At last a computer for those who know NOTHING about computers! • • • and it costs only $800

Later this month, Tandy Electronics is releasing its new TRS-80 computers which were suitable for in Australia. Designed especially for use in the their needs were too expensive. At around $20,000 they have been beyond home, small business and school, and by people with no previous most small businesses and self- experience, the TRS-80 is a complete computer system offering employed people, while even the facilities until now found only in systems costing around $15-20,000 schools have only been able to afford a — yet it will be selling for only $799.95. A few weeks ago EA's Editor few, generally purchased by state Jim Rowe was invited by Tandy to review the first sample TRS-80 education departments and "passed around" for a few days at a time system brought to Australia, and here is his report: between individual schools. But the TRS-80 and other small low - When Tandy Electronics invited me professional. cost microcomputer systems now star- to review the advance sample of the In the meantime for a much wider ting to appear on the market are going Australian version of their TRS-80 group of potential users like school to change all \this. For the first time microcomputer system, I was naturally students and teachers, small businesses, since computers were developed in the very interested. Like most microcom- and self-employed people like doctors, late 1940's, almost anyone who needs a puter enthusiasts I had already read solicitors and plumbers the only small computer is going to be able to buy about the TRS-80, which created quite a stir in the USA when it was released there in August last year. Of course the TRS-80 was not the first small computer system to appear. Hobby-type computers have been available for a couple of years now thanks to the development of large- scale integrated circuits (LSIs) like the — which squeezes all of the circuitry of a digital computer's "central processor unit" or CPU into a single tiny chip of silicon. But hobby computers have generally been sold as do-it-yourself kits, and often for individual parts of a computer rather than for a complete system. Not only that, but the literature and program "software" supplied with hob- by computer systems is often, quite sparse, and suitable only for 'people having considerable experience with computers. Needless to say, this makes hobby computers mainly of interest to the mad keen amateur and off-duty

Low in cost, Tandy's TRS-80 microcom- puter is • ideal for small businesses, schools, and budget balancing. 10 ELECTRONICS Australia, March, 1978 A closeup of the complete TRS-80 system. The computer itself is inside the one and learn to use it themselves to keyboard unit; the TV monitor and cassette recorder are quite conventional. As solve their own problems. you can see, there are no highly technical controls. I don't think it is exaggerating to say that the TRS-80 is the first of a new breed of "personal" computers, which The computer unit itself measures costly systems. It handles both integer are already starting to work the real only 425 x 208 x 90 mm, and looks just and floating-point arithmetic, with a computer revolution. No longer will like the keyboard unit of a video ter- numeric range of approximately 10 -38 computers remain the impersonal, minal. However under the professional to 1038 and a resolution of 7 digits (6 dis- kmited-use machines restricted by their 53-key keyboard is a complete played) in floating-point mode. Up to nigh cost to the world of big business microcomputer, based on the Zilog Z- 26 numeric variables may be used, and huge corporations. From now on 80 microprocessor. Along with the Z-80 together with two string variables of up their benefits are going to flow directly in the TRS-80 computer unit are to 16 characters, and a single dimen- ;into the "grassroots" level of our socie- 4096 words ("4k") of dynamic read- sioned array. (If this doesn't mean . with machines of various sizes used write memory (RAM), another 4k anything to you at this stage, don't personally and as an everyday tool by words of read-only memory (ROM), all worry. Keep reading, but just skim over an one who can benefit from them. the circuitry required for the video dis- the next paragraph or two. ..) But enough of this general introduc- play interfacing, and the cassette tape If you're familiar with BASIC non. Having looked briefly at the con- interfacing circuitry. language commands, the TRS-80 :ext in which the new "personal com- Resident in the ROM, and ready to features all the standard commands: bowers" have appeared, let's now take a spring into life as soon as power is NEW, LIST, RUN, CONT, REM, LET (op- closer look at the Tandy TRS-80 — the applied to the TRS-80 is an tional), FOR-NEXT-STEP, GOSUB- 'first of the low-cost systems to actually program for "Level 1 BASIC" program- RETURN, STOP, END, GOTO, IF-THEN, reach the consumer market. ming language. Without going into the INPUT, ON-GOTO, ON-GOSUB, Lnlike many of the hobby com- technicalities, this means that the TRS- PRINT, DATA,READ and RESTORE. puters, the TRS-80 comes not as a kit, 80 can be programmed in the easy-to- Many of these can be abbreviated, to but as a completely assembled as tested learn BASIC language developed at contract program size if desired. There system which is ready to run. It com- Dartmouth College in the USA, rather are also the standard mathematical prises four units: the computer itself, than in the harder-to-grasp and more functions, relational operators, logic built into an input keyboard unit; a tedious machine language or assembly functions and functions including INT, .-Tigh-resolution video monitor, with a languages used on many hobby com- TAB, ABS, RND and MEM (memory 3km-diagonal display; a cassette tape puters. size). recorder, for program and data The Level-1 BASIC offered on the There are four other commands con- storage; and a small mains-stepdown TRS-80 is virtually the same as that cerned with the cassette tape recorder. :ransformer unit. available on much larger and more CSAVE is for saving programs on tape, ELECTRONICS Australia, March, 1978 11 A computerfor h,ase rho know NOTHING about computers • *

orki:e CLOAD is for loading them back After working through the User's than 6MHz for crisp, sharp displays. The into the computer. Similarly INPUT Manual, you'll be able to drive the TRS- incoming video signal is isolated from attic PRINT are for exchanging data 80 like an expert, and be ready for the cathode ray tube circuitry via an twetAeen the computer and tape. almost anything! opto-coupler, to ensure that the com- But perhaps the most exciting thing And it's amazing just what the TRS-80 puter cannot be damaged by arc-overs about the TRS-80 is that the video dis- is capable of doing. Tandy itself is going within the tube. The monitor is a stan- 714'6 has a graphics facility, allowing to market a series of softwarepackages dard video monitor, and has a 75-ohm graphs, simple diagrams and other (with the programs recorded on input; it can be used not only with the cork to be generated on the video cassettes), for some of the more ob- TRS-80 but with any source of of stan- moven along with alphanumeric infor- vious applications: primary school dard video signals. The TRS-80 video in- Inapon — and all programmable in maths tuition, personal finance terface is built into the computer unit 1111A5I,. The commands to facilitate this management, games of chance, kitchen itself, and only standard composite CLS (clear screen), SET(X,Y) (turn on menu filing, scientific and engineering video passes out to the monitor. Other graphical element at location x, y calculations, music theory tuition, monitors may thus be used, although ace x has a value from 0 to 127 and y general ledger, and inventory control. they must have high bandwidth for e 4alue from 0 to 47); RESET(X,Y); But there's almost no limit to the adequate resolution. POI\T(X,Y) (which is a function retur- programs you can write yourself, to Similarly the cassette recorder which "aux a value of 1 if the point x,y is on, or take advantage of the TRS-80's con- forms part of the TRS-80 system is a Ik a is off); and PRINT AT Z (which siderable facilities. standard audio recorder. The computer Alas.'s placement of alphanumeric in- Of course, being a relatively small unit controls it semi-automatically, via iorrnation at any desired position on machine, the basic "4k" version of the an inbuilt relay which connects to the lite display). TRS-80 has its limitations. With this in "remote" jack on the recorder. The tf some of the foregoing details of the A5IC commands and functions bruriided by the TRS-80 don't mean !moth to you, don't assume that the cor7puter is only for those who already understand the jargon. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact Tandy Ificas assumed that a buyer of the TRS-80 oper:'t have even heard of BASIC before, and is coming to it without any prvor knowledge at all. Accordingly the govern comes complete with a big fat L.'s Manual, written in very simple targuage and starting right from the

Tandy sent a proof copy of the User's Irtandal along with the sample TRS-80 sof...lern provided for review, and I was able to examine it at length. While only a woof I am happy to report that the Dual looks excellent — well written, cea- and easy to understand. In fact it is far the best introduction to programming in BASIC that I have seen date, and -I think Tandy is to be con- g7atuIated. It takes a very practical approach, and as rtended to be read while seated in vicar: of the TRS-80 itself. All of the con- cepts are illustrated in the easiest and west direct way — using simple procramming examples which are fed As a result of its low cost, ease of programming and graphics facility, the TRS-80 is ism the machine and run immediately. well suited for use in both primary and secondary schools. The writer of the manual, Dr. David Le--„ has deliberately taken a light and mind Tandy will soon be offering an ex- user must perform the remaining tape treeD. approach. In fact he has in- panded "16k" version, with four times functions manually, like rewinding and lected quite a bit of humour. I found the memory capacity and an enhanced ensuring that the recorder is 4-1 play tre humour quite pleasant, and effec- "LEVEL 2 BASIC" interpreter. The larger mode before a CLOAD command, and • e in maintaining the interest level, version will be able to interface to in record mode before a CSAVE com- LI,,ut some people may find it a trifle further peripherals, too — like a mand. c4er-cione. printer, a floppy disc drive and similar The cassette recording method used Thanks to the manual and the devices. So the basic TRS-80 system will involves pulses, and is self clocking. The 1,-;-2-aghtforward "human engineered" be expandable into as large a system as data rate is approximately 300 1;:saud. I believe that even people you may need, as your experience and Tandy Electronics sent the sample er-T-ri no previous knowledge of com- ambition grows. TRS-80 system to my home, and as a puters at all should be able to approach The 30cm video monitor supplied as result I was able to spend quite a bit of • TRS-80 with every confidence — part of the TRS-80 system is fully solid time both examining it and putting it e-oten if you aren't too strong at maths. state, and has a bandwidth of more through its paces. It soon became evi-

