simply programming devices from afile using commands like: DPROG
ASM to program a terminal (function keys, user message line, etc.) to support
the user inAssembly Language programming, the new DPROG also allows words
(defined in the indicated file) to be specified on the command line like:
DPROG EPSON ELONG FONT2
Such capability greatly extends the utility of DPROG. In the above
example, DPROG will read in the file EPSON.DPG, process it (inc1udim the
definition of whatever words are contained in this file, such as ELONG which
commands the printer to go to elongated print and FONT2 which selects some
character set/font numbered 2), and then pass over the words (or strings)
specified in the command line. By writing afile which programs your printer,
whether it is an EPSON, OKIDATA, TOSHIBA, etc, you can use DPROG to select
printer output attributes.
Included with the new DPROG is ahe1p file (DPROG.HLP) which documents
this new feature and several sample *.DPG files, The file P1350.DPG programs
my Toshiba P1350 printer and should serve as an example to users on how to set
up a DPG file for their own printers.
Echelon ships DPROG, Version 1.1, as part of new Core, Utility, and Phase 2
orders. DPROG.HLP and *,DPG files are on the ZCPR3 BBS within the fortniüit.
Alarm Bells Ríngíng...tools, program fixes and improvements to be considered
for official distribution must come to Echelon first! We are configuration
managers for all ZCPR3 related software. Please do not put fixes onto
RCP/M'S: they confuse too many users as to their status and validity.
Another ZCPR3 Utility Program: Xpert Software (8865 Pol1and Avenue, San
Diego, CA 92123) has announced that their XtraKey utility is ZCPR3
compatible--most other "key" programs are not. Tom Geldner and Robert
Greenlee (company co-founders) have amost economical, complete CRT console,
printer function-key generator; we have not seen better. The CP/M 2.2
universal package goes for $39.95. Now that's value. Order (Visa/Mastercard
accepted) by calling them at 6!9/268-0112 orsend checkormoney order plus
$3.00 shipping (California residents add 6% sales tax). We add this program
to our Lastíng—Va1ue Software list.
Coincidently, aZCPR3 user has developed afunction-key program running
as a ZCPR3 system segment I/O (input/output) Package! We presently are
reviewing this package and probably will license its use to ZCPR3 users for a
small fee.
HELPus correct mistakes if you think we made some. If you placed an order
forDISCAT, Phase2, etc. and think it shouldhave arrived by now, andhasn't,
let us know. These computer database systems we use for order entry and
shipping are not perfect; especially not perfect are console operators keying
characters into them--we admit that's ourbiggest problem. SCi if you think
delivery is taking too long, write us añote stating your concern. (ZCPR3:
The Manual, CP/M Apple ][ and Epson QX-lO disk formats, and TERM3 are not
shipping presently, so don't write of them. Presently they receive our
highest priority.)
Page 5
ZCPR3 Newsletter 009
Nev Dísk Operating System (DOS) takes advantage of extended functions of Zilog
new Z800 chip! The DOS is called 2RDOS, 280/800 Replacement DOS. 2RDOS mates
with ZCPR3's Wheel Byte and is fully compatible with all CP/M-80 software.
Dennis L. Wright, (no relation to Joseph W. Wriüít, but they are friends,
which"estab1ishes relationship) author of this striking code, is one who loves
B-bit economy and efficiency. Since Digita1 Research has apparently abandoned
our world (a reaction to Microsoft MS-DOS and Xenix capture of 16-bit
operating system market), Echelon has decided to fill the small generally
unnoticed void presently existing. (We recently received DR'S utility
proposal and found it non-responsive to our needs; Microsoft never took us
seriously.) Therefore, we intend to market afull set of B-bit operating
system, development and support software using Echelon-sponsored ZRDOS, macro-
relocating assembler with linker and librarian, translators, and debuggers.
Now we search for acompetent set of programs to replace MAC, RMAC, LINK,
M80 and L80...end one era, beginanew. Much creativity is coming from many
small, humble companies and from clever individuals; we prepare to explore and
use this creativity.
Down stream we plan to machine translate all our released programs
presently using Intel mnemonics to Zilog. Public domain program XLATE may be
able to effectively perform the job; we're looking into this program plus
other translators, like ITOZ (Intel to Zi1og) and ZTOI from RD Software
(Founder, Robert Doolittle, Pacific Palisades, California). Furthermore, RD
Software ZDM/ZDMZ should handle our debugger needs for Assembly Language
software development work. As you see, lots of B-bit activity...
OEM/VAR'S may inexpensively obtain directly from Echelon licenses to
resell complete operating and development system packages; Echelon, your
single source for ZCPR3 related software. Remember, both ZCPR3 and ZRDOS are
downward compatible with CP/M software. Those interested can obtain asample
agreement and more technical details by writing us (please don't telephone,
thanks).
Lower—than—expected-demand for IBM PC'S has created agrey/black market of
discounters for the product. Suchpractices turnbusiness-1ike blue of Big
Blue into agrubby, tattered banner--one filled with short-term greed and lack
of wholeness. Despite IBM'S seemingly good intentions, the market they took
control from pioneers is more than amess, it's aquagmire!
Real leadership would demand an immediate stop to contractually illegal
selling (dumping) by their big dealers to unlicensed houses; but, IBM'S over
production is so great they covet every potential avenue for buyers, no matter
the status or money willim to be paid. Of course, the PC-AThas alot to do
with present low demand for the vanilla PC's and XT'S. Contrast this market
flux with record October 1984 sales by Ampro Computers, Inc. of Mountain View,
California.
As an aside, ínost popular mainframe IBM 4381 computer memory, using their
256k-bit chips, sells for (get this) $10,000 per megabyte--that's economy? We
guess $9,000 is for service-after-sales, $1,000 for hardware...there is no
free lunch!
Long Live B—bit machines...
Page 6
ZCPR3 Newsletter 009
What is Echelon's Business? Microcomputer pioneer, George Morrow, recently
asked asimilar question about his company: Morrow Des: Ígns, Inc. Well, EI is
in the business of learning, becoming more conscience of ourselves and our
environment (no pun intended). We experience rewards from study, work, play--
mentally, to us, all the same. From these experiences, occasionally we try to
communicate knowledge, those things found valuable, hopefully, to all of us.
But recently we've come to realize that knowledge (especially its cousin,
understanding) cannot be transmitted, but data and information can. So we do
that instead. These latter act as catalyst to those former, moving from level
to level, aswirl of intermingling, dynamic energy. We first give with little
concern for what is to be received--but lo, we receive seven-fold. Reception
occurs at several levels simultaneously, mental, intellectual, material,
emotional...
The national economy and our industry appear reacting to an earlier-
caught dose of malaria, which has become chronic, giviw us recurring bouts of
chills and fever--booms and busts--recession and inflation. Base our business
on satisfying sound needs of human nature and our business is sustained. We
try to do this.
Send your thoughts concerning these matters; we'd like to know them.
Without you, our customers, we learn painfully slow!
Fragment of Letter recently received from Edgar Allen Poe: The grave is not
all that bad! Three square meals aday, clean linens...no nightly yakkiñ9
black birds or daily hassles from Federal IRS...
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research: directed efforts supposedly to make
life easier. The 19-company AI grouping (Microelectronics &Computer
Technology Corp. in Austin, Texas) is an example of what's lacking in
humanity-—a mass of indirection, no willfulness, no leadership! How can we
discuss such asubject (AI beim one never defined, except by egotism of
highest order) without knowing what intelligence is, much less its bogus
aspects: the artificial!
The japanese noble-challenge to US technology leadership requires our
ascendiné: effort, not descending; certainly not degenerate as it now appears.
Easy comes by opening our consciousness, neverby masking off reality.
Remember we are biologica1 life and we live, or at least we should. Who
claims to be aZombie? Who set making life easy agoaH MadisonAvenue,
those not knowing what good-life is about and seemingly trying to make sure we
don't find it for ourselves? Always leading us to mindless consumption.
See you down the lines... Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
zcpr3 bbs &rcp/m: 415/489-9005
Trademarks: CP/M, Digital Research; Z3-Dot-Com, Alpha Systems; Bookshelf,
Ampro Computers; Z80, Zi1og; Unix, AT&T Bell Laboratories; ZCPR3, Sys1ib3,
Term3, Richard L. Conn; Discat, Lasting-Value Software, Disk7, Echelon; pe-
dos, ibm, Int'l Business Machines; MS-DOS, Xenix, Microsoft; WY-50, Wyseword,
Wyse Technology; ZRDOS, Dennis L. Wright; Metal, Delphi Data Systems; Xtrakey,
Xpert Systems; ITOZ/ZTOI, ZDM/ZDMZ, RD Software.
Newsletter 009 is Copyri¿;ht 1984 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permis-
sion to reprint automatically granted if source credit is given to Echelon.
Page 7
Ei Echelon, Inc. 11 February 1985
z-más 105
ZTIPS: From ZRDOS author, Dennis· Wright (joseph Wright wrote ZRDINS semi-auto in-
stallation program): "Several apparent problems and questions regarding ZRDOS Version
1.0 have come up. Ihope the following information will help to clarify these
questions.
"It has been found that at least one system (CCS 300, 400) uses part (the last 16
bytes) of the BDOS image area in the SYSGEN image for cold boot configuration
information. Installation of ZRDOS overlays this area. The solution is to first
install ZRDOS into the sysgen image and then reinstall the BIOS hex file. This will
cause no problem for ZRDOS as the last 48 bytes of the image is stack area. The ces
system uses the information contained there to configure the system during cold boot.
Once the cold boot occurs this information is no longer needed and will be overlaid by
ZRDOS.
'The ZRDOS installation instructions contain an example SYSGEN image installation
based on a standard CP/M SYSGEN image (ORiG 980H). Some systems use adifferent image
base address. So be sure to calculate the correct offset when instUliW the
ZRDOS.BIN file.
"ZRDOS is the replacement for astandard CP/M 2.2 BOOS. Non-standard BOOS imple-
mentations are not [and cannot be] supported.
"Some public domain utilities have been found to function incorrectly under
ZRDOS. In all cases reported so far the utilities were using undocumented internal
features of CP/M 2.2 BOOS. ZRDOS supports only the Digital Research documented
features. The utilities reported so far are ARCHIVLCOM by Kelly Smith which requires
apatch to BOOS, and SDIR.COM which modifies BOOS error vectors. ARCHIVE is not
needed under ZRDOS; AC.COM fcalled COPY.COM in the early issues] does the same job.
SDIR should be modified to use the ZRDC)S set and reset cold boot trap functions
(Functions 50 and 52) that are provided to handle these needs. [joseph Wright updated
Super Directory (SD97): it works with ZRDOS; it's been distributed to BBS network]"
jay Sage (Newton Centre, Massachusetts) has corrected ERR£R1/2 to run under ZEX
command-failure conditions. He also made the single-command error display more mean-
ingful. At same time he worked over DU3. His updates are in file Z3SAGEJJB& This
file plus ZRDOS HLP and six utility files are presently on our Z-Nodes. (ZRDOS util-
ities only run if you're using ZRDOS.) Incidentally, jay is becoming, along with Al
Hawley, full Z-Aode. You Boston locals try jay's system at 617/965-7259; Los Aingeles
folks try Al's at 213/670-9465. (Many more Sysops are signintg up to become Z-Nodes.
Their access numbers will be given as the relationships firm.)
While Zílog mcrves slowly to with advanced 2800 B-bit chip, Hitachi America
(2210 O'Toole Avenue, San jose, CA 95131, telephone 408/942-1500) announces volume
March 1985 shipments of their new HD64180 (sampled last year as piece-part W62801).
We are investi¡gating its instruction set and other features: 512k-byte RAM control,
dual UART, CTC, and DMA controller, plus B-bit multiply and block memory move, on
chip. Additionally, atwo-way clocked hi9h speed serial port (CSI/O) provided makes
for interesting Local Area Networking (LAN) possibilities, direct 40Ok-baud com-
munications at 8mHz clock rate. (We presently finish our Zport to it, should be
complete when you read this newsletter!)
Specifications point to not one, but two super B-bitters beii: ig available to run
Z-based software! (Thowh these newer chips run 8080/280 instruction sets, and even
more, neither is physically pin-for-pin compatible with older chips—you can't simply
unpliug one and replace with other. Printed circuit board redesign is necessary.)
Hitachi's HIJ64180 is 80186 of eight-bit world, as Z800 is the 80286 (chip used by
IBM AT). Tony Moroyan (Stí"ategic Marketing Manager, Hitachi) said, "Many would prefer
better performance in eight-bit, and compatibility to present software." His
co1lea¿;ue, Sarv Thakur (Microprocessor Group Marketing Manager), indicated present
Z-News 105
high B-bit demand by stating, "We expect this market to remain for many years to
come." Remember, Echelon is here now with advanced Z0perating System (ZCPR3 combined
with ZRDOS3) ready to support high-techriology microprocessor architecture.
These new high-integration chips are superior in níany ways to their 16/32-bit
counterparts, and can be used without sacrificing incredibly large base of existing
8080/Z80 software and programming know-how! The Z800, because of high clock rate
capability and superior design, should run circles around Intel 80286. This not
witMtmdiw, Hitachi's chip sets astandard for cost effective, high performance
computer designs. Here are bench marks running BYTE Magazine "Sieve" under MBasic
(HE64180 clock at 6.144 mHz and one wait state; other computers, as delivered):
Apple lle —2806 seconds (6502)
IFS-80/II —2250 "(Z80)
IBM PC —1950 "(8088)
Unannounced Computer —1322 "(Ht64180)
Apple Macintosh —1214 "(68010)
Over twice as fast as Apple II, nearly as fast as Macintosh (32-bit?), and much
faster than IBM PC (16-bit?)! The production HF64180 units are said to run at 10 mHz
clock speed increasing,above performance by more than 50% to 806 seconds, leaving
Macintosh in road dust! Just guessing, IBM AT likely does Sieve in 600 or so seconds.
We understand Hitachi is offering acompanion, high thru-put graphics processor: 2
mega-pixels per second, both for full-color and monochrome. Now that's more than
state-of-the-art (NEC eat your heart out)! S-lOO and single-Hard computer manufact-
urers, which of you are first with aboard using one of these great new chips?
Eight-bit microprocessors continue to be designed into new systems, and in
acceleratiñ9 amounts, with little notice from popular press. We predict such systems
will be around as long as they serve well so many applications—they provide unusually
Mgh overall performance because it's so easy to stay with Assembly Language, instead
of having to move to inefficient high-level languaiges. (Somethirg is never received
for nothing...learn alittle each day and reduce alittle anxiety and frustration.)
Usiw Richard Conn's Syslíb3 for standard subroutine functions makes program writing
efficient and fast, both in-doing and in-results.
It's ngw so clear that IBM's selection of pseudo 16-bit Intel 8088 for their PC
has distorted normal development progress of microcomputers. What awaste! We also
sense asmall backlash from deception and lack of editorial leadership of popular
press. Who likes to feel duped! But who takes blame for poor leadership? Leader or
followers? Let us (and them) know your fee1irtgs. What you do is infinitesimal, but
it's infinitely important that you do it!
Z-TtK)lstm are shippiug! Some highlights of Z80 ZDM/ZDMZ debuggers: twenty-one (21)
commands versus DOT's 12. One of these commands (B) permit string searches (in both
hex and ASCII) over a specific memory block range. Others enable monitor and complete
debiigger, patcher operations. Command line prompts ease operator mental overhead.
ZDM P (print) command is toggle expecting no trailing arguments. The effect is
to send all output to printer as well as to console. It is turned off by asubsequent
Pcommand. Whenever Ptoggle is on, a 'P' will be displayed as part of X(examine and
alter current cpu state) or T(trace) display. jump (J) command is also togg1e
without arguments. It only affects subsequent Tor U(untrace) commands. If jhas
been executed then Tcommand displays only conditional and unconditional CALLS, JUMPS,
RETURNS, RESTARTS, PCHL (IX or IY) and relative JUMPS. The Tn form of trace is
usually used where nrepresents actual number of instructions to be traced. Whenever
the Jtoggle is on, a 'J' will be displayed as part of the Xor Tdisplay. QI and QO
permit input and output of byte value to selected I/O port while DI and EI permit
interrupt disable and enable.
Any ZDM command may be cancelled by pressing the rubout (DEL) key. Works with
Page 2
Z-News 105
both extended Intel and Ziio9 mnemonics. ZDM, asuper-value tool for $50.00 plus S&H.
REVAS3: superb documentation is monument to understanding Assembly Language and
disassembly of object code to source 1istiñ9. Enough here for everyone to learn some-
thiiríg from, enough for you advanced hackers and program designers. Major features
include interactively assisting you analyze your software for modification, dis-
assembling files as large as 64k-bytes, assigning real labels to subroutines,
inserting comments to disassembled code, and generation of cross reference listings.
Atool of great prize at $90.00 plus S&H!
IToz-mDI-TToI-ITUT: these four (4) Zilog/lntel/TDL (Xitan) mnemonic and pseudo-
op code translators make source code conversions so easy compared to hand translating
with atext or program editor—night versus day. Atool-value similar to ones above:
$51.00 plus normal S&H.
(Z-News next hi9h1ights our Cadil1actm, IND, Dynamic Screen Debrigger selling for
$195.00 plus S&H. Also keystone of'our software development system, versatile and
fast Zas, with Zlink, is featured.)
Shipping dates for Echelon items not presently shipping (all calendar '85):
Zas with Zlink —18 February
D¢3D —25 February
ZRDOS2 (and Z-Com2) —28 February
ZCFB3: mXunal —March
Term3 —second-quarter
ZCER3: 7Ík2! Liblrari! —second-quarter
ZRDOS3 —third-quarter
Emsg —third or fourtlrquarter
IFM (MaintMqn) —not scheduled yet
Please stay (and learn) with us—we move as fast as a shoe-string permits; eag1es
wish such speed!
Amateur Computeríst Corner: The joy of learning is enhanced when using Z-System—
everywhere you tum is another surprise; another useful, but until the moment, uriknown
welcomed feature! You go for months like this, thinking each new discovery is the
last; but surprise, it seems to never stop...beat goes on!
Alternate telephone services seem to be giving lots of us trouble when atteínpting
to access Z-Nodes and other BBS'S. Apparently the signal level is too low to permit
carrier detection circuits to work correctly. Under conditions where you get an
indication of connection followed by immediate lost of remote carrier, try the con-
ventional, high-priced long-distance telephone service: AT&T! No entity (search the
Cosmos, if you will) provides quality telephone service like erstwhile Ma-Bel1.
AT&T profits not too bad! Divestiture company earned $1.4 billion last fiscal year
(ending 31 December 1984), versus projected $2.1, on sales of $33 billion. For a
company haviríg $40 billion assets, return on investment should be much better, but
could be worse. Present calendar year should see battle lines fully drawn between
them and IBM. (AT&T'S personal computer is said to be twice as fast as IBM's; that
makes it as quick as our S-1OO 4mHz Z80 systems.) what will the future hold? Lo!
Behold! the future is now!
See you down the lines... Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
ZCPR3 BBS &Z-Node: 415/489-9005
,¥ Page 3
l
Z-News 105
Trademarks: Z80/800, Zilog; Ht62801/64180, Hitachi; 80186/286, Intel; Z-System, Z-
Tools, ZCPR3, ZRDOS, Z-Com, Z3-Dut-Com, Discat, Syslib3, Éiñs9, Term3, Zas, Zlink, IN),
ZDM, ITUZ, Revas3, DMM, Lasting-Value Software, Echelon and their respective owners
and authors; IBM PC, AT, IBM Corp.; Macintosh, Apple Computer; TRS-80, Tandy Corp.;
CP/M, our, &ita1 Research; MBasic, Microsoft; Cadillac, General Motors.
Zsets yo u FREE!
.
~A
Z-News 105 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights "Áeserved. Pehnission to
reprint automatically granted if source credit is given to Echelon.
Echelon, Inc. ;" :':'" '\·""""" ;%i' '
,^ P"'"I.- ·-¶
101 F/rst Street k1,,4 ', :. "" '""" """" i="" "
Los Altos, CA 94022 Z" ."', ,.\·" "'" """—- '" ·t,'r: F¿µ.- USA" """
:
P.- .
'".'"¡:í1' ,m" 2Oc
"'"··"" "" -i'
·' 7'~~=ma
jud Newell
Toronto RCP/M Systems
4691 Dundas Street W
lslingtion, Ontario CANADA
-- -.-,/
"j
®Echelon¶Inc.
25 February 1985
z-ms 106
ZTIPS: VMENU, apowerful shell under Z, has features somewhat different, and perhaps
at times more useful, than MENU. Significant differences between these two and
another Zshell, VFILER, indicate blending all three as most useful:
Feature VMENU MENU VFILER
1. Show directory of files
along with menu yes no yes
2. Optionally lock user into
menu system yes yes no
3. Show macro commands to
be executed no yes no
4. Use macro comnands from sirrgle
keystrokes shown on menu yes yes yes
5. Programter speed mule
(no menu shown) no yes yes
6. Operate on file currently
pointed to yes no yes
7. Either page-out or scroll
menus no yes no
8. User-generated menu syntax
checker for quick debWiw yes yes no
g. General disk system house-
keeping good fair best
An argument for universal use can be made for these Zshells. Your directory system
could contain each, in tum, deperidiríg upon dominant task for aparticular directory
environment. Environment is created by ST (alias-script containing segments and
commands) beiirtg loaded automatically by CD, used to exit previous environment and
arrive at present.
Afully secure system (one requiring password access to directories and protected
ERA, REN, etc. utilities) could use MENU as main user-interface driver; other two,
VMENU and VFILER, used to speed genera1"computer activities: word processing, spread-
sheet, telecommunications, database management, accounting, programming—you name it.
Secure systems are ideal in office (and home child-occupied) areas where many people
have access to unattended machines.
Some Zusers have not realized that Richard Conn has greatly extended our library
functions by addiW V1ib and Z3lib to complement Syslib3. Six-disk package, with full
source code for each subroutine, sells for only $45.00: our free-will donation to
structured Assembly Language advancements. Package is Item 27 on EI new price sheet
effective 28 February. Syslib3 (Item 26) alone, still only $29.00 on 4disks!
Z-TbK)lstÍn Featured: Zas, Z80 macro relocating assembler with Zlirk, Zlib, Zcon, and
Zref, does it all. Well, not all but nearly! Center-piece of our tool collection,
Zas forms basis for structured, maintainable Assembly Language program generation. Use
Sys1ib3, Vlib and Z31ib as source for hundreds of linkable, efficient and proven sub-
routines. We combined popular features to make Assembly Language program writ: ing
easier. Amacro expanding assembler using Intel, Zi1og, DRI, TDL, and Microsoft
syntax, mnemonics, and pseudo-ops creating at command-line option either Digital
Research HEX or Microsoft REL object code. HEX files are converted to executable
files with M1oad or with DRI Load; REL files are linked with modular library sub-
routines and loaded with Echelon Zlink, DRI Link or Microsoft L80 (Link-80). Standard
IRI sorted symbol table is optionally produced for use by EI DSD and DRI SID and ZSID
debuggers. Zas works faster than conventional assemblers, as does zlink.
Z-News 106
Zas comes with alibrarian, Zlib, to build and manage linkable REL libraries, and
Zcon, The latter converts extended Intel (TOL) memonics to Zilog. Symbol and label
table cross referenced, with statistics, to source line numbers is produced by Zref.
Additionally, many TOL pseudo-ops are also correctly converted, translated. (Zas is
Item 10 on our price sheet: $95.00, complete.)
We cannow all convert our 8080 coded programs to Z80 and assemble them with Zas!
Bravo! Patrick O'Conne11, our faith in vou has been fully justified! (Being not a
perfect world, we're sure minor changes to sorne prograrús will be required because of
syntax inequalities. So be it!)
DSD, Dynamic Screen Debugger, provides features previously not seen on micro-
computers, Version we ship works with both extended Intel (set produced using DRI
Z80.LIB and MAC, essentially TOL) and Zilog mnemonics. DSD uses ZCPR3 environmental
descriptor for automatic program installation, as other Zutilities are installed with
Z3INS and your SYS.ENV (or Z3.ENV if using Z3-Dot-Coíri) file.
DSD Software In-Circuit-Emulator provides many expensive hardware I.C.E features
but it doesn't require attaching any wires. Single step and breakpoint in ROM, write
protect RAM, set code execute only, protect the stack from overflowing, catch illegal
instructions and watch memory locations and cpu registers, The emulator can break-
point on arbitrary conditions or identify when aLDIR instruction is going to write
over protected locations before writing occurs! Not even hardware I.C.E. can provide
such capability.
Full support provided for symbol files as generated by Zas, Mac, Rmac, M80
(Macro-80), and other popular 1anguage translators—complete symbolic, full-screen
editor debugging! DSD runs on 8080, 8085, NSC800 and Z80 computers—soon will take
full advantai: e of Hitachi HD64180, and when-available Zi1og 2800, super B-bit micro-
processors.
Other DSD features include: online help, save memory into afile, single step
over subroutines, string searching, port I/O, viewing files. And it only takes 16k-
bytes of memory! (You C-Language programmers eat-your-hearts-out.) It's Item 25 on
our current price list.
By the way, each EI software line Item retains its number as price lists are
updated, acting as excellent double-check when orders are received. If we need num-
bers for more than 99 items, heaven forbid, we'll use over-1OO number categories.
FLASH! Richard Conn featured as speaker at upcomiw Trenton, NJ Faire, 20-217 April!
Rick speaks on software development system environments: ZCPR3 (Z), Unix and Adm
Nev Computer Magazine Appearing: Sol Libes produces an every-other-month magazine
called Micro/Systems journal, first issue is dated March/April 1985! Dave Hardy has
joined him but continues his column with Micro Cormcopim Randy Reitz has written a
review of ZCPR3 features and we should see it in sol's May/june issue. (Mail M/SJ
subscription orders to Box 1192, Mountainside, NJ 07092; $18.00 per year, six issues;
$32.00 for two years.) Wonder where Chris Terry, erstwhile writer, as are above, of
defunct Ziff-David Microsystems magazine, will show up next.
Abou.t EI Manuals: Echelon documentation is intended to be placed in 3-ring, loose-
leaf, binders (ZCPR3: The Manual is exception). We don't already supply such holders
because of shipping weight and bulk. Good quality binders are so dense, postage would
exceed their down-at-your-local-stationery-store price. On the other hand, many have
asked us to produce aspecial binder with"Z" printed on its front along with program-
and tool name page dividers—we may do this, if we can get awholesale deal that's
attractive to you, our customers.
Standard size, 81/2" by 11", loose-leaf folders are most efficient, best for
reading, studyirig, learrLing from. IBM-standard (5 1/2" by 8 1/2") are simply too
small (a backward way to do things); and holders of these little folders make access
from desk-top atwo-handed procedure. Only one hand is needed with conventional,
Page 2
Z-News 106
large, without-being-in-a-box, loose-leaf binders. But, Oh! how the herd has gotten
into line: each one following the other, waitiñ9 for aturn to sip nourishment froíu a
much-used troúÜL
Z-News Numbering System consists of trailing three digits; first cii9it representing
Volume number and last, the Issue. Middle digit is inert and used only because file
is sent "squeezed" to various message systems in middle-digit-always-Q form. So this
Z-News 106 (1Q6) is Volume 1, Issue Number 6. (We started with Volume O; zero is a
useful number sometimes, isn't it?) Each Volume consists of nine (9) Issues, decimal
modulo before cycle is repeated, except there's never an Issue O. We felt no neces-
sity to key issues to earthly months since it's published fortnightly. When we've
published 90 issues, we'll change the numbering system (we may go to hexidecimal--no,
just kidcjing). Some of you asked about numbering; you now have our considered answer.
