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How To Copy Internal BASIC -52 Into EPROM

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Low Cost Development Package: Controller + Languages + Manuals on disk included! Package Price Breakthrough! a 000000000000000000000130000000ccc on000000000000n0000000000000con00000000000000000000000000000000 The NMIT-0020 Single Board Computer is perfect for 000000000000000000000000000000000000 dedicated controller with convenient interfaces for LCD 000000000000000000000000000000000000 000000000000000000000000000000000000000C100000000000000000000000000000000 displays and keypad. Intelligent LCD's up to 2 lines by 80 0001lo013000000000000000000000000000000 characters and matrix keypads up to 4x5 can be used. The 000000000000000000000000000000000000 00013 000000000000000000000 00 O 00000 O 00 processor is the popular F68HC 11 with many features, 000000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000 001300 000 including SCI and SPI serial channels, 8 -bit 8 -ch. A/D, 20 000000000000000000000000000000000000 00000000000000000130013000000000000000 available YO lines, Watch Dog Timer, 1/2K EEPROM and 000000000000000000000000000000000000 000000000000000000000000000000000000 Max -FORTH w/Floating Point Package embedded in 12K 0000100000000000000000000000000000000 internal ROM. SBC expands F68HC11 providing 3 28 -pin 0000000000001300 000000000000000 00130130 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 JEDEC sockets for 8-32K RAMs, ROMs, EPROMs, 00000000000000000000000000000000000D000000000000000000000013000000 EEPROMs, etc. RS -232 conversion supplied. Requires .-- _ - Js [m usE roolgEssMEsc J1 J00000000000C000y : - ` . external regulated supply: 5V at -30 mA. Based on NMIX- o 0000b000000000 r ti NILLlOV11l..L1 - 0020 board, so many features may be added as desired by ,, -1 -. . . . . '-. tDJ6 I r . 1 rir',1 spi, UN the user (or by factory - call for details & prices). 1 ¡ li 1' ó O ; `1 Íl 1 1 1 0 r 1 I i ¡ ., m - I r' 1 I' I It 1 ' Languages supplied on accessory disk: Small C, Basic, and - .1 1 li i tZZ6diG 1 _ 1 Sti;' :. 1 1 M31,1 = 1 ' - e So89I1,1 t Assembler. FORTH resident on chip (may be disabled). S'EA Nd21314©94 1, . I

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www.americanradiohistory.com Volume 3, No. 8, August 1993

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68 88 Microcontrollers, New Synthesizer UPGRADING & APPLICATIONS Chip, GUI Accelerator, etc. ENHANCING 16 Windows Compatibility and .INI Files 75 GUI Guts 10 Build a Cybernetic Key By Hardin Brothers By Yacco By Nick Goss What you can do to custom -tailor the Borland and WordPerfect Windows hardware Protects your software and Windows environment to make it Suites. from piracy. work best for you. 88 Computer Games 34 Add "Bells and Whistles" to 42 Designing Microcontroller By SF Sparrow Your Projects Circuits, Part 2 Arts and Leisure. By Scott Edwards By Jan Axelson How to spice up your projects with Project construction, testing and DEPARTMENTS sound effects. adding NV memory. 2 Editorial 56 Adding Peripherals to Bonus Section By Art Salsberg 43 Special Choices. Your PC By Jan Axelson Sweet The 8086 family of microprocessors. By Steven Letters Dealing with adding sound cards, 3 CD-ROM drives, image scanners 53 A Simple BASIC -52 Extractor 4 Happening! and other peripherals to your PC and By W.K. McKellips What's Latest PC News. insights on some new products you Copies an internal 8052AH-BASIC might want to add to your system. interpreter into EPROM for use with inexpensive 8032/8052 MPUs. 6 What's New! By Peter R. O'Dell Build a Quick and Dirty Data 61 A roundup of new computer and Interface REVIEW electronic products. By John Kleinbauer Creative Uses a serial port to read into your 65 Low -Cost Video: 86 Advertisers Index computer analog and digital sig- Labs' Video Blaster nals-without complicated and cost- By SF Sparrow ON THE COVER: Today's PC ly circuitry. and software have dramatically changed COLUMNS how draftsmen go about drawing schemat- 20 Special Report ics and laying out pc -board artwork. T- New Windows Schematic & 68 Ted Needleman squares, templates, pens, tape and pad pat- PCB Software Setting Up a Printer -Sharing terns are replaced by a lowly mouse and a By TJ Byers Network; Playing With Chaos PC with new programs that run under Schematic -capture and PCB layout Theory Software; and an Image Windows that reduce steep learning curves, software team up with Windows to Scanner for an On -the -Road Office. as reviewed in our Special Report article simplify drawing schematics and beginning on page 20. designing pc boards with your PC. 72 Joseph Desposito Traceable Network-Ready Cover Photo by Larry Mulvehill

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 1

www.americanradiohistory.com Editorial By Art Salsberg EDITORIAL STAFF Art Salsberg Choices Editor -in -Chief Alexander W. Burawa Managing Editor "When you have to make a choice and don't make it, Dorothy Kehrwieder that in itself is a choice."-William James. Production Manager Emily Kreutz Production Computer owners have a wide range ing decision still isn't easy because Elizabeth Ryan of choices to make when either buying you hit a set of confusing options: Art Director a machine or software and enhancing access speed, Kodak Photo CD com- Barbara Terzo their systems. If you stick with an patibility and data -transfer rate, among Assistant Art Director older model, it may well satisfy your them. Then you'll have to consider the Susan Reale Artist limited needs or, perhaps, you can't likelihood of moving into multimedia Edmond justify spending the Pesonen additional money audio, which is a natural adjunct to a Electronic Composition Manager to move into the current PC world. CD-ROM addition. Here, you will Pat Le Blanc Upgrading isn't necessarily cheap. again face a number of choices. Phototypographer For example, if you want to upgrade Then, again, maybe your work Hal Keith to a 486 system that typically would points to data acquisition, local area Illustrator have a 120M hard drive and 8M of networking, large -screen high -resolu- Bruce Morgan RAM from a 386 machine with a 40M tion monitor, pen plotter, mobile note- Photographer drive and 2M of RAM, it'll cost you book computer or other devices to Jan Axelson, Tom Benford, Hardin Brothers, TJ Byers, around $1,100, according to the Mi- meet your needs. The choices Joe Desposito, are wide Nick Goss, Ted Needleman, Peter R. O'Dell, crocomputer Managers Association. ranging. SF Sparrow, Stan Veit, Wayne Yacco MMA further estimates that buying Work -at-home, travel and in -the - Contributing Editors Windows software, the likely reason office equipment and software needs BUSINESS STAFF for such a change, would cost you differ, too. So basically, you have to Richard A. Ross about $835. Adding in networking customize your requirements and Publisher hardware and software, and training, make the best choices you can to Art Salsberg service and support if this is being obtain the most benefits from them. Associate Publisher done in a corporate environment, It's foolish, I think, to rush into buy- Dorothy Kehrwieder would cost another $2,000. ing new equipment and software just General Manager The Association offers a $50 64 - because it's in vogue. After all, every Frank V. Fuzia page booklet that includes a Lotus 1- time you turn around there'll be new Controller 2-3 spreadsheet on -disk for anyone equipment and software that Catherine Ross "every- Circulation Director who wants to calculate upgrades from one" should have because it's the lat- Melissa Kehrwieder a DOS -based system to a Microsoft est and greatest. I don't. For example, Data Processing Manager Windows one. Call MMA at 908-580- I'm still waiting a while before Carol Licata 9091 in Warren, NJ for more informa- upgrading to MS-DOS 6.0. I prefer to Data Processing tion. wait until the dust settles on reports Denise Pyne An upgrade move to OS/2 or from some people that their hard -disk Customer Service Windows NT would cost much more, data is being trashed while working ADVERTISING SALES owing to their expansive memory with the new OS. Furthermore, I'm Margaret Milanese requirements, which means a larger - happy with my present software com- (516) 681-2922 storage -capacity hard drive and more pression program (ITT), and so don't FAX: (516) 681-2926 user memory. need the one integrated into 6.0. Offices: 76 North Broadway, Hicksville, NY 11801. When it comes down to it, you'll Windows 3.1 was another story. Telephone (516) 681-2922. FAX (516) 681-2926. have to decide if the benefits of an Version 3.0 was a dog. Still, more ComputerCraft (ISSN 1055-5072) is published monthly by CQ Communications, Inc. Subscription prices upgrade warrant the expense, of than half my programs are DOS ver- (payable in US Dollars only): Domestic-one year course. sions. But all my new programs are $18.97, two years $36.00, three years $53.00; There Canada/Mexico-one year $21.00, two years $40.00, are all sorts of other options Windows versions because the learn- three years $59.00; Foreign-one year $23.00, two years for computer users to consider. ing curve isn't as steep with them as it $44.00, three years $65.00. Foreign Air Mail-one year Among the leading ones is the addi- is with DOS-version applications. $76.00, two years $150.00, three years $224.00. U.S. Government Agencies: Subscriptions to Computer- tion of a CD-ROM drive. More and Like most people, I weighed the bene- Craft are available to agencies of the United States gov- more people are making this upgrade fits. ernment, including military services, only on a cash with choice. Prices are expected as order basis. Requests for quotations, bids, contracts, etc. to drop will be refused and will not be returned or processed. sales volume, which hit $4 -billion in Entire contents copyright 1993 CQ Communications, Inc. 1992 for drives and titles, increases. ComputerCraft or CQ Communications Inc. assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. Allow six Once you narrow your enhancement weeks for delivery of first issue and for change of choice to a particular function, a buy- address. Printed in the United States of America. Postmaster: Please send change of address notice to Corn- puterCraft 76 North Broadway, Hicksville, NY 11801.

2 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com Letters

Foreign Correspondence informative because I'm new to C I thoroughly enjoy your publication, Since I found ComputerCraft in a programming and look forward to especially Jan Axelson's and Scott Hong Kong bookstore and think it is mastering it and ultimately moving on Edwards' articles. ComputerCraft just the type of computer magazine to C++. At present, I use Borland's always has articles that are technically I've been looking for. While other C++ 2.0 compiler and associated interesting and informative for do-it- computer magazines talk about soft- tools. yourselfers like me. ware and general issues, I believe that Robert D. Harris Daniel Derrow a lot of people like myself have more Brownsville, TN Ft. Wayne, IN of a need for the type of hands-on information ComputerCraft provides. Therefore, please enter my subscription for three years. N. Pratomo People's Republic of China Electronics Workbench® Wrong Identity The electronics lab in a computer'' Please note that the wrong photo many experiments with Electronics accompanies the Intermatic "Side - "...you can do 10 times as than you'd get done with the real stuff." Entry Surge Protectors" new product Workbench -_Jerry Pournelle, Ph.D., Byte Magazine entry on page 84 of the February issue eittiSie of ComputerCraft. Enclosed is the Building and testing circuits is fast and Includes two independent modules: correct photo. Analog Module with passive and active Mike Nikolich easy with Electronics Workbench. Just components including transistors, diodes, Intermatic click -and -drag with a mouse to add and op-amps; a function generator, an parts, run wires, and adjust oscilloscope, a multimeter, and a Bode plotter. Spring Grove. IL instruments. The traces on the Digital Module with gates, flip-flops, adders, a word generator, a logic analyzer, and a sim dated instruments are the same as unique logic converter and simplifier. you'd get on real equipment. DOS Professional Version - $299 Call 800-263-5552 DOS Personal Plus Version - $199 Fax: (416) 368-5799 Macintosh Version - $199 Interactive Image Technologies Ltd. 908 Niagara Falls 700 King St. W., Ste 815 Prices are in US dollars. Shipping SIS. Offer valid in the USA and Boulevard Toronto, Ontario Canada. only. Macintosh and DOS Personal Plus versions are in NY Canada ``1¿ ntononronte only. All trademarks are the property of their North Tonawanda, I respecve owners. 14120_2060 M5V 2V6 Id ® INTEPACTIVE

o011

Writer Boosters I have been reading Jan Axelson's articles for about two years. I found many useful articles that help me in my daily job as Production Engineer where I work. One of my major duties on the job is to support the electronics production department, for which I design and build automatic test equip- r- 5 ment for my company's products. o°pe I also read Hardin Brothers' "Getting Started in C++" article in the , July 1992 issue of ComputerCraft 9oS 5° and found it to be very interesting and .Addee

CIRCLE NO. 64 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 3

www.americanradiohistory.com What's Happening!

LATEST OPERATING SYSTEMS. Both IBM and Microsoft announced new operating systems. IBM's OS/2 2.1 adds enhancements that include seamless support for Microsoft Windows 3.1 such as Win 3.1 display and printer drivers, selected TrueType fonts, and launching OS/2 and DOS applications from a Windows application; 256 -color SVGA device driver support; driver support for CD-ROM drives; Advanced Power Management support; PCMCIA card enabling; and MMPM/2 for multimedia applications. The long- awaited Windows NT is now at hand, too, with a May 24 debut. Let the battle be joined.

486 HAND-HELD PC WEIGHS 2.2 LB. Dauphin Technology (Lombard, IL) announced its Dauphin Desktop Replacement (DTR-1), a 486SLC-based hand-held computer with total DOS/Windows compatibility in a 2.2-1b. package. The $2,500 model has a mini keyboard, 6" back -lit VGA display, standard I/O ports, pen input and built-in communication capabilities that include an internal ethernet adapter and internal fax/modem. It measures about 9" x 5-1/2" X 1-1/4", and can be hooked up to a full-size keyboard and external SVGA monitor. An IDE port allows for use of an optional external hard drive. The unit is powered by an 8 -hour battery pack.

COMPUTER LEARNING AIDS. NEC has devised a new way to teach basic principles of computer programming to children with a new system called "Algoblock." It's a set of physical blocks that can be connected to one another manually to form a program, with each block corresponding to a program language command. Blocks are connected to a computer that executes the program, with results displayed on a monitor. Furthermore, each block has a lamp that flashes when a command is executed, enabling learners to trace programs. A debug mode allows tracing a program step by step. Popular Monarch Notes Study Guides are now available on floppy disk. They come in five volumes, covering Nineteenth and Twentieth Century literature ($49.95 each) and the complete works of Shakespeare ($59.95), which includes 25 study guides. Prices are about half that of printed book versions. The products are from the Bureau of Electronic Publishing, Parsippany, NJ., which also develops CD-ROM markets.

"TOUCHSURFACE" DEVELOPER KITS. Intelligent Music (518-434-4110) has TouchSurface developer kits available for $250 each for GUI and input control applications. Kits come as stand-alone pointing devices or as a panel- mounted pointing device components. Both draw power from a PC's RS -232 serial port at less than 6 mA. The kit consists of a sensor that's based on thick film resistive ink technology, a measurement circuit and a microcontroller. A Windows 3.0/3.1 device driver and control panel are included. An analog interface is optional. Position is sensed by pressure from either a finger or a stylus.

FAX FOR BBS'S. Galacticomm (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) unveiled an on-line fax add-on option for the Major BBS, providing system operators with a fax service for their users. The software is available directly from the company (800-328-1128). For an on-line demonstration, dial 305-583-7808 [N,8,1] with a modem.

NEW INK -JET PRINTER PAPER. Micro Format (Wheeling, IL) introduced a new paper product for use with ink -jet printers, named "Super Color." It uses a special coating on one side of the sheet that captures the colored ink, preventing it from being absorbed into the paper grain. As a result, it's said to provide a brightly colored image while using less ink. On the reverse side of each sheet, which is uncoated, is a shadow printing of the Super Color logo. Printing on this side, the image is dull with a washed-out appearance, according to the manufacturer.

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www.americanradiohistory.com What's New! By Peter O'Dell

New PC Diagnostic 1,280 x 1,024 pixels with high - without writing a single line of Voice -Recognition Version color (32,768 colors) at up to code. The program allows you Software 1,024 x 768, and true -color Micro -Scope Version 5.0 from to store, analyze and print data. Covox's Voice Blaster is a soft- (6.418 -million colors) at a reso- 12 Micro 2000 is - Key features include -bit ware application that brings an operating lution of 640 x 480. system -independent PC diag- resolution, 10-MS/s sampling powerful voice -recognition cap- A typical system contain rate on two simultaneous chan- abilities to popular sound cards nostic software package that 4M of RAM, 256K of cache adds in excess of 125 enhance- nels, 65 -dB dynamic range, and keystroke -intensive appli- RAM, a 120M hard drive, a 33 - ments and additions to the fea- 768K memory depth for one cations. Designed to increase MHz 486 CPU, a VESA local - tures that were provided in the personal productivity by adding bus graphics card, 51/4" and channel or 384K per channel earlier version. These include a a voice -command interface that 31/2" floppy drives, a 14" for two channels, programma- unique ability to low-level can be tied to keyboard and SVGA video monitor, a mouse, ble -gain input, self -calibration, reformat any IDE drive. It fully mouse macros, Voice Blaster a keyboard, DOS 6.0 and programmable input coupling, memory runs on Intel -based personal tests cache and the Windows 3.1. $1,680 as de- internal or external trigger cache controller system. Mem- computers operating under DOS scribed. Micro Express, 1801 capability, software drivers and ory testing enhancements in- and Windows 3.1 environments. Carnegie Ave., Santa Ana, CA an ergonomic interface. $4,995. The system includes a toolbox clude the ability to test system 92705; tel.: 714-852-1400; fax: GaGe Applied Sciences Inc., of newly -revised programs and memory, even if a PC has sys- 714-852-1225. tem memory problems that 5465 Vanden Abeele, Montreal, utilities for recording, editing make it impossible to load the CIRCLE NO.2 ON FREE CARD QB, Canada H4S 1S1; tel.: 514- and playing back, as well as program. 337-6893; fax: 514-337- 8411. voice -annotation software that PC -Compatible lets you add your own recorded CIRCLE NO.4 ON FREE CARD messages to documents. SBC Installed as a TSR, the Voice The NMIX-0025 from New Low -Cost Blaster program requires 21K Micros is a PC-Code compati- Ergonomic of user RAM and a minimum ble V25 -based CPU board for of a 286 PC (a 386 or better PC the 100 -squared series. Fea- Keyboard is recommended). $120. Covox tures include: programmable MiniErgo from Marquardt Inc. 675 Conger St., Eugene, interrupt controller; two DMA Switches is a scientifically de- OR 97402; tel.: 503-3342- controller channels; three par- signed keyboard that was de- 1271; fax: 503-342-1283. The program reads and dis- allel ports; two asynchronous veloped in Germany to help plays actual parameters for any serial channels; eight -channel reduce the growing risks and CIRCLE NO.6 ON FREE CARD drive type without the need for voltage comparator; timebase costs associated with repetitive operator intervention. $499. counter; 16 -bit timer; program- stress injury (RSI). Designed CMOS Backup Micro 2000, Inc., 1100 E. mable wait -state generator; for the comfort and productivi- Knowsave from Tellerware Bway., Ste. 301, Glendale, CA 1/4K RAM internal to the ty of PC users who do exten- reads data from your comput- 91205; tel.: 818-547-0125; fax: processor; 1M address space; sive word processing and data er's power -on CMOS memory 818-547-0769. three 32 -pin JEDEC memory entry, the MiniErgo keyboard chip and stores it on a floppy sockets; flexible address de- has a split V-shape configura- disk, to be used later in an CIRCLE NO. 1 ON FREE CARD coding and socket assignments; tion to help naturally align emergency. If the back-up bat- battery backup for memory; hands and wrists in attitudes tery in your computer goes Upgradeable PC and 44 -pin JEDSTACK con- that produce less straining. The dead, simply replace it (Know - With VESA Local nector. This complete system is keyboard features a non -glare save even gives you instruc- ready to run for dedicated Bus surface and has generous rest- tions to do this) and restore the applications. You need only ing areas for the hands, sculp- CMOS data from your "emer- Micro Express's MicroFLEX- supply an application program. tured key caps in the standard gency disk." Knowsave moni- VL is a powerful, low-cost $250. New Micros, Inc., 1601 QWERTY layout, embedded tors battery condition and VESA-standard local -bus PC Chalk Hill Rd., Dallas, TX numeric keys or an optional warns you of imminent failure. that's been designed to be 75212; tel.: 214-339-2204. numeric pad. $40. Tellerware, 1872 Rampart upgradeable from a 386DX/33 CIRCLE NO.3 ON FREE CARD Lane, Lansdale, PA 19446- to a Pentium microprocessor. 5051; fax: 215-368-5072. In addition to the entire range PC Oscilloscope of Intel CPUs, MicroFLEX-VL CIRCLE NO.7 ON FREE CARD accepts microprocessors from CompuScope 1012 is a 10 Cyrix and AMD and the mega -sample -per -second, 12 - Computer - 486DX/50 CPU. The system bit PC -based oscilloscope card Controlled Home contains a local -bus video card that fits into any single avail- that provides resolutions up to able slot in an AT or better Dynasty for Window from Home Automation Labora- computer. Its 12 -bit analog -to- MiniErgo is compatible with tories (HAL) lets you create digital conversion provides 16 AT and PS/2 and compatible graphical pictures from a draw- times the vertical resolution systems. $179. Marquardt ing program or scanned images Switches Inc., 2711 Rte. 20 achievable by eight -bit conver- and combine them with animat- East, Cazenovia, NY 13055; sion. It comes with GageScope ed icons that represent lights, tel.: 315-655-8050; fax: 315- software that enables you to appliances and other control 655-8042. operate the card as though it functions of your home's many were an actual oscilloscope, CIRCLE NO.5 ON FREE CARD subsystems. Special hardware

6 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com What's New! PC's & Parts interfaces connect your com- This arcade -style fitness pro- puter to the real world, using gram turns the seemingly end- MOTHERBOARDS COMPLETE PC's any of several communication less minutes of exercise into a technologies, all coordinated fun -filled adventure through an 386/33 SX $129 486/33DLC with 64k SRAM by the Dynasty for Windows action -packed course. Along 386/40 64K CACHE $179 Cache, 4 megs RAM, 1.44 way, by software. the you score points 48 DLC2361KCK1-1E $229 Floppy, 16Bit Dual (1:1) X-10 signals can be used to avoiding obstacles, menacing CACHE $459 HD/FD controller, 1 Parallel operate lights and appliances characters and knocking over 486/33 128K without any re -wiring because competitors. $159. Computer 486/33 128K VESA $499 2 Serial Ports, 101 Key the signals travel along the ac Athlete Inc., 5193 Betonywood 486/50 256K CACHE $599 Enhanced keyboard, Mini wiring that already exists in Pl., Dublin, OH 43017; tel.: 486/66 256K CACHE $649 tower case, SVGA Monitor your home. Wireless radio sig- 800-860-4506. M Boards with CPU's. All are w 1MB card, 130 meg HD. nals make it possible to have AMI BIOS with OPTI or other $995.00 home security monitoring with- CIRCLE NO.9 ON FREE CARD C/S. Mini size fits nearly all cases. out the need to run new wires. Std. power conctrs. Fax Fact # SYSTEM OPTIONS Hard -wire connections are also Graphics BBS DRAM available for garage doors, tem- Program 386/40 64k cache -- $59 perature and daylight measure- 486/33 128k cache + $229 ment and telephone communi- Paragon's DarkStar is an en- 1 Meg SIMMS 3 chip $38 486/50 256k cache + $329 cation. $495. Home Automation tirely graphics -based BBS plat- 1 Meg SIMMS 9 chip $39 Add'l 4 MB DRAM + $129 Laboratories, 550 Highlands form for IBM/compatible com- 4 Meg SIMMS 9 chip $159 Pkwy. Ste. 450, Smyrna, GA puters that offers an array of Add'l 12 MB DRAM + $499 All SIMMS are 70 ns speed. Call 30082-5141; tel.: 404-319- features that aren't available for faster speeds & DIP or SIP 1MB SVGA card + $15 6000; 404-438-2835. under current ANSI -based tech- fax: packages. Fax Fact # 1112 S3 Accelerator + $199 nology. When connected via 17" VGA + $379 CIRCLE NO.8 ON FREE CARD CommLink, a companion com- HARD DRIVES munications program, DarkStar 210MB Hard Drive + $50 High -Tech provides real time PCX and GIF 80MB 19 MS $179 386/33 SX mb -- $100 images, icons and MOD digital Exercising 100MB 18 MS $199 To custom configure your system, audio to the terminal user 130MB 16 MS $229 start with the 486/33 PC on top Computer Athlete's ExerCite- through an intuitive multimedia ment! 210MB 15 MS $289 and add or subtract components as software transforms ordi- interface. Mouse and touch - nary exercise equipment into 245MB 14MS $329 desired for your custom designed screen are supported. system. Fax Fact #1200 extraordinary fitness entertain- DarkStar utilizes selective All Drives are IDE type. Add $19 ment centers by simply attach- caching methods on the termi- for 16 bit controller card. Maxtor& LANtastic PC LANS ing the adjustable button straps nal side to permit a 2,400 -bps Seagate drives. 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You just pop the CIRCLE NO. 10 ON FREE CARD ExerCitement! game diskette 14" SVGA .28 Int'lace $219 Sounding Board $79 into your PC, plug the interface Miniature Lightning 14" SVGA .28 Non/IN $279 Use LANtastic, the top rated DOS cable into your game/joystick Suppresser 17" SVGA Non/IN $589 based LAN for file & printer port, and you're be off on a sharing. Made in USA, 5 year Telebyte's new Model 29 sin- VGA Card 512k $69 challenging adventure cycling warranty. Fax Fact #1122 , 1125. gle -stage lightning suppresser 1M $89 down a winding road, skiing SVGA Card is compatible with COM ports over a snowy path or rowing on S3 Accelerator 1M $129 ACCESSORIES 286/386/486 PCs open water. on all -based that use RS -232 and RS -422 All Monitors Carry One year Printers, Modems, Fax Cards, serial interfaces. It protects Factory warranty. Fax Fact #1114 "Mice" etc. Call Toll Free for info. ports that support long cable Dial 317 849 8683 to get instant tech information runs that are subject to close - FREE from your Fax! You can obtain specs and info on proximity lightning strikes. It these products and more by dialing our Fax Facts automated installs the between serial data service. Call our number from your fax, then request the document as listed cable and DB -9 data port. The above. Start your fax,and the document will begin printing immediately on your fax! power -handling capability of each line is rated at 600 watts OrderTo8Fiee24HousaDay! Dial 1-800-445-7717 peak pulse. Fax in your order Toll Free, 1-800-448-1084 se 800 numbers in all 50 states, plus Canada. International voice lines, 317-842-7115 or The Model 29 uses nine fax 317-849-8794. Use our BBS for information by dialing 317-579-2045 avalanche diodes that react in ACE Communications 10707 East 106th Street, Fishers, IN less than 2 ns as the active sup- Checks, Approved P.O.'s & C.O.D. (add 55.00) & AMEX (add pression devices. All diodes are 5%.). Prices, specifications and availability subject b change. Mast re VISA Express shipping available. No returns accepted two weeks Card' after original receipt without substantial restocking charge. All units carry full factory warranty. IN residents add tax. _J CIRCLE NO.52 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Say You Saw It In ComputerCralt August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 7

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returned to a central ground to other objects, other diagrams DOS 6.0 Books 18 teaches you how to pro- point, where a ground stud is and data generated by other gram in DEBUG. Dan Gookin's Guide To used. Telebyte supplies a 2 - applications. Diagrammer uses It's unfortunate that the foot heavy -gauge ground wire this knowledge to automatical- Underground DOS 6.0 publisher felt the need to tie to provide a low -impedance ly maintain object connections, By Dan Gookin this book to the new version (Bantam Computer Books. path to the PC's frame or other notes attached to shapes, hier- of DOS with a misleading known ground. archical links between dia- Soft cover. 409 pages. $24.95) title. This book will stand on If you're looking for a guide The Model 29 has both male grams and OLE links to other its own, both technically and and female connectors for com- applications. These capabili- to DOS 6.0, forget this book. for a "readability." If there's patibility with all DB -9 serial ties, combined with the pro- Virtually nothing in it is spe- any justice in the marketplace, interfaces. It's available in two gram's flexible drawing tools, cific to DOS 6.0. But if you're this book should be a run- variations. The Model 29 is for make it easy to create flow- looking for a good guide to away best seller. the inner workings of any RS -232 levels, the Model 29-1 charts and a wide variety of recent version of DOS, be DOS 6.0 Handbook for RS -422 levels. The latter other business and technical can also be used for the new illustrations. sure to give it serious consid- By Jim Nimersheim $295. Atlantic EIA -530 and MIL -STD -188- Design - eration. This book isn't dedi- (Bantam Computer Books. Systems, 77 Spruce 114 interfaces. Both versions cated to the undocumented Soft cover. 572 pages. $27.95) wood Dr., Gilford, NH 03246; measure 2.7"L X 1.2"W X aspects of DOS, just those In this new revision of the tel.: 603-524-2943; fax: 603- 0.75"H. $44. Telebyte Tech- poorly -documented ones that author's earlier series of 524-3657. nology, Inc., 270 E. Pulaski can turn an appliance operator books on DOS, Part I is a Rd., Greenlawn, NY 11740; CIRCLE NO. 12 ON FREE CARD into a power user. tutorial on the workings of tel.: 1-800-835-3298 This book is divided into DOS that's basic enough for or 516- 423-3232; fax 516-385- Multi -Platform three parts: Part I contains the novice computer user but 8184/7060. general information about detailed enough to be useful WYSIWYG how the PC works, how DOS to, say, the intermediate DOS CIRCLE NO. 11 ON FREE CARD Publishing Package works and how you can maxi- user. Chapters 1 and 2 contain WiziWord 3.0 for Windows mize your use of the other introductory material to DOS. Intelligent from MEC is a multi -platform two. Chapter 1 provides a Working with disks is covered Diagrams publishing product that com- detailed look at what happens in Chapter 3, while directories ADS Diagrammer for Windows bines WiziWord document pro- when a computer is booted, and files are the topics of Version 2.0 from Atlantic De- cessing, WiziDraw object-ori- both a cold and warm boot. Chapters 4 and 5, respective- sign Systems is a drawing tool ented drawing, WiziPlot What CONFIG.SYS is and how ly. Chapter 6 covers devices that lets you add intelligence to plotting, WiziText equation it works is covered in the and drivers. Fine tuning the your diagrams. Unlike simple editing and both text and Chapter 2, while COMMAND. system is the topic of the sev- vector images, Diagrammer's graphics filters. Because Wizi- COM is dissected in Chapter 3 enth chapter. The new objects know how they relate Word has identical file formats and Chapter 4 takes a detailed MSBACKUP utility is detailed look at AUTOEXEC.BAT. in Chapter 8, along with men- 5 delves Chapter into the mys- tion of BACKUP and Low -Cost Video pixels, Print To Video exceeds teries of DOS "Devices." RESTORE from earlier DOS Output the color limits imposed by Chapter 6 is dedicated to the versions. Chapter 9 is devot- feature -connector -based Print To Video from Video- keyboard, ANSI.SYS, and ed to batch files, with empha- encoders. What sets the Print DOSKEY. Linx is a Genlock-Overlay- sis on how to use and write To Video apart from similar Encoder designed Part II offers an introduc- them. Finally, Chapter 10 specifically products is its 100% hardware for applications where tion to using DEBUG and delves into the new features of conver- and software compatibility gives sion of computer graphics you training on the finer DOS 6.0, particularly DE- into and studio -quality video. points DEBUG high -quality NTSC video is of operations. FRAG and DBLSPACE. Print To Video is claimed Chapters 7 8 essential. Animations, titles, and deal directly Part II consists of a DOS to work with any VGA card at presentations, with DEBUG and the hex command reference section. etc., can be any color resolution. $595/ effortlessly to number system. PC memory The author's writing style converted $695, bus board/stand-alone. topics are covered in NTSC video because Print To Chapters makes this section particularly VideoLinx, Inc., 987 Univer- 9 and 10, while chapter 11 Video is totally transparent to clear and easy to read and sity Ave., Ste. 10, Los Gatos, deals with disks DEBUG. your system's hardware and and understand, even for the CA 95030; tel.: 408-395- software. The microprocessor is exam- more -obscure DOS com- With up to 262,000 9593; fax: 408-395-9594. ined in Chapters 12 and 13. mands. More than half of this simultaneous colors available Part III is an advanced book is taken up by this Part. at a resolution of 640 x 480 CIRCLE NO. 13 ON FREE CARD course in exploring the inner Two appendices that deal with workings of the PC-what was installation and the DOS Shell once called hacking, before round out this volume. that word became synonymous Given the paucity of sup- with telecommunications crim- port documentation that inals. Chapters 14 and 15 are Microsoft supplies with DOS devoted to exotic memory top- 6.0, you'll probably want one ics. Disks and files are covered or more DOS reference texts in Chapter 16, while Chapter available. This volume should 17 is devoted to file editing be among those you consider with DEBUG. Finally, Chapter for your bookshelf.

8 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com What's New!

across all supported platforms,. inputs with a range of from -5 The unit comes with a manu- raster; transparent import of it's claimed to offer complete to +5 volts dc. Its conversion al and program disk. It mea- more than 70 graphics formats interoperatbility among sup- time is rated at less than 5 s per sures 3.8" x 2.4" x 0.9" and fea- into most major applications ported platforms. channel. Plugging into a com- tures 10 -bit resolution. B&B through compliance with the Topping the list of enhance- puter via its parallel port, this Electronics, 4000 Baker Rd., Aldus Graphics Import Filter ment is WiziTeX, a powerful unit is claimed to have the PO Box 1040, Ottawa, IL specifications and the Word- WYSIWYG equation, which is speed, resolution and flexibility 61350; tel.: 815-434-0846; fax: Perfect for Windows API; based on TeX the mark-up lan- required for use in lab experi- 815-434-7094. TWAIN support for scanner guage developed by Donald ments and with various sensors and electronic -camera image Knuth. You can create equa- and potentiometers. CIRCLE NO. 15 ON FREE CARD devices; a HiJaak Browser pre- tions by pointing and clicking view that automatically keeps on symbols and icons or by track of image files; and free typing in the TeX language. Windows HiJaak color metafile clipart from a Using the split-screen option, HiJaak PRO 2.0 is an upgrade leading clipart vendor. $169/ the visual equation is displayed of Inset Systems' graphics free upgrade for HiJaak For above while, the TeX language management program for Win- Windows registered users. Inset is shown below. dows. It lets you view, convert, Systems, 71 Commerce Dr., WiziWord 3.0 also has a full - capture, enhance and print Brookfield, CT 06804-3405; function list processor for per- graphic images in the Windows tel.: 203-740-2400; fax: 203- sonal databases and mailing environment. Significant por- 775-5634. lists. $595. MEC, 2500 W. The ADIO10 can operate in tions of the previous version of Higgins Rd. Ste 950, Hoffman three modes: Single Ended, HiJaak for Windows were CIRCLE NO. 16 ON FREE CARD Estates, IL 60195; tel.: 708- Differential and Psuedo Differ- rewritten with performance in 882-0111; fax: 708-882-8397. ential. In Single-Ended mode, mind. A summary of new fea- TouchMate Driver its eight input channels are tures includes: performance For DOS CIRCLE NO. 14 ON FREE CARD converted with respect to a ref- increases in the speed of file Visage has a new DOS driver erence. In Differential mode, loading, zooming and scrolling; for its TouchMate, a computer the inputs are into an improved user interface as a Parallel -Port grouped peripheral that turns any PC pairs, and the voltages are con- result of usability tests con- monitor into a touch screen. It Voltage Meter ducted by an independent labo- verted with respect to each works with any mouse -driven - All inputs ratory; new graphics format The Model ADIO10 parallel other. are converted DOS program. Previously, port voltage meter from B&B with respect to a single input in support for Photo CD, JPEG, Electronics has eight analog Psuedo Differential mode. TIFF 6.0, ED5, GED and Sun (Continued on page 79)

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www.americanradiohistory.com Enhancing By Nick Goss Build a Cybernetic Key

Protects your software and hardware from piracy

ou've just developed proprietary software or hardware. Now you want to protect it from unauthorized use. At this juncture, you have several commercial options from which to choose. However, if true security is what you're after, you need look no further than the build -it -yourself Cyber Key I' 11 describe in these pages. By attaching this simple, inexpensive device to a serial port on your computer, you can limit and deny access to any or all of your programs to unauthorized users. In addition to providing this "lock -and -key" function, you can use Cyber Key as a data - stream encryption/decryption device and serial protocol converter. You might be wondering why you should choose to build a cybernetic security device like Cyber Key rather than simply purchasing one of the dozens of similar such products you may have seen advertised. If you opt for a commercially available hardware key, you're almost certain to discover in short order that it's nothing more than a ROM or EPROM that contains some programming code critical to the oper- Use Cyber key as a serial protocol con- "key" commands. Once issued by the ation of the software or hardware it's verter to translate control codes origi- host computer, these commands trigger designed to protect. Cyber Key goes far nally designed to work with one printer Cyber Key to either intercept and mod- beyond this basic arrangement. Because or plotter to a different format. ify the data stream flowing to and from it's intelligent, you can use a Cyber Key As you can see from the foregoing, the peripheral or to supply data directly in several waÿs that aren't possible with Cyber Key could prove to be very use- to the peripheral or host computer. commercial security devices. Let's look ful to you, whether you use it in a com- My favorite application for this pro- at a few of these: mercial setting or simply to experiment ject is a scheme in which the control pro- Connecting Cyber Key to a serial port with around your lab. gram I wish to secure receives critical on your computer in series with a seri- portions of its execution code directly al peripheral like a modem, printer or About the Circuit from Cyber Key on a need -to -know plotter, provides security protection for Cyber Key actually consists of two sep- basis. This technique can make the soft- your proprietary software or hardware. arate circuit sections, identified as the ware being protected extremely diffi- You can access Cyber Key from with- Interface and Processor cards. The cult to "hack" because the cybernetic - in BASIC, C and assembler programs or schematic diagram for the complete cir- exchange process is dynamic and with TSR and "hot -key" routines. cuitry is shown in Fig. 1. (The separate depends heavily upon the execution With Cyber Key, you even get on -the - Interface and Processor sections are eas- stream of the program itself! When you fly data -encryption functions similar to ier to visualize by referring momentar- couple this with the fact that Cyber the DES (Data Encryption Standard) ily to Fig. 3.) Key's processor has an internal securi- protocol. As its name implies, the Interface ty bit that, once set, inhibits access to its Use Cyber Key to automatically gen- Card provides direct -connect access to internal program, you can develop a erate CRC (cyclic redundancy check) RS -232C data lines. The Processor Card very secure execution environment for and FEC (forward error correction) controls the flow of data across the inter- your program. codes (BCH or Reed/Solomon) for use face. In most instances, Cyber Key mon- In the Fig. 1 circuit, MAX232 inter- with long-distance and wide -area data - itors the flow of data to and from the ser- face U3 is converts the RS -232C signal communication networks. ial peripheral and monitors for certain levels that swing between +12 and -12

10 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com O o - r V1 tp CO N e O I e1 eI e eI eI eI eI eI eI c_ a a a. a a Cr. n. d V U

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Fig. 1. Complete schematic diagram of Cyber Key circuitry. Note that it consists of two parts: Interface and Processor sections.