ELECTRONICS Australia, March, 1978 13 To illustrate the TRS-80's graphics facili- ty the author wrote a simple ncvelty program which produced this se- quence of events on the TV monitor screen. The program took only a few hours to write and debug, thanks to the ease of programming in BASIC language. Even a beginner should be able to write programs like this after reading the excellent User's Manual supplied with the TRS-80.

dent that a great deal of care and an apologetic SORRY! "hopeless" at maths! thought has gone into the system, to There are no cryptic signs or symbols, The introductory price of the com- make it not only an impressive per- no elaborate technical procedures, and plete "4k" TRS-80 computer system, in- former but one which is both no mysterious error codes. Just these cluding computer unit, video monitor, businesslike and foolproof, as well. easy to follow messages, straight- cassette recorder, stepdown Just about everything is software con- forward and businesslike. transformer and User's Manual is trolled, from the keyboard, which In very short order I found myself $799.95. The 4k computer unit and step- makes for a simple and straightforward writing — and running — all sorts of in- down transformer also will be available operation. There are no confusing or triguing little programs, including a separately, for $569.95. The video technical controls; in fact the only two "fun" graphics program in which a tiny monitor will also be available separate- controls visible are the contrast and "Star Trek" space ship appears on the ly, at $229.95. and the cassette recorder _brightness knobs on the video monitor, video screen, and fires its phasor beams at $59.95. For those who want the larger and the control buttons on the cassette to destroy a "Klingon" vessel! Thanks "16k" computer unit, this will be recorder. to the TRS-80's BASIC commands for available for $980.00 When power is applied, the com- graphics, I had this going in a few short Tandy will also be selling program- puter tells you that it is READY on the hours. ming and graphics coding sheets, in monitor. You then proceed to tell it To summarise, then, I found the Tan- packs of 50 and 25 respectively. Full ser- what to do, via the keyboard, in BASIC dy TRS-80 a delight to use. It seems to vicing facilities will be available. language. If you type something it me to have been very carefully If you're interested in the TRS-80, doesn't understand, it responds with an engineered in terms of both hardware you can get further information on it understandable WHAT? Or if it un- and software, and its accompanying from your nearest Tandy Electronics derstands the command, but the com- User's Manual is excellent. In every store. Or you can contact Tandy's mand cannot be performed for some respect the TRS-80 seems ideal for both national marketing manager for their reason (generally because you have beginner and experienced computer , Mr Ken Allen; you asked it to do something impossible, or user alike, and I predict a big future for can telephone him in Sydney on (02) haven't supplied all the information), it it in small businesses, offices, schools, 638-6633. But I suggest you don't delay responds with HOW? And if your workshops and homes. It is literally a — judging by the response that the program is so long that it has filled up "computer for the masses" — even TRS-80 received in the USA, initial the available memory space, it displays those who may regard themselves as stocks aren't likely to last long. 14 ELECTRONICS Australia, March, 1978 Microcomputer News & Products

Tandy Electronics introduce the TRS-80 Mode

Tandy Electronics has recently released a 24 page Microcomputer catalogue en- titled "The Expanding World of TRS-80", to higlight the introduction of the new TRS-80 Model II system. Designed for users who require more power, speed, and storage than the Model I can pro- vide, the TRS-80 Model II is contained in one cabinet, with a built-in 200mm disk drive and a detachable keyboard. The Model II displays 24 lines of 80 characters, with both upper and lower- case available. Double-width characters (40 per line) can be program selected. In- ternal memory is either 32K or 64K, but the required software, which is automatically loaded from disk on power on, occupies 27K. The built-in 200mm disk, which contains the system software, has an additional 416k available to the user. Up to three addi- tional disk drives can be added, for a total of almost 2M bytes of storage. The new system uses a Z-80A pro- cessor, running at 4MHz, and provides

ATTENTION YOUNG COMPUTER BOFFINS! separate processors for the keyboard Level III Basic on disk, and a new and video display. Three expansion con- command-compatible "TRSDOS" nectors are provided, one parallel and operating system. Applications software two serial, so that printers, plotters, for General Ledger, Inventory Control, modems, and many other external Payroll, and Mailing List are available devices can be added. Internal plug-in now, and more software will be card slots allow for further expansion, available shortly. without the need for a separate expan- The new catalogue gives the price of sion unit. the TRS-80 Model II system as $5300 Dick Smith Electronics is planning to The Model II comes with an expanded with 32K of RAM and $5999 with 64K. extend the support of its microcom- puter products like the highly successful Exidy Sorcerer and System 80, by setting up a 'hot line' advisory service. To assist with this service we are looking for a bright young computer enthusiast; someone who is around 19 or 20, but bursting with knowledge about, and enthusiasm for, personal computers. If you think you answer this description, write to our Technical Director, Jim Rowe, at the address below, giving brief details of yourself and an idea of the salary you would expect. DICK SMITH ELECTRONICS PO Box 321, North Ryde, NSW 2113.