An ancient once said, "A picture is worth athousand words." Icons special are
pictures, two-dimensional symbols, presently in vogue. Icons permit humans and com-
puters to communicate. L,ong, long time ago, we used hierog1ypÍís and then cuneiform to
communicate among ourselves, we early homo sapiens. Then after struggle, an alphabet
developed. Now we go back to pictures, icons. How many glyphs can we remember; 50,
lOó, 5,000! Echelon predicts Enüish words and phrases will be found best interface
between humans and machines. We recognize symbols as powerful, but we still must
learn what each symbol stands for! Icons presently are produced using common, every-
day symbols easily associated with common computer functions. But day draws near when
the number of functions gets so large, new non-everyday symbols have to be created—a
whole new language 1earrling would then be necessary—which is something we don't think
appropriate! It's up to us to generate phrases that permit quick learning, asso-
ciation with that known, to what is momentarily desired.
Computing machines using icons, Star, Lisa, Macintosh (name of arain coat, not a
variety of apple, providing insight to mentality of founders of acertain company) are
so easy to learn—pray tell, but what have you learned? Such machines are fadiirig even
now. Touch screens, dead (sorry HP); mouse pointers (and track balls, joy sticks
digitizing pads), have aplace if heavy graphics are necessary; high-resolution light
pens (painter's brush) could be next big fade. No universal solution to user/machine
communications is possible; each of us have our needs of the moment. Remember, we
can't even reliably talk to opposite gender (sex), how our computing machines!
Four-year programmers wish only command-line completion features; one-week in-
terested users, Macintosh's; two months, IBM PC'S; ten year, protect your you-know-
what big-company managers, IBM PC, XT and AT'S. As we see more, as we learn more, our
needs move from plateau to plateau. There's no free lunch!" It's only throíigh work
(intentional doing, conscious thought—not mindless, repetitive action) that our béiñ9
is altered to see, to know more of what's goirig on. Get kmw1ecÍge, get afriend or
two (compadres, we call them here on the west coast), get money (and power over
others); but whatever is done, get understanding, get wisdom!
Appreciate, accept, our Universe is about releasing energy from matter—you are
its center (did you think it was about matter beirtg created from energy, you silly
savage). Let no one push you aside! Ask questions--answers are not too important,
asking questions is! From your questioning develop your own answers; become asphere
of power—a sphere of action, not reaction!
See you down the lines...
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
ZCPR3 BBS &Z-Node: 415/489-9005
Page 3
Z-News 106
Trade-marks: Z30/800, Zilog; HD62801/64180, Hitachi; Z-System, Z-Tools, ZCPR3, ZRIX)S,
Z-Com, ZJ-Dot-Com, Discat, Syslib3, Enisg, Termj, Zas, Zlink, DSD, ZDM, ITOZ, Revas3,
Lasting-Value Sof tware, Echelon and their respective owners and authors; Star, Xerox;
IBM PC, XT, AT, International Business Machines; Lisa, Macintosh, Apple Computer; our,
Sid, Zsid, Rmac, Link, CP/M, Digital Research; Macro-80, Link-80, Microsof t.
Zsets y o u FREE!
--= ~
~
4^~
^"·
"~-. '
--...
Z-News 106 is copyright 1985 Echelan, Inc. All Ri9hts Resemed. Permission to re-
print, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is given to
Echelon, Inc.
t: ft, igj"¢y'%: 'j7'í
Echelon, Inc. q0KNC'S,\ I/\ L'ii g
>
¿I j: ," 5--
101 First Street z'-PM o^''"
k. '"""
'°" ^"°"' '^ "°" t' 'jjj'¿d )U!!C f-d==: I
jud Newell
Toronto RCP.·'M Systems
4691 Dundas Street W
Isling'tion, Ontario CANADA
=Echelon, Inc. 11 March 1985
107
ZTIPS: FOKE&GO1.DOC, presently on Z-Nodes, exhibits unusually high creativity by its
author, Bruce Morgen (Ivyland, Pennsylvania). The Alias and Zex files described by
this DOC file indicates what can be done using vast power designed into ZSystem
(neither CP/M nor MS-DOS have such power.) Alittle thought goes a long way if
concentrated to come up with something useful. Idea here is to change to-be-run
program where and after it's been loaded. Various temporary versions are created,
M9., of WordStar with different default settings, by an RCP (Resident Command Pack-
age) pokil% specific addresses using different Alias files and aZex file. Here's how
Bruce described his inspiration:
"If your ZCFR3 system supports the GO command and you have an RCP with the FOKE
command, you can easily make extensive run-time modifications to a program. The
terminal session below is avery simple example of the technique. The entire process
is an alias script, ZEX is used to load and exit WordStar, the WordStar addresses for
right margin and initial mode are poked to the desired values and the now-modified
WordStar is run with an optional command tail. The regular RCP (without FUKE) is
loaded on exit. Much more extensive changes could be made this way, including some,
like page lergth or different control strings for different printers, which cannot be
done from the console once inside NordStar. You can use WINSTALL to make amodified
copy of WordStar, use DIFF or equivalent to find the poke locations and off you go—
2k-bytes for the alias (lk-bytes if you have CMDRUN and put it in COMMANDLBR), 2k-
bytes for WS35.ZEX--a savings of 14k-bytes over separate versions of WordStar.
Additional aliases 'cost' only 1to 2k-bytes extra per WordStar version because only
one ZEX file is needed. If you don't have ZCER3 I/O redirection, you can manipulate
the IOBYTE with apoke, not to mention the ZCPR3 external Path and Wheel Byte, much
faster than with utilities (PATH or WHEEL)—c1umsy technique for console input, but
fine for alias-controlled routines. Similar stuff can be done from a menu shell in
lieu of an alias. All this assumes that WordStar is patched, or BOOS modified, so
that WordStar can find its overlays properly if you want freedom to wander around user
areas. Have fun—Bruce Morgen."
A0: SYSTM>ALIAS WD
ALIAS, Version 1.1
Alias Name: WSD
Old Alias Comand Line:
1—" AO:;XX) TD SYSTEM DIRECKRY
2—> LDR SYS3.RCP; XÁ)AD RCP THAT HAS IIHE KKE comAND
3—> ZEX WS35; XAAD WRDSTAR & RUT (SEE WS35.ZEX, BELOW)
4—> POKE 036B 22; :SET RIGHT MARGIN m35 (ACTUALLY 34 DECIMAL)
5—> POKE 0378 DO; :su INITIAL KIDE mDOCUMENT NON-DOCUNNT
6—> $D$U:;:RESfIDRE ORIGINAL DIRECTORY
7—" GO $1; :RUN LOADED WORDSTAR WITH OPTIONAL FILENAME
8—> AO:;X3ACK TO SYSTR4 DIRECKRY ON UIT
9—> LDR SYS.RCP; Load REGULAR RCP
10 —> $D$U: :EXIT mORIGINAL DIRECTORY
Input Alias (RETURN to Abort)
—>
WSD alias listing cancelled by entering acarriage (cursor) returm The contents of
ZEX file used by WSD is shown by using the Type command:
Z-News 107
A0: SYSTEM>TYPE W35.ZEX
WS )RUN WORDSTAR
". ÍMAKE SURE ZEX LEAVES NO
^/É X'OOTPRINTS (FOR NEATNESS' SAKE)
X)EXIT TO ALIAS STEP //4
Either WSFIXASM or WSPAT-DM.ASM, on Z-Nodes, permit patching WordStar for use in
directories other than in User area where WS.COM and overlay files are.
Another idea: set-up alias with Ioop-ZEX (GOTO) using REG command to "print a
text file the number of times from-command-line declaration."
Chuck McManis, Sunnyvale, California, has contributed aneat improvement to
IF.COM perinitting wildcard file matches, and he added extensive built-in help. Chuck
also has some interesting nested alias examples to wet your appetite for setting up
and maintaining aZCPR3 Source Code Library of squeezed files. Alias GET and PUT uses
alias EXTRACT and INSERT, respectively. Get IF12.DOC and IF12.MAC for further
details.
Finally, good neighbor-helper John Dunsmuir, Scarborough, Ontario, has located
and fixed aknown bug in VFILER32, in the View command. It's fixed as Version 3.3.
john is presently completing addition of wild-card file taggirig and unsqueezing to
program, to be Version 3.4. To most, these are welcomed. Look for it as you read
this newsletter. (Others, namely jay Sage, Z-Node Sysop, and Bob Demron, have great1y
enhanced VFILER in parallel with john's effort; our task of combining all these
improvements into one Version 3.5 is cha11erigiríg. We may choose to have two different
versions, each following independent paths; more about VFILER in afortnight.)
FLASH: Famous message handling program added to EI product 1ine—METAL! Written by
Tim Gary (Los Altos, California) Metal provides lots of capability with convenience,
over 20 commands. Open and private message storage; easy and quick access to new
messages not previously read; catalog of users by name, city and ID number; plus full
statistics of file up/down1oad by date and user. Metal presently mátes with public
domain telephone answerer, BYE, and soon with yet-to-be-shipped (vaporware) Term3.
More details of METAL is found on page 2of Newsletter 009, dated 12 November 1984.
Z-Nodes oMine (or soon to be) include some big storage disks and high population
locations; but most importantly, these Sysops want to serve users:
I. Dave McCord -Fremont, CA -415/489-9005
2. Al Hawley -Los Angeles, CA -213/670-9465
3. jay Sage -Newton Centre (Boston), MA -617/965-7259
4. Don Buzzingham -College Station, TX -409/845-8931
5. Ronnie Stone -Lisle (Chiccí9o), IL
6. Andrew Hart -Palo Alto, CA
7. Tim Linehan -o1yrupia, WA -206/357-7400
8. Thomas Hill -Anchorage, AK
g. Larry Snyder -Winter Park (Orlando), FL -305/677-8086
10. Rea Williams -Carson, CA -714/855-0672
11. Mike Ward -Voorhees, NJ -609/428-8864
12. Norm Gregory -Seattle, WA -206/325-1325
13. Walt jung -Baltimore, MD -301/661-2175
14. Rich Rodeheaver -Reyno1dsbuv"g (Co1tunbus), OH -614/864-2673
15. Richard jacobson -Chicago, IL -312/649-1730
16. jud Newell -Toronto, Ontario -416/232-0442, 232-0269
17. Robert Tate -Altamonte Sprinngs, FL -305,'831-6049
1.3. john Rovner -Union City, CA -415/489-0388
Page 2
Z-News 107
Certainly we find our node collection gratifying--future holds much excitement from
nets and nodes for us, for our continent, and our Earth. We need total of 40 Sysops
worldwide for an effective network, have aways to go.
Dave McCord has been selected as Z-Node coordinator, withA1 Hawley as backup and
Los Angeles connection to Bob Finch, our ham radio packet network expert. These
gentlemen are prepared to answer your questions about communications and about message
systems.
Z-Nodes contain full message recording subsystems, ZCPR3 Core and Utilities files
available for transfer using Christensen (XMODEM) protocol; plus latest Z-System
program brg fixes and selected Echelon promotional material, list prices, and order
forms. Some Sysops have elected to be downloaders of our proprietary software. For
those wisMrig to buy Echelon programs (Discat, Z3-Dot-Com, ZRDOS, Z-Com, Z-Tools,
etc.) by downloading, contact closest Z-Node for procedural details. (Down1oading
from nodes solves our massive disk format problem.)
More Benchmarks: Comparing 16-bit multiply and 32-bit result from Intel document
"iAPX 88 versus Ziio9 Z80 Benchmark Report--August 1980" with Hitachi HD64180
similar operation indicates m®ern, superior B-bit des@i. Results:
8088 (5 itrHz -Owait states) =40.8 microseconds
Z80B (6 niHz -1wait state) =302.0 "
HD64180 (6.114 mHz -1wait state) =37.11 "
Z80 is slow because it lacks hardware on-chip multiply. For tests, HD64180 used
software routine to provide 16-bit multiply, but employed its internal B-bit multiply
instruction to get such quick results. The different clock rates and wait states of
8088 and HD64180 muddy final conclusions about absolute quickness, but here we see 8-
bit certainly MMim its own! Bench testing was performed by Tom Cantrell of Micro-
future, Fremont, California.
to IkmMh ard KeíthH~er of CP/M SIG Inc. (Broomfield-Denver, Colorado) for
their considerable article writing, corÁucting of workshops, and generally promoting
Echelon and ZCPR3. These educators are doiñ9 one Zof ajob acting as catalyst to
those wantiw to learm
Solutims From our begirlning we have tried to indicate, to point to
solutions to your problems. We could have just listed features of ZCFR3 and ZRDOS, Z
System; no, we have produced acontinuous stream of examples to show solutions to your
problems. Some we have received from you: thañks! What other solutions have you
come up with—don't be bashful or delay, tell us!
Many have asked why we buck trends, go not with IBM and K-DOS and Unix, the
popular microcomputer fashion. Well, we are not of mass movements, but about frag-
merits, remnants! Nonetheless we use only whole cloth, usually in dreadfully short
supply; most don't understand or appreciate what we do, but how they get upset.
We welcome Crusader, activist label placed on us by some few (others have used less
flattering expressions). You know, we don't go with flows, with crowds; but create
intellectual turbulence and mental eddies. We maneuver at near-virgin fringes of
human emotional exploration. join us!
See you down the lines... Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
ZCPR3 BBS &Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 3
Z-News 107
Trademarks: ZSO/800, Zilog; Iü64180, Hitachi; 8088, Intel; Z-System, Z-Tools, ZCPR3,
ZRDOS, Z-Com, Z3-Dot-Com, Discat, Sysiib3, Term3, Zas, Zlink, DSD, ZDM, ITOZ, Revas3,
Metal, Lasting-Valme Software, Echelon and their respective owners and authors; PC-
DOS, IBM Corp.; CP/M, Digita1 Research; WordStar, MicroPro Int'l; Unix, AT&T.
Zsets y o uFREE!
Z-News 107 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc, All Ri9hts Reserved. Permission to re-
print, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is given to
Echelon, Inc .
~
CP"" "°"7 'j=-~= "
«W
,.,'.'
.
Echelon, Inc. ·u::;"n 7-— S:'J:i'¿
101 First Street ""q^4."'
,---" s'4'q,j "' "' if,
0í98· ·)"' -" "ysiñ.' ',- f. :. ."
Los Altos, CA 94022
.9AÁ '"·'.
,..d
,.. m>',: ."' '""" "
3"'F^¿@: ¿ií£','&
Jud Newell
Toronto RCP/M Systems
4691 Dundas Street W
Islingtion, Ontario CANADA
=o 25 March 1985
"I Eche1on,lnc. 108
ZTIPS: Robert Doolittle, author of ZDM/ZDMZ and ITOZ and is Z-Team Member (Pacific
Palisades, California), shows way to reduce BIOS size by over 100 bytes. Always, we
suggested full environment descriptor storage be included in your BIOS implementatiom
No, only apointer to the descriptor need be implemented! Bob has ri9htly pointed out
that Newsletter 003, page 3, listiñ9 of buffer space can be changed to indicate two
address pointers, and not include 128-byte environment data He reduced ex:istirig 14
lines to only 7and completely removed subroutine DEFHV code:
:IF Z3ENV NE O
:IF INITENV
:LXI D,DEFENV
:LXI H,Z3ENV :IF Z3ENV NE O
:MVI B,128 :LXI H,Z3ENV
:CALL É©VLDP :MVI 8,128+32
from: :MVI 8,32 to: :CALL ZERCN
:CALL ZEROM :LXI H,Z3CL
:USE :SHLD Z3ENV+24
:LXI H,Z3ENV :ENDIF
:MVI 8,128+32
:CALL ZEROM
:ENDIF
:ENDIF
Z3 command line buffer pointer is stored 24 bytes hi9her than Z3ENV base address.
The first command executed after cold boot should be LDR SYS.ENV—either manually or
by STAR7UP alias—followed by others necessary to set up computer system for desired
initial environment.
VFILER Update: Jay Sage and Al Dunsmuir independently upgraded Vfiler into version
3.3; yes, two of them! Pandora's Box was nearly opened—thañkfully not, thou9h we are
certain Pandora had anice box, among other things--by allowiw more than one
programmer to work on a program in parallel. Al has volunteered to incorporate Jay's
changes into version 3.5. Oh! we forget to tell of Al's version 3.4--it's
fantastic—presently on Z-Node Central. Features added from 3.2, last version with
released source, include wild card tag,/untag commands; unsqueeze files, individually
sending to file or by group command; viewing and printiñ9 squeezed files, without
unsqueezing; view command last screenbug fixed; and many suave program improvements.
jay's 3.3 extends screen high1ightiñ9, permits file-mask when changing
directories, and most importantly, is nearly twice as quick when it loads. Last item
is accomplished by technique of loading ashell, whichVfiler is, only once. If
nothirig else, Al must include this feature in 3.5.
New Policy: Files for erihancement or bw fiMm must be "checked out" before changes
can be considered for acceptance and distribution. We will allow only one person to
be working on a program at any one time. The effort required to merge two versions of
same program is significant, as Al will find out in combining two 3.3's and 3.4 into
3.5. We can't do the work ourselves: too extensive for our limited resources!
Aprocedure is beintg prepared and should be up on Z-Node Central as you read
this. Simply stated: you check out file you wish to work- on; while you have it, no
one else is permitted to update it. A109 will be kept to show which files are out
and ones available for updating. List consists of about seventy (70) source and
twe.ity (20) support help files. Obtain 'theckiW out and returning file" procedure
from Z-Nodes. File check out must occur from Z-Node Central!
Z-News 108
pKeytm is super keyboard enhancer and is shipped with source code! You edit source
for your cpu and terminal speed and maximum number of keys and their lengths, assemble
using Zas or Mac, load with Mload, then rename object file to filetype lOP. Here's a
good segment from which to learn lOP coding techniques. Twelve keys of 24-characters
each are possible, cleanly fitting standard ZCPR3 lOP 1.5k-byte memory space.
Many such segments may be created and saved with different file names and auto
loaded as appropriate within directory being worked; as Rick Com would say, 'Little
CD (ChaWe Directory) and ST (Start) does the trick." (See Newsletter 009, dated 12
November 1984.)
Programable Key allows creating and saving as many sets of loadable segments as
desired. One for word processor, another for communications, for spreadsheet,
database management, programming, you name it. PKey displays each key and its
conversion string, and prompts for easy string change, without ever affecting program
in TPA—an exceptional value. AlthouÜi designed to work with ZRDOS and Z-Coin, PKey
(along with I/OR and BPrinter) works perfectly with ZRIX)S2 and Z-Com2.
Z—Nodes swing! From all over Uobe come interest in our nodes. Gaffers, gripes, and
gophers make it possible, make it delZhtful. We wait day when seridirg amessage to
France is accomplished without direct cost. Nodes grow until Earth's people fully
communicate; add these to list:
19. Fred Townsend -San jose, CA -20. Dick Driscoll -Phoenix, AZ -
21. Robert Finch -Glendale, CA -ham radio packet 146.745 nHz
22. Themas R. Bowerman -Anniston, AL -23. Charles Boghosian -Ikirham, NC -
24. Barry L. Bowerrnan -Weaver, AL -
25. Douglas Thom -San Jose, CA -408/253-1309 (oMine 4/12/85)
26. Robert Kühmann -St. Martin de la Brasque, France -011+33"(90)-77-61-36
27. Charles Hoffman -Tampa, FL -813/831-7276
28. Stanley K. London -Aurora, CO -
ZAS ís the Z80 macro assembler being used to support all ZSystem programming
activities. Zas creates Intel HEX or Microsoft REL files permitting its usage in
place of Asm, Mac, Rmac, and Macro-80. Supporting program provided (Zcon) converts
Intel 8080 mnemonics to Zas Ziio9 format. Another (Zlib) permits creation of binary
REL subroutine libraries; addiírig, deletiw and replacing modules, and printing module
names and public symbols from alibrary are features.
Others (Zlink and Zref) permit COM file generation from REL modules and symbol-
label cross reference to numbered source code lines. Either Zas or Zlink optionally
produces DRI compatible SYM files for use with DSD, Sid, or Zsid.
By the way, DSD (with 55 commands!) ships in two versions along with in-context
(individual-command) online help. These versions run automatically with Z(ZCPR3 and
ZRDOS) after installing using Z3INS.COM. One handles extended Intel (similar to
TDL/Xitan) mnemonics; the other, Zi1og. Both run with either 8080 or Z80 micro-
processors. Under CP/M-80, both require patch-file editiw for your terminal and use
of debugger ZDM (or DDT) to overlay main DGD object file. Source provided permits
editing for your terminal code and after assemWiW into hex file, overlaying both
Intel and Zilog versions of DSD.COM.
Prices reduced for three Echelon products. We seek wisdom, not money (really?), so we
have reduced prices for these EI software packages: DtSD and both versions of Z-Com2,
Items 07, 08, and 25 (see attached List Prices, dated 15 March 1985). We wish we
could cut more prices but expenses must be covered. (Notice addition to list of off-
shelf Z-Msg—Metal message program for ZSystem—bulletin board, file and mail system!
Also, all versions of Z-Com and Z-Coin2 are supplied with I/O Package buffer space
allocated, so PKey and other segments are ready to load.) "
Page 2
Z-News 108
Amateur Z-User Corner: ZDM (or DSD and DDr) makes neat emergency «to COM file
converter. Load your HEX file (note last used address displayed under PC NEXT
message) using l<filename.HEX><cr> and R<cr>. Then exit and save number of hex pages
(x?dl) to <fi1ename.COM>. Number of pages (each two records, 256 bytes) to save is
determined by dropping the two ri9ht4iand dZits from PC NEXT address. For example,
if address is 124F, round off right two digits and use SAVE 12H <fi1ename.COM> as your
command line. But if address is 1200 (on whole page boundary), round down one and
save only 11H pages.
Z-Node Central has anumber of popular pre-configured ZCPR3 installation files:
ready to install for Kaypro, Osborne, Morrow, Epson, Xerox, Apple, Heath, iBex, and
Jade. Look for them in ARCHIVE directory of node. Shortly, all Z-Nodes will have
these files. If you are having trouble installing Z3 on one of these machines, study
files to obtain get-<)ver-stumb1ing-b1ock ideas.
Computers and Electronícs magazine publication termination announced by owner Ziff-
Davis (they cancelled Microsystems last October). Circulation is 600,000! Now we
ask: on what list should Z-D be placed? Do colors exist darker than black? Ceasirig
publication of one magazine in favor (to prop up sales) of another (m-named magazine
owned by Z-D, actually Creative Computíñ9) should produce afew subscriber reactions,
cancelations without further regard for any Z-D publication. We move away from such
business logic--such decision makers have no feeiiñ9 for what they are aMut—leadiY
to these actions. Managers and owners have every right to do as they think best; we
have ari9ht to contemplate Z-D going out of business a1together. The planet and
cosmos, in our opinion, need neither their outlook nor expertise.
MícYomWrter txxmt continues! Substantial 1985 gains (20% over 1984) predicted in all
areas, best likely is portables (their sales could double over '84, especially if flat
panel displays get easy to read). Next is home and then office desktops. Sales to
'hobbyist and tinker, beiW neither of majorities nor mainstreams, are down in noise.
And still, many vital niches exist for small companies; Echelon caters to those
wishing to learn no matter where (home, office, shop, or laboratory) they use
computers. We work on LAN (local area networks permitting computers to talk to one
another) concepts, AI (ai: tificial intell.úénc·¢) usefulness and what can be done with
more powerful (5th generation) software and databases, one computer/one user, and GSS
graphics, but learning (e>cpariding one's awareness) is above all else. You hobbyists
and tinkers, you remanence, come join and learn as ve learn!
Why we do what we do! Sometimes we think with words that are unwritedownable and
notsotalkaboutable. But clarity notwithstanding, you know we support hi9h performance
Z80 instruction set compatible microcomputers. Eight-bit systems are (to us) symbols
of neatness (simplicity) and efficiency (only if assembly language is used) and mental
challenge (must be creative to be competitive with 16/32-bit micros). Remember, each
letter and number in our alphabet is represented by 8bits (a byte) in each machine.
We provide screen upon which light shines. You are our light, you fire us up to
jet speeds, passing eagle and humming bird. Those who jump on bandwagons thinking
there is no viable alternative: not figuriríg things out for themselves, not continuirg
to learn, not becoming willful, not alive, are our li9ht too.
Capacity for enjoyment increases as we learn—that's why we do what we do. Joy
comes from simplest of accomplishments: abuffer loads, screen fills with text, data
viewed, abeginner overcomes ahurdle. Our bird—though caged—sings! See you down
the lines...
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 3
Z-News 108
,Ft
Trademarks: Z80/800, Zilog; HD64180, Hitachi; Z-System, Z-Tools, ZCFR3, ZRDOS, Z-Com,
Zas, Zlink, DSD, ZDM, ITOZ, Lasting-Value Software, Echelon and their respective
owners and authors; Macro-80 Microsoft; CP/M, Mac, Rmac, Sid, Zsid, Digital Research;
Mload, Ni9htow1 Software.
Zsets y o uFREE!
.T.
«
.'l :' .. ,..,.
ñ-'""Át¿,... K·
'.'S' ',..
^%í "'u'*:a%'...
4.. ""' "'.' ' ·, ·: =2~
Z-News 108 is Copyright 1985 Echelon,- in ·"Al1 Right¶s- Eeserved. pesrjÁü,NíoY t9 -=,
reprint, wholly or"" partiaL1y, autom?tica"ily üáníeá' if soyrce credit 4tU@: 1o,..:"±Z"
Echelon. -.""i;:"=*:'í ;'q'"'"""'
>P "'",·~4';j
-'4«~*- 'tfi "'e, ·m
.-':s
.b -"·'" "" ''·."
'"", .,' ·'·rí—-· qy3k""" J4 !"""". "·*:)=~Y:==---
Echelon, Inc ,''a"- ' :·' +Yk .". .,. .,,, .,,,.
.,:-.. ."':-¿";j¿,;" .'"7 py ¶ü ·-" "" ..'"' "' ·¶ '.4 _"
"jU 101 Ftrst Street -.
"""" AR 25 :j "'"" "
Los Altos, CA 94022 "''",.:''"..: M985 ^··.- ..
·C.
.--%- ==~- ·n -·.-,mY ..
'
.'" -94 ·' .- --- .'.
"Folk Ml ^" '"":
",s: .-
P. .
'm
:""
:
.
