For those of you who have taken advantage of the Advanced Computing
Environment (ACE) operating system written by Craig Bruce, Craig has
published the programmer's reference guide for Release #15 of this
popular application environment. It is available in the following
locations:
ftp://ccnga.uwaterloo.ca/pub/cbm/os/ace/ace15-prg.doc http://ccnga.uwaterloo.ca/~csbruce/mycommie.html
If you haven't used ACE before, you should give it a try.
It seems that as homely as some may think the Commodore computers are, children warm up to them very quickly. In fact, the machines are chosen over more expensive machines, as the following stories attest:
James Grubic (grubic@avicom.net) wrote:
One of the teachers in the school I'm based in actually enjoys using the older computer systems like the Apple IIe, and her students are truly excited about using them. The other day, I gave them a 64c to use, and they were blown away! If you could just see it...a whole gang of youngsters gathered around the C64, waiting for their turn at Jupiter lander...almost brought tears to my eyes.And Bob Masse followed up with:Needless to say, I'll be arranging for them to get another one.
I am not surprised. My little nine year old nephew has a brand new pentium beast with all the goodies, and he is scared to be in his room alone with it when it is on! On the other hand when He comes over to his Uncle Bob's house he has a tantrum to use this old Commodore.So, once again, bigger is not always better!Bob kh6zv9@pe.net
Have you ever been to a "demo party"? Well, if not, you are missing
one of the staples of the Commodore scene since the beginning of the
reign of the Commodore computer. Assembly is one such party held in
Helsinki, Finland.
In case you aren't aware, demo parties are where demo programmers,
computer graphics artists, and computer music artists gather to compete
for prizes. Assembly '96 holds parallel competitions for PC, Amiga, and
C64 computer systems.
Assembly '96 is to be held August 16 to 18 in the Helsinki Fair Center, Rautatielaisenkatu 3, Finland. Tickets are available for US$50.00. If you are in the vicinity, you should stop by and peruse the 1996 Commodore 64 entries. If, however, you would like to compete in the Commodore 64 class, please read the rules and information packet http://stekt.oulu.fi/~mysti/the_sharks/
Prizes of cash are to be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the demo, graphics, and music categories.
For more information, you can contact the organizers via the following
ways:
Voice: ASSEMBLY Org. +358-0-777 3741
http://www.assembly.org/assembly96
E-mail: assembly@assembly.org
IRC: #asm96
Normal mail: ASSEMBLY '96
Lakkisepantie 13
00620 Helsinki
FINLAND
Where in the world is Novaterm 9.6 (NovaRom)?
Late last year, Nick Rossi informed the Commodore community that he
was developing a new version of his popular 64 terminal emulation
software, Novaterm 9.6. However, Nick stated that 9.6 would be
marketed as a commercial product, not as a shareware offering as in
previous versions. Well, as with all announcements, speculation
as to what the new version would include filled up the communication
channels for quite a while. Then, in early 1996, the news that Novaterm
Performance Peripherals Inc. (PPI) was chosen to manufacture and market the new version. Tentative offering included the basic cartridge and an option that included PPI's CommPort Swiftlink-compatible cartridge and a PPI 3 slot cartridge expansion unit.
Since creating a cartridge requires a higher level of code robustness, delays in the introduction generated reports that Nick was having trouble getting the code to a ROMable state. Other reports mentioned that PPI status as a part time endeavor was the reason for the delays.
Whatever the reason, the following announcement was made by Nick Rossi concerning Novaterm 9.6 on July 5, 1996. Contrary to earlier reports, the software will be available on disk format only and will be initially be marketed directly through Nick Rossi:
NOVATERM 9.6Gaelyne Moranec, writer of articles for magazines such as Commodore Hacking (Reference: uqwk), Commodore World, and BBS Magazine, reports that BBS Magazine is no longer. Cited as a magazine for BBS operators and users, the magazine contained a monthly series by Moranec on Commodore BBS users and systems. Being one of the few magazines not Commodore specific to cover Commodore content, its demise is sad indeed. Evidently, the magazine continued on for one issue as _BBS.NET_ but has not been published since. Some of the writers for BBS will be given space in a new magazine to take the place of BBS, but the focus will be on sysops and sysadmins. Gaelyne hopes the new magazine will allow her to continue to write, but she is somewhat doubtful of the prospect.Bring the telecommunications revolution to your Commodore 64.