124 ELECTRONICS Australia, August, 1980 Microcomputer News & Products

TRS-80 Model III makes an impressive debut

controlled screen printing, support routines for the in-built real-time clock and routines for using an optional RS232C serial interface. Memory can be expanded to 48K on board, and dual floppy disk drives can be added at any time. Tandy's are selling 16K RAM expansion kits for $200. Two disk drives add $1598 to the price of the 16K system. Top of the line is the Model III Desktop Business Computer. Built into the com- puter housing next to the video screen are two 14cm disk drives, providing 178K bytes of storage per disk. Two ex- ternal drives can be added, giving a total disk storage capacity of around 670K bytes. Included with the system is TRSDOS, with the Model I commands plus many added features. Also included in a built- in RS-232C Serial Communications Interface. Model III TRSDOS includes statements to make use of the real-time clock and serial interface, and a special "Convert" routine which allows single density Model I disk files to be re-formatted for use with the double-density Model III disk system. The DOS also includes a Tandy Electronics Corporation has in- trols are mounted at the side of the special "Help" command which gives troduced a new member of their com- cabinet. detailed information on the use of each puter family, the TRS-80 Model Ill. At the The computer is based on the Z80 of the features. of TRSDOS. time of the release, Tandy also displayed microprocessor, running at a clock Software support is one of the strong an extensive range of business and speed of 2.027MHz — a 30% speed im- features of Tandy's marketing scheme. educational software and gave details of provement on the Model I. The monitor Virtually all of the software for the the planned expansion of their support screen displays 16 lines of 64 characters Model I is compatible with the Model III, and marketing divisions. each, and all of the graphics features of making a wide range of applications pro- The Model III is essentially the same the Model I are available. grams immediately available for the new computer as the Model I in a different The Model III is available in several ver- machine. In addition Tandy accom- package. In a departure from the sions. The lowest cost system includes panied the introduction of the Model III separate keyboard and video enclosures 4K of RAM and Level 1 Basic in ROM, with the release of a new range of of the Models I and II, the new computer and sells for $999. Tandy are also offer- business and educational software. is an integrated unit. Added hardware ing this version coupled with a cassette Software now available for the Model features and extensive software support recorder and Quick Print II thermal III includes a version of Visicalc, file make the Model III a very attractive printer for $1427.90 — said to be the management and statistical analysis pro- offering. ideal computer system for the beginner. grams, and disk-based Mailing List, A single cabinet measuring 31.7cm x The 4K system can be expanded to run General Ledger, Inventory, and Accoun- 48cm x 52cm contains the 30cm video Model III Basic with 16k of RAM for an ting programs. For word processing Tan- monitor, a 65-key keyboard and a 12-key additional $479.00, or the Model III Basic dy have available the powerful Scripsit numeric pad. Next to the video monitor system can be purchased at the outset package, for either disk or cassette bas- is space for mounting 2 14cm (51/4in) disk for $1399. Model III Basic has all the ed systems. Scripsit works in upper and drives. A rear connector is provided for a features of the Model I, Level II language lower case with Model III Basic, or upper single cassette recorder, and a and more. Residing in 14K of ROM, the case only with Level I Basic. Centronics-compatible parallel printer Basic includes upper and lower case In addition to business packages, there interface is included, in addition to an ex- characters and two speed cassette pansion bus connector. The prominent operation (500 baud for Model I com- red Reset switch on the keyboard is patibility and 1500 baud for faster tape Micronews loading). It also includes an expanded recessed as a protection against acciden- ■ tal use, and AC and video monitor con- character set for graphics, keyboard- continued p1 27 • 124 ELECTRONICS Australia, July, 1981 will very likely increase this figure. Cer- tainly the Model III is a computer to watch closely, of interest to the hobbyist Microcomputer News & Products and business person alike. Tandy claims that for the price, there's probably not C another business system on the market that can match the Model III for power and economy. are utilities programs and wide range of to one central computer. The central Melbourne readers will have seen games and personal finance manage- computer, or "host" requires at least one some of the first results of Tandy's ag- ment programs. Also new in Australia is disk drive, and can transfer programs to gressive new marketing strategy. On a range of educational programs design- and from student stations at 500 baud. June 10, 1981, Tandy Electronics opened ed for use in schools. Tandy is suppor- With the use of the Network controller a five major new stores in Melbourne, and ting an intensive development effort to teacher can supervise the operation of simultaneously re-opened six stores produce effective microcomputer each individual computer as required, which had been re-located and materials for use in the classroom — or while each student has full use of the renovated. The result was a grand open- "courseware" as they are calling the peripheral computer. ing of 11 stores — in one day! programs. With the introduction of the Model III Currently Tandy's Computer Assisted Tandy Electronics also released details of Instruction Series includes programs for their Plotter/Printer, an intelligent device maths and alphabet practice, spell- that responds to Basic commands and Games galore Compshop Australia has released six new programs for the TRS-80 and System-80 computers. For Adventure fans there is Labyrinth, a graphic, three- dimensional trek through a maze populated by a minotaur and various traps and treasures. The program is writ- ten in machine language, so that the 3D perspective view of the playing area is updated instantaneously as the player moves. Deathmaze 5000 is also a 3D adven ture. The action takes place in a five storey building containing a host of strange objects and obstructions, and the object of the game is to escape the Deathrnaze . . . alive! Also from Compshop is Star Trek 3.5. This new and improved version of the classic game includes sound effects, fast execution of sensor scans, multiple move options, and more intelligent KI- ingon battle tactics for even greater ing and geometry, graphics programs for can produce text or complex graphics challenge. Galactic Empire, also for the demonstrating linear equations and the plots up to 19cm wide and of any length. TRS-80 and System-80, is a space bat- use of graphs in physics, and TRS-80 Pilot Characters can be printed in a tlegame on a strategic level. As com- Plus, a computer language that allows 75-column line, and can be enlarged or mander of the Galactic forces, the player the user to create or adapt programs for rotated. The printer/plotter does not use must conquer and hold the inhabited classroom use. CAI programs are a ribbon, but a replaceable pen, and ac- worlds, deploy armies, raise taxes and available for all levels, from primary to tually draws images under program con- manage his resources carefully as he senior high school. trol. The single unit can thus be used as builds an empire. On the hardware side the use of com- both a printer and a plotter. "Missile Attack" is a version of the puters in the classroom is made easier by Tandy Electronics currently account for popular arcade game which pits Anti- the new Network II controller, which over. 40% of worldwide microcomputer Ballistic Missiles against a barrage of allows up to 16 TRS-80s to be connected sales, and their new marketing initiatives enemy ICBMs coming down over your

ELECTRONICS Australia, July, 1981 127

nal computer review

Just released by Dick Smith Electronics Pty Ltd is a new "Blue Label" version of the System 80 computer. It includes both upper and lower case characters, sound effects and new by PETER VERNON programming features, yet costs less than the previous Mk I model!

Most readers will be familiar with the to 17 digits precision, although only 16 through an additional 1.5K of Read Only features of the System 80. Just to sum- will be printed or displayed. For ordinary Memory which extends the 12K Basic in- marise, the Mark I model includes a built- use this may not seem important, but in terpreter. These functions include the in cassette recorder with level control a long sequence of calculations in- new keyboard and display routines, the and tape counter for saving programs dividual round-off errors can accumulate statement renumber command and a and data, a full size keyboard and 12K of to the point where answers become machine language monitor. ROM containing a powerful almost meaningless unless a high preci- Basic interpreter. Also included is VHF sion interpreter is used. Lower case modulator so the computer can be con- Other powerful functions such as ON When it is first switched on, the Blue nected to any black and white TV set. ERR GOTO and the diagnostic com- Label System 80 will not produce lower 16K of RAM is standard, although expan- mands "TRON" and "TROFF" are also case letters. It is first necessary to enable sion is possible to 48K. provided as standard. the extra routines. This is done by enter- ing SYSTEM, followed by a carriage return. The System prompt "*?" will ap- pear, and "/12288" should be entered. After pressing the Newline key, a flashing block cursor will appear, indicating that the new features are enabled. SYSTifilk 80 From this point on lower case letters are available by use of the Shift key. The computer normally operates in the up- per case mode. Pressing the shift key in conjunction with a character key will give lower case (this is, of course, the op- posite of a typewriter, but the same as a Teletype keyboard). In many ways this is a more logical arrangement for a corn- puter keyboard, as commands and pro-

• grams are normally entered in upper case. In the absence of a shift-lock key, it The 12K Basic of the System 80 is a very The Blue Label System 80 retains these is the only sensible arrangement. powerful version of the language, with features and adds more. The new Another feature of the keyboard of the many features not available in smaller in- System 80 has both upper and lower new machine is the "auto-repeat" func- terpreters. Statements such as PRINT US- case characters, automatic repeat func- tion. This means that if any key is held ING and PRINT@ are available to provide tion on all keys, a built in amplifier and down for more than about a second the easy formatting of text output, and the speaker for sound effects, a "screen character will be displayed on the screen full IF-THEN-ELSE sequence is available, print" facility, a flashing block cursor, a again, and then again, repeating at inter- rather than IF-THEN. When writing pro- Basic renumbering routine and a vals of about a quarter of a second. Its grams with a lot of conditional branches machine language monitor program in very handy, especially for the cursor con- this full structure provides for a much ROM for developing programs in the ac- trol keys. Simply holding down the "left more logical and efficient program tual machine code of the Z80 arrow" key, for example, moves the cur- structure. microprocessor. sor left for as long as the key is held System 80 Basic also provides a "dou- Most of the extra functions available in down. ble precision" arithmetic mode, with up the Blue Label System 80 are produced While a flashing cursor is a great

