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Silicon Times Report Issue 0903
*---== STReport International Online Magazine ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
from
STR Publishing
""""""""""""""
January 15, 1993 No.9.03
==========================================================================
STReport International Online Magazine
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32205 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
-----------------------------------------
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EST
Support BBS Network System
* THE BOUNTY BBS *
* TURBO BOARD BBS SYSTEM *
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FNET. 489 : Steal Your Face BBS..........1-908-920-7981
_____________________________________________________________________
> 01/15/93 STR 903 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
""""""""""""""""
- The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - PORTFOLIO NEWS
- MULTITOS FOR ALL! - 2 GBYTE HD SHIPS - CPU THIEVES NABBED!
- FALCON OVERHEATS? - TOWER CASES - CODEHEAD NEWS!
- FBI & SYSOPS TRIAL - INSTALLING 2.06 - STR Confidential
-* FALCON TO SHIP W/BUNDLED WARES! *-
-* ATARI CORP. & NAMM '93 *-
-* ITS MID-JANUARY '93 -> FALCON030 - RSN! *-
==========================================================================
STReport International Online Magazine
The Original * Independent * Online Magazine
-* FEATURING WEEKLY *-
"Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
==========================================================================
STReport's BBS, The Bounty, invites BBS systems, worldwide, to participate
in the Fido/NEST/Atari F-Net Mail Network. You may also call our BBS
direct at 904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging information
relative to all computers, worldwide, through the use of excellent
International Networking Systems. SysOps, worldwide, are quite welcome to
join the STReport International Conferences. The Crossnet Code is #34813,
and the "Lead Node" is # 350. All BBS systems are welcome and invited to
actively participate. Support your favorite computers; Join Today!
==========================================================================
CIS ~ GENIE ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ FIDO ~ FNET ~ NEST
EURONET ~ CIX ~ CLEVELAND FREE-NET ~ INTERNET
==========================================================================
=============
* ATARI EDITION *
=============
COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME
to the Readers of;
ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY!
CALL: 1-800-848-8199 .. Ask for operator 198
You will receive your complimentary time
and
be online in no time at all!
WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (January 15)
MONOCHROME .GIF VIEWER
Download file MGIF40.LZH from LIBRARY 14 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS) for version 4.0 of the MONOCHROME viewer for GIF files.
Includes several general improvements and faster display.
SORRY! ON YOUR ATARI ST...
Download file SORRY3.LZH from LIBRARY 2 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS) for the computer version of the board
game Sorry!
NEW VERSION OF B/STAT!
Download file BSTAT4.LZH from LIBRARY 5 of the Atari Productivity Forum
(GO ATARIPRO) for version 2.44 of B/STAT. B/STAT is a shareware
statistical analysis and business graphics program. It requires a
minimum of 1 meg of memory and a double sided drive. B/STAT can use GDOS
if installed but does not require it.
EMPLOYEE SCHEDULING PROGRAM
Atari Explorer Magazine has uploaded file ON_SCH.ARC to LIBRARY 5 of the
Atari Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO). This program is a monochrome
employee scheduling program.
NEW IN ATARI VENDORS FORUM (GO ATARIVEN)!
ICD has just made available their latest Host Adapter software. Look for
the file NEWHST.LZH in Library 7, ICD, Inc. This file inlcudes ICDBOOT
6.0.7, ICDFMT 6.06, HDUTIL 5.03 and other utilities.
NEW IN ATARI 8-BIT FORUM (GO ATARI8)
Now available! A demo of the eagerly awaited MAZE OF AGDAGON, the first
multiplayer, multi computer, 3-D maze game for the 8-bit. From the
creative minds of Chuck Steinman and Jeff Potter, you won't want to miss
this one! File AGDEMO.ARC in LIB 10 [Games]
Lynxsters unite! Message section 16 and LIB 16 (both named LYNX) are what
you're looking for. Issue #2 of The Atari Gaming Gazette is now available
for download! Pick up the latest Lynx news, views, and hot tips from the
ultimate Lynx source. Available in both ARC and LZH format: AGG_02.ARC &
AGG_02.LZH in LIB 16.
Is Crime taking a Bite out of YOU, in the form of a certain Count?? If
so, check out Tom McComb's hints for DRACULA THE UNDEAD. File DRACUL.TXT
in LIB 16. Don't forget your notebook...
NEW FILES IN PORTFOLIO FORUM (GO APORTFOLIO)
SYSOP*BJ Gleason has merged a wealth of new files to our forum libraries.
Read the message base for descriptions or use the command BRO LIB:ALL to
see these latest offerings. Some are priceless!!!!
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN
OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION
"GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM"
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
Only a week after the details of the Class B certification of the
Falcon030 became fully known ... NOW, the wait now becomes even more
frantic. Or, so it would seem. Users from all over the country are
asking the big question; When? I am inclined to believe Atari this time.
March is about the time we will begin to see the Falcon appearing. Its
not that far away timewise. After all we've all waited this long already.
:-)
The users are very concerned about Atari and its performance,
elsewhere in this issue we carry a series of messages that indicate the
users' concerns. They are not bashing Atari but are _genuinely_ concerned
because they do wish to see Atari and the Falcon series a big success.
STReport is constructing a database comprised of our readers. Please
take a moment and drop us a note in email letting us know who you are.
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's Staff DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
""""""""""""""""
Publisher - Editor
""""""""""""""""""
Ralph F. Mariano
PC DIVISION AMIGA DIVISION MAC DIVISION
----------- -------------- ------------
Roger D. Stevens Charles Hill R. ALBRITTON
STReport Staff Editors:
"""""""""""""""""""""""
Dana P. Jacobson Michael Arthur John Deegan
Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Judith Hamner
John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Joseph Mirando
Steve Spivey Doyle C. Helms
Lloyd E. Pulley, Editor Emeritus
Contributing Correspondents:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Michael Lee Richard Covert Scott Birch
Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Tim Holt
Andrew Learner Norman Boucher Harry Steele
Ben Hamilton Neil Bradley Eric Jerue
Ron Deal Robert Dean Ed Westhusing
James Nolan Vernon W. Smith Bruno Puglia
Clemens Chin
IMPORTANT NOTICE
""""""""""""""""
Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
via E-Mail to:
Compuserve.................... 70007,4454
Delphi........................ RMARIANO
BIX........................... RMARIANO
FIDONET....................... 112/35
FNET.......................... NODE 350
NEST.......................... 90:21/350.0
GEnie......................... ST-REPORT
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR'S "BELIEVE IT? OR.. WHAT?"
<>###############################<>
"There is no comparison! The Atari Falcon
is far superior to the PC platform."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"My new office, which has a better view than my old one, is so far
quite satisfactory. And Richard Miller is in my old office. The
Forbes article was a mish-mash and misconstrued article full of half
truths. We are anxiously awaiting the release of the Atari Falcon to
bring us back to the forefront. The article has given us some laughs,
but otherwise has not affected us."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"As I said before, all marketing announcements will be made at
Duesseldorf. I will not comment on future models of the Falcon.
WE ARE TALKING TODAY ABOUT A MACHINE.....
WHICH WILL BE SHIPPING NEXT WEEK."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"I've just returned from Asia, where I saw the first Atari Falcon
production coming off the lines. Let's hope this new offering will
make it in North America. I know that the specs are great."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"We have not yet even given the machine to the FCC. And we are only
applying for Class B approval. According to our "experts", it should
pass Class B."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"...... We are not working for Wall Street but to
make money for our shareholders and only think long term."
Sam Tramiel, 11/92
psssst.
FYI.... The Shareholder's equity is fine.... NOT!
The Stock is hovering around $1.12
CHRISTMAS '92 has COME and GONE...
FALCONS ....anyone?
By the Way.... Does the Falcon work well
with any of the SLM Laser Printers??
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
=================
Computer Products Update - CPU Report
------------------------ ----------
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Issue #02
By: John Deegan
NEWS FROM ATARI
FALCON030'S NOT UP TO SNUFF - According to Bob Brodie, Atari's Direc-
tor of Communications, too many Falcon030's have been failing to pass
diagnostic tests. Mr. Brodie says that Sam Tramiel is very upset with
the sub-contractor responsible for the production of these machines and
that Sam feels the failure rate is completely unacceptable. The sub-
contractor has also had problems meeting production quotas.
Mr. Brodie said that Sam Tramiel was to meet with representatives
from the sub-contractor this week to discuss resolving these problems.
No matter what the outcome of this meeting, Atari hopes to contract with
another factory to help produce the Falcon030's.
Until this situation is resolved, Atari expects the Falcon030's to
only be available in small quantities until March of this year.
IS THERE A DESIGN FLAW? - in a related story, according to an unnamed
source, the original Falcon030 had a design flaw in the placement of the
cooling fan that could cause over-heating problems.
FALCON030 TO SHIP WITH 8 APPLICATIONS - When the Falcon030 finally
starts to ship in volume, it will be bundled with 8 applications. Accor-
ding to Mr. Brodie, the bundle will include Audio Fun Machine, Falcon
D2D - a direct to disk recorder, System Audio Manager, ProCalc - a full
scientific calendar, Talking Clock, CalAppt - a calendar/rolodex type of
utility, and a couple of games - BreakOut and LandMines.