After many delays and headaches, I'm excited to finally announce the release of Novaterm 9.6!
Novaterm 9.6 is available ON DISK, in either 1541 or 1581 format. It comes with a 90-page user's manual. The price for the disk and manual is US$29.95.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Send check or money order for US$29.95 to:
Nick Rossi 10002 Aurora Ave. N. #3353 Seattle, WA 98133 U.S.A.
INTERNET CONTACTS
Check out the Novaterm 9.6 web site for more information: http://www.eskimo.com/~voyager/novaterm.html
My e-mail address is voyager@eskimo.com.
NOVATERM 9.6 FEATURES
Novaterm 9.6 supports the following new features:
* Zmodem upload, download, auto-download, and crash recovery. Also supports streaming mode with the buffer. * Ymodem-g and Xmodem-1k-g streaming protocols with the buffer. * Use any RAM expansion device as the buffer: REU, BBGRam, GEORam, RAMLink or RAMDrive partition, C128 VDC memory. * "Buffer recovery" feature retains contents of the buffer between Novaterm sessions as long as the memory device does not lose power or get overwritten. * Text editor can read and write files directly from the buffer. * Supports the SwiftLink, CommPort, HART cartridge, and Daniel Dallmann's 9600 bps user port enhancement http://rpool1.rus.uni-stuttgart.de/~etk10217/proj.html). * Supports the C128's fast-mode 80-column screen in terminal mode (25, 28, 43, and 50 line modes available). * C64 80-column emulation features "scroll-ahead" for better scrolling performance. Optionally supports a fast scroll if you have an REU. * Built-in ASCII translation and UUencode/decode options * Built-in 80-column file viewer * Reads real-time clock devices (BBRTC, CMD drives) for terminal mode clock display * Single-menu loading of terminal emulations (finally!) * A step-by-step user-friendly configuration utility
Novaterm 9.6 still supports the basic feature set:
* Terminal emulations: ANSI graphics, VT100/102, VT52, Standard, and Commodore graphics in 40 or 80 column mode * Protocols: Zmodem, Ymodem batch, Ymodem-g, Xmodem-1k, Xmodem-1k-g, Xmodem-CRC, WXmodem, Kermit, Punter, Multi-Punter * Hardware flow control for high-speed modems * Script language for automatic operation * Multiple 19-entry phone books * 16 user-definable macro keys * Miniature BBS module / answering service * Text editor utility with integrated script compiler * ASCII table editor and Font editor utility
I could keep going, but you get the idea! Novaterm 9.6 supports all of the standard features from previous versions, but its capabilities have been greatly expanded.
Thanks for all the support and suggestions -- the new version finally made it!
BBS Magazine dead, Long Live Some Trees
Craig Bruce has released version 2.5 of Little Red Reader-128, the
popular freeware utility that allows Commodore 128 owners with 1571,
1581, or CMD FD drives to read IBM PC disks. Features available in the
new release include:
ftp://ccnga.uwaterloo.ca/pub/cbm/util128/lrr25.uua (uuencoded archive)
lrr25.doc (documentation)
lrr25.asm (assembly source)
http://ccnga.uwaterloo.ca/~csbruce/mycommie.html
Basement Boys Software Demise
The geoClub UK newsletter reports that Commodore software developer and
distributor Basement Boys Software has ceased operation. Fortunately,
Basement Boys Software completed all paid orders and settled all
reported business before closing its doors. While we regret the closing
due to "lack of support", we are impressed with the ethical methods of
doing so.