124 ELECTRONICS Australia, June, 1982 attention-getter, some users may find cond, external, recorder depending on particular functions of the monitor. For that it is distracting. Fortunately for them the state or bit 4 of port FE. Setting bit example, D6000 will display the 16 bytes the flashing cursor can be turned off. two of port FF to "0" enables the sound of memory starting at location 6000 (all After enabling the new functions as effects, with bits 0 and 1 switched on in hexadecimal). "R" will allow you to previously described, pressing and off to actually produce the sounds. modify registers, while "B" returns to Shift/Break will turn off the flashing cur- Each transition of either of these 2-bits Basic. All in all there are five monitor sor. Pressing Shift/Break a second time produces a single "click" from the inter- commands. will turn it on again. If you definitely nal loudspeaker, while programs which Not available through the monitor is don't want the flashing cursor, however, toggle the 2-bits can produce a wide the ability to save and reload machine the new ROM functions can be enabled range of tones. Since 2-bits are used to language programs from cassette. This without the flashing cursor by entering drive the amplifier, toggling either one or can be overcome by first entering the /12299 instead of /12288 during the in- both of these bits together allows the program into memory via the monitor, itial selection of the ROM functions. volume of the sound to be varied. then returning to Basic and reading the The screen print routine is entered by Using a Basic program to drive the program with "PEEK" statements, which pressing shift, down arrow, P. When speaker does not give any indication of automatically converts each value to entered the routine will transfer the in- the full range of sound effects available. decimal. The machine language program formation displayed on the video screen For example, the program line: can be read into an array which can be to the printer. If no printer is connected, 10 OUT 255,0:OUT 255,1:GOTO 10 saved along with a Basic program. or the printer, is off, the routine will skip will produce a maximum frequency printing, rather than locking up the com- slightly above 100Hz because of the time Manuals puter while waiting for the printer to be taken by the Basic interpreter to execute A disappointing feature of the new turned on (a bad habit of TRS-80s and the statements. System 80 is that it comes with the same early System-80s). For best results, a machine language old manuals, with a loose 4-page update Both alphanumeric and graphics program must be used. With a suitable sheet covering some of the new features characters on the screen will be transfer- program, frequencies well above the and a stick-in paragraph or two on the red to the printer, but of course, only audible range can be produced (this is of renumbering command. The best of the those printers which recognise the limited value, we admit). In fact most three manuals are the User's Manual and graphics characters will be able to print programs would incorporate a delay "Programming for Beginners", which are them. loop between toggling the speaker bits. profusely illustrated and well written. Another new feature is the renumber The longer the delay, the lower the fre- The "Basic Manual", though, is rather command which is added to Basic. After quency of the sound produced. Once poorly organised, and here the Dick the new ROM functions have been you get the hang of it, any sound can be Smith publication "Easy Ways to Pro- enabled typing "RE X, Y" will renumber produced. gramming in Basic" for the System 80 is a any Basic program in memory, with the worthwhile investment for beginners. first line becoming number X and the A cassette of demonstration programs following lines renumbered in in- Machine language monitor is also provided with the computer. The crements of. Y. For entering new lines in- One drawback of the TRS-80 Model I is first program displays a picture of "you to tightly packed programs or simply for the lack of any convenient way to enter know who" in the 128 x 47 resolution making your programs look good this machine language programs into graphics mode of the system. The other feature is invaluable. If you don't enter X memory and run them. Using Basic re- programs are more useful, consisting of and Y, by the way, the renumber routine quires a tedious conversion of hex- a cost analysis program, statistical plot- will default to 10, 10 — just the way it adecimal object code into decimal ting in bar graph format, a biorhythm should be. which is then POKEd into free memory calculator and a "Star War" game. The renumber routine is also very fast, locations. Using a program such as T- and of course automatically takes care of BUG requires that the program cassette The bottom line matching GOTO and GOSUB with their first be loaded before the T-BUG com- Overall, we are very impressed with correct destinations in the renumbered mands can be used. the Blue Label System 80. On a dollar program. The first version of the System 80 suf- per function basis it probably represents fered from the same disadvantage — not the best value around for a ready-built particularly important for business users, computer. Other systems can be bought Sound Effects perhaps, but an obstacle to the hobbyist for less, but ultimately they are not as Many programs written for the TRS-80 interested in exploring machine powerful or as readily expandable as the include a routine which toggles the language programs. System 80. There is also the matter of cassette motor control relay on and off The machine language monitor of the software, and here the System 80 really to produce tones of varying frequencies. Blue Label System 80 allows the user to scores, with hundreds of compatible With suitable programming quite exten- enter, modify, display and execute Z80 programs available for the TRS-80 as well sive sound effects can be produced in machine language programs, set break- as those specially written for the System this way. The lack of such sound effects points and display and alter the registers 80. when the same program is used on the of the microprocessor. As such it is quite Note also that the price of the System System 80 has been on major incom- a powerful monitor, and has the over- 80 (currently $690) includes the built-in patibility between the two computers. whelming advantage that it is resident in cassette recorder, while the internal RF This problem has been overcome with memory at all times. modulator means that no special video the Blue Label System 80. A simple To enable the monitor program you monitor is required. 2-transistor amplifier and speaker is con- simply type SYSTEM, (NEW LINE) then If you want a general purpose, "work nected to two data bits of the cassette "/12710". After the final NEW LINE the horse" computer, at a price that won't output port. Setting bit two of this port machine language monitor will display break the bank then the Blue Label (FF) to "1" turns on the motor of either the contents of the processor's registers. System 80 could well be the one to go the internal cassette recorder or a se- Single letter commands then activate for.

ELECTRONICS Australia, June, 1982 125 Electronics Australia Personal Computers

Five new computers from Tandy Electronics

The PC-4 is programmed in Basic, with Edit and Debug modes provided to assist the development of software. Up to ten programs can be maintained in memory at any one time and called up by a single key-press. Power is provided by two lithium batteries (not included in the price of the machine). Peripherals available so far include a 1K memory ex- pansion module, cassette interface and a 20 character per line thermal printer. The Tandy MC-10, the second new release, should make quite a dent in the "under-$200" computer market. The "Micro Color Model MC-10" is aimed squarely at first time computer buyers and will run most of the programs of Tandy's 4K TRS-80 Color Computer — at half price. Dimensions of the MC-10 are 20 x 18 x 5cm (W x D x H) and it comes with a 48-key pushbutton-style keyboard (including a space-bar) and a built-in RF Tandy's Micro Color Computer, the Model 10, offers colour computer power for modulator for connection to any colour $199.95 and will run most 4k TRS-80 Color Computer programs. television set. The circuitry is based on the Motorola 6803 mnicroprocessor and From their recently opened head- handheld machine with features similar the 6847 Video Display Generator chip, quarters at Mt Druitt, NSW, Tandy Cor- to earlier, higher-priced "handholds". with 4K of programmable memory ex- poration has launched a range of new The PC-4 measures just 16.5 x 7 x 1cm pandable to 20K by means of an external products, with releases of computers (W x D x H) and includes a 53-key RAM module. A cassette interface and priced from $99 to $7000 plus an array alphabetic keyboard plus a 10-key serial port are standard. of software for new and existing numeric pad. Programs are displayed on Text and "chunky graphics" can be machines. a 12 character liquid crystal display displayed in eight colours on a 32 x 16 Lowest cost new model is the PC-4 which can scroll horizontally to display "pocket computer" ($99.95), a compact lines of up to 62 characters. continued on p.140

ONE BIG ISSUE OF MICRO-80 MAGAZINE FREE! If you own one of these computers, you should be reading MICRO-80 magazine, the magazine not only written by enthusiasts, but actual owners and operators of the same computers you use. MICRO-80 understands your needs, is vital reading from cover to cover and features six new programs in each issue with full operating instructions. An analysis of each program's structure and operation is included to help you improve your own programming capabilities. Instructional articles on programming techniques, hardware improvements and answers to readers' problems are also published each month. ANOTHER MICRO-80 PLUS Readers can purchase a wide range of software and hardware for their systems at keen nrices_

1 38 ELECTRONICS Australia, September, 1983 Five new computers from page 138

line screen and a sound generator is built-in, making the MC-10 well suited for games, self education and hobbyist use. Best news of all is the price, $199.95. Mentioned briefly in this column last month, the Tandy Model 100 was also officially launched at the new head- quarters. Billed as a "Micro Executive Workstation", the model 100 features a full-size typewriter keyboard and an eight line LCD screen and comes with software in ROM for a range of business tasks. Five programs are provided, called up from a menu of functions. A TEXT pro- gram allows the Model 100 to be used as The Model 4 is available in both 16K a word processor, storing information in cassette-based versions and 64K disk ver- a battery-powered memory which can sions, with one or two 13cm minifloppy be expanded to 32K. SCHEDL, also in- drives built into the cabinet. The system cluded, serves as a memo file, enabling can run existing TRS-80 Model III soft- the user to locate and display dates, ware or, with disks, programs under the times, appointments and any other infor- new TRSDOS, LDOS and CP/M Plus mation recalled from a data file. operating systems. CP/M Plus and CBasic software specifically for the new The ADDRESS program is more machine "will be available shortly" says specialised, with features that allow easy Tandy. access to names, telephone numbers Features of the disk-based system in- and addresses stored in the computer's clude a 70-key typewriter keyboard and programmable memory. a 12-key numeric pad, 4MHz Z80A pro- As might be expected, • the built-in cessor with 64K of RAM, parallel printer modem of the US machines has not port and an 80 column by 24 line screen been included in the Australian version. display. Main memory can be expanded Instead there is an RS232C serial intrface to 128K bytes, and the new TRSDOS 6.0 for connection of an external modem, has a "memory disk" feature which although the TELCOM program has been creates a fast simulated disk drive in retained, allowing communication with a unused RAM. host computer over the phone lines. Prices start at $1799 for a 16K model, The fifth "program" is a full-featured with the dual disk 64K machine at $3299. Basic interpreter so the user can write his Also newly released, the model 12 is or her own software. User programs can intended for business applications re- take advantage of the model 100's dot- quiring more extensive disk storage. by-dot graphics, programmable function The Model 12 features a Z-80A keys and a 10-key section of the microprocessor, direct memory access keyboard which can be defined as a and interrupt driven operation for faster numeric pad. through-put. 80K of RAM is standard, Measuring 30 x 21 x 5cm and with one or two 20cm disk drives, each weighing 1.8kg, the model 100 can be providing 1.25MB of storage (unformat- powered by four "AA" batteries for ap- ted). proximately 20 hours of operation or by Also newly announced were the adop- an optional AC adapter. Built-in Nicad tion by Tandy of Datapoint's "Arcnet" batteries maintain the contents of computer local area networking scheme, memory for up to 30 days even with the an agreement with Digital Research to power switched off. allow Tandy to distribute the latest CP/M The most disappointing aspect of the Plus version 3.0 and the release of model 100 is the price. An 8K version of Microsoft's "" operating system for the portable will cost $1099 and a 24K the Model 16 computer. machine is priced at $1399. Either ver- As Tandy repeatedly insist, it is a sion can be expanded to a maximum of retailer, and in the computer business to 32K of RAM with add-on 8K modules make money. The company professes to available at $169.95 each, plus installa- be unconcerned about latest survey tion costs. results which give Tandy an 8% share of Concentration on portables and the the microcomputer market, down from low end of the market has not hampered 25% a few years ago. With 14 different Tandy's efforts in the small business computer models, covering the full microcomputer field, as demonstrated range of the marketplace and mostly by the release of two new desktop produced "in house", machines, the Model 4 and the Model is in a very good position to continue 12. making money.

