In a message dated 97-03-16 21:45:29 EST, you write:
<< In fact, if I'm not mistaken, all machine language development
for the TI 99/4(a) had to be done on one of TI's big expensive
machines for the first (couple?) years. (ie, assembler was not
available on the TI 99/4A.) At one time, I found an excellent
history of TI's computer attempts on the web, but I can't seem
to find it now.
>>
You may be referring to the "TI Home Computer Guideline", by Bill Gaskill.
It's on the web in several TI sites (i.e., Polivka, & others)...
TI did write literally all of the code of a "big expensive machine" for its
99/4 and /4A programs, except one and only - the Hopper game. Hopper was
TI's first and only entertainment game written on the TI for the TI.
Bryan
> At 02:06 PM 3/16/97 -0500, BNICALEK(a)aol.com wrote:
> I think another problem with TI 99/4A is that TI did not encourage 3rd
> party software development. TI sold the machines at a loss in order to
In fact, if I'm not mistaken, all machine language development
for the TI 99/4(a) had to be done on one of TI's big expensive
machines for the first (couple?) years. (ie, assembler was not
available on the TI 99/4A.) At one time, I found an excellent
history of TI's computer attempts on the web, but I can't seem
to find it now.
ttfn
srw
------------------------------------------------------------
Walde Techonology http://scott.cprompt.sk.ca
Box 7284 finger: scott(a)cprompt.sk.ca
Saskatoon, SK S7K 4J2 email: scott(a)cprompt.sk.ca
CANADA email: walde(a)dlcwest.com
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> I have always wondered what happens to the software that was used on the
> computers that show up at thrift stores. I understand that someone who is
> just upgrading from a 8088 to a pentium will keep his software but what
about
> Atari's, Applle II's and Commodore 64's? Why keep the software if you are
> getting rid of the hardware? Can anybody explain this to me? This came to
> mind again because I just picked up a C64 at a thrift shop with a 1541
and a
> BusLogic card (??) but there was nary a disk or cartridge.
Some people throw it out. They develop bad sectors. The kids use the
disks for frizzbees. They can't upload the game disks because the disks
are copy protected. If the protection is broken, questions of legality
arise as to who owns the copywrite, then they still don't get uploaded.
Disk librarians try to keep as many disks as space allows, but disks
develop bad sectors over the years when they are not accessed regularly.
These are some of the reasons..
mhop(a)snip.net
On 14-Mar-97, classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu wrote:
>I think I am getting the idea. Each message we send goes to *everyone* on
>the list? Is that right?
That is what it appears to be doing. I felt kind of silly after I stopped
and thought about it once I had posted that reply! BTW, does anyone know of a
good way of removing permenant magic marker from the plastic, such as the
cases, of these machines? Some of my machines were marked on by the various
2nd hand shops and such I bought them from, and I've never come up with a way
of removing the markings.
>What I would like is Photofact schematics for Atari computer hardware. I
>have some, but I know I will be needing them when I finish my electronics
>class.
I've never run across these. Were they something generally available when
the Atari's were popular?
>I have a Timex Sinclair stashed in my closet, with a box of tapes. I also
>have something that is very similar to it, but I don't know much about it.
>When I dig through my closet, I will report what I find, assuming anyone is
>interested.
I'd be interested in hearing anything about any T/S stuff you might have.
Mine is the first computer I bought in 1982 and it is still boxed and all, but
doesn't seem to function any more. There aren't a lot of chips and such on
the mainboard of it to check for seating and such either!
Jeff
--
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// Amiga: The computer for the creative mind...since 1985!
// -------------------------------------------------------
\// True 32bit pre-emptive multitasking GUI, plug&play hardware,
\/ stereo sound, and 4096 color video modes since day #1
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Collector of classic home computers:
Amiga 1000, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari Mega-ST/2, Commodore
C-128, Commodore Plus/4, Commodore VIC-20, Kaypro 2X, Mattel
Aquarius, Osbourne Executive, TI-99/4A, Timex-Sinclair 1000,
TRS-80 Color Computer-3, and a TRS-80 Model 4.
Plus Atari SuperPong and Atari 2600VCS game consoles.
>2) Sinclair/Timex-Sinclair stuff: I was looking through an old Gladstone
>Electronics catalog, from Feb. 1983, and noticed they showed a lot of add-ons
>for the T/S-1000 and ZX-81, such as speech synthesizers, Centronics and RS232
>interfaces, modems, the ZX Printer, and even a disk subsystem. I'd like more
>info on some of what was available for these machines, as I never bothered to
>buy anything other than the 16k Ram expansion for mine. I used it strictly
>for BASIC programming at the time. Also, I'd be interested in picking up a
>Timex-Sinclair 2068.
Jeff, I have an address and phone number here, an individual I met in 1993
or thereabouts. At that time I was interested in adding a disk drive to my
Timex, and this chap had all the info. Never did follow up on that, but if
this guy is still around, he'd probably be able to give you some of the
information you're looking for.