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / I I

www.americanradiohistory.com PARTS LIST

Semiconductors UI-MC68HC705C8P microcontroller Q ddddd °°c°°"8a3 (Motorola) a°j.JIICAWI10EKI.LI U2 -78L05 fixed +5 -volt low -power voltage regulator U3-MAX232CPE RS -232C interface O U4-74HC00 quad two-input gate Capacitors C1,C2,C3,C6 thru C9 -10-F, 16 -volt electrolytic C4,C5-22-pF, 50 -volt ceramic disc p_~.-rC13 ° 0 Resistors (1/4-watt, 5% tolerance) CK-S532I R1-4.7 megohms R2 -10,000 -ohm eight -position SIP v qv7 ° 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 resistor pack 4 Y R3-10,000 ohms Miscellaneous A S1-Eight-position DIP switch; X1 -4.000 -MHz crystal P1,P2- 20 -position SIP connector P3,P4-Pc-mount DB -25S connector Printed -circuit cards (2; see text); 9 -volt. 100-mA do power-supply module; 40 - pin DIP IC socket; nylon spacers; machine hardware; suitable enclosure 00000000 (optional; see text); hookup wire; solder; etc. Note: The following items are available from Cyance Kit, 14786 Slate Gap Rd., West Fork, AR 72774 (tel.: 501-839-8293, Ext. 3): Ready -to -wire Interface and Processor pc cards, $7.95 each; custom aluminum enclosure, $9.95. Also available is a complete kit of all Cyber Key components.

including pc boards, painted aluminum e":2?2110 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 enclosure, power -supply module, connectors and electronic components except the B MC68HC705C8P microcontroller, $39.95. Other separately available items include: Fig. 2. Actual -size etching -and -drilling guides for fabricating (A) Interface and (B) MC68HC704C8P microcontroller OTP Processor printed -circuit boards needed for project. (one-time -programmable) and EPROM versions for %14.95 and $29.95, respectively. The Cyber HC5 Development through SIP pull-up resistor pack R2, all RS -232C equipment is configured in System for programming Ul is available for provides the means by which you input the same manner. In some cases, you'll $89.95. MC and Visa accepted. Arkansas a serial number or ID code directly into have to reverse pins 2 and 3, depending residents, please add state sales tax. Ul. Power -on reset circuit operation is on whether the peripheral being used is controlled by the RC action of R3 and a modem or printer/plotter. To further C3, that have values of 10,000 ohms and complicate matters, computer serial volts into TTL levels that swing be- 10-F, respectively. Regulated +5 volts cards can follow either of the two con- tween 0 and+5 volts. As the various sig- is supplied to UI , U3 and U4 from fixed ventions. To use Cyber Key with the nals are converted from RS -232 to TTL 78L05 voltage regulator U2. various formats, just remember to keep levels, U4 intercepts them and allows Data arriving from the host computer data inputs from your computer con- processor UI to monitor and control the at pin 2 of DB -25 serial connector P3 is nected to pin 2 of P3 and the outputs to flow of data. monitored and controlled by pins 29 and the peripheral connected to pin 2 of P4. MC68HC705C8P microcontroller 4 through 7. Throughput data is routed You can use Cyber Key by itself, Ul is crystal controlled by XI and asso- out via pin 2 of P4 to the peripheral without an external peripheral attached ciated oscillator circuitry. A 4 -MHz device. Similarly, data received from to it. In such "security" applications, crystal is used to synchronize the stan- the peripheral device is monitored and simply connect Cyber Key via P3 and dard RS -232C baud rates to and from controlled by pins 8 through 11 of Ul. leave connector P4 open. the host computer and peripheral. Incoming data is routed through pin 3 Eight position DIP switch SI, con- of DB -25 connector P3. Construction nected to pins 21 through 28 of UI It's important to keep in mind that not Begin construction by fabricating the

12 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com Collimator Pen Collimating Lens Dual Mode He -Ne Laser Tube He -Ne Laser Pointer Laser Pointer

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CIRCLE NO. 82 ON FREE INFORMATION CARI)

www.americanradiohistory.com P2-20 P2-1 +9V P2 /1/ o J2

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Fig. 3. Wiring guides for (A) Interface and (B)Processor Cards. two printed -circuit boards you need, mounting pads using a No. 68 bit, and electrolytic capacitors are properly using the actual -size etching -and -drill- use a No. 62 bit to drill the holes for con- polarized and that the regulator is prop- ing guides shown in Fig. 2. If you pre- nectors PI through P4. erly based before soldering their leads fer to avoid having to fabricate your own When your board is ready to be pop- and pins into place. pc boards, you can purchase ready -to - ulated, refer to Fig. 3 and install and sol- You may want to use sockets for the wire ones from the source given in the der into place strip connectors PI and DIP ICs. If you go this route, be sure that Note at the end of the Parts List. P2, followed by connectors P3 and P4. they're high -quality gold-plated pin Assuming you do fabricate your own Then install and solder into place the sockets with machined pins. These may boards, when they're ready, drill the various resistors, capacitors, crystal XI be more expensive than commonly various holes in the jumper and IC and regulator U2. Make certain that the available stamped-out and tin-plated

14 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com sockets, but the machining and gold Key inside a protective enclosure. You Error -Control Techniques for Digital plating are your assurance of long-term can use any type of enclosure that will Communications by Arnold M. Michel- reliability. Don't plug the DIP ICs into conformably accommodate the circuit - son and Allen H. Levesque and pub- their respective sockets until you've board assemblies and provide means for lished by John Wiley & Sons. This book performed preliminary tests and are cer- accessing the outside world. If you wish will bring you up to speed on my per- tain that everything is okay. to avoid having to machine a standard sonal favorite, the Bose-Chaudhuri- Double-check your work frequently instrument or project enclosure, you can Hocquenghem (BCH) codes that are when installing the various compo- purchase a professional custom enclo- often used in WANs. Variations on the nents. Referring back to Fig. 1, note that sure from the source given in the Note different types of polynomial -based pins 16 through 20 of Pl and pins 16 at the end of the Parts List. encode/decode schemes make excellent through 20 of P2 can either be jumpered encryption mechanisms for Cyber Key. together or "passed -through," depend- Programming Once you've structured your Cyber ing upon the particular application you Key program, simply use the MC68HC have in mind. Connecting together pins Considerations 705C8 assembler that comes with the 17 through 20 of P2 forces the host com- When you've finished building and Cyber HC5 Development System to puter's serial port to ignore the various checking out your Cyber Key, you must create the .S19 file needed to program handshake lines that are often used in program microcontroller Ul to get the the `705C8. After downloading the file conjunction with the RS -232C standard. system to respond properly. For pro- and programming Ul, you'll be ready Similarly, you can use pins 17 through gramming, I recommend using the to use Cyber Key on any PC/compati- 20 of Pl to achieve the same effect on Cyber HC5 Development System de- ble computer (or any other computer, the peripheral. tailed in the July 1992 issue of Corn- SBC or microcontroller that has a stan- Notice in both wiring diagrams in Fig. puterCraft. An inexpensive Develop- dard RS -232C interface). 3 that a few jumper wires must be ment System kit is available from the By carefully structuring your soft- installed on both circuit -board assem- source given in the Note at the end of ware/hardware "lock -and -key" system, blies. These are indicated by solid lines the Parts List and is necessary to create you can keep your customers honest by on the drawings. You can use any type the program you'll be using in your locking -out unauthorized users and of solid wire for these jumpers, includ- Cyber Key. prevent the unauthorized copying of ing cut-off component leads. Begin the code -development process your program. Placing critical task -spe- Finally, connect the 9 -volt dc power - by determining your program require- cific code for your program in the Cyber supply module to the +9V and GND ments. Use your imagination here to Key itself, you can foil even the best points indicated on the Interface Card take full advantage of the various fea- software pirates. The critical "holes" diagram in Fig. 2. Make certain that you tures associated with the MC68HC left in your application can be filled with connect the power supply in proper 705C8P. With on -board SCI (serial only the code residing in Cyber Key polarity. Use a dc voltmeter or a multi - communications interface), watch- itself. Furthermore, the Cyber Key ID meter set to the dc -volts function to dog/timer circuits, security bits, etc., the number (entered via eight -position DIP determine which lead of the power -sup- `705C8 can be powerfully configured switch SI) must match the serial num- ply cable is positive and which is nega- via proper programming. ber of the software released to a partic- tive before soldering them to the pc If you plan to use Cyber Key from ular customer. Without the correct ID board! If you wire the power supply into BASIC, simply configure your serial code match, Cyber Key will upload the circuit in reverse polarity, you're port as you would for any peripheral. "gibberish" only and crash your appli- certain to destroy one or more compo- Standard RS -232C drivers are available cation. I personally like the security -bit nents when you power up the system. in the C language libraries, and many feature of the MC68HC705C8 family With no DIP ICs plugged into the UI, routines exist for PC -based assemblers. because it locks out would-be pirates at U3 and U4 sockets, clip the common I use a Cyber Key in conjunction with a the hardware level. lead of your meter to any point in the program called VIA 2.0, a package If you use your imagination, you're circuit that's supposed to be at ground that's perfect for creating custom hot - likely to find several, if not dozens of, potential and power up. Then touch the key and TSR routines used with this pro- ways to let your new Cyber Key serve "hot" meter probe to pin 40 of the Ul ject. (VIA 2.0 is available from Portable you in unique ways. If you're a software socket, pin 16 of the U3 socket and pin Computing Systems, Inc., P.O. Box developer, this project can give you the 14 of the U4 socket and note the read- 870755, Dallas, TX 75287; tel.: 800- security of knowing that would-be ing you obtain in each location. If you 749-4917.) pirates are kept at bay. don't obtain a +5 -volt reading in all There are any number of good books three cases, power down and correct the dedicated to serial -communication pro- problem before proceeding. tocols that probably be of interest to you. Once you're satisfied that all is well, One of my favorite titles for RS -232C you can proceed to final assembly. interfacing is RS -232 Made Easy by Power down and plug the DIP ICs into Martin D. Seyer and published by their various sockets. Make sure each is Prentice Hall publisher. Using this properly oriented and that no pins over- book, you can quickly determine which hang the sockets or fold under between configurations will work best for your ICs and sockets. particular Cyber Key application. If you wish, you can mount Cyber If FEC codes interest you, check-out Nick Goss

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 15

www.americanradiohistory.com Applications By Hardin Brothers Windows Compatibility and .INI Files What you can do to custom -tailor the Windows environment to make it work best for your equipment and computing habits

Ihate to admit it, but I was ready to [Current] Contains the name of the current color scheme give up. If Microsoft Windows [Color Schemes] Lists the defined color schemes locked up once more, I was going to [Custom Colors] Lists the 16 available custom colors erase it and all Windows applications [Patterns] Lists bitmap patterns for the desktop from my computer and just stick with [MMCPL] Defines the control panel window DOS. Or maybe I'd buy a Macintosh [ScreenSaver] One section for each name and dump both DOS and Windows. [Drivers.Desc] Descriptions of multimedia drivers Judging from the mail and phone calls [Userinstallable.drivers] Defines multimedia drivers [Installed] Windows I receive, my frustration isn't at all version and printers installed unusual. But millions of people use Windows every day without the prob- Options in the CONTROL.INI file are set by the Control Panel. It has up to the nine lems I faced. If I had been running sections shown. unusual programs under either DOS or Windows, I might have accepted the on its ability to isolate the peculiarities changes to these files, or to the related lockups with a sense of humor, but mil- of the computer system from each appli- files called PROGMAN.INI and WIN- lions of people are running the same cation. It adjusts to your system in two FILE.INI, you can change the whole programs I use and never have their ways. First, Windows can sense auto- operation and feel of Windows, as well computers lock up at all! matically some of the information it as tune it to run as efficiently as possi- There can be little doubt that Windows needs about your system. Some of the ble on your computer. is both a complex and an extremely flex- sensing occurs when you install The PROGMAN.INI file controls the ible operating environment. Version 3.1 Windows, and other automatic sensing Windows Program Manager, while can run on AT -compatible, 386 and 486 occurs each time you start Windows WINFILE.INI controls the File Mana- computers; computers that are strictly from DOS. ger shipped with Windows. You may IBM-compatible and those that are Though automatic sensing is great, it find other .INI files in your Windows "pretty much" compatible. It runs on isn't enough. You're also responsible directory or scattered around your hard computers with ISA, EISA and MCA for telling Windows about your system disk that are used by specific applica- buses and on machines that have MFM, and your own preferences. After all, tions programs. My hard drive, for RLL, ESDI, IDE and SCSI hard drives. Windows can't sense what colors you example, contains 58 different .INI Windows can use EGA, VGA and super- want to use, the kinds of printers that are files, with sizes that range from 0 to VGA video adapters; local -bus and attached to your computer or whether more than 14,000 bytes. These files normal bus video and hard -drive inter- you want Windows to display messages select options and control the perfor- faces; extended or expanded memory; in English, French Canadian or mance of both DOS and Windows appli- and a wide range of DOS versions, Icelandic. cations. including those developed by manufac- You can set many of your preferences There's almost no information about turers other than Microsoft. In other by running the Control Panel applet .INI files in the printed documentation words, Windows can adapt itself to a that's shipped with Windows (or run- supplied with Windows. But there are huge range of host environments. Once ning CONTROL.EXE from the Win- two lengthy files in the Windows direc- adaptation is complete, Windows appli- dows subdirectory). Each time you tory named WININI.WRI and SYSI- cations (including Program Manager select a new option with the Control NI.WRI. If you're having any difficul- and File Manager) can generally go Panel, it's recorded for later use. ty with Windows, or if you want to tune about their business without worrying Generally speaking, any changes you Windows to run faster, these files will about the particular hardware and soft- make are recorded in one of three files: get you started. ware you happen to be using. WIN.INI, SYSTEM.INI or CON- Because both WIN.INI and SYS- TROL.INI. Together, these files are TEM.INI are standard text files, you can Setting Options Windows' equivalent of your DOS view and change them with any ASCII Windows' success is based, in large part, CONFIG.SYS file. If you make enough editor. The DOS EDIT utility and

16 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com [Settings] Defines startup configuration mat keyname=value. Keyname can be [Groups] Sets order of groups and directory of each .GRP file any combination of letters and digits and [Restrictions] Restricts activities that can be performed from the Program Manager: should be followed immediately by the NoRun= can disable the File/Run command equality sign (_) and the value without NoClose= can disable closing Windows from the Program Manager any intervening spaces. Some values in NoSaveSettings= prevents changing settings SYSTEM.INI are Boolean, which means NoFileMenu= can disable the File Menu entirely that they can be written as 1 or 0, true EditLevel= can disable changes of groups, icons, etc., depending on or false, on or off, or yes or no. You can the level (0 through 4) selected choose whichever set of values makes the most sense to you. PROGMAN.INI controls the Program Manager in Windows. It has the three sections If you can't find settings in the on-line shown here. documentation that overcome an incompatibility on your computer or that let Windows run as fast as you would Windows Notepad applet are good you change either file. And an error in like it to, you can order a more -complete choices for changing these files, but one one of the Windows .INI files can keep set of documentation for the .INI files of the easiest editors to use is a "hidden" Windows from loading and installing from Microsoft. The Microsoft Win- Windows applet called Sysedit. You can itself, perhaps locking up your comput- dows Resource Kit costs $20 and run Sysedit by selecting File and then er when you try to run Windows. includes a technical reference manual Run from the Program Manager menus Once you have backups of all four and a collection of utility programs. and typing Sysedit, or by simply click- files, Sysedit is perfectly safe to use. Another way you can obtain infor- ing on Sysedit.Exe from the File Mana- However, if you make changes to either mation about the options in the Windows ger. If you find you're using Sysedit of the .INI files, you' 11 have to leave .INI files is by using a nifty utility pro- often, you can add it and its icon to one Windows completely and restart it gram called WinSense from SoftLogic of the groups in the Program Manager. before the changes you made take Solutions, Inc. This program keeps When Sysedit runs, it loads the four effect. This process is similar tore -boot- automatic backups of your .INI files as essential boot -up files-CONFIG.SYS, ing after you make changes to your DOS it makes changes and lets you revert to AUTOEXEC.BAT, WIN.INI and SYS- configuration files. an earlier version from either the DOS TEM.INI-into four editing windows. command line or within Windows. More You can search these windows, make Making Changes importantly, it has explanations of more any changes you wish and save any All text -based .INI files have the same than 350 possible entries in the .INI files changes you do make back to your hard format. Most files, including WIN.INI and what each one does. The extensive disk. Unfortunately, Sysedit doesn't let and SYSTEM.INI, are divided into sec- help file that accompanies the program you save backup copies of the files tions. Each section begins with a section contains 75 essays about Windows and before you make changes. Thus, never, name in square brackets. Blank lines, general computer terms, along with a ever edit any of these files without mak- which are ignored, can be used to sepa- detailed glossary. ing sure you have backups available. rate sections and make a file easier to The best feature of WinSense for most Although trouble is rare, an error in read. And you can add comments to the users is that it makes extensive sugges- CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT file by starting a comment line with a tions about what options you should can lock up your computer when you semicolon. select to fit your computer and your way boot up. Make sure you always have an Inside each section, individual op- of working. If you want your computer emergency boot -up floppy disk before tions are set with lines that have the for - to run Windows (and DOS sessions from inside Windows) as efficiently as possible, its suggestions are invaluable. [Boot] Specifies driver files and locations WinSense may have competition from

[ Boot.description] Text used by Windows Setup other products by the time you read this, [Drivers] Aliases and parameters for drivers in [Boot] but it's the best program I've seen so far [Keyboard] Selection of keyboard type and parameters for managing .INI files. [mci] Drivers for multimedia control interface [NonWindowsApps] General control for DOS sessions Changes to Make I Standard] Options for standard (80286) mode Many .INI file settings are optional. You [386Enh] Options for enhanced (386) mode. These options can be divided into 7 sub -groups: may or may not like how they work on Disk (swap files and disk space) your system. Others are established by DOS Apps (DOS sessions and virtual machines) SETUP when you install Windows and Drivers (internal and installable device drivers) are seldom, if ever, changed. You can Memory (386 memory allocation and control) change some from the Windows Control Networks (network control and compatibility) Panel. It's safer to use the Control Panel Ports (parallel and serial port control) instead of directly editing an .INI file System (Windows' own virtual machine) because there's much less chance of an error rendering the file unusable. SYSTEM.INI controls the Windows interface with hardware components and Windows' Because the WIN.INI file generally underlying operation. It has the eight sections listed here. controls the appearance of Windows, it

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 17

www.americanradiohistory.com has few settings that affect compatibil- [Windows] Keyboard, mouse, printer defaults, etc. ity. However, you may want to experi- [Desktop] Appearance of desktop and icon spacing ment with a few settings, especially in [Extensions] Associates program extensions with applications the section marked [Windows]. Many [Intl] Date, time, and other defaults of the following items are used in only [Ports] Defines up to 10 output ports Windows 3.1 and not in earlier versions. [Fonts] Available fonts If you're having trouble printing from [FontSubstitutes] Fonts to be used when others are requested [TrueType] Windows, especially with an unusual Options for TrueType fonts [MCI Extensions] File extensions printer buffer or other device, you can used by multimedia drivers [Network] Network options and settings try setting DosPrint=Yes. This setting [Embedding] OLE object types (see also REGEDIT.EXE) forces Windows to use your computer's [Windows Help] Settings for the help window and text BIOS for printer services instead of [Sound] Sounds for system events writing directly to the printer port. [PrinterPorts] Printer names and timeouts Several settings in the [Windows] [Devices] Devices used by Windows 2.x applications section of the WIN.INI file affect the [Programs] Directories Windows will search (like PATH) mouse. DoubleClickHeight=x and [Colors] Colors of Window elements DoubleClickWidth=x specify how far [Compatibility] Work-arounds for known minor bugs your mouse can move vertically or horizontally, in pixels, between the indi- WIN.INI controls the Windows environment and display. As shown here, it has 17 or vidual clicks in a double-click opera- more sections. Also, some applications add their own sections and options to WIN.INI, although most now .INI tion. By default, and if the setting isn't create files of their own. specified, both values are 4. But if your hand is a little shaky or your mouse seems to have a mind of its own, you [Settings] can choose greater values. If you want ConfirmDelete= Verify file deletions your mouse to leave a shadow trail as it ConfirmFormat= Verify format commands moves across the screen, try setting ConfirmMouse= Verify drag -and -drop MouseTrails=x. In this case, x can be any ConfirmReplace= Verify overwriting files number from 0 (no trail) to 7. This set- ConfirmSubDel= Verify subdirectory erasure ting is especially helpful for laptop com- dir 1= Current drive and directory Face= puters because it makes the mouse cur- Font used LowerCase= Lower sor easier to see.. Use case for file names MinOnRun= Minimize when application runs Also, if you want to change the font SaveSettings= Save settings on exit used for icon titles, set IconTitle Size= Point size of font FaceName=font to a new font name. By StatusBar= Should status bar be shown? default, it's set to MS Sans Serif. You Window= Size and placement of window. can change the size of icon titles by setting IconTitleSize=x to any allowable WINFILE.INI controls the Windows File Manager. It has just the single section shown point size for the typeface you choose. here. By default, it's set to 8. You can change one or both of these settings if you're using a high -resolution display and are tired of squinting to read icon names. from 64 to 4096, and should be a mul- If you run Windows in Enhanced or If your Windows\System directory is tiple of 16. By default, it's 160, which 386 mode, the [386Enh] section of SYS- overflowing with fonts, you can move may be too small for your way of work- TEM.INI contains more than a hundred any or all of them to a new directory. If ing with your computer, especially if settings you may want to change in order you do so, you'll also have to make you use batch files that set and erase a to solve incompatibility problems or changes in the [Fonts] section of lot of environment variables. just to speed up both Windows and DOS WIN.INI. Each font is listed as a sepa- In the same section of SYSTEM.INI, operations. It would take a small book rate entry in the form of Name=file- the entry FontChangeEnable=1 allows to explain all of them. However, there name. The filename can include a direc- you to customize the screen fonts used are a few settings that I've found to be tory name, which you'll have to set when a DOS application runs in a win- very useful. manually. dow (in 386 mode). If you change the There's probably already a line in the If you have problems with non - setting to 0, you won't be able to change [386Enh] section that says local=CON, Windows applications, you may want to fonts for DOS applications. Also, you which tells Windows to create a new make some changes to the [NonWin- can set the number of screen lines used console device for each DOS session or dowsApp] section of SYSTEM.INI. The for DOS sessions with the Screen- application you start. On one machine entry CommandEnvSize=x sets the Lines=x setting. By default, x is 25, but that seemed to lock up only occasional- amount of environment space available if you prefer to run full -screen DOS ly when the user left a full -screen DOS in each DOS session and overrides the applications with 43 lines (on an EGA session to return to Windows, I added size set with the SHELL= command in screen) or 50 lines (on a VGA screen), local=EGA$ and eliminated the prob- CONFIG.SYS. The value x can range you can change this setting. lem. The new line tells Windows that

18 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com every DOS session should appear to in the [386Enh] section of SYSTEM.INI. is more technically oriented than the have its own video adapter. There are more than 100 possible second, but some of the explanations in If you want the File Manager's file list additional settings in this one section of the second book are much more com- to always be up-to-date, even when you SYSTEM.INI. Some affect just net- plete. create or delete a file with another appli- works, some configure Windows' built- Windows should run well with almost cation while the File Manager is run- in drivers and others change the way all DOS and Windows applications. But ning, you can set FileSysChange=On. Windows allocates memory and runs it's up to you to find and cure any com- But Windows will run much faster if you your computer's parallel and serial patibility problems by setting the cor- set this option to off and simply refresh ports. The best reference is Microsoft's rect values in the .INI files. As long as the display (or press F5) when you know own Windows Resource Kit. I also rec- you have a backup of these files, you or suspect that there has been a change. ommend the WinSense program I men- can't hurt anything by trying new set- One of the most important lines in the tioned above, plus two books: Windows tings and seeing how they affect your [386Enh] section for solving incompat- 3.1 Secrets by Brian Livingston (IDG computer. With a little experimenting, ibilities is named EMMExclude. If you Books) and Windows 3.1 Revealed by you'll soon find the correct settings to have device drivers or other programs Robert Mullen, Paul Hoffman and make your computer work as efficient- loaded into upper memory (between Barrie Sosinsky (SAMS). The first book ly as possible. 640K and 1 M), Windows can normally detect them. But if it doesn't, it will crash as it tries to use the same memory space. You can force Windows to stay Complete Your away from the device driver' s memory space with EMMExclude=xxxx-yyyy. Collection of $3.50 Values xxxx and yyyy are the hexadeci- Per Issue mal memory range that Windows isn't CornputerCraft supposed to touch. For example, if you h nl had a driver loaded from paragraph Order Your Back Mail all correspondence to: CO Communications CCOO to CDOF and suspected that Today! 76 N. Broadway, Hicksville, NY 11801 Windows was overwriting it, you could Issues Phone: 516-681-2922 FAX: 516-681-2926 add the line EMMExclude=CCOO-CDOF. Windows tries to bypass the BIOS during disk accesses and work directly with the hard -disk hardware. But some NEW 8031 FAMILY PRODUCTS from RIGEL hard -disk controllers don't work as Windows expects and others are actual- FUZZY -LOGIC CONTROL CODE GENERATOR ly slower during direct access. If you get FLASH (Fuzzy -Logic Applications Software Helper) generates MCS-51 language hard -disk read errors from inside subroutines to perform fuzzy -logic control tasks from a high-level description of Windows, or if 386 mode is noticeably fuzzy rules written with linguistic variables. An extensive tutorial and illustrative slower than standard or 286 mode, try examples are provided. ($100.) adding the line VirutalHDlrq=off to the R -535J / READS TRAINER [386Enh] section of SYSTEM.INI. READS (Rigel's Embedded If DOS applications complain that Applications Development System) and they don't have enough file handles the R -535J board constitute a complete when running under Windows, don't hardware/software development and debugging system in one user-friendly change the Files= setting in CONFIG. menu -driven environment which runs SYS. All this will do is give more file on an IBM PC host. Programs in the handles to DOS programs that run MCS-51 language may be written, before you start Windows. Instead, set edited, assembled, downloaded and PerVMFiles=x to a larger value. The x debugged without leaving the defaults to 10, which means a DOS integrated environment. The R -535J application will have up to 10 file han- board uses the powerful 800535 dles available to it. You can set x to any microcontroller. R -535J / READS with number between 0 and 255, but the total User's Guide on disk and example of this setting and the Files= setting in programs is priced at $150, $130 as a kit. CONFIG.SYS mustn't exceed 255. 8031 FAMILY MICROCONTROLLERS EXPERIMENTER'S GUIDE One odd but fairly common problem This 300+ page textbook covers the MCS-51 assembly language, using the on -chip is that Windows will sometimes hang facilities of the 8031 family microcontrollers, and software / hardware experiments. your system when you try to read a flop- Programming nuggets are given for each instruction and each operating mode of py disk for the first time. You can some- the family. Features of the SAB80C535 are highlighted. ($30.) times correct this by always reading a floppy disk before you start Windows. RIGEL CORPORATION A better and more -certain way to fix the PO BOX 90040, GAINESVILLE FL, 32607 (904)373-4629 same problem is to set IRQ9Global=true

CIRCLE NO. 75 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 19

www.americanradiohistory.com SPECIAL New Windows Schematic & PCB Layout Software Schematic -capture and PCB layout software team up with Windows to let you draw schematics and design pc boards on your PC

By TJ Byers

f you work in electronics for any Windows Advanced Schematic, Protel on the printed -circuit board back to the length of time, you're bound to end for Windows Advanced PCB, Super- schematic. up drawing a schematic diagram or lay- CAD for Windows and SuperPCB for Hierarchical drawings up to 1,024 pages ing out a printed -circuit board or two. Windows. I've also included separated deep are supported by EZ-Logic. Each sheet However, the traditional method of text boxes that tell you How Schematic in the stack is stored as a separate drawing under its own file name and is linked to drawing schematics and pc -board lay- Capture Programs Work and How the sheet above and below it. You move up and outs by hand is both time-consuming Printed -Circuit -Board Layout Programs down the hierarchical ladder using and prone to errors. So why not let your Work- to give you a guided tour of the Hierarchy Push and Hierarchy Pop com- PC do the work for you? For as little as software by showing you how it works mands (you can use the + and - keys as a $95, you can buy a program that teach- and which features to look for when shortcut, if you wish). When using the Push es your PC how to draw schematics. For shopping for one of these programs. command, for example, the current schemat- a few hundred dollars more, a printed - ic is pushed aside and the schematic field circuit layout program will turn your Software Reviews that's linked to it is loaded. Only one schematics into the artwork for making schematic can be active at any time. To working pc boards. return to a previous schematic (closer to the top of the stack),you use the Pop command. In this article, I'll give you a look at AMS EZ-Route Pro EZ -Logic EZ-Logic's component library consists of four and Professional Schematic Editor popular schematic -capture 86 separate files that range in size from 1K printed -circuit -board (PCB) layout pro- Version 2.02 to 1.4M each. Altogether, it takes 10.5M of grams that run in the Windows environ- It's almost hard to believe you can buy a hard -disk space to hold the entire library file ment. One is a low-cost entry-level sys- Windows schematic -capture program for set. The number of devices varies consider- tem, the other a professional package less than what you'd have to pay for many ably from file to file, with 17 files dedicat- that's suitable for CAE (computer - DOS -based schematic -capture programs. ed to 74XXX logic chips alone, totaling assisted engineering) and production But seeing is believing. For just $129, you thousands of individual components. work. I purposely limited these reviews can buy AMS's Windows -based EZ -Logic Several of the files are very specialized. to Windows applications for several rea- schematic -capture program. As a stand- For example, one file contains the complete alone package, EZ -Logic is a perfect entry- catalog of OKI chips, while another (much sons. Because Windows is graphically level tool for drawing schematics on your smaller) file lists chips made by Sony. new based, learning any application is a PC. The cost is right, and if you' ve ever spent Overall, the selection is diverse and well highly intuitive process. Once you've any time using Windows at all, you'll be represented. Only one library file can be mastered one Windows application, drawing schematics in no time with the EZ - open at a time, and that file, or its path, must learning new applications is easy. Logic package. be available when the schematic is loaded. Windows also has a standardized com- While it's easy to learn and easy to use, Otherwise, you get an error message and a munications link that makes transfer- EZ -Logic is surprisingly limited in its com- hole in the drawing. Components are placed ring data between applications a snap. munication skills, despite being a Windows on the drawing by typing their names into a Plus you get to share Windows' vast application. Unlike most Windows applica- dialog box or by clicking on them from a resource pool of printers and input tions, EZ -Logic doesn't make use of the pull -down library menu. Windows clipboard or object linking and The library editor is a separate Windows devices. embedding (OLE) features. The only line of application called EZ-Symbol. As in most Each of the products were evaluated communication between the EZ -Logic schematic -capture programs, similar parts, for price, performance, features and schematic -capture program and AMS's EZ - like logic chips, are represented by one phys- ease -of -use. They include EZ-Route Board PCB layout program is via a netlist. ical description the definition of which is Pro EZ -Logic for Windows, EZ-Route Fortunately, EZ -Logic has a decent back - contained in a setup table. But unlike most, Pro EZ -Board for Windows, Protel for annotate function that reflects changes made EZ -Symbol's setup table is really a powerful

20 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com database that contains a lot more than just a Notlist Auto Current Qptions Zoom loto Window Help part number and a descriptor. In addition to File Edit I.ihrary li tul ID S_a pinout information, the database includes a irlr I noma corporate field that holds the private part numbers used by many corporations for o inventory and manufacturing control. O Ó' OI also a field for component cost. You T o There's o O 0 0 0 O 0 O o.. o' o can use this information to generate cost esti- ] [Q,,,E3_°.] (g.+9_--°] ó 000':O mates and purchase orders right from the a o° o --.-- o o'Ó schematic drawing. Mechanical parts, like 0... O. 1 O O O o O.' 0 o O o;oO._OOO connectors, and device outlines are created O' 0:' O o0 O.O O using a proprietary programming language o O': o O o 0 o o,o . .:...... :...... that employs vectors to draw the shapes on o ó° o,`óo O ^ 00000:000 your video screen. o o O o o I O O 0 All the editing features are present, but o o o o p+ , o o o o o they may be a bit tricky to use. For example, o o o O :000ö000000 o o you can mirror an object mirrored only left o o o o o .o o o to right, and rotation is limited to 90° incre- 0 o o o o o o ments in the clockwise direction. This means o..o o that if you want to mirror an object top to I-1 O ò oo, O O. it mirrored, bottom, you must first rotate 90°, o o o o 0o o o and then rotate it 270°. o U8lS o,o o' o: O O p;` As in most Windows applications, the a r'`-1 o A most frequently used editing functions are ...... __...... -...... _ _....__. I.nyer Manuelle place components easy to access from a toolbar that runs just x:tUBlpJ Y_/113U le- above the top of the drawing. Such opera- Protel for Windows Advanced PCB. tions as drawing a line, adding text and zooming are but a mouse click away. You designs that are larger than you'd like to where they belong, the board is trimmed to select blocks by using your mouse to enclose tackle by hand but still too small to warrant size. If the board has to be a certain size or the selected area. And while you can delete, firing up EZ -Logic, you can write your own shape, as is the case if it's to plug into a PC change and move blocks, you can't save a netlist using a text editor, such as the EDIT slot, the board's outline should be defined in block to a file or the clipboard for transfer to utility that comes with DOS. Once you have the first step. another drawing or application. Screen pan a working netlist, all you have to do is load The board is now ready for routing. The is of the touch -and -bump variety, in which it into EZ -Board using the Update From EZ - manual router included with EZ -Board is a the screen jumps up, down or sideways when Logic command. point-to-point router. All you have to do is the cursor touches a side of the screen. This Parts are initially placed on the board in click on one pad, then another, to have the occurs only when you're using the key- orderly columns along the left side of the router draw a track between. For this chore, board's arrow keys, not your mouse. board. The next step is to move each part to EZ-Board provides a ratsnest-like scheduler its actual position on the board and set the that shows where the tracks should go. It AMS-EZ-Board Printed -Circuit number of layers. Although moving parts is even knows when a via is needed, and places Board Editor Version 2.03 a manual operation, it's assisted by the it on the board for you. When a scheduled EZ-Route is an integrated family of CAD netlist's ratsnest. Once all the devices are track is complete, the scheduler line disap- products used in design and fabrication of Zoom Info Window Help printed circuit boards. The EZ -Board pro- J File Edit Place Library Options gram, which sells for $295, is used to draw ®oaaoo®o®000®oo® ®aa the actual circuit layout for an electrical Lìbr A4 -í .` nit, s3J design. When used in conjunction with EZ - 1DESCRETE LIB Logic, the parts and logical net connections l Add/Remore i - V4 06 are derived from the schematic drawings. All 111, 1H341 IIANC+E you need do is position the parts on the board C.npntente In Lihary and route the electrical circuit connections Ma&iu between them. A companion program, EZ - 1N34A D2 1N40111 ,110,11(40o1 Router, even automates the routing process, 2N222ZA 4Nx 3 speeding up fabrication and eliminating GRIL GE CAP NP error. A product called EZ-Route Pro bun- D3 dles together the three programs to save you Edit... Race "11/1N4001

money. Instead of paying the nearly $800 it Par! B.aónahea ...... e1'121,I2: would cost to buy the programs a la carte, Cl (l4rt_I.achj in the C2 (/rt_1.aeh] you pay just $695, for the modules C3 Mire 1.xhl integrated package. Dt (d+rt_l.sdtl Rí 1,3 D2 IArL_1. ecbl nni 123 {AA ladri t ?30 221, Even if you decide not to use the EZ-Route U2C U4 .1451.44=2J 1ti4001 schematic -capture program, you can still use 4501 EZ -Board to create printed -circuit boards. )0 In fact, for very simple circuits, it's usually Q1 R6 D5 faster to lay out the board by hand. Simply 330 (.r 144051 extract the device outlines from the component library, place them on the board and wire them together using copper traces. For Protel for Windows Advanced Schematic.

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 21

www.americanradiohistory.com tains many drawing and editing features. It ponents on your drawing by typing their can be used by itself for drawing schemat- names into a dialog box or clicking on them ics and creating netlists. When combined from the on -screen library directory. SPECIAL with Protel's PCB or Advanced PCB layout Advanced Schematic supports ANSI, programs, it becomes the front end of a fully DeMorgan and IEEE symbols. automated, integrated, end -to -end design Once you place a part on a drawing, its A system. Protel for Windows Advanced definition is copied to a separate library file Schematic lists for $995. attached to the drawing. The original Advanced Schematic communicates with libraries don't have to be accessed again to (33:1 Protel for Windows PCB software through re -draw the schematic because the devices four avenues. In addition to the standard for- are retrieved from the drawing's library file. ward and back annotation supported by The size, font style, orientation and location schematic -capture programs for a long time of its designator text can be changed or delet- Ole now, there' s the added benefit of Windows' ed as desired. clipboard and OLE. Unique to Protel for The library editor is a separate program Windows is cross -probing that lets you dis- you start from an Advanced Schematic pull - play physical parts on the pc board by click- down menu. Since many components share ing on its schematic symbol. the same package, they have identical graph- Whether your drawing consists of one ical depictions but exist as individual parts pears. It's really a very simple procedure sheet or a hundred, Advanced Schematic in the libraries. For example, a 74LS01 is because the program does the thinking for treats each design as a project. Each sheet of identical to a SN54LS243, with the excep- you. All you have to do is connect the dots, a project is stored as an individual file in a tion of the pin descriptions in the setup table. something like a follow -the -dot puzzle. If project directory. You can open any number Using this method, Protel is able to store you find you can't complete the routing, you of sheets and edit them independently of all thousands of chips in a small file. So creat- can delete the tracks that are causing the other sheets, limited only by available mem- ing a new chip is as simple as filling out a problem and reroute them or add extra vias. ory. You can move or copy elements from new setup table and giving the part a name EZ -Board also lets you specify curved one open sheet to another using the Windows you wish. You build mechanical devices like traces, like the kind that are needed for ana- clipboard. Because all the files for a project connectors using such primitives as arcs, cir- log layouts. are linked together through the Windows cles, etc.. Although the manual router is smart and interface, changes in one sheet are immedi- Advanced Schematic boasts a large library easy to use, routing a board with 100 ICs by ately recognized by the others. For some of editing tools, including the standard copy, hand is anything but fun. In a case like this, operations, such as netlist generation and move, delete and find commands. Com- investing another $295 for AMS's EZ - printing, an entire project (which consists of ponents can be rotated either direction in 1° Router is a smart move. Basically, EZ - a master sheet and all associated sheets) need increments. Block editing is supported, and Router automatically does what you would to be opened at the same. you can save blocks to the clipboard for do by hand. It reads the scheduler file creat- Advanced Schematic's component library insertion in other Windows applications, ed by the EZ -Board program and simply contains about 15,000 chips and devices, such as WordPerfect. Screen panning is connects the dots. spread among 76 library modules, all of smooth and continuous when placing a part, It's important to keep in mind that EZ - which can be open at the same time, suffi- which allows you to continue a wire beyond Router isn't a true autorouter. It must have cient memory permitting. You place corn- the screen's boundaries, but you'll have to a routing schedule, a file generated by EZ - Board, before it can place a single track on EZ-BOAHD e.lezrwintdemo.pcb the As the router it to board. runs, saves file Lile. Edit Draw View Reports JO Help

an ASCII listing of its actions. Should the j a` 2.5F- C' 1 J'in , IPAI router fail to complete all connections, you O can edit the file and use it as input for anoth- t Q rTl{I er router run. You can also interrupt the file 0 O,' "O for manual routing and restarted where it left O Oi O OI Q off. When routing a board with mixed line +p SclecC OpGuus widths, several files are used, one for each Oblect Mask. Q Condnetoa line width. In addition, you can exclude areas I on the board where you don't want traces to Line SiRSeseen pass through. However, EZ -Board supports D ran D sotdesaeaak Ufiel C:7 Page -Moak i0 only four layers, two signal and two ground Seid D Asmmbbl planes and just two grid spacings (25 and 50 Dry B Schnee mils). Thus, this program isn't a good choice L*, touching D Yin 0 nlëlAng if you need to make complex or high -densi- Bound by p vra be d Sketch ," ty boards. U Void o Etat IAll A9 '.INonel 4.0 Curenenml IlNonel

Prote) for Windows Advanced OK Çancel l L Help 1 Schematic Version 1.0 Prote) for Windows was the first circuit - design software to run under Windows and is the PC -based Windows computer -assisted engineering software against which all oth- I ::':.._:..:..._....,::..._ : ....._ .:::::.....::._....._...... ::,_. ers are compared. Protel's Advanced Sel values.... OK-Accepl. CANCFI No change Schematic software for Windows is a complete schematic -capture program that con- AMS EZ -Board PCB Layout.