140 ELECTRONICS Australia, September, 1983 New Products... Product reviews_ releases & services

Tandy 3000 Designed around Intel's 80286 chip, the Tandy 3000 personal computer is a 16-bit machine that operates at 8MHz. It is available with the latest MS-DOS 3.1 operat- ing system and is compatible with IBM PC/AT and PC/XT software. Tandy has designed the computer so that it can use the forthcoming Xenix 5.0 multi-user operating system. This allows the use of multiple display units with a sin- gle central processor, thus allowing up to six users to use the system simultaneously and to share common peripherals. The Tandy 3000 comes with 1/2 M-byte of main memory (512K RAM), and this is exandable to 640K without using an expansion slot. The 3000 is also equipped with a high-capacity 13cm slimline floppy disk drive and a built-in 20 M-byte hard disk drive for fast access to stored data. There are 10 expansion slots: seven PC/AT compatible, 2 PC/XT compatible and 1 PC/XT compatible half-slot for a serial/parallel adaptor. By using these expansion slots, the main memory can be extended to 12 M-bytes. Disk storage is expandable to include two floppy disk drives and one hard disk drive, or one floppy disk and two internal hard disk drives. The total internal storage capacity can thus exceed 40 M-bytes. A wide range of software is available, including programs that are currently being used by the , Tandy 1000, and IBM PC machines. For further information contact Tandy Electronics, 91 Kurrajong Avenue, Mt Druitt, NSW 2770. Telephone (02) 675 1222.

100 ELECTRONICS Australia, May 1986

A Workstation that Goes Where You Go! Our new Compiete lidertace Climb111111,_ r tee off. ce. con- TRS-80 Model 100 combines built-in, "instant-on- nect Model IX directly lc poor compute- be it software and advanced communications capability micro. mini or --,akirarrrie. using tele RS-232C inter- with portability and expandability — making it the face and tree diaca at a; 1!'9_200 baud. Con- most revolutionary micro yet designed. Its ROM- nect Model 1 cyour onriler r the pared il& inter- based programs let you use Model 100 as a go- face for fast prriouts. And tIlere's esen an inter- anywhere word processor, address book and phone face to save or iociad prograrnstlatattext at 1500 directory, appointment calendar, general purpose baud using standard cassette recorders! ASCII terminal (via an acoustic coupler) and a true computer programmable in easy-to-learn BASIC! Advanced BASIC Language. Extended Microsoftg BASIC otters full string handling, complete file All the Most Asked-For Features. Model 100 operations, multi-dimension arrays, 14-digit double- features a full-size keyboard with 8 programmable precision accuracy and much more. function keys and 4 cursor control keys. 8 lines by 40-character LCD display of upper and lower-case Seeing is Believing! Model 100 — expandable to characters and 240 by 64 dot-matrix graphics. plus 32K in 8K steps — is awaiting your hands-on in- a real time clock with time/date/day display on the spection now! power-up main menu. All this, and battery-powered! Model 100 24K, 26-3802 1399.00

WERE NEAR YOU WITH NtAttLY 350 LueATIONS AUSTRALft-siftiic Tand See the New TRS-80 Model 100 at any Tandy Electronics 9.11111e sr ELEenteNieso participating dealer, or visit a Tandy Computer Centre admire aft The biggest name in little computers® TRS-80 is the Best Supported Computer in the Wail! A DIVISION OF TANDY AUSTRALIA Prices May Vary at Individual Dealer LIMITED INC. IN N.S.W. TAL11/83 At the rear of the Model 100 are connections for an RS232C serial interface, parallel printer and cassette recorder.

Atinw NVASIVIMINg la ANDY MODEL 100 PORT ABLE COMPUTER first of the new generation Above these is the 8-line by 40 character The TRS-80 Model 100 is one of a new breed of portable LCD screen, capable of displaying both computers — significant not so much for what they offer upper and lower case alphanumeric characters plus graphics. A control on (although that is considerable) as for the possibilities they the right side of the console adjusts the display for optimum contrast from a foreshadow. by PETER VERNON specific viewing angle, although Not many yeais ago Isaac Asimov rather than stepped (with the rows of overhead lighting can still cause wrote science fiction stories about keys on different levels), it is both problems in this respect. There is an portable "information processors" which comfortable and compact, a rare advantage however — with the display were all things to all users. While the combination. adjusted for best viewing by a user advent of the wristwatch computer is Above the main keyboard are 16 seated in front of the machine, so no one still some time away, portables such as smaller keys, comprising eight can read over your shoulder. the Model 100 are pointing the way. programmable function keys, four The 40 column display is more Not much bigger than a slim special purpose word processing readable than most LCDs because of the encyclopaedia volume (300 x 215 x functions and four cursor control keys. large, fully-formed characters. It also 40mm W x D x H) and weighing 1.7kg, the Model 100 comes with a full-size typewriter style keyboard and a 0 4$1:::::Altaileirg 40-column by 8-line liquid crystal display. Software is built-in, with a powerful Microsoft Basic interpreter, DATE,: word processing, appointments file, communications and address filing programs. Four penlight batteries provide sufficient power for around 20 T, SILL,JILCIOR: hours of operation, with a red LED Li 4L ►ADI, EPOS,1, indicator on the top right of the console •I which lights to show that the batteries should be changed. Alternatively, when the Model 100 is not used "on the go" power can be supplied by a 6VDC plugpack adapter. The 56-key keyboard is easy to use thanks to its size and clearly labelled black and white keytops. While it is flat, • 92 ELECTRONICS Australia, December, 1983 •

. , •• • • ti 1. Tandy's Model 100 portable computer comes with five built-in programs and the capacity to store many more files. seems to suffer less from "access flicker" connection and a connection for a To conserve the batteries an automatic than the 80 column displays now cassette recorder. The serial interface is power-down feature will switch the becoming available. Naturally it is not as a standard 25-pin D-type • connector computer off after 10 minutes without a fast as a video display, and in fact typing while the printer port connection keyboard entry, unless a program is at moderate speed can outrun the consists of two rows of pins on 2.54mm running. Ten minutes is the default - display (although not the keyboard centres and requires a special purpose from Basic the period can be set buffer). It is a strange experience at first printer cable. Underneath the console is anywhere from one minute to around 22 to finish typing a line and then watch as a plastic cover which conceals a 40-pin minutes. the letters appear one by one across the expansion connector and a socket for When first switched on, the Model 100 screen. additional ROM, the battery displays a menu of built-in software and The Model 100 has an array of graphics compartment and a power switch for the existing user files (if any), the date and symbols, Greek characters and special separate Nicad batteries which power time and the amount of memory mathematical and typesetting symbols the memory of the Model 100. Normally remaining. Files may be of one of three which can be accessed from the this switch is in the On position, even types, identified by two letter extensions keyboard using the GRPH key in when, changing the main batteries. following the six character file name. conjunction with the standard keys. In Switching it off will clear the entire Basic programs are suffixed with a .BA, addition the full ASCII character set and memory. data and word processor files with .DO control codes to be produced from the and machine language programs with keyboard using the CODE key, and for Processor and memory .CO. A particular file is activated by those who prefer a numeric keypad a The Model 100 is based on the 80085, moving the cursor over the file name locking NUM key converts letter keys on a CMOS (low power) version of the Intel and pressing Enter, or by typing the the right side of the keyboard to allow 8085. Except for differences in interrupt name of the required file in response to fast entry of numeric data. handling, the machine language for this a prompt on the bottom line of the On the right side of the Model 100 processor is identical to that of the 8080 menu display. console is a power switch, the display so additional software should quickly If the user has previously stored a file in control mentioned above and an input become available. Clock speed is memory two options are available. To for 6V DC from a plugpack adapter. A 2.4MHz, giving the Model 100 a activate a Basic program, for example, socket for the connection of a bar-code respectable performance, and memory the user can activate Basic and load the scanner is on the left, while the rear has can be expanded in increments of 8K to file in the normal way, or move the a reset button, RS232C connector, a a maximum of 32K available to the cursor over the file name of the program Centronics standard parallel printer programmer. and press Enter. Initiating a Basic