..
jud Newell
Toronto RCP/M Systems
4691 Dundas Street W
Islingtion, Ontario CANADA
=Eche1on,lnc. 8April 1985
109
ZTIPS: Bruce Morgen (Jvyland, PA) makes Poke.&Go operate faster, improves his
original idea of altering an application program loaded in memory and then running
application. Here 'tis:
FUKE&GO2 -Improved version for ZCPR3 systerrs that suppcrt the GET ccnmiand. GET is
3/10/85 pretty economical in terms of code length within ZCPR3, so if you have a
macro assembler [like ZASÍ Istrongly reccmmend you implement it -makes
POKE&GO much faster and eliminates need for ZEX, using the following
ALIAS script {comnents right of vertical bar, :,are not part of alias]:
A0: SYSTEM>ALIÉS mD
ALIAS, Version 1.1
Alias Name: WSD
Old Alias Comand Line:
1—> AO: ;:GO TO SYSTM DIREC7URY
2--> LDR SYS3.RCP; Load RCP THAT HAS THE POKE C(»MAND
3—> GET 100 WS.COM; :LOAD WDRDSTAR WITH GET (PROGRAM DOES NOT RUN)
4--> POKE 036B 22; :mRIGHT MARGIN TO 35 (ACTUALLY 34 DECIMAL)
5—> POKE 0378 DO; :SET INITIAL X)DE TO DOCUMENT FROM NON-DOCUMENT
6--> $D$U:;:mmw ORIGINAL DIRECTORY
7—' GO $1; MjÑ LOADED WORISTAR WITH OPTIONAL FILENAME
8—> AC): ;X3ACK TÍ) SYSTM DIRECTORY ON EXIT
9—> LDR SYS.RCP; LOAD RCP
10 —> $D$U: EXIT IT) ORIGINAL DIRECTORY
Never to be outdone, Echelon staff produced two new aliases; first one reduces
clutter of files along system search path. As an example of concept, wiw HLP files,
put all help files in adirectory not used by other files and not along your search
path ísay Ai2: ). Rename HELP.COM to HLP.COM and place along the path Next create an
alias along path called HELP containing:
1--> Ai2:;Íyou could call this directory HELP:
2—> IF NUL $1;
3—> HLP ZCPR3; )defau1t entry point
4--> ELSE;
5—> HLP $1; )get declared HLP file using HLP.COM
6—> FI; j(endif)
7--> $D$U: R: eturn to original directory
After implementing above, help is obtained from any directory by typing the word HELP
followed by pressing cursor return, <cr>. Alias logs into A12: ,HLP ZCPR3 combination
runs. Then when finished viewing help screens, logs back into original directory.
Help file name need not be entered on command line, then ZCPR3 (or other entry point
specified by your custom alias, line 3) top-of-tree file is executed. But any name
may be specified to by-pass default file help entry point. Neat! Global aliases can
be created to speed just about any task you think of.
Next, who in the Zcommunity has created aPRINT command alias that direct
requested number of printed copiec> of afile be made? Desired quantity is requested
using comnand line traiiiüg attribute. One way it's done is using ALIAS, ZEX,
IF./ELSF/FT, GOTO, ECHO, REG and, of course, PRINT. Our staff developed below example
in about 20 minut.es (surely you have an example that's better). We called the
controjjing alias PR which contains few lines:
Z-News 109
I—> IF EXIST $1; ;pút printer to work if..
2--> ZEX PRINT $1 $2 $3: }..file existe.
3--> ELSE:
4--> ECHO ++ $1 NOT FOUND ""; lit not, tell!
5--> FI Íkeep balance
Nested batch file PRINT.ZFX contains sixteen c'onmaríd ]iííes.. but it's smart. land s(jiñc
of it is alittle tricky). OMine documentat Lou in IF, Z3UTIL2 "for REG), autj
CMDFTLES {for GOTO arid ZEX) describe what must be known fcjjc understanding:
*
y
;PRINT.ZEX prints declared copies of afile From PR alias
;^&suppress False IE'S
n
y
if NÜL $3 :
iií no PRINT options specified assume. .
reg SO $2 )..$2 contains number of copies.
else
reg SO $3 }set REG Oto number of copies from $3
f i )bajance 'if' wit-h 'endif'
;=again j'loop' entry repeats file pr: i-nt:ing
fiIkeep balance when looping
if O)REG Omust be one or greater to print
else
if NUL $3 Af options not specif i.ed drop $3 and. .
PRINT $1 )..use defaults of PRINT.COM.
else
PRINT "1 $2 :execute PRINT with declared opt i-ons
fi)keep balance under al }conditic'ns
reg MO Mecrement REG Oby one count (-] )
GOTO again lcontiríue printing (final FI in..
;:..controlling PR alias. )
;Printing Complete
*
f
For more one cr more printed copy of afile (aftrü" fñásirg; PR'tNT,ZEX aíid PR alias
along search path), type PEi <.fi 1ename> [options] '-number of ccpíes>«x>'. File to be
printed ÍñljSt be in current directory. An examµle: PR fmft e5pj"c3duc: ?s .f.iy.e "exact-"
copies of Erí.ft on vour printer; PR fn.ft 2prints 2copies ai: default PRINT settings.
PR.COM and PRTNT.ZEX could be in A15: (ROOT) directory and tn.ft in BO: tWORKl). We
used controlling alias simply to not have to type ZEX on ccmrr,and line. ZEX file could
be more structured by nesting conditionals—as is, works fine. Many ways exist. to do
"loopim" tasks--let's hear about yours! Zwaits for you to unleash its vast power!
Z—Node proliferation continues! Newest additions (more needed in areas of Atlanta,
New York City, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, and Houston):
29. Edward Unrein -Altamnte Springs (Orlando) ,FL -3G5 /' 295-0844
30. Ben Ramn -st. Louis, IK) -314i'42'j-7038
FLASH: Steve Ciarcia's "Circuit Cellar" of BYTE Magazine wtl! fully describe superior
singÍe-board computer called SB-180, useful in industrial control, desktop and
portable personal computing applications. (Also, hobbyist and tinkers will find much
here--it's aconstruction article--to expand their horizons.) Use of Hitachi CMOS
HD64180 super B-bit chip gives computer 16,'32-bit performance at extremely low prices,
and runs Z80 /8080 instruction set, CP/'M-80 sol' tware. Board is bundled with Echelon Z
sof t-ware. (See newsletters 105 and 107 for computer benchmarks.) SB-180, both
Page 2
Z-News 109
hardware and software, descriptions appear in two contiguous before-end-of-1985 issues
of BYTE.
Selling price for computer not presently established (should be around $400.00
assembled and tested, without power supply or disk drives), but froom performance
rating it'll be tops. Full ZSystem comes with it, ZAS and ZDM, macro assembler and
debugger tools included. BIOS handles popular 5.25 inch disk formats, as well as 8"
standard and ochers. RAM disk is part of BIOS for quick assemblies, edits, and
corrtµiles. Alsc, íjne paÍa: 1e! aíid two serial ports, SCSI hard disk expansion and local
area network parts, printer buffer opticm traded for RAM disk storage, plus software
configuration cjf hardware rescurces, number of memory waits states, 6.1 or 9.2 MHZ cpu
clock speed, I/'O channel baudrates, parity, word lengths, etc. Physical size permits
mounting on 5.2.5 inch floppy drive side. SB-!80 and bundled software is available
from Micromint, Inc. (25 Terrace Drive, Vernon, VT 06066) after first BYTE article
appears.
Echelon product delívery update: We have been experiencing significant delays in
shipping our off-the-shelf products because of large amounts of business activities
beyond üur staff's ability to handle. But Wait! We are getting on top of it--
patience! ZCPR3: The Manual has moved forward another step with Rick Conn approving
"galley" proofs produced by publisher, New York ZOETROPF.; shouldn't be too much more
waiting before we start book shipments to you, our customers. (Believe, we want book
as much as you.) Term3 moves slcwly—Rick is giving it all the attention he can—it's
worth waiting for! ZRIXJS2 should start shipping by middle of this month...more work
to finish it up than first calculated; but it nears completion, not much left
presently to do.
Texas Iotruments aM Kaypro (among others) eaCh annomce computers similar to IBM PC-
AT; AT&T announces voice/data computer, as does Compaq Computer. IBM ceases PC jr
production! King is dead—long live kings?
Voíce versus keytxjajnd ccmrctand and data entry is much discussed for present and future
control arid ease cjf computer operation. We think real issue is being missed.
Ideally, nur,bers íüLLSt be accurately entered; word, phrase and sentence carefully
choseu. SE}e ! Ú.ng, grammar and style checkers do agood job of catching typos and
loose woMage. but every riurübm cjf aspreadsheet had better be correct else results
could he veíy ríúsáeádirr". Moreover, if input data is in error results may look okay,
but. neither coruputer operator nor end-user of information know calculaticns were made
L"rorr, fau!íy iííput data. Risaster! And note the judgement: of what value results,
even if jm"recti.j/ developed and ij}}tainec}, if equations used to generate them are not
uríderstood'? É'Ok'éí comes frmrt 8ett.ing remilts and fully knowing how they were
obtaiüed.
The microcomputer is tüort' than tool to do familiar things faster than done using
older methods: by Deitymm-high, it's a means to personally grow and to learn of
fundamentals of Life, of thinkirig, of being. Don't equate microcomputers to
appliances, as if similar to automobiles that you need only learn to drive, to use;
and not know how they work, how they think! Yes, machines think—if you disagree,
wait ancther 2yeaí"s for evidence even "f lat-earthers" won't be able to repudiate!
Are not ideas more important than paper on which words (expression of ideas) are
printed? Are not users more important than tools or machines? Be more than drone or
clone--be master, be elitist using inner-direc t-ed imagination! See you down the
lines. . ,
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 3
Z-News 109
Trademarks: HIJ64180, Hitachi; Z80 /800, Zilog; 8080/8088, Intel; Z-System, Z-Tools,
ZCPR3, ZRlX)S, Z-Com, Zas, Zlink, DCjO, ZDM, ITOZ, Lasting-Va1ue Software, Echelon and
their respective owners and authors; CP/M, Digital Research.
Zsets y o uFREE!
'+'- ~'
'
Z-News 109 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserv4m Permission to
reprint, wholly or partially, autoniatically granted if source c"5édit is given to
Echelon.
z'StµUb7"sc3-'j¢
yz' .É
Echelon, Inc. g>n c,
j'S "^^Í'"¿gsi
10 1First Street a. ""> """~—— ,
7^m L,: ," "", "
Los Altos, CA 94022 ZPM ?j ~~~=" %i' -, :., ;tz
"O 1Fi? S=ZZG¢'.!i"·d'"-": tJp-
~
Y..Éí It!
,! tí,.! g, (:t\'4q"! l
i,jj'í k}'.} ,É ft l'"\ii :"Z,1 'J 'i ni":
.-j.'; li l"ij!;: Á> ""1 lf'{ ': i1,
®Eche1on, Inc. 22 April 1985
201
ZTIPS: We feel conditional testing aliases and IF12 submitted by Charles McManis
(Sunnyvale, CA) so important we reproduce some of his work here for your information.
Notice technique of indenting to indicate conditional nest level. Effective during
alias design, but code is entered as one long line when keystrokiríg in actual alias.
IF12.LBR is on Z-Nodes; extract IF12.COM and it's ready to run after irista11intg to
your Z3 environment.
"One small modification to IF.COM allows comparing wild card characters and ambiguous
file names (AFNS). Feature adds needed flexibility to some aliases. Charige affects
only fcb conditional statement: IF fcbl=fcb2, where now fcb1 and fcb2 may be AFNs and
still set IF state true if amatch occurs. Following statement is thus accepted:
IF $1=*.?Q? ;NOTE sets condition TRUE if $1 is asqueezed file.
"Both fcb1 and fcb2 may contain ?and *ambiguous characters. An example of use of
this new situation is shown in fo1lowing aliases that manipulate alibrary containing
squeezed ZCPR3 utility source files."
Alias: PUT -Store source file in SOURCES library
Usage: PUT <name> IEJ
where Eindicates external files are erased at completion.
Statements Comments
IF $1=*; Match filename with no type
IF EX $1.MAC; Check if file exists
SQ $1«MAC; Squeeze before storing
INSERT $1.MQC; Insert into library
IF $2=E; See if externals are to be erased
ERA $1.K?C: Erase squeezed/unsqueezed copies
FI;
ELSE;
ECHO $1.MAC NOT FOUND; Announce unable to find file
FI;
ELSE; Syntax reminder
'ECHO PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE FILETYPE.;
FI Done
Alias: GET -Retrieve source file from SOURCES library
Usage: GET <name>
Statements Comments
IF $1=*; Match filename with no type
IF EX $1.MAC; Check if file exists and..
ECHO FILE EXISTS!; ..do not overwrite if it does.
ELSE;
EXTRACT $1.MQC; Get named file from library
FI;
ELSE; Syntax reminder
ECHO PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE FILETYPE.;
FI Done
ZñNews 201
Now the single-line nested aliases:
Alias: INSERT -Insert files into SOURCES library
Usage: INSERT <name.typ>
Statement Comment
NULU -O SOURCES -A $1 -X Add file then exit
Alias: EXTRACT -Extract files from SOURCES library
Usage: ExTRAcr <name.typ>
Statement Comment
NULU -O SOURCES -Q $1 -X Extract file, unsqueeze
if necessary, then exit.
Of course, INSERT and EXTRACT could be placed directly in GET and PUT. Advantage
to having these outside (nested) is ease of change, and can be used alone, if desired.
(One day soon we will have afull editor to enter and alter alias command text, making
changes easily without having to completely re-do.)
IF12 contains built-in help, obtained by entering command name followed by ZCPR3
conventional double slash, //. IF12 //<cr>:
IF, Version 1.2 -Conditional Test
Syntax:
IF condition arguments —or- IF "condition arguments
where aleading """ negates the effect of the IF Condition
Possible IF Conditions are:
TAlways TRUE
FAlways FALSE
EMPTY <file 1ist> Tif Files are Empty
ERROR T if Error Flag Set
EXIST <file list> Tif Files Exist
INPUT T if User Hits T, Y, CR, or SP
NULL arg Tif No Arg Follows
tcap Tif ZCPR3 TCAP Available
wheel Tif Wheel Byte Set
reg value Tif Register reg =value
fcb1=fcb2 Tif the Two FCB values are =
Only first 2letters of keywords are required
The leading """ is effective with all conditions except fcbl=fcb2
Congratulations and thanks, Charles, for upgrading IF and providing such useful
aliases--super job!
Do remember, before using Charles' aliases and new IF.COM, to disable your
resident (Rcpj IF, if you have one; else use a different name, e.g., IF12, as upgraded
COM file name and as conditional (IF12) name in Alias and Zex files.
The above four aliases plus those we described in newsletter 109, dated 8April
1985, demonstrate automation ease using ZSystem utilities. Also, Z-Node #2 Sysop, Al
Hawley, has released afile (ALIAS.FUN) showing many tricks possible with aliases.
And Z-Team Member, Joseph Wright, wisely seeing need for less message display
from certain Z3 utilities, has produced a group of "silent" utilities responding to
QUTET.COM. These (CD, LDR, PATH, QUIET, WHEEL) are on Z-Node Central as SILENCE.LBR
and show no tnessages under QUIET--very useful for secure installations and many turn-
key applications.
Page 2
Z-News 201
Édditíam1 Z-Ncdes corning online:
31. Richard A. Peterson -El Paso, TX -915/755-3342
32. Allan E. Levy -Satellite Beach, FL -
33. Mark R. Evans -San Angelo, TX -
Doug Thom (San Jose, CA), Z-Node #25, wants all to know he is oMine now and desires
callers, lots of them. His modem number is 408/253-1306. Let him know you appreciate
his activities to support high performance B-bit computer developments.
EDIT by Mike Rejsa (Minneapolis, MN) is now supported by Echelon and bundled as OS
editor in our OEM packages (it's fully public domain, not copyrighted). EDIT is
adequate for short document creation and maintenance, and ideal for use in Zex or Sub
files. We supply an easy to read and learn from operator's manual. Look for COM and
summary command reference card on our Z-Nodes as files EDIT.OBJ/CRD.
EDIT is more than I) an editor: it's 2) afile patcher, 3) list to printer with
pagination, 4) hex dumper, 5) file size and disk status reporter, and 6) copy file to
another disk utility—in 2k-byte COM file! EDIT doesn't generally replace WordStar,
WordMaster, Mix, Vedit, etc.; nonetheless, it's quick and doesn't use much disk space.
We're using EDIT in aliases and Zex batch files 'cause it loads so fast; try it and
let us know what you think.
Apple (CP/M disk format) ZCPR3 Core, Utilities, Z3-Dot-Com and Syslib3 are shipping.
For so much patience, thanks Martin Rosenfeld, jerry Levy, Mike Damiani, julio Ibarra,
George Proctor, and especially, Lloyd Hogan. Also, the gang at Hughes Aircraft get
several gold stars for unusual forbearance.
Wyse Technology, our favorite peripherals company, returned aprofit of 2.2 million
dollars on sales of 22.3 wi11ion for last quarter. Increases of 385 and 238 percent,
respectively, over similar period last year! Their competitor, TeleVideo, didn't fair
well with loss of 8wi11ion on sales of 26.7 million--sales reduction of 38 percent
and loss of .19 cents ashare compared to last year's .14 cent profit. Perhaps their
new Model 955 terminal ($699.00) will put them into hunt, be what they need to get
going again.
Wyse has real winners with their WY-50, 75 and 85 terminals (they've sold nearly
200,000 of 'em), enough better to keep ahead of competition. Echelon wishes Wyse
President, Mr. Bernard Tse, and his team of spirited workers continued good fortune!
With IBM's image tarnished by pcjr production cancellation, time is ripe (interval
within the octave) for tñ9 position gains.
EXPECTATIONS: One main aCÍvantage of microcomputers is that you control
hardware/software without having an expert intermediary (priest) doing the work. But
to be effective you must dedicate yourself to learning how to efficiently use your
machine, to have it do constructive work for you! The two-edged knife: finding time
(simply by setting priorities there's always time) to become more than we presently
are—induced magica11y by learning, through self-discovery! We call everything WORK
that's conscientious effort and intentional suffering performed to improve ourselves.
"There's no free lunch!" So many think, act as if there were. What does free-lunch
mean to you?
See you down the lines.., Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 3
=O Eche1on,lnc. 6May1985
202
ZTIPS: Eagerly awaiting completion of VFILER Version 3.5, upgralde by Al Dunsmuir
(Scarborough, Ontario, Canada), we submit here what we think are useful VFILER notes.
But first, we show VFILER built-in help (menu of commands using screen hi9h1i9htim),
obtained by typiñ9 "?" or "/" (unshifted ?) toggle at VFILER Files display command
prompt. Last of three displays is Macro Menu (vFILacMD file).
BO: VKjRKI VFILER, Version 3.4 IZ-80 Codej Fn.FT
-- Tagging Commands -- --------- File Operations ----------
T-Tag File C-Copy File D-Delete File
U-Untag File F-File Size R-Rename File
W-Wildcard T/U Q-usQ File
G-Group Wpy/e1ete/FSize/usQ/Tag/Untag
-- Cursor -- -- File Print &View -- --- User Functions ---
"E P-Prínt V-View O-9 -Execute #-HELP
^S <-+—> ^D -- Movement Comnands -- --- Miscellaneous ---
v<SP> -File Forward A-Toggle Alpha Sort
"X <BS> -File Backward H-Help File
+-Screen Forward N-New DIRectory
-- Screen -- —-Screen Backward S-Disk Status
^A Left j-jump to aFile Z-ZC
^F Right E-Refresh Screen "C,X -Exit
Command (? =Files): m
When in Files display, command line shows as: Command (? =Help): .The dríve/user
area (directory name) is shown in upper left comer; current-file cursor points to, at
upper right. Commands may be executed from three (3) user interface displays: files,
built-in help and macro menus. Current File shows from all displays, even Macro Menu.
Instead of 6or 7seconds, vnm 3.5 loads in about 3seconds (thanks to Z-Noder
Jay Sage, Newton Centre, MA), using 8" DSDD drives, indicatirg areally useful, little
noticed utility. Observe internal macro command menu (User Functions) is obtained by
typing °W', fully releaving any necessity to remember the ten (ID) custom commands.
VFILER does things you want it to do: unsqueeze files to printer, console or to
another file, or unsqueeze on a wi1dcard and group basis. SinUe or group
tagging/untagging, copying, renaming, ¢Íe1eting, viewirig, and paginated with-header
printiñ9. Also wildcard tagging/urltagging of files for further processing—nothing is
as quick and as simple as VFILER for general disk and file housekeeping, and as macro-
conunandmainentry into turn-key menu/command-line drive computer system!
Now we design an example CMD macro command file (with Macro Menu) to manage ZCPR3
source files, by keeping them in asqueezed library called (by Charles McManis,
Sunnyvale, CA) SOURCES. Z-News 201 showed how library automation is realized from
ZCPR3 command line using aliases PUT, GET, INSERT and EXRACT. We use two of these in
our design and VFILER current-file pointer to insert/extract files into/from SOURCES,
plus additional aliases and commands assisting other activities.
Remember, several CMD files may be used in your system by placing each in a
different directory, using current directory and search path to access desired one.
The command lines of CMD are separated from Macro Menu by the "ir symbol, the same
symbol used to display menu. VFILERHLP contains information necessary to write
custom CMD files. While in VFILER, type Hto access this documentation; outside, use
command HELP ZCPR3 with HLP files akw your patlL
Z-News 202
;TITLE: Source Code Library (SOURCES) Manager
Oxdir %d°óu: *.* ogoh'Attributes (p=to printer): '
1get 100 ws.com;FKjke 392 ff;go %d: %f
2putit %$
3extract 'File name to extract (<fi1ename>.MQC): '.mqc'
4lu -o SOURCES -m
5CAT: ;catscan 'Master Catalog Search (e.g. *.doc): '*.*;WORK1:
6tmaker get incomelO.ei e:ac BACKUP: =°ód:income1O.ei la
7 modem7
8 mb %d: dims
9protect %$ 'Attribute (r=r/o, s=system, a=archive): '
#
>>> Z-System Source File LIBRARY Management Menu <<<
Files Squeezed/Unsqueezed On Entry/Exit
O-Directory of Current Disk (XDIR) -O
1-EDIT Current File (non-document mode) (WordStar) -1
2-Put MAC file into SOURCES Library (PUTIT) -2
3-Extract MQC file from SOURCES Library (EXTRACT) -3
4-Enter SOURCES Library (LBR) (NULU) -4
5-Scan Master CATALOG from Console (Discat CATSCAN) -5
6-Financial Tally (T/MAKER) -6
7-Telecorrununicate via modem (Modem7) -7
8-Database Management System (F1Basic +DIMS) -8
9-Set Current File Attribute (RIO, R/W, Archive) (PROTECT) -9
XDIR is set here to give adisplay horizontally sorted by file name (not vertically by
file type, the defaults for XDIR) of all files on current disk. Notice how trailing
command attributes are easily added to CMD command text to bring out features desired.
Text between apostrophes (prompts to user) may be nested, to be answered by user, one
following another!
WordStar 3.0 is poked at location 392H (a byte altered) to make sure non-document
mode is used for program source code editirig function (no high bit-7's set that way).
GO executes WS at standard Z(CP/M) location 1OOH. Program file is pointed to with
VFILER cursor arrow, passed to WS as %f file. Your ZCPR3 CCP must be assembled to
have GET and GO active.
Library program NULU (Martin Murray's replacement for LU and LSWEEP) has been
renamed to LU. PUTIT alias is: sq $1;era $l;insert ".mqc. INSERT and EXTRACT
aliases are from Z-News 201; sq is SQUEEZE program. (We learned GET alias name
conflicts with ZCPR3 resident, intrinsic GET, which loads afile without execution at
aspecified memory location—jUMP intrinsic runs program.)
Usirig 3to extract afile from SOURCES library results in prompt for file name of
MAC file desired. Only file name is entered without file type. File copy is auto-
matically unsqueezed exiting SOURCES library, details in EXTRACT alias.
Master disk and file catalog is scanned using Rick Conn's DISCAT (Echelon
proprietary) program (see Newsletter 008, page 2). Here's acase of shell-menu
controlled directory (CAT) beirig entered from shell VFILER The DISCAT menu permits
running VFILER and chaining back when finished. Of course, goirtg to HELP directory
from VFILER results in nested shells also. Where does it end--it doesn't! Disk BO:
is directory WORK1 (see Newsletter 104, page I).
Study the newsletters and HLP files and your ability to create macro CMD files
increases quickly. Try some--start slow and debug each command line before going to
the next--learn alittle, do, learn more. Aliases and Zex file in Z-News 109 and 201
set the mood! (Next newsletter covers Files display and adds more notes.)
Page 2
ZHews 202
Z-COM is big success! Now you can install Z-System on your computer in afew minutes,
with I/O Package Segment ready to use PKey and other I/O packages you or we develop.
You have all the functions of full-up Zwithout modifyirg your BIOS. Z-Com cold boots
as your operating system by using CP/M CCP patch technique described in Newsletter
009, but ZC is used as command instead of Z3.
Licensed users of Z3-Dot4Xm may upgrade to Z-Com (with I/OP) for $40.95 plus tax
(if any) and shippiñ9 and handling of $3.00 (a $99.00 value). Included is rose-pink
two-sided command and installation card, two disks of latest ZCPR3 utilities, alorig
with six (6) special ZRDOS utilities and full online HLP documentation. Notice
command 6in above CMD file, how auto-archiving (backup) of edited (changed) file
occurs using ZRDOS Archive Copy utility!
Z—Node Network nears completion in United States—need several nodes in Europe and
Asia. These apparently won't come automatically to us, so we will search them out!
25. Douglas Thom -San jose, CA 95129 -408/253-1309 (nímber correction!)
34. Rod L. Blackman -Visalia, CA 93291 -
35. Norman Beeler -Sunnyvale, CA 94086 -408/245-1420
Amateur ZUser's Comer: Where to go to efficiently obtain more knowledge, under-
standing of computer operations and usage—try your public library! We know our
writings don't completely cover your needs, but there's lots of books and magazines we
recommend reading and studying that will:
1. Soul of CP/M: Using and Modifying CP/M'S Internal Features, Mitchell Waite
2. The Programner's CP/M Handbook, Andy johnson-Laird, Osborne/HGraw-Hill
3. Inside CP/M, Dave Cortesi of Dr. Dobb's journal
4. User's Guide, P.O, Box 5245, Redwood City, CA 94063, 415/364-0108
5. The Computer journal, P.O. Box 1697, Kalispell, MT 59903, 406/257-9119
6. Micro Cornucopia, P.O. Box 223, Bend, OR, 97709, 503/382-5060
7. Micro/Systems Journal, P.O. Box 1192, Mountainside, NJ 07092, 201/522-9347
First seven issues of User's Guide are great for learning CP/M, WordStar,
Mai1Merge, SuperCalc, Modem7, dBASE II, T/Maker III and other popular B-bit programs.
These back issues are sold for $6.00 each. Exorbitant, you say; yes, but worth it!
It'll take approximately two (2) years of study and computer operation to feel
you know what's happening. After 1000 hours of activity you are above average in
capability to understand the new and to do, way ahead of majority in these days of
computer literacy—you know-you-know what's 9oiñg on. Wonder what a"power useí'
feels? Study no more than two (2) hours per day. Facts need to settle into your
bones, soul before more is laid on, a basic homo sapient learning characteristic.
Dígítal Research (Pacific Grove, CA) continues to demonstrate truth of harsh words
used (see 15 October 1984 Newsletter 007, page 4, next to last paragraph) to describe
their understanding of customers, of business, of life. (Yuppies and MBA's do not
make abusiness.) Their Unix activity is dissolved, as is their languages division;
neither 8nor 16-bit CP/M activity remains. All eggs are in GEM (Graphics Environment
Manager) basket...but will Apple Computers sue? We expect them to see really hard
times in less than six months (ORÍ founder Gary Ki1da1l deserves better; Gordon
Eubanks, author of EBasic and CBasic, would agree), unless amiracle! May their new
Concurrent DOS-286 take off. See you down the lines... Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 3
Z-News 202
Trademarks: HD64180, Hitachi; Z80/800, Zi1og; WY-50/75/85, Wyse; Model 955,
TeleVideo; 2-System, Z-Tools, zcm, ZRDOS, Z-Com, Zas, 21ink, IJSD, 2DM, ITD2, 2-Msg,
Lasting-Value Software, Echelon and their respective owners and authors; Unix, AT&T;
CP/M, GEM, Digital Researck
Zsets youFREE!