MULTITOS STILL IN BETA - Bob Brodie said the recent beta version of
MultiTOS went out to developers before Christmas. While the current beta
version is fairly stable, a few bugs are still popping up on occasion.
Mr. Brodie found one himself last week. The TOS group is confident that
a shippable version of MultiTOS will be available in the very near fut-
ure. The installation program is now being prepared.
MULTITOS FOR ALL - Mr. Brodie also confirmed that Multi-TOS will be
made available for all Atari 680x0 computers, not just the 68030's. It
is still unknown how Atari will distribute MultiTOS and what the price
will be. Some are hoping that there will be no charge for MultiTOS.
SPEEDOGDOS ALMOST READY - SpeedoGDOS, the scalable font replacement
for GDOS/FontGDOS/FSM GDOS is also almost ready for distribution. Cus-
tomers who need more Speedo fonts than are provided by Atari, will be
able to call an 800 phone number and order more fonts. Pricing for
SpeedoGOS is unknown at this time.
NAME CHANGE FOR CONCIERGE - First it was ST Sutra, then Concierge,
and now it's called 'Atari Works'. Atari Works is a fully integrated
data base, word processor, and spread sheet with a spell-checker and
thesaurus included with the program. It is still going through the
testing stage with improvements being focused in the database portion of
the program. Pricing for Atari Works is expected to be in the $100
range.
NEWS FROM THE REST OF THE COMPUTER WORLD
FUJITSU BEATS COMPETITION WITH TWO GIG HARD DRIVE - Getting a head-
start on its competition, Fujitsu has started shipping its M2564 hard
drive, a 5.25" form factor unit with a formatted capacity of two giga-
bytes (2,000 megabytes).
The company says the drive has one of the highest sustained media
data rates in the industry at 4.75 megabytes-per-second and an average
seek time of 12 milliseconds. The M2564 has a MTBF (mean-time-between-
failures) of 300,000 power on hours, one of the best in the computer
industry.
INKJET PRINTERS OVERTAKING LASER PRINTERS - While only holding 10% of
the total printer market last year, inkjet printers are expected to
catch up to, if not pass, laser printer sales as soon as next year.
International Data Corp. (IDC), says ease of use, along with lower
costs, are two major factors in more and more consumers going with the
inkjet printer over the laser. Small businesses and consumers like the
lower initial and upkeep costs of the inkjet printers and its sophis-
ticated output and are expected to make the market for inkjets to in-
crease.
TANDY TO CLOSE 100 RETAIL STORES - Tandy Corp. is set to spin off its
computer and electronic manufacturing operations into a separate company
and to close 100 of the 413 retail outlets that form its brand name re-
tail group. The stores that will be closed are likely to be McDuff
Supercenters in major metropolitan areas and possibly Video Concepts and
the Edge in Electronics.
The restructuring is not expected to affect Tandy's 7,000 Radio Shack
neighborhood stores. Two other Tandy-owned stores -- Computer City and
Incredible City -- are likely to be expanded.
JAPANESE TO STUDY HEALTH OF VIDEO GAME PLAYERS - Following complaints
from parents, the Japanese health authorities are setting up a study in-
to how video games affect the physical and mental health of children.
One out of two households in Japan owns at least one video game.
In a related story, Britain has launched an inquiry into reports that
children may suffer epileptic fits from computer games. The British
government move came after newspaper reports that two boys in Cardiff
had suffered fits while playing computer games.
COMPUTER THEFT RING CRACKED - Thirteen men, ranging in age from 18 to
30, were arrested last week when the San Jose, Calif., the FBI and local
authorities broke up a gang of alleged computer equipment thieves that
possibly was involved in a string of home robberies. The men, all from
cities in the greater San Francisco Bay area, allegedly were part of a
loosely organized gang, authorities said.
________________________________________________________________
> ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
=====================
On CompuServe
-------------
compiled by Joe Mirando
Editor Note; Joe had a system crash this past week and lost the majority
of his data, we're trying to fill in a little for him. He does it all so
much better. :-)
#: 36027 S13/Ask ATARI Corp.
07-Jan-93 01:31:13
Sb: #36023-#LYNX promo problem
Fm: Don Thomas 75300,1267
To: Dazzz Smith 70374,2241 (X)
I don't know enough about the Jaguar to respond with any intelligence.
In the States, the consumer is easily "bought" by promotions and the
almighty ad dollar. It has succeeded to convince consumers to buy VHS over
BETA, Nintendo over Sega and GameBoy over Lynx. Learned consumers can
easily argue the wisdom of all those choices.
Sega and Nintendo are very popular here in the console game markets.
Nintendo leads notably with Sega, then NEC. Neo Geo romanced us for a
short while, but somehow never absorbed enough bucks from their high
priced units to snowball any promotion for themselves.
I enjoy relaxing with electronic/video games, but please don't think I am
any game market expert. I simply observe retail activity.
#: 36030 S13/Ask ATARI Corp.
07-Jan-93 07:36:37
Sb: #36027-#LYNX promo problem
Fm: STReport - Ralph 70007,4454
To: Don Thomas 75300,1267 (X)
Your observations are very much similar to those made by the vast majority
of Atari enthusiasts. Advertising is bought by the "almighty ad dollar".
Advertising rules in this country and the world for that matter. How a
dog like the gameboy can outsell the Lynx is a prime example of the power
of advertising. I agree with you.
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
#: 36112 S13/Ask ATARI Corp.
11-Jan-93 23:36:59
Sb: #36030-#LYNX promo problem
Fm: Don Thomas 75300,1267
To: STReport - Ralph 70007,4454 (X)
Of course, you know as well as I, that the other companies have other
contemporary products to finance those big ad campaigns. The 2600, 7800
and 5200 don't quite carry the weight anymore.
That will change soon.
#: 36129 S13/Ask ATARI Corp.
12-Jan-93 07:37:49
Sb: #36112-#LYNX promo problem
Fm: STReport - Ralph 70007,4454
To: Don Thomas 75300,1267 (X)
You are quite right. However, when company whigs make it known that there
is 50 mil 'in the bank' and that 'all is well' along with the promise of
"new, secret plans" for the miraculous recovery. I begin to recall
history's lessons about recovery and secrets.
They would be far better served if they took the energies and resources
they waste on the politics, head games and vendettas and added them to
fighting to bring about a successful recovery. The goofy games simply go
on. Why? Don't _they_ realize most all who are watching also realize the
foolishness of it all?
Cripes.... if _we all_ didn't care we wouldn't be here at all. When OH
WHEN are they aver going to learn from their mistakes? This year as
infantile as it is is beginning to play like previous years. Promise after
promise, delay after delay, blame this one, blame that blame anything but
don't blame us.
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
#: 36216 S13/Ask ATARI Corp.
15-Jan-93 00:42:10
Sb: #36129-LYNX promo problem
Fm: Don Thomas 75300,1267
To: STReport - Ralph 70007,4454
Ralph, as you know, I try VERY hard NOT to play those games. I've never
liked them in any company I've ever worked for and it exists in them all
to some degree or another.
I personally think it would be unwise to invest in a "$50M" advertising
campaign right now. Even IBM is experiencing overspending backlashes right
now and I believe Atari is pretty prepared to be where we need to be when
the next generation of "technology" is ready to be unleashed.
I remember being a dedicated and spirited Atari User on the outside
looking in and I vividly recall all those times I felt I knew all the
answers. Truth is, I could never have manipulated my own money or anyone
elses in the ways Atari has to survive tough times AND be in a strong
position with new product. If I had been running things or if most anyone
I know for that matter, Atari Users today wouldn't have anyone to yell and
scream at. If I was so convinced otherwise, I suppose I'd be running my
own computer company.
Keep up the good work and continue to let Atari Users know about the good
stuff as well as the bad. It's the only way our definitions of "UTOPIA"
will ever be realized.
Don Thomas
Atari Computer Corporation
___________________________________________________________________
> UK TOWER CASES STR InfoFile Custom Cases for the ST Line
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
CUSTOMS CASES AND GOODIES GALORE!
=================================
ctsy CIS Atari Fora
Posted in a message From: Tim Rule 100135,2013
In the UK, Atari Workshop supply a range of tower cases for all STs,
Megas, TTs etc. The cases are specifically designed for the ST, giving
access to all ports and even including such things as a time delay on
powering up the hard drive (necessary for many ST hard drives). But the
case is only the start of it. Atari Workshop market a wide range of
graphics cards, fax cards, accelerators etc. which can all be brought
together into their cases and interfacing system. They also market a VME
bus addition for STs without a VME bus.
They are a very innovative company but their catalogue doesn't explain
things very well.
Contact them in the UK on:
+44 0753 832212, or fax +44 0753 830344.
The address is:
Brandt Fernandes (Europe) Ltd.
Windsor Business Centre
Vansittart Estate
Windsor, Berks
SL4 1SE
United Kingdom
The two products I was referring to are the Octobus. This has:
- Dual bi-directional buffered printer ports, software selectable.
- Connect up to four floppy drives, full support for High Density
drives.