ELECTRONICS Australia, December, 1983 93 TANDY MODEL 100 PORTABLE COMPUTER program in this way automatically that, for example, ON TIME$="time" formatting and PRINT statements activates the Basic interpreter, while if a GOSUB (line) will jump to a including PRINT@ and PRINT USING, data file is selected the word processor, when the time matches that set in the allowing total control over the screen TEXT, will be activated. statement. ON COM GOSUB, on the display. The address filing program and other hand, causes a branch to a Sounds are specified with the appointments scheduler cannot be specified subroutine whenever incoming statement SOUND freq, time, which will entered unless a file of names and data is detected at the RS232C port. produce a tone of the specified addresses or appointments information Basic is also fully integrated with the frequency for a set period. The respectively has previously been created other software of the Model 100 and can frequency parameter must be between 0 with the text editor and stored under the read and write data files created and and 16383, providing a five octave name ADRS.DO (for addresses) or edited by the TEXT word processor. range, while time is specified in NOTE.DO (for appointments). Input and output can also be re-directed increments of 1/50th of a second. The between a cassette recorder, RAM and BEEP statement simply produces a fixed Model 100 Basic the communications port or output sent tone, while SOUND ON/OFF is available The Basic of the Model 100 has some to the parallel printer under program to activate a tone to indicate the similarities to that of other TRS-80 control. The default for I/O operations is progress of program loading from a machines — not surprising, since all are the battery-backed up RAM of the cassette recorder. from the Microsoft stable — but includes machine, so that, for example, SAVE Machine language routines can be additional capabilities in keeping with "Prog1" will store a Basic program in executed with the statement CALL, the special requireMents of the memory, adding its name to the menu which jumps to a machine language integrated software system. which appears on start-up. routine at a specified address and allows Model 100 Basic is especially strong on SAVE"CAS:Prog1" will store a program two parameters to be passed. PEEK and interrupt handling and input/output, with on the external cassette recorder, and POKE are available for direct full support for the serial and parallel SAVE"LPT:Prog1" will send the program manipulation of the Model 100's ports, function keys and clock/calendar to the parallel printer. Other options memory, and VARPTR can be used to of the portable. Other statements are LCD (for the screen) and COM locate the address of a particular control the power supply, and it is (send a program via the RS232C variable for use with machine language possible to write a program which communications port). programs. Machine code routines can actually turns off the computer, and to At any time the Basic statement MENU also be saved and loaded from cassette specify that execution will continue will return the user to the initial menu of or RAM with the commands SAVEM and when power is restored (the POWER options shown on power up. LOADM, or loaded and run OFF, RESUME statement). By using the An unexpected feature of the Model automatically with RUNM, but as yet statement IPL a program can also be 100 is its support for graphics and sound there is no monitor program to allow made to run automatically when the effects. The LCD screen can be easy entry of hexadecimal codes. computer is switched on. considered as a matrix of 240 x 64 points Error-trapping is provided with the The function keys of the Model 100 are and individual pixels turned on and off statements ERL (returns the number of a supported by statements which allow with the statements PSET and PRESET. line in which an error appears), ERR (returns the error code), ON ERROR each programmable key to be The LINE statement is also available to associated with a string of up to 15 allow lines to be drawn between GOTO and ERROR (which allows an characters, as in; specified points, or with the options B error to be simulated when testing a and F, to draw boxes on a specified program). Program editing is not as straight- KEY1,"?DATEV-ECHR$(13) diagonal with an optional fill. In addition to graphics there is an array of screen forward as in previous TRS-80 Once this statement has been executed, pressing function key Fl is equivalent to typing the definition and will display the current date. The question mark is equivalent to the PRINT statement and CHR$(13) is the carriage return character which activates the definition. The statement KEY LIST will display the current definitions of all eight function keys. The function keys can also be used to create a processor interrupt and re-direct the flow of program control. Key interrupts are enabled by the statement KEY ON and associated with particular by the ON KEY GOSUB statement, which is followed by up to eight line numbers. Function key Fl will direct the program to the first , F2 to the second line number and so on. The clock and communications ports can use interrupts in the same way, so

94 ELECTRONICS Australia, December, 1983 T NDY MODEL 100 PORTABLE COMPUTER computers. First of all, typing EDIT (line beginning or end of a line, or vertically to also be initiated with a Control-key number) puts the user in the word the beginning or end of an entire file. combination, a useful feature when the processing mode, with the specified line The Backspace key by itself will delete Model 100 is connected to a larger appearing at the top of the screen. the character to the left of the cursor and system. Control keys also activate some Editing is then performed by using the DEL (Shift-BKSP) deletes the character additional functions, allowing the word processing functions to insert and under the cursor. All keys (including the insertion of printer command codes in delete characters etc. Pressing ENTER cursor controls) automatically repeat text (Control-P) and the addition of a however will not return the user to Basic after being held down for a fraction of a carriage return/linefeed to text lines but simply inserts a carriage return in the second. (Control-M). line being edited. To return to Basic it is Large alterations of text are assisted by necessary to press F8, the function key the "cut and paste" features of the Limited print formats normally defined as "menu". If the edited editor. To move a section of text from line is now acceptable to Basic all is well one location to another, for example, The one limitation of the Model 100 and programming can continue. If the the procedure is to mark the start of the text editor is the narrow range of print line is still in error the message "TEXT ILL- text with the SELECT key (F7) and then formatting commands. One function FORMED" will be displayed. move the cursor to the end of the key, labelled PRINT, serves either to Unless otherwise specified arithmetic passage to be selected. Text between print the contents of the screen on a on the Model 100 is double precision the selected, start and the cursor position parallel printer or (used with SHIFT) 62 with values ranging from 10' to 10+ is displayed in inverse to verify the prints the entire file. Screens are printed and 14 significant digits. Single precision operation. After a section of text has exactly as they appear, in eight lines of (six significant digits) and integer been marked it can be copied (F5) or 40 characters each while SHIFT/PRINT arithmetic can also be specified. transferred (F6) into a "paste buffer" and first prompts for a line length and reinserted in the text at any location by formats the text accordingly. There is no way of printing part of a file which Word processing with the moving the cursor and pressing the function key labelled "PASTE". The crosses two screens — printing is all or Model 100 difference between a copy and a transfer nothing. The text editor built into the Model 100 (called CUT in the manual) is that COPY Text files can however take advantage is one of the machine's best features. leaves the original text undisturbed while of I/O redirection and can be saved and While 40 columns by eight lines of text CUT deletes the originally selected text loaded from RAM or a cassette recorder may seem to be a limited display, in from the document. Text from the paste or sent via the RS232C port to a larger practice it works quite well on a buffer can be used repeatedly system, using either a modem or a direct paragraph by paragraph basis while the throughout a document until it is over- serial link. Once transferred to a large cursor control keys allow speedy access written by a subsequent CUT or COPY computer the full range of print to other parts of a large document. operation. formatting commands of that system Normally the cursor control keys move Also available is the FIND command, could of course be used on the file. one character space at a time, but can be activated by pressing Fl, which prompts Since Model 100 Basic can also read used in conjunction with the SHIFT keys for a text string and searches the file for and write data files it would also be to move word by word and to the top or each occurrence of that group of possible to create text formatting bottom of a particular screen of text or characters. As with all function and programs in Basic and overcome the with the Control key to move to the cursor control keys the operation can limitations of this aspect of TEXT.

The 40 character by 8 line LCD screen displays large, clearly readable upper and lower case characters.