22 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com use the scroll bars to move around the draw- IZ-LOGIC - clezrwln{demo.sch)1) ing when you're just looking. =ile 4raw Edit Library View Reports Help L1 QIfal I 0.900, 1.3001 The preference menu lets you set the dla(I» 1 1 1 1 1 I I , I I I l I 1 I I I l 1 1 1 I 118l l l I 1 i I 15; t t 161 I l l V1 l{ l l 1 t t 1 i I l t 1' t I 1 1 il t l l 1 i l t412p 1-1; li default values for screen and grid colors, cursor shape, grid type, grid snap and number 2lie I _L of undos. Undo can restore up to 16,000 Switch -1 ' deletes (50 is the default). And there's a printer setup and preview that shows you what t7 8 = 1 t ft. 1 m -f the printed page will look like before you s,,t u3 print an actual hard copy. SV gw1 28 Library Selection --- VCC CO Both schematic files and libraries created 1 8 .. AD Cl 7 in OrCAD can be used with Advanced Name.TeIcI63nat '° Al C2 13 31 Schematic. When you open an OrCAD STD 5 In6O.pd A2 C3 4 Islól.ptt m r tIC 10 A3 C4 3 or STD 4 file, all the STD's drawing 062 .0 Is16a it A4 C5 Switch -4 In64.pd 15 34 objects and text are available for editing, 4C A6 C6 13165 pit 111 35 which can then be saved back to OrCAD 1,1 66 0 A7 C7 -r.NC 6 B1 DO NC STD 4 format. çanGel + 1e4 D1 NC You can also save Advanced Schematic °K i rx. B2 29 -?C g NC 134 D2 23 NC and in OrCAD format. R',D?,JA .- drawings objects 2_ 85 173NC However, a number of Advanced Sche- B6 D4 w I489 21NC B7 DS matic's attributes, such as color and fonts, f 16 aren't recognized by OrCAD. This informa- RXO DG -- NC CONr.n û og rXD 07 40 NC tion won't be recognized, and the attributes 3 vS5 ---1 14 B0 will revert to an OrCAD equivalent. =.hid y Lff--,, et valueº..., OKAecept, CANCEL No change Protel for Windows Advanced PCB Version 1.5 AMS EZ -Logic Schematic Capture. Protel for Windows PCB layout software comes in two versions. Protel for Windows PCB is an entry-level package that lists for auto -place tool that comes with Advanced autorouter. Line-probe routers are similar to a modest $995. Though the program loads PCB does a good job of un -piling them so Heuristic routers, except that, instead of the board components from a schematic that you can locate and move them more eas- looking for repeated pin patterns, they look netlist, you have to place them manually. ily. Before using auto -place, you must for the shortest distance between two points. Thankfully, the autorouter is a little more define the board perimeter and any forbid- Though they're quite fast, they're not too automated. Clicking on one pad and then den zones, using a special reference layer smart, achieving a completion rate of 80% another forces the autorouter to find a way called the Keep Out layer. Auto -place won't or less in most cases. The $995 optional to connect the two. It's also intelligent place components inside forbidden areas, Advanced Router adds a maze and a rip -up enough to detect when you've clicked on the nor will tracks be routed through these areas. router to the system, plus an via optimizing incorrect pads by comparing your selection For really big jobs you'll want to buy routine Protel calls smoothing. Advanced to the ratsnest. Protel's $995 Advanced Place program. Router can also do curved tracks, making it To add automation to Protelfor Windows, While $995 may seem steep for the Ad- ideal for analog and high -frequency work. you have to buy the Advanced PCB layout vanced Place module, you get three levels Altogether, the routers support up to 16 program, which lists for a healthy $1,795. It of automatic component placement with it. signal layers, plus four middle power layers. contains all the elements of the PCB mod- In addition to the local -placement tool found They also support blind/buried vias and sur- ule, plus an auto -placement tool and two in Advanced PCB, you get a global -place- face -mounted device (SMD) stringers (short self -running autorouters. When you add in ment tool that looks at the board as a whole track segments that connect the SMD to the the cost of the two optional auto -place and and works out a strategy that gives the inner ground planes). autoroute modules, the price of a fully -out- autorouter its best chance of completing an fitted Protel for Windows system comes to autoroute to completion. You can run glob- Mental Automation SuperCAD A key is al placement after you use local placement $3,995. hardware protection for Windows Version 1.1 and move and lock connectors, controls and required for both programs. to SuperPCB for Windows Version Thanks to cross -probing and good back - indicators in place. However, since you have annotation, transfer from schematic -capture to use a lot trial -and -error to find the opti- 1.01 to PCB layout is smooth and nearly seam- mal layout, it takes quite a while to run which SuperCAD for Windows from Mental less. Cross -probing is a result of operating can be several hours on large layouts. Automation is a low-cost schematic -capture in Windows, where the schematic -capture The third auto-place mode is advanced program that's versatile, easy to lear, and and PCB layout programs can be running at global. It differs from the others in that it extremely easy to use. You can use it as a the same time. With cross -probing, clicking runs in the background, freeing your PC for stand-alone program or as a front-end pro- on a part in the schematic automatically other Windows work, and it lets you define cessor for PCB layout. An optional netlist- brings up that part on the pc board for inspec- the placement parameters. With the excep- conversion program ($69) lets SuperCAD tion or modification. Back -annotation auto- tion of grid spacing and component clear- for Windows read and import netlists from matically updates the schematic with ance, the other two modes' strategies are other schematic -capture programs, includ- changes made at the board level. You can pretty much carved in stone. Both global ing OrCAD and Schema. start Advanced Schematic from within the placement modes support bypass capacitor SuperCAD for Windows comes in two PCB layout programs. placement that puts decoupling capacitors versions. The $149 introductory version in- Parts are initially placed on the board in across the top of their associated ICs. cludes a component library with about 350 one big heap, making it difficult to pick out Protel for Windows Advanced PCB parts, parts builder, netlist-creation program specific ones for placement. Fortunately, the comes with both a heuristic and a line -probe and support for digital and analog simula -

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 1 COMPUTERCRAFT / 23

www.americanradiohistory.com (for example, XRAYP01). The maximum the wire because other devices are in the number of pages you can use for a hierar- way, it simply draws around them. chical drawing is limited by the seven file- You can add new devices to the compo- SPECIAL name characters-the shorter the filename, nent library by modifying an existing part or the more room for page numbers. The files building one from scratch. There are two are linked by the netlist program, which ways to create new library components. One A reads in each page and generates one netlist. method has you use a DOS program to gen- Physical descriptions of the components are erate parts from ASCII text files. The other contained in a separate file. Both files are way is to simply make a drawing using the o used by the SuperPCB for Windows layout SuperCAD drawing editor. However, you program. can't create new devices on the fly. Both of The expanded component library that these methods require you to quit the comes with SuperCAD+ for Window) holds current drawing. 1,666 devices in 24 directories and can be The Format command converts the draw- purchased separately for $59 as an upgrade ing from schematic format to library format for the SuperCAD introductory schematic and stores it in the library of your choice. editor. Most of the 1,600 parts are semicon- Each library can hold up to 256 devices, but ductor devices from a wide variety of ven- no more than this number. dors, including integrated circuits from Despite its low price, SuperCAD's edit- tion (the simulation programs are sold sep- Intel, AMD and Zilog. ing features are quite powerful and easy to arately).SuperCAD+ for Windows is a com- You place components on your drawing use. The most commonly used are easily bination package that includes SuperCAD from a pull -down menu, which has a small accessed from the toolbar. In the pull -down for Windows and a 1,600 -device component built-in viewer that shows what each part menus you find automatic incremental anno- library, the netlist conversion program and looks like as you scroll through the list. tate, rubberband and a font editor that lets an auto wiring program and sells for $249. Although only one library module can be you change font style and size up to 38 Although SuperCAD for Windows sup- open at a time, it's so easy to jump from one points. But like AMS' EZ -Logic drawing ports the Windows Clipboard, you can't run module to the next that it won't bother you. editor, some edits take a combination of multiple SuperCAD sessions or use OLE to Lines are just as easy to draw using the moves, such as the mirror command that update changes made to a master page. To familiar click -and -drag Windows method. mirrors only left to right, not top to bottom. move objects from one drawing to another, However, there's no autopan feature in this To do a top -to -bottom mirror, you have to you must quit the current drawing and load program. You have to use the scroll bars or first rotate the component 90° and then return the destination drawing. However, you can cursor keys to move around your drawing. it to it's proper orientation. combine drawings using the Macro com- Thankfully, you can suspend parts place- Some functions in the setup menu let you mand. Macro works exactly like File Load, ment to scroll the screen without having to change only one parameter at a time, such as except that it doesn't overwrite the current quit the Place command. background color. For example, changing drawing. Instead, it merges individual draw- SuperCAD+ for Windows comes with line or text colors requires a separate step. ings into one drawing. auto -wiring that draws the wire for you when And the undo command removes only You create hierarchical schematics by you click on the points of origin and desti- devices, lines and text in the order that's the saving the different pages with a common nation. It even places junctions automatical- reverse of the manner in which they were root filename and the number of the page ly. If auto -wiring can't find a direct path for placed on the screen. It doesn't undo rotate or other edit commands.

31. S u p e rCAD-AFR O N T P1.PI C If the component library were larger, I'd Eile Edit yew atyle Setup Aux Qisplay Qtilitiss:::-fjel recommend SuperCAD for Windows as a ©ZIOR©E3333 11331= better buy than EZ -Logic for entry-level C use-despite its costing $20- because it's 03 /NH D9 easier to use. But, the larger library costs

? D5 another $60, pushing the price to beyond D.J C' Drawing sì Grid 04051 $200, and it still falls short of EZ -Logic's {J Rulers Text Cancel huge component library. Nonetheless, it's a

ii Plane 0 e good entry-level program that's well worth OK C.. Plane l Edit your consideration, especially if you're con- UZ Cl .0.209 sidering SuperPCB. + 09 IM Mental Automation SuperPCB LF35' Dl 1N4001 for Windows Version 1.01 0010. 14K Mental Automation's SuperPCB for Win- Oscillo scoot 013 lOh: dows is a dynamite PCB layout program that trace 1 03E s + Vc.ut sells for a slim $495. The program interfaces l Q seamlessly with netlists created by Super- trace 2 tK LF35: CAD for Windows and comes with automatic placement and an autorouter. Like L' ..10sam les.div Mental Auto macio , xnej O..Q SuperPCB for Windows, Mental Auto- Ticlz AFhONT c11-ce:500K mation sells an entry-level version of the Size A Document Numbe SuperPCB for Windows for just $149. But this trimmed -down version lacks automatic 4% ALL placement, its autorouter is an incremental point-to-point type, its component library Mental Automation SuperCAD for Windows. contains just 50 devices and the program

24 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com supports only two layers on an 8" x 8" board. 9 SuperPCB-SERIALN.SPC O SuperPCB's interface is identical to that file Edit view $yle setup process Aux Vtílitìes Celp in SuperCAD for Windows. The pull -down Al1l1'iti h 1IrI°1 . menus are exactly the same in number and L o '¡o order, and their commands are similarly structured. Even the toolbar looks and works Netlist tile: SERIAL p the same, so the learning curve is very short. # 0 Trace width: 12 0 SuperPCB for Windows requires two -`. t o netlists from the schematic -capture pro- 0 t 0 ó _ -Routing layer- -Trace sort -Grtd size- ^` - gram: one for the net names and their con- 0 0 0-- ® Top 8 O None O lesto nections and the other containing physical ®1 0 o o D aByY 025 ~22 '1 ólliol.-o descriptions of the devices. The component 0 1E aByX o.:50:- 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 library contains outlines for about 200 o o 0 o 4 12 -Vies devices, including some popular connectors. o- o ` o o 5 D 13 Size: 20 Buried You can add new parts to the library using 1 6 01 Hole; , 10 SuperPCB for Windows drawing editor and 7 15 the Format command. You place parts on the circuit board using '""""" Cancel the automatic -placement utility, which places parts that have a large number of mutual connections next to each other. If you .9 1_ define a board size, the placement utility spreads out the parts to fill the space. Or you I IIIIIIIIII I can have the placement utility define by pro- IIIIf iliiF i ,l ducing a stuffing -diagram board the size of ._, 0% ALL which depends on the sizes of the individual R=3.30 packages. Most likely, you'll have to make Mental Automation SuperPCB for Windows. changes to automatic placement, especially if the design contains connectors. Once tal -stimulation program called SuperSIM. It environment greatly eases how you work you're satisfied with the layout, you save it permits multi -page designs and can produce in a file. and interact with and among the various one- or two-layer PCBs ranging in size up The next step is to route the board. The programs and their basic elements. to 8" x 4" using incremental autorouting. autorouter contains a combination heuris- The intermediate and advanced circuit tic/probe router that can route up to 16 sig- design products are sold under the Super - nal layers. You can specify one- or two -layer Tools for Windows brand name. The inter- How Schematic -Capture (pair) routing. The router always draws mediate package includes the $149 versions Programs Work traces vertically on the starting plane and of SuperCAD and SuperPCB and a utility horizontally on the next plane. You can tog- package that adds a netlist converter and gle between planes using the + and keys Basic to any electronic design or project is - schematic -capture auto -wiring. Cost of the on your PC's keyboard. You create ground a schematic diagram of the circuitry being package is $299, which is $28 less than the planes using the fill command. You define used. A schematic is an electronic blueprint separate programs. This is a good deal if you areas that are to be blocked from fill using by which information is communicated to do occasional PCB work and don't want to with the rectangle, circle, and ellipses but- the user, other persons-and the PCB layout sink a lot of money into software. tons located on the toolbar. software. For the more -advanced PCB system de- The router seems to be well -optimized and Software that draws schematics is com- signer, the $695 SuperTOOLS+ for Win- is very fast, but it seldom routes to comple- monly called a schematic -capture program. dows combines the top -of -the -line versions tion. There's always a trace or two that needs Schematic -capture programs are basically of SuperCAD and SuperPCB with a 1,600 - manual help, but it's not that big a deal. You CAD programs that, over the years, have part compdnent library and the netlist con- can also manually delete traces to make way evillved into special-purpose drawing appli- verter/auto-wiring utility program. This is for boxed -in tracks, manually route them and cations. What sets a schematic -capture pro- the best bang for your buck because it can then run the autorouter again. The incremen- gram apart from a general-purpose drawing produce denser boards than EZ-Route Pro tal router used by the entry-level version is program AutoCAD and Generic CAD is a and it's not limited to four signal layers. also supported by the $499 package, which component library that consists of a collec- Oddly, it sells for $46 less. is great for small hand -drawn layouts. tion of commonly -used symbols that repre- Grid size can be set to 10, 25 or 50 mils, sent electrical components. Let' s take a clos- and buried vias are supported. The optimize er look at the elements that make up the function minimizes the number of vias on a In Closing typical schematic -capture package. previously -routed circuit board. A moving As you can see from the foregoing, a barograph keeps you informed as to both the desktop PC can, indeed, be turned into a Component Library progress of the autorouter and the optimiz- productive tool for drawing schematic Central to every schematic -capture program er. The final step, should you decide to use diagrams of electronic circuits and is a component library that's generally made it, is a smooth replaces 90° up of smaller, specialized library modules operation that developing appropriate artwork for fab- trace bends with either arcs or 45" bends. that are linked together. For example, one Mental Automation sells complete cir- ricating printed -circuit boards. The par- module might contain nothing but analog cuit -design packages. A starter kit, called ticular package(s) you select will be ICs, while another might hold the patterns Introductory CAE Package for Windows, determined by your needs and budget. for CMOS devices. Modular libraries are sells for $149 and includes introductory ver- But one thing is certain, using any of the more versatile than a single large library sions of SuperCAD, SuperPCB and a digi- packages reviewed here in the Windows because the structure lets you easily expand

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 1 COMPUTERCRAFT / 27

www.americanradiohistory.com menu or by entering its name from the key- define the circuits within the blocks. While board. With some programs, the selection each block has its own independent stack of process can be automated using macros drawings, the drawings are linked together SPECIAL (user -defined keystrokes and/or mouse so that you can move from one block to clicks that are saved to memory so that they another without having to change files. can be run again as needed) that reduces a complex retrieval process to a single key- Editing Features stroke. Some programs have a macro re- While it's nice to have a software program corder that remembers the sequence as you that takes the drudgery out of drawing 0 step through it, while others have you type schematics, the real advantage of schematic to create the macro file in a macro program- capture is its ability to modify a circuit from ming language. the screen on the fly. Several editing tools After you select a component from the are used for the task. library, the editor places it on the drawing. Delete and repeat are probably the most - Common to all schematic -capture programs used tools, and the two are often used togeth- is a grid (which may be visible or invisible) er so that you can delete a number of objects that overlays the drawing page and is used without having to go back to the pull -down the size of the library by simply adding new to position the cursor at exactly spaced inter- menu for each line or device to be deleted. modules. Modular architecture is also a great vals on the screen. If you try placing the cur- If you delete something in error, you can usu- way to save disk space because you have to sor in a position that isn't allowed by the grid, ally replace it by using the undo command. load only the modules you normally use and the program moves the cursor to the nearest Some undo routines restore only the last leave the remainder on floppy disks. grid position, a move called "grid snap." object deleted, while others remember the Each schematic -capture program has its Grid snap ensures that the component attach- deletion path and can reconstruct an entire own way of identifying parts in the compo- es precisely to wires and other components drawing, no matter how many times you nent library. Most programs try to name on the schematic with no misalignment. The used delete. components by its generic names, such as density of the grid determines the resolution Moving components is another popular 74LS27. But this isn't always possible. For of the drawing. The finer the mesh, the editing recreation. You move components example, a 15 -lead resistor package may be smoother the cursor movement and the more for a number of reasons, but you usually do tagged as DRPAC16, a name few would latitude you have over placement of wires so to make room for new parts or make a dia- people associate with this device. For- and devices. Some schematic capture program more intuitive. When you move a part, tunately, all programs have either an on- grams allow you to set the granularity of the you can retain all its original connections screen device catalog or a hard -copy com- grid, while others have a fixed grid. And using an editing feature called "rubber - ponents catalog that shows the library while most programs let you turn off the grid band." As the name implies, rubberbanding symbols and their names, and many pro- snap, the software may refuse to recognize is a technique by which the wires connect- grams even have both. two wires as being connected in this mode, ing two components stretch to accommodate Most schematic -capture programs sup- even though they appear to be properly the new positions of a device. However, rub- port both ANSI and DeMorgan logic sym- aligned. berband lines aren't ortho, which means you bol. A few support the new IEEE symbols. After you place components on the page, have to reroute them with a cleanup editor DeMorgan logic differs from ANSI logic they're interconnected using lines that repre- that puts skewed lines back into ortho per- only in the way the input logic relates to the sent wires. For clarity, wires are usually spective. If you wish to move a part without output. ANSI inputs are true when they're drawn horizontally and vertically. In the par- retaining its previous connections, you can positive, but DeMorgan inputs are true when lance of CAD, these perpendicular lines are turn off the rubberband feature, in which their inputs are negative. Although an ANSI called "ortho" (short for orthographic) lines. case, you end up with a collection of dan- 74LS02 behaves just like a DeMorgan If you try to take a diagonal path, the draw- gling wires that have to be dealt with indi- 74LS02, use of DeMorgan logic often gives ing editor automatically converts it to one vidually. the designer insight that may ultimately direction or the other. To draw a diagonal, One of the more -powerful schematic -edit- result in a simpler circuit. Some programs ortho mode must be disabled. Most pro- ing tools is the block editor, which is a user- let you toggle between ANSI and DeMorgan grams represent buses that consist of cables defined area on a drawing that the software from the screen, while others store the sym- that contain several conductors as a single, treats as a single entity, no matter how many bols in the component library under separate heavy line with breakouts. elements it may contain. Blocks may be names. Because schematic -capture programs are moved, deleted or replicated. Some programs For special-purpose devices and parts that designed to imitate hand -drawn schematics, let you save blocks to a file, from which they aren't included in a library, the schematic - several parameters are permanently fixed. can be called for use in another drawing. capture program provides a component edi- For example, the size of the parts are pre- Block editing is a handy way of dealing with tor that lets you roll your own. You can cre- defined, as they would be if drawn on paper schematic elements that are often used in ate new devices either from scratch or by using a template. The size of the sheet is also more than one drawing, such as memory modifying an existing part. Most libraries limited to the standard drafting sizes, which banks and standard clock oscillators. use bitmaps for component outlines, which range from size A (81/7" x 11") up to size E A find or search command locates parts lets you fill in a matrix one dot at a time to (34" x 44"). Standard drafting borders and on a schematic by name. It's most helpful draw a new component's shape. There are a title blocks are usually included, but this when you're trying to find a part in a com- few programs with more -advanced library isn't always the case. When a schematic is plex hierarchical drawing. You can also use editors that let you build components from too large to fit on a single sheet, the draw- the find function to tag key spots on the such primitives as circles and squares. ings can be stacked in hierarchical fashion drawing for quick panning to a desired area. under a single file name. Drawing Features Some programs also support a linked hier- Printing A Schematic Schematic components are placed on the archy that lets you draw a circuit as a block While editing a schematic on -screen is what screen using a display editor. You select a diagram on a cover sheet. Each block is then schematic capture is all about, it's often eas- part highlighting its name from a pull -down drawn in detail using a stack of sheets that ier to troubleshoot a design when working

28 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

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www.americanradiohistory.com verts into traces and pads on the printed -cir- between each and every component without cuit board. crossing each other. What seems like a func- SPECIAL Software that produces printed -circuit tional layout can turn out to be a dead end, boards is called a "printed -circuit-board lay- which usually you find out after you've out" program. It takes four computer steps invested a considerable amount of time rout- to make a pc board, beginning with the phys- ing traces. Fortunately, there are automatic ical placement of the components on the placement tools that can aid in the layout pro- board. After the parts are in place, the cop- cess. per traces that electrically connect together Much of the layout work is done manual- o the devices are laid down. Either or both of ly by dragging a part from one place to anoth- these processes can be automated or per- er. Sometimes, you can perform hand place- formed manually. ment interactively with automatic place- The pc board is then inspected for con- ment, in which case, the computer gives sug- formity with mechanical and electrical spec- gestions for the best location of the parts. ifications, using design -rule -checking soft- You have the option of accepting or reject- ware that's built into the pc -board layout ing the advice on a part -by -part basis. To assist you in placing components, PCB from hard copy. This is especially true when program. Violations are corrected using supplied by the layout program. software provides an interconnectivity pat- a schematic is very large or has several hier- editing tools tern on -screen, called a "ratsnest," which is archical pages. Here's another place where After the layout is verified, the final artwork a jumble of skewed lines that show how each Windows greatly enhances schematic -cap- that's used to make the actual printed -circuit part is wired to every other part. As a part is ture software with its long list of printer and board is generated by a printer, pen plotter moved, its attached ratsnest expands and plotter support. Not only does this eliminate or photoplotter. printed - contracts in length like rubber bands. The the need to include printer drivers with Let's look at what's in the typical objective is to place parts so that the ratsnest schematic -capture software, you can also be circuit -board layout software package. lines are as short as possible. But as one part assured that the Windows driver will be bug - Netlists moved to minimize its ratsnest, another free and work as advertised. is s ratsnest is to Generally, you'll be working with two The data needed to display a schematic on part' lengthened accommo- new position. One way PCB types of hard -copy printout, draft quality and the screen of a video monitor and ultimate- date the part's enhance the use of the rat- finished product. Draft -quality schematics ly create the printed -circuit board is con- layout programs snest is with a force vector display that tells are used during the drafting of the schemat- tained in a disk file called a "netlist." Each you in which direction a part should be ic because they can be quickly generated on schematic -capture program has its own way just about dot-matrix or laser printer. The of organizing and formatting its netlists and moved for shortest traces. A few PCB layout programs have a place- draft document diagram is then checked for lays down rules that must be strictly adhered ment -improvement routine that fine-tunes errors before they become a permanent part to if the pc -board software is to correctly pc -board layout after the parts are ini- of the design. interpret the netlist data. the tially placed. The two most -popular im- Schematics done on a printer are limited Component Library provement techniques are pair swapping and in size, simply because no printer made is big enough to handle an E -size sheet of As in schematic -capture programs, the com- logic -gate reassignment. of Pair swapping seeks to improve parts paper. Consequently, the software divides ponent library is central to the operation PCB layout program. The PCB software placement through the interchange of neigh- the drawing into pages of 81/2" x 11" that you the the part it calls boring components. If the exchange im- have to tape together to get the full picture. has no idea of the function of a mechanical proves the placement value (reduces the Sometimes you fit a fit schematic to the from the library. It's simply For trace lengths), the change is made. Other- paper size by reducing the size of the draw- device with pre -defined size and shape. example, the outline for a 74LS00 and a wise, the components are returned to their ing. But there' s a limit to how small you can software original positions and a different pair is tried. reduce an object before it becomes indistin- 74LS02 are the same, and the PCB An excellent way to improve a PCB lay- guishable, and an E -size drawing printed on treats both parts identically. It's up to the is logic gates. Considerable standard letter -size paper isn't acceptable. netlist to tell the program how to wire the out by swapping be made in parts place- Plotters, on the other hand, are available devices. improvement can ment if gates with common connectivity are in sizes from A through E. So no splicing of Sometimes, the component outlines are put in the same IC. Some of the better swap- pages is involved. Moreover, drawings contained in specialized library modules, At ping routines also permit pin swapping, made using a pen plotter are much sharper such as DIP devices or connectors. other which trades pins with the same function. than those done on a printer. But be prepared times, the outlines are stuffed into one or two For example, all four input pins of a quad to pay the piper if you opt for a pen plotter large library files. Additional components, can be inter- because these devices are both very slow and particularly surface -mounted device (SMD) NOR gate are the same and for best routing. very expensive. outlines, can often be purchased separately changed as stand-alone libraries or as upgrades to the main library, depending on the program. Trace Routing How Printed -Circuit -Board A library editor lets you create your own The next step is trace routing, which the lay- Layout Programs Work outlines and add them to the library. You can ing down of copper tracks on the pc board create new parts from scratch or modify an to achieve electrical connections among the Until the advent of schematic -capture soft- existing outline. Connectors are particular- various components in a circuit. Although ware, design and fabrication of a printed -cir- ly problematic because of the many differ- you can route the traces manually, most PCB cuit board was done totally by hand. ent types on the market. layout programs have an autorouter that does Thankfully, that's no longer the case. The the job for you by automatic means. The schematic -capture drawing includes infor- Component Placement autorouter uses the netlist for its routing mation about the physical size and shape of Placing components on a printed -circuit information. It matches the parts on the the circuit devices and their electrical con- board can be tricky. Parts have to be posi- board to the netlist connections and then nections, which the pc -board software con- tioned so that the copper traces can be made decides which traces go where.

30 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

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Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 31

www.americanradiohistory.com Lee cost functions as a strategy, with names vias and move segments from one layer to like normal, flexible and extensive. Lee another while maintaining the validity of the routers have a very high completion rate, original connection. You can also adjust the SPECIAL generally 90% or better, and are the least width of single traces to make them wider or expensive. But they're slower than other narrower, as the situation demands. A use- routers. It's not uncommon fora maze router ful width function is necking down, which to spend hours or days wiring one pc board. lets you narrow a short portion of a trace so Another popular router is the Hightower that it can squeak between the pads of an IC or heuristic router. Some vendors call it a without creating a short circuit. O pattern or memory router because it's com- Design Rule Checking monly used to route traces with commonly occurring pin patterns, as is the case with Design verification is a very important step memory chips. It uses a simpler algorithm because errors that pass through here end up Ole than a Lee router and runs much faster. What as errors on the printed -circuit board for a takes a Lee router an hour to do, the designed circuit. At this final stage, errors Hightower router can do in less than a are costly to correct. The process is known minute. However, the completion rate is also as "design -rule checking. The verification process checks to see that the tracks, vias and Autorouters less, particularly on complex designs. A few PCB layout programs support both pads are all present and accounted for. It also The mainstay of autorouting technology is routers. Typically, you run the Hightower looks for traces and pads that are too close the Lee algorithm, sometimes called a maze router first to get the bulk of the work done together or touch each other. router or flood router. The Lee router uses in a short time and follow up with the Lee Producing PCB Layout Artwork operator -selected cost functions to deter- router to place the traces missed by the The ultimate goal of a PCB layout program mine its routing parameters. For example, if Hightower router. you want all lines on the front of the board is to produce artwork than you can use to to run horizontally, you tell the router that Rip -Up Routers make a functional printed -circuit board. the cost of a vertical line is very high, and Unfortunately, autorouters tend to paint Other artwork generated by the PCB layout the router will consider a vertical trace only themselves into a corner. Without the fore- software includes a solder mask, silk-screen as a last resort, trying all other options first. sight to see that placing one trace will block nomenclature and a drilling template. Other cost functions include maximum trace the path of another, the program grinds to a You can print out artwork with a dot- length, maximum number of vias (plated - halt. The solution is to get the offending matrix or laser printer, pen plotter or photo - through connections from one side of the trace(s) out of the way. The two solutions to plotter. Photoplotters, which are similar to board to the other to complete a trace run), this problem are rip -up and shove -aside. phototypesetters, are the preferred choice and trace density. Rip -up, sometimes called rip -up -and - because of their high resolution and accura- PCB layout programs usually refer to the retry, routers are cheaper and easier to use cy, but they're very expensive to own and than shove -aside routers. The rip -up router operate. Fortunately, you can save your work identifies unconnected traces and looks for in a Gerber file that any PCB fabrication SUPER a single track that can be removed to make house can turn into negatives for a small fee. way for the blocked traces. The offending If your PCB layout is a small enough to 12 HOUR track is first ripped up, and the blocked trace fit on standard paper stock, you can create a RECORDER is routed. The program then tries to find a suitable negative by printing the PCB layout new path for the erased track. Rip -up routers on a sheet of clear plastic film, like the kind CALL TOLL FREE achieve very high completion rates, with a used for overhead projectors, using a laser good one achieving 100% completion near- printer. While dot-matrix copies will work Modified Panasonic ly every time. for some designs, their resolution (or lack side. Shove -aside routers move traces, rather thereof) forces you to watch your spacing. 120 TDK tape furnished. than destroying them. They're most useful AC/DC Operation. Sources when a trace has a path to its destination, but Quality Playback. the path isn't wide enough for the track. The EZ-Route Pro for Windows Digital Counter. $119.00 * path is made wider by shoving aside traces Advanced Microcomputer Systems Durable Lightweight Plastic. on either side of the canal. 1460 SW 3 St., Ste. B-8 PHONE RECORDING ADAPTER Trace Editing Pompano Beach, FL 33069 Tel.: 305-784-0900; fax: 305-784-0904 Starts & Stops Recorder After all automatic trace routing avenues are CIRCLE NO. 148 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Automatically When FCC exhausted, you must resort to manual rout- Hand Set is Used. APPROVED Several trace editing tools ing and editing. Protel for Windows Solid State! $28.50* are available for you to do this. 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7/31/92 CIRCLE NO.56 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD

www.americanradiohistory.com Enhancing By Scott Edwards Add "Bells and Whistles" to Your Projects

How to spice up your projects with sound effects

Adding "bells and whistles" to your computer or the parallel port on a PC. a program has to do is turn on and off projects needn't be difficult or So that you get a firm understanding an output bit at an audible rate. Gen- expensive to do. In this article, I'll intro- of how the system works, I'll discuss erally speaking, this rate is somewhere duce you to an easy -to -use audio chip first the software and hardware aspects. between 50 Hz and 10 kHz. that produces four sound effects in a Then I'll detail how to build the project The outline for such a routine goes range of eight frequencies and two dura- and, finally, how to use it. something like this: With it, you can trigger effects tions. begin: singly or continuously to produce any- Software Turn speaker bit on thing from an acknowledging bleep to a Wait 1 ms chirp to a space -war laser salvo. The The four -function audio chip you'll be Turn speaker bit off chip requires only a power -supply, using is a programmed single -chip Wait 1 ms Go to begin resistor, two capacitors and a speaker to microcontroller that produces sound operate. With its eight -bit interface, it's effects made up of sequences of I s and Short as it is, you can further simpli- also simple to connect to a single -board Os sent to its output. To make sound, all fy the above routine by replacing the instructions that turn on and off the speaker with one that inverts the state of Start the speaker. That is, if the speaker bit is on, turn it off, and vice-versa. An exclusive -OR (XOR) operation will do the XOR two bits works out as Copy freq and trick. The of durato to follows: counters

Bit 1 Bit 2 Output 0 0 0 It tglpat = 1, then XOR flips the bit on 0 1 1 0/ XOR speaker the speaker line (1 becomes 0, and 0 with tgl pat becomes 1). 1 0 1 If tglyat is 0, the XOR has no effect 1 0 (1 remains 1, 0 remains 0). Let's concentrate on the cases in 'Decrement which Bit 2 holds a 1. In the first case, counterl (8) when Bit 1 holds 0, XORing it with 1 produces a 1. In the second, when Bit 1 holds 1, XORing it with 1 produces a 0. NO YFS So, the new sound routine could be: Put 0 into 4 Put 1 into tgl pat tgl pat begin: Put (speaker XOR 1) into speaker wait 1 ms Reload Go to begin Waste time countert with freq XOR offers other interesting wrinkles for sound generation. Consider that

'counterl is an 8 -bit value most piezoelectric transducers are rated 'counter2 is a 16 -bit value. for signals of 30 volts peak -to -peak (Vp- p) or more. The signal from your output bit, however, is limited to 5 Vp-p, since it swings between ground (0 volt) and Return the positive supply (+5 volts). Before you run off to design additional hardware, however, consider the signal Fig. 1. Flow chart for tone -generating routine with independent control of frequency boost you can obtain in software. and duration. If you connect your speaker between

34 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com Driving the audio PARTS LIST interface with switches.

>Tiipgw (pin 12) Semiconductors >El (pin 11) IC 1-Programmed PIC 16C54-RC ) BO (pin 10) Co IC2-78L05 fixed +5 -volt, 100-mA F2 (pin 9) 0.047yF F1 (pin 8) voltage regulator* >F0 (pin 7) Capacitors ->Dur (pin 6) C 1-4.7-pF ceramic disc .5 B .5 RA2 RAI N-- C2-0.047-µF ceramic disc t0, RA3 RAO C3-0.33-µF tantalum* -RTCC 0SC1 C4 -10 -NF tantalum* MCLR PIC OSC2 Resistors v3B 16C54 vda R1 -10,000 -ohm, 1/4 -watt, 5% -tolerance Dur [ RBO RB7 J Bury z resistor frigpBr (pin 12) F -0C RBI 6136]6 Trigger El (pin 11) Miscellaneous F1 [ RB2 REM N El BO (pin 10) ,o SPKR-Motorola KSN1005A recom- F2 (pin 9) F2 [ RB3 RB4 ] EO mended; see Note below >F1 (pin 6) Driving the audio > F0 (pin 7) Note: PICs programmed with the software interface via Dur (pin 6) described in this article are available for $10 (parallel printerer port) each (check or money order) postpaid from 13012.11. IA 90 B 7 8 5 3 2 1° Scott Edwards, 964 Cactus Wren Lane, 250 240 230 220 210 200 160 540.0 Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. Send comments 170 and questions via E-mail to CompuServe mailbox 72037,2612. You can obtain blank PICs and the tools to program them from Parallax, Inc., 6359 Auburn, Ste. C, Citrus 2. in four -function and inter- Fig. Schematic diagram of circuitry used audio circuit Heights, CA 95621; tel.: 916-721-8217. A face options. package that includes an assembler and programmer costs $199. The Motorola KSN 1005A speaker is available at a cost of $3.95 from Hosfelt Electronics 2700 Sunset two output bits, you can double the volt- 1, there's no change, such that 1 remains Blvd., Steubeville, OH 43952-1158; tel.: age swing using XOR. Begin by load- 1 and 0 remains 0. This offers a conve- 800-524-6464. ing a 1 into the first speaker bit and 0 in nient way to stop generation of the tone, * These components are in the Fig. 3 power sup- to the second. Look what happens when either to silence the speaker or to con- ply (see text) you XOR them both with 1 s: trol frequency. Since it's obvious how it would silence the speaker, let's look Bit 1: 0 XOR 1 = 1 (change in voltage = at the problem of frequency control. a cycle.) +5) Now that the problem of controlling Bit 2: 1 XOR 1 = 0 (change in voltage = Earlier you saw a tone -generation -5) routine that toggled the speaker bit, duration is apparently solved, I'll tack- waited a fixed period of time and then le frequency. You must provide a way The changes in voltage represent the looped back to toggle the speaker bit. to change the length of time the "wait 1 new state minus the old state. Since the While simple, this approach isn't very ms" line actually waits. Assuming you new state of Bit 1 is +5 volts and its old flexible because it offers no control over do, however, what happens to the dura- state was 0, the change is 5 volts - 0 volt the length (duration) nor the frequency tion? The longer "wait" is, the longer the = +5 volts. Since the new state of Bit 2 of the tone. I'll address the duration overall duration. is 0 and its old state was +5 volts, the problem first. Here's where XOR comes to the res- change is 0 volt -5 volts =-5 volts. Now, In its present form, the tone -genera- cue again. Shown in Fig. 1 is a flowchart look at it from the speaker' s perspective. tion routine is an infinite loop. It won't of a complete routine in which duration The overall voltage swing is Bit l's stop until the controller is reset or power and frequency are independent of each change minus Bit 2's change, or 5 volts is removed. An easy fix would be to other. Duration is controlled by a 16 -bit - (-5 volts) = 5 volts+ 5 volts = 10 volts. limit the number of trips through the counter, frequency by an eight -bit In analog electronics, this kind of loop to some fixed number. Better yet, counter. Counter 1 (frequency) and alchemy is commonplace. It's similar to assign a variable to hold the desired Counter 2 (duration) each count down the way a push-pull amplifier works. number of loops and call it "duration." in a loop. If Counter 1 isn't 0, the rou- Other digital applications include dif- tine loads a 0 into the toggle pattern ferential signaling for serial communi- Put 100 into duration (tgl_pat) to be XORed with the speak- cation, such as RS -422, and directional begin: er. Since a value XORed with 0 remains Put (speaker XOR 1) control of dc motors. In each case, you into speaker the same, nothing occurs. When benefit by eliminating the need for high- wait 1 ms Counter 1 reaches 0, tgl_pat is loaded er power -supply voltages or split sup- Subtract 1 from duration with I s that flip the value of the speak- If duration is not 0, then go to begin, plies with connections for +V, -V and er bit. Counter 1 is reloaded with the fre- ground. else end quency value, and the process repeats. There's another way that the unique By putting various values into duration, It continues until Counter 2 reaches 0. qualities of XOR can help generate you can get tones of various lengths With some minor embellishments, sounds. Look back at the cases in which ranging from 0.5 to 128 cycles. (Each this is the routine at work inside the four- Bit 2 holds 0. When it's XORed with Bit trip through the loop produces only half function audio chip. You could certain -

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 35

www.americanradiohistory.com Listing 1. Assembly -Language Listing For Four -Function Sound Chip

; This listing is in Parallax assembler format. See the ; Set up variables for a flat tone. ; Parts List for availability of appropriate programming tools. :tone mov rate, #0 call Swee

; Define 1/0 ports. jmp start spkr = ra input = rb ; Set up variables for a chirp (rising tone). busy = rb.7 :up mov rate, #255 trig = rb.6 call Sweep jmp start

; Set origin for variables above special registers. org 8 ; Set up variables for a bloop (falling tone). :down mov rate, #1

; Declare variables call Sweep freq ds jmp start duratn ds rate ds ; Set up variables for a tap or gunshot sound. f_temp ds :warble cjb freq, #00111100b, :high d_hi ds mov rate, #00100000b d_lo ds jmp :call tgl ds :high cic temp ds mov rate, freq data ds n rate tgl_pat ds :call call Sweep jmp start

; -generating subroutine. ; Device data and reset vector. Main sound device pic 16c55,xt_osc,wdt_off,protect_off Sweep mov tgl_pat, #255 reset start mov f_temp, freq org 0 jnz :cont mov tgl_pat, #0 mov d_hi, duratn ; Main program. :cont start clrb busy clr d_lo mov !ra, #0 mov !rb, #01111111b mov tgl, tgl_pat mov ra, #010101010b :main xor spkr, tgl mov data, input djnz f_temp, :noRoll_l mov f_temp, freq jb trig, start mov tgl, tgl_pat setb busy :dur_lo sub d_lo, #1 jnb data.0, :short jc :noRoll_2 mov duratn, #20 sub d_hi, #1 jmp :freq jnc :return :short mov duratn, #8 jnb dc, :loop :freq mov freq, data add freq, rate and freq, #00001110b :loop jmp :main rl freq :return ret add freq, #16 :noRoll_l clr tgl and data, #00110000b jmp :dur_lo cje data, #0, :tone cje data, #00010000b, :up :noRoll_2 nop cje data, #00100000b, :down nop goto :warble jmp :main

ly use this approach to create sounds in microcontroller IC 1 is programmed Most of the task of generating sound software, but you might like to consid- with the software given in Listing 1. is performed by IC1. Resistor R1 and er this chip an easy -to -use subroutine in This type of controller is inexpensive capacitor C 1 set the frequency of IC l's silicon. and easy to program. (For more infor- internal clock. Using a larger value for mation on the PIC, see "Build a C 1 slows down the clock, reducing the Miniature Scrolling Marquee" in the frequency of the sounds and lengthen- Hardware November 1992 issue of Computer ing their duration. Reducing the value, Shown in Fig. 2 is the schematic dia- Craft.) A source from which the pro- or even eliminating Cl raises frequen- gram for the audio interface. It operates grammed PIC described here can be cy and shorten duration. The circuit still from any eight -bit port or bank of obtained is given in the Note at the end works with Cl removed because some switches, as shown. PIC 16C54-RC/P of the Parts List. stray capacitance always exists between

36 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com IC 1's pins and ground. However, it isn't Table 1. Data -Bit Definitions a good idea to rely on this "phantom capacitor" because its value can vary Bits 5/ 4 3/2/1 0 widely with temperature and individual Type of Sound Frequency Duration batches of the IC. In operation, the audio interface chip 00 = tone 000 = high 0 = short continuously watches (polls) the trigger 01 = chirp 111 = low 1 = long line, waiting for the 0 that will start it (chirps are rising tones, bloops are falling tones, up. While it's waiting, the chip keeps a taps are complex noises that sound like a sharp rap on a hard surface.) 1 on the busy line. Once triggered, the chip puts a 0 on the busy line, grabs a six -bit value from the data lines and ty. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics, interprets the data to determine what leather- or rubber -soled shoes and kind sound make. The meanings of to of working in a carpeted area. If you live the data bits are given in Table 1. in an area where the air is particularly If you'd like to audition the audio chip dry or your workplace is carpeted, con- with your PC before incorporating it sider wearing a grounded wrist strap into a project, Fig. 2 details how to con- when working with and handling static - nect it to your PC's parallel port. Listing sensitive devices. 2 is a QBASIC or QuickBASIC pro- Getting the audio chip connected and gram to various that allows you try the running is simplicity itself. A small combinations of effects, frequencies piece of prototyping board should do the and durations. trick. Just connect the chip as shown in Notice in Fig. 2 that the busy line on Fig. 2. If you don't have a 5 -volt dc the audio chip is left unconnected. This power supply handy, you can use the is because is this line is needed only arrangement shown in Fig. 3 to convert when the chip is controlled by a rela- a 9 -volt battery to a regulated 5 -volt sup- tively fast device. Then it might be nec- ply. Whatever you do, don't apply more essary for the controller to check to than 5 volts to the audio chip, which has make sure that the audio chip isn't busy a maximum rating of 5.5 volts. Any before trying to trigger it. If the con- more than this is guaranteed to damage troller is really fast, it might also check the chip. Since you can't be too careful, to make sure that the busy line has gone you should measure the output of your low before letting the trigger go high power supply before connecting the again to ensure that the audio chip gets integrated circuit. the message. None of this handshaking Don't omit capacitor C2. It blocks dc is needed with the relatively slow QBA- current that would flow when the circuit SIC control program. is off. It also helps limit the load on the chip when the circuit is on. Construction While you can use almost any speak- The first step in building this project is er or piezoelectric transducer with this to either purchase or program your own circuit, I recommend using the unit four -function audio chip. (See the Note specified in the Parts List. It's small and at the end of the Parts List for sources efficient (loud), and it delivers the full of components and programming tools.) range of sound available from the chip. Be sure to avoiding zapping the PIC Although it has a somewhat bulky horn 16C54 sound chip with static electrici- attached to it, you can detach the speak -

1C2 7 to 10 Vdc > For fast, accurate service, 78L05 Regulated please remove the peel off C3 1 C4 5 Vdc to 0.33µF 2 T10µF audio interface tantalum label used to address your magazine, and attach it to the Reader Service Card, PINOUT: the Address Change Card TO-92``/\ or to any correspondence you send us regarding 32'y your subscription. 1

Fig. 3. Schematic details for a simple regulator you can use to power the audio chip.