- Electronic monitor switch allows mono and color monitors on ST or TT.
- Set password protection system.
Octobus with software 127.62 (pounds) but can only be fitted to towers.
The VME bus, on second consideration, looks to me like it is really an
expansion for the Mega STE and TT. You'll have to ask them about it cause
I'm not sure. It adds a 5 slot VME bus to their top-of-the range tower
for 331.87 (pounds).
The export prices for towers are as follows:
Mega ST Tower System 1 144.64
ST(FM)/STE Tower System 2 170.17 (inc keyboard case)
ST(M) Tower System 3 204.21 (inc keyboard case + new PSU
Mega STE Tower System 4 144.64
TT Tower System 5 144.64
(all prices in UK pounds sterling)
They also list a host of other wierd and wonderful add-ons for the towers,
such as fans, extra hard disks, multiboard....
They market a range of FAX modems, accelerators, graphics cards, software,
large screen monitors, replacement keyboards, scanners, photo-typesetters,
ST DTP systems (for bureau), networks, high density drives, memory
expansions etc. In fact anything which is elite and cutting edge in the
Atari world.
Their technical staff I've talked to on the phone are some of the most
Atari knowledgeable people I've spoken to in the UK.
***********************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
STReport International Online Magazine is available every week in the
ST Advantage on DELPHI. STReport readers are invited to join DELPHI and
become a part of the friendly community of Atari enthusiasts there.
SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
======================
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
DELPHI services via a local phone call
JOIN -- DELPHI
--------------
Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002
then...
When connected, press RETURN once or twice
and...
At Password: type STREPORT and press RETURN.
DELPHI's Basic Plan offers access for only $6.00 per hour, for any
baud rate. The $5.95 monthly fee includes your first hour online.
For more information, call: DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005
DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, MA.
Try DELPHI for $1 an hour!
For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and
receive 5 hours of evening and weekend access during this month for only
$5. If you're not satisfied, simply cancel your account before the end of
the calendar month with no further obligation. If you keep your account
active, you will automatically be enrolled in DELPHI's 10/4 Basic Plan,
where you can use up to 4 weekend and evening hours a month for a minimum
$10 monthly charge, with additional hours available at $3.96. But hurry,
this special trial offer will expire soon! To take advantage of this
limited offer, use your modem to dial 1-800-365-4636. Press <RET> once
or twice. When you get the Password: prompt, type IP26 and press <RET>
again. Then, just answer the questions and within a day or two, you'll
officially be a member of DELPHI!
TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (1/13/93)
STR902
ZNET9302.LZH
PCSVIEW3.LZH
PREMIUM MAH JONGG
2 JAN 93 ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE
NASTASSIA KINSKI
STZIP 2.1
NASTASSIA KINSKI IN PCS
EZBASE10.LZH
GNU COMPILERS INFO
All of the above files can be found in the RECENT ARRIVALS database for at
least one week after the posting of this list. Please Note that in the
case of online magazines, only the most current issue in the database at
the time of this compilation is considered for the Top 10 list. Also, for
all files, a submission is eligible for the Top 10 list for only four
weeks after its original uploading.
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
***********************************************************************
> TOS 2.06 INSTALL GUIDE STR InfoFile GOOD STUFF!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
TOS 2.06 Installation Instructions for 1040ST (V1.0)
====================================================
by Ted Rossin
Introduction:
-------------
This document contains a procedure for installing TOS 2.06 EPROMs into
a 1040ST revision C motherboard. A simple circuit consisting of 3 TTL
ICs wire and patience is all that is required. The total cost of the
upgrade will be the cost of the TOS 2.06 EPROMs ($60) plus $1 for the TTL
chips.
The OS upgrade should work on other STs as well but this upgrade has
only been implemented on a revision C motherboard of a 1040ST (~1986
vintage). This upgrade requires some careful soldering so don't try it
unless you have had some PC board soldering experience (don't use a
soldering gun!).
I would like to thank all who responded to my questions on notes for
their help. Without the help, I would have had a slim chance of getting
this thing to work.
I would like to suggest that anyone who wants TOS 2.06 to buy it from
Codehead Technologies: (213)-386-5735 They send along a nice manual and a
great utilities disk.
Background:
-----------
Most 520ST and all 1040ST computers were shipped with 6 ROMs that
contained TOS (The Operating System). These ROMs are mapped into the
address space 0xFC0000 to 0xFEFFFF. This is a 192K byte space. Each ROM
holds 32K bytes. TOS 2.06 is larger than 192K for extra features and bug
fixes so the address space had to be moved. The address space 0xFF0000 to
0xFFFFFF is used by I/O ports on the ST so the existing space could not
just be increased.
The new address space for TOS 2.06 is 0xE00000 to 0xE3FFFF. I might
add that previous versions of TOS may have been here also but I went from
TOS 1.0 to TOS 2.06 so I can't say for sure. Also, instead of putting TOS
2.06 into 8 32K byte ROMs it was placed into two 128K byte EPROMs. One
part is called EVEN (supplies the high 8-bits) the other part is called
ODD (supplies the low 8-bits).
When the 68000 comes out of the reset state, it reads the first 8
bytes in its address space (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7). From this data it gets an
initial value for the supervisor stack pointer and the initial value for
the program counter. What the 520ST and 1040ST do (via the GLUE chip) is
to remap addresses 0 through 7 to 0xFC0000 to 0xFC0007. The ROMs are
programmed to have the start address in these locations. TOS 1.0 had the
value 0xFC0020 while TOS 2.06 has the address 0xE00030.
In 520ST and 1040ST computers, the address space 0xE00000 to 0xEFFFFF is
not used or decoded. If a memory cycle is attempted in this range the
data bus will time out and an bus error will result.
The requirements to get TOS 2.06 to work in a 1040ST are as follows:
1. Decode the address range 0xE00000 to 0xE3FFFF and have the TOS 2.06
ROMs drive their data when addressed.
2. Generate DTACK for accesses to TOS 2.06 space.
3. Map the address range 0->7 to 0xE00000->0xE00007.
4. Mechanically connect the EPROMs and decoder logic to the motherboard.
The address range can be decoded with the high 4-bits of the address bus
(A23->A20) to decode the address range 0xE00000 to 0xEFFFFF. This will
work fine because nothing else is in the range 0xE40000 to 0xEFFFFF.
The DTACK signal in the ST is an open collector (wire OR) type bus. This
means that any device that wants to assert DTACK may only do so with an
open collector type interface. This interface basically is one in which
the driver can either drive the line to GROUND or not drive the line at
all.
This is different than normal TTL which will drive outputs to GROUND or +5
(in reality 0.4 to 3.8V). The DTACK line has a pull up resistor on it
which will bring the line high if none of the devices on the bus are
driving it low. The DTACK signal can be derived from the decoder logic
but must be buffered with an open collector buffer.
The GLUE chip decodes the 0->7 address range and the range 0xFC0000 to
0xFCFFFF and asserts the signal ROM2 when either of these two ranges are
addressed. The interface can use this fact and OR in the ROM2 signal
with the 0xE????? space to enable TOS 2.06 ROMs. This way the boot up
sequence will be as follows:
1. 68K will read addresses 0->7 which will cause the ROM2 signal from
GLUE to be asserted.
2. Data will be read from locations 0xE00000 through 0xE00007.
3. The 68K will then jump to address 0xE00030 and begin executing code.
4. At this point the ROM2 signal will never be asserted again and the
TOS 2.06 decoder logic will do the work.
The TOS 2.06 EPROMs are a super set of the TOS 1.0 parts. This means
that nearly all of the pins of the new parts can be plugged into the
sockets of the old parts. All of the signals needed for the decoder are
available off of the GLUE chip. Therefore the 3 TTL chips will be placed
near the GLUE chip by glueing them to the motherboard with their pins bent
up.
Before you attempt this upgrade make sure that you have enough room
between the two ROM sockets to place the 32-pin parts into the sockets.
On the Rev C mother board there is no problem. The TOS 2.06 chips will
have pins 1,2,31 and 32 hanging out over the end of the socket. Basically
if there is more than a quarter inch between U4 and U7 you are set.
Step by Step Instructions:
Please read through the remaining instructions before starting to
determine if this upgrade is something you want to attempt. There are
two main steps. The first step is the construction and testing of the
address space decoder and DTACK logic. The second step is the insertion
of the new ROMs into the system. Before you start you will need a disk
with a program on it to read address 0xE00000. This program will be used
to determine if the decoder and DTACK generator are working. Before the
circuit is implemented the program will generate a bus error and display
bombs on the screen. After the circuit is implemented the program should
just read the value 0xFFFF if you do a 16-bit read.
main()
{
unsigned int *ptr=(unsigned int *)0xE00000;
printf("Value read was 0x%04x\n",*ptr);
}
Step 1 (Implement the Address decoder and DTACK Generator).
The schematic below (I hate ASCII schematics more than you do) shows
the address decoder and DTACK logic. The circuit has 10 signals
that connect directly up to the GLUE chip and 3 signals that connect
directly to the TOS 2.06 ROMs. The GLUE signals are on the left and
the TOS 2.06 EPROM signals are on the right.