Z-News 202 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Right"s Reserved. Permission to
reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted iZ --murce credit is given to
Echelon. :"' ""'""""
@/4"iT¿',' ,r==~— -="'"' =Jc
t. ',TG;'2 "c "W..==,W.y
7ru7' '~
Echelorg Inc 0/'_ "rÍ\Á "c) U""'"" "'"""~^,W ""—""" """
,» "·"'~~,, -,.~µ,M-
E' "" L'U.S.
A%F;rm
"
101 Fírst Street |.a ?.Ef:
yE. cl ,-.:
'- '----."" -\"22 -·""'"
Los Altos, CA 94022 ·,W -zTí-r-
,.b.,'t$l
¢l!!ll'?!l,q'í
"::J
jud Newe'!l
"I'(ír()}]t() RCF' j\] S\'si€"'tns
k
46!1! l'}Li[)(!: )s S1,rc"t't \'\'
ls!il"lq'ti(')!l, (")]í1: -)|'i() (",\,k¿ -\1)\
Zi Eche1on,lnc. 20May1985
203
Z TIPS: VFILER Files display! Asomewhat three-dimensional-display effect is
achieved as current-file pointer moves up/down/right/1eft, because file name in upper
right screen corner simultaneously changes. If more than 72 files are in adirectory,
simply pressing +or ^A and -or ^F moves display up/down to next screen,
respectively. (Newsletters 104 and 202 have more on VFILER operations.)
BO: WORKI VFILER, Version 3.5 IZ80 Codel CHECKS .IXJC
ANOTHER .TYP ANOTHER .ZZZ ABLE .100 AMOS .DOC
BASIC .TST --> CHECKS .DOC LTR .101 LTR .102
LTR .109
*
.(FTASH: 3.5 is on Z-Nodes)
Cormand (? =Help): M
VFILER sample display is shortened for space sake...actual is up to 18 file rows of
four columns (72 files per screen). (Yes, Version 3.5 is on Z-Nodes.)
VFILER is aZCPR3 shell. Shells are soft(ware) covers that provide different
interfaces from standard. Additionally, shells perform functions and execute commands
always knowing how to return to their origins. For example, VFILER uses aset of
single or double keystrokes to automate file and disk housekeeping operations. Also a
macro language permits complex series of events to occur from but asingle keystroke
entered by the user—yes, drastically changed interface from that available at Z-
System command line! Other important shells are MENU, VMENU, ALIAS, SH and HELP.
Each provide aspecial interface to quicken and ease tasks to be performed. We've not
discussed SH and HELP but they soon get their turn in Z-News.
The Zcommand line is always just akeystroke away while using VFILER (or VMENU
and MENU). Type Zand you are there! When your commands have executed, you return
automatically to VFILER Files display, ready to continue processing.
Next tip: Dreas Nielsen (Corvallis, OR) has used his imagination and created a
menu driven environment using aliases, Zex and Vmenu. His concepts demonstrate latent
power of ZCPR3, using GET, GO, REG, SH, SHDEFINE, SHCTRL, SHSET (makes a program or
alias into ashell), SHVAR, SHEXIT, SETFILE, IF/ELSE/FI/XIF, GOTU, and ECHO. WOW!.
Here's complete VMN menu used (four rows of four files per row display at top):
CO: BACKUP VMENU, Version 1.3 IZ80 Codej EXTRACT.CCM
No File ADDQ .ZEX DOMULT .ZEX EIASSO .DIJ
EITEAM .DIJ --> EXTRACT .COM GETIT .COM INSERT .COM
MENU .BAK MENU .VMN PUT .COM PUTIT .COM
Q.COM QM80 .ZEX QRUN .ZEX QSPECIAL.COM
Imore filesl
Arrow keys move current file pointer
FILE QUEUE MANAGER
QAdd file to queue RRun all files in queue
VView queue TType " " " "
E Empty queue AAssemble """"
XExit SSpecially process queued files
Co[FEand (CR=Menu) -M
Z-News 203
Q.COM starts menu display of MENU.VMN on your current disk with VMENU.CJJM and rest of
2CPRJ utilities abw your search path. He suggest putting them out-of-the-way in
A15: ROOT directory. Afile is placed in queue (tagged) for processing using Q, the
current file pointed to; pressing Ererrtoves all such files from queue.
VMENU shows sixteen files at once, with """ and "-" us: ed to get more. You can
log into VMENU using wi.ld card file declaration to select only those pertímeüt.
Bottom two-thi rds of screen is for single-stroke ínenu display; last. is comníaud line.
(See Z-News 106 for VMENU, MENU, and VFILER fea tuí""es corrtÉ)aris(jn.!
After queuing-up each fií.le by moving pointer and pressing n, t"i les are
"processed" by pressin" R, T. A, or S. If! S, you are prornpted fox" ccmmand nanie, e.g.,
PRINT.COM and tra tling opt-ions (µaramete·rs). Of cíjín"se, you may add other processes
arid commands may be added to the VMENU comí"i: and list for yo'jí" spec' 1-al needs.
Bravo! QUEUE takes Zti'ü"Y"'" to anüther level of tasklintc'rface a¿7stractic}tíé
Concept vorks best usiiz< RAM or fast haM disk! The ZJ í"cjgn?uÉ3i Ly has imch to ponCh"r,
learn f roríí ccntr.ibutioíts oÁ Ihras Nielson.
Look for flle QUEUE.LBR on Z-Nodes; Oreas' ccmplett: works are there. Ills al.i.mes
may be used as-are by install ing to your system us-iítg Z3!NS arid your ENV descriptor.
Z—Node #15 ríee& morí" callers! ¿hicago area coinputerisw have Xjcaí accesc to super
Kaypro BBS and Z-Node run by Sysop Richard Jacobson. He \lje]c(jr[!es callers from else-
where, toO! Try i-t--dtal 312!649-1 730 and behold treasurcs offered your modem µoc1.
36. Richard Mead -Pasadena, CA 9!105 -818 /' 799-!632
Software Support: If you have ZCPR3 conf jgured for your machine and your machine is
special and not in our ARCHIVE library of pre-configured files, please put collection
into LBR file (usirr" LU or NULU) arid upload tcí the nearest 7-Ncíde. (See Z-News 108,
pa"e 3, fcr what. we already have,) We'd like others tcj beríefit froni your work!
Programs and utilities for which we supply source code we welcome, we ínvite
users to upgrade...we don't expect fixes or upgrades to our proprietary programs,
programs for wbich we supply only ob ject code, like jjiscat, Z-Com, Zas, etc. {We are
fully responsible for fixirig bugs in atimely fashion and for improving these.)
We request you notify Z-Node Central (Dave McCord, Sysop) of ycur desire to
change aZ-System program; only one person at atime works on each file. You "check-
out" afile for up to amonth, return it for approval, and if accepted, changes you
made become official distribution.
Features you would like added to upcoming revisions of Core, Utilities, and
Tools, should be jotted down and sent to us. We'll analyze universal desirabili-ty of
suggestions and act accordingly. Thus, Zexpands as we grow together in under-
standing, creating acomputing environment para11e1ing our mental, intellectual
capacity. What other software company acts like Echelon? And what other company
handles the quantity of program code that we do?
Amateur Z USer's Corner: Automating your routine computer tasks is excitiw" and saves
much time in the long run. Remember when setting up, writing CMD, MENU, VMENU files
to always declare files as current directory, using $D$U: ,or have the files along
your search path. Also get afeel for difference between current and default drive.
Notice Zcommand line default versus what shows on VFILER Files display, upper left
screen corner. Change default by logging in drive, e.g., AO>B:<cr> or AO: BASE>B:<cr>.
It's never been made clear the difference between default (1om«i in) and current
drive. At operating system command line the default disk is determined; from
application programs, current.
If you haven't yet invested in an expensive text processor/editor like Vedit,
PMate, or WordStar, you may want to look into VEO, Version 2.5, by james H. Whorton.
It is full-screen, fast, memory-based, and has nearly same editing commands as
WordStar. Though not aword processor, it makes an efficient program editor.
Page 2
Z-News 203
Enhancements are presently on james' drawing board, so we can expect an even more
powerful editor soon. Complete VTXJ package (terminal install, documentation, and
object files) is on Z-Nodes for downloaóiing as file VDO25.LBR, and is hi.ghly
recommended by Echelon. (Ve also like split-screen, two-files-at-a-time MIX editor,
frout MIX Soft.ware, 2116 East Arapaho, Suite 363, Richardson, TX 75081, toll free 1-
800-622-4070, for $29.95 plus $5.00 shipping COStS.)
PLASH: Wyse Techríoiogy (3040 N. First Street, .San Jose, CA 95134, 408/946-3C75J
c'ontinues to íj.eHghtfuiiy surµrise um Their new WY-350, 64-coIor, 15" screen
tí'rm"iíza1, is 'iülly upward co:'npat ib!e with the 'NY-5CJ, The monochromatic att ributes of
the 'it) m"e a\It-í;r!!a1.ica! Ly converted to Qijlé of 16 d,eíault color couíbinations. Defaults
ucuntií2t" opc'rato"í" iontrol through palette selection. Thus, sof tware that runs with
µuµula.r Hi("jno-cf)1or terninai.s also work t:-ith the 'U3CJ! These Wyse terminals operate at
'3 'E ,--ñjCj üaud íccmplete sc reen re-write in ha j f second) with line CÍrawing graphics.
{?e?"t-aLniy hc'w is an alternate to slow bit-mapped Inonitc)rs. (¥yse has been shipping
1CL(ÑÓ termi rials ,i racmth, independent manufacturer leader.)
Spreadsheets, blessing and plague: In many cases, because of certain innate human
fee iinÉs íbased usual ly on non-unders canding) that computers can't be wrong, their
(jutµ[!t 1á3 iegarded far more authoritative, dependable (at least 'in our minds) than
actu-a1- results should warrant. Many seem to take results at face value, carirlg not
how they were obtained. (See Z-News 201 re judgement: of what valve results if 'we
dcm't understand how results were attained!) who set.-up the spreadsheet template? On
what principles was it formed? Where is description of design criteria? What
nuíinerica! ranges arc valid for calculations, zero to plus.ihinus infircity? who checked
resmlts with :"eal-wor1d, known-to-be-correct situations?
Dcj \Qé waíít tí' be users of tools without eí'!joyinE t.he fruits of more under-
stancli: 'íg, waj}t to be mechanical 'ircru's'? 'le think riot and w"e will ñcjt, if ue are
rniadful of what's happening!
Digi tal Research (?aciSÁc Grcjvt', CA) acts iike drunken sailors returning froíri leave,
back on ship reírienábering 'when pockets were full, girls across lap, beers on table.
Their expenditures Íc)i fancy buildings arid ríetworks are not stopping them from laying
off hundreds of employees oí stoppin¿; revenue loss, What has happened to them? They
crusaded without principle, worked to just make money? They cared not for the well
being cf their thousands of existing custoriers? What business principle has ORÍ
followed since coming out with CP/M-8b and Microsoft with MS-DOS? They position
Concurrent DOS-286 aminst UNIX System V? Lcts-a luck!
How we thrilled to see micros push and pull,
Flipping and flopping,
While IBM caved-in to distributed processing.
Yes, we love those days so splendid,
Full of unexpected and delKhtful treats,
When CP/M reigned tall and candid,
But now Z-System walks the streets!
We write Z-News froru beautiful hills of Los Altos...these hills are alive with sounds
of wcmdennent...we tread paths of new knowledge—join us!
See you down the lines...
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 3
Z-News 203
Trademarks: HE64180, Hitachi; Z8Q/800, Zilog; WY-50/350, Wyse; Model 955, TeleVideo;
Z-System, Z-Tools, ZCPR3, ZRDOS, Z-Com, Zas, Zlink, DSD, ZDM, ITOZ, Z-Msg, Lastiñ9-
Value Software, Echelon and their respective owners and authors; CP/M, Digital
Research; MS-DOS, Microsoft; Unix, AT&T.
Zsets y o u FREE !
Z-News 203 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission to
reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is given to
Echelon.
g>ÑC/ .A,^n,-h;"|' .rí<
Echelon, Inc .<,¿ '9q ?4:. X3==-Á~; -
101 First Street ztPk" o.,~' --,,,------
Los Altos, CA 94022 4MAY ZD :-, ':=." 'r~~"~
J' 1985 "
.»)
-
~.,.—-.
g4Y""M
a,-": -—=~"u
.y-.W'"""u :>-.
"_
,, ,,, [fl|Í[l{l||R1|!F.tr'
,,
.?l'.. lEL . . i
!., l.É,ll ? ·. .:
.i : l' ! 'l,·..t,. ,''i
k,
=Eche1on,lnc. 3june 1985
Z4NÍNS 204
Z TIPS: Here we go again! Howard Cripe has created an alias support program that
permits using your favorite editor to write aliases. Each individual command is
entered followed by acarriage return; later processing converts these returns to
semicolons, the ZCPR3 command separators, with line feeds ignored. Then after exiting
your editor, file produced is processed by Howard's ACREATE.COM using command:
ACREATE <editor-created text file name> <to-be alias file name>
An alias COM file is thus produced, ready to run. Another file called ALIAS,MAS
(should be on default drive along with ACRRATE.COM) is automatically used to make
final runnable alias. But first, ALIAS.MAS must be one-time installed to your SYS.ENV
file using Z3INS, Version 1.2 or later; else use ZDM (or DDT) to patch environment
base-page address (found using SHOW or Z3LOC) into MAS location IDA hex (then SAVE 4
ALIAS.MAS). Thanks tor your work, Howard; Zcommunity is grateful!
We suggested awhile ago that someone put acharacter/command editor into
ALIAS.COM, so re-doing the entire alias script wouldn't be required for each little
change. Howard did the next best thing in developing ACREATE--now we wait in
diminished pain for that internal editor. You who complete it, please call the
program MKALMS, name goes nicely with MKDIR.
Author of ZCPR3, Richard Conn, is updating SAK (strike-any-key) to permit
operator to cancel with ^C while within Zex batch command files. Presently ^C drops
you to next Zex command line. Other than in Zex files, SAK now works perfectly in
straight commands, in menus, and in aliases. Soon it'll work perfectly, period!
Robert Greenlee recently developed apatch for Z-System ZEX batch program to
permit running with Xtrakey and XScreen. Those using these programs and Z3 should get
patch documentation from Z-Nodes (file ZEXPTCH2.IX}C), or write/call Bob at Xpert
Systems, 8865 Polland Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123, 619/268-0112.
Kaypro and ZCPR3 user, Fred Lieberman (Santa Cruz, CA) thought of amachine
specific alias we pass to you. He called jt BYE, the last command given as his
computer power is turned off. CLEANDIR;ECHO TURN OFF MODEM AND PRINTER;SAFTEY.
That's it. CLEANDIR keeps the directory tidy for possible UN~E use; message is
shown to remind to turn off hardware; SAFTEY is aKaypro program positioning hard disk
head to safe location for physically moving computer, intentionally or accidently.
ecíieián miwcr status: ZCFR3: TM Manual Mr. James Monaco, President of
New York ZOETROPE, publisher of the "book," has personally given us adelivery date—
21 June, if no further problems develop! Echelon has arranged to have the manual
dropped shipped by publisher to each customer in interest of quickest delivery after
off-the-press has occurred. Delays getting this book to our customers has caused some
ill-will, we know; but please hang-in with us—the book is worth it!
ZRDOS2/Z-Com2 Problems in software desigrí has lead to much delays in project.
Presently we change specification of these packages. Meeting orGinal specification
placed program into "too big" category for Z80's and 64k-byte memory spaces. So
Version 2is being reserved for HI: 64180'S and Z800's, schedule not yet determined.
For those who ordered ZRDOS2/Z-Com2, we will supply ZRDOS/Z-Com Plus, similar to
ZRDOS1 and Z-Com but with full single-level re-entrance. I/O Packages such as I/OR
and BPrinter work with Plus, Re-entrance results in very compact code for I/O tasks.
It's the best we can do for Z80-based 64k-byte machines.
Term3 Deep in beta testing, Term3 should be shipping soon, hopefully in a
month or less! Program is modular, uses ZCPR3 facilities fully, replaces BYE (public
domain automatic phone answering program used by most remote bulletin Mard systems),
Z-News 204
and mates hand-in-glove with Z-pís& Metal). Of course, it handles all your communi-
cations needs as well. Haviiw features and possibilities not previously found in any
such progrmrís, tirst. version is shipped with letter thanking everycne for their
extreme µat i.ence arid c-dtering free upgrade to µla"nríed second (auí^ final) versi-arí.
'"1)!'MO,PfB'U, jI"í DEffCíLBR í'nen"t im"ted. above, ccnt :íins aIwñ' useful Ternü (:r)rílí"íiand micros in
sµec la! ConiEíuR.ic: at.í(2l!s. Píeíiu-'·-a beg i}lrgir€¢)
sB-l% Update: Si=]c !: ca'u± [^cTrLE}uter using Flitci.chi pjm]: 20 and 'Z-Svstem is ")hysica!1v -
sized at 5" by 7" j{) Ír¿(-)Lír2t du side of 5.25" and J.5 üCrPPy di'"i': í_·s. Shipments start
Eirst week oí' August !985! Price: Sully assembled arid tested hoard with ready-to-
boot cperatiíiig systení arid other software bundled on four double-sided, double density
disks is $499.00. Price includes SuperBlOS with i92k-byte auto-RAM disk, MOVZ,
SYSGEN, CONFIG, FCV, ZCPR3, ZRlXlS, EDIT, ZDM, and ZAS. Same without OS software but
with SuperBIOS is $359.00; software alone is priced at $1%).00. An ancillary board is
being developed containiw afull 300/1200 bps modem plus other functions; more
details in amonth. To order or for more details, call or write Microínint Inc., 25
Terrace Drive, Vernon, CT 06066, toll-free telephone 1-800-635-3355. (See Z-News 109
for further SB-180 specifications, 105 and 107 for early benchmarks.)
Milestone Achieved: Lots of folks haven't worked with Z-System menus. To assist
getting started Echelon staff has developed an extensive set of coordinated, chained
menu scripts (text files) and display screens using MENU, VMENU, and VFILER. Menu
metliodology is explained in alengthy IX)C file--much caring went into menu pro ject.
Since Zis the definitive B-bit operating system and so few seem to understand it, we
thought it worth expending such energy. Stated another way, we know of no system that
permits production of menus and covers range of task automation as easily and as
efficiently as Z. (Similar menus are used to impress OEM'S potentially interested in
using Z-System, instead of using more expensive, less powerful software.)
Novice computer users may be shielded completely from learning Z-System commands;
experienced user's find convenience and task speed up; and consultants find organi-
zational power important.
Fruits of our work are in flle DEMO.LBR orí Z-Nodes; download, study, use; then,
write us what you think. Let's see your menu (and alias) examples! Our menu offering
is for a3-drive system; if you do one for two (2) drives we would especially
appreciate seeing your work.
While on sub ject of menus and screens, one of our customers, Fred Haines, in the
movie business, has automated screenplay writing and management using Z-System menus.
If interested in movie script control, contact him at 733 North King's Road #331, Los
Angeles, CA 90069, 213/658-8664, Work is called Speedball Movie Maker. Fred uses a
Morrow MD3 for computer activities and one of his beta-tester software friends has
plarmed, an article about it for Writer's Guild newsletter. Zgoes Hollywood!
Amateur ZUser's Corner: ZCPR3 has no direct file move conuriand, but CP and MCOPY are
there for file coping. (ZRDOS'S AC command with trailing Eoption is an effective
file ñlover.) Lacking ZRIXJS, asimple alias, call it MV, is created to move files from
one directory to another: MCOPY $1=$2 Q;ERASE $2 R;ECHO FILE(S) MOVED: $2. Because
versatile transients MCOPY and ERASE are available and used here, $2 may be wild-card
declared, and with several filenames separated by commas. Syntax is similar to normal
copying or renaming, except "space" delimiter is used instead of "=" sign:
BO :WORK1><MV> <di rectory to move to> [DIR: ]<fn.ft>{ ,fn2.ft2][ jl" .ft3]<cr>
mv $1 $2
Legend: < > =required operator entry, t ] =optional; fn =filename, up to eight
characters; ft =filetype, optionally up to 3characters; and, *=matches any set of
characters, one of two OS file-search wildcards (other is "?" which matches any single
Page 2
Z-News 204
character); $1 =first parameter passed after command name, $2 =second; <cr> =
RETURN, ENTER, DO, etc., keypress. Either DIR or DU directory forms may be used.
Conditional testing (using resident IF or transient IF12) for existence of files or
directories—-canceling or displaying message if not--could be added.
Microcímputer technical jargon is no more difficult to learn than that of other
l:rc6£e3sj.orLc. e.g., medicál or botanic-a!. .jargon develops as means to more eff icient-ly
comnunicate: one word may represent acomple? econcept greatly increasing speed and
eace íjf humaií interactions. But eve"rycme involved must understand language used; so
let's get tc meaning of seldom defined command line tails, trailing parameters,
variables and arguments, and expressions like "pass.ing." K"e already have an ñíental
image of shells as used in ZCPR3 context (read Z-News 203, page one, if you don't).
Mentally differentiate between flle scripts entered with editor and command lines
entered at OS prompt. Definitions by examples:
ECHO THIS IS ATEST. -"THIS IS ATEST." is comnand tail passed to
program ECHO to display on terminal. Moving
data from one memory area to another is called
"passing ."
$f ,$n, St, %f ,%n, %t -These are script variables used to indicate
®ether full fn.ft, or fn or ft is to be expanded,
passed and further processed. Used in shells.
So, $1, $2, $3 -Script parameters, expanded (resolved) name passed
fram coímnand line to program, shell, or alias.
May be filenames or trailing options (argíments) .
WS fn.ft -"fn.ft" is comnand tail for WordStar, file to edit.
PRINT fn.ft e-"fn.ft e" is comiand tail for comnand PRINT. "e"
is called trailing option of comnand.
FLASH! Quadrant Corporation (4355 International Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093, 404/923-
6666) soon comes out of beta testing with full-up, ready-to-boot from either 5.25" or
8" disk, s-lOt) buc single board computer. Board uses Hitachi super HIJ64180 B-bit
computer chip, and contains 512k-bytes of RAM along with floppy and hard disk
controllers, one parallel and two serial ports. Old timers have been waiting for
this, as we have. Look for it being ready for sale in July or early August! (Further
good news: 2ilog Z800 chip is not dead; it's coming but we won't say when! Samples,
with b1eniishes, are in hands of selected potential volume-user manufacturers.) Our
faith in and support for B-bit processors is slowly being materially justified.
Industry Brief :You know what IBM did to PC jr—they stopped production and it's
essentially an orphan. Well, PC2 is soon (in six months, more or less) to come out.
and guess what? Machine that's sold in millions is now to become an orphan! That's
Life? We write and speak no more of IBM (or ORÍ).
Fears Stifle Our Creativity: We simply hate to make mistakes, but also we fear being
seen a fool, beiríg criticized by our peers, beirig mislead or misused by others. We
fear standing alone with no one at our side, fear disturbing traditions or breakir€
taboos, not having the security of habit patterns, losing attention and love of our
work and social groups; and most of all, we truly fear beiríg an individual. Yet, we
claim being individual is unique, blessed strength of being human!
See you down the lines... Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 3
Z-News 204
Trademarks: SB-180, Micromint; HD64180, Hitachi; Z80/800, ZiioÉX WY-50/350. Wyse;
Model 951, TeíeVideo; Z-System, Z-Tools, ZCPR3, ZRDQS, Z-Cont, Zas, Zlink, DSD, ZDM,
ITOZ, Z-Msg, Lasting-Value Sof tware, Echelon and their respective owners and authors;
CP/M, Digital Research; MS-IX)S, Microsoft; PC jr, IBM; Unix, AT&T.
7j sets youFREE!
Z-News 204 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission to
reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is given to
Echelon.
Echelon, Inc. ,ÍJ-'"\ !, Z!$ ii' "MT:,
l0l First Street /d 'FM '"a j^E' ¿'ij)SL ''"'
Los Altos, CA 94022 AJUN tí "D ' !'JJI_ ©L-
";j'j' jj .¿:]DF·q.'..':::Am--
4C
u,.
,., .
ri
.?
=i Eche1on,lnc. I july 1985
206
Z TIPS: Many have asked to have AC, archive copy program of Z-System, automatically
erase file if already exists on destination directory. Well, Dennis Wright, author of
ZRIX)S, says to simply add 'N' traiHntg parameter with"A" to have this feature:
AC C: =B:*.* IAN
automatically copies all changed files to Cfrom Bdisk, without prompts.
If troubles are experienced runniw acommercial application program with Z-
System because of insufficient memory, write the publisher. Ask him to please upgrade
his program to work in 48k-byte TPA (Transient Program Area) systems. Ask that he
organize the program to use available TPA, using disk-to-RAM swap buffers, or modular
overlays. When OKita1 Research (Pacific Grove, CA) produced MP/M, which allocated
48k-byte TPA, standard B-bit software design practice became: design applications
requiring only 48k. We think it was good idea then, still do, to promote efficient
code writing for our computing machines; we use few appliances for work, learning!
We are doiw our best to convince jim Whorton to make full-screen editor VDO a
ZCPR3 utility, one that keys terminal video requirements to the system environment as
other Z3 utilities do. Keep your fingers crossed.
GOTO, Version 1.2, has been updated (operates from aZEX line) to assure multiple
commands are cance11ed, if on sanie line. Update by ZCPR3 creator, Richard Conn, now
on Z-Nodes. Also don't forget to get Rick's SAK, Version 2.1, that cancels ZEX
processing with a^C. Here's how he describes these two utilities:
;GOTO is aprogram designed to be run under ZEX which permits
;branching within aZEX file. It accepts only one argument, alabel,
;defined within the ZEX file as aspecial comment of the form:
;;=1abel anytext
;The syntax of GOTO is:
;GOTO label
0
I
;GOTO always aborts the rest of amultiple command line when it
;executes; if it did not do this, commands following the GOTO would
;be executed before the GOTO is performed (control returned to ZEX).
;SAK (Strike Any Key) is used for the following purposes:
;I) to wait for user interaction before continuing
;and to allow the user to abort aMultiple
;Command Line
;2) to command the user's attention by ringing the
;bell at his console
;3) cancel ZEX command file in execution (2.1 -rlc)
0
r
;The SAK command line is:
;SAK /0... or SAK /0... text or SAK text
;SAK is invoked with following options:
;a-- DO NOT Allow User to Cancel MCL
;B-- Ring Bell
;Pnnnn -- Pause nnnn seconds and continue if no
;response by that time
;z-- Allow User to Cancel ZEX
Z-News 206
In original assemble/link M80.ZEX (or in ZAS.ZEX) file there's aline:
;Please Type $^C if Error(s) Exist -^?
possible by using ZEX'S built-in prompt capability. Line now can be replaced with a
SAK statement:
SAK lp6z Errors, cancel link (^C)?
Advantage here, link automatically commences if a^C is not entered by operator within
6seconds. But any keypresq starts link operation immediately, without waiting for
default pause limit. Change to 20 second pauge and add repeating bell alert if you
aren't attentive to console screen/keyboard after starting ZEX process; /BP20Z
provides difficult-to-ignore prompt if assembly errors occur.