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 37

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TERMS: For C.O.D. orders add $5 per package. Minimum $25. Cash or CashiersCheck only. For orders under $99 add $3 handling charge. Orders $99 or more no handling fee. All shipping is FOB San Antonio, Texas and WA be added to your invoice. Government, Institutional and Corporate Purchase Orders welcome. Texas residents add 8-1/4% sales tax. All returns require Call Today for the 1993 Catalog! RMA# and must be returned in original condition. A 15°ó restocking lee will be assessed on merchandise returned in non -resaleable condition. No returns on books, video tapes, batteries, 1-800-531-5369 memory, cut cable or custom cable assemblies Prices subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors. Computer Systems Memory Modules Video Parte Description Each Aeex makes it easy to choose the system that best fits your Boards EPSON needs. With lour different case styles and se deferent 256809.80 2566 e 9-80 NS SIMM $12.00 256K x 9-80 NS SIPP 12 50 motherboard conlgurations to choose from. 2568%980SP x 9-70 NS SIMM 13 00 Each system comes with 54/4' and 3112' high dense,/ disk 256KX9-70 256K 1MEGX8-80 1MB x 8.80 NS SIMM 40 00 drives. IDE hard drive controller. 2 serial. 1 parallel, and 1 game 1MB x NS 43 00 pon. Enhanced 101 key keyboard, case and power supply 1MEGX9-80 9-80 SIMM 1MB x NS 43 50 To complete your system, choose the amount of memory you 1MEGX9.80SP 9-80 SIPP x 9.70 NS 44 00 need, the sue of hard drive, and the kind of monitor and 1MEB%9-70 1MB SIMM 1MEGX9.70SP 1MB x 9.70 NS SIPP 45 00 controller card. Computer Systems shown weh Monitor MON -08 tMEGX9.60 1MB NS SIMM 45 00 NOT INCLUDED. x960 Parte Each 4MEGX9-60 4MB x 9-60 NS SIMM 194 00 Description System I Prices Subject to Change Without Notice. IFC-32 Mono Board w/printer port XTIAT $16 WC -33 Color graphics wlpnnter port XT/AT $19 System I is designed into the Call for Current Pricing. STC-16 case. The deluxe vertical IFC35 BOCA Dual Graphics Adapter $35 system measures 24-114' IDE BOCA dual graphics adapter supports MDA, CGA, Hercules AP2250 high x 7-1/2' wide and compatible and performs color emulation on a monochrome TTL Action Primer. 9 -pin Narrow Carriage $119 17' deep. With 6 external Hard monitor. Parallel port can be configured as LPT1. LPT2 or FX-1170 9 -Pin Printer, Wide Carnage $379 AP3250 Printer. 54/4' drive bays and 2 disabled. Includes 132 column driver software. Action 24-Pin Narrow Carriage $199 LO 24 external and 2 internal 3-t/2' Drives IFC-42 640 x 480 VGA Card $52 -570 -Pin Printer, Narrow Carriage $249 drive bays makes the Part# Description Each BOCA 640 x 480 -16 color VGA card with 256K video RAM 5 225 cps - Draft, 105 cps - Lener Quality warranty. LO-1170 24 -Pin Printer, Wide the perfect system ST351A 42MB, IDE. 3 5LP, 28MS $135 year Carnage $649 IFC-44 640 x 480 VGA Card 300 cps for network lileservers ST31208 105MB, IDE. 3.5LP, 16MS $229 $42 -Draft,138 cps Lener Quality 640 x 480 VGA - 16 colors. 256K Display Memory. One Year AL -1000 Epson Action Laser 1000 Printer $769 or where heavy expansion ST3144A 120MB, 106, 3.5LP, 16MS $249 Warranty. Full driver support. AL -1500 Epson Action Laser 1500 Printer $639 capabilities are needed. ST3283A 245MB, IDE. 3.5LP, 12MS $439 IFC-46 1024 x 768 Super VGA Card $79 3SX33-16 386SX 33MHz System $389 ST2383A 338MB. IDE. 5.25HH, 16MS 5589

1 Canon 1024 x 768 Super VGA - 256 colors. MB Display Memory. One 3DX33-16 38600 33MHz System 459 ST1480A 426MB. IDE, 3.5HH, 14MS $949 Year Warranty. Full driver support. 30040.16 386DX 40MHz System 489 ST3243A 212M9. IDE, 3.5x1' 15MS, 128K Cache 5369 BJON-200 Bubble Jet Printer IFC-48 Accelerator Video Board $139 4DX33.16 486DX 33MHz System 799 ST33859 341M13, IDE, 3.5x1', 12MS, 256K Cache $639 11 faster than Tseng 4000 video boards! 1280 40X50.16 486DX 50MHz System 979 ST3650A 452MB. IDE, 3.Sxl'. 12MS. 256K Cache $689 times ET -based x 40X6646 486DX 66MHz System 1119 ST3600A 525MB. IDE. 3.5x 1'. 10 5MS. 1024 resolution Interlaced. up to 1024 x 768 Non-Interlaced Full driver support. 256K Cache $999 System II VMEG PC Logic 1 MEG VGA Card ST9144A 128MB, IDE 2 501. 16MS. 64K Cache 5359 $99 II is designed into the STC08 case. The is our most VCOLOR 16.7 Milton Color VGA Card System ST9235A 209MB. IDE. 2 Set 16MS. 64K Cache $579 popular system measuring weh 1MB Memory $109

18-112' high x 7-12' SCSI Hard Drives VCOLORXL PC Logic 1 MEG VGA Card $139 15.12' wide and Part# Description Each 167 million colors. Hardware driven. deep end comes with -Mitt ST1400N 331MB, SCSI, 3.5H H, 14MS $888 3 external 5.114' drive IIT Xgraphic Features: ST1480N 426MB, SCSI, 3.5HH. 14MS $949 ,'"' yr rñrd bays and 2 - Print Speed Dran (10cpi) ST4766N 676MB, SCSI. 5.25FH, 15 5M $1,189 external and 2 ST41650N XGRAPHIC IIT Xgraphic Accelerator $229 248 Characters per second 1.65G8, SCSI. 5.25F1-1, 15MS 01,849 internal 3.12' For PCs working wry Windows or CAD applications. - 1 M8 high High Quality (10cpi) ST3550N 452MB. SCSI, 3.5x1'. 12MS. 256K Cache $969 drive bays. The a speed VRAM Speed, up to 20 times that of Super VGA - 173 Characters per second Laser Quality- Bubble Jet Price! ST3600N 525MB. SCSI. 3 5x1'. the perfect system 65,536 Colors - Resolutions up to 1280 x 960 Super High Quality (10cpi) 10.5MS. 256K Cache $1029 for power users 124 Characters per second ST11209 1 05GB, SCSI, 3 5HH. - who want to save space IIT Math Co -Processors - Print Resolution: 360 dpi, 64 nozzle print head 10 5MS, 256K Cache SI .679 2C87-12 For 286 up to 12.5 MHz 552 - Standard Emulations Canon Native. Epson L0, IBM X24E 3S033.06 386SX 33MHZ System $359 MFM Hard Drive 2C87.20 For 286 up to 20 MHz 60 - Buller/RAM 49KB - Parallel Interface 386DX 33MHz System 429 3C872550 For 386SX up to 25 MHz 62 - Plain Paper 8 Card Stock (17 281b). Transparences (Canon 30033-08 Party Description Each 30X40.08 386DX 40MHz System 439 3C87.3350 For 386SX up to 33 MHz 68 recommended), Envelopes ST251-1 42MB MFM. 5 25H H 29MS 0239 40X33-08 486DX 33MHz System 769 3C87-25 For 386 up to 25 MHz 81 - Paper Sizes: Letter Legal, A4, 410 Envelopes 40%50.08 486DX 50MHz System 959 Monitors 3C87-33 For 386 up to 33 MHz 69 Paper Handling. Standard 100 -Sheet Feeder, 10 Envelopes in 40%66-08 486DX 66MHz System 1089 3C87-40 For 366 up to 40 MHz 78 Sheet Feeder and Manual Feed -Size: Width. 137 Inches Height. 6.8 Inches System III Colorado Memory Depth. 7.6 Inches Weight' 6 6 lbs. System Ill a designed into the STC-05 case This mini -vertical Tape Back -Up Systems Ink Cartridge Lee. Rated at 450 Pages system measures 13-12' high x 7.12' wide e 16' deep and - 2 Year Limited Warranty comes weh 2 external 5.1/4' Bi -200 Bubble Jet Ponter $349 drive bays and 2 BC -02 Ink Cartage Jet $24.99 external and 11111«. -- . 1 internal MON -05 Monochrome TTL Amber $89 3-112' drive bays (720 x 348)12' Cur most !r MON -06 Paper White TTL 14' $112 Panasonic mexpenswe TRAKKER-120 120MB External Parallel $389 MON -09 14' Monochrome VGA Monitor $139 system Port Back -Up System (800 x 350, 400, 4801 is perfect for TRAKKER-250 260MB External Parallel $469 MON -07 VGA 41 Dot Pech 640 x 480, 14' $239 family uses and Port Back -Up System MON -08 14' Super VGA Monitor, also networking stations 01.10 120 MEG Internal Back-up System $169 1024 x 768 Non -Interlaced $359 $329 01-20 250 MEG Internal Back-Up System $259 3SX33-O5 386S% 33MHz System MON -11 17' 1280x1024 Non -Interlaced, $289 30X33.05 386DX 33MHz System 399 Super VGA Monitor $879 IOMEGA250 250MB 11N Tape Back -Up System 409 (OMEGA 250 M8 Internal Back -Up, Fits in 3.5 inch mounting 30X40-05 38600 40MHz System MON -12 20' 1280,1024 Non -Interlaced 40X33-05 486DX 33MHz System 739 Super VGA Mentor $1379 Slot Connect to Floppy Disk Controller. 40X50.05 486D% 50MHz System 929 PT -25 2GB PowerTape Back-Up Internal with $1129 1059 SCSI Controller 40%6605 4660X 66MHz System Parta Description Each V~ 2 Gigabyte Tape Back -Up Internal, 16 Bit SCSI Interface. Get up IV KXP-2180 9 Pin. 80 Column, 240 CPS DFTI32CPS NLD $179 System to 4GB per tape weh data compression System N is designed into the STC45 case This slimline KXP-1654 24 Pin. 132 Column, 375CPS DFTII25CPS LQ $599 Disk FC -I SA Add on Controller Board for DJ -10 system meausres 4-1/2' high x 17' wide a 16' deep KXP-2123 24-pin, BO Column. 240cps DFTIBOcps LO $239 desktop or DJ -20 $99 external 5-1l4' drive bays and 2 external Drives KXP-2124 24pin. BO Column. 320cps DFT/106eps LO $349 and comes with 2 TC -15 Add on Controller Board for DJ -10 31/2' tree bays KXP-2624 24pin, 132 Column, 300cpsDFTl100cps La $419 Parte Description Each or DJ -20 $235 It's low profile KXP-44501 Panasonic llppm Laser Printer $1149 DOD -05 5 114 inch DSDD 360K beige faceplate $49 with High Speed Data Compression Panasonic Printer makess a the perfect Floppy reads K0P-4410 5ppm Laser $659 DDH5-3 Dual Disk Drive both $149 KE-10 External Ky for W-10 or 01.20 $135 KXP-4430 Panasonic 5ppm Laser Printer - 1 MEG RAM $959 desktop computer 3.112' and 5114' Floppy Diskettes. Occupies only One 5114' exposed bay Disk Controller Boards DDH-06 5 114 inch DSHD 1 2M8 beige faceplate S56 Parta Description Each sre» KIM 009.09 3 12 inch 720K beige wlbracket 559 IFC-14 2 Floppy Controller Board PC/XT $13 DDH-10 3 112 inch 1 44MB beige wlbracket $53 D09.11 Same as DDH 10 without 5.114' $48 FC45 Oak #0 Board Serial, Parallel. Clock, Game PC/XT $25 1.11Mine $55 Mounting bracket Fits in 3-112' bay IFC-24 Fixed Disk MFM( 2 Floppy Controller AT IFC.27.2 AT 2110E 2/Floppy Controller $19 30X33 -t 5 386SX 33MHz System $349 3-1/2" Drive Mounting Kits IFC.28 Fixed Disk Controller Board PC/XT $47 30%33.15 386DX 33MHz System 419 Pane Description Each ST.01 8 -Be SCSI Controller Board $29 30X4045 386DX 40MHz System 429 5.25KITFD Mounts 3112' Floppy drive in 5-114' bay $9 95 ST -02 6 -Bo SCSI/Floppy Controller Board $47 40033-15 48600 33MHz System 759 5 25KITH0 Mounts 3-112' Hard drive in 5114' bay $9.95 IN 2000 16 -Be SCSI Hard/Floppy Controller Board $189 40X50-15 486D% 50MHz System 949 RAIL01 AT Drive Rail Ke $1 99 ISAPPORT 16 -Bit ISA bus SCSI Host Adapter Card $139 40X66.15 486DX 66MHz System 1079 FP-BLK 1/2 Height Black Faceplate $2 49 for 386. 486 systems

CIRCLE NO.54 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD

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www.americanradiohistory.com Listing 2. QBASIC Program For Driving Sound Chip Through LPT1 Port

DECLARE FUNCTION Bit.String$ (Number AS INTEGER) FUNCTION Bit.String$ (Number AS INTEGER) DECLARE SUB Update.Trig O Number = Number AND 255 DECLARE SUB Update.Effect 0 temp$ = " DECLARE SUB Update.Dur 0 Mask = 128 DECLARE SUB Update.Freq 0 DO

DEFINT A -Z: CLS : DEF SEG = 64 IF Number AND Mask THEN temp$ = temp$ + "1" ELSE port = PEEK(9) * 256 + PEEK(8) ' Automatically locates LPT I temp$ = temp$ + "0" Row = 5: Col = 25 Mask = Mask \ 2

Frequency = 0: Duration = 0: Effect = 0: Trigger = 1 LOOP WHILE Mask >= 1

PRINT : PRINT TAB(Col); " SOUND CHIP Bit.String$ = temp$ DEMO END FUNCTION LOCATE Row, Col: PRINT "Effect Frequency Duration"; LOCATE Row + 8, Col: PRINT "INSTRUCTIONS: " SUB Update.Dur PRINT TAB(Col); "Connect the sound chip as described " SHARED Duration, Row, Col, port PRINT TAB(Col); "in the article. Press the spacebar " Dur$ = Bit.String$(Duration) PRINT TAB(Col); "to trigger a beep tone. Press the " LOCATE Row + 1, Col + 25 PRINT TAB(CoI); "first letter of the values you want" PRINT RIGHT$(Dur$, 1) PRINT TAB(Col); "to change (e.g., F for frequency). " temp = INP(port) PRINT TAB(Col); "Press Q to quit." W Duration THEN temp = temp OR 1 ELSE temp = temp AND Update.Freq 254 Update.Dur OUT port, temp Update.Effect END SUB Update.Trig SUB Update.Effect Again: SHARED Effect, Row, Col, port DO Effect$ = Bit.String$(Effect) Press$ = INKEY$ LOCATE Row + 1, Col + 2 PRINT RIGHT$(Effect$, 2) LOOP WHILE Press$ = "" temp = INP(port) AND 207 SELECT CASE Press$ temp = temp OR (16 * Effect) CASE "f', "F" OUT port, temp END SUB Frequency = Frequency + 1 W Frequency > 7 THEN Frequency = 0 Update.Freq SUB Update.Freq GOTO Again CASE "d", "D" SHARED Frequency, Row, Col, port Duration = Duration + 1 Freq$ = Bit.String$(Frequency) Row + 1, Col + 12 IF Duration > 1 THEN Duration = 0 LOCATE Update.Dur PRINT RIGHT$(Freq$, 3) GOTO Again temp = INP(port) AND 241 CASE "e", "E" temp = temp OR (Frequency * 2) Effect = Effect + 1 OUT port, temp IF Effect > 3 THEN Effect = 0 END SUB Update.Effect GOTO Again CASE "T", "t" SUB Update.Trig port Trigger = Trigger - 1 SHARED Trigger, Row, Col, + 3, Col IF Trigger < 0 THEN Trigger = 1 LOCATE Row Update.Trig IF Trigger = 0 THEN GOTO Again PRINT "Trigger: Continuous temp = INP(port): temp = temp AND 63 CASE " " OUT port, temp IF Trigger = 0 THEN ELSE GOTO Again PRINT "Trigger: Single (press spacebar)" ELSE temp = INP(port): temp = temp OR 64 temp = INP(port): temp = temp AND 63: OUT port, temp OUT port, temp temp = temp OR 64: OUT port, temp END IF GOTO Again END SUB(SSN 265-11-1116) END IF 964 Cactus Wren Lane CASE "Q", "q" Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 END (602) 459-3038 (H) 533-8066 (W) CASE ELSE CompuServe 72037,2612 GOTO Again END SELECT

40 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com er element by removing the three screws sound -chip circuit. It won't hurt if you bar to hear the result. For continuous on the back, leaving you with a flat, 2" - reverse this order, but your circuit may sounds, press "T" (triggering). Pressing diameter speaker. If the small metal begin "squawking," based on whatever "T" again takes you back to the space- grille comes off the speaker as you're random bits are on LPT1. Also, don't bar -triggered mode. removing the horn, simply cement it worry if your circuit starts beeping In addition to allowing you to test the back into place. before you apply power. It's receiving circuit, the software shows you the data I don't recommend using one of those power from high bits in LPT1 through required to produce a given effect. This piezoelectric transducers that are about its signal inputs. The manufacturer should prove useful when writing pro- the size of a watch battery. These have builds static -protection diodes into the grams to use the sound chip. In serious a very sharp resonant response, making inputs of these chips to divert static- applications, you might use a short tone them efficient within only a small range electricity charges to the power supply (effect 00) to acknowledge properly - of frequencies, outside of which, they connections, where they're less likely to entered data and a series of taps (effect sound downright puny. The sound chip, do damage. When power is disconnect- 11) to signal when an error has occurred. on the other hand, produces a relatively ed, these diodes can divert signals to the For fun, continuous chirps, bloops and wide range of frequencies. power -supply rails, where they may taps (effects 01, 10 and 11) of different Assemble the circuit but don't con- supply sufficient current to power the duration make great space -war effects. nect it to your PC or controller until circuit. Don't rely on this effect, how- An unbroken stream of chirps sounds you've first checked it out and are cer- ever, because an input of all Os is valid like alien spacecraft. A string of taps tain that your construction is absolutely and would turn off the free power. sounds like machine-gun fire. Once you on the money. To test the circuit, first The program is basically self- feel you've exhausted all of the possi- supply power to it. Then move the trig- explanatory. Just press the first letter of bilities of the 64 preprogrammed com- ger connection between ground and +5 the parameter you want to adjust (such binations of sounds, maybe you're volts. The speaker should sound when as "F" for frequency) and tap the space- ready to program some of your own. the connection is grounded and fall silent when it's connected to +5 volts. (Actually, it will probably be silenced Use Your Free Reader Service Card simply by disconnecting it from ground For More Information On Companies because the inputs of the audio chip tend Advertising In This Issue. to float high. They "see" a 1 when they're disconnected.) If your circuit misbehaves as you're testing it, power down and check your wiring. Make sure that R l , Cl and C2 are connected properly, and check the DC/CAD connections to the speaker. I introducing ... Once the chip is making some kind of noise, power down and connect its inter- THE TERMINATOR face to LPT 1 on your PC. (You must use Super High Density Router LPT1 for the connection point because (Complete with Schematic & PCB Editor) the demonstration program automati- Features the following powerful cally configures itself for this port to algorithm & capability: COMPONENTS save you from searching your comput- No copy protection call, Whether you order 1 part or Rip -up Retry °erd C'c er's documentation for port addresses.) q0 Pre -routing of SMT %°r°m0 $2ys all 42,398...MOUSER stocks Checkout & Use components N°wgOrye Spp atiab ie' and...ships same day!! Once you connect the circuit to your User defined strategies PC's parallel port (LPT1), enter and run Real -Time clean up and via minimization CALL... the QBASIC program given in Listing Window 3.0 capability as DOS Task 2. Although this program may appear to 1 -mil Autoplacer and Autopanning (800) 992-9943 be somewhat long, it's the user inter- Two-way Gerber and DXF face-that makes it so. It isn't driving Automatic Ground Plane w/Cross- for your the sound chip. The program also illus- Hatching Complete w/Schematic & Dolly Libraries FREE trates one of BASIC's weaknesses- Optional simulation capability & dealing with individual bits. enhanced mode for 386 users CATALOG All lines in Listing 2 that contain logic *PCB LAYOUT SERVICE AT operators-AND, OR and NOT-are LOW COST* 2401 Hwy 287 N. LEASE PROGRAM & SITE LICENSE AVAILABLE there for the sole purpose of turning on Mansfield, TX 76063 and off particular bits. If you connect the !767á cl sound chip to a controller and program ;7c7c1::\t'f .:P in assembly language, you will have a WIDESIGN much easier time writing software to get «COMPUTATION MOUSER' things running. 1771 State Highway 34, Farmingdale, NJ 07727 (908) 681.7700 (908) 681.8733 (FAX) ELECTRONICS Run the program and then turn on the Sales & Stocking Locations Nationwide "DC/CAD ... The focal point of future CAD market"

CIRCLE NO.62 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD CIRCLE NO.72 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 41

www.americanradiohistory.com Applications By Jan Axelson Designing Microcontroller Circuits

Part 2: Project construction, testing and adding NV memory

Iast month, I introduced a develop- Jment system using the 8052 -

BASIC microcontroller. This month. 1 continue with building and testing the circuit, adding permanent program storage and performing a few simple I/O tests and experiments. I'll also include reviews of some new books for those of you who want to bone up on microcontrollers and single -board computers. Circuit Construction This project is intended to be a flexible system for testing and experimenting with new ideas, rather than to be used as a rigid, unchanging design for a single application. For this reason, I recommend building it using the Wire Wrap or another construction technique so that you that lets you alter your work, Fig. 1. The 8052 -BASIC circuits wired together using the Wire Wrap technique on to can easily change or add the basic cir- a Vector No. 3677 plugboard. cuits. (For more on construction methods, see my article in the April 1993 issue of ComputerCraft.) switch for the circuit, but you can add nections are drawn as direct point-to- These are some things to be aware of an spst toggle or slide switch in series point lines. For address and data lines, I as you build the circuit from last with the +5 -volt line if you wish. used buses for a neater, more -compact month's schematic diagram: Space decoupling capacitors C9 schematic. When you wire these con- Choose a circuit board with extra through C13 evenly along the board. nections, use the signal labels as a guide. room. I used a Vector No. 3677 plug To minimize noise in the oscillator For example, the label DO tells you to board, which measures 4.5" x 9.6" and circuits, place XTAL1, C2 and C3 close interconnect pin 39 of UI, pin 3 of U3, has interleaved etched buses for easy to pins 18 and 19 of U1. Connect them pin 11 of U6 and one side of R2. Other connections to power and ground. Fig. with short wires. Wire the ground ter- connections are also indicated by labels

1 shows the circuits built on this board. minals of C2 and C3 directly to pin 20 instead of point-to-point connections. The No. 3677-6 version of the board of UI. For example, the WRITE label shows leaves off the gold-plated edge connec- When you wire DI, C4 through C8, that pin 16 of UI and pin 27 of U6 are tor and is much less expensive than the LED1 and UI through U6, correct ori- to be connected together. No. 3677 plug board. Digi-Key is one entation is required. Notice that C7's Two gates on U2 aren't used. To pre- source. positive terminal connects to ground, vent these unused CMOS inputs from If your board has power and ground since its negative terminal connects to floating and possibly drawing excessive buses, solder IC power and ground con- the MAX232's -10 -volt output. As you currents, wire pins 9, 10, 12 and 13 to nections directly to the buses. Be sure wire the circuits, remember that every- ground or +5 volts. to wire U5's (a MAX232 RS -232 con- thing is a mirror image of the way it Don't plug the ICs into their sockets verter chip) ground connection correct- looks on the component side of the until you've completed wiring all of the ly, at pin 15 (not the expected pin 8). For board. If pin 1 is in the upper-left cor- circuits. connections to the power supply, solder ner on the component side of the board, Connections to RS -232 OUT and RS- thick, AWG 22 or lower-number, wires it's in the upper -right corner on the 232 IN depend on the type of serial con- to the buses. You can solder the other wiring side. Labels are helpful remin- nector you have on your personal com- ends of the wires to banana plugs or ders for keeping track of the layout. puter or its serial cable. Connectors screw terminals, or clip your power - Figure 1 shows a couple of different vary, but the most common configura - supply leads directly to the wires. techniques to represent connections. The schematic doesn't show an on/off For example, in the reset circuit, con- (Continued on page 47)

42 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com ComputerCraft Magazine's PC & Microcontroller Data Guide

In this seventh installment of our continuing series of pull-out data guides for PCs and microcontrollers, Our focus here is on the 80x86 family of microprocessors are the brains inside the millions of personal computers described as "IBM-compatible." From the original 8086, the family has grown to include chips that are faster, use less power or have other added features or/and improvements. This month's quick -reference guide introduces the 8086/8 and 80186/8.

Intel 8086/8 Summary The 8086 was Intel's first microprocessor with a 16 -bit internal and 8088 MIN 8088 external data bus, which gave it faster performance than existing DIFFERENCES MODE DIFFERENCES eight -bit microprocessors. The 8088 is nearly identical, but it has an eight -bit external data bus. You can fmd 8088s inside original IBM GNDC I 0 7Vcc A14 AD14C 2 39 AD15 A15 PCs and XTs and many compatibles. Some modern hand-held com- A13 AD13C 3 38 3A16/S3 puters also use 8086/8 chips. Al2 AD12C 4 37 JA17/S4

Al I AD] 1 C 5 36 JA18/S5 Features A10 ADIOC 6 35 3A19/S6 Up to 10 -MHz clock A9 AD9 C 7 34 J BHE/S7 HIGH (SSO) Eight and 16 -bit signed and unsigned arithmetic A8 AD8 C 8 33 JMN/MX Binary and decimal operations AD7C9 32 RD Multiply and divide instructions AD6 C 10 31 J RQ/GT0 (HOLD)

89 instructions AD5 C 11 30 J R0/GT1 (HLDA) 1M addressing ability AD4 C 12 29 J LOCK (WR) Minimum mode for small embedded systems AD3 C 13 28 J S2 (M/I0) S2 (10/M) Maximum mode for PCs and multiprocessor systems AD2C 14 27 3S (DT/R) ADICI5 26JS0 (DEN) Signal Pin(s) Type Function* ADO C 16 25 J 0S0 (ALE) NMI C 17 24 J0S1 (INTA) ADO-AD7 I/O Bus 9-16 Low Address/Data INTRO 18 23JTEST AD8-AD15 2-8,39 1/0 High Address/Data Bus CLKC 19 22 JREADY (8086 Only) GNDC 20 21 JRESET A8 -A15 2-8,39 Output High Address Bus (8088 Only) 8086 A16/S3 38 Output Address/Status 3 DIP A17/S4 37 Output Address/Status 4 A18/S5 36 Output Address/Status 5 A19/S6 35 Output Address/Status 6 QSO (ALE) 25 Output Queue Status 0 -BHE/S7 34 Output Bus High Enable/Status (Address Latch Enable) 7 (8086 Only) QS1 (INTA) 24 Output Queue Status 1 CLK 19 Input Clock (Interrupt GND 1,20 Input Ground Acknowledge) HIGH/ -SSO 34 Output High/Status Line (8088 RESET 21 Input System Reset Only) -RD 32 Output Read Memory or I/O INTR 18 Input Interrupt Request READY 22 Input Ready Acknowledge LOCK (-WR) 29 Output Bus Lock (Write -RQ/-GTO Memory or I/O) (HOLD) 31 I/O Bus Request/Grant 0 MN/ -MX 33 Input Minimum/Maximum (Hold) Mode Select -RQ/-GT1 NMI 17 Input Nonmaskable Interrupt (HLDA) 30 I/O Bus Request/Grant 1 Request (Hold Acknowledge)

COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993

www.americanradiohistory.com SO (-DEN) 26 Output Status 0 (Data Enable) Vcc 40 Input Power Supply (+5V) SI (DT/-R) 27 Output Status 1 (Data *Minimum -mode functions are in parentheses. Transmit/Receive) S2 (M/-IO) 28 Output Status 2 (Memory or Related chips 1/0 Select) (8086 Only) CMOS versions are available (80086/8). S2 (IO/ -M) 28 Output Status 2 (I/O or The NEC V20 and V30 are drop -in replacements for the 8088 and Memory Select) 8086, respectively, that faster performance. (8088 Only) Chips & Technologies' F8680 is an entire PC/XT motherboard on -TEST 23 Input Wait Instruction a chip. Continues if Low

Intel 80186/8

Summary o re The 80186 contains an 8086 microprocessor and several peripherals on a single chip. It's intended for use in con- m trollers, instrumentation and other embedded applications. z i is for its eight -bit The 80188 identical to the 80186 except .. ^ external data bus. J o U v) 2 N N N N J -EZZ u Z Z H IW U 2 N ICC E Z E Z Features n nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn ^ B On c0 1 O I!) Q M N .-- Bc u--0-OcOn0 o < o < < < < < DMA channels, watchdog timer, 24 port pins, 16 -MHz clock. < < < < < < COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 80188 hos A8 -A15 in place of AD8-AD15.

g 49 ® 41 ,11)©

g 80186/8

ae 61 PGA © © PINS FACING DOWN 64 © ©

68 01 O4 © OB 10 © 4 ® 9 B O 0 0 0 0

Pin Functions are the same as for PLCC.

COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993

www.americanradiohistory.com Signal Pin(s) Type Function

ADO-AD7 2,4,6,8,11,13,15,17 1/0 Low Address/Data Bus AD8-AD15 1,3,5,7,10,12,14,16 I/O High Address/Data Bus (80186 Only) A8 -A15 1,3,5,7,10,12,14,16 Output High Address Bus (80188 Only) A16/S3 68 Output Address Bit 16/Bus Cycle Status 3 A17/S4 67 Output Address Bit 17/Bus Cycle Status 4 A18/S5 66 Output Address Bit 18/Bus Cycle status 5 A19/S6 65 Output Address Bit 19/Bus Cycle status 6 ALE/QS0 61 Output Address Latch Enable/Queue Status 0 ARDY 55 Input Asynchronous Ready -BHE1S7 64 Output Bus High Enable/Bus Cycle Status 7 CLKOUT 56 Output Clock Output -DEN 39 Output Data Enable DRQO 18 Input DMA Request Channel 0 DRQ1 19 Input DMA Request Channel 1 DT/ -R 40 Output Data Transmit/Receive HOLD 50 Input Bus Hold HOLDA 51 Output Bus Hold Acknowledge INTO 45 Input Interrupt request 0 INT1/SELECT 44 Input Interrupt Request 1/Save Select INT2/-INTAO 42 1/0 Interrupt Request 2/Acknowledge 0 INT3/-INTA1/IRQ 41 1/0 Interrupt Request 3/Acknowledge 1/Slave Request -LCS 33 Output Lower Memory Chip Select -LOCK 48 Output Bus Lock -MCSO 38 Output Midrange Memory Chip Select 0 -MCS 1 37 Output Midrange Memory Chip Select 1 -MCS2 36 Output Midrange Memory Chip Select 2 -MCS3 35 Output Midrange Memory Chip Select 3 NMI 46 Input Nonmaskable Interrupt request -PCSO 25 Output Peripheral Chip Select 0 -PCS 1 27 Output Peripheral Chip Select 1 -PCS2 28 Output Peripheral Chip Select 2 -PCS3 29 Output Peripheral Chip Select 3 -PCS4 30 Output Peripheral Chip Select 4 -PCS5/Al 31 Output Peripheral Chip Select 5/Latched Al -PCS6/A2 32 Output Peripheral Chip Select 6/Latched A2 -RD/-QSMD 62 I/O Read Strobe/Queue Status Mode -RES 24 Input CPU Reset RESET 57 Output Reset Output -SO 52 Output Bus Cycle Status 0 -Sl 53 Output Bus Cycle Status 1 -S2 54 Output Bus Cycle Status 2 SRDY 49 Input Synchronous Ready -TEST 47 UO Wait Instruction Continues if Low TMR IN 0 20 Input Timer Input 0 TMR IN 1 21 Input Timer Input 1 TMR OUT 0 22 Output Timer Output 0 TMR OUT 1 23 Output Timer Output 1 -UCS 34 Output Upper Memory Chip Select -WR/QS 1 63 Output Write Strobe/Queue Status 1 Vcc 9,43 Input Power Supply (+5V) Vss 26,60 Input System Ground X1 59 Input Crystal 1 X2 58 Output Crystal 2

Cumulative Index Adapters Nine-Pin EGA/VGA to 15 -Pin VGA Apr Nine-Pin to 25 -Pin RS -232C Apr Nine-Pin to RS -232C Null Modem (25 -Pin D -Shell Connector) Apr RJ-11 Telephone Jack Apr 25 -Pin RS -232C Null Modem (25 -Pin D -Shell Connector) Apr 25 -Pin Null Printer (25 -Pin D -Shell Connector) Apr Microcontrollers Intel 8051/52 (eight -bit) May Intel 8X9X (16 -it) Jun

COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993

www.americanradiohistory.com Microchip PIC 16C5X (eight -bit) Jun Motorola 68HC05 (eight -bit) May

Motorola 68HC 1 I (eight -bit) May Motorola 68HC16 (16 -bit) Jun Zilog Z8 (eight -bit) May

Microprocessors Hams CDP1802 (eight-bit) Jul Intel 8X9X (eight -bit) Jun Intel 8085 (eight -bit) Jul Intel 8086/8 & 80186/8 Aug Rockwell CDP1802 (eight-bit) Jul Zilog 8085 (eight -bit) Jul

Floppy -Disk Interfaces Floppy -Disk Drive A Interface (34 -Pin Edge Connector) Mar Floppy -Disk Drive B Interface (34-Pin Edge Connector) Mar

Hard -Disk Interfaces ESDI Hard -Disk Drive Interface (34 -Pin Control -Cable Edge Connector) Mar ESDI Hard -Disk Drive Interface (20 -Pin Data -Cable Edge Connector) Mar IDE Hard -Disk Drive Interface (For PC/XT) (40 -Pin Dual In-Line Berg Connector) Mar ST -506/412 Hard -Disk Drive Interface (34 -Pin Control-Cable Edge Connector) Mar ST -5-6/412 Hard -Disk Drive Interface (20 -Pin Data -Cable Edge Connector) Mar

Local -Area Network Ethernet Twisted Pair (Hub to Hub) (Eight -In RJ-45 Phone Plug) Apr Thick Ethernet AUI Connector (15 -Pin D -Shell Connector) Apr

MIDI Interface MIDI Input (Five -Pin DIN Connector) Apr MIDI Output (Five -Pin DIN Connector) Apr MIDI Through (Five -Pin DIN Connector) Apr

Mouse Ports Nine -Pin D -Shell Connector Feb Six -Pin Miniature DIN Connector Feb

Power-Supply Connectors Backup Battery Connector (Four -Pin In -Line Berg Connector) Apr Disk -Drive Power Source (Polarized Four -Pin Connector, Both Large and Small) Apr Motherboard Power Source (Dual Six -Pin In -Line Connector) Apr

Printer Ports Centronics Printer Connector (36-Pin Amphenol Connector) Feb Parallel Printer Port (25 -Pin D -Shell Connector) Feb Serial Printer Port (25-Pin D -Shell Connector) Feb

SCSI Interfaces SCSI Single -Ended Interface (50 -Pin Connector, All Versions) Mar SCSI Differential Interface (50 -Pin Connector, All Versions) Mar

Serial Ports RS-232C Serial PC Modem Port (9 -Pin D -Shell Connector) Feb RS-232C Serial PC Modem Port (25 -Pin D -Shell Connector) Feb RS-232C Serial Port (25 -Pin D-Shell Connector) Feb RS-422 Serial Port (377 -Pin D -Shell Connector) Feb RS -423 Serial Port (25 -Pin D -Shell Connector) Feb

Video Interfaces EGA/CGA Color (9 -Pin D-Shell Connector) Feb VGA Color (I5 -Pin Miniature D -Shell Connector) Feb VGA Monochrome (9 -Pin D -Shell Connector) Feb

Corrections March 1993 Disk Drive Interfaces section transpose the two cable drawings on the first page with those on the second page.

COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993

www.americanradiohistory.com Microcontroller Circuits (from page 42)

BASIC -52 doesn't support these, but you can simulate them by connecting together pins 5, 6, 8 and 20 at the per-

014 I 4020 TXD< 0o1O >RS232 IN (U5, PIN 13) sonal -computer end of the link. (These 030 030 >RS232 OUT (U5, PIN 14) RXD< 0 pin numbers are for a 25 -pin connector.) o o o 0 o o o O o o Powering Up 070 >GND (U5, PIN 15) Signal Ground (SGND)< 070 0 0 To power up and test your circuit, you 0 o 0 need: a regulated +5 -volt power supply O 0 O o that's capable of delivering at least 0.5 0 o 0 o ampere; multimeter capable of reading 25 -PIN CONNECTOR o o 25 -HOLE CONNECTOR volts, ohms and amperes (just about any HOST COMPUTER 01302255 TARGET COMPUTER basic meter will do for this); and a logic ( PC) (8052 -BASIC) probe for convenient for monitoring logic levels (or use an oscilloscope if one is available). You also need a computer with terminal -emulation software and a serial port. For terminal emula- 6/ lo tion, you can use the same software you 02 020 >RS232 OUT (U5, PIN 14) RXD< o use for modem communication with a 030 >RS232 IN (U5, PIN 131 TXD< 030 BBS. I usually use Datastorm Tech- o o nologies' Procomm Plus, but any good Signal Ground (SGND)< 05o9 950 >GND (U5, PIN 15) software vendor or shareware catalog will have several options. If you have

9 -PIN CONNECTOR 9 -HOLE CONNECTOR Windows, you can use its Terminal HOST COMPUTER TARGET COMPUTER accessory. An IBM/compatible 80x86

( PC) (8052 -BASIC) computer isn't required. Any computer or even a computer terminal that has a serial port and communications soft- Fig. 2. Wiring diagram for serial connections to the 8052- BASIC system. ware will do. The first time you power up an untest- ed circuit, it pays to be cautious. I rec- tion on personal computers is a DTE A solder-cup -type connector permits ommend that you exercise the follow- type that has a male nine -or 25 -pin D - easy soldering of the wires. ing steps: subminiature connector. For the 8052 - Figure 2 shows the wiring details for Visually inspect the circuit. You don't BASIC system, you'll need a mating nine- and 25 -pin connectors. Keep in have to spend a lot of time on this, but female nine -or 25 -pin D -connector. The mind that some computers may require an obvious missing or mis -wired wire connection uses just three conductors. additional handshaking signals. or component or another problem will sometimes jump out at you. Install UI through U6 in their respec- r ernisnzei (Uliiité'ái File Edit Settings one Transfers Help tive sockets on the board, making sure that pin 1 on each is oriented correctly. +FMCS-51(tm) BASIC 01-1x Set JI to BASIC -52 (+5 volts), and set READY J2 and J3 to match the size of your RAM >print urtop 8191 at U6. With an ohmmeter, measure the resis- >print xtal tance from +5 volts to ground, to make 11059200 certain that you haven't shorted togeth- >10 print "hello, world" er the two by mistake. My board mea- >20 end sured 4,700 ohms with an HMOS 8052 >list 13,000 a 10 PRINT -hello, world" at U/, and ohms with CMOS 20 END 80052. The exact value isn't critical, but if you get a reading that' s close to O ohm, READY you've connected +5 volts to ground, in >run which case, you must find and correct hello, world the problem before you continue. If you suspect a problem, check the READY >1 wiring of the power and ground connections, comparing the connections to Fig. 3. You can use the Windows terminal accessory to communicate with the 8052 - those on the schematic. Be sure all com- BASIC system. ponents are oriented correctly. When all

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 47

www.americanradiohistory.com checks out, you're ready to boot up to then low when you press and release SI. Listing 1. BASIC -52 Instructions BASIC -52. Check the power and ground pins of to Set, Clear and Read For the initial check, begin with all ICs for proper voltages. everything powered down. I'll use the Connect a logic probe to pin 10 of UI. Individual Bits in Byte X terms host computer or host system to When you press the space bar, you refer to the personal computer, and tar- should see the logic level toggle as UI Operation Bit # BASIC -52 Statement get computer or target system, to refer receives the ASCII code for "space" to the 8052 -BASIC board. (20h). If you don't obtain this response, Set 0 X=X.OR.01 h 1 X=X.OR.02h Interconnect the serial ports of the host you probably have a problem in the 2 X=X.OR.04h and target systems with a properly con- setup of your communications software 3 X=X.OR.08h figured cable. Connect, but don't turn on, or in the serial cabling. 4 X=X.OR.10h the target system's power supply. Verify that pin 30 of UI is toggling 5 X=X.OR.20h 6 X=X.OR.40h Turn on your host computer and run (at 1/6 the crystal frequency if you have 7 X=X.OR.80h your communication software. Con- an oscilloscope). This indicates that the figure it for eight data bits, no parity and oscillator circuit is functioning. Clear 0 X=X.AND.OFEh one stop bit. Select the appropriate ser- Verify that pins 21 through 28 and 32 1 X=X.AND.OFDh 2 X=X.AND.OFBh ial, or COM, port, if necessary. The baud through 39 of U/ toggle as BASIC -52 3 X=X.AND.OF7h rate you select isn't critical, since performs its memory check immediate- 4 X=X.AND.OEFh BASIC -52 automatically adjusts to ly after powering up or rebooting. 5 X=X.AND.ODFh what you're using. To start, use a rate of If all else fails, recheck your wiring 6 X=X.AND.OBFh 9,600 or less. Select no handshaking or for missing or/and mis -routed wires. 7 X=X.AND.07Fh

flow -control options. Sometimes there's no alternative but to Read 0 PRINT X.AND.01 h

In Procomm Plus, use the line/port go through the schematic connection by 1 PRINT (X.AND.02h)/2 setup menu (ALT+P) to configure. In the connection, checking each with an ohm- 2 PRINT (X.AND.04h)/4 Windows terminal, use the Settings meter or audible continuity checker. 3 PRINT (X.AND.08h)/8 4 PRINT menu. When I built my prototype of this cir- (X.AND.1 oh)/1 Oh You're now ready to power up the tar- cuit, I transposed the inputs and outputs 5 PRINT get system. Turn on the power supply of U3, and it took a while to discover (X.AND.20h)/20h and then press the space bar at the host's where the problem was. 6 PRINT keyboard. You should see the following (X.AND.40h)/40h 7 PRINT BASIC -52 sign -on message and prompt (X.AND.80h)/80h on your video monitor: Basic Tests When your system boots up, you're *MCS-51(tm) BASIC V1.1* ready for some basic tests. You'll want READY to have your BASIC -52 programming functions don't use the XTAL operator. > manual handy as a reference as you do Exceptions are the real-time clock, pro- this. gramming commands, PWM output and Figure 3 shows the sign -on message In some ways, BASIC -52 is similar to LPT serial output at pin 8. For these, as it appears on the Windows terminal BASIC compilers like QuickBASIC. XTAL should match your crystal' s fre- screen. If you don't see the prompt, it's Many of the keywords and syntax rules quency. To set XTAL for a 12 -MHz time to troubleshoot. Getting the system are similar. But BASIC -52 is closer to crystal, type XTAL=12000000. to boot up the first time can be the most - older interpreted BASICs like GW- After typing a few commands, you challenging part of a project, especially BASIC and BASICA. You can key in a may discover some of BASIC -52's line - when serial communication is involved. statement or command and execute it editing abilities. While typing a line, Here are some things that can help you immediately when you hit ENTER, or you can correct errors by deleting back isolate the cause of such a problem: you can type a series of statements and to the error and retyping. In Procomm Try again by pressing and releasing run them later as a program. If a state- Plus, if you select VT 100 terminal emu- SI and the space bar. If you're using a ment begins with a line number, lation (Setup menu, Terminal Options), 32K RAM for U6, BASIC -52 requires BASIC -52 treats it as a program line, you can use either the delete or back- about a second to perform its memory rather than as a statement to execute space key to delete. With the Windows check after a reset occurs to respond to immediately. terminal, you must use the delete key the space bar. With an 8K RAM, the Type PRINT MTOP to find out how (not backspace). Many communication delay is a few tenths of a second. much external data memory BASIC -52 programs allow you re -map the key- Double-check the easy things. Are the detected on boot -up. With an 8K RAM, board so that you can select whatever communications parameters correct? MTOP is 8191, and with 32K, it's delete key you wish. Did you select the correct serial port? 32,767. If you prefer hex notation, type Once you press ENTER, you can't edit Are all ICs plugged into their appropri- PHO. MTOP. a line you've typed unless you retype it ate sockets, properly oriented and seat- Special operator XTAL represents the from the beginning. ed, with no pins overhanging the sock- value of the timing crystal that clocks BASIC -52 treats upper- and lower- ets or folded under between ICs and Ul. The default value is 11059200, or case characters the same. As a rule, sockets? 11.0592 MHz. You can verify this by spaces are ignored. Therefore, you can Verify that pin 9 of Ul goes high and typing PRINT XTAL. Most BASIC -52 include spaces or not as you wish.

48 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com BASIC -52 has no instructions for set- DATA BUS (D0- D7) ting or clearing individual bits, as 8052 assembly language does. Instead, you U7 can use the logical operators AND and LOW ADDRESS BUS DS1225 8K NVRAM OR, (A0 -A7) along with a mask byte, to change OR one bit in a byte without affecting the 2864 8K EEPROM others. HIGH ADDRESS BUS To clear a bit, AND the byte with a \ A0 0 I1 D0/ A0 1/01 (A8 -A15) Al I2 DI mask byte consisting of all 1 s except for \ AI 1/02 / A2 8 13 D2_/ to be \ A2 1/03 the bit or bits cleared. For exam- A3 15 D3 \ A3 1/04 / ple, to clear Bit 0, the mask byte is 1111 \ A4 6 16 D4 A4 1/05 / 1110, or FE in hexadecimal. The result \ A5 17 05 % A5 1/06 A6 18 D6 % is that Bits 1 through 7 are unchanged \ A6 1/07 A7 19 D7 and bit 0 is 0, no matter what it was orig- \ A7 1/08 / inally. A8 25 A8 To set a bit, OR the byte with a mask A9 24 A9 byte consisting of all Os except for the A10 21 A10 AlI 23 bit or bits to be set. To set Bit 0, the mask A11 Al2 2 byte is 0000 0001, or 01h, which again Al2 leaves Bits 1 through 7 unchanged but forces Bit 0 to be 1. 6 NC Listing 1 shows statements that set NC and clear each of the bits in a byte. Don't clear Bit 3 of Port 1 (P1.3), since U4, PIN II BASIC -52 uses this bit in accessing I 8000H CSI external memory. If you clear it acci- U1, PIN 16 dentally, press Si to reset the system. WRITE must a leading 0 to hex num- U2C 27 You add 74HCT08 WE 2 bers that begin with A through F. IPGM PULSE RDANY OE You can read Port 1 as well as write U1, PIN 5 U2, PIN 3 NV MEMORY to it. To display the value of the entire port, type PRINT PORT for decimal or PHO. PORT1 for hexadecimal. If a port pin is open, or unconnected, its internal pull-up resistor will cause it POWER AND GROUND PINS to be read as 1. If you jumper a port pin IC +5V GND to ground or bring it low by connecting

U7 28 14 it to a logic low output, it should read O. The logical operators and mask bytes also enable you to read individual bits. Fig. 4. Wiring diagram for adding 8K of NVRAM or EEPROM for permanent pro- To read bit 0 only, type gram storage. PRINT PORTI.AND.01H

Here's a very simple program to try: line number and press ENTER. Listing 1 shows statements that will Now let' s try some basic I/O. Connect display the values of the other bits in a byte. 10 PRINT "Hello, world" a logic probe to monitor pin 1 of UI , or 20 END connecting the "hit" of lead a voltmeter to pin 1 and the common lead to ground. Adding Nonvolatile Enter each of the lines, including the line Pin 1 is Bit O of Port 1, or P1.0 for short. numbers. BASIC -52 stores the program The following statement brings P1.0 Memory in RAM. To run the program, type RUN low: One of the handiest features of BASIC - and hit ENTER. You should see this: 52 is its programming commands for PORTI =PORT1.AND.OFEH storing programs in EPROM, EEPROM or battery -backed RAM. These com- Hello, world The following statement brings P1.0 mands are designed to meet the pro- high: To view the program, type LIST and gramming requirements for EPROMs, hit ENTER. To erase the current pro- PORTI =PORT1.OR.01 H with a choice of Intel's 50 -millisecond gram, type NEW and hit ENTER. You or Quick -Pulse programming algo- can change individual program lines by Your logic probe or voltmeter readings rithms. But you can use the same com- typing the line number, followed by a should verify these. mands to store programs in battery - new statement. To erase a line, type the As the above statements suggest, backed RAM (NVRAM) or EEPROM.

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 49

www.americanradiohistory.com Like EPROMs, these devices provide ing to U7, AND gate U2C gives you a of indicating that they're busy perform- nonvolatile storage. That is, their con- choice of two signals. Write is the con- ing a write operation and so are unable tents don't disappear when power is ventional signal used to write to data to be accessed. In one type, when the removed. Additionally, they have two memory. In addition, BASIC -52 uses a EPROM is busy, the data outputs hold advantages over EPROMs: they don't special Pgm Pulse signal when it stores the last -written data, but with one or need special programming voltages, BASIC -52 programs in NV memory more bits inverted. Because BASIC - and they don't need ultraviolet light for beginning at 8000h. Either of these sig- 52's programming commands verify erasure. This makes them much more nals will bring low WE on U7. each byte after programming it, the convenient to use. Dallas Semiconductor offers NV - inverted data automatically keeps For these reasons, your circuit offers RAM chips that you can use at U7. BASIC -52 from programming another a choice of NVRAM or EEPROM for These work exactly like static RAM, byte until the EEPROM is ready to nonvolatile storage, with EPROM left except that they contain a lithium cell receive it. as an option for later, if the need for it and backup circuits that retain the Other EEPROMs have a busy output, should arise. Whether you choose EEP - RAM's contents when the main power usually at pin 1, that goes low when the ROM or NVRAM , be sure to ask for a supply is removed. The backup is guar- EEPROM is busy. For this type, you can data sheet for the device you buy. anteed for at least 10 years. Alter- tie the busy output to pin 12 of U1, which Figure 4 shows the added circuits for natively, you can use one of Dallas's BASIC -52 checks after programming the NVRAM /EEPROM. Pinout and SmartSockets, which contain only the each byte. wiring are similar to that used for the lithium cell and backup circuits and Wire U7 in your circuit, using Fig. 4 RAM at U6. The data and 13 address require you to plug in your own static as a guide. Use an IC socket. If you pre- lines are wired exactly the same as for RAM. viously tied pins 9 and 10 of U2 to U6. The chip -select input at pin 20 con- For U7, you can use the DS 1225 ground or +5 volts, be sure to remove nects to pin 11 of U4, which is low only NVRAM or a DS 1213B or DS 1213C these connections before you wire the when addresses from 8000h to 9HFl-h SmartSocket with a 6264 static RAM. ones shown in Fig. 4. are selected. The -AB version of the NVRAM oper- When you've added the circuit, Connecting output -enable of U7 to ates at power supply potentials that are you're ready to power up and try the pro- RDANY allows it to be accessed as data greater than 4.75 volts and write -programming commands. Begin by enter- or program memory. This enables U7 to tects when the supply delivers less than ing any simple BASIC -52 program or store assembly -language routines, as 4.5 volts. SmartSockets employ the use the example given earlier. well as BASIC -52 programs. For writ - same write -protect voltages. -AD and - If you used a 32K RAM at U6, you Y NVRAMs operate when the supply is must perform an additional step before delivering greater than 4.5 volts and you can store a program in U7. On boot - Analog and Digital I/O from write -protect when it's less than 4.25 up, BASIC -52 tests contiguous memo- volts. Any of these should work in this ry and sets MTOP to the highest value it your PC/Clone Printer Port circuit. Access times of 250 ns or less finds below E000h. But BASIC -52's Can be cabled together for additional I/O. are fine. programming commands won't work Easily programmed in Don't be confused by the fact that unless MTOP is below 8000h. To enable BASIC or C. Disk with Dallas describes its devices by the num- program storage, type MTOP=7FFFh. examples induded. ber of bits they store, rather than the This ensures that BASIC -52 won't try above) M2801 (shown number of bytes. For example, the com- to store RAM programs, variables or 24 bits TTL digital I/O +$5 s/h (4) 0-5V analog inputs $95W / pany calls the 8K -byte DS 1225 a 64K strings in the area you've reserved for (1) 0-5V analog output $129.95+$5 s/h device. permanent program storage (although it 2 sq. in proto area w/ case & cable You can order NVRAMs directly doesn't prevent you from writing to the Requires 5V at 50mA from Dallas Semiconductor (no mini- area with BASIC -52's XBY operator). Terminal strip for easy connection mum order required) or from JDR If U6 is 8K, MTOP is IFFFh, which is M2802 (not shown) $95 +$5 s/h Microdevices and other distributors. well below 8000h. Hence, you don't 8 5A SPDT relays Your other option is EEPROM. A have to worry about changing MTOP. Relay "on" LEDs $129.959 +$5 s/h typical EEPROM is guaranteed for To copy the current program from U6 Terminal strip for w/ case & cable easy connection 10,000 write cycles, compared to infi- to U7, type FPROG and hit ENTER. Requires 5V at 800mA (all relays on) nite write cycles for NVRAM. You'll see the number 1, indicating that EEPROMs are also slower than static this is the first BASIC -52 program to be 80052 -BASIC Microcontroller RAMs. Most EEPROMs require you to stored in the device. Following a short BASIC interpreter wait 2 to 10 ms after writing to them delay, the Ready prompt should return. 32K RAM 8K/16K EPROM RS232 terminal & printer before you can access them again. In PROG is an alternate command that interface. spite of the drawbacks, I've included uses a slower programming algorithm, Save BASIC programs to EPROM with on EEPROM as an option because an 8K and should work also. board programmer. 40 pin expansion EEPROM is costs less than a NV RAM If BASIC -52 is unable to program the to board with connector. Piggy back perf ($8 for EEPROM, compared to $19 for chip, you'll see an ERROR: PROGRAM- user circuits. Bare board $19.95 } $3 s/h Assembled and tested $99.95 +$5 s/h NVRAM from one vendor). Typical MING message displayed on -screen. If MD residents include sales tax part numbers for an 8K EEPROM are you get an error, double-check your Send check, MO, or company PO to: 2864 and 28C64. wiring. When the programming com- EEPROMs have two common ways mand executes, pins 20, 22 and 27 Prologic Designs P.O. Box 19026 Baltimore, MD 21204 410-661-5950

CIRCLE NO.86 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD 50 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com Compact & Versatile RROM2. To return to editing programs Listing 2. BASIC -52 Program for 8051/8052 in RAM, type RAM. Microcontroller Board Erasing U7 by Writing OFFh to Another useful command is XFER. In For Production Applications Locations 8000h-9FFFh ROM mode, type XFER to copy the current program from ROM into RAM, 10 FOR I=8000H TO 9FFFH where you can edit it, and then use 20 XBY(I)=OFFH FPROG to store the revised version in 30 IF XBY(I)

The New Video Library! CO's new videos bring the Memory mapped variables exciting world of amateur In -line assembly language Y The radio into your living room! option only Compile time switch to select 8051/8031 or 8052/8032 CPUs Getting Started in Amateur Satellites 8051/52 Compatible with any RAM BASIC or ROM memory mapping compiler Runs up to 50 times faster than that is the MCS BASIC -52 interpreter. Anew r-, go. through Ins equipment 11.1 CNxa,e. Includes Binary Technology's Argon a solane cammumotlon. 100 % SXA51 cross -assembler Getting Started in Amateur Satellites. & hex file manip. util. Shows you how veteran operators set up their BASIC 52 Extensive documentation satellite stations and how to find and track ham Compatible Tutorial included satellites with ease. How to access current satel- Runs on IBM-PC/XT or lites and contact far ranging countries around the and compatibile world. This video is filled with easy to understand Compatible with all 8051 variants advice and tips that can't be found anywhere else. has full BXC51 $ 295. floating 508.369.9556 point, Available at your local dealer or order FAX: 508-369-9549 integer, from CO directly (516) 681-2922 byte & bit Mail orders to: CQ Communications, Inc. variables. Binary Technology, Inc. 76 North Broadway, Hicksville, NY 11801 P.O. Box 541 Carlisle, MA 01741 For Faster Service Call (516) 681-2922 = äJ or Fax (516) 681-2926. Dealer inquiries welcome.

CIRCLE NO.59 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 51

www.americanradiohistory.com If possible, set up your software so For HC11 fans, there's the compre- Sources that it waits for the BASIC -52 ">" hensive Microcontroller Technology: prompt (ASCII 62) after each uploaded The 68HC11, by Peter Spasov (1993, Dallas Semiconductor line. This ensures that BASIC -52 will Regents/Prentice Hall, $61.33, 622 4350 South Beltwood Pkwy. have enough time to process each line pages). Designed as a text for engineers Dallas, TX 75244-3292 the next one arrives. or technicians, it Tel.: 214-450-0400 or 1-800-336-6933 before If there isn't covers everything from enough time, have CIRCLE NO. 123 ON FREE INFORMATION CARI) you'll missing char- basic explanations of how a computer acters or lines in uploaded programs. works to examples of how to use the Digi-Key Corp. To do this in Procomm Plus (V2.01), HC11's indexed addressing to copy a 701 Brooks Ave. S. from the Setup menu, select Terminal block of data or access a look -up table. P.O. Box 677 Options then Protocol Options, ASCII This book includes much of the same Thief River Falls, MN 56701-0677 Options and set the pace character to 62. material as Motorola's 68HCI1 Re- Tel.: 1-800-344-4539 Character and line spacing can be 0. ference Manual, but I often find it help- CIRCLE NO. 124 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Also, under Protocol Options, General ful to read two different sources, since Options, set Abort Transfer if CD Lost each has its own perspective. There are JDR Microdevices to NO, since the three -conductor serial many short code listings in assembly 2233 Samaritan Dr. San Jose, CA 95124 cable doesn't include the CD line. language and a chapter on C. You won't Tel.: 1-800-538-5000 or 408-559-1200: In the Windows terminal, select find a lot of schematics or hardware fax: 1-800-538-5005 Settings, then Text Transfers, One Line examples, however, and most of the CIRCLE NO. 125 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD at a Time, and enter ">" under Wait for ones there are don't include specific Prompt String. Other software should component designations. One interest- have similar abilities. If not, look for ing chapter describes three real -world If you do use FPROG2 or FPROG3, options that add delays after each line HC 11 applications: in car engines, cam- BASIC -52 will no longer automatical- or character and experiment with values eras and printers. ly detect your host's baud rate. You for these, or use a slower baud rate if A second HC 11 text that I haven't yet must use the baud rate that was in use necessary. seen is The Microcontroller: 68HC11, when you used the FPROG command. To download a BASIC -52 program by Joseph D. Greenfield (1992, Saunders Eventually, your NVRAM or EEP - from the target's RAM to the host's College Publishing, $34, 420 pages). ROM will fill with programs, or you disk, type LIST to list the current pro- Finally, computers are digital devices, may just want to erase what you've gram, but before you press ENTER, set but they often control and monitor ana- stored and start fresh. Listing 2 is a up your host's software to download, or log circuits. Troubleshooting Analog BASIC -52 program that erases U7 by receive, an ASCII file. When prompted, Circuits, by Robert A. Pease (1991, writing OFFh to all locations. To use the specify a filename. When the transfer is Butterworth -Heinemann, $32.95, 217 program, key in the listing and then type set up, press ENTER to send your pro- pages) has useful and practical tips for RUN, following with ENTER. The gram to the host. When you see the designing and fixing analog circuits, READY prompt will return when era- Ready prompt, end the transfer. You including circuits containing operational sure is complete. should now have a file on disk contain- amplifiers, voltage and current refer- If you want to add an additional 8K ing the program you just listed. ences, regulators and transistors. The of NV RAM, wire another circuit exact- To erase the current program from author is a senior scientist at National ly as shown in Fig. 4, but connect pin 20 RAM, type NEW. Now when you type Semiconductor; so there's no question of the new NVRAM or EEPROM to LIST, no program is listed. that he's qualified to write on this topic. A000h (pin 10 of U4) so that it will be To restore your program by upload- The style is very informal and often accessed from A000h to BFFFh. ing it from disk, set up your host's soft- humorous. There are even a few projects, ware to upload, or send, an ASCII file, including a sensitive short-circuit detec- and enter the name of your previously tor for pc boards and an active oscillo- Storing Programs on Disk downloaded file. As the file loads, scope probe with low input capacitance. With BASIC -52's programming com- you'll see each program line on -screen. If you can't find any of these books mands, you really don't need to store The file will contain a READY prompt on the shelves of your bookstores, the programs on disk. Even so, disk storage after the program listing. This causes stores should be able to order them. is convenient, since you can save as BASIC -52 to display an error message, many programs as you want without which you can ignore. Type LIST to worrying about running out of NV view the uploaded program, and type memory. Since the programs are stored RUN to run it. as ASCII text, you can write and edit That about does it for this time. Next them with any text editor and then sim- month, you'll expand and experiment ply upload them as needed to the target with more UO applications. system. Most communication software al- New Books lows you to upload and download files. Turning to a different topic, here are In Procomm Plus, you use the PgUp and some new books I've recently looked at PgDn keys. In the Windows terminal, use that you might want to consider adding the Transfers menu. to your library. Jan Axelson

52 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com Application By W.K. McKellips A Simple Intel BASIC -52 Extractor

Copies an internal 8052AH-BASIC interpreter into EPROM for use with inexpensive 8032/8052 MPUs

or casual users and novices, the easiest way to program a microcontroller project is with BASIC, and for simplest layout, a project can use an Intel 8052AH-BASIC MPU with an EPROM and little else. The only draw- back to this arrangement is that for every project, you must buy another $25 or so 8052AH-BASIC chip. The 8032 series of embedded microcontrollers are con- siderably less expensive than their 8052AH-BASIC cousins because it lacks an internal BASIC interpreter. Otherwise, the 8032 is identical to the 8052AH-BASIC, except that requires BASIC in external ROM to function. Getting the EPROM with BASIC already loaded into it is what this article is all about. Surprisingly, this isn't as difficult as you may think. In the January 1993 issue of Com- puterCraft, Jan Axelson discussed the Intel embedded-microcontrollers 32 " 3/4" machine screws and nuts and copying the BASIC interpreter from handbook, you can verify the internal 7/16" spacers to fasten together the two Intel's 8052AH-BASIC chip into program by supplying power and strips, as shown in the bottom drawing EPROM. After buying and copying the ground, putting a high or low on certain in Fig. 2 and the lead photo. first 8052AH-BASIC chip to EPROM, pins and then verifying what comes out Plug two 14 -contact Wire Wrap SIP you can put safely away the expensive on the eight -line Port 0 bus. strips into one of the pc -board strips as chip and use a less -expensive non - To make the adapter, you use a 40 -pin shown, spacing the SIP strips 0.6" apart BASIC 8032/8052 chip with the machined -contact solder -tail IC socket and parallel to each other, as shown in EPROM into which you programmed and two 14 -pin machined -contact Wire the upper drawing in Fig. 2. As you sol- BASIC for all future projects. Wrap SIP strips. The SIP strips take the der the pins of the SIP strips to the pads There isn't much difference between place of a 28 -pin Wire Wrap socket to on the pc board, make sure they're per- an EPROM and the ROM inside the provide room to bundle the connecting fectly square with the pc board so that 8052AH-BASIC microcontroller chip. wire between the two rows. they plug into a commercial EPROM The only significant difference is in the To make the adapter as compact as copier without difficulty. pinouts for the two devices. In this arti- possible, you'll mount these sockets on Plug the pins of the 40 -pin solder -tail cle, I'll show you how to build a small two halves of a Radio Shack or similar socket into the holes in the other pc - socket adapter to match the pinout of the experimenter printed-circuit board (see board strip, offsetting is as shown in the 8052 to a 2764/A EPROM and plug this Parts List). You must also mount the upper drawing in Fig. 2 to make room into a commercial EPROM copier. With small CI and C2 silver -mica capacitors for mounting the crystal and capacitors you read and this adapter, can then be and a 4- or 6 -MHz crystal (XTAL) for at the end opposite pin 1 of the socket. copy the EPROM as a standard 2764 the 8052's oscillator. The chip needs its Solder the socket pins to the copper pads device, without the need to take any oscillator to be active to be able to move on the bottom of the pc board and install intermediate steps or have on hand addi- the ROM data around internally. and solder into place the crystal and tional equipment. Use a sharp hacksaw to cut the pc capacitors. board in half lengthwise, as shown in Using small -gauge solid hookup wire Building the Project Fig. 2, and smooth the cut edges with a and referring back to Fig. 1, wire the Referring to Fig. 1, you read an EPROM file. Then mark the centers of the strips capacitors and crystal into the circuit at by feeding it an address on address bus and drill a small hole at each end of both the appropriate points. Then wire AO through Al2 and read what comes out strips, as shown. Later, when you're together the two sockets, soldering pre- on data bus DO through D7. According to ready for final assembly, you'll use 4- pared lengths of wire to the pins on the

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 53

www.americanradiohistory.com CC

AO 01 400 C Al 2 390 A2 03 380 A3 04 Do not connect 370 A4 to 8052 OS 360 AS 06 350 A6 _0 1 28 O 7 34 O \Al2 02 A7 27 0 8 33 0 RS \ A7 O 3 26 0 9 32 0- A6 A8 E,4 04 250 0 10 310- A5 A9 ALE 05 24 0 011 30 0 A4 All PSEN Q6 23 0 012 29 O A3 P27 \ 07 22 013 28 0 A2 Al() P26 08 210 014 27 O Al 09 20 0 015 26 O AO D7 P36 Al2 010 19 0 16 25 0- DO 011 D6 P37 All 180 \ 17 24 O D1 D5 A10 012 170 \ 18 23 O D2 013 160 D4 A9 O 19 22 0 D3 8 014 15 0 XTAL 20 21 0 \ C1 6 MHz r30pF C2

II s 30pF

Fig. 1. Schematic details for the adapter.

PARTS LIST o 000 000 Cl,C2-30-pF silver -mica capacitor o XTAL-6.0-MHz crystal O 8052 SOCKET Misc.-Experimenter's printed -circuit 000 000 Ho No. card (Radio Shack Cat. 276-150 or Drill holes similar); 40 -pin machined -contact sol- Cut line (4) \ 000 000 der -tail IC socket; snap -able 30 -posi- Wire Wrap 7/1," tion SIP header; spac- SIP socket strips O 4-32 x 3/4" screws ers (2); machine and 000 000 nuts; hookup wire; solder; etc. o o COMPONENT SIDE VIEW 40 -pin socket on underside of the hoard and the appropriate pads on the SIP -strip Crystal board. Make these wires long enough to Capacitors span the distance between the socket 8052 SOCKET and SIP strips, with enough slack in them to permit you to fold them neatly as you bring together the two sub- assemblies during final assembly. Be SIP socket strips sure to leave a little extra length on each wire so that when you fold them, you Wire wrap pins can route them neatly without stretch- I I ing or pressing against any sharp -edged soldered points. Make absolutely certain that you haven't made a connection Fig. 2. Mechanical details for fabricating the adapter.

54 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August /993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com to pin 1 on the 28 -pin SIP-strip socket. AND PROTECT If you do and the 21 -volt programming ORGANIZE VPP potential is applied to the circuit, you'll almost certainly destroy the YOUR COPIES OF 8052AH-BASIC chip! When you're done wiring the project, bending the interconnecting wiring ComputerCraft between the two boards as needed to make a neat assembly. Then secure the boards together with the machine hard- Now there's an easy way to organize and keep copies of your ware and spacers, as shown in the bot- favorite magazine readily available for future reference. tom drawing in Fig. 2. Neatly "dress" the wires between the two subassem- blies, routing them between the plastic Designed exclusively for ComputerCraft by Jesse Jones blocks on the SIP strips (see lead photo). Industries, these custom-made titled cases and binders provide the Before putting the adapter into ser- luxury look that makes them attractive additions to your bookshelf, vice, completely check out your wiring desk or any location in your home or office. with an ohmmeter or audible continuity tester. Also, double-check to make sure that no connection has been made to the Whether you choose cases or binders, you'll have a storage sys- pin -1 position of the SIP -strip socket tem that's durable and well organized to help protect your valuable arrangement. copies from damage.

Cases and binders designed Cases V-notched for easy Using the Adapter to hold a year's issues (may access. you're absolutely certain that all When vary with issue sizes). Binders have special spring your wiring is correct, plug an 8052AH- BASIC chip into the 28 -pin socket at the Constructed of reinforced mechanism to hold individ- top of the assembly, orienting pin 1 at board, covered with durable ual rods which easily snap the end opposite to that on which the green leather -like material. in. This allows magazines to crystal and capacitors are mounted. Plug Free personalization foil for be fully opened for easy the adapter into an EPROM copier, ori- indexing year. readability. enting it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Title hot - stamped in gold. Read the 8052 in its adapter as a "2764" EPROM. This puts the ComputerCraft Quantity Cases Binders 8052AH-BASIC program into the pro- Jesse Jones Industries, Dept. COM-C One $ 7.95 $ 9.95 grammer's memory. Verify that the pro- 499 East Erie Avenue, Three $21.95 $27.95 in memory is the same as that in gram Philadelphia, PA 19134 the 8051/2764 adapter. If all's well, Six $39.95 $52.95 remove the adapter and set it aside. Then Add $ 1 per case/binder postage plug a new or erased 2764 EPROM into Please send cases; binders and handling. Outside USA $2.50 the programmer's socket and write the per case/binder. (U.S. funds only) program into it. Enclosed is $ You can now store your expensive Charge my: (Minimum $15) 8052AH-BASIC MPU and make as American Express Visa many 2764 EPROM -BASIC copies as Diners Club you need. Mastercard

Card # Exp. Date In Closing With the adapter presented here, you Signature to copy the program of should be able Print Name any other 80xx/87xx MPU. Just be sure that you wire the adapter to match the Address family you intend to copy. Of course, No P.O. Box Numbers Please some MPU chips can't be copied. According to the Intel handbook, a part City/State/ whose number ends in a "-P" suffix Zip means that the internal program is pro- PA Residents add 7% sales tax tected and can't be verified using this adapter. Call TOLL FREE 7 days, 24 hours 1-800-825-6690

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 55

www.americanradiohistory.com Enhancing By Steven Sweet Adding Peripherals to Your PC Dealing with the woes of adding sound cards, CD-ROM drives, image scanners and other peripherals to your PC and insights on some affordable nifty new products you might want to add to your system

A s computer technology moves forward, more and more peripherals to enhance the use of the desktop PC are becoming not only available but affordable as well for the average user. A good 100% untitled I example of this is the current crop of multimedia computers now on the market that introduce new purchasers of this equipment to sound cards and CD-ROM drives that as little as a year ago might have been considered to be expensive exotica for the average user. Now you can also get flatbed and hand scanners and high -resolution graphics cards capable of displaying up to 16.7 - million colors for working with photo - realistic images, not to mention a bevy of sophisticated and powerful software. Most computers come with a more or less "standard" set of peripherals that include a keyboard, a video monitor and color graphics card combo, a mouse attached to a serial port and maybe even a modem for convenient communica- Micrographx Picture Publisher 3.1 screen. tion with other computers, BBSs and other on-line services. Most, if not all, new computers also come with bundled system and have nothing happen. Com- care of conflicts automatically by elec- software to get them up and running pounding the problem, a screen of error tronically re -configuring controller right out of the carton. And quite a num- messages that have no meaning to you cards at the time they're installed. Be- ber of suppliers are offering "special" may be displayed on your video screen. cause the AT -compatible ISA-bus desk- configurations that include a wide vari- In most cases, the problem is caused by top can't resolve these conflicts, it's up ety of hardware and software to meet a newly -installed peripheral creating a to you to properly configure whatever specific needs, not to mention a bevy of conflict with another device already you add to your PC to avoid creating relatively inexpensive optional add -ins installed in your computer. conflicts. and add-ons. The bottom line, though, Four factors determine whether a new If your computer uses an SCSI (small is that it's the computer that manages peripheral will peacefully coexist in an computer system interface) devices, whatever may be attached to it and soft- ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) another potential conflict problem ware that's run in it. And herein lies a PC. These are the base memory address, exists. Each SCSI device must be pitfall to the user who wants to add to input/output (UO) port, interrupt request assigned a separate ID number, up to 7, his system. number (IRQ) and direct -memory ac- manually or through software. In this article, I'll address the pitfalls cess (DMA) channel. When you install Most conflict problems are handled and how you can overcome them. Then a new device in your PC and its card set- by manually re -configuring a peripher- I'll outline the new products-hardware tings are the same as those used for a al controller card or via device -driver and software alike-you can add to your previously -installed device, one or both software setup to respond to the correct system to make it multimedia -capable. peripherals may not work. The result is memory block, I/O port, IRQ number a system that comes to an abrupt halt. and DMA channel. Peripheral controller The Pitfalls EISA (Extended Industry Standard cards usually provide a DIP switching Few things are more frustrating than to Architecture) and MCI (IBM's Micro block or jumper headers that permit you install a new peripheral, turn on your Channel Interface) PCs usually take to make such choices. This being the

56 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com case, it's important that you shop for whatever peripheral devices you plan on adding to your system with an eye for those that give you as many choices as possible within the four potential conflict areas. When shopping for software, the same choices should be available when configuring it for use with the peripherals you'll be using. You can write conflict -correction routines with a text editor like the EDIT utility included in MS-DOS 5.0 or 6.0 to update the CONFIG.SYS or/and AUTO EXEC.BAT start up your PC files that A flatbed full -page scanner. and get it ready for using your applications software. The installation programs for CoreISCSI, Advanced SCSI ry-conflict errors. Use good memory to the 286 through 486 CPUs in AT - Programming Interface (ASPI) DOS manager like the one in DOS 6.0 or compatible PCs (eight are available in a Manager and most applications soft- Quarterdeck's QEMM 386 to place dri- PC/XT or compatible). When evaluat- ware sense needed changes and give you vers and TSR programs in upper mem- ing IRQ use, note that some IRQ num- the option of re -configuring your CON- ory to avoid such conflicts. bers are already assigned in normal FIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files, UO ports are used by the CPU (cen- computer setup. These include: IRQ for making a backup copy of the current tral processing unit) to communicate the computer's timer; IRQ I for the key- files. If things don't work out, you revert with peripheral devices. Some of these board; IRQ2 for the video adapter, PC back to the original files and start your port addresses aren't used by any stan- network adapter; IRQ3 and IRQ4 for the installation over again. dard devices (hard and floppy drives, for COM1 and COM2 serial ports; IRQ5 for example) and, thus, are available to sup- parallel printer port LPT2; IRQ6 for the Dealing With Conflicts port a non-standard device. Your COM 1 floppy drive; IRQI for parallel printer serial port can take port address 03F8- port LPT1; IRQ13 for a math coproces- Before installing a new peripheral, take 03FFh, while the COM2 serial port can sor; and IRQ14 for a hard drive. an inventory of your system to deter- take up the 02F8-02FFh address. Printer The DMA channel controller is a spe- mine how your PC currently makes use parallel port LPT1 usually takes up the cialized chip that speeds memory access of the four potential conflict areas. 378-37Fh address. Addresses 000-OFFh by allowing data to flow from memory Consult the manual supplied with each are reserved for the system board, and to a device (such as from RAM to a hard installed peripheral and note the base ports 100-3FF are available to the I/O disk) without passing through the CPU. addresses, 110 ports, IRQ numbers and channel. PCs and XTs have a slightly Usually, four channels are available and DMA channels you currently used. If different address configuration. are numbered 0 through 3 (ATs and 386s you don't have the manuals or can't be Sixteen interrupt signals are available have eight channels). When taking an bothered looking up the required information, you can use diagnostic software like Quarterdeck's Manifest and the System Info and Diagnostics utilities in Symantec's Norton Utilities 7.0 to test your system and obtain a video display and/or hard copy of your PC's current use in these sensitive areas. A common conflict with base -memory addresses will come into play when you upgrade your video system to display high -resolution graphics (640 x 480 with 256 colors and up). Your computer will have to be instructed via its CONFIG.SYS file that certain segments of upper memory aren't to be used, making them available to the software driver of the high -resolution graphics card you select. Use of device -driver software and TSR (terminate -and -stay-resident) programs can quickly use up precious memory. By carefully locating this software in either lower or upper memory Hand scanner package with image -manipulation and optical -character -recognition blocks, you can avoid creating memo - software.