(19,XX) ROM2_>--------------------------++--------+-----+--------+
|| Chip | +5V | Ground |
74F138 |+--------+-----+--------+
+--------------+ || 74F138 | 16 | 8|
(11,52)A23>---|a0(1) q0(15)|o- || 74F08 | 14 | 7|
(10,51)A22>---|a1(2) q1(14)|o- || 74F06 | 14 | 7|
(09,50)A21>---|a2(3) q2(13)|o- |+--------+-----+--------+
|q3(12)|o- | _______
(12,06)AS_>--o|e1(4) q4(11)|o- | \ \ 74F08
(08,48)A20>--o|e2(5) q5(10)|o- +--o\a(1) \
(55,09) R/W_>---|e3(6)q6(9)|o- ) y(3))o--------> CE_
| q7(7)|o---*-----o/b(2) /
+--------------+| /______/
|
+5V |
_|_ |
330 Ohm | | |
| | |
|_| |
4 /| 3 | 2 /|1 | 74F06 (Must be open collector)
(50,10) DTACK_<-------o< |---*---< |o-+
\|\|
+5V
| ____
+--|4 \ 74F08
| 6 )-------------------------->BA17
(05,45)A17>------------|5__/
+5V
| ____
+--|9 \ 74F08
| 8 )-------------------------->BA16
(04,44)A16>------------|10_/
Numbers in parenthesis on the left are (GLUE pin #,68000 pin #). The
ROM2 signal is not connected to the 68K but can also be found on pin
20 of U4 and U7 (TOS 1.0 EPROMs). Parts needed are one of each of the
following, 74F138,74F08 and 74F06. Different families (LS, ALS, AS)
may be substituted for the above parts. The buffer that drives
DTACK_ must be open collector or if a 7406 part can't be found a
tri-state buffer can be used as long as it is used like the example
below:
74LS244
+-------------+
|oe(1)|o-------- to pin 7 of 74F138
DTACK_<----------|y0(18) i0(2)|---+
| | |
+-------------+ | |
GROUND
This circuit will now only have two states instead of three. High
impedance and low. This will behave just like an open collector
buffer.
The following is a description of how the circuit was constructed.
The main deal is that the current TOS ROMs must be left in the ST.
Don't take them out until this circuit has been verified.
Start out by removing the motherboard from the case and RF shield.
Carefully remove the disk drive and power supply. Save the piece of
black plastic for insulation to lay the PC board on while working on
it and also when debugging.
Locate the area of the board shown below near the GLUE and MMU chips.
The three TTL chips will need to be glued in the areas shown in the
diagram below.
74F138 74F08 74F06 +-------------+
Hole +---+ +---+ +---+ | |
+--+ | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |GLUE |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
+--+ +---+ +---+ +---+ | |
+-------------+
U60 U61GROUND +-------------+
+---+ +---+ _|_ | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | C88 |MMU |
| | | | |_| | |
| | | | || |
+---+ +---+ +5V | |
DRAMDRAM+-------------+
To make life a bit easier bend all the pins of the three chips up
to change them from the pins going down to the pins going up. This
way pin 1 will be the top left one. I used a rubber cement type glue
to glue the chips to the PC board. Try to find spots without the
silver pop throughs so that the parts are rock solid. Super glue
should also work. Also, put the chips close to the hole since this
is where the wires to connect to the GLUE chip will go. Keep in mind
that a plastic shaft about half as wide as the hole will still need
to go through it. You can always cut it off as a last resort.
Let the glue dry before soldering to the chips. After the glue dries,
make sure that your computer still works. This can be done by
placing the mother board on the black plastic and connecting up the
power supply and disk drive. Just place a the disk in the drive with
the small program to read 0xE00000. Connect up the monitor and blow
off the keyboard for now. Switch on the power (be careful when you
plug in the power cord not to get zapped). You machine should come
up.
If you are careful you can plug in the keyboard while the power is off
but there is really no place to physically support it.
Now that you are convinced that you machine still works it is time
to do some wiring. Use wire wrap wire for all of the connections. I
believe that you can still get it at radio shack. First, connect up
power to the TTL parts. As shown in the previous diagram +5 and
GROUND can be obtained off of the capacitor C88. Next, connect up the
logic in the circuit diagram. Don't forget the 330 Ohm pull up
resistor on pin 2 of the 74F06. An Ohm meter should be used to verify
your work.
The final step of the decoder circuit construction is to connect up
the 10 wires to the GLUE chip. Remember that all but one of the 10
connections to the GLUE chip has an electrical connection to the
68000.
The connections to GLUE will be made on the bottom of the board.
Don't solder directly to the GLUE chip. Run the wires from the
GLUE chip on the bottom of the board through the hole marked in the
above diagram and then to the 3 TTL chips. Keep the wires as short as
possible and keep them next to the PC board. The following two
diagrams show the pin outs of the GLUE and the 68000 respectively.
Check connections with an Ohm meter on the top of the board from the
68K to the 3 TTL chips. The ROM2 signal can be checked from pin 20 of
the TOS ROM U4.
Also, note that pin 1 of the glue chip has a square pad instead of a
round one. There is a dot on top of the chip.
Bottom View
61 63 65 67 1 3 5 7 9
o o o o [] o o o o
62 64 66 68 2 4 6 8
60 oo o o o o o o oo 10
59 oo 11
58 o o 12
57 oo 13
56 o o 14
55 oo 15
54 o o 16
53 oo 17
52 o GLUE o 18
51 oo 19
50 o o 20
49 oo 21
48 o o 22
47 oo 23
46 o o 24
45 oo 25
44 oo o o o o o o oo 26
42 40 38 36 34 32 30 29
o o o o o o o o o
43 41 39 37 35 33 31 29 27
MC68000 (Top View)
+--------------+
D4 -|1 64|- D5
D3 -|2 63|- D6
D2 -|3 62|- D7
D1 -|4 61|- D8
D0 -|5 60|- D9
-----> AS_ -|6 59|- D10
UDS_ -|7 58|- D11
LDS_ -|8 57|- D12
----->R/W_ -|9 56|- D13
-----> DTACK_ -|10 55|- D14
BG_ -|11 54|- D15
BGACK_ -|12 53|- GND
BR_ -|13 52|- A23 <---
Vcc -|14 51|- A22 <---
CLK -|15 50|- A21 <---
GND -|16 49|- Vcc
HALT_ -|17 48|- A20 <---
RESET_ -|18 47|- A19
VMA_ -|19 46|- A18
E -|20 45|- A17 <---
VPA_ -|21 44|- A16 <---
BERR_ -|22 43|- A15
IPL2_ -|23 42|- A14
IPL1_ -|24 41|- A13
IPL0_ -|25 40|- A12
FC2 -|26 39|- A11
FC1 -|27 38|- A10
FC0 -|28 37|- A9
A1 -|29 36|- A8
A2 -|30 35|- A7
A3 -|31 34|- A6
A4 -|32 33|- A5
+--------------+
Now that the connections have been made double check your work and
make sure that no pins of GLUE or the decoder are shorted. After
you are sure connect up the power supply, disk drive, keyboard/mouse
and monitor and power up you ST. If your machine does not come up
turn off the power and check your work again. If all fails remove
a wire or two until your machine boots. The DTACK_ line is the first
one to remove when in doubt. If your machine did come up you are
in pretty good shape. Try running the program described before that
will do a read cycle to 0xE00000. If this program prints any result
without a bomb on the screen you are just about done with the upgrade.
Turn off the power and get ready for the final step.
Step 2 (Yank out the old ROMs and bring in the new)
Now comes the part that you have been waiting for. The diagram below
shows the location and diagram of the original TOS in the ST. Note
that U4 is connected to bits D15 through D8 and U7 is connected to
bits D7 through D0. Believe it or not the ROM2 signal really does
select the low address ROM set. Basically what is going to be done
in this step is to remove all six of the TOS ROMs and insert the
EVEN TOS 2.06 ROM into the socket for U4 with the chip enable pin
lifted. Likewise, the ODD TOS 2.06 ROM will go into the socket for
U7.
UDS_>----------*------------*------------+
|||
U2 | U3 | U4 |
+------+ | +------+ | +------+ |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
|oe(22)|o-+ |oe(22)|o-+ |oe(22)|o-+
| | | | | | Even Bank
|ce(20)|o-+ |ce(20)|o-+ |ce(20)|o----+
| | | | | | | | |
| 0150 | | | 0151 | | | 0152 | |
+------+ | +------+ | +------+ |
|| |
ROM0_>---------*----------------------------------+
| | |
ROM1_>----------------------*------------------+ |
| | |
ROM2_>--------------------------------------* | |
| | |
LDS_>----------*------------*------------+ | | |
||| | | |
U5 | U6 | U7 | | | |
+------+ | +------+ | +------+ | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
|oe(22)|o-+ |oe(22)|o-+ |oe(22)|o-+ | | |
| | | | | | | | |Odd Bank
|ce(20)|o-+ |ce(20)|o-+ |ce(20)|o----+ | |
| | | | | | | || |
| 0153 | | | 0154 | | | 0155 || |
+------+ | +------+ | +------+| |
|| | |
|+------------------+ |
| |
+----------------------------------+
The 4 digit code at the bottom of each ROM is the last 4 digits of
the part number. For example the complete part number of U7 is
RP23256 0155. The ROMs are of the type 27256.