MORE ZTIPS: Setting up comnand lines for VFILER CMD and VMENU files is fun. Both
programs have ability to point to afile, called Pointer File (PF), for further
processing. Normally, the name Current File is reserved for files established by
SETFILE or in SH.VAR, i.e., system files. (And don't confuse these with Current Disk
or User.) Aneat command line useful for editing files might be:
ECHO Use Pointer File (Y, T, <sp>, or CR=yes)?
IF INPUT
VDO $pf
ELSE
UDO "Filename to Edit? "
FI
which automatically prompts for file name to edit if pointer file is not to be used.
Responding to first prompt with Y(yes), T(true), space bar, or carriage return,
causes pointer file ($pf, %f for VFILER CMD) to be used by (passed to) editor. Tip
comes directly from Z-Node Central: was a Ínessage to Zuser, Wally Ottersbach, from
Sysop Dave McCord.
Z-Node Corner: Nodes licensed to download Echelon proprietary software help support
diverse computer disk forniats. Contact them for Z-Tools, Z3-Ikt-Com, Z-Com, DSD,
Discat, ZRDOS, Z-Msg, etc. After you satisfy (pay) Sysop (by check, money order,
credit card number, or other agreed-to payment method) and download, he sends your
name, address, and what you received to EI; we mail printed documentation and place
you on Z-News mailing list. It's simple, convenient, closed loop; everybody wins!
The Z-Team downloaders:
2. Al Hawley -Los Angeles, CA -213/670-9465
3. jay Sage -Newton Centre, MA -617/965-7259
7. Tim Linehan -O1ytnpia, WA -206/357-6757
10. Rea Williams -El Toro, CA -714/855-0672
14. Rich Rodeheaver -Reynohisburg, OH -614/864-2673
!5. Richard jacobson -Chicatgo, IL -312/649-1730
16. jud Newell -Is1ington, Ontario, CANADA -416/232-0442
17. Robert Tate -Altamonte Springs, FL -305/831-6049
19. Fred Townsend -San jose, CA -408/262-5150
29. Ed Unrien -Orlando, FL -305/295-0844
Announcements: I) Norm Beeler, Z-Node 35 (Sunnyvale, CA, 408/245-1420), is an
alternative if you're unsuccessful contacting Z-Node Central. Add Norm to others we
recommended in Z-News 205. But please, upload as well as download; more "go-fors"
provide more up-to-date files for more users. These alternates work only if we have
Page 2
Z-News 206
sufficient volunteers timely moving software from Central to other nodes. 2) Wow!
Another noder signs up. Welcome to:
38. Robert L. Paddock -Frañklin, PA 16323
Z-System Going Public: ZRIX)S is gettiñ9 modified to be controlled by aZutility to
permit (optionally) public files to be created and recognized. Fully compatible with
Andy johnson-Laird (Control-C Software) and Bridger Mitchell (P1u*Perfect Systems)
approach, Zsoon permits any directory to access a command file that uses overlays in
another directory. Without individual patchiñ9, programs that use overlays like
WordStar, dBASE, T/Maker, Mu1tiP1an, and The Word Plus, would be placed in, say,
A15: ROOT directory, with text and data files in other directories, e.g., BO to Bl5.
More as features mature.
But until Zhas public file capability we make do using SETDRU (and WS-FIX or
WSPAT-DM). Awhile ago Michael Rubenstein wrote this filter program permittirig an
application program to find its associated overlays in other than current/default
directory. It gets the job done for WordStar, The Word Plus, Perfect Writer, and
other applications. (We first mentioned SETDRU in Newsletter 008, there and then
called USERJ SETIRU13.LBR is presently on Z-Nodes and other remote access systems.
SB180 Song: The Micromint SBC continues as top-of-list, must-get item, for dyed-in-
wool B-bitters. SCSI hard-disk expansion interface, autostart aliases for RAM disk
make it so flexible. File-load and auto-archive aliases individually generated for
wordprocessing, database management, spreadsheet, communications activities make for
unbelievably quick and convenient processing. Z-System custom menus tie it (what you
want to do) together. Order yours now for early delivery (1St week of Augusst) by
calling Micromint toll-free 800/635^3355; phone number is good also for requesting
literature and complete pricing information on SB180.
Build one (buy fully assembled and tested SBC with ready to boot software for
$418.00; add case with power supplies, about $220.00; three half-height floppies—both
5.25" and 8"--and one fast 8" or 5.25" hard disk, $1000.00 or so; connectors and
cables, $100.00; and Wyse WY-350 color terminal) as your second computer, and it
quickly becomes your prime because of bri9ht, shining performance! WY-350 retails for
$1195.00; ouch! multi-hue costs money. Some may feel it's not worth it and use WY-50
"' for $695.00. Of course, these are retail prices and few pay that these days. Also,
lots of readily available used equipment (flea-market purchases) greatly reduce final
costs of any such project. (We noticed WY-lOO terminals for $195.00 from WW
Components, 1771 Junction Avenue, San jose, CA 95112, 408/295-7171.)
Micromint plans to produce astand-alone, ready-to—run, remote access system
using SB180 and amodem board they presently finish designirig. Modem board uses new
Xecoín (374 Turquoise St., Milpitas, CA 95035, 408/943-0313) MOSART module to handle
telephone/computer interface functions. Z-System, Term3 and Z-Msg will be bundled
with package. More in next newsletter.
We trust Dave Thompson (Micro Cornucopia Magazine) and Art Carlson (The Computer
Journal) publish articles that assist learning to build (and use) Hitachi HD64180-
based computers—the future is now!
California Proverb: If you tickle yourself you can laugh whenever you wish. Get your
pleasure from other than yourself, sometimes you have to wait before laughter comes!
We (you and I) work (and write) where palm trees meet pines, where water tastes like
wine! Miracles every day. See you down the lines... Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 3
Z-News 206
Trademarks: SB180, Micromint; HD63484/64180, Hitachi; Z80/800, Zilog; WY-50 /350, Wyse
Technology; Z-System, ZCPR3, ZRDOS, Z-Tools, Z-Com, Zas, Zlink, ZDM, ITOZ, Z-Msg, DSD,
Term3, Lasting-Value Software, Echelon and their respective owners and authors;
8088/86/186, Intel; 9580/81, Advanced Micro Devices; MOSART, Xecom.
ZSetSyOuFREE!
.
Z-News 206 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All'Rights Reserved. Permission to
reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is given to
'Echelon. ,"'7f. ',4
0,.m::,
;V"
t
.t, '
(
dd
:·*KmA" ·
Echelon. Inc. ·-:C:':'°D' :====+4"=
"—""" {.JJSA<"" '"'""
101 Eti-rst Street ,4jij.2, q) "--..--· .-'"'""" ,i 22'"'""'"—
Los Altos ,CA 94022 .\,¿C ":'7". TT""' ".---± """"
_,,. rc~= ""'
""- '-' .¶sé l1!'11[l1[lÑl\[k'
"' :,,§.it .
*
m'
": :'- vvéll
foronto RCP 'M Systems
4t'í9l Dundas Etreet IN
lslingtion, Ontario CANADA
zi Echelon,lnc.
29 july 1985
208
Z TIPS: AC, Version 1.1, has been placed in ZRDOS (or ECHELON) directory area of Z-
Nodes (AC works with ZRDOS and ZRDOS Plus only). ZRDOS author, Dennis Wri9ht, changed
archive copy program by eliminating prompt if file exits on destination. Now simply
using option la causes changed files to be automatically copied from source to
destination directory. Usinng Ian with Version 1.0 did the same thiw but file copy
remained unverified. Now program seems exactly what it should be. (Dennis is creator
of our three I/O Packages, Items 40, 41, and 42 on Echelon Price List.)
By the way, AC makes dandy file MOVE, as opposed to COPY, program using the
trail: iríg eoption. Command ac b:=fmft /e<cr> copies fn.ft to B: directory from
current, then erases fn.ft from current after coping has completed! Using AC and
ALIAS, ZRDOS owners can create a mv function for moving files, one having simple and
easy to remember syntax.
Richard Com, author of ZCPR3, has finished writing atutorial on I/O Packages.
Fifty-page document shows how to modify your BIOS for efficient input/output re-
direction. lOP concepts and design criteria receive detail treatments. We publish as
loose-leaf and offer for $9.95 plus shippiw and ¢d1iw, is Item 84 on price list.
On the other hand, tutorial is so important we placed it (as file IO/PLBR) on our
nodes for downloading—take it, but only if you want to learn things I/O.
Magazine Mícro Cornucopia has commissioned busy Richard to write an in-depth
article on ZCFR3 and Z-System, piece scheduled to appear in OCt/Nov issue, No. 26.
Certainly, we have been frustrated in our struggle, in our inability to explain
satisfactorily what Zis all about. Everythiw we speak and write seems to generate
more questions than answers. Of course, your interest is shown by all this, and we
rejoice! Nonetheless, Richard currently expends much energy on Micro Carticle hopiñ9
it fosters increased understanding, fewer questions.
ZCFR3: The Manual aM Term3 Statw: Yes, manual is shipping, slowly. Richard's book
certainly answers many pent-up, so-far unanswered questions. Term3 about to
ship...another fortnight and it should be...documentation taking longer than planned.
Softvare Musings: Zilog Z80 instruction set is so powerful that it's ashame,
historically, Intel 8080 common-denominator code writing started and has gone on for
so long. Now with HD64180 high-integration microprocessor chip availability, we start
to forget 8080 and take full advantage of Z80 (and National NSC800) hardware
architecture, especially since Zas relocating macro assembler is perfected (and is
only $69.00). Zenith and Viasyn (CompruPro) curse day they chose Intel 8085 (similar
to 8080) as co-processor, instead of Z80 or NSC800, in their S-1OO bus computers.
The RISC (reduced instruction set computer) concept, fostered by Prof. David
Patterson and his University of California at Berkeley (CAL) students and gettirg
coverage by trade press, means little to us here at EI. We use existing hardware
power to simplify software and increase computer through-put. Others play their games
to break hardware market strangle-holds created by Intel, IBM, et al; we won't!
Long live instructions DJNZ, INC, DNC, INI, INIR, EX, EXX, ADD, ADC, LDIR, SET,
RES, SBC, SUB, JR, and extremely versatile LO. And HIX34180'S MLT, IND, OUTO, OTIMR,
TST should prove of great value for compact, fast code production. Instructions LD
(HL),C or LI) C,(HL) require only one byte as object code. Load (copy) the contents of
memory pointed to (addressed) by register-pair HL into Cregister, all in one byte!
Many useful one-byte instructions exist; two and three-byte ones usually complete our
needs for fast-code writing. Seldom do we use four-byte op-codes. On average, two-
byte op-codes are required for typical programs, giving 6mHz Ht64180 (or 8mHz Z80)
through-put of one MIPS (million instructions per second)! Compare with through-put
(and with hardware/software COSts) of 16/32-bit Intel processors!
Z-News 208
Now that we have your full attention, consider: HD64180 double-precision
multiply bench mark reported in Z-News 107, pg 3, was obtained using short (54-byte)
assembly language subroutine. Listing comes from ayet-to-be-released Hitachi
application note. Interesting code works the way we multiply with pencil and paper:
;16-bit unsigned multiply with 32-bit result subroutine
MULTX: ld DE,(MEM1) ;16-bit unsigned arguments previously
LD BC,(MEM2) ;stored at locations 'meml' and 'mern2'
MLTXO: LD H,C ;use lower order byte of
LD l,e ;of both words for 1st mult
MLT HL ;l6-bit product stored
LD (RESULT),HL ;in 'result' location
LD L,EI
LD H,O
LD A,B ;save
LD B,D
MLT BC ;diagonal multiply
ADD HL,BC
LD B,A ;restore value
LD C,E
MLT BC ;diagonal multiply
ADD HL,BC
LD (RESULT+1),HL ;interim product stored
LD L,H ;ready to shift second line
LD H,O ;left then add to first
RL FI ;rotate left through carry
LD E,A ;origina1 b-reg value into e-reg
MLT DE ;multiply
ADD HL,DE
LD (RESULT+2),HL ;final 32-bit product available
RET ;return to caller
MEM1: DS 2;uninitialized area starts here
MEM2: DS 2
RESULT: DS 4;32-bit product (low-byte first)
Twelve bytes are removed if application program places data in BC and DE register
pairs before entry to subroutine (call to MLTXO, eliminate MEM1 and 2references).
Execution time: 37.1 usec (microseconds) with 6.144 mHz clock (0.!63 usec period), 42
op—code/operand fetches, 3clock cycles per fetch, 110 machine cycles and 185 states.
Recall, 280 processor took 302 usec (8 times longer than HF64180) to double-precision
multiply, 1acking MLT instruction.
Ready your order for SB180; call The Micromint at 800/635-3355. Incidentally,
stand-alone BBS package (see Z-News 206 and 207), tisiw SB180 and COMM180 (with MOSART
and SCSI hard disk interface), has been given name of TurñKey Bulletin Board System,
7KBBS. And glory-be, there's been no price increase! Full disclosure in upcoming
communications issue of BYTE magazine.
Using ZAS: Universal assemble-link-load is major Zas quality, as well as convenience
and speed. Here's afew general rules to follow when assembling an already-written
source listirtg: l) convert ASM, MAC, and LIB files that use Intel 8080 mnemonics to
Zi1og with supplied Zcon converter and translator. 2) Make sure, by scanning source
code with your editor, pseudo—ops don't start in column one but in operation/operand
columns, usually column 2through 32. Column one is reserved for labels, except
leadiw line comments may occupy this columm Normally, pseudo-ops start in column 9,
Page 2
Z-N~ 208
the first tab stop. 3) Comments start with a";" (semicolon) and not with "*"
(asterisk); neither ASM nor M80 permit other than semicolom (Unexpectedly, Patrick
O'Connell, author of Zas, made present version of Zcon convert leading *'s to ;'s.
Thank you, Patrick!) Errors fjagged by Zcon during conversion should be fixed before
assembling with Zas. .
Investigate errors produced during assembly, then fix. First error usually
causes many subsequent errors, so fix first then see what remains to be done, if any
thing. Always fix next first error of previous assembly.
Typically, changes in source statement form make for error-free assembly. For
example, listing pseudo-ops like $-MACRO and $"MACRO should be changed to .SAIL and
.LALL (or JXALL), respectively; M80'S .8080 and .Z80 statements should be "commented
out" (see Z-News 106, pg I, and 205, pg 3). Of course, all new programs should be
written using Zas User's Manual as absolute guide. If ZAS doesn't perform as the
manual indicates, fill out EI "Software Update Form" explaining trouble and return to
Echelom Moreover, these fill-in-the-blank forms should be used for program improve-
ment suggestions, for any EI product. We value your advice!
Amateur ZUser's Corner: Above Zas discussions suggests aquick-and-dirty alias to
assemble converted-to-Zilog files (using Zcon) and link/load to executable COM files.
ZAS $1;SAK lbp6 Errors, cancel (^C)?: ERA $1.bak;ERA $l.com;
ZLINK $d:$1,a:VLIB/,a:Z3LIB/,a:SYSLIB/;ERA $1.rel
No harm comes to file being linked if routines from invoked libraries are not needed.
Fast Zlínk is inte11igent enough to work quickly under such conditions.
Z-Node Actívíty: Rea Williams, Z-Node 10, installed a2400 bps modem and now uses Z-
Msg; try him by calling 714/855-0672. Also, Rea ordered aMicromint SB180 single
board computer and plans to quickly have it up as his node after arrival in August.
Tfiough not aZ-Node, Norm Feder is aZCPR3 enthusiast. His BBS--Lands End
RCP/M—is in Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; dialing 604/656-9115 gets his 300/1200
bps modem. Give our Great Northwestern neiQbor acall for achange of pace!
Oh, Happy Day! Z-Node Central up with 2400 bps communication capability,
starting today. David McCord, Sysop, obtained US Robotics Courier modem to reduce
your online time, your monthly telephone bill! Oh, Happy Day!
Silicon Valley (and other hi-tech regions) Brief: Ups and downs, peaks and valleys,
chills and fever (see Newsletters 007, pg 5, and 009, pg 7). Many Silicon Valley
companies (principally their management) appear suffering from lack of discipline,
knowledge, and understanding. Such suffering usually is caused by greed (we, human
beings, are yet perfected), aided substantially by short-sighted mental conditioning,
lack of significant education (indoctrinatión, yes). Who knows where we've come from,
where we're goirig? Lack: Íng knowledge, we take what comes.
Technology is no substitute for learning; yet, we seek push-bottom, instant
response and gratification! Life is to be lived—physical, mental, emotional life—
and from living, hkher levels of mdewt±iw come, feelings of satisfaction and
fulfillment obtained. Those who acquire power without regard for pain caused to
others in the process produce exactly what they sow: hostility and anguish! Sleep
occurs not only at night for these power-at-any-price holders but during the day.
Still, it's during the day consciously directed thoughts and locomotion are needed;
anxious, subconscious energy shouldn't control then. Wake-up America, Sun is hi9h in
sky! Breakfast, brunch on lush strawberries and white Zinfandel—enter realms of
enchantment naturally! See you down the lines... Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 3
Z-News 208
Trademarks: SB180, COMM180, ÍIKBBS, Micromint; H%3484/64180, Hitachi; Z80/800, Zilog;
8080/85/88/86/186, Intel; 9580/81, Advanced Micro Devices; WY-50/350, Wyse Technology;
Z-System, ZCPR3, ZRDOS, Z-Tools, Z-Com, Zas, Z1ink, ZDM, REYAS, Z-Msg, DSD, Term3,
Lasting-Value Software, Echelon and their respective owners and authors; MOSART,
XE1201/03, Xecom; NSC800, National.
++
ZSetSyOuFREE!
+ +
Z-News 208 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission to
reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is given to
Echelon.
..
·:"' k<' ,,
"'~ÁMÉ G
Echelon, Inc. SkNC/S1. It\LNAYj "=Á
/,> 'FEA C' ' i\!r" S"7 '"·
'"'""'" ~===~
l
101 F:i-rst Street ,,- -H'L i" ,. ''''--" -.
"" """", USÁ""
\·
Los Altos, CA 94022 '. ' '""'- ·"'" ,:"! 22
KqA:Z;u'
.'!Í1J "¿['\1.É': '!'!
'1"(,l['('}|)1() R(.'|" ')tl :";.\·X1¿-'ili';
4(1!U l'L¡!í(l: jK !'i1_l'[.'E'"'i \\'
l.6li||};'ít)l'j, Oíí1 C: ',":.',!':.\ "í1í"i-i |,-\7
=Eche1on,lnc.
12 August 1985
Z-Nl5S 209
IXMble REVAS4 gets Hitachi HIJ64180 code disassembly capability—price stays at
$90.00! Al Hawley, REVÉIS (REVerse AS.semlber) author and Sysop for Z-Node #2 and ham
radio packet to 1and1ine network coordinator, just finished Hitachi version.
Registered REVAS3 owners may upgrade for $20.00 plus shipping and M1iw. Send
Echelon your master diskette.
T% III is shipping—one year in development, planned to take only four (4)
months. Program takes advantage of environment created by ZCPR3. Has what you would
expect from full-feature communications package plus much more. Term3 represents new
thinking aHut configurability, flexibility, ease-of-ee, performance, and modularity.
Z TIPS: VFILER36, VMENUI5, and MENU38 trio is released preliminarily. Al Dunsmuir
(Scarborough, Ontario) did it again; we thowht previous versions were great but
latest brings afine tune to assembly language programming. Forty-four code eñhance-
ments were introduced to the trio for: I) increased speed and quickness, 2) reduced
screen rewrites, and 3) increased overall flexibility. About the updates, Al said, "A
large effort was made to speed up the loading of VFILER and VMENU, and both VMENU and
MENU now are alot smarter (search for menu file along path, no extraneous
returns/checks of Command line status). VMENU now knows about the Command echo f1ag,
and System menus." Read *.INF within respective .LBR files for specific details, on
Z-Nodes now. Zcommunity owes Al much gratitude for his extraordinary attention to
detail, his continuing concern to establish ZCPR3 utilities best. He next tackles
ZEX, making it an improved (and proper) Z-System program!
Dennis Wright, Z-Team Member and author of ZRDQS, has upgraded Ted Emigh's
FINDERR to handle ZAS assembler errors. He also created anifty ZEX file to go with
it. The way Dennis wrote batch file, ZEX works without aglitch. Find ZASLINKZEX
and new FINDERR.MAC—it's Version 1.4—on Z-Node Central and other nodes.
Jay Sage checked out ALIAS for update, calling his screen-oriented version
VALÍAS, and Richard Conn works on MKALIAS. Therefore, we soon should have two super
make-alias programs with internal editors—good times continue to roll!
Rememorandum: Many computerists remain that haven't purchased Richard Conn's ZCPR3:
The Manual. What's the matter with you estimated 60,000 Z-System users? Bound,
typeset, 351 pages, 7.5" by 9.25" size, manual still sells for only $19.95, plus $4.00
for shippiñ9 and handling costs. Shipping from stock! You need not another source
for facts, information, knowledge? Satisfied? Please, think again!
And there's ZCPR3 and lOPs selling for $9.95, plus shipping and handling, or get
the tutorial as a series of files (from Z-Nodes as IOP.LBR) for download phone-time
cost. Fifty-page (50) loose-leaf document, written by Richard Com, explains ZCFR3
input/output redirection philosophy, shows how to modify your BIOS to include I/OP
segments, and how to use DEV, DEVICE, and RECORD Z-System commands.
Comment Line: We are encouraged by volume of mail we receive, indicating interest in
high-performance B-bit products, and perhaps, commitment. One problem: we don't have
the staff to individually respond to most of your questions.
Your efforts are appreciated; we thank you. Every letter is carefully read and
we react with what is felt appropriate. If you haven't received areply, don't think
we didn't receive and read your letter. Consider: it takes, on average, 20 minutes
of someone's time to draft a response; that time is worth, with our present corporate
overhead, about $60.00 per hour. Thus each response costs us $20.00, deeply cutting
into profits, profits so dearly needed to continue our developments. (MicroPro,
producer of WordStar, offers personalized telephone help at $90.00 for first hour, if
prepaid! After that it's $2.50 per minute!) Information costs money...
Z-News 209
It may be severe but printed material should be read seven (7) times before
concluding lack of understanding. Seven times is sufficient to obtain meat! It's a
law; from such reading technique, you move from echelon (level) to echelon, increasing
insight naturally.
Z-Node Activity: Richard Rodeheaver, C.O.ELE. Z-Node #14 Sysop, advises to use pass-
word RAVEN when 1oggirig onto his Reynoldsburg, Ohio, system. Richard's number is
614/864-2678. Another Richard, Petersen, but in El Paso, TX, has a new node modem
number: 915/821-3638.
New 1,024k-byte block transfer YMODEM and KMD programs and 2400 bps modems
exhibit increased through-put, reduced stay-time on Z-Nodes. One k-byte blocks
instead of 128-byte increase transfer through-put by about 30% with 2400 bps modems,
by 9% with 1200 bps. Actual results are determined by error rate of transmission
circuit. (US Robotics must make their 2400 modem less error prone or they will be
black-balled. The Hayes 1200 is poor enough, we can't live with further reductions in
quality. You OEMS listening?)
Echelon recommends temporarily using KMD (renamed to XMODEM, as suggested by its
author, Irv Hoff) along with BYE5 on all Z-Nodes, until such time Term3 replaces both.
While on subject of performance, Jud Newell, Z-Node #16, Islington (Toronto),
Ontario, CANADA, has all Echelon files and programs online. Both freely distributed
ones (non-commercial use) and proprietary items are handled. Jud is apopular
software downloader (see Z-News 206),and has special modem number for his node:
416/231-9202. If you need our products, here's aplace to download from!
Ái'Y<úw'" Z USer's Corner: Zas is distributed so assembly produces aREL file, one that
can be used for linking with subroutine libraries, like SYSLIB, Z3LIB, and VLIB.
(Change defaults by running "install" program.) Of course, REL files become COM files
using ZLINK and default code origin of lOó hem Add trai1iW 'lh" to command line to
togg1e output to HEIL An alias, we call it ZASH, to create COM files from HEX using
Ron Fowler's MLOAD program is:
ZAS $1 h:SAK lbp6 Errors, cancel load ("C)?;era $1.bak;
era $1.com;mload $1;echo;echo erase hex file created?;
if input;era $1.hex;else;fi
Note conditional test of HEX file erasure, in case you wanted HEX file retained for
later use. Command line is ZASH <fn><cr>. File type (ft) is assumed as .Z80 and must
not be entered as part of file name (fn). Such would be passed along with name. "era
$1.bak" would expand to "era fn.ft.bak" and that's not wanted!
Zilog mnemonics are easy—much easier than Intel--to learn, remember, and use.
Best example, LI) operation replaces five (5) Intel ones: MOV, MVI, PCHL, XCHG, and
SPHL. Additionally, LD handles operations beyond Intel's 8080 capability. You
quickly learn register, immediate, and memory operand (data to be worked on) notation.
Source of data to right of operand comma, destination to left; memory data in parerr-
thesis but immediate and register, not. So think not it difficult to learn
Zilog/Hitachi mnemonics, think paths (no pun intended) to efficiency, performance, and
speed.
Ikm't forget that one of the best ways to learn assembly language programming is
to disassemble working programs, ones you have source code for! And, we know of no
better disassembler than REYAS. Furthermore, REVAS4 handles new, destined-to-change-
microcomputer-world, Hitachi HD64180 instructions. (If this were a perfect world,
Intel's 8086/80286 would have been upward compatible with 8080/Z80 microprocessor; you
know it's not, and it isn't!) Unique REVAS manual (it's over 80 pages) guides you
throough all phases of disassembly and promotes quick code learning.
For those with limited disk space, David McCord (Z-Node Central Sysop) has
advice. "A good solution is the Z3 CMDRUN facility. This allows you to group .COM
Page 2
Z-News 209
files into alibrary (.LBR) file, where you will not be forced to dedicate storage
[either an allocation block or directory entry] for each file, because library files
store member files much more efficiently. To set this up, get the LRUNZ3 file in the
UTILITY: directory here. Rename the LRUNZ3.COM fi1e'to CMDRUN.COM and place on A15: .
Then, create alibrary file of the COM files you want named COMMAND.LBR and place in
A15: .You should now be able to invoke any of the COM files in COMMAND.LBR by just
entering it's name (e.g., SHOW<cr>) at the system prompt, just as tlíotigh it were not
really actually inside a.LBR file. Again, see the ARCHIVE: directory for some more
info on the CMDRUN function of ZCPR3." Please don't install (load) any of the four Z3
error handlers if you have CMDRUN.COM along file search path—there's alogical search
conflict!
OG
U\
"The timehascome." the Walrussaid, !,2) ,
__
7bspeakofmanythings. m= .
Ofshoesandshipsandsealingwar, -"
Ofcabbagesandkings." "-- _
r\ r.
Fúblic Drmaín Status of Echelon Software: Questions regarding domain status of ZCFR3
and other EI products are coming in again. Newsletter 103 discussed our position and
nothing has changed. Z3NOTE.MSG file on Z-Nodes also gives details of our status.
We are aware that several mail-order, for-profit, companies are offering packaged
ZCPR3 software for sale. If these companies don't have alicense from EI they are
probably unintentionally selling our software illegally. We hope they apply and get
on Echelon's team. You can help! Let such companies know that Echelon would welcome
signing them up with alicense arrangement to sell ZCPR3 (and ZRDOS) software.