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 57

www.americanradiohistory.com Now that you know what to look for and how to avoid creating conflicts in your PC, let's look at a few popular peripherals, some bundled with attractive software packages, that illustrate the range of choices available to ease an installation process.

Enhancing Your System I'll preface this capsule summary by defining the base system in which I installed the products I'll be covering in this section. I installed the peripherals on a 486 PC that has 5M of RAM, a 130M IDE hard drive, 1.2M and 1.44M floppy drives, a serial Microsoft mouse and an Optiquest 1000 video monitor driven by a STB Powergraph X-24 accelerator card. The system operates Mustek's PrinScan 105 hand scanner. under MS-DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.1 and uses QEMM 386 memory management. Creative Labs offers the Sound Blaster inventory of DMA channels, note that share the same IRQ number without series of sound cards that, when con- Channel 0 is used for memory refresh, causing problems. The caveat here, nected to speakers and a microphone, and Channel 3 may be used for the hard though, is that conflict -free operation can be the first step to making a Multi- drive. can be obtained only provided both media PC Marketing Council (MPC)- Unlike a memory area that holds data, devices aren't used at the same time. compliant computer system. The Sound an IRQ isn't always in use. Therefore, The same characteristic is true for a Blaster Pro ($199) includes a propri- it's possible for more than one device to DMA channel. etary controller for a Panasonic CD -

Answers! Answers! Answers! CQ's New 1993 Guide to Amateur Radio

New hams-Novices, Techs, Generals or what- 11111111.1.r.t,acanr rºn7mu.ontnxnmr1111 ever ticket you start with-have questions. What 54 . 95 AmateurAm Radio _ ...._p_ do I look for in an HT? How should I operate on NNER'S GUIDE the local repeaters? What's it like to get on HF? 19 9 3 O AIMATEUR RADIO How do I set up a station? How do I use an SWR r - bridge? These questions and a hundred more. U As important as these problems are, there's one other question that's more important: Where can

I go to find the answers?

CO's 1993 Guide To Amateur Radio How To Talk Around The World! will answer these questions and hundreds of oth- How To Huy The Right HT How To Get Started On Packet! ers. This new guide is chock-full of articles writ- How To Sot Up Your First HF Station Space Communications Guide ten strictly for the newcomer by some of the best 10 Easy Steps To The DX Century CI writers in Ham Radio. Bill Orr, W6SAI, shows How To Stretch Your Ham SSS To Th Pius A 57 page D,tectory of you how to efficiently set up your first station. Products. Services and Sources for thn rom:in;Hem, Lew McCoy, W11CP, takes you on a tour of repeater operating practices and etiquette. McCoy also tells you what an SWR bridge is and how to use it, as well as recom- mending the best type of SWR indicator for newcomers. Ed Juge, W5TOO, gives you a concise guide to the common and not -so -common functions and capabilities found in today's handhelds. Famous ham educator Gordon West, WB6NOA, guides you through the licensing and upgrading maze. John Dorr, KlAR, shows you how to set up your first packet station and make that first connect. There's even an article that gives you the secrets of successfully installing PL-259s-no small task even for old timers. You'll find many, many more articles that you'll want to refer to often. Also, you'll find detailed information on many of the most popular rigs plus an explanation of what everything means-a mini buyer's guide of sorts. Plus, you'll find an up-to-date listing of all the Ham Radio manufacturers and dealers. You'll want to a) E keep this book handy for day -in -day -out operation. It will pay for itself with every ro article you read. Z Ü

58 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com ROM drive that has a 390 -ms average seek time and 150Kb/s data -transfer Sources rate. The card for this CD-ROM drive offers a choice of DMAO, DMA1 or Scanners CoreISCSI DMA3; I/O port address of 220h or 240h; ENV 256 Bundle Corel Systems, Inc. and IRQ2, IRQ5, IRQ7 or IRQ 10 value. Envisions, Inc. 1600 Carling Ave. A voice to .VOC file program, sever- 822 Mahler Rd. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1Z 8R7 al sample sound files, a software con- Burlingame, CA 94010 Tel.: 613-728-8200 NO. 134 ON FREE INFORMATION CA RI) trolled mixer and Windows 3.1 audio, Tel.: 415-692-9061 CIRCLE CIRCLE NO. 126 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD wave, MIDI and device drivers are HALO Desktop Imager included. Eight -bit stereo (22.05 kHz) ES -600C (parallel bidirectional or SCSI); Media Cybernetics, Inc. and eight -bit mono (44.1 kHz), audio ES -800C (parallel- and SCSI -ready) 8484 Georgia Ave. input and output, a game port, an on- Epson America Silver Spring, MD 20910 board FM synthesizer and MIDI inter- 20770 Madrona Ave. Tel.: 301-495-3305 face are also supported. Torrance, CA 90503 CIRCLE NO. 135 ON FREE INFORMATION CAItI MediaVision's the Pro AudioStudio Tel.: 800-922-8911 or 310-782-0770 Picture Publisher 3.1 16 sound card offers record and CIRCLE NO. 127 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD ($499) Micrografx Corp. kHz), an playback of 16 -bit stereo (44.1 1303 Arapaho Rd. on -board FM synthesizer, MIDI support PrinScan 105 Inc. Richardson, TX 75081 and a standard SCSI CD-ROM con- Mustek, 15225 Alton Pkwy. Tel.: 214-234-1769 troller interface. CIRCLE NO. 136 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Irvine, CA 92718 Installation of a MPC-compliant CD- Tel.: 714-833-7740 QEMM 386 ROM drive will make your multimedia CIRCLE NO. 128 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD system complete. Sony's CDU -7205 Manifest CD-ROM Laser Library package Sound Cards QuarterDeck Office Systems ($595) that includes CD-ROM discs Sound Blaster Pro 150 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 containing Compton's Family Encyclo- Creative Labs, Inc. Tel.: 213-392-9701 pedia, Microsoft Bookshelf Languages 2050 Duane Ave. CIRCLE NO. 137 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD of the World, National Geographic Santa Clara, CA 95054 Tel.: 408-428-6622 Mammals, Mixed-up Mother Goose, GO -OCR CIRCLE NO.129 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Software Toolworks World Atlas and Recognita Corp. of America the Microsoft CD-ROM EXtension dri- Pro AudioSpectrum 16 1156 Alstor Ave., Ste. F ver (MSCDEX, Version 2.2). The CD- MediaVision, Inc. Sunnyvale, CA 94086 ROM drive has a rated average seek 47221 Fremont Blvd. Tel.: 408-241-5772 time of 530 ms and, a data -transfer rate Fremont, CA 94538 CIRCLE NO. 138 ON FREE INFORMATION CARI) of 150Kb/s and a 64K data buffer. The Tel.: 510-770-8600 CIRCLE NO. 130 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Norton Utilities 7.0 proprietary host adapter card supplied Symantec Corp. in this package makes available 19 base 10201 Torre Ave. CD-ROM Drives memory addresses, three SCSI ID num- Cupertino, CA 95014-2132 CDU -7205 CD-ROM Laser Library bers, IRQ2 through IRQ5 and three DMA Tel.: 408-253-9600 CDU -7211 channels from which to choose. CIRCLE NO. 139 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Sony Corp. of America The MPC-compliant Toshiba TXM- 655 River Oaks Pkwy. 3301E CD-ROM ($695) drive offers an SCSI Controllers San Jose, CA 95134 AHA-1510 average seek rate of 325 ms and data - Tel.: 714-826-6410 Adaptec Corp. transfer rate of 150Kb/s, with a 64K date CIRCLE NO. 131 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD 691 S. Milpitas Blvd. buffer and includes the Future Domain Milpitas, CA 95035 TMC-850 SCSI adapter card and TXM3301 Tel.: 408-945-8600 MSCDEX Version 2.2 driver. The Future TXM3401 CIRCLE NO. 140 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Domain adapter card permits you to Toshiba America, Inc. select I/O port address CAOOh, C800h, Disk Products Division TMC-850 CEOOh or DEOOh and IRQ3 or IRQ5. 974.0 Irvine Blvd., P.O. Box 19724 Future Domain, Inc. Toshiba now also offers the TXM3401E Irvine, CA 92713-9724 2801 McGraw Ave. Tel.: 714-583-3000 CD-ROM drive (895), which has an Irvine, CA 92714 CIRCLE NO. 132 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Tel.: 714-253-0400 average seek rate of 200 ms, a data - CIRCLE NO. 141 ON FREE INFORMATION CARI) transfer rate of 330Kb/s and a 256K data Software buffer. This drive is also CD-ROM XA OmniPage Direct Sound Cards (eXtended Architecture) -compliant. OmniPage Pro Sound Blaster Pro The SCSI standard allows installation Caere Corp. Creative Labs, Inc. of up to seven daisy -chained SCSI 100 Cooper Ct. 2050 Duane Ave. devices that could include a CD-ROM, Los Gatos, CA 95030 Santa Clara, CA 95054 scanner, tape backup, hard drive and/or Tel.: 800-535-7226 or 408-395-7000 Tel.: 408-428-6622 floptical drive attached to the one CIRCLE NO. 133 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD CIRCLE NO. 142 ON FREE INFORMATION CARI)

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 59

www.americanradiohistory.com adapter card. The ASPI DOS Manager, and Color Page (three passes). Caere's OmniPage Direct OCR Try CorelSCSI ($99), Future Domain's The ES -600C comes ready for bidi- Pak works directly with Write (includ- SCSIWorks software makes installation rectional parallel ($1,049) or SCSI ed with Windows 3.1), Wordperfect for of SCSI devices a relatively conflict - ($1,129) interface. The ES -800C Windows, Ami Pro for Windows, Word free and painless operation. ($1,499) is ready for both interfaces. for Windows and Excel for Windows. It Epson America has its Models ES - The interface kit ($399) contains the has a 25 half-page document scan limit, 600C and ES -800C flatbed color/mono- required connector board and cable, enticing you to purchase the full version chrome scanners for the PC/compatible Caere OmniPage Direct OCR Try Pak, for $595. OmniPage Direct 1.0 can read and Mac computers. The ES -600C has a full version of Micrografx Picture omnifont typefaces ranging from 6 to 72 a resolution of 600 x 600 with output Publisher 3.1 for IBM/compatible com- point at speeds of up to 2,000 words per from 50 to 600 dpi in 23 increments, puters or Adobe Photoshop for the Mac minute and .TIF and .PCX graphics file while the ES -800C has a resolution of and the Epson Apple or TWAIN -com- formats at a maximum of 400 dpi and 800 x 800 with output of 50 to 800 dpi. pliant (IBM) scanner driver. (TWAIN is Windows Dynamic Data Exchange Both scanners support a document size the application program interface imag- (DDE) support. OmniPage Pro ($995) of up to 8.5" x 11.7" and permit you to ing standard that enables scanning and contains a spell checker, foreign -char- zoom from 50% to 200% in 1% incre- input of images without leaving an acter recognition and user -definable ments. You can scan an image at one to application.) The Adaptec ANA -1510 character recognition. eight bits per pixel at 256 levels of gray 16 -bit SCSI adapter with ASPI DOS Micrografx Picture Publisher 3.1 for or one to 24 bits in 16.7 -million colors. Manager software provides two I/O Windows offers professional -quality The scanners support two methods of addresses (140h or 340h) and a choice image editing and full -featured paint color scanning: Color Line (one pass) of IRQ9 through IRQ l 2. tools and includes device -specific drivers for non -TWAIN- and TWAIN -com- If you enjoy radio communications you'll love.... pliant hardware. Once you scan an image, you save it as a .BMP, .GIF, .PCX or .TIF graphic file. Popular Envisions has a hand scanner bundle for $199 that includes a 256 GrayScale Hand Scanner, Recognita's GO -OCR Communications software, clipart samples, a scanner pad and Media Cybernetics' HALO Desktop The World's largest, most Imager. Scanning width is 4.13" (105 authoritative monthly magazine for mm), resolution is 100 to 400 dpi at eight bits per pixel with 256 gray levels using Shortwave Listening and Scanner a yellow -green lamp. The included Monitoring. Read by more active scanner adapter card supports eight I/O listeners than all other listening addresses, DMA and DMA3 and IRQ3, publications combined! IRQ5 and IRQ 10. GO -OCR translates scanned text of 6 - POPULAR through 24 -point size at a speed of up to COMMUNICATIONS 1,500 words per minute into ASCII for- 76 North Broadway, Hickville, NY 11801 mat for import to any word processor and features automatic merging of two Get fast home delivery of Popular Communications and save $15.45 a year over text scans to make a full-size page scan. the newsstand price. Save even more on 2 or 3 year subs. HALO Desktop Imager is a full featured 24 -bit Windows 3.1 image editor 1 year -12 issues $19.95 that saves files in the .TIF, .IMG, .MSP, (Save $15.45) HALO .CUT and TWAIN -compliant for- 2 years - 24 issues $38.00 SUBSCRIBE mats and Windows 3.1 Object Linking (Save $32.80) TODAY! and Embedding (OLE) and the JPEG 3 years - 36 issues $57.00 image -compression format. (Save $49.20) Mustek's PrinScan 105 adapter plugs into a parallel port and, thus, pro- Canada/Mexico-One year $22.00, two years $42.00, three years $63.00; Foreign-one year $24.00, two PC's years $46.00, three years $69.00, Foreign Air Mail -one year $77.00, two years $152.00, three years vides hand scanning without having to $228.00 install an adapter card. Its $299 package (Please print clearly) includes the Mustek Matador 105 halftone hand scanner that offers up to Name 400 -dpi resolution at 64 levels of gray. Street Bundled with PrinScan 105 is ScanKit Gray, a grayscale image editor that sup- City State Zip ports .TIF, .PCX, .TGA, .MSP, .IMG and Bill to Mastercard VISA AMEX Discover .CUT files and Perceive Personal Omnifont OCR software. Account number: Exp date: Note: Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of first issue.

60 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com Enhancing By John Kleinbauer Build a Quick and Dirty Data Interface Uses a serial port to read into your computer analog and digital signals-without complicated and costly circuitry

Have you ever wanted to read volt- or digital signals into your computer via right, it's a parallel input on your seri- age, temperature or other data into the UART socket on its serial card. al card. Furthermore, it doesn't require your computer but shied away from the What makes this circuit so easy and a separate power supply. idea because of the expensive or com- inexpensive to implement is the fact that To give you an idea of how versatile plicated hardware or both needed to do most of the wiring you need has already this Interface can be, I'll cite some appli- this? If so, you no longer have a reason been done for you on your existing ser- cations in which you can use it. A small to think this way. I'll describe how to ial card. To get up and running, all you sampling includes security systems, build a Quick -and -Dirty Data Inter- have to do is remove the UART chip electric -train controllers, weather sta- face-or "QADDI" for short-that from your serial card to obtain an eight - tions and robotics. In fact, suitable makes it possible for you to read analog bit buffered parallel input. You read applications for QADDI are limited

+5 Volt Parallel 40 input 20 Analog 20 input 11 8 D7 - 18 1'2 7 D6 - 4 16 13 D5 - b 14 14 5 04 - 8 12 D3 11 u 19 u 15 4 16 D2 - 13 7 17 D1 - 15 18 DO - 17

19 1 Empty 1 Uart 10 2 7 8 10 Socket

and Gnd 20

16 6 Ch2 Chi 14 15 Cha To Optional 13 u 28 chips for more Ch4 27 channels 12 26 19

5 8

Gnd

Fig. 1. Schematic diagram of Quick -and -Dirty Data Interface circuitry.

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 61

www.americanradiohistory.com PARTS LIST 40 Semiconductors Ul-ADC0803 analog -to-digital 20K R 20 11 converter Trim 12 7 U2 -74F138 one -of -eight Pot o 13 6 EMPTY decoder/demultiplexer 14 UART U3 -74F244 octal buffer/line driver 15 4 Socket Capacitors 19 U 16 3 on 1 17 Serial C 1 -150 -pf ceramic disc S 10K 18 Card Resistors Reset w R1-10,000 ohms, 1/4 -watt, 10% Switch 14 tolerance SW 1-Momentary-action spst push 150 C 7 8 10 switch button pf 1 Miscellaneous Perforated board with holes on 0.1" cen- .. 20 ters; sockets for all ICs; materials for tester circuit [20,000-ohm potentiometer (R1) eight 10,000 -ohm resistors (R2 thru R9) and eight -position DIP switch 40 (SI thru S8) in Fig. 2]; 40 -pin socket lOK header or perforated board (see text); 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 connectors as needed (see text); suitable S8 e enclosure (optional; see text); 1" spac- O S7 7 ers (4); machine hardware; hookup - S6 6 EMPTY wire; ribbon cable; solder; etc. O S5 5 UART - S4 4 Socket - S3 3 on only by your imagination and technical O S2 Serial f- S1 1 Card expertise. Coupling this input method with the parallel port on your computer, you can have a very versatile controller system for automated operations, with the Interface telling your computer when an action must be taken and your computer sending a signal through its parallel port to initiate action via suitable actuators. Fig. 2. Schematic details for test circuits for (A) analog input and (B) parallel digital Software programming for this pro- input. ject is a study in simplicity. In fact, it's so elementary that you'll be able to shown for U I, connecting their pin -1 or BNC connector. One pin of the DB - make immediate use of the system outputs to Ch 2, Ch 3 and Ch 4. 9 connector and the common lug of the because all you need is one BASIC rou- Alternatively, if you wanted only mul- phono jack or BNC connector would be tine to read in data, using QuickBasic or tiple digital inputs, you'd expand upon used as signal -return paths. If you want- GWBASIC. You can use other pro- the input circuit by adding more octal ed, say, three digital and one analog gramming languages as well, as long as buffer/line drivers to the system in the inputs, you could use a DB -25 for the you know is how to make it read and dis- same manner as shown for U3, this time digital inputs and a phono jack for the play COM-port memory locations. using Ch 2, Ch 3 and Ch 4 to process analog input. Simply choose the digital inputs. arrangement you think best for your About the Circuit This circuit substitutes for the UART applications. Owing to the fact that most of the cir- that currently occupies a socket on your cuitry you'll need already exists on your serial card. As you can see, only 14 pins Building It serial card, the circuitry for this of the 40 -pin UART socket are needed The best way to build this project is to Interface is extremely simple, as shown to implement the Interface. run the conductors from the UART in Fig. 1. It provides a single eight -bit Digital inputs can be through at what- socket to a connector, perhaps a DB -15 parallel input at data lines DO through ever type of connector you choose to type, you mount on the rear panel of D7 of U3 and a single 0 -to -5 -volt ana- use. Analog inputs can be through your computer to which you can con- log input at pin 20 of analog -to-digital phono jacks or BNC connectors. If you nect the Interface. Alternatively, you converter UI. want an arrangement with one each dig- can build the circuit on a piece of per- If you need only analog inputs, you ital and analog inputs, you could run forated board that has holes on 0.1" cen- can have up to four with the arrange- conductors from U3 to a DB -9 connec- ters and connect and disconnect it from ment shown simply by adding as many tor for digital input and another con- the UART socket as needed. If you plan

A/D converters in the arrangement ductor from pin 6 of U 1 to a phono jack (Continued on page 80)

62 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com Hardware Review By SF Sparrow

Low -Cost Video: Creative Labs' Video Blaster

A nice thing about the computer field is !h

u,, ure , that succeeding technology is usually -. 'sound Lreat ive Lahr, faster, smaller and, ultimately, less expen- Blasts'. series of add -in audio cards Low price and utilitarian rake Sound Blaster a de facto s tandard that sive. Each technological improvement is ,tures combined to the t1 stands. Creative Labs recently turned its att ention to The result is connected to previous technology. I call e -open world of leu cost video and image capture. no Blaster, a full -slot card that displays real -t m e video. a this phenomena the "technology chain." ezes it and captures it to disk. The computer na rket needs Video and computer imaging, like person- rice like Video Blaster. Does Video Blaster meet narket needs? al computers, experience the technology Considerations chain. Computer imaging and 24 -bit color ginning is advised used to be for only business. Now home rain that .your co O+.pLiv taufiqurr A.. n is computer users can begin to reach for .suet. Video Blas size. Since it image capture and true color. length of a slot, fo. to se. In efforts to Creative Labs, Inc., widely known for esígners place nano One 3 or producing the Sound Blaster series of add - - ther board has its .,pension slots ca in audio cards, now offers low-cost video ,fore - sure that your and image capture in its Video Blaster, a basing Video Bla A second consïd full -slot card that displays real-time video, yr Prar51 Lat t~ Pe freezes it and captures it to disk. The computer market needs a device like Video Blaster. The question, though is: Does Video Blaster meet market needs? (Although we reviewed VideoBlaster in the July issue, this is a more indepth view of the product to assist you in making a buying decision-Ed.) Watching a Star Trek movie while writing. Considerations Planning is advised before buying any ual that came with the card. If you can't A couple of years ago, having 8M of product. You should be certain that your find this information in the manual, RAM in a computer was considered to be computer has the ability to support the remove your video card from your PC and a luxury. Now 8M is about entry level, product. Video Blaster has its own consid- examine its chips. If you're still uncertain, especially if you plan to run Microsoft erations. One of them is its size. Since it is call the manufacturer of your video card. Windows, OS/2 or other graphics -oriented a full-size card, taking up the entire length Finally, you can call Creative Labs to see products. Because of the gradual increase of a slot, careful thought should be given if your video card is supported. I used the in software sophistication and steady to which slot to use in your PC. ATI VGA Wonder XL24 video card for decrease in the price of RAM, finding In their efforts to make smaller prod- this evaluation. 16M in a home or business computer isn't ucts, some motherboard designers place A third, very important, consideration is unusual nowadays. Are users expected to memory sockets in potentially awkward how much user memory is installed in actually remove memory from their com- places. One motherboard I've seen has its your PC. One might initially think that a puters to accommodate Video Blaster? memory sockets situated so that the last video imaging product requires a great The answer is a resounding "yes." three or four expansion slots can get in the deal of memory. Accordingly, you may be My own experience illustrates another way of full-size add -in cards. Therefore, wondering if 8M or 16M of RAM in your potential problem with using Video make sure your motherboard has a clear PC is going to be enough. Surprisingly, Blaster. I upgraded to a new motherboard full-size slot before purchasing Video the problem isn't one of having enough before I received Video Blaster. I'd Blaster or any other full-size board. memory, but of having too much memory. stretched my bank account and purchased A second consideration regards the If your computer has more than 15M of eight 4M memory modules, making a total video card and monitor you'll be using. RAM, Video Blaster simply won't work in of 32 proud megabytes of compact, Video Blaster is designed to work with it-period. screaming memory. My previous mother- nothing less than VGA and Super -VGA In explanation of the foregoing enigma, board used 1M memory modules. After video cards and monitors. Be aware that, Video Blaster has a video frame buffer realizing Video Blaster's memory limita- though the product will probably work resolution of 1M X 512K bytes. It can use tion, I discovered that my new mother- with most video cards, it hasn't been test- any 1M address space from 1 to 15. The board wouldn't support 4M modules at ed with many of them. At the time I address space it uses logically can't be anything less than 16M of total RAM. received the Video Blaster card I evaluat- taken up by something else, including This kind of memory configuration isn't ed for this report, it had tested as compati- computer memory. Since the card can't uncommon in motherboards. In short, I ble with Video Seven VRAM, Tseng Labs address anything beyond 15M, it literally had to remove all eight of my 4M modules ET4000, Trident 8900CS and 9900CS, forces users to limit memory to this value. and replace them with 1M modules, which Western Digital WD90000 and S3 con- This limitation has potential that might was the only way my computer could trollers, which are currently used in many prove fatal to its use. Computer RAM con- work with Video Blaster. If I had sold the brands of video cards. tinues to drop in price. Because of general- 1M modules as intended, it would have You can find out which controller your ly lower RAM prices, user perception been impossible for me to evaluate the video card uses by checking the user man - about computer systems has changed. product!

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 65

www.americanradiohistory.com Free-lance model Donna Parish of Dallas, TX, (A) image captured at eight bits and (B) 24 bits. Can you tell the Difference?

You might well ask, "Why the memory ent I/O addresses, instead of just the cou- ware routine copies Video Blaster software limitation? Is it an error in design? Is it a ple offered by Sound Blaster and Sound to your hard drive. You can then configure method to reduce cost?" Whatever the Blaster Pro. Likewise, available interrupt the card and run its comprehensive confi- answer may be, Video Blaster's reverse settings have gotten away from the usual dence tests, which cover all aspects of memory limitation is difficult to work with values reserved for serial ports and printer operation, like I/O address, data acquisi- and sorely disappointing. If you're think- ports. You now have a choice of using tion and buffer addressing. Once the card ing about purchasing Video Blaster, its interrupt 10, 11 or 12 instead of the over- passes all tests, you're on your way to real- reverse memory limitation is cause for sec- used 3,4,5or7. time imaging. ond and even third thoughts. Final installation consists of making proper connections between Video Blaster DOS Utilities Installation and your video card. Video Blaster comes Video Blaster has two different sets of The foregoing criticism aside, Video with two cables. One serves dual jobs for operating software and utilities. One is for Blaster is easier to install than any of video/audio input and partial control of DOS and command -line usage, the other Creative Labs' previous add -in cards. your present video card. The other is for for use with Microsoft Windows. The DOS After installing the device in any full- VGA pass -through. It uses your video utilities are complete in that there's a com- length expansion slot, I/O address and card's feature connector to pass along nor- mand to activate video, adjust parameters interrupt are completely software config- mal VGA signals to Video Blaster, without like brightness and contrast, and scale the urable. Thankfully, this eliminates jumpers having to take up another expansion slot video from full screen to a small box. The and DIP switches. To its credit, Video just for that. problem with the DOS utilities is that you Blaster can be set to any of several differ- When installation is complete, a soft - must use a trial -and -error approach to get the video image the way you want it. Once done, though, you can build a library of batch files to produce and manipulate video and audio. A pleasant feature of Video Blaster is that it has three video inputs and can switch from one to the other on command. When switching, it doesn't lose sync or image quality, and switching is done immediately. Thus, you can attach a VCR, TV receiver, video camera or any three video sources at the same time and jump from one to the other. Under DOS, Video Blaster's live TV image is impressively sharp, with contrast that's as good as or better than convention- al television. Scaled images appear more detailed than full -screen images, though this apparent effect may be just a trick on the human vision system. You may encounter some problems when running live TV from the DOS prompt. First, the displayed image is over- written when another computer program writes to the video screen. As an example, when calling WordPerfect from the DOS Capture of live CNN TV broadcast, saved at 24 -bit resolution. prompt, WordPerfect paints the computer

66 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com screen a characteristic rich blue. Parts of cally choose I/O address, frame -buffer the TV image are visible behind the address and video source. VideoKit can YOU! WordPerfect logo until the word processor even invoke the VBSound utility. begins operation in earnest. Then the video image is gone, although audio is intact. Image Capturing Be the J The image is still where it belongs, only Despite any fancy features and TECI's microcontroller development tools for the perhaps 6805, 68HC05 and 68HC11 are flexible, powerful it's invisible, which can be proven by numerous bells and whistles, the main pur- and suited to a wide range of tasks. We believe that shelling from WordPerfect to DOS, where- a in a fair comparison, our products show their virtues pose of device like Video Blaster is to clearly. Using them makes their true colors stand out. upon the image reappears. Returning to capture images and save them to disk. If it WordPerfect again erases the video image. does this in an acceptable manner, it 6805 Primer for Beginners 5195 This problem was consistent with all my becomes a tool for getting virtually any 6805/68HC05/68HC11 Cross Assemblers $99 DOS applications. The way to get around image into digital format. Video Blaster 6805/68HC05 Simulator/Debugger $99 it is to first start Windows and then run 68705 P3, P5, U3 U5, R3, R5 Programmers from $349 does a fair job of image capturing, when 68HC705/68HC805 Programmers from 5395 WordPerfect or another application from taken within the constraints of its limits. Complete PC Based Development Systems from $449 the Windows DOS prompt, after which you It's DOS utilities for image capturing are 68HC05/68HC11 Real -Time Emulators from $895 68HC05 Programmer & Emulator can hot key back and forth. nonexistent, a fact not explained in the (Special Price) $999 68HC11 Emulator (Special Price) $849 A second problem is that Video Blaster manual. has trouble with video modes any greater My uncertainty about the lack of DOS than 640 X 480. The manual indicated capturing as I was evaluating Video TTY The Engine800-336-8321ers Collaborative Inc. that, in some cases, Video Blaster might Blaster prompted me to place a call to RR #3, Box 8C, Barton, VT 05822, USA work at 800 X 600, but it does so only Creative Labs technical support. I was TEL: 802-525-3458 FAX: 802-525-3451 under Windows. An addendum to the man- assured that there's really no way to save CIRCLE NO.79 ON FREE INFORM 1 I ION CARD ual warned not to expect reliable opera- an image under DOS, which is an unfortu- tion, since 800 X 600 isn't fully supported. nate development because users who don't With some tinkering, I got Video run Windows won't be able to capture Analog & Digital Circuit Design Blaster to run at that resolution under images. Without image Video & Simulation capture, for the Macintosh & PC with Windows Windows, but I had much difficulty getting Blaster is just an expensive TV receiver. z the image into normal aspect ratio. The The first part of capturing an image is 800 X 600 mode never worked reliably having the image presented on the screen and doesn't work at all under DOS. of your PC's video monitor. Video Blaster does an excellent job at image presenta- Windows Utilities tion. Ostensibly, one reason for this is that A faster and easier way to manipulate it supports as many as 2 -million colors. Video Blaster images is to use the accom- This isn't the same as 24- or 32 -bit color, panying Windows utilities. These are which sport 16.7 -million different colors. copied to your hard drive along with the But 2 -million colors can look almost as other Video Blaster software, but they good. Maybe it's difficult for the human must be installed manually under the eye and brain to see and interpret the dif- Windows environment. Granted, this isn't ference between 16 -million and 2 -million hard to do. But Creative Labs might have colors when displayed in the two-dimen- spared users some trouble by performing sional format of a color video monitor. an auto -Windows installation, complete At any reckoning, one can easily with the creation of a Video Blaster become accustomed to watching television Program Group. with Video Blaster. Viewing TV this way Beige Bag Software Ph.:(313)663-4309

Fax: (3 3) 663-0725 715 Barclay CI. Ann Arbor , MI 48105 Three utilities are for use with Windows. lets you do other computer work while (VISA/MC Accepted) One, VBSound, lets adjust volume of having a scaled TV screen neatly tucked Video Blaster's master volume, micro- into a corner of your monitor. If an inter- CIRCLE NO.58 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD phone input and audio line levels. Once esting item comes up, you can quickly The Pocket Programmer- $129.95 set, you can lock audio levels at desired mouse -click on the TV image and expand settings. it to full -screen. Furthermore, you can The portable Another utility, VBWSetup, controls press a combination of keys to freeze a TV Eprom settings for video format (NT SC or PAL) image and save it to disk in a variety of programmer and polarity of both horizontal and vertical formats. that uses the sync. It also lets you select one of its three Saving an image requires that it be printer port video inputs as default. Video alignment frozen in time, or be "captured." When of your PC instead of a internal card. The and size and position of image are also Video Blaster freezes an image, an imme- software has 24 functions and programs selected with VBWSetup. You can save diate degradation occurs in the quality of 27/28/25/68764, Cmos, EEproms & Flash your preferences to a configuration file so presentation. It appears that some color from 16K - 4Meg (2K -256K x 8) with a 32 that Video Blaster starts up in a preferred resolution is lost. VideoKit's Smooth func- pin socket. Adapters available for 874X state. tion gets rid of scanning lines and some MCU's, 40 -Pin Eproms, 5 -Gang, 16 Pin X4 VideoKit, the main Windows utility, is signal noise, but it can't make up for the & X8 Prom, Serial Eproms and Eprom where most real-time image control takes significant image degradation. Emulator to 32K x 8. place. Under the control of VideoKlt, you Why does degradation occur? A capture images, process them and save Creative Labs technical -support person them to disk. You can adjust brightness, told me that Video Blaster can save images Intronics, Inc. contrast, hue, saturation and aspect ratio to in as many as 2 -million colors. During a Box 13723 Add $4.00 for shipping enhance displayed images. You dynami- different call to technical support, a differ - Edwardsville, KS 66113 Add $4.50 for COD. (Continued on page 78) (913) 422-2094 VISA/Master Charge

CIRCLE NO. 65 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD 67

www.americanradiohistory.com Ted Needleman Setting Up a Printer -Sharing Network; Playing With Chaos Theory Software; and an Image Scanner for an On -the -Road Office

This month, I've decided to give you a look at a diverse lineup of different products that can enhance your computer system. One of these makes it possible for you to inexpensively network up to six printers and 16 PCs, another can make your time at the keyboard just plain fun (hint: it isn't a game, though the effect you obtain from it may give you as much or more satisfaction as an action game) and the last can make you more productive while on the road.

Printer -Sharing Network A couple of months ago, I networked the kid's PCs using Windows for Workgroups. As I reported back then in these pages, the installation procedure was quick and easy, and my kids (ages 8, 7, 6 and 5) have had no trouble with the concept that some of the files and programs might actually reside on "Marc's" PC or "Scott's" PC, rather than on their own systems. My pri- mary reason for establishing a network was to give each of the kids the ability to share the two printers I have in their work- room. Most of the time, they use an Epson LQ-870 color dot-matrix printer, but my eldest occasionally likes to print out his school reports on an old LaserJet II -compatible laser printer I also have hooked up to their network. The foregoing works fine, as long as the kids are using a Windows application like Word for Windows, Micrografx Windows DRAW! or Computer Support's terrific Picture Wizard and Arts & Letters Apprentice graphics programs. It gets a bit sticky, though, when they want to print from a DOS application, like the Kids Cuts package from Broderbund I reviewed a few months back in this column. It's possible to try a PC running DOS into a Windows for Workgroups network by using Microsoft's Workgroup Connection software, but configuring the network and DOS workstation isn't something even my bright eight -year -old can do by himself. With the additional pressure of an antic- ipated move to a new house, where the kids will each have his PC in his own room, I decided to bring down the Windows for Workgroup network and take a step backward to a somewhat simpler scheme for sharing printers. Looking at the various hardware and software boxes that Here are two stunning examples of artwork produced with James Gleick's CHAOS, the have piled up lately, I settled on Printer - Software package from AurtoDesk Retail Products. They typify what you can do with the NET from Primax. I installed it and can mathematical discipline known as Chaos theory.

68 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com voltage that most parallel ports deliver is usually sufficient to drive the network. However, if you're using very long cable runs or an odd PC that has an under -powered parallel port, a 6 -to -9 -volt 100 -mA cube -type power supply is available from Primax as an extra -cost option, though any supply in this voltage range should work, as long as the shell and tip of the connector are polarized so that they're at positive and negative, respectively. After physical setup is finished (it took me about 3 minutes to hook up three PCs and two printers), you set up the software that's used to select a particular printer to which to print. This software can be installed as a pop-up TSR or be run as a stand-alone utility. I installed it as a TSR that's accessed by pressing the Ctrl and Tab keys simultaneously. Another utility, PNW.EXE, installs in Windows, where it's accessed by clicking on its icon. Both the DOS pop-up and Windows PrinterNET programs let you assign logical names to the printers and select the printer to which a print job is to Nisca's Page Portable Grayscale Scanner. be sent. Printer Receiver Units have a small rotary switch that must be set so that each printer has a different identification

number (from 1 to 6). report that it's worked out fine. as 16 PCs. Setup takes just a few minutes, PrinterNET is neither fancy nor particu- As an interesting aside, while there's and even my kids have no problem using larly sophisticated. It's a first -come, first - plenty of information on installing Win- PrinterNet. served kind of printer network in which dows for Workgroups, there's absolutely The PrinterNET package consists of two printers are assigned to jobs in the order in no information on uninstalling it, either in different kinds of units, both of which are which they arrive at a particular printer. the documentation that accompanies the about half of the size of a pack of ciga- You can attach an optional small hand- each software or in the Windows for Work - rettes. The Computer Transmitter Unit held controller to PC's Transmitter groups Resource Kit that Microsoft sells. plugs into the parallel port on each of the Unit if you'd rather not use software to WFW stills runs in a single -user mode, PCs that will share the printers. The Printer make a printer assignment. I didn't receive even though the network has been discon- Receiver Units plug into the printers' par- one of these controllers to test with the nected. But it's annoying (and sometimes allel ports. This done, you just connect review package I used. This was no confusing) to see lots of error messages everything together with the cables sup- tragedy because I don't think such a device appear on -screen as the software tries to plied in the package. is particularly desirable. find other users and resources that were The supplied cables are off -the -shelf A network offers more functionality formerly shared among network users. four -conductor twisted -pair telephone type than a simple printer -sharing scheme like It lets I eventually solved this problem with a that use standard RJ-11 connectors that are the PrinterNET system. you share most other resources, not just printers, in brute-force approach by reinstalling plain - wired straight -through with pin 1 going to vanilla Windows 3.1 on each of the PCs. pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2 and so on. If you need the system. But there are times when a However, it would be nice if all software longer cables (you can use up to about full-blown network would be overkill, suppliers would take into consideration 1,200 feet of cable for the entire network), such as when you need to share just print- that users occasionally have to remove a quick visit to your local Radio Shack ers. If this is the case, buying PrinterNET their products from their systems and pro- store will get you cable, RJ-11 connectors doesn't lock you into paying for features vide an easy, painless means for doing this and even a crimping tool to secure the con- you won't use. automatically. nectors to the cables for a few dollars. The Primax PrinterNET works well and Even though the company has. been PrinterNET uses a very simple topology. is reasonably priced and very simple to set around for quite a while, Primax isn't a Most users will simply daisy -chain PCs up and use. If you don't need a full-blown particularly well-known brand name in the and printers, running a cable from one unit network, PrinterNET may be just what you consumer marketplace. The reason for this to the next. You can also use a bus topolo- leave in mind. is simple: most of the company's products gy with PrinterNET, running a backplane A PrintNET starter kit that contains two carry other vendors' labels. PrinterNET is cable that you interconnect individual transmitters and one printer receiver, 25 one of the company's first products to users and printer with standard modular foot cables and software lists $249. Extra actually carry the Primax brand name. couplers you can find in Radio Shack transmitters and printer receivers are Though it doesn't provide the file- and stores and most home centers. Even my optionally available as well. program -sharing capabilities that a true local supermarket carries these standard network, like WFW, LANtastic and modular telephone supplies. A Chaotic Existence NetWare offer, PrinterNET does allow you Usually, no outboard power supply is Years ago, when I was younger, smarter to share up to six printers among as many needed to power PrinterNET because the and more ambitious, I thought I'd like to

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 69

www.americanradiohistory.com pursue a career in operations research, a eral terms. Chaos theory has developed as floppy -disk drives, albeit slowly. mathematical discipline that applies computers that are capable of making vast Installing the software takes just a few advanced techniques to solving real -world numbers of computations have become minutes and is nicely automated. Then you problems. Operations -research techniques inexpensive and commonly available. run it simply by typing CHAOS. When are used in manufacturing to determine a One of the more -interesting aspects of you hit Enter and the program loads, factory's best product mix, scheduling Chaos theory is that a small change in one you're presented with a menu that lets you (PERT and critical path are both opera- or more of the variables that takes place choose between the various areas the pro- tions -research techniques) and even in the during an iterative process can have a very gram offers. Instead of just reading about design of toll plazas on highways (using significant effect on the final outcome. Mandelbrot sets.. Strange Attractors and Monte Carlo simulations to determine the One of the best books on this somewhat Fractals, you can generate knock -your - probability of different traffic loads). This arcane area of mathematics is Chaos: socks -off graphics that demonstrate the area of applied mathematics is fascinating Making a New Science by James Gleick. ultimate effect of changing individual vari- and useful, and I always enjoyed the limit- But reading about Mandelbrot sets, fractals ables. The manual is outstanding, both ed exposure I received to it in the other and strange attractors doesn't begin to let from the viewpoint of explaining how to math courses I took during my years at you understand what this mathematical use the different areas of the program and college. experience actually describes. As with so the mathematics of what's going on. There was only one problem with pursu- many areas of mathematics, you really I have to admit that my brain turned off ing my mathematics career: I had no par- need to graph expressions to really under- very quickly trying to understand the ticular gift in this area. Yet, even though I stand them. mathematics of Chaos. Perhaps, with four still have difficulty in understanding the AutoDesk, the AutoCAD folks, has young kids running around my house, I theory behind many areas of applied math- brought out a software package that lets have just too much real -world chaos to ematics, I'm no less fascinated by how you do just this. James Gleick's Chaos, deal with to be able to concentrate that much can be accomplished with it. The Software, lets you "play" with many deeply anymore. But you don't have to be One of the newest areas in mathematics of the mathematical components of Chaos a mathematics genius to appreciate the is the science of Chaos theory. While I theory right on the screen of your PC's Chaos software. With a retail price of don't claim to have more than a superficial video monitor. All you need to take advan- $59.95, and a mail-order price that should understanding of it, Chaos theory holds tage of this package is EGA or VGA be much less, the graphics this software that many of the things we consider to be video, though the higher resolution, color generates on -screen will keep you enter- random occurrences have an underlying and 256 -color displays are used to good tained for hours. structure that can, at some level, be advantage, if available. The software will Start up a Mandelbrot set and let your expressed mathematically, at least in gen- even run on a plain -vanilla PC with just PC run through iteration after iteration,

m Z W N x á cz -a O. If you enjoy Amateur Radio, N fD m c0) a0i v Ñ Ñ iñ ÿ you'll enjoy CO.