Carefully pull each of the six ROMs out using a flat tipped screw
driver. Save the ROMs in case you need to go back to TOS 1.0. Make
note of the position and part number of each chip.
Bend pins 1,2,3,22,31 and 32 of both TOS 2.06 EPROMs up 90 degrees
so that the pins lie in the same plane as the ceramic package:
Side view:
pins 1,2 & 3 --> __========__ <-- pins 22,31 & 32
pins 4,5,6,7 --> | |<-- pins 17,18,19,20,21,23
8,9,10,11,12 ,24,25,26,27,28,29 & 30
13,14,15 & 16
Top view:
+--------+
---==|1 32|==---
---==|2 31|==---
---==|3 30|=
=|4 29|=
=|5 28|=
=|6 27|=
=|7 26|=
=|8 25|=
=|9 24|=
=|1023|=
=|1122|==---
=|1221|=
=|1320|=
=|1419|=
=|1518|=
=|1617|=
+--------+
Place the EVEN TOS 2.06 EPROM into the socket for U4 so that pin
16 goes into the hole for pin 14 of the original TOS ROM. See the
diagram below of the old (27256) vs. new (27C1001) chips.
2725627C1001
+--------+
Vpp-|1 32|-Vcc
+--------+ A16-|2 31|-PGM_
Vpp-|1 28|-Vcc A15-|3 30|-NC
A12-|2 27|-A14 A12-|4 29|-A14
A7-|3 26|-A13A7-|5 28|-A13
A6-|4 25|-A8 A6-|6 27|-A8
A5-|5 24|-A9 A5-|7 26|-A9
A4-|6 23|-A11A4-|8 25|-A11
A3-|7 22|-OE_A3-|9 24|-OE_
A2-|8 21|-A10A2-|1023|-A10
A1-|9 20|-CE_A1-|1122|-CE_
A0-|1019|-D7 A0-|1221|-D7
D0-|1118|-D6 D0-|1320|-D6
D1-|1217|-D5 D1-|1419|-D5
D2-|1316|-D4 D2-|1518|-D4
GND-|1415|-D3GND-|1617|-D3
+--------+ +--------+
The parts should not touch each other and the lifted pins should not
be above the tops of the chips. Put the power supply back over the
EPROMs (Rev C) board and make sure that the bottom plate does not
touch the parts. It will look close but if you can see day light
you are ok.
Connect lifted even EPROM pins 1,31 & 32 to even EPROM pin 30 (+5V).
Be careful not to drip solder down into the socket so that the part
can be removed if desired.
Connect lifted odd EPROM pins 1,31 & 32 to odd EPROM pin 30 (+5V).
The remaining three connections are made from the EPROMs to the
TTL decoder. Make the wires as short as possible and keep them next
to the PC board. Thread the wires through the bypass caps to help
keep the wires under control.
Connect even EPROM lifted pin 22 to odd EPROM lifted pin 22 then
connect to pin 3 of the 74F08 (CE_). This is the new equivalent ROM2
signal.
Connect even EPROM lifted pin 3 to odd EPROM lifted pin 3 then
connect to pin 8 of the 74F08 (BA16). This is a buffered version of
address line A16.
Connect even EPROM lifted pin 2 to odd EPROM lifted pin 2 then
connect to pin 6 of the 74F08 (BA17). This is a buffered version of
address line A17.
Check your work with an Ohm meter and your eyes. Connect up the
power supply and all the other junk and give it a try. If everything
is happy you will see Atari's Logo on your screen when you turn on the
power. The machine will sit for a bit and then start doing a RAM test
After the RAM test, the machine will place a bar on the screen and
shrink it until it is gone then your machine will fire up the desktop.
You can bypass the memory test or the bar at any time by hitting the
space key. If your machine works, great job. Put it back together
and enjoy.
Complaints:
If you have complaints, questions or whatever, drop me some email:
Rossin@fc.hp.com (NOTE: To contact Ted by way of CompuServe
Email, go into Mail normally, and use the
Enjoy TOS 2.06 following address for the To: field...
INTERNET>rossin@fc.hp.com Ted Rossin. He will be able
to reply directly to your CIS account.)
***********************************************************************
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
Set your communications software to Half Duplex (or Local Echo)
Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
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*** ** ***
The Official Online Resource of Atari Corporation *** ** ***
Darlah's Holiday Treat of the Month [page 475;9] is PHNXDEMO.LZH from
LEXICOR2. This is the DEMO version of the Phoenix object render program
from Lexicor Software. The LZH file also includes SPC & GIF sample files.
This is a "must have" program for all ATARI computers. Phoenix supports
different light sources, 3 different cameras, texture and image mapping:
SPC, GIF & TGA are supported. This program renders FAST!
Have an idea for an Realtime Conference? Wish to promote a product, show
or service? Atari Roundtable Realtime Conference provides an excellent
platform for announcements and discussions. Contact RTC$, for
requirements and information on holding formal RTCs. We also capture and
edit the formal conferences and upload them into the Atari RT's Library
for you.
New Files in Your Library
No. File Name Address Description
----- ------------ ----------- -------------------------------------
27324 AUDIO_CD.LZH S.FARSHIDGH plays audio compact discs on ST/TT
27323 CF2WCF.ARC T.GILL7 CardFile to Windows Cardfile format
27319 SOFT_CAT.TXT G.LABREC Atari Software Catalog ordering info
27316 CAL3NEWS.LZH J.EIDSVOOG1 Calligrapher 3 Press Release (.CAL)
27315 CAL3NEWS.ARC J.EIDSVOOG1 Calligrapher 3 Press Release (.TXT)
27311 MNUMAK24.LZH GRMEYER MenuMaker v2.4 for GFA BASIC
27310 XB32_GFA.LZH GRMEYER GFA code for do_sound() music + more
27309 TOADSALE.TXT TOAD-SERV. STraight FAX, Floptical / CD ROM...
27308 TRANSCEN.LZH G.GORMAN2 Transcendence BBS - Latest Demo
Darlah's Treat of the Month [Page 475;9] - PHNXDEMO.LZH
Other NEW FILES available in the Atari RT Libraries are Sound Files
(library 11), Digitized Sounds (library 17), Graphic pictures (library 5),
Atari Archives (library 13), and Sale/Wanted Files (library 26).
Sale/Wanted items are also available in the Bulletin Board Category 27.
Regular Open Conference every Wednesday night, 10PM EDT, 7PM PDT
DTP conference every Monday at 10PM eastern in room 3.
GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
***********************************************************************
> THE FALCON LAMENTING STR FOCUS! THE TROOPS ARE GETTING RESTLESS
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Editor Note:
The following message string from GEnie's ST RT are an indication
showing just how "popular" the Falcon will be and how warmly accepted it
will be. The folks posting below are genuinely concerned, want a new
Falcon and are growing weary of the incessant procession of delays. Atari
has a virtual "gold mine" at its feet. One can only wonder if they are
able to look down and see it there. Perhaps... a letter writing campaign
urging Atari onward would help let the 'brass' know jsut how eagerly the
userbase awaits the Falcon's arrival. Let us know how you feel about the
missed dates, wrong information and delay after delay. Drop us a note in
email.
Ctsy GEnie's ST RT
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 167 Sat Jan 09, 1993
P.LATONA at 09:53 EST
I've been watching this conference for quite some time and have been
greatly informed--and amused--by some of the comments being made here. But
Mr. Brodie's RTC tonight was the end of it for me. I downloaded the
transcript, read it with a sinking heart, and finally have come to the
conclusion that my 10 year love affair with Atari is officially over.
It's time to move on. The Falcon 030, in my mind, is a machine that really
will sell well. IF (and that's an enormous if) it will ever reach the
market. The IF is far to great for me to stall anymore. I have to move
onward and upward. I feel terrible about Atari losing it the way it has
but that's business. Every day I hear more and more once staunch Atari
supporters seeking other platforms--not necessarily more powerful, but
AVAILABLE. I loved the Falcon concept. I liked the spiffy new bells and
whistles. Many of us sold these machines before they even made the market.
But now I'm getting questions--many questions from the very same people I
sold them to. WHERE ARE THEY? Why can't I buy one? WHEN will I be able to
buy one?
What do I tell them? I told them before that "Wait Until January" and
they'll be here for you to look at, make up your own mind and buy! Now
January is no longer a month (year?) I can use. I have to say.."Welllll
maybe March..." Who is going to listen to that? Who is going to put off
buying a machine they need/want for another several months? Then there is
STILL no guarantee they'll ever arrive.
Disheartened? Yes I am. Sad, too. But Atari won't listen to the cries of
the people who will keep them in business. They don't seem to care...
Sorry for the spiel. I'm off the soapbox and outta here. Just thought I'd
display my two cents and vent my spleen for awhile.