Questíon AntythÍng Not Understood: Computer literacy, for many, appears to stifle
thinking, certainly astep backwards, not wanted. Though increased quantity of paper-
work always results, quality is something else. It's good to do some tliirígs
occasionally by hand, add acolumn of numbers now and them What we don't use, we
lose! And abrain is aterrible thing to put into such category. Z-News 109, pg 3,
and 203, also pg 3, let us have it in the teeth--question results, even those produced
by computing machines. Understand spreadsheet model's way-of-thinking. We say again
(thou9h, at times, we feel we plant daisies in South Pole ice): don't simply be an
end-user, be elitist, be best-of-class!
Business Management Character: Subconscious action, if fundamentals of Life are
Kckiw (never learned), leads to human fear (non-receptivity to thirigs new), bogus
milt (self-blame), lack of self-determination (simple re-action), and social detach-
ment (avoiding emotional pain). American big-business produces few individuals
elevated to far-sighted-ness, produces few who expend Cosmic Conscious energy. We
fall into trap thinking next-quarter profits more important than quality of life (if
any) our grand children (when grown-up) will experience. Long live principles of
Sílent Spr: ing author, Rachael Carson, and Stanford University Prof. Frederick Terman!
This Earth is substance more erÁuring (holy) than all bio1oUcal life--homo
sapiens are but asmall aspect of this life. Until each human becomes asphere, this
planet is our MO= and FATHF* the only commandment: HONOR! If we honor, all
falls/rises into place; else, face survival uncertainty, fi (endif).
See you down the lines...
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 3
Z-News 209
Trademarks: SB180, COMM180, TKBBS, Micromint; HIJ63484/64180, Hitachi; Z80/800, Zilog;
8080/85/88/86/186, Intel; 9580/81, Advanced Micro Devices; WY-50/350, Wyse Technology;
Z-System, ZCPR3, ZRIXJS, Z-Tools, Z-Com, Zas, Zlink, ZDM, REYAS, Z-Msg, DSD, Term3,
Lasting-Value Software, Echelon and their respective owners and authors; MOSART,
XE1201/03, Xecom; NSC800, National.
++
ZS e tSyOuFREE!
++
Z-News 209 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc.. All Rights Reserved. Permission to
reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is given to
Echelon.
Echelon, Inc .:"%
,,~T 't
101 F:i-rst Street ·"" \usa
Los Altos, ca 94022 ,-<._)2!
mj ,,., IIIYIIIfllW|,.t,,
'?\
jud Newell
Canada Remote Systems
4691 Dundas Street W
Isíington, Ont CANADA M9A 1A7
Zi Eche1on,lnc. 26 August 1985
301
Z TIPS: From jim Whorton (Wichita, KS), VDO editor author, comes an alias to create
flavors of VDO, Version 2.5a, having different defaults. Using HJKE&GO technique
suggested by Bruce Morgen (Warminster, PA), two or more versions of editor are avail-
able with sin¿le copy on disk! See Z-News 107 and 109 for WordStar pokes. Alias,
call it VON, in sample command line: VIN [fMt]<cr>. Command elements of alias:
1—> GET 100 AO:VDO.COM Load VDO.COM into memory from declared drive
2—> POKE 1817 03; :Set help level, O1=expert, ó2=regu1ar, 03movice
3—> FOKE 1A5C DO; bet insert toggle, O0=OFF, 80=ON
4—> GO $1 :mVDO with any supplied argíments
Jim finishes aversion of VDO that uses ZCER3 Environment Descriptor (SYS.ENV, Z3.ENV,
and ZC.ENV) for terminal and system definition. Hope he includes recognition of DU
and DIR directory reference forms, as well as knowledge of system environment. Coding
with VLIB, Z3LIB, and SYSLIB subroutines makes these additions easy. We welcome his
fast, memory-oriented editor @s a proper Z-System utility.
Jay Sage's VALÍAS is big hit--breaks alias-creation/modification bottle-neck!
jay's program permits changing, or addim, individual commands without retypirg the
whole alias. And it's screen oriented with built-in, in-context help so easy to use.
Rumor has it that Bruce Morgen is tightening the code using ZAS and full Z-80
mnemonics. Meanwhile, Richard Conn's MKALIAS takes adifferent but just as fruitful
path. More about it as it matures. Can't wait to release both alias utilities!
During the same period, Richard has produced avirtual cornucopia of new Z-System
programs and updates. Look for just-out lrun, ldir, LHELP library utilities using
automatic unsqueeze techniques, updates to XI), CRC, DIFF, and more. Also anew set of
routines, LULIB, is being added to REL library trio SYSLIB, Z3LIB, and VLIB. Find
foursome source code on some Z-Nodes!
Simultaneously, he finished new SYSLIB, Version 3.3, offering many additional
routines. Stimulated by suggestions from cNtomer Don ljelwood (Columbia, MO), quick
Richard developed eighteen (18) computed-GO'ID and CASE routines. While at it, he
added aUnix-style (ARGV) string parser and several arithmetic IF routines. New
routines in Version 3.2 and 3.3 greatly assisted in writing Term3. SYSLIB grows in
strength, more to come (Richard still has "libraries" checked-out)!
On subject of libraries, Martin Murray (Austin, TX), author of NULU super library
file manager, is said to be making his program a full ZCPR3 utility—hurray!
Be sure to\get and try Paul Pomerleau's new VERROR handler. Has built-in
WordStar-like editor to alter unexecutable commands on the spot. Similar to ERROR23,
but for those with different taste.
So many new utilities support Z-System! It's worthwhile to read what Richard
Conn had to say about creating utilities, "I encourage everyone to enjoy their ZCFR3
system, write tools for it, and contribute them to the user community." Read his full
commentary in 12 November 1984 Newsletter 009, pg 4.
Z-Node Activity: Three new nodes started operation during fortnight. Chicago suburb
(Lisle) Sysop, Ron Stone, Node #5, has @-megabytes online. Such capacity shares
call-traffic with Node #15, Richard jacobson, in greater Windy City arem Contact Ron
(and Z-Msg) by dialing 312/420-1722. Richard's number remains 312/649-1730.
Z-Node #28 Sysop, Stanley London, informs us he is up and running inAurora
(Denver), CO. His mile-lÜgh number is 303/680-9825.
Welcome! Marvin Eyre, Z-Node #37 Sysop, is up...p1ans to expand soon to hard
disk operatiom Call his Robards, KV, node at 502/521-7011.
You asked for it! You now have it—a compiled list of current Z-Nodes (file Z-
NODESjST)! sysop name, city, state, zip code, and telephone number will be kept up-
Z-News 301
to-date. As RAS (remote access system, more accurate and descriptive than BBS expres-
SiOn; aZ-Node is aRAS) chames occur, we'll update in timely fashiom You help by
leaving message if you see inaccuracies in file.
Also don't forget, especially if you use Tandy machines, Jon Schneider in El
Paso, mJon joins Richard Peterson (The Pass Sysop) to handle traffic in southwest
Texas area. His number is 915/592-4976; Richard's, 915/821-3638.
Notice to DISCAT Owners: We found and fixed output-to-printer bug in CATSCAN. If you
return your original disk, we update free! This we owe you; it's not an upgrade or
enhancement, simply afix.
Amateur ZUser's Comer: New comers to computers expect much more than received, at
least on-surface, from their systerrs. Most want instant productivity increase, grati-
fication, to learn little from potential
=""""' --perpetual experience. Let it be proclaimed:
f: '"~ +: >¢"'Rw...~.,
,m"^,~"4": "'= L,'""" ,,G,. gratification comes from personal accomplish-
ái"j ~rnent thmWh work—work that changes, adds to
w'
,irI-'"" """"""'"""' |I lyour Being. Frustration over-come gracefully
".y eé1"\ F71( /~develops extended character, acharacter
if/ {\) C' ltender as a Lotus, tough as a stone. Happi-
,3:"' f"·- ness is path followed, not destination to
:':'')arrive at! It comes from each achievement
/L|É i—----— ,béiñ9 perceived as hkher (greater, of more
"\\>Á$ m
"'~4oí im?ortance) than any previous. So, when
mt^'\1 ,_7 thíngs don't go as planned, computer acts
")»
,,/ iLb" LL agaYist your intentions, relax—study again
—,S" "' ó
_available material--try again. From such
,
i/" j'
,Z), ¢l,j, efforts we learn what we don't know, what we
i~-7;" ,¥ ,i,/¥'are, how computer works, how we fit in! Z-
-y=. ^
.'T' )ft 'I, .Z> -' 1'System users are destined to be golden boys
:,-__
': '.' p" and girls of this marvelous decade.
"\ "" >. :)"'k 'We wait for early Spring (of Life), when
lm— \'{,flowers bloom and robins sing!
iC.,-\IÜI+—tt,j\ Now, disk drives and their number. A
+,6/ (El 0\ one-disk system is not easy to use because of
difficulty making backups. There are single-
.. ".~dríve copy programs that make operat1ons as
lconvenient as possible, but still process is
\^ _j JA >>" _time consuming and distracting. Atwo-drive
":J1'¿ N"G\ r:y=S: —-· system has been standard with most desktop
ES h"' "" '" """ ' computers. Here, disk swapping is greatly
"' K::' reduced, but still much removing of system
"Within, we find our Eagle!" disk (boot disk) with data disks occurs. The
ideal minimum for maximum ease of use is
three (3)! Drive Acontains system utilities and often-used application programs;
Drive Bholds working data disk with Drive Cused for automatic Drive Bbackup.
More than three drives (logical and physical) simply are needed as storage
requirements increase, otherwise making number of files per directory too large (Z
supports 32 directories per 1ogica1 drive). We personally prefer less than 100
entries per user area (directory, DU or DIR reference). VFILER handles up to 72 files
per screen display; more than 144 on adirectory slows down operations having to
switch throuigh three or more screens to cover all files.
Notice the situation represented by menus of MENU.LBR (128k-byte file on Z-
Nodes). AC of ZRDOS archives certain files after they chance without operator
concern. Of course, Drives Aand Bare normally 1ogica1s of sin¿le physical hard
disk; and C, high-capacity (greater than 36Ok-byte) floppy.
Page 2
Z-News 301
From Steven Hirsch (Bmlimton, VT): those needing help in understanding aspects
of ZCFR3 and Z-System should feel free to contact one of our good—neighhr helpers.
Riese volunteers are listed in file Z-HELPR8.BBS on Z-Nodes. All are ready to assist
pushing you over some hurdle. Steven is an Apple and Z3 expert. His number is
802/658-4793. Try him (and Doug Thom or Kevin McDonald, both Apple experts, at
408/253-1306 and new 408/462-3731, respectively) and other good-neighbor helpers
before calling us! They 'want your calls and letters, too.
Softvare Btig Reporting: We request that our"Software Update Form" be used for all
bug reporting plus suggestions relative to products or services. We simply cannot
efficiently comprehend from verbal inputs your requests. The form suggests the
information we need to act on your problems and enhancement suggestions. Please!
One More Time: ZCPR3 and ZRDOS programs (Z-System) are not public domaim..copy-
righted by Richard Com and Dennis Wright, assigned to Echelom While we welcome
users enhancing ZCPR3 programs (we fix ZRDOS), we are final authority as to accepta-
bility of changes. Procedure for updating: I) from Z-Node Central (either from
direct chat with David McCord or with posted message) obtain permission to work on
file, 2) then obtain latest version of program froin official area (ZCFR3) of Z-Node
Central, and 3) finally, return your updated version within agreed upon period of
time, or determine if extension is possible. So much extra work has been caused by
some few who have used other than latest versions, or didn't check file out first.
Only one version may be active at once! (If your ideas are sigriificant enough to
warrant separate program name, then proceed that way.) Understand, Echelon supports
these programs with OEM's and VAR'S (without which we cannot be in business) and must
maintain absolute control. So be it!
From Page One of ZCPR3: The Manual: "In the development of our understanding of
complex phenomena, the most powerful tool available to the human intellect is
abstraction. Abstraction arises from arecognition of similarities between certain
objects, situations, or processes in the real world, and the decision to concentrate
on these similarities, and to ignore for the time being the differences."
Iri addition to explaining over %commands, both resident and utility, manual has
individual chapters covering online HELP, MENU and VMENU, Shells, VFILER, and m.
Usiríg ZEX is make clear as well as how to use the four error handlers. Also packed
with details on how to inqtal1 and use Z3..€et your personal copy now! Still only
$19.95, plus shipping and handling. We offer a25% discount to those buying 5-49, 33%
for 50-249, and 40% over 249. Shippiñ9 from stock! Call 415/948-3820 to order with
Visa or Mastercard, or for UPS-COD.
Paradox? Farsightedness and 1iviñ9 in the-now go together, is not paradoxical. Plan-
ning is a now (present) functiom Using what's available presently (created by past
thoughts and doirigs) produces future environment. Detroit auto-industry started with
fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines to power their cars, moved to V-8's, and now has
returned to four's. Are you going along with crowds and popular movements? Are you
learnirg, becoming what you could be? Are you creating your efficient environment in
spite of contrary trends? (Tried California white Zinfandel?) When will resource-
conserving El-bit systems using assembly language coding gain popularity?
IT'S UP mYOU! Turbo-four or V-8, the same job gets done; but, one is substantially
more efficient, less brutish, more sapient. Homo sapiens, become thrice sapient! See
you down the lines... Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 3
Z-News 301
Trademarks: SB180, COMM180, ÍIKBBS, Micromint; HIK3484/64180, Hitachi; Z80/800, Zi1og;
8080/85/88/86/186, Intel; 9580/81, Advanced Micro Devices; WY-50/350, Wyse Techno1ogy;
Z-System, ZCPR3, ZRDOS, Z-Tools, Z-Com, Zas, Zlink, ZDM, REVAS, Z-Msg, DSD, Term3,
Lasting-Value Software, Echelon and their respective owners and authors; MOSART,
XE1201 /03, Xecom; NSC800, National.
Z..t. you FREE,
áÉ<
Z-News 301 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission to
reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is given to
Echelon.
,J,3 i" -,.j ,n "mD
b
-" Y-'Gt'\ >Á ~,él ii ' ·'L-: :,A'
4"" "~m¿:"
Echelon, Inc. /;j "fm "" It!.i-- .
"" }-.lisa"
l0l First Street ..: Á|.t..: ¿: "" j'u' '--
.,}_ 22
Los Altos, CA 94022 'i' ':"'-.i"" ÍJ qj: wá)±"
\'" YiiL,.
,' ''L·:
qií
j'h- jnj'í
J'íí
r' .-
y
~, ,..
'S,.,
jiíd K:c'\\'t"|} .3
(""'¿)l): q(ia Rernoie Systt-'i'm
j¢Í9l f..)}ir|(]as Strt"t't vc
lsli71gt,(-)]'í, l)lÚ can ·'íl"A ?ii19i\ 1á7
=iEchelon, Inc. gSftrl.('rn|)pr l'D3
z-ms 302
Z TIPS: An obscure and probably little understood feature oí ZCPR3 is th,-ü (}l itgrj¡"É.
CMD and SHSET commands. Any prograni is converted into ashell by usín¿·; Ñ!st"r (Ill it.
Command (verb) is used to permit application programs to know how tO !"t·'tÉÉt 't 1(1 t!'tr m-
selves (in addition to beirig user interfaces, accepting inputs, and ém"t Ut iu': ('{")j"!,--
mands). For example, SHSET WS<cr> makes WordStar into ashell and théíú">". ii') w: iy r:
get out of! it, short of cold booting your machine! Suddenly, CMD walk." (-ííj '-'i .ap;t',
lends ahand, and allows you to have your way with computer. Use SHSET WS;(MI)-'c: r:.' .iú
command or alias, then on existing WordStar, CMD runs. Ty'ping <cr> at ilti-·- µm.n(
exits shell (with ERROR message set, permitting directional flow changeu to occur it
more commands are on line). Try them, experiment, and see possibilities for iÍnµrQviIjE:
your environment.
VALÍAS is out! Get it from our nodes...jay Sage did truly reníarkabje job of
making aliases under Z-System easier to create and modify with this utility. H-is
TESTERR program, an alternate to FINDERR, is another for us who use ZAS arid the like.
It too presently is on many Z-Nodes.
Along the way, Richard Conn has finished (at least for now) our library support
tools. New era begins--they run only on Z80/NSC800/HD64180 computers using ZCPR3 (){
Z-System! LGET extracts files, LHELP processes HLP/HQP files from within library
files; LLF lists all files, and LX executes specified COM files in libraries. Tools,
on most Z-Nodes, are in file LUZ3.LBEL Richard and Martin Murray (Dallas, TY.) work
together to make NULU afull Z3 tool!
What makes aZCPR3 utility (tool) is described clearly on pages of 229 and 230 of
the ZCPR3 Manual. Routines in Z3LIB reduce task essentially to afew subroutine
calls! Let's get Ashton-Tate (dRAsÉ II), MicroPro (WordStar 3.0 and 3..3), Sorc"im/IUS
(SuperCalc II), T/Maker (T/Maker III), and Microsoft (Multiplan) to enhance their 8-
bit programs to full ZCPR3 tOO! status! Would you buy them as upgrades to youi
presently owned versions? We would! Enough said?
WOW! Article describing SB180 and Z-System in September BYTE Magazine hit the spot!
Thanks to all who contributed to make commentary possible, especially Mr. Steve
Ciarcia of "Circuit Cellar." (Eight-bit lives--move over 16-bitters and make space
for us!) But wait, there's much more to come; watch remainiw frow-now-to-end-of-year
issues of not only BYTE but many other magazines and newspapers.
We Get Letters: _From William A. Dunn, SpriIlgfie1d, OR, "I am pleased with the soft-
ware but was frustrated with your documentation. Iam looking forward to the manual
which Iordered last week." (Manual was shipped same day we received order.) "Keeµ
up the GREAT work!" commands Alan, Cathy, and Cynthia Foust, Leonia, NJ. And Vií"gi1
Cooper, Carpintería, CA writes, "Gracious Al Hawley responded to iny message by phoniríg
this evening... ." Larry Geller, Tokyo, JAPAN, observes: "I noticed that each issue
of Z-News is costing you about one dollar to mail...enciosed find check for $24.00 to
help cover those mailings... ." Thanks, Larry, wish more people understood as you!
Paul Naitoh, San Diego, CA, asks, "Do Ineed ahard disk to en joy Z3?" Nc), Paul ,
as you now know two drives, each with 360k-bytes or rnore capacity, are needed! Lot: ',
of Kaypro 4folks are enthusiastic users; magaz ine,/new,spaµer columnists ,Cd_i tors Bruce
Morgen (Warminster, PA) and Ted S"ilve1 ra (Santa Cruz, CA) are two such!
New Policy: You who receive hardcopy version of Z-News and also download it fror,í a 7.-
Node may notice that download version is available only after you have received mailed
edition. Thanks to Rea Williams (El Toro, CA) for instructing us about fairrlf!sgt:
those who pay for Z-News should receive it first! Those who obtain it- oríly froní Z-
Nodes, essentially for cost of phone call, get it later. Phasing set: Z-News mde
file is behind mailers by up to afortnight (two weeks]!
Z-News 302
Report Card: All books and copies of Terrii3 ordered have been shipped. These two
items were back-ordered for so long...if you have had an order with us for more than
three weeks, and haven't received it, please drop us a note. Our records are not
perfect, neither are we. Write us if you should have received an order and haven't.
Again we thank you for being patient--the ordeal is over for us, and for you.
Never again will we get ourselves into such ahelpless position of not being able to
control what we were responsible for creating (Frankenstein/monster syndrome).
Éúmteur ZUser's Corner: We repeat Lewis Carroll qj" -_
(Rev. Charles Lutw"idge Dodgson, 1832-1898) frag- ','".
l
,
merit, from Ms AHce ín WóMerland and TMuü9h <
the IÁK)kiug Glass series, because it repre- ' J--
ll
.;':'1·
sents so closely what we do: many d1scus_ ,(, ,-"
s:ion levels, abruptly shifting from para- 7-7-. .
CÍ "" The tune has come," the Walrus said,
grapÍi to paragraph; but w1th1n each, con_ °Á""" 'To speak of many things.
sistency is maintained. These shifts ;) m" /" "" "" "
always produce movement leadíng to "- -,í/ _-Of shoes and ships and sealing wax,
:-F7"Of cabbages and kings."
creatíon of mental sp: u"a1--never z_"l ,l
ki
línear, never to be understood as ups m,-
and downs, higPter or lower, as if
climbing or descendirg aladder, but l
rather like soaring over vast multi—
dimensional (more than four) terri-
tory—observing, feeling, and doing. You are center of attention and producer of
motion! Please don't forget what and who you (and we) could be. Act (not react)
while re-acting (feeling)!
We wish mad hatter (hacker) would convince his editor to send us samples of
(subscription to) their slick Canadian magazine (Computek). We may want to place an
ad, among other things. Magazine contains awonderful B-bit
,
-'" column written by one who cares, feels. Our kind of folk!
f_
yñí l'
,#7Z-Node Actívity: Welcome to mid-state Z-Node //34! Sysop Rod
-ABlackman, Visalia, CA, needs callers. You central Californ-
),Í),, )1¡' "\") ¿\ "" íans let hin know what you tlnnk of Z-System; 209/739-8303.
,'Here's achance to see íf coinmumty Aves: Mark R.
hr
,r"
,'.,, Evans, potential Node //33, is having trouble understanding how
-vI to get his system up as a RAS. He wants to learn; who wishes
¿:,¿,/ ,®Cj '
,,,/ to help? If you can offer assistance, contact him at 1720
DN
:Á'±" '! ·' 'l:l? 'lj Utah, San Angelo, TX 76904. Please!
·,,, 'um ,·" jli.,(l";l!j While at it, we might look into Thomas Hill, 200 Oklahoma
l·.'F7/l, C
Áf_t. ,
,,qj ')' tStreet, Anchorage, AK 99504; Richard Driscoll, 400 North 30th
Á====í> __. _Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008, 602/267-0504; and Robert Paddock,
E_Box 167A, RD //1, Summit Drive, Franklin, PA 16323, 814/432-
^a7"Á>==EEI 3647. These nodes may need assistance getting up.
Bob Finch, Node #21, our ham radio packet network expert,
"And now . . ." should have adial-in line soon; until then, you Los Angeles
area hams can cont.act him by radio for transfers. His call is
N5CXB-!, on 2-meter band frequency of 146.745 MHz OUT/DQWN 600 KHZ; IN N5CXB, Bob
Finch. Other metropolitan area hams, who presently operate packet networks, wanting
to tie landlines to radios using Z-Node concept should contact us, or Z-Node #2, Al
Hawley, voice: 213/649-3575. One day, when satellite repeaters are available, all
Earth will be tied together through Z-Nodes!
Wanting more traffic, jay Sage installed a2400 bps modem...try his Boston-suburb
Z-Node //3 for Z-System information and to get files: 617/965-7259. Remember, Jay's a
full downloader of EI proprietary programs.
Page 2
Z-News 302
U! again: Foot put into mouth! Suggesting (in Z-News 209, pg 2, first line) that
everyone read material seven (7) times, without simultaneously giviw full explanation
of why, has been big stumblirig block for many. So we deliver details to remove those
(mental) blocks; remember, read through explanation (and everything else) seven times:
Readirigs 1and 2. Skim material twice, quite rapidly. Use your finger to help
your eyes play over words, lines, and paragraphs. Key words and phrases, ideas, and
concepts begin to take from. You gain afeeling of the thought-flow, aframework
making next step more powerful.
Readirrng 3. Read material now from beginning, much more slowly and carefully.
Pause to re-read and ponder new ideas and deep thoughts. Use dictionary for un-
familiar words.
Readings 4and 5. Skim over material twice again, but not quite so rapidly as
first two times. Let key concepts sink in even deeper. This is amore leisurely
skim. Pause at any word looked up in dictionary and make sure you know both basic
meaning of word, and its meaning in present context. Sometimes the thought expressed
by aparticular word or phrase is so new that it's difficult to grasp at once, even
with dictionary help! IXj not worry at this point. Future readings add clarity.
Readiw 6. Now, read material from beginning again with extreme care. Now is
the time to really pause, to ponder, to digest, to impress deeply. Try to obtain
essential, inner feeling of messages, even thoiugh you may not understand them fully or
grasp completely at this stage. Try at this point to read material aloud!
Readiríg 7. It's aslow skim. Somewhere between your leisurely skim and your
first careful reading, #3. It is time to enjoy, to bathe yourself in new insights and
viewpoints opening up to you...new understanding comes (in next octave)!
There you have it—we do our best to explain. Never think that learning some-
thirig new, really new, comes quickly or easily. GREAT EFFORT IS INVOLVED! But keep
reading even if you think you don't understand—what comes later (down the lines)
explains what came before, following natural back-and-fill (smoothinú concept.
Leadership! Who leads and who follows? Bottom of page 5, Newsletter 007, 15 October
1984, we addressed clone-magazines, copy-cats, people with less-than—constructive
ideas. Our present observation is: too many editors put out cookie-cutter editions
of their publication. The mold is supplied by advertisers, and journal after journal
use it! As we scan 30 to 40 publications amonth we notice athread, one of indoctri-
nation rather than education. So few magazines have the staff to even edit anews
release much less investigate news and write their own reports. If the release wasn't
styled by producer for individual magazine format, it simply isn't run...sad! Oh! how
sad! Afree press? We wonder what is free in what they generally do...free1y leading
or freely following'?
Clearly our trade journals show little leadership; so many seem detached, un-
emotional, have little PURPOSE of their own (other than make money as prime goal).
They use pre-formed mold to produce their offerings. We are the losers for it, but
it's us who allow situation to exist.
Most magazines (but not all) follow standard Madison Avenue criterion for ad
space cost, keyed to numbers of paid subscribers. Consequently, subscription prices
are low—this results in main source of revenues coming from advertisers! Any wonder
who controls magazine contents? Roses don't grow on stalks of clover. When corn seed
is planted, peach trees don't come up! Is this observation faulty?
Time to take astroll, feel cool breeze coming in from the Pacific. Listen to
swaying palms and pines in coast town of Pescadero, and there sip some white Zinfandel
at Mrs. Duarte's restaurant and bar. See you down the lines... Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 3
Z-News 302
Trademarks: SB180, COMMISO, TKBBS, Microrríint; HD63484,'64180, Hitachi; Z80 /800, Zilog;
NSC800, National; 8080/85, Intel; WY-50/ 75 /85 ,' 350, Wyse Technology; Z-System, ZCPR3,
ZRDOS, Z-Tools, Z-Corn, Zas, Zlirik, ZDM, RF.VAS, Z-Msg, DSD, TERM III, Term3, Lasting-
Value Software, Echelon and their respective owners and authors; MOSART, XEl201/03,
Xecom.
Zsets youFREE!
L·
"~
Z-News 302 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission to
reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is given to
Echelon.