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70 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com while you continually zoom in on different a pass -though feature that doesn't require areas. The effect is not only breathtaking, you to give up being able to print hardcopy Products Mentioned it's almost hypnotic. And if you've ever documents the way you normally do. PrinterNET, $249 (Starter Kit) wondered The Page is generat- how they did some of those out- Portable capable of Primax Electronics, Inc. standing special effects in science-fiction ing up to 400 -dpi resolution and 256 250 E. Hamilton Ave. movies, the Fractal Forgeries section will shades of gray. When used in sheet -fed let you easily create your own worlds, mode, this handy scanner can scan pages Campbell, CA 95008 cloudscapes and even mountain ranges. 81/2" wide and up to 14" long. Scanning a Tel.: 800-338-3693 But even if you're like me and never really standard letter -size page takes about 45 get an understanding of Chaos mathemat- seconds, and while it comes with an ac CIRCLE NO. 145 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD ics, you'll enjoy just playing with Chaos, power supply/recharger that you can con- The Software. nect to it for continuous use, the scanner CHAOS, The Software, $59.95 If you have a teen-ager who's interested can scan up to 30 pages on its fully AutoDesk Retail Products in mathematics or know one, buy Chaos, charged internal Ni -Cd battery. 11911 N. Creek Pkwy., S. The Software for him or her. And after Weighing in at just under 3 pounds, Bothell, WA 98011 you've both spent a couple of hours watch- including battery, the Niscan scanner Tel.: 800-688-2344 ing the screen, maybe you can get him or weighs almost as much as some of the sub - her to explain to you what's actually hap- notebook PCs that are currently available. CIRCLE NO. 146 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD pening in back of the dynamite graphics. Even so, it gives you a great deal of capability for its size and weight. If necessary, Your you can even convert it into a motorized Page Portable Grayscale Scanner, $799 Taking Office full -page hand scanner by snapping off the Nisca, Inc. On the Road bottom panel. When used in this manner, 1919 Old Denton Rd., Ste. 104 I do a fair amount of traveling every the scanner drives itself down a page. You Carrollton, TX 75006 year-in fact, more than I'd really like to. just need to "steer" it to make sure that it Tel.: 214-242-9696 However, my position requires that I doesn't make a left turn somewhere while attend quite a few shows and conferences. it's performing a scan. CIRCLE NO. 147 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD So I pack my bags and hit the road. When The Page Portable comes with a I can't avoid this chore, I even take along a TWAIN -compatible driver. (TWAIN is the notebook computer or, if I'm fortunate emerging standard for image acquisition enough to think of it, express ship it to devices like scanners and frame grabbers.) I found Words & Pictures to be easy to whatever hotel I'll be staying at. Once you install the driver, the Niscan unit use and the equal of the software that fre- One of the reasons I take a notebook PC will be recognized by a variety of software quently accompanies other scanners. The on many of my business trips is that it lets packages like WinFAX Pro 3.0, Picture OCR engine, licensed from Recognia, me better stay in touch with what's hap- Publisher 3.1, PhotoFinish, OmniPage delivers good accuracy, in the 90% -plus pening back at the office. Lots of trips Professional and others. range, depending on the typeface, page involve traveling far enough from home The scanner also has its own software, layout and quality of the original document base that there's a time zone difference, Words & Pictures, that provides scanner being scanned which can occasionally make it rough to control and image editing, as well as OCR At $799, the Niscan Page Portable is a coordinate with my staff. And it always (optical character recognition). Once little expensive for a grayscale scanner. seems that whenever I travel, there are you've installed Words & Pictures, which But its ability to be used while on the road files and papers back in my office that requires Windows and takes just a few and included software make it a good buy require my attention. minutes, you can use these programs in for busy travelers and anyone who needs With my notebook PC, MCImail and a stand-alone mode or access their features full -page scanning capability and doesn't portable modem, I can easily transfer files from the File... menu in many of your want to use (or can't spare) a peripheral between where I'm staying while on the other Windows applications. slot in your PC. road and my office, and I can even fax documents created with my word processor from my hotel room. Until recently, To Order Back though, if I had to fax a paper document, I NOW - THE ALL NEW URDA®, INC. had to find other facilities to accomplish Issues this. A while back, I reviewed a device that lets you interface a hand scanner through a SBC-51 PC's (or notebook's) parallel port. But I Send $3.50 Per Issue (Check, 8 Brr MICROCONTROLLER TRAINER really don't have the patience to stitch Money Order, Mastercard, AND DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM together multiple passes with a hand scan- Mhe SSC. 51. based on me 8051..5 a sago boa rd system complete Celn monitor VISA, and AMEX). ONSI Thal rs luny 0,020,5,4. auludng e.penmeas m the lc.tbddx, jale Elsa Microcontroller, by Scat Macerase. Macina,. 1992 h has an assembled and ner to create a full page to get it ready for ,opullan500 arcui board,tc5,dng an e.apans.on areapalt reeled 41/2 7In Manual tg schemanc and monta he. ppy fax transmission. disk ,m111 demo pogroms and a 01125 Mrs sonal cade ta rommuneaton Fortunately, Nisca, one of the largest Send All Correspondence To: Also available: 8 Bit SDK -51, 8 Bit SDK -85, OEM suppliers of hand and page scanner 16 Bit SDK -86, 32 Bit SDK -386,^* 13865 a trademark al Iaet Co,poranon Used by permission components, just solved this problem with CO Communications Watch for the next URDA SDK -XXX its Niscan Page Portable Grayscale Microprocessor Development System coming soon. 76 North Broadway Scanner. An almost featureless black box CALL URDA®, INC. that measures just 21/7'l x 23/4" x 12", the Hicksville, NY 11801 1-800-338-0517 or (412) 683-8732 Niscan Page Portable is a portable battery - Or Call powered sheet -fed scanner that interfaces URDA., Inc. Has Additional Single Board Products: to a PC via its parallel printer port. There's 516-681-2922 8086 68000 68020 68030 32010 DSP FAX 516-681-2926 With Cross Assemblers for MS-DOS Computers

CIRCLE NO. 80 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 71

www.americanradiohistory.com Joseph Desposito

Traceable and Network -Ready Microcontrollers, New Synthesizer Chip, GUI Accelerator, Dc -to -Dc Converter and Dual-OutputSwitching Regulator

Enhanced versions of Intel's 8051 controller keep popping up. I lead off with two of them in this month's column. Neither is Timer YMF278 made by Intel.

PC OPL3 L Traceable Microcontroller Bus YA C513 44 Voices Matra MHS Electronics Corp.'s (Santa Digital D/A Simultaneously Clara, CA) value-added version of the Mix. 80051 microcontroller, the 80050T incor- Wave Table porates, 4K of factory-programmable Synthesizer ROM and 64 bits of internal tag identification space that permits a user to identify the specific chip or system and to whom it was sold. According to the company, this feature gives the chip traceability, which is needed by banks, credit-card companies and telephone companies. The main ID number is incorporated Wave Table into a special -function register in the mi- ROM/RAM crocontroller, and the number is "laser (General MIDI trimmed" onto the chip during the manu- Library) facturing process. Once etched, the number can't be erased or altered in any way. The 80050T costs about $9 each in quanti- Fig. 1. Yamaha's OPL4 combines FM and wave -table synthesis on a single real -estate - ties of 5,000. saving chip. Network -Ready Microcontroller FM & Wave -Synthesis Chip memory, and often require an external Standard Microsystems Corp. (Component CPU or controller. The OPL4 is a self-con- Products Div., Hauppauge, NY) is now Yamaha Systems Technology's (981 Rid - tained, single -package device (Fig. 1). offering its COM20051 eight -bit micro - der Park Dr., San Jose, CA95131) latest Waveform data for the OPL4 can be controller Designed for networking sound synthesizer chip, the YMF278 eight-, 12- or 16 -bit samples or a combina- embedded -control systems, the chip inte- (OPL4), combines wave -table and FM tion of all, depending on the instrument grates a 16 -MHz 80C32 microcontroller synthesis on a single chip and is fully sound being generated. The waveform data and a network interface based on ARC - backward compatible with the company's can be stored in ROM or downloaded to NET and supports data rates from 5M previous generation industry -standard memory, as needed. The standard ROM bits/sdown to 156K bits/s and data -packet OPL2 and OPL3 synthesizers. supplied by Yamaha is 2M, in a single sizes from 1 to 508 bytes.The controller Wave -table synthesis provides more - standard 44 -pin plastic SOP package. also has real-time networking capability realistic sound in some situations, and FM Simultaneous generation of 44 voices is built into it. synthesis is preferable in others. By com- possible with the OPL4-20 FM and 24 This chip is targeted primarily at embed- bining the two techniques, the new OPL4 wave. The two outputs can be digitally ded applications, such as automobile navi- is said to deliver the best of both worlds, at mixed as a single digital data stream or out- gation systems, factory automation systems, a very competitive cost. put separately as two individual streams. medical instrumentation, building automa- Available in a standard 80 -pin plastic When combined with other Yamaha tion (including security and energy man- quad flat pack, the OPL4 chip is claimed Multimedia audio LSIs, such as the MMA agement) and point -of -sale applications. to be the first wave -table synthesizer to chip, a complete MPC and Gold Sound The device is packaged in a 44 -pin provide professional -quality sound on a Standard solution can be easily configured. PLCC that's compatible with the 80C32 footprint small enough to fit on the moth- The MMA chip is a stereo record and play- ROM -less version of Intel's 8051 micro - erboard of a multimedia personal comput- back device that provides a sampling fre- controller. Pricing for the COM20051 in er. This will give motherboard manufactur- quency of up to 44.1kHz and has built-in 100 -piece quantities is $15.31 each. ers who have designed with the OPL3 a ADPCM compression, MIDI port, game SMC is also marketing its own software strategic evolutionary path to the highly port, DMAinterface and bus decode logic. package called ControlLink for $495. The integrated OPL4. Other solutions require The FM synthesizer section is a four- package includes object and source codes. three to five components, in addition to operator device that can be used in both

72 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

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Cross Assemblers Fig. 2. Maxim's MAX717 through MAX721 dual -output switching regulators provide Vcc sup- Extensive arithmetic and logical operations or 12 -volt supply for programming 1.8 -volt flash memories. ply voltage and a 5- Powerful macro substitution capability Unlimited include file capability Selectable Intel hex or Motorola hex object file format two- and four -operator modes. It's capable new TGUI9420 graphics accelerator for th Simulators of providing up to 20 voices and percus- personal -computer graphical user interface Ten user -definable screens sion sounds. (GUI) market. The accelerator offers a Unlimited breakpoints and memory mapping is of ISA and VL-bus support The wave -table section of the OPL4 combination Trace file to record simulator session self-contained and requires only the addi- and is DRAM -based for a high-speed, yet tion of external wave memory to corn- low-cost, system design. Disassemblers Automatic substitution of defined label names for all jumps and pletethe system. Stereo output of up to 24 Trident also announced that it's bund- branches voices with 16 levels ofpan can be speci- ling the TKD8001, acompanion chip of the Automatic insertion of supplied comments and expressions fied for each voice. Voice output data sam- TGU19420. The TKD8001 is a mixed sig- Broad range of processor specific tools - Intel, Motorola. Zilog. RCA. Rockwell... pling frequency is 44.1 kHz. nal 24 -bit true -color DAC (digital -to -ana- All products require an IBM PC or compatible, MS DOS 2.1 or greater Waveform data length is eight, 12 or 16 log converter) combined with a dual-loop Same day shipment VISA, MasterCard. American Express, and COD Unlimited technical support Thousands of satisfied customers worldwide bits. External memory of up to 4M can be clock synthesizer. ROM or SRAM or a combination of both. The performance of the TGUI9420 PseudoCorp If SRAM is used, wave data can be down- accelerator is achieved through hardware - 716 Thimble Shoals Blvd. Newport News. VA 23606 loaded from the CPU. A standard general implemented GUI functions, zero-wait- (804) 873-1947 FAX:(804) 873.2154 MIDI voice bank can be supplied by statedirect-memory write ISA bus perfor- BBS 804-873-4838 Yamaha ina 2M mask -programmed ROM. mance, a 16/32 -bit 386/486 VLbus inter- CARD A full complement of 4M can deliver up to face, improved memory data transfer and CIRCLE NO.74 ON FREE INFORMATION 52 voices. line araddressing. The chip's graphics The YSS225 Effect Processor, is an engine offers such advanced graphics optional device that provides even better - drawing operations as Pixel Blt, Line quality sound, with the addition of such Draw, ShortStroke Vector Draw, Area Fill effects as echo, reverberation, flangiing, and Image Transfer. c-PLCT1m distortion, panning and surround process- The TGUI9420's micro -coded graphics ing. The OPL4 can connect directly to the engine allows developers to write software effect processor, which is available in a drivers optimized for their applications. $209! 100 -pin plastic quad flat pack. Trident supports accelerated drivers for New C Programmable miniature controller design Windows 3.1, Windows NT and AutoCAD Yamaha provides a complete Seven 10 -bit analog inputs package, including a demo board with the 12. Many other SVGA drivers areavailable Seven digital inputs OPL4 and Effect Processor on a PC half- based on Trident's extensive extended -res- 10 -bit DAC: voltage or current output card, schematics and parts list. Price of the olution driver list. Twelve digital/relay driver outputs OPL4 in quantities of 10,000 is less than Extended graphics mode support in- RS-232/RS-485 serial ports $29. Price of the effect Processor in the cludes 640 x 480 in 32K,64K and 16.8 - Enclosure with LCD/Keypad available same quantities is less than $19. million colors and 1,024 x 768 noninter- Expansion bus for additional, low cost I/O laced 256 colors. Extended text modes Easy to use Dynamic C1M development New GUI Accelerator offer 80 -column text with 30, 43 and 60 software only $195! Trident Microsystems, Inc. (205 Raven - rows and 132 -column text with 25, 30, 43 Z -World Engineering dale Dr., Mountain View, CA 94043) has a and 60 rows. 1724 Picasso Ave., Davis, CA 95616 (916) 757-3737 Fax: (916) 753-5141 24 hr. Information Service: (916) 753-0618 (Call from your fax and request data sheet #24)

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www.americanradiohistory.com Trident offers complete development in step-up, step-down and inverting appli- vices are available. Pricing in 1,000 and up support, including design and manufactur- cations. quantities in DIP is $2.33. ing kits, for ISA and VL systems. The The LT1107 is pin -compatible with TGUI9420 uses Trident's 0.8-µm CMOS Linear's LT1111, but ithas a duty cycle of 1.8 -Volt Flash -Memory Power technology. The chips are priced around 70%, which enables greater output current Maxim Integrated Products' (120 San $25 for high -volume production orders. inmany applications. It can deliver 150 Gabriel Dr., Sunnyvale, CA 94086) MAX mA at 5 volts from two AA cells and 5 717 through MAX721 dual -output switch- volts at 300 mA from a 9 -volt battery in Micro power Dc -to -Dc ing regulators start and operate with inputs step-down mode. as low as 1.8 volts (two or three battery Converter The LT1107 has a 63 -kHz internal oscil- cells) and provide microprocessor systems Linear Technology's (1630 McCarthy lator optimized for use with surface -mount with a Vc, supply voltage and a 5- or 12 - Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035) LT1107 dc - inductors and capacitors. It has a 1 -ampere volt supply for programming flash memo- to-dc converter works in either step-up or switch on -chip. Switch current limit can be ries (Fig. 2) Their small size, high efficien- step-down mode and has a quiescent cur- set with a single resistor. An auxiliary on - cy and low supply current makes them rent of only 320 A, making itwell-suited chip gain block can be configured as a unbeatable for use in palmtop computers, for power -conscious battery -operated sys- low -battery detector, linear post -regulator, hand terminals and other low-voltage,bat- tems.Applications for the LT1107 include under -voltage lockout circuit or as an error tery-operated and portable equipment. palmtop computers, LCD bias generators, amplifier. These devices have the following preset add-on cards and peripherals, battery back- The LT1107 is available in three ver- main -output voltages: 3.3 or 5 volts for up supplies, cellular telephones and por- sions: adjustable, fixed 5 -volt and fixed MAX718/MAX720, 3.0 or 5 volts for table instruments. Supply potential ranges 12 -volt designs. All are available ineither MAX719/MAX721 and 3.3 volts only for from 2 up to 12 volts in step-up mode and eight -pin narrow DIP packages and eight - MAX717. These outputs have internal up to 30 volts in step-down mode. The lead SO surface -mount packages. Both power switches that deliver as much as LT1107 is claimed to function equally well military and commercial temperature de - 200 mA of current at 87% efficiency. For the auxiliary output, selected as 5 or 12 Looking to challenge your volts, an external MOSFET can deliver building skills? more than 120 mA. As a result of their CMOS-technology Want to explore beyond design and a unique, constant -off time, pulse-skipping control scheme, these regu- Amateur communications? lators conserve battery life and occupy less circuit -board space. The internal power Well here's the publication for YOU! MOSFETs permit switching frequencies of COMMUNICATIONS QUARTERLY, the journal of communications technology. You are invited to up to 500 kHz and use of smaller external become part of an elite group of Radio Amateurs and technical professionals as a subscriber. Circulation capacitors and smaller (<0.5 -mm diameter) will be strictly limited. surface-mount 22-µH inductors. Efficien- This new quarterly publication has been put together with YOU in mind. Articles will explore, in-depth, cies range from 80% to 87% for outputs areas that no Amateur Magazine is currently covering. from 2 to 200 mA. Low 60 µA quiescent currents help to extend battery life. State-of-the-art electronics like direct synthesis, digital signal processing, and computer control are fully These regulators accept inputs from the investigated and explained so that you can take advantage of these new technologies. COMMUNICATIONS main battery, a lithium backup battery or QUARTERLY articles cover high speed data communications, the latest in antennas using computer an unregulated dc voltage from a designed models, plus much more. Articles examine many areas of professional electronics in a way that plug-in trade publications can't. Insights into areas that are only whispered about are normal fare. A major effort is wall adapter. Space -saving integrated fea- made to show how applications can be translated into Amateur Radio operations. tures let the regulators detect the applied dc, signal the microprocessor and switch Each quarterly has approximately 100 pages of technical material; advertising is limited. Articles flow automatically from battery to plug-in from page to page, without the interruption of ads placed in the middle. The open layout accentuates each adapter. The author's work and lets you make notes, calculations, or comment for alter reference. Graphs, photos, com- adapter power is linearly reg- puter program listings, and charts are presented in an easy -to -use format. COMMUNICATIONS ulated by an internal controller and exter- QUARTERLY is printed on a high -quality stock and "perfect bound" (square backed). It is such a valu- nal transistor. able resource, you'll want to file each copy away in your technical archives for future reference. In fact Other standard features include power - over time, you'll find much of what is presented in COMMUNICATIONS QUARTERLY will become the fail warning and a miniature step-up standard in the Amateur and professional communications field. switching controller that regulates the Act now. Subscribe today! backup -battery voltage. Logic -compatible inputs allow the microprocessor to control 1 year-$29.95 Foreign-1 year $39.95 Foreign Air Mail -1 year $ 60.00 each output independently. 2 years 56.95 2 years 76.95 2 years 118.95 A complete, preassembled surface - mount kit that features a standard Name Call MAX718 application permits evaluation of Address the MAX717, MAX718 and MAX719 devices. The MAX718EVK1T-SO kits are City State Zip priced at $30 each. Check Money Order MasterCard VISA E AMEX MAX717 through MAX721 devices Card No. Expires come in 16 -pin narrow -SO packages and are screened for the commercial or extend- Signature ed-industrial temperature range. Prices for Mail to: CO Communications, Inc. these devices start at $5.95 for quantities 76 North Broadway, Hicksville, NY 11801 of 1,000 and up. Phone: 516-681-2922/ FAX: 516-681-2926

74 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com GUI GutS By Yacco

Borland and WordPerfect Windows Suites

Borland and WordPerfect have formed a Graphics strategic alliance to deliver office -automa- Stanford F de 1 cit Vicw f wind? ;vrmo¡r. 1.rnph Innl, .mnlY., Window Ilrlp tion applications for Windows. They say T. :? xf t[.1 Litzi they'll collaborate as independent compa- rg:±3 F-LJ MATHPI nl sci nies by sharing technology and other resources to meet market opportunities. What this actually means is that they're going to offer complementary product suites. I say it's about time. Both Micro- soft and Lotus have product suites they can offer as complete solutions to corporate customers who prefer single -vendor suites as opposed to a conglomeration of best -of - breed products. According to desktop computing's gang of two, their relationship is a direct response to customer suggestions that the companies form a team. It's probably also due to each of them asking how they could compete for the business of Fortune 1,000 Calculations companies that are seeking an integrated answer to whatever personal -productivity needs they have. IDC has reported that Microsoft sold 700,000 and Lotus 100,000 4I suites in 1992. This isn't the first time Borland and WordPerfect have worked together to get a A screen shot created with the Stanford graphics software package. slice of the national -account pie. Borland and WordPerfect have had several success- ful joint deals with individual customers- dling, DDE and OLE links, etc.-are a panies have combined their individual even with the Canadian government. It consequence of Windows services that are offerings into a single product. Borland may just help the duo survive the jugger- available to all applications. Likewise, the boss Philippe Kahn calls it a "no compro- naut from Redmond, too. Windows interface is shared by applica- mise" solution and says it's the first soft- The deal is a smart move. Integrated, tions. There isn't likely to be a Lotus -vs. - ware suite to combine top contenders in single -vendor solutions are more attractive Paperback Software -type suit over a word-processing, spreadsheet and data- these days. Price is one factor. Bundles spreadsheet's look -and -feel, and it's equal- base-the three best-selling categories of offer more value. At a manufacturer's sug- ly unlikely that any application will be per- PC software. Only WordPerfect 5.2's lack gested retail price of $595, for instance, ceived as having a vastly superior inter- of true WYSIWYG makes me uneasy Borland's joint suite with WordPerfect face. All of this lends credence to the idea about this argument. I think the need to will include software with a combined that the demand for best -of-breed is giving preview is an important feature in a GUI MSRP of $1,785. way to market acceptance of several bet- environment. Otherwise, Office probably However, the abundance of integrated ter -of-breed products. Under DOS, users does have as much claim to being a better - packages isn't just due to their price- would universally have groaned over a of -breed solution as the Microsoft and especially under Windows. Applications decision to replace 1-2-3. If someone says Lotus suites. tend to be more equally matched under the the company is going to use Quattro Pro Neither Borland nor WordPerfect Corp. coordinating influence of a GUI environ- instead of 1-2-3 for Windows or MS Excel, will have an equity interest in the other as ment or operating system. Lotus Ami Pro though, many users are likely to simply a result of this collaboration. Their agree- and Microsoft Word for Windows, for shrug. ment is based on common technology and example, are going to have differences in The first integrated product resulting market goals only. But Borland and their features sets, but valuable innovations from the long-term strategic alliance of WordPerfect are sharing more than a sin- are rapidly duplicated. Look how quickly this pair is Borland Office for Windows. It gle product. Their joint announcement list- tool bars have permeated nearly every will include Borland's own Quattro Pro ed common research and development (to major application. for Windows 1.0 and Paradox for Windows provide tighter integration between the Furthermore, many of the strongest 1.0, as well as WordPerfect's WordPerfect companies' software products); combined capabilities these applications have- 5.2 for Windows. The alliance claims that support of the Independent Database things like printer support, graphics han - it's the first time two major software com- Application Programming Interface (an

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 75

www.americanradiohistory.com Perfect is totally committed to Windows, Higher Education either, for several reasons. Firstly, it's difficult for an institution that's achieved If Harvard gets an eponymous graphics spectacular success with one great idea to package, why not Stanford? After all, it's Eu S\/. steins Analysis change its mindset. When I attended the often referred to as the Harvard of the announcement of WordPerfect 6.0-it West. Apparently, this is the reasoning that ships on June 28-the focus was almost the folks at 3-D Visions employed when exclusively on DOS. In a way, DOS is they named the Windows version of more responsible for the success of Word- Graftool, their market -leading technical Perfect than the company's eponymous charting and presentation package for word processor. Without the struggles DOS. So, Stanford is the company's tech- inherent in that operating system and its nical (as well as business) 3-D charting kith, customer support might never have and graphing tool for Windows. been important enough for its users to lift Stanford has the same types of charts the former Satellite Software into orbit. you find in programs like Freelance, I also think it will be difficult for PowerPoint and DeltaGraph-only it has WordPerfect to overcome the inertia of its more of them. It has 167 graph types based corporate culture, as well as DOS culture, on 45 business, statistics and technical cat- NEC's 17" 5FG color video monitor is even and change direction. One insider put it to egories. They range from simple pies to good enough for destkop publishing and me that WordPerfect realizes Windows is six -dimensional vector plots. Six dimen- low -end CAD work at a reasonable price. the future but can't give loyal DOS users sions? The program displays them by sub- the impression they're being abandoned. stituting arrows for data points. In a storm But hold it, again! I thought Microsoft was cloud, for instance, you could show such scheduled to abandon plain old DOS itself things as velocity with the length of the industry standard for accessing corporate around release seven. And even if DOS arrow, direction with the direction of the data on multiple platforms and operating isn't exactly abandoned, how may other arrow and temperature with the color of systems); and coordinated marketing, sales developers are still writing primarily for the arrow. and support programs. They've already DOS? How many will be left in two years Where the competition has a good enhanced interoperability among products when Pentium is a common platform, and design, 3-D isn't afraid to pay homage to in the suite. When the first version of NT is firmly established? WordPerfect it. Its style sheets and templates, for exam- Borland Office for Windows ships, you'll isn't going to break with its DOS heritage ple, are quite reminiscent of those in be able to import rich text and data into any time soon. As that same insider also Freelance. "We were well -aware of WordPerfect directly from Quattro Pro for points out, WordPerfect for DOS is going Freelance's capabilities in this area," says Windows spreadsheet notebooks. to remain a wonderful cash cow for years marketing vice president Dave Ulmer, Yet, I wonder. Is this venture really all to come. "and felt that was important in our package that joint. Borland Office for Windows is, Finally, however good it is in the next as well." It supports nearly every graphics after all, available from only Borland. For release, WordPerfect for Windows won't file format, includes line -drawing tools and its part, WordPerfect will offer the be as good as it would be if the company formats fonts. Stanford doesn't yet support Workgroup Extension Pack for the was risking everything on its success. Take multimedia, sound effects or video. But Borland Office. It will include electronic Microsoft Windows and NT as examples. there are a slide show and most of the mail, scheduling, a calendar, forms and Windows never could have risen to its pre- other things you expect from a high -end presentation graphics-all WordPerfect sent heights without the break between presentation product. products. Notice that presentation graphics Microsoft and IBM. Before that, the two Stanford has its own built-in, multiple - are duplicated in Quattro Pro, which companies had an agreement that served to model, four-dimensional spreadsheet Philippe Kahn takes great pains to use for carve out and protect separate niches for engine. It can simultaneously open and all his own presentations. Some forms Windows and OS/2. Would Windows be its interact with multiple 3-D spreadsheets. applications may also create a dilemma best if Microsoft was concerned with the Seventy spreadsheet functions cover between Paradox and WordPerfect's success of OS/2? everything from simple math to advanced InForms technology. Call a spade a spade. Nevertheless, the ability of these two scientific and statistical calculations, such It's a suite of workgroup applications as companies to provide a solution with all of as Bessel, Gamma, Students -T, Chi -Square much as it's an extension to Office. the core productivity applications you and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Spread- The companies make the claim that, need-plus email, scheduling and a calen- sheets are essentially limited only by your together, the two suites provide the only dar to coordinate workgroups-is encour- system's memory. They can have up to 70 - complete offering of office products. But aging. If you really want integration, and trillion cells! hold it! There are two suites, not one. They minimal (if not single) vendor support, If you want to use your favorite spread- not only contain duplications, they're from these guys do have the most complete sheet with Stanford, the program has filters two different vendors, and combining them offering of office products in town. for DOS and Windows file imports that let amounts to a conglomeration (albeit one Borland Office is scheduled to arrive in it get your data where it is. You don't have with very high-level modules). Borland the second half of June. The Workgroup to create intermediate files or spreadsheets. and WordPerfect might resolve conflicts in Extension Pack is scheduled to be avail- Ulmer cites two of his graphs that have functionality. This seems unlikely. It able in the third quarter. Incidentally, between them seven links to three 1-2-3 would require their joint research and "long-term" means Borland Office will be for Windows files. The data are hot linked development efforts to surmount both the offered indefinitely, as long as there's cus- to all three by Stanford's DDE and OLE selfish interests imposed by the need to tomer demand, and future versions will be capabilities. These include both OLE and market the individual products, and inter- upgraded to remain consistent with the DDL server, as well as client, functions. company politics. most recent stand-alone versions of each Moreover, Stanford's own proprietary DIL I'm not all that convinced that Word- product. (dynamic import link) works like a

76 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com for DOS. (DIL optimum shelf life based on humidity and Dynamic Data Exchange Products Mentioned differs from Windows links in that you temperature. It then uses the program's must open a file to update it.) regression tool to create a model that the Graftool, $495; Stanford Graphics, Stanford's technical -charting features go data tends to follow. When it introduces a $495 well beyond its competitors. Its three- new packaging material or product type, 3-D Visions dimensional surface plots, for example, are Nestle plots test data and compares them 2780 Skypark Cr. proportional to the underlying data values. to the model to see if the new product is Torrance, CA 90505 It uses visibility algorithms and hidden line within its guidelines. Tel.: 310-325-1339 removal to plot actual data points. It can Financial analysts are also using the also generate a surface plot from random product. They prepare presentations that CIRCLE NO. 151 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD x,y,z triplets by interpolating mathemati- compare the performance of multiple cally correct points between them. And it investment funds over long periods of has an inverse weighted distance algorithm time. it's too bad 3-D hasn't included NEC 5FG, $1,599; OCLI lens, $115 that works like a 3-D version of a cubic some financial functions, like discounted NEC Technologies, Inc. spline to plot an approximation of your cash flows, into the spreadsheet. I suspect 1255 Michael Dr. data's underlying function. that there's a lot more that could be done Wood Dale, IL 60191-1094 Similar -looking surface plots from desk- with Stanford in this area. Tel.: 800-NEC-INFO top competitors, such as PowerPoint and This is a fairly impressive statistical DeltaGraph, aren't able to plot accurate 3- tool, as well as a powerful charting and CIRCLE NO. 152 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD D surfaces based on real data. If you were presentation package. It requires 12M of to look at a small neighborhood on one of storage, 4M of RAM memory and at least their three-dimensional surface plots, a 25 -MHz. 80386 processor. you'd find that it was covered by regularly -spaced, uniform areas. That's to say, the itor's focus. Heat usually causes doming areas would be uniform, regardless of the NEC 5FG when you turn up the brightness. Ivar dis- data values by which they're bounded. If you need a new video monitor to display torts less than a comparable steel mask, This is because the programs ignore the x Stanford's charts and graphs, consider keeps the electron beam better aligned and and y values. If the points go in uneven NEC's 5FG. It can plot at noninterlaced has a sharper focus as a result. So, Ivar increments, or on a logarithmic scale, resolutions up to 1,280 x 1,024. Its 0.28 - makes the 5FG's picture sharper for a those programs can't accurately plot them. mm dot pitch makes images sharp, even given level of brightness or brighter for a The x and y values are plotted as labels when there's lots of little windows filled given sharpness. It's much more competi- (that is, on a nominal scale), evenly across with plots and spreadsheets squeezed onto tive with the Trinitron design, which, the data range, regardless of the actual val- its big 17" screen. because it uses suspended cross -wires ues. This limits the program's usefulness In today's monitor market, the 17" dis- instead of an aperture mask, has always for plotting real -world data that doesn't play is one of the faster -growing segments. been insensitive to heat. come in an evenly -spaced grid. Such a plot You can fit it in places where a 20" or larg- The 5FG CRT also features a flat -square can accurately represent only contrived er display won't go, and it's just the right design to gives you a flatter image and let data that are from a regular linear series size for graphical business applications you use more of the active screen area like 1, 2, 3; 2, 4, 6, 8; or 17, 34, 51. Real like running Windows. A 17" diagonal without pincushioning or barreling effects. data aren't like this, though, and when the measurement is even large enough to dis- The electronics have also been changed to distances between underlying data are play high -resolution images for desktop make the picture as wide as the new screen irregular and the areas bounded by them publishing and low -end CAD applications. permits. It doesn't make sense to pay a are regular, the graph is distorted. Yet, it doesn't cost much more than a premium price for a large monitor if it The on -screen data -analysis tools in this high -quality 14" monitor. yields a no more active display area than a product are formidable, too. When you Larger displays also generally come smaller one does. Yet cheaper monitors rotate a plot, Stanford doesn't just re -draw with additional features, and the NEC 5FG may not use the screen as fully, even your data at different coordinates. You can is no exception. It has built-in pincushion though the CRT may be the same size and watch the data turn and catch intervening control, manual and auto deguassing, a has the same flat -square design. This is details you might otherwise miss. An digital control system with frequency because the electronics of a flat CRT are Analyze menu allows you to do analysis, memories that let you customize centering stressed more to reach its wide angle. such as a polynomial regression through 3- and sizing for the frequencies of any Low emf radiation is integral in this D data, and plot the new smoothed data. adapter and an RGB-gun intensity control monitor, and it follows the MPR2 guide- Stanford's visual data -analysis ability for color calibration (NEC's AccuColor). lines for ELF. NEC also offers an optional lets you analyze the data on the graph, It also has one fixed and two programma- OCLI (Optical Coating Laboratories Inc.) instead of through a spreadsheet. Click on ble color settings. You can adjust white lens that slides over the front of the moni- any point with the Intelligent Data Cursor, balance to reduce the fatigue that's some- tor and looks completely an integral part of and you get a reading of the x,y,z data times induced by the bluish cast of whites. it. Unlike the etched screens and grainy sil- value in a little window. You can change (Under ordinary circumstances, the bluish ica coatings they replace, OCLI coatings values in this window by stretching the cast helps you to see contrast better, but applied to a polished -glass lens doesn't plot with a mouse. Changing the graph in for some individuals, it also causes fatigue degrade focus. The lens has several coat- this way changes the data only if you tell it over time.) The monitor's input capabili- ings that reduce reflected glare and to do so. Therefore, you can do what -ifs, in ties include BNC, Mac, and standard VGA increase contrast. It also has an antistatic 2-D or 3-D, in any graph type. connectors. coating and grounding strap to reduce the Ulmer gave me two examples of how NEC engineered quality into this moni- effects of radiation, magnetic fields and customers are using Stanford. Nestle is tor. The 5FG's CRT has an Ivar (alloy) static (such as shock, dust and dirty films). controlling the life of its products on the shadow mask that makes it less sensitive to Sony offers this caliber of lens only on its grocer's shelf with Stanford. It first plots the doming distortion that can spoil a mon - high -end 20" and larger monitors.

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 77

www.americanradiohistory.com Video Blaster (froth page 67) ent representative said that Video Blaster bit. But can such manipulation produce a mal undisturbed video is restored. saves images in no more than 256 colors. newer image with essentially more resolu- Technical support responded to my query Now I wonder which answer is correct. tion than the original? My experiments, about this by saying that Video Blaster The fact that Video Blaster has a real- using PhotoStyler and Picture Publisher works in only 256 -color modes or less. time image display that rivals that of a TV with several kinds of image formats, The problem with this answer is that I receiver or monitor would indicate that it showed that 256 -color images translated wasn't running Video Blaster at the time. I really does support 2 -million colors, at into 24 -bit images still looked like 256 - was simply running Windows when Video least while playing real-time imagery. color images even when displayed by 24 - Blaster was properly installed in my PC. However, the instant image degradation bit software and hardware. Further experiments revealed similar caused by simply freezing an image indi- Perhaps Video Blaster saves images in results when running Windows in 16 -bit cates that color resolution drops when fewer colors than it displays, even though Hi -Color mode that handles about 32,000 preparing to capture. making the images compatible with high- colors. Again, I wasn't attempting to run I saved images in eight bits (256 colors) er -resolution formats. I can't be certain of Video Blaster, only Windows in 16 -bit and 24 bits (16.7 -million colors) as offered this because my questions to Creative Labs mode. by Video Blaster's Windows utilities. In technical support have gotten conflicting It seems that Video Blaster lacks total each case, I ran the Smooth function to fil- responses. transparency, as indicated by my experi- ter out scanning lines. Then I examined Something else may bear on the ques- ments. This resulted in another problem each image using two different quality tion of Video Blaster's image resolution. during the evaluation. Anytime I wanted to image -processing packages. One was The board is supposed to be transparent examine an image on a 16- or 24 -bit basis, Micrografx Picture Publisher, the other when not in use, like any other gadget in I had to shut down my computer, discon- Aldus PhotoStvler. your computer. It shouldn't interfere with nect Video Blaster and reconnect my video Viewed from both packages the eight - normal operations. In the case of Video card in normal fashion. Evaluation of bit images looked very much like the 24 - Blaster, the only time it should be known Video Blaster sometimes required parallel bit images, which shouldn't happen. by your computer system is when you run comparisons of eight -bit versus 24 -bit Anyone who works with images knows Video Blaster software. results. Thus, I've connected and discon- that a real 24 -bit image will rank far supe- In my computer system, Video Blaster nected Video Blaster many times, which rior in appearance to an eight -bit image. wasn't completely transparent. My video requires power cycling. So, does Video Blaster save all 2 -million card is capable of 24 -bit color in 16.7 -mil- of its colors in a false 24 -bit format, or lion colors. Taking advantage of 24 -bit Summary does it perform the same trick with only color requires resetting Windows to run in Video Blaster is one of the competitors for 256 colors? 24 -bit mode, using software drivers low-cost computer video. Its real-time pre- Experimenting with ordinary eight -bit designed for the video card. As soon as sentation is excellent when compared to its images reveals that images can be manipu- Windows comes up in 24 -bit mode, the price, making it a nifty tool for watching lated and saved in formats with greater computer screen gets cluttered with signal scaled TV under Windows. Its DOS utili- color resolution. PhotoStyler, for example, noise, snow and blurred text. The display ties are more of a high-level programming can read a 256 -color GIF image and trans- is so much disrupted that it isn't usable. language than anything else and are diffi- late it into a format that can be read as 24 - When I disconnect Video Blaster, nor- cult to use. They can view images but not capture them. Thus, the DOS utilities are mostly useless. The Windows utilities are very good and easy to use, but they're off- set by limited resolution, lack of transparency and of true 24 -bit support. If you want something to view TV programs on your computer, Video Blaster works well enough, but you might consider the cheaper, more -practical route - Version of BoordMoker NEW - Prices buying a small color TV receiver. If you PC Layout software for the IBM PC and compatibles 68HC11 System want image capture and don't mind being BoordMoker 1 - Entry level (no net Ist ) limited in color and resolution, Video PCB and schematic drafting $95. Easy and intuitive to use Blaster will probably fill your needs. Surface mount support Above all, remember that your computer Ground plane copper fill Copper highlight and clearance checking can't have any more than 15M of RAM or Video Blaster won't work. BoardMaker 2 - Advanced level $295. All the features of BoardMaker I PLUS: Finally, if you're looking for something Full netiist support - OrCad, Schema. Tango, CadStar that will grow with your computer system, Full Design Rull Checking - mechanical / electrical Top down modification from the schematic maybe you should wait for Creative Labs Component renumber with back annotation - FAST 2.45 Mhz Bus Speed. RS232 Host Interface. Report generator - Database ASCII, BOM - to make a better version of Video Blaster. ,. ,. 32K RAM -32K EPROM. Thermal power plane support with full DRC Trimmable Crystal Oscillator. Configurable BoordMoker 2 with BoordRouter r Analog Input Buffers. $495. Buffered and Optically Coupled I/O. Simultaneous multi -layer gridless i...... Single Supply- Local Power Regulation. Product Tested routing Full Interrupt. resume, pan and zoom while routing mot. Full Reset/Power Supply Management. Battery Backup the RAM or Entire Board BoardCapture Schematic Capture Banked Memory Logic allows up to 2Meg -mot. Four Pre -Decoded Chip-Selects Available. Video Blaster, $499 Undo / Redo up to 50 operations $ 395 .t. Buffalo Monitor Supplied on EPROM. Supports hierarchical an multi page designss cr., i.li BASICI ' and Real -Time Kernel Available. Creative Labs, Inc.