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 168 Sat Jan 09, 1993
D.ENGEL [Thunderbird] at 10:31 EST
According to the latest Silicon Times Report, the Falcon030 was FCC
approved on November 5th, 1992. The Falcon030 was approved with the
stipulation that Atari must include one of those ferrite bead monitor
cables with each one. Apparently, Atari filed an appeal which was granted
on 1/8/93 to _not_ include the cable.
So, depending on how you look at it, the Falcon030 was either approved in
November, or approved last week. If you think the cost of a cable was a
mere pittance to Atari, then go with November. If you think they balked at
the thought of paying for everyone's monitor cable, then go with January.
I wonder why the manufacturing difficulties keeping the Falcon030 out of
the US didn't effect the shipments to Europe. Maybe MultiTOS hasn't been
properly "manufactured" i.e. programmed?
Also, I didn't dee the point where Bob said that it would be 1.5 to 2
YEARS before a 2 piece Falcon030 came out. All he said was that it took
over a year to see a 2 piece ST, and 2 years to see a 2 piece STe. With so
many complaints about the 1 piece unit, I bet they are scurrying like mad
to get a better case. Of course considering that they can't get a
"finished" design out the door in 6 months, it may be that it takes them 2
years to get a 2-piece Falcon030 shipped (if they start now and work
around the clock).
My concern now centers around the fact that if Atari can't popularize the
Lynx (which is the without a doubt the best in the handheld arena), how do
they plan to popularize the Falcon030 (whose superiority is not apparent).
Even the Jaguar has the potential to become another Lynx (a superior
near-orphan).
Still, it was good to hear that they crossed one more hurdle to getting
Falcon030's here with the FCC number.
Also, the news of MultiTOS being uploaded to GEnie was indeed the best
part of the conference.
________________________
\hunderbird
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 169 Sat Jan 09, 1993
ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 13:23 EST
P.Latona, it is truly sad that there will be a further delay... but it is
not because Atari doesn't care. If that were so, they would have accepted
the sub-standard quality of the production runs and shipped them now. I
think this delay shows that they truly do care. It is most unfortunate
that the delay happened, but better to get it right than deal with other
complaints about quality later.
Thunderbird, the delays have not been caused by R and D of the Falcon...
they are manufacturing delays that are now focused on quality control. Bob
did say that Sam is bringing a second manufacturer into the picture to get
this done right. The only criticism I would have made, is that they might
have gone to the "better" people the first time! But who knows the
economics or other reasons for their selection? I don't.
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 170 Sat Jan 09, 1993
D.ENGEL [Thunderbird] at 16:48 EST
ST Lou:
You may be 1000000% correct that the late arrival of the Falcon030 in
North America is due to unacceptable defects in the batches produced so
far. The really, really, sad thing is that _I don't believe anything they
say anymore._ Consider the totally bogus release of FSMGDOS and all the
"reasons" it didn't ship. (Does it _really_ take 6 months to design
packaging? Perhaps they were trying to put it in 'talking cans', or boxes
that little dollar bills would pop out of?) Now we see that it was clearly
a _bad_ program and was scrapped (Bob B's accidental revelation to this
effect with his statement last night
to the effect of "the old version has
a significant slowdown with a handful of fonts installed, while the new
one with 71 fonts installed is fast"). Why all the lame excuses. Now, like
the boy who cried "wolf", I just can't accept anything they say. I am
sorry that I feel this way, but it is a situation that they created. I
_used_ to give them a lot of leeway and "benefit of the doubt"
in these cases, but time and time again things have proven out to be
different than they have said. In the years I have become jaded through
these white lies. The Falcon030 PDS, bus widths, and ship dates are all
icing on the cake.
What ever happened to "The problem is not technical in nature" why the
F030 isn't shipping? Failures and poor Q/A sure sound like technical
problems to me! What about the liscensing snafu with the bundled software
delay in the release? How could this have any bearing on a computer which
was under appeal with the FCC until yesterday? Regardless of the software
bundles, the thing couldn't ship in the USA (unless a cable was included,
which they obviously didn't want to do).
Also, as you said: "they might have gone to the 'better' people the
first time!" to which I must agree... this is especially disconcerting
because the "better" people are _supposed_ to be friends with the
Tramiels. Maybe they had good reasons _not_ to do business with their
"friends" and opted to go with an obviously lousy manufacturer, but I
don't know what they might be.
The folks at Atari remind me of the "Family Circus" comics. Have you
ever seen the one where the mother is pointing to crayon writing on the
wall and says "Who did this?" and all the kids say in unison "Not me!" and
you can see an invisible ghost with the words "Not Me" across his chest in
the background snickering and holding a box of crayons? _Everything_ that
_ever_ goes wrong at Atari is always _somebody else's_ fault, or so they
say.
What is so darn hard about coming out and saying "We're sorry. We made
a mistake. Please accept our apologies."?!?!?!?!???
The fact that they will stop at nothing to point fingers at everyone
else instead of accepting responsibility for their mistakes is pure
nonsense. Do they really think everyone is so stupid? Are they really so
arrogant that they cannot admit errors? In any case, it is this insulting
treatment which motivates the flames towards Atari which you are seeing
everywhere.
I just want to get my Falcon030 and not have to deal with Atari Corp.
for a few years... the 3rd party folks are not perfect, but they don't
pretend to be, and they are much easier to do business with. Give me the
computer, and I'll take the _rest_ of my business to the 3rd parties...
_____________________________
\hunderbird
'cause the Jaguar won't be out next Christmas (mark my words).
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 171 Sat Jan 09, 1993
P.LATONA at 18:43 EST
Lou: I wish I could agree with you. I suppose it does show that Atari
doesn't want a few thousand machines being returned, but it still proves a
point: Atari never should have announced the Falcon until they had a
warehouse full of them for shipping IMMEDIATELY. Delay after delay. I just
can't justify waiting another 2 months while Atari gets it's act together.
Last night, I got a call from a friend who just returned from an overseas
deployment. I sent her about a ton of Falcon information back in October
hoping to persuade her to join the ranks of Atarians. She was very
enthusiastic (being a musician even more so than I was) and wanted one as
soon as she could get one. So last night I had to explain that they STILL
aren't available and won't be for quite some time. She said "forget it,
I'll get a clone cheaper and RIGHT NOW..."
How many times have we all heard that statement? How many potential Atari
customers are now happily pounding away at their clone keyboards convinced
we are all idiots waiting for a non-existant dream?
I'm not really Atari bashing. Don't think I don't like the Falcon or my
STs. I do. I'm very fond of my current machines and will not be dumping
them anytime soon. But the enthusiasm I had for the Falcon is gone. Most
likely gone forever. Because when March comes around, we will probably see
a statement from B.Brodie that will go something like this:
"Well, we still have problems with <Insert Anything Here> so we will have
to delay the rollout until <Insert Favorite Month Here>. Be PATIENT. BE
LOYAL. We will eventually get around to supplying the machines."
Tragic, isn't it? Think of the amount of money Atari has lost due to
potential sales because of these oddball delays. EVERY DAY they are losing
more and more support. Eventually it will go the way of the dinosaur and
the great auk...Sad.
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 172 Sat Jan 09, 1993
J.BUDIL [Jonathan] at 18:52 EDT
Well, it's definitely depressing, but I don't see the point of pouring
salt into Atari's employee's wounds with vitriolic diatribes. I'm sure
they're as disappointed as we are, if not more so. How many of _us_
depend on Atari for
our livlihoods in this economy? They gambled on farming work out, and in
this case they lost. I don't see that they had any choice but to
downsize; it's just unfortunate that they picked the manufacturers that
they did. It's too early to tell whether this is the last nail in the
coffin. For the sake of my STE and Lynx, I hope Atari hangs in there and
that there is still some optimism among us.
One observation: if you pass on the 030 Falcon and wait for the 040
Falcon, there might not be one. Since Atari's put a lot on the line
financially to get the 030's out the door, they'll need revenue before the
040's will become possible.
--Jonathan in Normal
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 173 Sat Jan 09, 1993
C.LABELLE [Tintin] at 19:27 EST
Jerry / Lou: I just read the Conference; I missed it--- was a great one.
Still unanswered: compatibility, delivery date, bundled software when on
sale, canadian pricing...
I called Paris today. Yes, Paris, France. Two dealers. They don't have
Falcons in France. I asked when; one said "Call Atari France" impatiently.
The other: "There is a delivery problem, we expect them at the end of the
month". Pricing: 5 000 to 13 000 FF.
I just checked: a cheap 386-40 clone would cost me around $2 000 CDN; the
only options being local bus video and true color; I would want a sound
card, and SCSI port--- a $500 affair. It would cost me more than a Falcon
with 486SX emulation; and I won't have any of the great software that are
planned to be bundled; and there will be more and better software using
the Falcon's possibilities than the IBM's extra cards. Just look at MIDI:
because it was supported on ST, we have the best MIDI software. Falcon is
an incredible value for me.
Tintin
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 174 Sat Jan 09, 1993
J.RICHTER [J.RICHTER] at 21:29 EST
Answer,
Cheap... it didn't sell.. DID IT? "We will announce the Falcon when we
have a stockpile of them to sell" ... or something like that, REMEMBER?