W'"JS-
Echelon, Inc. SK"Rj 'mn:-")' ^
101 First Street .- ,
{
,
^1 ·.,. ,)1 22—
Los Altos, CA 940?? '.'''M-- 7>-i=
""'. .' ? ·¿. . , Pr- .l t ,T" ,,,,, IIIfÉ[l!l'¶||I¶IíI
IÍ
\,.I ','P':. . _L_
:i
6':
ES-.f··,y,,
''l t''' : 7'·' ' ' "''$:
..i:'·' ! '.,1 ,''i ,., ., 7·.
i"T I
,
@9
4 November 1985
306
Heaven Forbid. We are asked to recommend high level languages (HUS) for application
program development under Z-System. We reply, if you must use an HLL (instead of
SYSLIB3, Z3LIB, and VLIB), these are best used:
CLanguage Compilers
BIE CBD Software, Inc. Fastest Execution
P.O. Box 2368, CaÍnbridge, MA 02238 Good Code Density
617/576-3828 Non-Unix C
C/80 Software Toolworks Best Code Density
15233 Ventura Blvd. #1118 Good Speed
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, 818/986-4885 Non4jnix C
Aztec CII Manx Software Unix ccoI!fu)atibi1ity
P.O. Box 55, Shrewsbury, NJ 07701 Fair Speed
201/530-7997 Fair Code Density
Pascal Compiler
Turbo Pascal Borland International Hi9h Overall Value
4585 Scotts Valley Drive Interactive Structured
Scotts Valley, CA 95066 Program Development
800/255-8008 to order Neither Fast nor Dense Code
800/556-2283 for nearest dealer New Pascal Standard
Z TIPS. There's over a million ways (literally) to configure and assemble ZCPR3!
Standard ZCPR3 implementation (which we use here at EI) contains only SAVE, GO, GET,
and JUMP as intrinsic CP (command processor) commands; other resident (in-memory)
commands TYPE, LIST, m, REN, C(o)P(y),· FOKE, P(eek), ECHO, IF, ELSE, FI (endif) are
in dynamically loadable RCPS and FCPS. Normally, DIR is atransient, i.e., from disk.
CCP (console command processor, CP for short) occupies fixed 2k-bytes; but resident
packages, each of 2k-bytes, can be loaded when functional requirements demand dif-
ferent commands, e.g., DEBUGRCP (MU3 as segment) for debugging programs versus more
common SYS.RCP. Asysop's RCP is different from RCP loaded for public callers.
Of Cabbages and Kings. Harvest being in barn, November is season of thaiiksgiving in
USA culture. We wish here to reflect on things for which we are grateful. Our life
with continuous good health is one; but mainly we focus on you, especially you who are
learning while supporting what we do. By name, Marvin Eyre, Dennis Wri9ht, Dave
McCord, Kathy Stough, Patrick O'Connell, Robert Doolittle, Al Hawley, Jay Sage, Al
IMnsmuir, Charles McMannis, Robert Peddicord, Richard Mead, and Bruce Aschenbrenner.
And Dreas Nielsen, Bruce Morgen, Ted Silveira, Paul Pomer1eau, Tim Linehan,
Robert Tate, Rea Williams, Nug Thom, Norman Beeler, Norm Gregory, Marilyn Bailey,
Richard Jacobson, Terry Smythe, Ed Unrein, Charles Hoffman, Michael Ward, jud Newell,
Arrnon Tippitt, and finally, Richard Conm
More could be added, but these few we consciously believe have made possible what
we do. Those others get our thanks nonetheless, those workers who do in silence
without notice. We know they need not their names listed here. But without them, our
species would have long ago perished. We applaud our continued, but certainly un-
certain, survival!
Some few WONDER where our drive, courage (?), enthusiasm, comes from. WONDER no
more...we work from natural forces...forces flowing through you, from Eternity...
forces beyond TIME and space, beyond Mother Earth, Father Time of E.B. White's classic
Charlotte's Web...forces of LAW, law which cannot be broken but which regulates
All,..we were v'ague and general, now vivid and particular because of your energy.
Z-News 306
Ye Get Letters. " ...fdisk format} standardization is indeed much needed for B-bit
world. However, no details on formats were giverí... "declares Mark Sihlanick,
Forest, V& Sorry Mark, we are working on astandards document now, to be published
as soon as finished. Z-News 207 wanted to let everyone know we were fostering afew
disk formats we feel are best. Hardware manufacturers designing new B-bit computers
should use existing formats, the ones that are best for speed and capacity.
Dale Updegrove writes from Phoenixville, PA, "I find myself looking for your
latest Z-News before the two weeks are up...Echelon is more like aclub than a
business...is interested in supplyirig more support rather than [in making] more
profit." Thañks! we needed that. Dale, our major short-term task is getting you to
regard Z-System as we do; profits come from aspirations, attitude (see newsletter 009,
pg 7, to know an aspect of our business).
Z-Node Activity. Awarm welcome to new Z-Node #44 and Sysop Robert Gear. Bob's
Phoenix, AZ, number is 602/279-2762 and is afirst for us in Arizona. He is int.er-
ested in ham radio packet networks, as are other noders Bob Finch and John D'Ausilio.
Also, Bob's '%ktur's" node serves as central for despending medical information.
Ed Unrein wants more non-local callers. His RAS in beautiful central Florida is
awonderland in itself: 305/295-0844. If you can't travel there, you still can
telecommunicate (one-day, teleport I).
Amateur ZUser's Comer. Loggiríg into adirectory may be done two ways. l) Ikfault
log-in occurs when performed from command line, and 2) current log-in occurs when
performed from within application programs; on returning to command line, default
disk/user area is returned to, shows. Current can be made de-
"" :C' .·."'Z= :+ -3 fault by declaration, e.g., in VFILER CMD scripts, command
''i'j' f' 'j'"";'"¿¿ "±±?í-?:g\, clause "%d%u: ;" makes current directory the default. While
,)"jiÍ "," ;= "within VFILER, default is shown when "Z" letter-command is
Y. '
,\. .:" -.-- given and command line prompt shows at lower left of screen.
J"' '!== Current always shows at upper left, either from Files or built-
'· ,"—!.
'. :,: \"= _ín Help screens. Of course, current and default szmultaneously
:"_-?" " " "-may be same directory.
}"aj .:,
When dealing with other than Z-System application
d; ''i ".- programs, determine if application uses current (most don't) or
l"j :"' '?iÁ Eonly default directories. Then, write your macro command lines
,_ ,
,¿,r _accordingly .
'l '" ·b 3XNotice, in Z-News 305, bottom of pg 1, selective use of
J. -
',." .":qcurrent d1sk/user "%d" and "%u" and actual dr:i-ve letter ("a"
J.m,"" ""'.ij( therein) designation was required to freely move from directory
JJAS itt ^- l"7s to directory from within VFILER, to have WordStar and The WORD
3/_, '-".A Plus function correctly. When using with such application
"Ujj")@7- programs, advanced features of Z-SysYm are absolutely required
---- 4f' "for full automatíon and resource-ut111zat1on eff1c1ency. Uulx
". ..and my current and PC4X)S do not have these features.
became default ." Technically, for you budding hackers, default directory is
contained as two nibbles at location 04 of Z-System Page O,
memory space DO to FF hex. Current is stored locally within ZRDOS buffer area.
Our shells with their powerful user interface have made concept of current versus
default important. Principle under vanilla CP/M was little developed, not much
thotight of. Remember what user areas were like before SWEEP—they were simfy not
used! SWEEP, DISK7 started the ball rM1im for filer, vfiler, MENU, FRIENDLY m, and
VMENU. We now have better flexibility than PC-DOS or Unix!
Recap: default (some call it hom.e.) directory is the one shown by operating
system prompt. Application programs and utilities may move from default by internal
command (log-in to new directory, called current) but default is not changed, unless
changed at command line prompt, or by declaration in amacro command.
Page 2
Z-News 306
Z-Systm COMMA N D S
Frequently used commands are briefly described here. Online HELP facility gives full
details of these and remaining commands. At Zcommand line, immediate usage and
syntax help is available (if information is appropriate) by typiñ9 <Ci"/¢'";m"^'> //<cr>,
AC Archive Copy copies files from one location to another with verification
option, while setting file archive attribute. Only changed files need be copied.
(V)ALIAS The (V)ALIAS utility is used to create an Alias file and to display its
contents. An Alias is essentially atext script, expanded and resolved (with para-
meter passing) when the Alias program is run. Very complex command Lines, complete
with Flow Control (IF), can be included within an Alias.
ARIJNZ Extended command processor used to execute aliases within ALIAS,CMD files.
CD CD permits going from ORé directory to another, simultaneously running
environmental file (ST.COM) to establish the desired conditions in adirectory. CD
may require password to move to new directory.
CLEANDIR Removes ck-allocated references to files in the disk directory track area,
sorts the existing files in ascending or descending alpha order and packs the names
together. Used often nearly guarantees successful UNERASE.
(MIREN Default name for extended command processor used, e.g., to execute COM files
from COMMAND.LBR file.
Once entered all text typed at keyboard is ignored by operating system.
Useful to output text to printer while not having the computer attempt to act on it,
and in local area networks (LANS). Special "COMMENT"' prompt provided.
Compare two files disp1aying byte-for-byte match and difference. Split-
screen dísplay, showing match, differences, in both hex and ASCII, eases comparison.
crsu Selects one of two consoles and one of four printers known to system, and
line and page length, and whether form-feeds are available. Used by PAGE and PRINT.
=Runs aCyclic Redundancy Check on specified files, optionally creating a
file of the values. Useful to make sure files are identical.
DIR Sorted default or declared directory files with sizes (lengths) and disk
space used and remaining are displayed on console with this command, by file name or
type. Displays directory name, if one, and PUBLIC files in directories.
IFA Display file attributes: read-only, read-write, archive, wheel byte write-
protected, etc. Wild card file declaration permitted.
MJ3 Disk Utility provides full screen-oriented direct disk editor features.
Four screens of command information are internally available by typing "?".
ECIK) Text entered at the command line is typed to screen without the operating
system acting on it. Useful to display messages from Aliases and between commands of
amultiple command line.
ME The ELSE command is FCP-resident and toggles the Flow State. If the current
IF condition is TRUE, ELSE toggles it to FALSE, and vice-versa.
ERA The ERA utility is used to remove (de-allocate) files from disks. It is
resident in either the RCP segment or in the ZCPR3 CCP module.
RMSE The ERASE utility is the transient counterpart of ERA. It is more powerful
than ERA, containing many more options and features.
Five error handlers dynamically installed by entering their command name.
VERRDR and ERROR2 are screen oriented; recovery from anon-executable command in
multiple command lines is handled gracefully and quickly.
The current error handler is diseíigaged with this command.
FI FI is an FCP-resident command which terminates the current IF. FI is the
same as ENDIF in concept (there is no ENDIF command in Z-System).
FINDF Searches for declared files in all user areas and disks in system. Wild
card (? and *) and multiple file names permitted.
GUIU Unconditional branch in ZEX files; used in flow-controlled loops.
The HELP command provides oMine documentation. Typing HELP ZCPR3 or
ZRDOSI<cr> brings a menu of commands to peruse, covering all aspects of Z-System
operation. mKjs: and ZCFR3: The m~1 are used for further informatiom
IF IF is an FCP-resident command which tests acondition and sets the Flow
Control State to True or False. If the Flow Control State is False, only FCP-resident
commands are executed with all other commands skipped.
LX Run executable files from within library of files. Other library support
utilíties: LGET, LHELP, and LLF.
Page 3
Z-News 306
MCOPY MCOPY copies files to and from directoríes. It provides an easy way to
back—up files. (CP from an RC.P also copies and opt' ionai1y renames fil-es.')
(V)MFMJ These are menu subsyst erns under ZCPR3. MNU and VMN menus are created with
your editor following rules detailed in HELP L"ile systení.
~IR Narned di recttíries are created with MKDIR. Any Disk or User Area can be
given an up-to-eight-characteí name. An access password is opt.: iona1ly perníitted with
each named directory.
MJ3 Memory Utilíty provides direct local íueruory (RAM) editing. Useful to ob-
serve immediate changes tcj selected areas of memory.
NOTE Similar ttj COMMENT, but without special prorrípt arid active for only one line.
Text typed is not acted upon by computer.
PAGE The PAGE command sends text files to CRT console screen for operator view-
ing. More than one file may be viewed sequentially, skipped, with screen wordwrap if
line length exceeds screen wídth.
PATH Allows display and dynamic change of command-file search path.
FRÍNT The PRINT command provides full page printing of t.ext files on the printer.
CPSEL selects the printer characteristics. Page heading and numbering, and sequential
file printing, with wordwrap, are available.
FRUIECT Files are declared Read-Only, System, or Read-Write, singulax iy or in wild-
card file groups, with PROTECT.
FUBLIC Utility to declare directories global, files accessible frorn any directory.
END The PWD coínrnand Prints the names of available Working Di rectories.
QUIW Entering QUIET reduces text output from certain crucial utility programs,
CD, LDR, LX, PATH, REG.
REN Renaming files is performed with resident REN or with the more powerful
transient RENAME
SAK Strike Any Key is interactive glue, used in command lines to suspend exe-
cution for aspecified time or cancel next operat ion, alert uperator with console
bell, cancel, or if operator not available, proceed af ter delay.
SFA Set file attributes: read-write, read-only, archive, wheel byte write-
protected, etc. Wild card file declaration permitted.
SETFILE Allows declaring up to four system file names to be used with shell prog-
rams, MENU, VMENU, SAK, ALIAS, etc. SHOW indícates system files active.
SH Model shell program ready-to-use; internal commands are: ?for help, SHCMT
for comment entry, SHECHO for message text echo, and SHEXIT for exitiñ9 the shell.
SHCIRL Shell Control permits getting out of ashell, i.e., popping the stack.
SU SHOW prints a menu of options to permit recalling the status of the ZCPR3
environment. Buffer address locations, command line length, system cpu speed, maximum
drive and user areas permitted, all on 11 screens of information. SLK)W E<cr> installs
Show as an error handler.
=Er Makes any program into ashell; useful to control application program usage.
UNmsE The UNERASE command permits recovering accidentally erased files. Recovery
must be made before starting any further disk drive activities.
VFTM VFILER is Z-System screen-oriented file manipulation utility. Permits
pointing to files in directory and perform: Íng operations on them compute lengths,
view, print, copy, delete, unsqueeze, or tag (wild cards allowed) for group (mass)
processing. Ten macro commands from custom CMD menu, new CMD per directory possible.
File scanning utility permits forward and reverse text viewing with
controlled scrolling rate, string searches, quick goto bottom and top of file move-
ments, etc. Fully screen oriented with built-in in-context command help.
WHEEL permits chmUm the system from secure to unsecure. If secure,
passwords are needed to access established directories and certain utilities may not
be used: ALIAS, MKI)IR, PUBLIC, etc. The preset password is SYSTEM.
XDIR The XDIR command is most powerful of three supplied file directory listing
programs (transients). Optionally shows all files in ail directories (normal and
public), vertically or horizontally sorted by file name or type, to console, printer,
or file. Negate wild-card search and directory-to-file-buffer for directory compari-
sons are unique features.
XIP Exit (terminate) all pending conditionals (IFs) in flow command testing.
Useful in ZEX GOTO loops.
ZEX Extended command processor for versatile multi-command/program batch proces-
sing; interactive, user-prompts and message displays.
#4/#####//4/
Page 4
Z-News 306
Quack Separated From Duck: We who will be first to use Wyse WY-350 color
ASCII terminal to upgrade WordStar into amulti-hued word processor. With alittle
software modifications to the program buffer area, color could be used to indicate
status of text entries and changes. Different shades could represent I) original
text, 2) moved text, 3) newly inserted or added, 4) Hided or shadowed, 5) underlined,
6) font style changed, 7) text copied from or written to another file. We can think
of many other enhancements that would be valuable to console operators using PropStar
(see Z-News 304) to post-process WordStar files into alaser marking machine.
How do we overcome, justify cost of color terminal?
Straight-line drawing ability of modern ASCII terminals, monochrome or multi-
color, permits sharp, graceful menw to be formed—we simply haven't taken advantage
of graphics, yet. And saály, vast crowds these days go only for bit-mapped monitors.
We WONDERwhy!
MOSART. November BYTE MOSART (modem synchronous, asynchronous, .receiver, trans-
mitter) article gives an idea of where telecommunications is going. TurnKey Bulletin
Board System of Micromint, Inc., (see Z-News 207, top pg 5) uses this hybrid module,
and includes Z-Msg, Terín3, and Z-System to do software chores. Read TKBBS description
in December BYT& Call or write Xecom, Inc., 374 Turquoise St., Miipitas, CA 95035,
408/943-0313) for prices and literature describing MOSART module.
FLASH. S-lOO board using Hitachi HIJ64180 high-integration chip announced by Magnum
Digital, Inc., Route #2, Box 223, Stover, MO 65078, 314/377-4419. Unusual (perhaps
unique) CPU board may be either master or slave in multi-user/processor system. On-
board are two serial ports, 64k to 256k-bytes of static CMOS RAM, but co-board extends
to 2megabytes, I/O port drop—out timer for fail-safe operation, bus controller for
multi-processing, and many more features. Priced at $469.00 with support software;
call Mr. Dion Vaugh, MDI President, for additional details.
Industry Brief. Five (5) Japanese companies are currently sampling one-megabit
DRAMS; Hitachi, Toshiba, NEC, Fujitsu, and Mitsubishi. The sixth, Oki Electric,
starts next month. Toshiba has licensed Siemens (Regensburg, West Germany) to produce
their design. (Remember, you read it here first.) Many British people say, "We will
not change our life style to compete with Japanese industry." We say to these, 'Your
life style can only be maintained if you adapt to your changing environment. World is
effectively smaller and more accessible now then when you were philosophically (polit-
ically.' Number One." What do USAians say? Let's hear from matter releasing energy,
from s—u--b-s-t-a-n—c—e moving towards e-s—s-e-n—c-e!
By the Way, third force of triad active in Cosmos, in case you still woNDm is
represented by instability. This force is like awedge applied at atangent, never
orthogonally, near an object's base. Such directed energy permits, causes local and
Cosmic change (see logo/eagle discussion in Z-News 303, pg 5.) Anyone care to label
this particular force? Historically, it's been called by many names!
Now we taste Zinfandel wine and hear zydeco music, that marvelous mixture of
French, Cajun, Creole, Celtic, and African rhythms. Real people-music, this zydeco!
Bí"owht to our attention long ago, we believe in 1953, by Clifton Chenier (king of the
music), but made popular by Ida Guillory (Queen Ida). Chris Strachwitz, of Berkeley
radio station KPFA fame and founder of Arhoolie Records of El Cerrito, CA, 415/525-
7471, records and produces zydeco pressings and tapes for sale. It's our bon-teínps-
roulet music, along with music of Polish rebel Frederic Chopin. Zinfandel is native
Californim See you down the lines... Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 5
Z-News 306
Trademarks: SBl80, COMM180, TKBBS, Micromint; HD63484/64180, Hitachi; 280/800, Zilog;
NSC800, National; Friend1y, Ampro; Z-System, ZCPR3, ZREOS, Z-Tools, Z-Com, Zas, Zlirik,
ZDM, REYAS, Z-Msg, DSD, TERM III, Term3, Lasting-Value Sof tware, Echelon and their
respective owners and authors; CP/M, Digital Research; Unix, AT&T; MOSART, XEl201/03,
Xecom; PropStar, Civil Computing; WordStar, MicroPro.
+
'·7j iStheTEACHER!
+*
Z-News 306 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission to
reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is given to
Echelon.
Echelon, Inc. ,/íjj"j', r"""TU l%ÉV,
·'i- .-- 4
t
101 First Street .',, '"M '" "F""
,, ,,,, ,,,
I,) iÍJÍ,. -
?1'.' '"'i5!i
Los Altos, CA 94022 ,:-R5j -^. ,1 ''" '"' '"' 7?" "
,.- _'=
·-' .;: · ''_Z>.·- -m
·. -·-"'···· ,,,,, ii: I1!Ili'¶'|É.?'|:',!
®18 November 1985
307
Z TIPS. PUBLIC ZRDOS Plus, the only DOS, Version 1.2 (Item 12 on EI price list), we
currently offer, comes with many useful utilities; DUMP and MOVE are two. DUMP is a
screen oriented file display program showing both in hex and ASCII. Trailirrng options
permit line addresses relative to lOó hex, sending display to printer, pause after
declared number of sectors are shown. Any keypress continues the display for next set
of sectors. Ideal for us is DUMP fn.ft /p2m<cr> which displays two sectors (a screen
full) showing the addresses starting at lOOh. DUMP is amodern utility in line with
rest of Z-System tools, in vain of COMP, our file comparator.
MOVE, Z-System utility written by ZRDOS author, Dennis Wright, as were DUMP,
VTYPE, COMP, and others, is handy even thowh PUBLIC directories are available. Files
are moved from area to area on the same drive, and moved quickly! MOVE permits
wildcard filename declarations and also directory DU and DIR forms.
ZRDOS Plus comes with above four utilities plus VTYPE, the absolute best file
scanner we've seen (see Z-News 207, middle of pg I); PUBLIC described in Z-News 305;
VIEW, earlier file scanner; and DFA and SFA, display and set file attributes, covering
all available bits, archive, wheel-byte write-protect, read-only, etc.
Two screen-oriented command-line editors are currently available. VCED (video
command editor), Version 1.1, written by Paul Pomerleau (Chicago, IL), permits
editiw, executing, and recalling comiipands lines, both present and previous. Uses
subset of WordStar cursor commands (like and TALIAS), plus many more, to move
from command to command, undo erased commands, recall previous command, etc. Screen
oriented and aZ-System utility, it knows about paths, DIRS and DUS, and ENV files. A
neat VCED support program, WAIT, toggles "Strike Any Key" prompt to hold screen
display, as desired, before returning to
m.©« ©- U;^ ED
+m
—"="m= -r"a-'"«E2"T, echtor.
--0+"""""f ·^""" :""" -"|"?-T±.-= .qPaul has also finished his version
·.m. EZ'""·-. "
"" ""-""" Z_fe¿, "" =- "[T"g "µ= '" "_ :-3í. of ALIAS, called BALIAS, to join other
e~.". — _-:-—..- Sij ±.
,fC" '\ ""7± ":#""
_
"um alias generators and editors (VALÍAS and
-'mk ,^--" -
S" '
_=^m >'"é -=·"e TALIAS) in the stable.
F. --.
·Y' —
-·""'
7(A\ '"
,
"" I") """Z?" '" ""'' " fISH (command line History S.H,e11),
.%
"""r,:r».- . &
Vers1on 1.1 ,comes from Míchael
IT"=\'~\ ,- ,"Rubenstei.n, Galveston, TX, and carries
·I"'- "-command-tine editiW to elegant heights.
"'" Similar to VCED but with adifferent
t' X,¥
^t .·"" -<>d '-} flavor. DesignecÍ to be used primarily
pf;t ". m w, 'h
'/ "''''"-'i ·"
^"''"'·) 'with RAM or fast hard disks and written
'l'
""
,/ t"'',,ín CLanguage, HSH, is Bk-bytes long.
',,-—=- , - -ig' :.' ·y4 Comes with Z-System HLP file; it's one
.:' "" ))j'?)j
'A''nice tool! On Z-Nodes, everywhere.
",/ :">;' !'>
:í> i'"" "" piWilson Bent (Fair Haven, NJ) has
PO ' k.
,<
,^.-"" ":->= &_",_
made an interesting contribution with his
¿- "" 0t). "'m>{rI: "'}3(y3'!,.«
,, "'"r: ·,^",, büí "" LDGK named -directory program. By using
'leading dash in afile name the directory
". ..never be without your tools." becomes that name. Try it—you may find
LDSK to your liking, especially if you're
floppy-based. Compare with MKDIR described below...many ways to de-scale fish!
Our cup overf lows, cornucopia! Thanks, all, for your programming activities.
We Get Letters. Yes, we erred in Z-News 304; WSPATCH is still useful even if running
PUBLIC ZRDOS. It's quicker to use WSPATCH for numerous different terminals than to
re-install using MicroPro INSTALL. Thanks to all for pointirig this out.
'Your Newsletters and the BYTE articles on the HD64180 rekindle my interest in
expanding my knowledge of Assembly, ZCPR3, etc.--even thotigh all this is likely to be
Z-News 307
of little practical use to ine," Edward W, King, Ithaca, NY, writes of his stimulation
and doubt. Ed, any knowledge can be put into practice. Knowledge acquired from ZCFR3
activities goes along way to making one feel fu1fi11ed. Such work always pays coim
From james Couts, Sunnyvale, CA, "I am running CP/M and am trying to resist MS-
DOS." What's to resist? There's so much to be learned, if you get past surface
barrier, front capabilities of B-bit machines. Usirig and studyirg Z-System opens
learning portals wide.
Z—Node Actívity. Central had first birthday (10 October)! One year old, Z-Node #1
Sysop, David McCord, has enlivened h: Ígh-performmce B-bit computing. His substantial
leadership produces light when there is near darkness. Dave, keep your beacon on.
All Z-Nodes carry tremend~ traffic loads—we thank each sysop for extraordinary
efforts on Z-System community's behalf—what aconstructive team! Individually each
of us receive as we give, occasionally receiving seven (7) fold. Coming year Mids
much opportunity for hard-working teams!
Amateur ZUser's Corner. MKDIR is used to create and modify named directories.
Thou9h ZCPR3: The Manual (pages 65, 244, 299) is somewhat vague about doing this,
MKDIR'S complete built-in menus and prompts make using it easy and fast. After typing
MKDIR<cr> at command line, enter ?(or I) at tool command prompt to obtain main menu:
MKDIR Comnand (? for Help)? t
MKDIR Comnands are --
C-Change Directory (Add/Renarne/Delete Entries)
I-Initialize Directory
P-Print Directory
R-Read Directory
S-Status of MKDIR Environment
W-Write Directory File
X-Exit Program
MKDIR Cotmand (? for Help)? i
First thing to do, if modifying an existing NOR file, is read file into auto-allocated
buffer space provided and then display contents, Rfollowed by Pcommand. After
entering R, choose name of NOR to edit or create. The default is NAMES.NDR. We
distribute asample NOR file with name of SYSAIR. If updating this file and if it's
located in A15: ROOT directory, then enter A15: SYS.NDR<cr> as requested name at R
commandprompt.
After entering Pand seeing what you already have as names associated with
disk/user areas, enter Cto alter. And press ?(or l) for this screen:
MKDIR Change Mode --
You may issue the following comnands at this pñnt:
DU: dirname <--- Create/Rename DIR Entry
DU: <--- Delete DIR Entry
'(RETURN)' <--- Print Directory
X<--- Exit lleave Change Model
?<--- Print this Help
Directory Entry R<return> for Help)? I
Establish disk A, user area 6, with name of "private" by entering: A6: PRIVATE<cr>,
Next, prompt asks for optional password, up to 8characters, to access directory.
You take it from here...create and load (using LD&CCN) several trial NOR files
to gaiii experience (and confidence) using named directories. After, you are ready to
write ST alias files used by CD (please, read pages 23 and 24 of Z3 Manual). Are you
ready? Can you sense this long-expected moment, never-to-be-repeated opportunity?
Pcige 2
Z-News 307
Z-SYSTEM GOOD-NEIGHBOR HELPER (GNH) ROSTER
Mark Kolod Neal Koss
POB 68 3440 Lomita Blvd.