g 3 4

96 ELECTRONICS Australia, December, 1983 As well as word processing and to be terminated by a line feed/carriage the Model 100 an ideal mobile adjunct program editing, TEXT must be used to return pair, and special formatting to a larger computer system. create ADRS.DO and NOTE.DO files programs would be required to use the At the moment however the features required by the address list and Model 100 successfully with such of the Model 100 are under-utilised by scheduling programs. services. the existing software. The TIME and Using the address filing program (called This difficulty aside, TELCOM makes DATE functions could be put to much ADDRSS) requires the creation of a data the Model 100 a simple, compact more extensive use and print formatting file with the name ADRS.DO with the terminal for communication via a is limited, but in spite of this the Model text editor. Once the file is created it can modem or an RS232C link. Apart from 100 may be the wave of the future. be searched with the commands Find use as a portable computer terminal the Programs from Tandy and independent and Lfnd (F1 and F5). Find searches the communications capability also makes software suppliers will become available entire file for a match to the string the machine ideal for transferring data as the Model 100 comes into wider use specified and displays the result. between otherwise incompatible but already the potential is evident. ADDRSS is a rudimentary program. The systems and other users have discovered Tandy has gone a long way towards data file is searched from the position of the advantage of entering data in the translating the writer's dream into reality. the cursor to the end of the file in its field and later transferring it to a larger entirety rather than field by field, so that computer for storage, formatting, and Prices and expansion for example, "Mr Jones" and "Jones printing. Street" both match the string "Jones". Compared to "pocket computers" the Capitalisation does not seem to matter - In conclusion Model 100 is an expensive machine. "smith" and "SMITH" are reported as Who will use the Model 100? First of Considering the wealth of features matching strings — but this is all, it must be said that for mathematical though, and comparing the price with unimportant in this application. calculations and other applications portables such as the Epson HX-20 and The SCHEDL program works in exactly where the large text display and full- the NEC PC-8201 gives a truer the same way as the address organiser, sized keyboard is not required the Sharp perspective on the price. A Model 100 using a file called NOTE-DO and the PC-1500 or similar Tandy pocket portable computer with 8K of RAM costs command Find and Lfnd to search for a computers are quite sufficient. Using the $1099. Memory expansion is relatively specified string. In spite of the name the Model 100 solely for these applications expensive at $169.95 per additional 8K program does not take advantage of the would represent "overkill". of RAM, but a second version with 24K clock/calendar feature of the Model 100 Where the Model 100 really shines is in of RAM already installed is priced at and while useful as a general-purpose text processing and communications. $1399. Adding the memory to bring the filing program will be disappointing to The full keyboard, 40 character by eight Model 100 up to its full 32K means that those expecting an appointments line display and integrated software the machine reviewed here costs manager or reminders of important really come into their own here, while $1568.95. A parallel printer cable to suit dates. Any competent programmer the availability of a terminal mode makes costs $24.95. could do a better job, given the power and features of the system and no doubt many will.

Communications The Model 100 communications program, TELCOM is both versatile and easy to use. TELCOM is entered from the menu and operates in one of two modes; an "entry" level which allows communications parameters to be specified, and the terminal mode itself, activated by pressing F4. The entry mode allows the selection of data transmission rate (nine standard baud rates from 75 to 19,200bps), word length (6, 7 or 8 bits), parity, number of stop bits and handshaking status. The default mode is 300 baud, 7 bits, no parity and one stops bit, as used by the majority of bulletin boards and dial-up services. In the terminal mode operations are selected by pressing various function keys. Full or half-duplex operation can be selected and data displayed as it is received or stored in a RAM file for later use. Optionally, incoming data can be echoed to a parallel printer, and files can also be transferred to the host system. Some users of this feature have reported problems caused by the fact that the Model 100 does not transmit a line feed character with a carriage return. Many bulletin boards expect each line of data

ELECTRONICS Australia, December, 1983 97 With keyboard with numeric datapad and eight special- 2 Disk 569 00 purpose keys to recall program-designated Drives 26-4005 functions. A Multi-Purpose Computer. Our new TRS-80 Model Easy Expansion. Expand at anytime to the power 12 is a remarkable business system that offers a and capability you need to meet your business re- unique combination of power, versatility and easy quirements. Easily expandable — add a printer, expandability. It's fully compatible with our popular plotter, and more. Or team up our single-disk Model Model II software, so it's ready right now to handle 12 with our 8-megabyte Hard Disk Drive (26-4150, accounting, word processing and financial plann- $5999) for a powerful — yet extremely affordable - ing, for program development, even for communica- system for large inventory control needs, account- tions with mainframe computers. ing and data base management. Professional Features You Demand. Features like Come In and See the New Model 12. Get a personal one or two built-in 1.25-megabyte floppy disk demonstration of our TRS-80 Model 12 computer at drives. An 80K memory. A high-resolution 20.5cm our Tandy Computer Centres, as well as selected green phosphor video screen that displays 24 lines stores and participating dealers nationwide. Ask of 80 characters. A detachable, low-profile 82-key about our training and service plans, too.

001APUTER CENTRE TandTANDY AUSTRALIA LIMITED INC. IN N.S.W. 1 The biggest name in little computersTM YOUR NEAREST TANDY COMPUTER CENTRE IS: NSW: •BANKSTOWN Cnr Brandon Ave. & Chapel Rd (02)707 4611 VIC: 'MELBOURNE CAMBERWELL 662 Burke Rd (03)82 8293 *CROWS NEST 1st Floor, 12-14 Falcon St (02)438 2900 •MELBOURNE CITY 284 Bourke St (03) 663 3093 • RYDALMERE 267 Victoria Road (02)638 7055 •MOORABBIN 'Moorabbin Link', •SYDNEY CITY 81 York Street (02)29 3958 Cnr Nepean Hwy & Redholme St (03) 553 3299 *NEWCASTLE Shop 17, The Hunter Ctr, 12 Perkins St (049) 26 3073 SA: *ADELAIDE 240 Morphett St (08)51 9020 ACT: *CANBERRA Shop 1&2, Gnd FI, Sth Tower, Gaga Ctr, 38 Akuna St. (062)47 0322 WA: •PERTH 208 Beaufort St (09) 328 4122 OLD: •BRISBANE 301 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley (07)52 9000 •SUBIACO 169 Rokeby Rd (09) 382 1900 New machine is IBM PC-compatible . . Tandy Model 1000 personal computer

however. Perhaps the most obvious of The new Model 1000 personal computer is these is that the programmable function Tandy's first real entry in the PC-compatible keys on the Model 1000 are in a horizontal row along the top, above the stakes. Attractively priced, it offers a high normal number keys, instead of in two vertical columns at the left end. There degree of compatibility with PC software. At the are also 12 of these keys, instead of only same time it comes complete with its own suite 10. Another noticeable difference, at least of easy-to-use integrated office applications for someone used to the IBM keyboard, is that cursor movement is not controlled software. by second functions of the numeric keypad's 7, 8, 4, 6 and 2 keys, but by five by JIM ROWE dedicated keys positioned just below and to the right of the ENTER (return) key. And the main four keys are not in the As someone who has been using an less from front to back. Overall size of familiar (and handy) "diamond" IBM PC fairly constantly for the last the main case is 418 x 335 x 145mm (L configuration, but in an "inverted-T" year or so, I was very interested to check x D x H). The keyboard is separate, with the left, down and right movement out the new Tandy Model 1000. During like the IBM, and is also more compact keys all in a row, and the up and HOME my recent sojourn in retailing I also — about 45mm less wide, with overall keys above them. The HOME key is to spent some time working on the dimensions of 416 x 196 x 34mm (L x the right of the up key, as well. Not development of another PC compatible, D x H). much difference, perhaps, but just which can remain nameless here. This Both the main case and the keyboard enough to throw you for a while! gave me quite a reasonable insight into are moulded in an attractive buff- On the really positive side, the CAPS the various aspects of software coloured plastic, ABS by the look of it. LOCK key is in a much better position compatibility. In case this sounds as if They are particularly high quality than on the IBM. The PC keyboard has I'm likely to be too critical of the Model mouldings, finished in a very nice this key immediately to the right of the 1000, I should perhaps add that I was the "wrinkle" texture. Being moulded in shift bar and immediately below the first person to review the original Tandy plastic the keyboard is very much lighter right-hand SHIFT key, where I for one TRS-80 in Australia — and it was a very than that of the IBM, but despite this it is tend to hit it accidentally quite often. favourable one. quite stable on the desktop and feels Instead, the Model 1000 keyboard puts To proceed, then. The new Model surprisingly solid. Like the PC keyboard the key right out of harm's way, at the 1000 is the latest addition to the Tandy it has two swing-down feet at the rear to lower left-hand corner. stable of computers. It uses a 16-bit 8088 tilt it forward if you prefer this. Another really good thing about the processor, like that used in the IBM PC, The Model 1000 keyboard has 90 keys Model 1000 keyboard is the place its and is advertised as being software compared with the 83 provided on the cable plugs into the computer: not right compatible with that machine. PC keyboard. The key action is positive, around at the rear, but on the front. This It even looks a little like the PC, although slightly less so than on the not only makes it very much easier to although it's actually more compact - IBM. There are quite a few differences connect it up, but also allows you to have about 65mm less wide, and about 75mm between the two in terms of key layout, the keyboard on your lap or knees if you