As reported in "Hacking the Mags" (Reference: mags), LOADSTAR LETTER will become a subscription based publication. The LETTER, currently bundled with issues of LOADSTAR and LOADSTAR 128, contained 8 pages of additional content not found in either LOADSTAR or LOADSTAR 128. J and F Publishing, which publishes the LOADSTAR line of software and magazines, cites increasing costs and the need for more editorship support in deciding to change the magazine's status from free to subscription. The LETTER will be bundled with the disk magazines until Issue #37. A one year subscription can be purchased for US$12.00 from:
LOADSTAR Letter P.O. Box 30008 Shreveport LA 71130Starting with Issue #37, Jeff Jones will join with Scott Eggleston and others to turn the LL into a more hard hitting magazine with fewer ads. The new magazine will continue to run articles by Jim Brain, Gaelyne Moranec, and Jeff Jones, among others. J and F is trying to break 1000 subscribers in order to keep the subscription rate for future subscribers at US$12.00.
John Brown, of Parsec, Inc., has announced the arrival of the Commodore Cruiser, a subscription based Commodore support BBS system. Accessible via direct phone lines and the Internet, The system is Internet accessible via a telnet to jbee.com. John is offering a free account to each Commodore User Group that requests one. For users, subscription includes full Internet access, as well as Commodore specific areas and file transfer areas. For more information, contact Parsec at:
JBEE Parsec, Inc. PO Box 111 Salem, MA 01970-0111 USABy InfoWorld Staff
Commodore and Amiga Technology Sold (Again!)
Posted at 3:45 p.m., PT, April 11 Financially troubled German PC retailer Escom AG said Thursday that it will sell its Amiga Technologies GmbH subsidiary to Visual Information Services Corp. (VIScorp) of Chicago in a $40 million transaction. SEscom acquired the Commodore and Amiga computer technology, patents, Sintellectual properties, and brand names in April 1995 for $10 million Sat a bankruptcy auction for Commodore International, which filed for Sliquidation in 1994. Escom earlier this year itself reported losses of S$85 million for 1995, prompting founder Manfred Schmitt to resign last Smonth. Selling Amiga will allow Escom to better concentrate on its core Sbusiness of PC retailing, Escom said in a statement. VIScorp, which Smakes set-top boxes, will acquire the Amiga and Commodore technology and Sintellectual property, but not the Commodore brand names, Escom said.http://www.vistv.com
As reviewed in "Hacking the Mags" (Reference: mags), there is a new Commodore publication available. Citing itself as the "The Journal for Commodore Enthusiasts", DisC=overy contains technical content analogous to that found in the defunct Transactor magazine and Commodore Hacking. Available only in text format, the magazine is available at:
http://www.eskimo.com/~drray/discovery.htmlAlternately, the magazine can be requested via email from:
s021126@dominic.barry.eduInitial reports of the CMD SuperCPU are overwhelmingly positive. In fact, it is reported that one European publication would not believe a commissioned review of a beta unit and requested a first hand look at one before they would print the review. Suffice it to say they were impressed as well.
CMD SuperCPU unveiled
For a report that Guenther Bauer wrote on the new accelerator, check
out his review at:
ftp://ftp.giga.or.at/pub/c64/Super64CPU_test.txtOne of the units traveled to Michigan where Maurice Randall (developer of GeoFAX and owner of Click here Software) debuted it in the US to the Lansing Area Commodore Club. Tim Lewis, LACC President, reported to USENET after the debut:
"I am one of the few lucky people who have seen for myself what the new Super64 CPU can do. It is nothing short of INCREDIBLE!!!For more information on CMD or the SuperCPU, contact CMD or visit their WWW Site:For all of you serious GEOS users, I can honestly say this: GET IT! It is money that will not be thrown away! The processing speed is amazing. If you use the Super64 CPU with a REU, I will guarantee you that you cannot go wrong! You have to see it to believe it! Club members that saw Maurice Randall demo this could not believe their Seyes! I was watching this go thru a directory of files, and it just Sflew!
Folks, you have to see this to believe it! My hats off to CMD, they have really outdone themselves! All I can say is: (sic)COGRATULATIONS!!!"