Output drivers - included with all packages Plus $5 &H 1901 McCarthy Blvd. '., Call for FREE evaluation kit Advanced 159 `'V Milpitas, CA 95035 SystDeems Phone heatstone" (203) Tel.: 408-428-6600 (603) 635-8780 sign, inc. 669-0401 sales (800) 626-4460 Microsystems, Inc. lox 834 CIRCLE NO. 120 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD FAX (603) 635-3918 Suite 418, 105-14 Elm St. Old Saybrook, CT 06475 Peham, NH 03076 Mastercard and Visa accepted

CIRCLE NO.55 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD CIRCLE NO. 83 ON FREE INFORMATION CARI) 78 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com What's New! (from page 9)

TouchMate worked only with matically determining the -Size, Big - weighs only 4.9 ounces, con- Windows applications and DOS worth of your bonds for the Small sumes about 1 watt of power applications that are designed next six months. Capacity Hard from a single 5 -volt supply specifically for the TouchMate To coincide with the publi- Drive and spins up to operational product. The new driver pro- cation of the latest tables -of -re- Toshiba's MK-1522FCV is a speed in a fast 3 seconds. The vides an intuitive interface to demption values, EEBond is 21/7" hard drive with 126M MK-1522FCV is designed to virtually any kind of database, updated every six months. The storage capacity and a mere withstand up to 100G of non- making it ideal for information - update, which requires no fur- /9" height. This diminutive operational shock and has a access applications. $895, ther data entry, cost $10 to reg- drive is ideal for use in rated MTBF of 150,000 TouchMate/upgrades available. istered users. $20. MMR Soft- today's sub -laptop computers. power -on hours. Toshiba Visage, Inc., 1881 Worcester ware, PO Box 7116,Washing- It offers a fast 15 -ms average America Information Systems, Rd., Framingham, MA 01701; ton, DC 20044; tel.: 703-243- access time, a data -transfer Inc., 9740 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, tel.: 508-620-7100; fax: 508- 0552. rate and a 128K cache buffer. CA 92718; tel.: 714-583-3000. 620-0273. CIRCLE NO. 19 ON FREE CARD Using a single disk platter, CIRCLE NO.21 ON FREE CARD CIRCLE NO. 17 ON FREE CARD this new 21/," Toshiba drive Development Graphics Board Accelerator The eBoard from Highlands ATI's Graphics Ultra Pro pro- Electronics has a 6502 micro- vides high-performance CAD, processor at its heart and is Windows, Multimedia Video, supported by a development UNIX and 0/2 graphics for system that consists of a cross - professional users. Using ATI's assembler, assembly -language mach32 Graphics accelerator debugger and board -resident Chip, it exceeds 25 -million Forth language. Because the Winmarks, features enhanced cross -assembler and debugger Windows From The 1-2-3 for Windows. He illus- drivers and is supported by run on a PC, development is Keyboard trates how to work from both hundreds of applications that extremely fast, compared to documents and menus, heavi- use IBM 8514/A, VGA, VESA working with these tools direct- By Nicholas Baran ly supported by excellent and other ATI drivers. It dis- ly on the 6502. The cross - (John Wiley & Sons. Soft screen illustrations. plays 1,280 x 1,024 images at assembler is written to compile cover. 302 pages. $16.95.) An excellent appendix sum- a 74 -Hz vertical refresh rate 4K of object code in I second. This is the book for anyone marizes, in reference -table for- with 256 colors. With the debugger running who isn't totally hooked on mat, general Windows key- The card accelerates multi- while the 6502 has been using a mouse with a PC. The board strokes and applica- media and video (.AVI) under stopped, you're able to read, author shows you how to tion -specific strokes. Much of Windows. Direct color modes write and modify eBoard's employ the keyboard for issu- the strokes make use of Alt eliminate color conflicts. memory and devices, without ing Windows commands to and Ctrl keys in combination Hardware-assisted image scal- disturbing your application make operations much faster. with letters or a function key. ing provides full -screen play- environment. It has a central Sure, you need a mouse with If you're a fast typist, back without dropping frames, input and output kernel to sim- which to draw and drag, but you'll love the opportunity to while maintaining audio syn- plify attaching your application in many cases it's a very inef- work the keyboard without chronization. Up to 2M of to the system. Highlands Elec- ficient mode of operation, hardly taking time out to video memory is supported. tronics, 13720 Lake Shore Dr., often forcing you to wend move around a mouse. If $395. ATI Technologies Inc., Clear Lake, CA 95422; tel.: your way through menus and you're a true power user who 3761 Victoria Park Ave., 707-994-1024. sub -menus. can't stand slow -downs, Scarborough, ONT, Canada Starting with an overview you'll also welcome the prac- M1 W 3S2; tel.: 416-756-0718; CIRCLE NO.20 ON FREE CARD of how to navigate with Win- tical guidance offered here. fax: 416-756-0720. dows, Baran then takes you And even if you're just the New Golden into six popular applications ordinary computer user who CIRCLE NO. 18 ON FREE CARD RETRIEVER for Windows key -stroking operates in Windows, you'll methods: WordPerfect for relish speeding up operations Above Software's Golden Windows, Ami Pro for Win- for routine tasks by using Savings -Bond RETRIEVER is a document dows, Word for Windows, basic keyboard strokes. Calculations manager that helps you create, Quattro Pro for Windows, This book is a treasure for EEBond is an inexpensive store, track and search for doc- Excel for Windows and Lotus all Windows users. computer program from MNR uments and data files. The soft- Software that you can use to ware organizes electronic doc- compute the value of Series EE uments and data 'Iles into six spreadsheets, memos, propos- Enhancements include file - Savings Bonds up to six on -screen file drawers and an als, reports, presentations, data- save and file -open intercepts months in advance. The pro- unlimited number of file fold- base records and other files that bring up Golden RE- gram maintains a database of ers. This replicates the way a generated by any Windows or TRIEVER when another appli- Series EE and Series E bonds paper document would be filed DOS application. The program cation attempts one of these and Savings Notes. All you do in Windows. supports user-friendly file- operations; file record, which is enter the serial number and With Golden RETRIEVER, names of up to 256 characters adds a "version" field; the abil- date of purchase, and the pro- you collect in one file drawer in length, complete with full ity to customize Windows desk- gram takes it from there, auto- or file folder all related letters, punctuation. top and accessories; the ability (Continued on page 81)

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 79

www.americanradiohistory.com Quick and Dirty Data Interface (from page 62)

Table 1. Locations óf a Serial Listing 1. BASIC QADDI Test Program Card in Memory

10 cls Clear the screen Port Hexadecimal Decimal 20 V=INP(1016) Read input value from memory COM1 03F8 1016 30 PRINT V; Print the value to the screen COM2 02F8 760 35 FOR 1=1 to 1000 Wait a while so I can read it COM3 03E8 1000 40 NEXT I 50 GOTO 10 Start again COM4 02E8 744

of any input signals you'll be using. Use of a dc voltmeter or multimeter Table 2. Details for Using More set to the ribbon cables for any digital data signals dc -volts function to any convenient Than One Channel and any two -conductor cable for analog point that's supposed to be at ground signals you'll have as inputs. Don't plug potential on the Interface board. Power CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4 the ICs into the sockets on your Interface up your computer and, after it has boot- COM1 1016 1017 1018 1019 board until after you've conducted volt- ed, touch the "hot" meter probe to pin COM2 760 761 762 763 age checks and are certain that your 20 of the U 1 and U2 sockets and pins 6 COM3 1000 1001 1002 1003 wiring is okay. and 16 of the U3 socket. If you don't COM4 744 745 746 747 If you wish, house the circuit -board obtain a +5 -volt reading at any of these assembly inside an enclosure that has points, power down your computer and sufficient panel space on which to correct the problem. on doing multiple experiments at dif- mount the input connectors you'll be If everything appears to be okay, ferent times, the preferable approach is using, RESET switch SW 1 and an entry power down your computer and plug the to use the connector arrangement so that point for routing the cable that goes to ICs into their respective sockets on the you don't have to open your system unit the connector on your computer that car- Interface board, making certain you ori- for each new experiment. ries the lines to the UART socket on ent them properly. Then temporarily Begin by checking your serial card to your serial card. connect your test circuit to the circuit- see if its UART is socketed or soldered After mounting the connectors, use board assembly, as detailed in Fig. 2, into place. If you have a card with an ribbon cable to interconnect the digital and power up your computer. empty socket for a second serial port, input signal lines to their connector(s) You must prepare your system to you're ahead of the game because you and two -conductor cable for any analog accommodate the Interface by setting can use it as a dedicated experimenter - inputs you'll be using. Line the hole you the COM port for proper operation. port Interface. If the UART is soldered drilled for the cable that goes back to Table 1 lists the decimal locations of a into place, your best bet is to replace the your computer and feed the free end of serial card in memory. If you use the card with one that has a socketed UART. the cable through it. Connect and solder Interface on a port other then COM1, Purchasing a new serial card costs for the conductors of the computer cable to change 1016 (in the software) to one of $20 or so is a lot cheaper than trying to the appropriate points on the circuit the numbers listed in Table 1. Setting build the Interface from scratch when board. Then use 1" spacers and suitable your serial card so that your computer you consider that it would cost you machine hardware to mount the circuit- can see it is the same as if you where about $30 for just a blank prototyping board assembly into place. going to use it for a modem or a mouse. card and would have to add in the cost With the project wired and ready for Consult the information that came with of the buffering and address -decoder testing, build a simple tester to use dur- the serial card. chips you'd have to buy to implement ing the setup procedure to verify that Next, key in and run the BASIC pro- the circuit. your circuit is operating properly. You gram given in Listing 1 to ensure prop- You need a 40 -pin socket header or a can wire the tester circuitry, shown in er operation. To stop the program, hit piece of perforated board that's two or Fig. 2, on a piece of perforated board. Ctrl -Break. Make sure you have your more rows larger than the size of a 40 - When you wire this circuitry, keep in serial card set for the same COM port as pin UART chip. If you use a header, you mind that the only things that will be on the program. If you're using COM1 or can wire directly to it. Alternatively, if the tester board will be potentiometer COM2, make sure your mouse software you use perforated board, you'll have to R 10, resistors R2 through R9 and isn't active. plug prototyping pins into the hole loca- switches S1 through S8. The remainder After keying in Listing 1 (omit the tions that will align with pins 1 through of the circuitry is shown simply to show comments given in the second column 8, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28 and 40 of the UART you where to temporarily connect these during entry), save it with the filename socket and pass some thick bus wire components to those in the Fig. 1 cir- TEST.BAS. If you're using DOS 3.1, down through them to plug into the posi- cuit. make sure GWBASIC is in the PATH tions on the UART socket or solder statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT directly to the serial card. Checkout & Use file. Then type: GWBASIC TEST.BAS Referring to Fig. 1, use Wire Wrap or With no ICs in the sockets on the cir- and hit Enter. If you're using DOS 5, use other small -diameter prototyping wire cuit -board assembly, plug the cable that the QBasic that came with it. Hit RESET to point-to-point wire the circuit on a goes back to your computer into the con- switch S I on the Interface and adjust the separate perforated board. Don't forget nector that goes to the UART socket on potentiometer on your test -circuit board to provide wiring for the ground returns your serial card. Clip the common lead until you see numbers in the upper-left

80 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com What's New!

to create, rename and delete Listing 2. BASIC Double Graphics Program for directories; and the ability to Testing More Than OneChannel format floppy disks and shred Board files, among other features. Nth Double Edge from Nth $99. Above Software Inc., 2698 Graphics is a high-performance 10 CLS While Rd. #200, Irvine, CA graphics board that turns two 20 V=INP(1016) 92714; tel.: 800-344-0116; video monitors into one virtual 30 W=INP(1017) fax: 714-851-2285. desktop with up to 1,024 x 768 - 40 X=INP(1018) pixel resolution on each moni- 50 Y=INP(1019) CIRCLE NO.22 ON FREE CARD tor and a color depth up to 16.7 - 60 PRINT V: million colors. The Nth Double 70 PRINT W: Edge is extends high-perfor- 80 PRINT X: Temperature - mance acceleration to two side- 90 PRINT Y: by -side monitors to allow 100 FOR 1=1 TO 1000 Sensing Package Windows, CAD and other 110 NEXT I Temp -A -Chip is a user -config- graphics users to double their 120 GOTO 10 urable temperature sensor that work areas without doubling interfaces with a computer. cost. Developed a as result of the With the Nth Double Edge, need for a temperature -sensing you can view two full -screen Listing 3. BASIC Program for device that operates within applications simultaneously or other programs, it to Reading a 0 -to -5 -Volt Input connects obtain a large overview of one any RS -232 computer port. application. Drivers are sup- Featuring a solid-state design, plied for 10 CLS most popular graphics it provides a more -linear tem- packages. The ISA-bus-com- 20 A=INP(1016) perature measurement than 30 V=A *5/255 patible card is powered by an other means in common use. No optimized graphics coproces- 40 PRINT V: battery is required to operate 50 FOR 1=1 TO 1000 sor and includes 2M of on- Temp -A -Chip, and you can board video RAM. $1,295. Nth 60 NEXT I easily modify the accompany- 70 GOTO 10 Graphics, 1908-A Kramer ing software to suit package Lane, Austin, TX 78758; tel.: your particular needs. $100. 800-624-7552; fax: 512-832- Parham P. Baker & Associates, 5954. Inc., 153 Burt Rd., Lexington, CIRCLE NO.25 ON FREE CARD of your video monitor that vary from 0 KY 40503; tel.: 800-271-8699. to 255. If fail to obtain this response from the system, something is wrong. CIRCLE NO.23 ON FREE CARD WordStar Included Power down and correct the problem. By Tom Rugg & Werner Feibel Test the parallel (digital) data input Low -Cost by changing the ON/OFF combination (Bantam Books. Soft cover/ 31/2" disk, WordStar for DOS of switches S1 through S8 on the test - Video Director Version 7.0. Video Director from 416 Pages. circuit board. If the numbers displayed Gold Disk $39.95.) permits you to do complete on your video monitor change when you This is an unusual package. video editing from Windows change switch settings, the project is It's actually a starter kit for the operating properly and you can proceed with the aid of a camcorder or latest version (7.0) of Word- VCR. Features include VCR to putting it into service. Power down Star for DOS. As such, it control from the computer includes a 31/2" disk that con- your system and remove the test -circuit screen, point -and -click mark- board. tains the full word-processing ing, automatic logging, re -use program, minus some If you're using more than the one par- clips, video -in -a -window that advanced capabilities, such as allel or/and one serial inputs, each addi- supports displaying video in a a thesaurus, page previewing, tional channel you use must have the re -sizable window using an graphics integration and same address plus 1, as detailed in Table MCI -compatible card, genlock more -extensive printer sup- 2. To test out such a system, you'll have support for overlay of titles and port. (An upgrade to include to key in and run the BASIC program graphics and time-code and these features is available for manual modes. $89.) given in Listing 2. I know this is very A Gold Disk "Smart Cable" This book teaches you the crude programming, but it takes little is included for controlling most basics of using this popular time to enter and understand it. If you popular VCRs and camcorders. DOS word processor, which run this program with a single -channel This cable plugs into the serial features drop -down menus Interface installed in your system, all port of a PC. Requirements and mouse -use capabilities. four outputs will be the same. include Windows 3.1, 386 or It's crisply written and nicely illustrated. At it's price, the Finally, if you wish to read a 0 -to -5 - better PC, 1M of RAM or more package is certainly worth- volt key in and 2M of free hard -disk space. analog input, and run the while getting if you're not Gold Disk, PO Box 789 BASIC program given in Listing 3. already locked into a high - Streetsville, Mississauga, With a little programming, you can use power word processor or wish ONT, Canada L5M 2C2. the linear analog input to monitor many to explore working with a fine things. CIRCLE NO.24 ON FREE CARD DOS one.

Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft August 1993 / COMPUTERCRAFT / 81

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Conaft

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www.americanradiohistory.com Computer Games (from page 88)

the Italian Renaissance. Renaissance Mas- shown by its definition of the musical mel- But few of them have migrated to the Micro- ters Volume 1 concentrates mainly on late ody, "...a succession of pitches that is per- soft Windows platform. Computer users who gothic to early Renaissance periods. Volume ceived by the mind as a unity." It goes on to like to study the Bible now have a powerful 2 covers the High Renaissance, Mannerist explain that a melody, therefore, is more search -and -retrieve system, fast access to and Baroque periods. Both volumes display than just a series of pitches one strings various Bible translations, clear marking of paintings, sculpture and architecture by together, but that the pitches must create an Strong's numbers, English definitions to artists like Da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelan- overall impression in the listener's mind. Greek and Hebrew words and more than a gelo, Raphael and Titian. Each CD stores This kind of talk gets your thoughts going in half-million cross-references. Besides the more than 1,300 images, with detailed data the right direction and prepares you for the potential for more Bible versions, other add- cards about each artist and a little background hands-on approach used by Music Mentor. ons include four Greek texts, a Hebrew text music that puts you into the mood of the As you progress through music basics, and Nave's Topical Bible. time. you can hear what's being taught through an Logos takes advantage of Dynamic Data Reviewing Renaissance Masters is made MPC-compliant sound card or MIDI key- Exchange feature in Windows, the ability to easy due to its Microsoft Windows interface. board. You can see what's being taught by transfer information from one document to You can walk through the entire database of following visual movement of musical notes another without actually opening the other art keyed to the artist who created it, the me- on your computer screen in standard musi- application. DDE works with only Windows dia of creation, a particular object, the title cal notation. The software acts like a guid- applications, though. For non -Windows of a specific work, the date of a work or even ing instructor, laying a foundation on the his- word processors, Logos can export its the school someone attended. Browsing is tory and evolution of music and notation, wealth of information to an ASCII file. Then controlled by data cards that present a con- and then moving to the more -complex con- any word processor or generic application cise textual identification of the work or, siderations of scale. can make use of it. according to user choice, display a panel of Playing a significant role in the learning Logos has a flexible search system that images from which to choose. process is the documentation supplied with accepts plain English -like statements. For If you didn't get much exposure to the the program. It's well -written and easy to example, the entry "Jesus or Christ within4 arts during your school years, as many of us follow. Even when setting up the software, Paul" retrieves every reference of Jesus experienced, Ebook provides an essay on one finds a rare explanation of MIDI map- Christ within 4 verses of Paul. The text each volume of the Renaissance Masters. ping and how to set your own sound card to search system can help you find even vague The essay acquaints you with the signifi- work perfectly with Music Mentor. Evi- references to scripture that have faded from cance of the Italian Renaissance, helping dently well -considered in its preparation, the memory and makes allowances for spelling you to understand and perhaps appreciate documentation and software can't and what you're looking at. doesn't replace dedicated time and thought- Besides excelling as informative tools for ful reason given to the tutorials. Music is the Bird's Eye View personal education, Renaissance Masters kind of subject that takes intelligent study Volumes I and II are superb reference source. sessions over a period of time. So it is when Renaissance 1 One can simply study the art and artist for learning with Music Mentor. If you want the Masters Volumes and II, $99.95 each many hours and is bound to retain some of system to work for you, you have to work Electronic Arts the information. Both reference works are for it. 1450 Fashion Island Blvd. easy to use and can be very entertaining. After some time, you'll probably want to San Mateo, CA 94404 start making attempts at composition or, at Tel:. 800-245-4525 Music Mentor least, do some experimentation. Midisoft has something for this, too. Recording Ses- The Italian Masters had no monopoly on in- sion is the companion to Music Mentor. It Requirements novation. Music, part of every cultural art, integrates with Music Mentor in the Micro- Memory 2M has spawned compositions of such power, soft Windows environment so that you can of RAM, grace and majesty Windows 3.0, that they're labeled noth- study and create music without a lot of MIDI CD- ing less than genius. If you're interested in software and hardware readjustments. Re- ROM Drive Windows music, whether it's baroque or modern, Mu- cording Session lets you play and edit all 262 Graphics SVGA Windows sic Mentor can help you attach musical reins songs in Music Mentor's tutorials. Together, Sound MPC to your computer and drive it into the world Music Mentor and Recording Session com- Controllers Mouse, Keyboard musical of art. Published by Midisoft, Music prise a learning combination that's cost-ef- Mentor is a music learning and entertain- fective and useful. Evaluation ment environment that combines graphics and MIDI -generated sound with interactive Documentation Good activities to ease the sometimes daunting Bible -Study Software Graphics Good task of learning music. This product offers Literature is another form of art. As intense Learning Curve Short an entertaining introduction to basic music as any other kind for art, it offers a fascinat- Complexity Easy concepts, along with a short look at Western ing opportunity to create a world of people Playability N/A music history. and places, all within the confines of the In Brief: In-depth look at the varied works Music Mentor begins with a step-by-step printed page. An example of great literature of the Italian Renaissance Masters. tutorial of music basics: melody, rhythm, is the written work that claims to be the in- Recommend Windows 3.1, fast 386 or 486 harmony, timbre, texture and form. It does spired word of God, the Holy Bible. Logos computer, 4M of RAM and sound card for so in a way that's simple to grasp, even for Research Systems has produced an elec- better performance. Make sure CD-ROM someone like me who can play a few licks tronic version of the ancient writings. The drive is MPC-compliant. on a guitar but can't make much sense of product is called Logos Bible Study Soft- music notation. An example of Music Men- ware. Bible study programs aren't at all new CIRCLE NO. 153 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD tor's effective elementary approach is since the advent of the personal computer.

84 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com Bird's Eye View errors. Too, it can search on Strong's num- vestment in time, they can organize person- bers. The ability to see and search Strong's al Bible study and get more done in the same numbers is particularly useful. Strong's amount of study time. Whether you're a Music Mentor with Recording Session, numbers greatly facilitate the task of tracing Bible scholar, Christian fundamentalist or $149.95 down original words and phrases. You can curious observer, you can use Logos. In hon- Midisoft Corp. then use the Greek and Hebrew lexicons to or of the Holy Scriptures, Hebrews chapter PO Box 1000 get the original import of a particular bibli- 4 verse 12 says, "For the word of God is Bellevue, WA 98009 cal rendering. Then, if you need to make quick, and powerful, and sharper than any Tel:. 206-881-7176 notes, you can do so within Logos, attach- two-edged sword..." Maybe a joining of ing your notes to particular references. computer technology, Microsoft Windows Requirements Computer Bible students will enjoy the and Logos Bible Study Software can make tools provided by Logos. Without a large in- studying the word of God a little quicker. Memory 2M of RAM, Windows 3.0 Graphics Windows VGA Sound MPC-Compliant Card Evaluation CQ's new videos bring the Controllers Mouse, Keyboard Documentation Excellent exciting world of amateur Graphics Good radio into your living room! Learning Curve Medium Complexity Medium Playability N/A In Brief: An excellent tool for learning, composing and recording MIDI music. Recommend Windows 3.1, fast 386 or 486 computer, 4M of RAM, sound card and MIDI keyboard for better performance.

CIRCLE NO. 154 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Getting Started in Ham Radio. Getting Started in Amateur Satellites. CO's experts show how to select equip- Shows you how to set up your satellite ment and antennas. Which bands to use. station and how to find and track ham Bird's Eye View How to use repeater stations for improved satellites. How to access current satel- VHF coverage. How to get the most out lites and contact far ranging countries Logos Bible Study Software, $149 of your station. around the world. Logos Research Systems 26 W. Rte. 70, Ste. 270 Getting Started in Packet Radio. Getting Started in DXing. Marlton, NJ 08053 Shows how to get started in using your Top DXers share their experience on Tel:. 609-983-5766 computer on the radio. Includes step- equipment, antennas, operating skills Requirements by-step instructions on making packet and QSL-ing. See hams work rare DX contacts and using packet bulletin around the world. If you're new to Memory 2M of RAM, boards, networks and satellites. DXing this video is for you. Windows 3.0, Hard Drive Graphics Windows EGA,VGA Sound None The New Video Library! Controllers Mouse, keyboard Evaluation Now, for the first time, CQ brings you all our experience on video tape. These videos will help you get started and Documentation Good Graphics Good improve your existing skills in amateur radio. Learning Curve Medium Whether you're a new ham or just getting started in Packet, Complexity Medium Playability N/A Satellite or DXing we've got your video. Each tape gives you first-hand In Brief: Powerful Windows Bible study tips from hams who are on the air. They take you under their wing and program with Strong's numbers and original language lexicons. Recommend Win- show you just what it takes to get the most out of our hobby! dows 3.1 and fast 386 or 486 computer for They're only $19.95 each shipping and handling). better performance. (plus Available at your local dealer CIRCLE NO. 155 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD or order from CO directly (516) 681-2922 CO Communications, Inc. 76 North Broadway, Hicksville, NY 11801 Fax (516) 681-2926

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Micro 33 and technology. Ideal for engineering, 50 BSoft Software 82 YOUR COMPUTER!! FREE STUFF FOR research, education. FAX' s, photocopies 58 Beige Bage Software 67 videos, and Magazines, programs, posters, available (CCC registered). Package 59 Binary Technology, Inc. 51 more!! Free information: IPC, 2312 63rd $375/1000 -record demo, info $7.00 CIR- Bull Frog Creations 51 Street #209, Kenosha, WI 53143-4360. CUIT SEARCH. PO Box 268, Breslau, 87 Coactive Aesthetics 82 Ontario, Canada NOB IMO (FAX 519- 85 DSA 82 RUBBER STAMPS 742-4594 TEL 519-241-1252). 62 Design Computations 41 63 EMAC 9 Tired of writing addresses, endorsing SOFTWARE 64 Interactive Image Tech .3 checks, signing your name? Turn repeti- 65 Intronics 67 tive tasks into a stamp. Great for home or 66 JRA Enterprises 83 IBM PD and Shareware disk cata- Coy III office. Any stamp, 3 lines, 2" wide, $8.50 FREE 67 Jasmine Multimedia ASP Approved self inking, $7.00 traditional mount. log. 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Controls ALBURG, VT 05440. 514-739-9328. 75 Rigel Corporation 19 three unipolar steppers or twelve inductive 77 SESCOM 82 Howard & Co. 83 loads to 500mA 36V, four TTL inputs. COMPUTERS 76 Sams, Use four SP03 for twelve steppers, 48 61 Software Science 82 78 Systronix 82 loads. Easy installation, software and pro- 68HC11 Mi- POWERFUL, Inexpensive 79 TECI 67 gramming examples. CILIATRON, Box croController Board. Saves development 541294, Grand Prairie, TX, 75054-1294. 80 URDA 71 TIME and MONEY. RS232, LCD, 81 U.S. Cyberlabs 87 FCC License preparation course, send Keypad interfaces. Extensive developmen- 82 Unicorn Electronics 13 SASE to H. Francisco, 8332 Peggy Street, tal software. Free information. AJR Cir- Vanguard Labs 82 Tampa, FL 33615. cuits, 42073 Addison, Canton, MI 48187. 83 Wheatstone MicroSystems 78 84 Z -World Engineering 73

86 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com DESKTOP CNC MACHINING CENTER! Imagine being able to machine three dimensional parts in down the price on this break -through technology! Complete wood, plastic and light metals! This easy to assemble kit kit $595! Add $22.95 UPS S/H. Please allow four to six weeks CNC & X,Y Z drilling/milling machine turns your PC computer for delivery. Rush service also available! (501) 839-8293 into a Desktop Manufacturing System! The patent -pending r 24" by 24" by 6" NEURACTOR(tm) Linear Actuators translate CAD generated files into actual working parts! Machine three dimensional prototype or production parts automatically! Cash -in on this new revolution in micro -manufacturing. Make signs & plaques, do wood carvings, create 3-D "lost wax" mold masters, drill printed circuit boards, etc. Unit comes complete with 5 amp power supply, four CNC-CYMOTOR controllers, four .0005" linear -accuracy stepper motors, pre - machined steel & UHMW actuator mechanisms, pre -painted aluminum enclosure and all hardware! Solder -in a few parts, tighten a few screws and you're in business! BASIC "host" program reads ASCII "plotter" files. If you want a full -featured CAD -CAM environment, we bundle a FREE shareware 3D CAD/CAM! Use your Neuractor CNC-III with a standard DREMEL tool or flex -shaft router (not included). You build it, you calibrate it, you can customize it! Act now while we hold- U.S. Cyberlab 14786 Slate Gap Rd. West Fork AR 72774 MOVE INTO THE CYANCE CHASSIS! THE CYANCE CHASSIS AND CYANCE EXPANDER OFFER Tired of having to reach around your PC to get at the cables THE SERIOUS PC COMPUTER USER AN UPGRADE PATH and expansion cards? The Patent Pending Cyance Chassis LIKE NO OTHER. SEE FOR YOURSELF! offers you exclusive UP -FRONT access to your expansion cards and cables by remounting your motherboard "backward" in the front of the chassis. As featured on the cover of February '92 ComputerCraft, the Cyance Chassis can also be used to house the Cyance Expander. This amazing kit uses an 8 slot passive motherboard, and "buffered" daughter cards, to expand your existing PC motherboard bus. Imagine having those extra slots for additional cards, or using them for bench -top PC breadboarding! The Cyance Expander kit is easy to assemble and comes complete with cables, PC boards, all ICs and passive components (without case) for $169.95. The Cyance Chassis comes as a professional aluminum pre-painted and assembled enclosure for $99.95. Please add $7.95 UPS S&H for the Expander and $9.95 for the Chassis. Please allow four to six weeks for delivery. Rush service also available! Check, COD, MasterCard/Visa welcomed. (501) 839-8293. U.S. Cyberlab, Inc., 14786 Slate Gap Rd. West Fork, AR 72774 DESIGN YOUR OWN PRODUCTS! Now you can put your PC to work developing new micro - MC68HC705C8S (EPROM version) $35.25, MC68HC705C8P controller based products! Why not use your spare time (OTP version) $14.95. Please allow two to four weeks for constructively by developing a new product based on the delivery. Rush service also available! (501) 839-8293 Motorola MC68HC705C8 microcontroller. Using your PC computer and the Cyber HC5 as a development system, you only can now develop your own micro -controller products more 95 easily than ever before! Self contained in a professional $89 enclosure with integral power supply, the Cyber HC5 is fun and easy to build and use. Even if you have never programmed in Assembler before, the Cyber HC5 will have you "up and running" before you know it! Completely supported with an official Motorola documentation package, membership on their BBS and FREEWARE Assembler and Programmer software, the Cyber HC5 will serve you for years to come. Join thousands of others who are busy building and using the remarkable MC68HC705C8. With on -board parallel, lJ SCI and SPI interfaces, the '705C8 can turn your new product into a power -house! The Cyber HC5 comes in a complete, easy to build kit with all components included (MC68HC705C8 sold separately) for $89.95. Motorola U.S. Cyberlab 14786 Slate Gap Rd. West Fork AR 72774

CIRCLE NO.81 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD

www.americanradiohistory.com Computer Games By SF Sparrow

Arts and Leisure

An undeniable part of civilization is the l'd,t aspect that addresses human non-materialis- To eein+e Huse Mertc+ tic yearnings. Call them spiritual values, if cíci: me :4 the Wee: you like. It seems that every civilization, no this panel and tixr, MENTOR' - MUSIC :4eA erre Cl the teem matter how ancient or remote, has some kind +,_3t of artistic pursuit. Let's look at three productive intersections of computer technology l 1 1 I J and the arts.

7 Renaissance Masters 4 The term "Renaissance," adopted from the French equivalent of the Italian word "rina- 461'1 I r r 7 atl J scita," literally meaning "rebirth," describes 41! sk the radical and comprehensive changes that 7- p took place in European culture during the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries, bringing about the demise of the Middle Ages and em- .b 7 bodying, for the first time, the values of the modern world. The consciousness of cultur- -+i al rebirth was itself a characteristic of the Renaissance. Italian scholars and critics of E.J er, E{e ,rKü this period proclaimed that their age had pro- gressed beyond the barbarism of the past and Playing the basics with Music Mentor. had found its inspiration, and its closest parallel, in the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. a new repertoire of subjects drawn from grounds. Although the evolution of Italian The "rebirth" of art in Italy was connect- Greek and Roman history and mythology. Renaissance art was a continuous process, ed with the rediscovery of ancient philoso- The models provided by ancient buildings it's traditionally divided into three major phy, literature and science and the evolution and works of art also inspired the develop- phases: Early, High and Late Renaissance. of empirical methods for study in these ment of new artistic techniques and a desire Ebook, a publisher of CD-ROM software, fields. Increased awareness of classical to recreate the forms and styles of classical makes two compact -disc volumes that ex- knowledge created a new resolve to learn by art. As the social role of the artist charged, plain and explore the explosion in art, inno- direct observation and study of the natural so did attitudes toward art. Art was valued, vation and individualism that characterized world. Consequently, secular themes be- not merely as a vehicle for religious and so- came increasingly more important to artists. cial didacticism, but also as a mode of per- With the revived interest in antiquity came sonal expression to be judged on aesthetic (Continued on page 84)

e µ1N T1 de Edil ßptions ScNp View Track IAask far Idit .nw Donlon,/ Ili-Doren.r iiIw nrlp A .MID Score View - (MIDGE KinS dames Version l'''T' ', I Ps.m, Ci is 1 3 at men may know '03°45' that thou. whose name 1 -PIANO '05915' .. 01068'. art the most high over all the earth t Net Musician'o53z9' upon Gitfith'otm>. A Psalm sons .01íz1' of Korah `um' How amiable 'cam are thy 1 - ACOUSTIC HASS '066351 tabernacles '0 . O LORD of hosts (for the sons or. re -the sons( 03615' My so.d <°5315" ir. ;,uth'037pD' yea. even faint:-lh for the nits 42691' Of if ;.=,í Stroong's Greek and Hebrew Lexicon Mixer View A IInIpGI.MII t'-eitl out <07442 is I e' p Nunet , 3068It-1kt ilrb,ew took tip

Ciase t:. T9/01 484e. opt do Cope

LORD 6510. GOD 4 JEHOVAH 4 . v ei 1. 6519 RIN

.1, proper nane ri the one nun G d Hgb 1 ai unowra.ced except «+n de eowd covens d;n _a

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One of the rare mentions of the Divine Name, KJV, from Logos Bible Engineering panelof Recording Session. Study software.

88 / COMPUTERCRAFT / August 1993 Say You Saw It In ComputerCraft

www.americanradiohistory.com Videos ' Royalty Free Stills CD-ROMs Music

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Rock 'n Roll. BUSINESS IN MOTION contains great videos of workers of

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FAMOUS FACES: Meet the 100 most prominent people of the 20th century. The inventors, politicians, celebrities, artists, business and religious leaders who made history. Combined with the exceptional historic footage are educational biographies and famous quotes. This interactive CD-ROM includes Churchill, Sadat, Ghandi, Disney, Ford, Edison, Einstein, Thorpe, Hirohito, De Gaulle, Wright Brothers, Ruth, Houdini, King, Chaplin, and so many more. As with all Jasmine titles, the clips can be used royalty -free in any computer application. PC & MAC FAMOUS PLACES: Explore the wonders of the modern world. Discover the Earth's greatest landmarks from the grandeur of the Great Pyramids of Egypt, through the romantic canals of Venice, to the Great Wall of China and beyond. Breathtaking videos complete with fascinating histories. Experience the Colosseum, Jerusalem, Hollywood, the Vatican, scenic Red Square, the Eiffel Tower, Sears Tower, Taj Mahal, Australia, New York City, Tokyo, Big Ben, the Acropolis, and much more. All clips can be stills used royalty -free in any computer application you create. OM EN o. 0101 HIGH STILLS WITH MUSIC

Our photographers have canvassed the globe to capture the world's most exotic animals, fascinating people, and spectacular settings. From far off locations to close-up textures, these three CD-ROMs encompass the most diverse collection of stills ever gathered. WILDERNESS STILLS featuring extraordinary photos of nature and animals; SCENIC STILLS with striking photographic backgrounds, textures, and famous locations; and WORKING STILLS with stunning photos of business and industry. All magnificent music and Conversion Artist include over 300 color photos, Interested Dealers Contact: Ingram Micro or Software Resources Software for changing TIFFs into other formats. Also included is Aldus

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Micro House carries a full line of technical books which include: Complete illustrations of boa rds Complete glossaries Setup and installation and components Detailed explanations of all procedures Jumper & switch settings related chips, processors and Complete lists of all pertinent Easy to understand tables other components specifications Rave Some of our reviews: Encyclopedia of satisfied users: ... a priceless ref- Main Boards Addstor AMI ArtiSoft AST erence for anyone 6 illustrated volumes over 3000 pgs Reference Volume Research, Inc. AT&T Austin who needs to con- Index Volume & Software Computer Systems Award figure a hard disk. Main Boards fully illustrated BIOS Bell Atlantic Comp- -Alfred Poor, Key components illustrated and explained PC Magazine USA ComputerLand January 12, 1993 Conner DEICO Electronics Inc. DELL Computer Corp. The experts at Micro Network Interface DTC DTK Computer Inc. House have a treat for Technical Guide with Epson America, Inc.. you DrivePro, a Network Cards illustrated program that makes the Detailed explanation of key components Everex Systems Gateway process practically and topologies 2000 Hewlett-Packard foolproof. Hitachi Hyundai -Steve Bass, PC World Electronics America December , 1992 Encyclopedia of IBM INTEL Maxtor ... a real time-saver for Hard Drives Memorex Micronics 3 Volumes over 1100 pages anyone who regularly Computers Micropolis configures systems. Complete specs for all Drives from 1984 Drive Jumper Boards illustrated Miniscribe MIT NCR -John McCormick, Controller cards illustrated Northgate Computer Computer Monthly On -Line BBS Service November, 1992 Systems, Inc. Novell Packard Bell Phoenix This is definitely an impor- DrivePro BIOS Seagate tant tool for hands-on setup. IDE quick install - completely sets up any IDE drive in under 60 seconds! Technologies Tech -Mark Ferelli, Multiple drives - Install two different drives with different interfaces in the same system! Data Corporation Computer Technology Review, Drive Table Over -ride - Allows user definable drive types on any system. Thomas Conrad March, 1992 No device driver required! Dead drive boot fixer - Reconstruct vital boot information giving you back Ziff Davis. Micro House the has all answers. your data. November 19, -Comdex Daily, 1992 Boot sector virus protection - Kills deadly advanced boot sector virus's. Uses no system memory. Technical Specifications - Complete list of hard drives from 1984 to present. The Micro House Encyclopedia Auto identification - Automatically identifies and displays info on drives connected to the system. of Hard Drives is a techie's Important Info Backup - Automatically stores vital system info & other advanced features. playground... Supports over 1024 cylinders using no system memory. -PCM, August, 1992 Allows 2 Gigabytes in one partition. MICRO HOUSE MI 30 -day orders: 1-800-926-8299 money back the authority in © 1993 Micro House. All brand or product names are trademarks of their respective guarantee holders. Mitro House, 4900 Pearl East Circle, Suite 101, Boulder, Colorado 80301. comprehensive technical publications & software

CIRCLE NO. 70 ON FREE INFORMATION CARI)