...... The reason the went for THIS manufacturer is the same reason they
settled on OLD case and CHEAP keyboard, right? Believe me, if it was'nt
for their 3rd party developers and GREAT original design .. (Remember the
Father of the ST .. gone to Apple I think).. Well, would you still own an
ST without the Universal File Selector or Pagestream? .... I doubt it.
Where is Dave Small? The Gadgets board has been dead for months.. Think of
it, the Falcon030 design completely wiped the use of his Spectre GCR, did
it not?.. hmmmmm
Thunderbird,
Why of why do you have to buy a computer from a company you hate? ... are
you a masochist or what? ..... I think ATARI should sell out to Kodak or
Sony.. Please, anyone that know how to manufacture and market..
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 175 Sat Jan 09, 1993
POTECHIN [RT~Sysop] at 21:58 EST
J.RICHTER ... That's a big YES. Believe it or not, some of us use our
Atari's to run Calamus. :-)
Nathan @ DMC
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 176 Sat Jan 09, 1993
AEO.3 [Lyre] at 23:30 EST
Tintin,
Having attended the RTC last evening, I can definitely say that the
programs to be bundled with the Falcon030 were stated. It is possible
that this information was accidentally deleted in cleaning the capture
file. (I've personally held RTC's here on GEnie; the amount of "behind
the scenes" comments and actions that the meeting leader has to handle
requires that capture files be heavily edited. It has taken me upwards to
3 hrs to edit captures with an older word processor.)
The question and responce concerning this subject is as follows:
<[D. STUART] AEO.7> BOB - Greetings! Just curious ... will
the initial release of the FALCON include any 'bundled'
software? And if so, is there an opportunity to develop said
software directly for ATARI ??? GA
<BOB-BRODIE> Yes, the Falcon will be bundled with 8
applications when it is shipped. The products include Audio
Fun Machine, FalconD2D, a direct to disk recorder, System
Audio Manager, ProCalc, a full scientific calendar, Talking
Clock, CalAppt, a calendar/rolodex type of utility, and a
coulple of games, BreakOut and LandMines. YES...there is an
opportunity to write that software for Atari. We in fact used
outside developers for some key components of the software,
like the System Audio Manager. GA
[The above information taken directly from my own transcript of the Bob
Brodie RTC held 920108. The only editing done on the above was to remove
all of the email address prompts.]
Lyre
ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE
11:23 pm, January 9, 1993
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 177 Sun Jan 10, 1993
D.ENGEL [Thunderbird] at 00:03 EST
Jerry:
At this point only the genius involved in the original ST design is
keeping me with Atari. I prefer programming an ST over almost every other
machine around (The ones I like more cost over $10,000 and software is
$1000+, so forget them...). The ST interface and hardware are incredibly
satisfying to program, and with the ST, you're not spending 3/4's of your
time trying to determine why your program bombs on one machine and not
another. Clones are like chinese water torture to anyone who has
programmed on an ST.
You're right though. The Tramiels _should_ sell Atari. It would be a great
way for them to get out of a business which has passed them by, and still
save face. Considering the stock at $1.12 a share, if they ever put the
company on the market, I'd sell one of my cars and use the money to buy
Atari.
__________________________
\hunderbird
'cause "Cheap didn't sell."
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 178 Sun Jan 10, 1993
C.KLIMUSHYN [-Chuck-] at 01:11 EST
Well, first the positive:
Mr. Brodie, my compliments on leveling with the community regarding the
Falcon's delay and the reason for it. Atari Works sounds *Wonderful* and
is just what's needed to help sell the machine to first time buyers.
MultiTos being able to run on all 68000 STs (assuming they have enough
RAM) is a stunning piece of news! Finally, SpeedoGdos's near-completion
is eagerly waited by all.
Now the negative:
No Falcons till March? The word SAD has been used in previous posts
regarding this and sums up the situation the best. This means another 3
months of Atari essentially living off its capital reserves since I don't
imagine their remaining products are selling that well (less money for
marketing, sigh). Mr. Tramiel can be "angry" but WHO made the decision to
go with the current manufacturer? In other coporations those responsible
for a problem of this magnitude would likely be facing a forced
resignation.............
On a closing note, I reject the arguement of having to buy an "entry
level" Falcon 030 in order to keep Atari alive long enough to put out a
Falcon 040. I don't like reading comments implying that it may be a long
time before Mega style Falcon appears so buy a 030 and be happy. It's
Atari's responsibility to meet the needs of their customers. Not the
reverse.............
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 179 Sun Jan 10, 1993
R.WATSON15 [Wayne Watson] at 01:41 EST
Europe doesn't have to cope with the FCC. Companies can make something
and market it there and not have to get FCC approval.
Atari can make some nice industry leading machines. Now if they could
just market and produce them with that same effort.
T-Bird,
I have to agree with you. Atari has never told us the truth in these
things. It always comes out that they lied to the users. They say that we
misunderstood the meanings and all that but we always find the coverup.
Why can't they just come out and be honest? Be straightfoward and we will
listen. I do hope what Bob said in the conference is the truth (NOTE: I
am not saying it isn't). We are all tired of the run around. I hope they
have learned to just be honest with us.
I can surely understand the problems they are facing and I agree with
the decision to hold back in order to not let bad units get out. It is sad
to see another delay as this WILL cause a lot of problems with sales. I
just hope they can recover.
I also hope it isn't too long before they come out with the 2 piece
unit. I wish they would do away with the 1 piece unit all together. A 2
piece unit isn't that much harder to transport. My MSTE is no harder to
move than my 1040 was. Actually, my MSTE is easier to move.
What does a ferrite bead cable involve? Would it have been a lot of
hassle for the user to get a replacement for or would it just have been a
hassle for Atari?
We do not know the deals with the manufactoring plants or why Atari went
with them so it hard to base a decision or judgement on something we know
little about.
None of this is directed at the employess of Atari. The Atari name no
longer means anything positive. It's time for a change.
------------
_________________________________________________________________
> CALLIGRAPHER 3 STR InfoFile "The Ultimate Writing Machine"
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
For Immediate Release
CodeHeadQuarters
*******************************************************
* *
* Calligrapher 3 *
* ============== *
* The Next Generation Of The Ultimate Writing Machine *
* *
*******************************************************
LOS ANGELES - CodeHead Technologies and Working Title US are proud to
announce the release of Calligrapher 3! If you're already familiar with
Calligrapher, you know it's a powerful, intuitive, graphics-based word
processor. Now, Calligrapher 3 adds terrific new features, streamlines
the installation procedure, is compatible with the Falcon030 and MultiTOS,
and no longer uses GDOS!
This document describes the enhancements and changes in Calligrapher 3, as
well as the procedure for upgrading to version 3. If you are unfamiliar
with Calligrapher and its features, you can obtain an excellent overview
by trying out the Calligrapher 3 demo package, available by calling
CodeHead Technologies (213) 386-5735, or by downloading the demo from any
of the popular online networks.
Enhancements
------------
o GDOS (G+Callig) and Line_Arc have been built into Calligrapher itself,
so there is no longer any special startup disk and nothing is required
in the AUTO folder. This makes it much more compatible with other GDOS
programs since there is no overlap, and also makes installation and
setup MUCH easier and less trouble-prone.
o If you have a hard disk and 2Mb, Calligrapher displays vector fonts on
screen. The new edition caches screen fonts more intelligently,
speeding up the opening of documents and moving through documents that
contain vector fonts.
o Supports Esc-P2 printers (Epson Dot Matrix printers that support 360dpi
compressed mode).
o Allows you to reduce the amount of memory taken by Calligrapher to make
it compatible with multitasking operating systems such as MultiGem and
MultiTOS.
o A new easy-to-use fast install program supporting 1.44Mb disk drives
and the new features of Calligrapher. This program uses a GEM dialog
box and is more intelligent; it reads in as many files as will fit in
memory and then writes them to the hard drive, and requires a minimal
amount of disk swapping.
o Templates - documents with the extension CAT, are treated as base
documents. (Similar to 'stationery' documents on the Macintosh.)
Calligrapher will prompt you to rename them when they are saved.
Also there is a default template that is loaded when Calligrapher is
first started. This allows you, for example, to save the ruler
settings for your default ruler.
o The FlexText module now allows you to USE ANY URW typeface, not just
the included ones.
o On a TT, Calligrapher now moves its code into TT RAM to run 30% faster.
o Import/export of Rich Text Format (RTF) files has been added to the
import module. These files allow you to keep the style and fonts
within a document, together with any footnotes, when you transfer to
other programs that support RTF.
o The integral symbol and brackets in Calligrapher's mathematical
formulae have been improved.
o There are new commands in formulae to cover set symbols, and things
such as products. Equivalents have been added in the interactive
formula editor.
o When you adjust markers on the ruler (margins, tabs, etc.), a vertical
line is drawn to help you gauge positions.
o Mark a section and increase or decrease all font sizes proportionally
(by the proportion 9/10ths or 10/9ths).
o Keyboard shortcuts have been added to the interactive formula editor.
o A new program allows you to change Calligrapher's internal setup. This
allows adjustments to its memory, printer and other internal details.
o The supplementary language disks have been improved. Spanish includes
a Catalan dictionary and a Spanish thesaurus. German has a German
dictionary and thesaurus. Italian has a Catalan dictionary.
o A triple click on a paragraph selects the whole paragraph.
o When running under a multitasking operating system, the disk-based
clipboard is switched on, allowing you to cut and paste text
dynamically between applications.
o Two printers are supported at the same time, allowing you to switch
between them at print time.
o A separation line has been added between footnotes and the body of
text.
o Calligrapher 3 remembers the pathname when inserting multiple graphics
into a document.
o There is a driver for the Ricoh 1200 laser printer at 400dpi.