Creative Micro Designs, Inc. P.O. Box 646 E. Longmeadow, MA 01028 (413) 525-0023 http://ww.the-spa.com/cmd/Following a call for articles in alt.zines on hurdles faced by electronic magazines, Jim Brain contributed an article on the challenges faced by Commodore Hacking. Brain, editor of Commodore hacking, cited the challenges of providing a text version of the magazine for Commodore owners, while attempting to draw out of the closet Commodore enthusiasts online with a hypertext version of the publication. The full text of the published article is available at:
Commodore Hacking Contributes to Computer-Mediated
Communication Magazine
http://www.december.com/cmc/mag/1996/may/brain.htmlIn C=Hacking #12, we noted that Bo Zimmerman had connected his Commodore 128 to the Internet, albeit through a Linux system. Well, as all good things must end, Bo has taken down the BBS system due to hardware overheating problems. However, Bo hopes to provide documentation on how the system was set up so that others can configure similar systems.
"Zelch" Down for the Count
In March, Matt Desmond, creator of the popular 128 terminal emulation program DesTerm, announced that he is now online at:
http://www.ionline.net/~mdesmondIt contains information about Matt, but is more importantly the gateway to the "Official DesTerm Page." The site contains information about the new 3.0 version of DesTerm that Matt is developing.
On May 21, Compuserve (CIS) announced it would phase out its proprietary software and services in favor of providing service using Internet standards. The company hopes to re-launch itself as an Internet provider by year's end. The new service will be accessible through a standard World Wide Web browser. It is unclear how this change will affect Commodore users who rely on Compuserve's "shell" access for Internet and Compuserve specific access.
Creative Micro Designs, Inc., has taken over as the sponsor of the Commodore RTC area on Genie. The Commodore RTC remains one of the few well utilized places to stay current on Commodore events and find Commodore information. CMD cited an interest in providing quality information for Commodore enthusiasts as a driving reason behind the decision to sponsor the Genie forum.
Meeting 64/128 Users Through the Mail, a non-profit organization designed to allow Commodore users to unite and gather information about their machines via mail, has announced a change in presidency:
The new president is Tom Adams, and the new address for club
correspondence is as follows:
Meeting 64/128 Users Through the Mail c/o Tom Adams, President tom.adams@neteast.com 4427 39th St. Brentwood, MD 20722-1022If you are interested in membership, please contact Tom. The club is especially useful for those who live in areas with no Commodore support.
For those interested in the Commodore VIC-20, a very useful but under utilized computer, Jeffrey Daniels publishes a newsletter for the machine. The publication address has changed to:
Vic Newsletter Jeff's Ink Press & Deli P.O. Box 477493 Chicago, IL 60647 USA Jeffrey Daniels, editor U17632@UICVM.CC.UIC.EDUA copy can be obtained by writing the above address.
Financial Time/Edupage: July 4, 1996
"Escom, the German company that is one of Europe's largest PC retailers, is seeking protection from its creditors (similar to Chapter 11 protection in the U.S.), following significant trading losses, and losses caused by a stock write-down. Aggressive expansion into new markets such as the U.K. had caused storage and supply problems."Since ESCOM had recently sold the rights to the Commodore and Amiga lines to VISCorp, the filing will have little affect on Commodore 8-bit owners. Also, CMD reports that this action is part of a massive reorganization effort by ESCOM intended to solidify its PC manufacturing operation. CMD notes that, unlike CBM, ESCOM is NOT liquidating, but merely employing a common US business tactic of filing to shield themselves from creditors while reorganinzing the business.
Copyright © 1992 - 1997 Commodore Hacking
Commodore, CBM, its respective computer system names, and the CBM logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of ESCOM GmbH or VISCorp in the United States and/or other countries. Neither ESCOM nor VISCorp endorse or are affiliated with Commodore Hacking.
Commodore Hacking is published by:
Brain Innovations, Inc.
Last Updated: 1997-03-11 by Jim Brain