90 ELECTRONICS Australia, July, 1985 are also built in already. By the way, the Tandy literature implies that the Model 1000 video graphics circuitry is virtually equivalent to both the monochrome and colour graphics adaptors on the IBM. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to check this out in detail, but it certainly seems to be compatible with "cranky" software. Before going any further, a general comment. I think there is still quite a deal of confusion around regarding the real meaning of "IBM-PC software compatibility". So it seems a good idea to clarify at least what I understand that term to mean. What it doesn't mean is the ability to run every single program that has ever been produced for the IBM PC. That isn't legally possible, because some programs make use of routines built into the IBM PCs internal ROMs — and another manufacturer can't make an exact copy of the code in these ROMs without breaking copyright law. So full theoretical 100% compatibility can't be achieved. Even if it could, you probably still wouldn't be able to run every single PC program ever produced, because you can't even do this with an IBM. There are differences between the monochrome and colour video boards on the IBM, which affect programming. So some programs written for one video board won't run on an IBM with the other like to relax a little while "slaving over a an extra 128K of RAM. board. hot keyboard". In theory you might be Inside the 1000, there is the usual U- In practice, it has become fairly able to do this with an IBM, but it's shaped metal chassis with a large mother accepted that a personal computer can almost impossible to do so because most PCB mounted horizontally on the be described as "PC compatible" of the cord is used up in going around the bottom. A compact switch-mode power providing that it will run most of the computer to plug in at the rear. supply is above the main PCB at the rear software written for the PC (say Incidentally, just alongside the on the right-hand side, with the floppy 85-90%). In particular it should be able keyboard socket on the lower left front disk drives also above the main PCB but to run fairly important things like the of the Model 1000, there is a red RESET at the front right. The expansion card PC-DOS and MS-DOS disk operating button. It's easy to find when you want slots are on the left-hand side, in virtually systems, and at least PC BASIC's half- it, but not in a position where you could the same place as they are in the IBM. twin GW BASIC. To get the full press it accidentally and come to grief. There are only three expansion slots, "maximum legal compatibility" rating, it It's a handy feature, even though you which superficially seems to give less should also be able to cope with some of can still boot using the same three-key expansion potential than the five the trickier applications programs like combination of CTRL.ALT.DEL as provided on the IBM. However, the Microsoft's "Flight Simulator", which used on the IBM. Model 1000 has the video graphics makes naughty calls directly to the The Model 1000 itself normally comes display controller and all of its associated IBM's video graphics hardware circuitry with 128K of RAM and one half-height housekeeping on the main PCB; this is rather than use the machine's own BIOS 5 1/4 inch double sided, double density also the case with the Centronics printer routines as an intermediary. 360K floppy disk drive. The RAM can interface and the floppy disk controller. Well then, how does the new Tandy be expanded up to 640K with the usual With the IBM these are all "options" on 1000 stack up when judged on these plug-in boards, which are pin compatible plug-in cards, which take up at least two criteria? From the tests I have been able with the IBM 62-way bus connectors. of the five slots before you start. to perform, it comes out very well. PC- Similarly a second half-height floppy disk So in reality, the Model 1000 has DOS ran quite normally, while Flight drive can be fitted inside the case, above exactly the same expansion potential. Or Simulator also ran without a hitch. And the first. The machine reviewed had been more accurately, it's slightly ahead - it actually comes complete with its own fitted with the second drive, and also had because joystick and light pen interfaces versions of both MS-DOS and GW

ELECTRONICS Australia, July, 1985 91 Tandy Model 1000 personal computer

word processor; WORKSHEET, an easy to use spreadsheet; FILER, a basic data filing system; TELECOM, a communi- cations terminal program; CALENDAR, which is like a monthly planning diary; and MAIL, which lets you exchange electronic mail with other Model 1000 users over the phone. All of the programs seem very friendly and easy to use. In fact they seem an excellent suite of programs for anyone coming to the 1000 as a newcomer to computers. Even though you may want to use more powerful word processing, filing or spreadsheet programs later, the Deskmate programs are both practical and a good way to get familiar with the concepts. Of course the 1000 also comes with MS-DOS, so you should be able to run most of the popular "sophisticated" software. Tandy itself offers things like Microsoft's Word, Lotus 1-2-3, Friday!, Multiplan and the pfs family. I also tried Wordstar, running under PC-DOS, and it seemed to work quite well — although TAW,' IOW it came to grief when I tried to save the file to disk, for some reason. Possibly drive B of the Model 1000 review sample may have been running a trifle off speed, because I kept on getting data read errors. On the Model 1000's MS-DOS disk you also get Microsoft's GW BASIC, which is normally almost identical to IBM's BASICA in terms of functions. However, in trying some of the colour graphics functions I could not get some of the high-res plotting commands to work. Then I found a little note with the manuals, saying that the version of GW BASIC currently supplied does not have all of the features implemented as yet. BASIC, so these obviously run also - 1000. Similarly, although the Model Apparently Tandy is working on these, although more about the GW BASIC 1000's suite of office applications and registered owners will be advised later. software seems to run on the PC under when the enhanced version is available. Needless to say, it won't run BASIC or PC-DOS, most of the crucial functions Things not implemented • at present BASICA, the two IBM disk . like saving files to disk and returning to include some high-res graphics modes, And it shouldn't be able to, either, as the main function menu screen are OPEN COM and some of the other these both call routines from the PC's controlled by the Model 1000's two extra communications features, and BEEP ROM BASIC. If you call them from a function keys, not present on the IBM ON/OFF . PC-DOS disk, they won't even load. But keyboard! This is a little disappointing but at this is what you'd expect. In short, the The suite of office software that comes least Tandy does give you the DOS and Model 1000 certainly seems to get its with the Model 1000 is called BASIC along with the computer itself. "wings" as a fully PC software "Deskmate". It consists of six basic With the IBM, the DOS and Disk compatible machine. applications programs, integrated within BASIC are "options" for which you have It's interesting, though, that Tandy a "shell" which provides a friendly to pay extra — although you do get has been shrewd enough to limit display of date, time and diary notes plus rather better manuals. compatibility the other way. The Model cursor-controlled selection of both the There are four manuals supplied with 1000's own version of MS-DOS won't applications program you want to use, the Model 1000. One is an introduction boot up on a PC — when you try it, all and the data file it is to use. to the computer itself and a tutorial for you get is a prim little message advising The six applications programs are the Deskmate suite of programs; another you that it will only work on a Tandy TEXT, a modest but quite practical is a more complete reference manual for

92 ELECTRONICS Australia, July, 1985 Tandy Model 1000 computer cid from p92 Deskmate; the third is a Quick Reference resolution RGB colour video monitor, as give many of the other contenders a Guide for Deskmate; and the fourth is a shown in the photographs. This gave tough time. BASIC Reference Guide. Other relevant very good results indeed. It seems to The quoted cost for a second 360K books are available from Tandy have plenty of brightness, high floppy drive is $399, not including separately, including a full BASIC bandwidth and resolution, clean colours installation if required. The 256K Reference Manual and "Learning and freedom from convergence errors. memory expansion board fitted with BASIC for the Tandy 2000/1000", by The EHT and focus supplies seem to be 128K of RAM costs $599, while a that excellent writer David Lien. well regulated also, as there is very little further 128K of memory costs $499. The To return briefly to the Model 1000's picture "blooming" or defocusing when optional board to provide an RS-232C hardware, it provides both composite you increase brightness. In short, it serial port for data communications is colour video output via an RCA-type seems an excellent colour monitor, not $199.95. The CM-2 RGB colour monitor socket and discrete RGB video, via the only for the Model 1000 but also for a costs $899, but there is a VM-2 same kind of DB-9 connector used on the PC. The pin connections seem to be monochrome monitor available for IBM. In addition to the inbuilt speaker identical, and it works perfectly. $349.95. There is also a hard disk controller board priced at $549.95. there is also an audio output, via a All in all, I'm very impressed with the Tandy can provide a matching hard disk second RCA socket at the rear. But there Tandy Model 1000 package. At $1,999 drive, other memory expansion cards is no provision for turning the video for the basic 128K/single floppy and of course a variety of suitable monitor on and off using the Model machine, complete with DOS, BASIC printers. It can also supply the 1000's power switch. and Deskmate software, it seems excellent value for money. It is certainly Australian-designed "Attache" range of The Model 1000 reviewed came with a a very welcome entry into the PC business software, in addition to the sample of Tandy's new CM-2 33cm high compatible arena, and seems likely to software mentioned earlier.

ELECTRONICS Australia, July, 1985 95 Tandy 1000. The best $3000 computer you can buy . . . for only '1999

Monitor Not Included Think of the new Tandy 1000 as your silent business part- Compare Tandy 1000 with the IBM PCt ner, one who does the jobs you hate. Right from the minute you start to use it. Because only the Tandy 1000 has DeskMateTM ready to run software. DeskMate's six sub- programs use plain English commands to create and store error free documents, electronically file data, analyse spreadsheets, communicate with other computers or ter- minals, receive or transmit electronic mail — even organise your day and appointments! DeskMate is all the software you could ever need, all free with the Tandy 1000. If DeskMate isn't enough, the Tandy 1000's MS-DOS operating system and IBMt compatibility allows it to run the world's leading software straight from the shelf. Should your workload increase, the Tandy 1000 rises to the challenge — increasing its power and performance with expansion and upgrade options you can easily install yourself! With DeskMate software, IBMt compatibility, more standard features and easy user expansion, the Tandy 1000 is the partner every business needs. At $1999, its the part- Available from ner every business can afford. 350 stores *User installable. **Note: only 3 slots available on PC for expansion. t TM IBM Corp. Australia wide