Glenview IL 60025 Torrance CA 90505
3l2/291-Í586 213/326Á770
Brian Leyton -Morrow joe Wí"ight -all
12613 Killion Street 711 Chatsworth Place
North Hollywood, CA 91607 San jose, CA 95128
818/766-3307 408/297-5583
Kevin McDona1d -Apple joe S. Vogler
P.O, Box 28162 112 Creekside Lane
San Jose CA 95159 Colorado Srings, CO 80906
408/37IÁ037 303/576-34k0
Doug Thom -App1e/CompuPro/Ampro Chuck Livingston -Vector Graphics
l4Cl5 Graywood Drive 412 Tierra Rejada Road
San jose, CA 95129 Simi Valley, CA 93065
408/253-1306 805/522-7322 or 584-3484
Isaac Salzman -Xerox 82C)-II Steve KaÉ!1in -Osborne/CCS S-lOO
5667 Corteen Place 11711 Mo at Avenue
No. HO11 wood, CA 91706 Tampa FL 33617
818./76l-4874 813/9g5-5611 (home), 813/974-2081 (work)
Charles Sanborn -all Francis Riesz
12702 Campos Drive 3228 South Broad Street, Apt. 5
Houston, TX 77065 Trenton, NJ 08610
john C. Smith -Kaypro Thomas A. F1emer -Morrow
100 Nashua Road 1730 Medallion Loop N.W.
Pepperell, MA 01463 Olym la, WA 98502
617/433-6383 206Á66-9787
Steven Hirsch -Apple CP/M Arthur Welsh -Osborne
124 Intervale Ave. 801 Airport Hts. #387
Burlington VT 05401 Anchorage AK 99508
802/658-4743 907/274-8Ó44
Alan D. Wilcox -CompuPro Jay P. Sage -all
60 South 8th Street 1435 Centre Street
Lewisburg, PA 17837 Newton Centre, MA 02159
717/523-0777 before 8pm EST 617/965-3552
Ed Unrein -Kaypro Richard Denicola
6373-8 Forest CAty Road 475 Vista Del Norte
Orlando, FL 32810 Walnut CA 91789
305/299-4283 714/66Ó-1800
Rick Swenton -H89/90 &Ampro John S. Casteel
19 Allen Street 611th Ord. C. Box 4364
Bristol, CT 06010 APO, NY, 09059 (from USA)
203/589-7297 Kaiserlautern, GERMANY
06373-4188
Al Dunsmuir -CompuPro Robert Kuhmann -all
30 Dentón Ave, Apt 807 Le Pavilion, Belle Etoile
Scarbourough, Ontario par St. Martin de la Brasque
MIL 4P2 CANADA 84760 FRANCE
416/669-49734 011/33 90-77-61-36
Roland Eriksson -all Phillippe P. Billotte -Northstar
Arbetshusgatan 58 A47 Rue Abou Dabi
802 24 Gaevle SWEDEN Quartier Oasis
Int+46 -"26" 128353 Casablanca, MOROCCO
Anyone wishing to assist new ZCPR3/ZRDOS users and potential users please send us your
name, address, expertise, and telephone number.
Page 3
Z-News 307
* * * * * *** * * * * * * * * *
*Full ASCII Character Set *
* * * * * ** * *********
——
OOOh NUL U! 32 20h SP 64 40h @96 60h "
1Olh SOH "A 33 21h ! 65 4lh A97 6lh a
2 02h STX ^B 34 22h " 66 42h B98 62h b
303h ETX ^C 35 23h # 67 43h C99 63h c
4 04h EOT "D 36 24h $ 68 44h D100 64h d
5 05h ENQ ^E 37 25h %69 45h E101 65h e
606h ACK ^F 38 26h &70 46h F102 66h f
7 07h BEL ^G 39 27h ' 71 47h G103 67h g
808h BS "H 40 28h (72 48h H104 68h h
909h HT ^I 41 29h )73 49h I105 69h i
10 OAh LE ^J 42 2Ah *74 4Ah J106 6Ah j
li OBh VT "K 43 2Bh +75 4Bh k107 6Bh k
12 OCh FF ^L 44 2Ch ,76 4Ch L108 6Ch l
13 ODh CR ^M 45 2Dh -77 4Dh Pi 109 6Dh ni
14 OEh SO ^N 46 2Eh .78 4Eh N110 6Eh n
15 OFh si "O 47 2Fh /79 4Fh oIll 6Fh o
16 lOh DIJE ^P 48 30h O80 50h P112 70h p
17 11h DCl ^Q 49 31h 181 51h Q113 71h q
18 12h DC2 ^R 50 32h 282 52h R114 72h r
19 13h DC3 ^S 51 33h 383 53h S115 73h s
20 14h DC4 ^T 52 34h 4 84 54h T116 74h t
21 15h NAK ^U 53 35h 5 85 55h U117 75h u
22 16h SYN ^V 54 36h 6 86 56h V118 76h v
23 17h ETB "W 55 37h 7 87 57h W119 77h w
24 18h CAN ^X 56 38h 8 88 58h X120 78h x
25 19h EM "Y 57 39h 9 89 59h Y121 79h y
26 lAh SUB ^Z 58 3Ah :90 5Ah Z122 7Ah z
27 1Bh ESC ^[ 59 3Bh ;91 5Bh [123 7Bh {
28 lCh FS ^\ 60 3Ch <92 5Ch \124 7ch :
29 1Dh GS ^] 61 3Dh =93 5Dh }125 7Dh }
30 1Eh RS "^ 62 3Eh >94 5Eh ^126 7Eh "
31 1Fh US ^63 3Fh ?95 5Fh 127 7Fh DEL
Legend: h=Hexadecimal; ^=CTRL (Control Key), except 94 =caret and
30 =<CTRL-caret>.
Notes: I. To obtain codes Oto 31, console Control Key is pressed while
simultaneously pressing Letter Key, e.g., <CTRL-G> is ^G, the
bell character.
2. Control Key subtracts decimal 64 (4Oh) from Letter Key pressed.
Page 4
Z-News 307
Ramblings. (We don't do what we think we must, but what we must; that written is
less important than that not.)
You've read and heard of robots (maybe seen or even used one), drones, and
cyborgs (cybernetic organisms). It would be surprise to find we were actually one of
these. But think, what makes us what we are? It's not flesh and blood, bone and
skin, or overall form. Sure, these are aspects of what we are, but there's more.
What constitutes the Whole?
Ponder mass of data and information we presently have access to. If you live in
alarge city, your local public library has more books than you could read in a
hundred lifetimes. One of these days soon, all this printed matter could be in
computer memories, perhaps be readable with your personal computer. But neither data
nor facts count for much unless you have means to interpret into knowledge and under-
standirig, get to the whole. We predict "desktop publishiW" mostly adds quantity to
printed-text equation, does little for quality, depth and breadth, does little for
substance. Unless we, individually and as a species, take alonger view of existence
we simply march in-place; each octave overlays exactly the previous. You know Beirig,
living, and learning rests squarely with you and me. Manikins we be not!
Is not the same alphabet used to form words, sentences that praise as well as
damn? The octave-oriented musical scale provides for production of sound-combinations
to make us both rejoice and weep. For every good there's acountering evil—yin,
yang; substantial universal stability in Cosmos. Third Force, neither female nor
male, we think of...for every student there already exists ateacher. From knowledge,
let's rise to next level of understandin&
You, think quality not quantity...each action, each thought has profound local
and Cosmic consequences. Waste not amoment with thoughts of greed or hurtfulness.
We humans are still quite coarse, with much to be refined. Let's get on with our
mutual task of learning! Be not paralyzed, but be on the Way to deep living, a norm
of all Life; this alone wears well.
We camp currently on a mountain top to pen these ramblintgs. We live at home,
though like atraveler on the road...find many things that each day teach us. Fools
there are that think their El Dorado is anywhere but where they live. But who keeps
book on such folly. We're here searching for that seemingly lost, to cÍíange our mood,
to taste of water turned into wine from stone...
From light and darkness, strength and weakness; heaven and hell, truth and falseness,
real and unreal; from the crown of thorns and the bed of roses, from the depths of
agony and the heKhts of sublime joy; from hate (both positive and negative), desti-
tution, despair, and destruction and love, faith, hope, and construction: we offer a
document we want you to owil We cannot give it to you (though we wish we could); you
must have worked for it. Thus we charge money, money which represents (see Z-News
305, all of pg 5) your past time and effort (labor, energy). The document, apearl of
great prize, is economy-priced at exactly $100.00. But we return half your money if,
after reading it seven (7) times as detailed in Z-News 302, top three-fifths of pg 3,
you feel it not worth amount paid. Make no judgments, simply read as detailed in 302.
Think! can you do these two things: read seven times and not judge. If so, order
Lesson Learnirg to receive something we trust you absorb and retain.
is not for everyone—only for those who are dissatisfied with present ways
of looking at, seeing thint: s--is for those who are anxious to learn new Ways, to
discard unsatisfactory. Please, do not order WONDER unless you expect the un-
expected...think thrice before ordering. See you down the lines...
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 5
Z-News 307
Trademarks: SB180, COMM180, TKBBS, Micromint; H%3484/64l80, Hitachi; 280/800, 2ilog;
NSC800, National; WY-50/75/85/350, Wyse Technology; Z-System, ZCPR3, ZRDOS, Z-Tools,
Z-Com, Zas, Zlink, ZDM, REVAS, Z-Msg, DSD, Term3, TERM III, Lasting-Value software,
Echelon and their respective owners and authors; CP/M, Digita1 Research; Unix, AT&T;
MOSART, XE1201/03, Xecom; PropStar, Civil Computing; WordStar, MicroPro.
*"
FREE through Z!<
Z-News 307 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission to
reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is given to
Echelon.
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Lqs Altos, ca 94022
jud Newell
Canada Remote Systems
4691 Dimdas Street W
Isñngton, Ont CANADA M9A 1A7
Zi
2December 1985
z-ms 308
HD64180 Computer Nmm XL-M180 S-lOO board, by Intelligent Computer Designs, does-
it-all. It's acomplete single Hard computer with 512k-bytes DRAM, tape, floppy, and
hard disk controller, local area network, and more. Write ICD at 9252 Garden Grove
Blvd., Garden Grove, CA 92644, or call 714/638-3622, to request literature.
Magnum Digital, Inc., opens new marketing headquarters at 3211 S. Providence
Road, Suite #302, Columbia, MO 65203. Call 314/449-7199 for information on their S-
IDO uíaster/slave computer (PRD-180), disk controllers, and memory boards. Mr. Marc
Strid, Marketing Manager, is ready to answer questions and dash literature to yow
MDI'S and ICD'S products open new era for S-l® bus, multiprocessing, multi-
tasking, and multi-user technology.
Bruce Morgen, erstwhile computer editor for Electronic Products magazine and
present User's Guide Advanced User columnist, places newsletter yoke around neck...his
NAOG (North American One-Eighty Group) signals bend in road...eight-bit computing
systems shall never die! Those of bigger/more-is-better mentality cannot not stop
us...deep-living alone wares well. (No-think leads to vegetable-like sleep, p1ight of
some popular magazine editors with neither focus nor long-sightedness.) Whoopee!
Subscription to NAOG newsletter costs $15.00 per year, 12 issues. To order: write
NAOG, P.O. Box 2781, Warminster, PA 18974, or call 215/443-9031. It's amust if you
own Hitachi HD64180 B-bit computer, either S-lOO or SBC. Others, especially PC-DOS
users, wouldn't find NÉdjG interesting unless they are thirikiW of upgradiííg...
ZCPR3 Game. The first game available, to our knowledge, using full Z3 environment
(doesn't run under CP/M) is called THEUÁ), is being offered by Tiger Computing, 8372
Morris Road, Hilliard, OH 43026. It's interactive, between one player and computer or
between two players, with goal of acquiring more blocks of space (pieces) than
opponent. Three levels-of-play are selectively provided. You gain as opponent
loses—lots of dramatic who-is-ahead reversals as game progresses. Program makes use
of screen half-intensity, cursor positioning, and B-bit computer speed. Very
impressive !
Demonstration of game playing against itself is on Z-Nodes in file THULDEMLBEL
Simply download, install as Z3 utility using Z3INS, and enjoy some of what can be--
then, for fun, order your fully playable copy. Presently supplied only on 8" SSSD
disk, THELLD costs a mere $10.00 plus $3.00 shipping and handling from TC
Z TIPS. Creating acomplex, long macro (multiple) command-line alias is quick and
easy if correct tools are available. Z-System has such tools. First, load (or
ERROR23) followed by HSH (or VCED), then run BALIAS (or VALÍAS) under HSH. Next, key-
in your long set of commands, editing as you observe typos. Execute the alias from
within HSH; notifies of unexecutab1e commands. Alter command text on-the-fly
from within noting changes that work. Last, re-execute, modify until each
command, entire alias, runs as intended. Wow! Of course, same technique may be used
to develop ZEX batch command files, or ARUNZ ALIAS.CMD files. We cMlleWe PC-DOS and
Unix users to compete in such interactive automation feats.
Command error handling, full-screen multiple command-line editiñ9 with present
and previous command recalling (up to the last lOó commands executed!), full-screen
creation of aliases consisting of alias nesting, multiple commands with extensive
variable passing, imlMim current directory. Again, Wow! Yet, many magazine
editors claim, fugue-like, there is nothing new to report from B-bit microcomputing
world—we WONDER why they think such non-sense.
Our Z-Node network is estimated to be handling over 35,000 callers per month. We
get words out about what we are doing, notwithstanding apopular press inclined to
ignore our community. Day soon comes when high-performance B-bit systems are publicly
proclaimed for usefulness, speed, and efficiency.
Z-News 308
We Get Letters. Newsletters 006 and 301 discussed machine resources required to
support Z-System. Some few of you seem to think we think Zcannot be used on systems
smaller than apair of 360k-byte floppy drives. Not true! More power to those who
arrange their resources to use but two 191k-byte drives and still get their work done.
Bravo! We are fully aware of performance provided by big RAM and fast hard disk
drives; but these devices are not necessary to gain substantial increased-productivity
benef its from using Z-System. Many ways to open oysters...we salute diversity of
thought, which always leads to improved technique. You know we stand against trooping
(see Zeffirelli in 304). Daniel Brogan, aprofessional writer, tells how he uses
19lk-byte drives, in file Z-ON-A-2.TXT on Z-Nodes everywhere.
Z-Node Activity. Welcome to Z-Node #45 and its sysop, Richard "Ken" Reid, in
Houston, TXJ Dick's Altos computer modem number is 713/937-8886. He fills Z-System
need in the great southwestern section of USA, reducing load on our El Paso nodes.
Z-node #41'S modem number is 301/254-6277. Its sysop, Larry Mansfield, in
Baltimore, handles traffic at one end of Maryland, while john D'Ausilio in Bladensburg
handles other end, 301/779-7986. State is covered!
Amateur ZUser's Corner. object code and source (ASCII) code are different according
to purpose .Ob ject code uses the full B-bits of abyte, needed to control
computer's processing unit registers. Assembler mnemonics (ASCII 7—
'!"" (OYQ bit) are converted (language translated) to machine operation code
"lfor register manipulation, getting the work done.
c) g" Aword processor or editor program usually produces ASCII 7-bit
:.>.>- j'ú code, except for programs like WordStar that uses the 8th bit (MSB,
-"'most signif icant bit) for soft-hyphen, etc., indicatiom
tr tT" Arunnable program is one that's been converted from lines of
'·text (statements) produced by you and your editor to ob ject code by
t' ')
'ty, "an assembler or compiler.
"i' """ gPrograms MENU, VMENU, ARUNZ, and VFILER process text flies for
"" i, cümputer task automation. You create MNU, VMN, and CMD files with
!4 \±yO i., ?\
,
your editor. Chapters 5and 7of ZCPR3: The Manual describes the
.!' "'''elements necessary to learn menu and command flle creatiom
l.The Manual has an excellent Appendix with aglossary of word
r
4/meanings. Learning from this glossary increases your understartding.
of 7
L· -" iWord meaning is important-—it's the only way w-e have to communicate
,.%" Á' with }'oil Word clarity leads to phrase and idea clarity. Clarity
th ,. ' ., ., leads to abstraction. For without abstraction we are unable to
.'; k'. .., .,,, Jh t'f"' understand thiirígs and communicate complex tlioughts.
,1,, '" ||lí\\mÁ||!l|ll)|\lll: )iil|l||!!llll|L Now to the SHOW utility...it shows important addresses and
"'"b "' 'l'i'i "l""i)") "'', ' " status of your system. Page 86 of The Manual describes níuch of what
.L iIyou need tcj know about SHOW. The base
·.,,
llI'
,.addresses oF all segment packages (RCP,
,Ñ <' '),' j,i 'PCP, ENV, NIN, etc.) and buffers are dis-
Z,'O ,' ii\i jÍ!\ ''"""É played. Ccínp1ete1y menu driven, 1l
'""' '""~ \""screens tell of message status (error,
.!mEÉb _
''! EZEX, etc.), shell stack condition, named
iidirectories, paths, full-screen memory
'// jib "Í,'i "content reporting, system file names, CRT
'"'""""""- '/^l jj 'l -"l .X ,
'and printer data Everythirig you wish to
'mAj?g,1 \' ., rkj Ec 'ÉL" know about your running ZCPR3 system is
"Pray, your Majesty, let our teacher available from one of SHOWS menus. A
quickly appear as we need him." correctly ruríniñ9 SHOW is agood indica-
tion, in addition to providing so much
information, that your entire Z-System is installed correctly. Don't foirget, SHOW can
be installed as an error handler, useful during system debugging.
Petge 2
Z-News 308
ZRGGMessage HaMlirg Prugram greatly expanded by author, Tim Gary, but keeps compact
size (only 26k-bytes). Newsletter 009 has our last words about Z-Msg. Version 1.3la
handles all popular real-time clocks and does more; for example:
oAspecial ZCPR3 ONLY addition allows the sysop of aZCPR3 system an extremely
flexible method of running other programs from Z-Msg command mode. Any number of
commands, including parameters, may be used for various user-type access setups.
oAn advanced user edit command facility has been added with these features:
."Sweep/Oisk7-like" operation allows System Operator (sysop) to quickly
step throuugh the users file, and edit, delete, or restore users.
.Direct seek to specified user number, and search for user name.
.Mass purge operation to delete users by selected criteria (times user
has called, date last 1ogged on, and user status).
.Displaying and restoring users that have been deleted, as long as a
new user hasn't taken the previous users "slot" in the users file.
oFrom within Z-Msg and with sysop-status, Control-P Cp) toggles operator's
printer on and off.
oAtemporary simulation of half-duplex operation may be performed by using ^E
(Control-E) to toggle the echoing of characters. Normally, message system echos
characters back as they are typed; this control turns off automatic echo character-
istic. Feature offers long distance callers amethod to avoid most of the delay
caused by time taken for characters to be sent and returned to their terminal.
oThe A.P,p1y command now automatically sets subject of message to something
resembling "*** New User Application ***",
oZ-Msg may execute a program before the user logs out from the message system.
Normally control is passed to telephone answer program (Term3's T3ANSWER and lOP or
BYE) which disconnects to modem, and prepares for next call.
oWhen editiñ9 aline of text while entering amessage, you may specify rest-of-
line as deleted in replacement text by appendirg a"IE' to new text. For example:
line 5text is "Mary had alittle lamb"; if line is edited with search string "little"
and replacement string "tñ9 e1ephant#", resulting line becomes "Mary had abig
elephant".
oGreater ability to upload text, like WordStar files, exists because message
system now strips (zeros) high-bit (bit 8) of byte (character) from typed text in more
places than in previous versions. Also, any linefeed character received is translated
into a space character. Thus upload: ing a message with embedded Carriage Return/Line-
feed characters, in that order, need not have the first character in each blank line
be a space.
oIf aclock is installed, the sysop may set aseparate timeout value for each
user type. Value determines time duration a user stays on system, before beirig auto-
logged-off, at Z-Msg command prompt. The following object-code routines are supplied
and installed from aZ-Msg menu:
MEC-5832.CLK -5832 homebrew clock MEC-LG2.CLK -Kaypro 2and Legacy clock
MEC-BBII.CLK -Big Board II MEC-KPRO.CLK -Kaypro 2and ProClock
MEC-CW.CLK -CompuTime/QT clock MEC-QX1O.CLK -Epson QXlO
MEC-KP4.CLK -Kaypro 4clock MEC-XERO.CLK -Xerox 820-11 clock
MEC-LGIO.CLK -Kaypro 10 and Legacy clock
MEC-SSI.CLK -CompuPro System Support Iclock
MEC-KCT.CLK -Kenmore Computer Technologies clock
Additional routines are possible using MECLKHIRASM file supplied, or with BYE 3/5
clock insert files,
Z-Msg has become so significant in our software stable we cancelled EMSG develop-
ment. Z-Msg takes us through the 1980's to Earth satellite relay packet networks.
Z-Msg, with BO-page loose-leaf, is offered for $99.95, plus $4.00 shippiw and
handiiñ9. Source code is an additional $100.00. Manual alone is $20.00, refundable
if program ordered later.
Page 3
Z-News 308
Use of DRUGS
Learn, know physiological results from taking hallueinogenie and nareotie drugs. Drug
abuse bares bitter fruits. Any who want to argue about the so-called beauty or
harmlessness must awake and start thinking. If drugs control you now, the habit
pattern may be so powerful you will need outside assistanee to break it, to find
another way to get through the day.
How Hallueinogenie Drugs Work in the Brain
Diagrams below are accurate representation of facts disclosed through micro-
photography within aliving human brain. Photos were taken during brain-cell proeess
of transferring a sensory message from one brain cell to another. Cells are directly
related in chain from input to senses to final action, thought, or decision made as a
result of that input.
Diagram I
In normal transfer of sensory signal from cell to cell, after an initial elect-
rical impulse, the brain cells do not actually touch; transmission is aeeomplished by
tiny, tiny grains of protein, called "transmitter granules", which cross tiny gap
between the two nerve cell endings. If, for instance, this particular signal is part
of ashade of green (hundreds or even thousands of cells would be involved in ascer-
taining el tree's shades of leaf color), the granules cross gap between correct nerve
endings and transmit that speeific, eorrect shade of green for which they were bio-
iogieally, genetieañy program med (through heritage).
Diagram II
Under influence of hallucinogenic or "mind-manifesting" drugs, these transmitter
granules are physically disrupted, broken up into hundreds or thousands of bits and
pieces. They then seatter all over the brain, indiseriminately hitting unrelated
brain cells. Semation of green may be mixed with some red. Bits may hit acell end
transferring impulses of "up" or "down" or danger, joy, pain, guilt, anger, and may
hit possible subeonseious fantasies of murder, great powers, suieide, and so on.
what seems to the drug-user as a "high" is really an all-time low, in terms of
correct, reality-oriented, significant information. And that can lead to incorrect
thoughts, feeiings, judgments, and irrational decisions and aetions—and non-action
when action is indicated.
This is the danger of drug-abuse: FEELING AND REACTING TO NON-REALITY!
Love and relationships cannot grow and mature between/among people inñueneed by
drugs. Alcohol, marljuana, coeaine, LSD, PCP, and heroin. Drugs, acause for
battering among family members, marital divorces, and broken friendships. Think
straight. Rise up! and become what you are capable of becoming.
I, Precise transmission II, Indiscriminate transmission :to an
y,í·unknown nutrí-
e
'
,'ber of cells
A'L A"? I- unrelated to
n- ,
c' "the incoming
bf
ooj ""
<'°'si€nal O!
o'·%rkinformatíon
OO.E
Oqp·from one of
'1
oo,,
'the senses.
r_.-.
C) q_k·t"
->.
OOr"·°,rj
cl' ·7 It,·
8.?.
",
'"g '13
\C''P~
r" 0
Page 4
Z-News 308
Nevsletter Policy. Z-News reprints (all back issues are available) are $1.00 each,
$8.00 for any 12, and $12.00 for any individual 24 issues, mailed as alot, postage
included in price. ayear's subscription remains at $24.00, for from 22 to 26 issues
mailed every fortnight. Thirty-five have been written thus far, imludiw 308. Z-
News 106 explains issue numbering system. We encourage those who receive Z-News from
RASs (and EI customers who know their 6-months initial auto-subscription has expired—
consider user-support, free-ware $35.00 donation suggested in Newsletter 103, pg 3,
Item 83 on our Price List) to subscribe to hardcopy versiom Publication has impact.
Multi—color papers, graphics and sketches, several font styles, headers and footers,
shadow and %1d characters, and word/phrase uriderlining make study and 7-times reading
easy. You miss much if you don't receive Echelon hardcopy version of Z-News.
Industry Bríef. Toshiba produces CMOS exact-replacement for NMOS Z80 chip. Dis-
sipates but 60 milliwatts at 4megaHertz clock rate, compared to over-a-watt for
conventional Z80. Mostek, Z80 supplier owned by United Technology, doors closed. Z80
without Mostek and its superior documentation and customer support would never have
become so popular; but now it's gone. Can western companies compete with Oriental?
japan's industry (attention to detail) fast overtakes USA'S. Such industry
forces Iktroit to improve their offerings—Oetroit has some ways to go! Reason we buy
Japanese imports is same reason they wouldn't buy ours, mmatter how fair and easy
the marketing channels. Ignore scape-goats, increase value.
Ramb1ings. (Still camped on mountain top, positioned among plants and animals, co-
inhabitants of Earth.) Creatures of habit, appetite, consumption, re-action, we
continue to be; business as usual, as we lose our economy, our mental and moral
advantages. Take alonger view, or become asecond class culture or perhaps worse,
extinct. Our enormous abdomens betray us-—tell of our true worship. Or are we
addicted to generating internal endorphins?
There's an infinite number of levels of druñkenness, ranging from an overdose of
beauty to an overdose of alcohol or heroin. (Yes, beauty causes us to linger, is a
major stuIrlb1iw block to learning, to becoming.) We are without much fancy or imagi-
nation—we lust for satisfaction, fulfillment without working for it.
Listen, there is no second-party salvation; it's up to you to make of what's
available, to tum substance into finer essence. There is no heaven but uhat's in
your mind. Heaven is not aplace; it's adimension added to your uríderstandiw (see
end of Z-News 304). The shell game is over—life starts and stops with you and me.
You may have heard it said "plagiarism is basic to culture, any culture." We
each use to advantage thirigs past. But, we must pay for such use by creating things
of equal value others can use. Such accounting adds to Life instead of death,
promotes local Construction (that echoes througtíout Cosmos), not destruction.
What constitutes the Whole (question asked in 307, pg 5)? Integrity. How can
any one be weak, false who dares to be at all? Even tender plants force their way up
through hard soil, and crevices of highway asphalt; surely, ahuman being, no material
substance can resist. What awedge, aforce, Third Force, is an earnest person! Can
he be resisted? The heavens are as deep as our aspirations are hi9h. So fúgh as a
tree aspires to grow, so high it finds an environment to nurture, to nourish it. Is
there one who dares not see clearly beyond, though only ahair's breadth beyond where
he currently stands? Z-System users, dare!
ti :do re me fa so la ti Tdo
See you down the lines... Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Page 5
Z-News 308
Trademarks: SBl80, COMM180, TKBBS, Micromint; WJ63484/64180, Hitachi; Z8O/800, Z: ilog;
NSC800, National; WY-30/50/ 75/85/350, Wyse Technology; Z-System, ZCFR3, ,Z-
Tools, Z-Com, Zas, Zlink, ZDM, Revas4, Z-Msg, DSD, Term3, Lasting-Value Sof tware,
Echelon and their respective owners and authors; CP/M, Digital Research; Unix, AT&T;
MOSART, XE1201/03, Xecom; PropStar, Civil Computing; WordStar, MicroPro,
"~gb·-
FLYWithZ!
-- .-. 7_
*
i
.
Z-News 308 is Copyx"ight 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission to
reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is given to
Echelon.
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, ca 94022
jlÁí'j Yt",'\'t¶í
(':í['|,'"f(|.: 'í R('-[|"{(')lf" S: Utl:""|:i'-;
93}] l-{|(?l/t'í{ Stii"'¢,"t. :C
I'(")l';l|}!'t'), ("jíÚ' ("".Á, N'1IL\ i'7ü': :': !t"::