Nazir Pashtoon
940 Beau Drive
Des Plaines
Illinois,
60016
tel: (708) 439-1679
I've got a Timex/Sinclair 1000 here with a 16K expander. It sits on top of
my VIC 20 and like you, I do some BASIC on it now and then. I figure that if
any of my 17 computers are going to give me 6 winning numbers for the LOTO
6/49 it will be the Timex. So that's my only project with it - a LOTO program.
I also had a Timex 2068 at one point, but unfortunately I gave it away.
(pity.. one should NEVER do that).
-Ron Mitchell
Home of the 8 bit Speed Freaks
> The "TI-99/4A" was derived from the following:
>
> TI: Texas Instruments, of Course.
> 99: A cute little number based on the "9900"
microprocessor,
> which the computer had as the CPU.
This CPU was thought to be very powerfull for its time. Was it 16bit,
while most of the others were 8bit?
> 4: TI's first model computer - #4 - sounds cool, heh?
If it was their first, why #4? What happened to 1-3?
> A: The enhanced model of the "TI-99/4", which came out in
1981,
> the 99/4 came out around 1978.
Oh, I never knew there was a 99/4, I only heard of the 99/4A. Reminds me
of when Atari enhanced
their ST and came out with the STe.
mhop(a)snip.net
> I realize every piece of electronic equipment has a schematic
published for
> it, but I was inquiring whether the ones he was referring to were some
that
> were readily available, or if they were of the type that only a
technician was
> likely to have access to.
They would be in local electronics stores, so I suppose they are, or were,
readily available. Over the years, I did find Sams Computerfacts for the
Atari 400, 800, 520ST, and a really strange one from Sears covering the
400 that seems to be for some kind of training. The front cover reads:
NATIONAL | DIV. 3
Sears | SOURCE 637 COMPUTERS
TRAINING | ATARI
79-03S-1
(That is suppose to be a framed square box on the left) I wonder what it
means by "source 637"? It's definitely about the Atari 400 only. I would
still like to get ones for the XL series, the other ST's and STe's, as well
as the new Falcon. (I haven't really been looking that hard - I haven't
finished my repair class yet)
mhop(a)snip.net
Hi all.
I just finished reading the 279 classiccmp related e-mails in
my inbox! I'm just going to cover all the bases with this
message.
1. List Related
I haven't received a tally for today but I'm pretty sure we
broke 200 subscribers. I'm no longer requiring intro letters.
(Those of who who told me this was a silly idea are allowed
to snicker.) I'm looking into making the list available as
a digest. I'm sure it's possible, I just don't know how to
do it yet. I'm also aware (for those who asked) that this
list doesn't particularly break new ground - I just thought
it would be nice to have one place for everyone to chat.
2. Cleaning
For removing stickers, gum, resin, etc:
Goo Gone
Acetone (can destroy plastic)
Methane based freeze spray (can discolor plastic)
Mineral Oil
For removing marker
Any solvent (alcohol, naptha, etc)
Lava Soap (can damage texured surfacing)
For removing sun/tobacco discoloring
Purple Stuff (auto cleaner available at parts stores)
This stuff works really well!
For removing gunk from rubber parts
Rubber Renew (MG Chemicals)
3. Ads/"Commercial" Posts
As far as I'm concerned topic related advertisements are just
fine on this list. It's hard to find parts for old systems
and probably just as hard to sell them.
4. Crash course on mailing lists:
When you write a message to the list - everyone gets it.
When you respond to a message and choose to respond to all recipients
everyone gets it.
If a message is getting off topic you should probably stop replying
to everyone and take it to private mail.
To unsubscribe send a message to listproc(a)u.washington.edu with
UNSUBSCRIBE CLASSICCMP your-address.
5. Salvation Army Computer Sale
Sorry folks, I had car trouble and never made it :(
That's it. I'm glad to see that the list is being used and I've
been really impressed with the content so far. I'm still reeling
>from all the cool stuff I learned about while reading your intro
letters.
Bill Whitson
CLASSICCMP "owner"
bcw(a)u.washington.edu bill(a)booster.u.washington.edu
Hi guys, I was at my local PC scrap house and picked up a lonely
A1000 sitting in the corner. I got the startup disks and a mouse
for it but there's only one problem: I don't have a keyboard!
(Hey, I only paid $10 for it so...)
Anyway, if anyone knows ANYWHERE I can get one, let me know! I've
wanted one of these every since it came out! (Looks pretty sitting
next to my 128D too)
Thanks!
Les
PS I've called many Amiga supply houses including "Software Hut" which
is pretty close by. The best anyone has been able to do is $75 for a
A2000 keyboard with adaptor; I'd rather have the original style.
(Besides, I can get an A1000 with keyboard for LESS than $75)
> Called "Your Computer" made in Hong Kong. Takes all the
> Sinclair accessories, has a composite video out, a rubber
> qwrty keyboard, joystick, and adverts "sound and music".
> I've never put power to it... Have the outer box, and manual.
> If anybody knows any more about it, let me know!
That's it! That's the "other" Sinclair I mentioned! I have one too, and
haven't touched it in years.
mhop(a)snip.net