System Requirements
-------------------
o Calligrapher 3 Professional requires 1 Mb of RAM and a floppy disk.
Calligrapher 3 Gold requires 1 Mb and a hard disk. Version 3 requires
more memory than version 2, so if your documents are at the limit of
memory with version 2, you will be over the limit with version 3.
New Fonts
---------
o There are 20 new URW typefaces available, number 67 through 86.
o These new fonts will only work with version 3 of Calligrapher.
o Previously purchased font disks can be re-installed to work with
Calligrapher 3 by using a new install program included with the
upgrade.
o Font charts files will be uploaded to the online services, allowing you
to print out sample displays of the new fonts on your own printer.
o The new fonts are as follows:
67 Goudy 72 Stencil 77 T-bird Cond. 82 Olde Towne No. 536
68 Grotesque No.9 73 Stop 78 Latin Wide 83 News Gothic
69 Hobo 74 Serpentine 79 Murray Hill 84 Raleigh
70 Nevison Casual 75 Thorowgood 80 Park Avenue 85 Romana Demi Bold
71 Playbill 76 Thunderbird 81 Maxima 86 Stymie
Items Removed
-------------
Some things have been removed due to the changes in the way Calligrapher
operates. If any of these things are essential to your needs, you should
not upgrade, or you should make sure to save an installed copy of your
current Calligrapher.
o Bitmap GDOS printer fonts are no longer supported. Only URW outline
fonts will be output to your printer.
o Sizefont, Editfont, and Assign Edit have been dropped as they are no
longer relevant.
o The ability to print to disk in PTD format has been removed, along with
DiskPrnt.
o FlexText no longer runs as a separate program, due to the lack of
GDOS/G+Callig support. It must be run as a PAK. Some changes have
been made to reduce the amount of memory it consumes. (It can run on a
1 Mb system).
Upgrade Procedure
-----------------
When you upgrade to Calligrapher 3, you're also entitled to one FREE URW
outline font disk (worth $34.95). And since the new version of
Calligrapher only works with the URW outline fonts, any additional font
families that you purchase along with the upgrade are only $25 (a $10
discount).
o The upgrade price from version 2 to version 3 is $45.
o The upgrade price from Calligrapher Professional version 2 to
Calligrapher Gold version 3 is $100.
o The upgrade price (either $45 or $100) includes ONE FREE URW FONT DISK,
worth $34.95. Any one of the existing typefaces may be chosen,
including the new fonts mentioned above.
o The upgrade is available to anyone who owns the Working Title US
(CodeHead) version of Calligrapher and has received a registered disk 5
from us.
o The upgrade may be purchased by phone or E-Mail by supplying us with a
credit card number (including expiration date) and a shipping address.
It is not necessary to return your original disks.
o The upgrade may also be ordered by mail with a check or money order.
o The upgrade includes five disks plus the free font disk and printed
documentation for the new additions.
o Additional URW font disks may be purchased with the upgrade at the
price of $25 each.
o Shipping and handling charges for the upgrade are $3 US, $4 Canada, and
$6 overseas.
\\\\////
Working Title US, a division of CodeHead Technologies,
is the official US importer of Working Title products.
_________________________________________________________________
> FBI & SYSOPS STR Feature SYSOPS _ARE_ RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTENT
""""""""""""""""""""""""
TRIALS TO BEGIN IN OHIO
=======================
Akron BBS trial update: Dangerous precedents in sysop prosecution!
From the Mac RT on Genie
------------------------
You may already know about the BBS sting six months ago in Munroe Falls,
OH for disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. Those charges were
dropped for lack of evidence. Now a trial date of 1/4/93 has been set
after new felony charges were filed, although the pretrial hearing
revealed no proof that *any* illegal content ever went out over the BBS,
nor was *any* found on it.
For those unfamiliar with the case, here's a brief summary to date. In
May 1992 someone told Munroe Falls police they *thought* minors could
have been getting access to adult materials over the AKRON ANOMALY BBS.
Police began a 2-month investigation. They found a small number of adult
files in the non-adult area.
The sysop says he made a clerical error, causing those files to be over-
looked. Normally adult files were moved to a limited-access area with
proof of age required (i.e. photostat of a drivers license).
Police had no proof that any minor had actually accessed those files so
police logged onto the BBS using a fictitious account, started a down-
load, and borrowed a 15-year old boy just long enough to press the
return key. The boy had no knowledge of what was going on.
Police then obtained a search warrant and seized Lehrer's BBS system.
Eleven days later police arrested and charged sysop Mark Lehrer with
disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, a misdemeanor usually used on
bookstore owners who sell the wrong book to a minor. However, since the
case involved a computer, police added a *felony* charge of possession
of criminal tools (i.e. one computer system ).
Note that criminal tool statutes were originally intended for special-
ized tools such as burglar's tools or hacking paraphenalia used by
criminal specialists. The word tool implies deliberate use to commit a
crime, whereas the evidence shows (at most) an oversight. This raises
the Constitutional issue of equal protection under the law (14th
Amendment). Why should a computer hobbyist be charged with a felony when
anyone else would be charged with a misdemeanor?
At the pretrial hearing, the judge warned the prosecutor that they'd
need a lot more evidence than this to convict. However the judge allowed
the case to be referred to a Summit County grand jury, though there was
no proof the sysop had actually disseminated, or even intended to
disseminate any adult material recklessly, with knowledge of its
character or content, as the statute requires. Indeed, the sysop had a
long history of *removing* such content from the non-adult area whenever
he became aware of it. This came out at the hearing.
The prosecution then went on a fishing expedition. According to the
Cleveland Plain Dealer (7/21/92)
[Police chief] Stahl said computer experts with the Ohio Bureau of
Criminal Identification and Investigation are reviewing the hundreds of
computer files seized from Lehrer's home. Stahl said it's possible that
some of the games and movies are being accessed in violation of
copyright laws.
Obviously the police believe they have carte blanche to search unrelated
personal files, simply by lumping all the floppies and files in with the
computer as a criminal tool. That raises Constitutional issues of
whether the search and seizure was legal. That's a precedent which, if
not challenged, has far-reaching implications for *every* computer
owner.
Also, BBS access was *not* sold for money, as the Cleveland Plain Dealer
reports. The BBS wasn't a business, but rather a free community service,
running on Lehrer's own computer, although extra time on the system
could be had for a donation to help offset some of the operating costs.
98% of data on the BBS consists of shareware programs, utilities, E-
mail, etc.
The police chief also stated:
I'm not saying it's obscene because I'm not getting into that battle,
but it's certainly not appropriate for kids, especially without parental
permission, Stahl said.
Note the police chief's admission that obscenity wasn't an issue at the
time the warrant was issued.
Here the case *radically* changes direction. The charges above were
dropped. However, while searching the 600 floppy disks seized along with
the BBS, police found five picture files they think *could* be
depictions of borderline underage women; although poor picture quality
makes it difficult to tell.
The sysop had *removed* these unsolicited files from the BBS hard drive
after a user uploaded them. However the sysop didn't think to destroy
the floppy disk backup, which was tossed into a cardboard box with
hundreds of others. This backup was made before he erased the files off
the hard drive.
The prosecution, lacking any other charges that would stick, is using
these several floppy disks to charge the sysop with two new second-
degree felonies, Pandering Obscenity Involving A Minor, and Pandering
Sexually Oriented Matter Involving A Minor (i.e. kiddie porn, prison
sentence of up to 25 years).
The prosecution produced no evidence the files were ever pandered .
There's no solid expert testimony that the pictures depict minors. All
they've got is the opinion of a local pediatrician. All five pictures
have such poor resolution that there's no way to tell for sure to what
extent makeup or retouching was used. A digitized image doesn't have the
fine shadings or dot density of a photograph, which means there's very
little detail on which to base an expert opinion. The digitization
process also modifies and distorts the image during compression.
The prosecutor has offered to plea-bargain these charges down to
possession of child porn, a 4th degree felony sex crime punishable by
one year in prison. The sysop refuses to plead guilty to a sex crime.
Mark Lehrer had discarded the images for which the City of Munroe Falls
adamantly demands a felony conviction. This means the first pandering
case involving a BBS is going to trial in *one* month, Jan 4th.
The child porn statutes named in the charges contain a special exemption
for libraries, as does the original dissemination to juveniles statute
(ORC # 2907.321 & 2). The exemption presumably includes public and
privately owned libraries available to the public, and their disk
collections. This protects library owners when an adult item is
misplaced or loaned to a minor. (i.e. 8 year olds can rent R-rated
movies from a public library).
Yet although this sysop was running a file library larger than a small
public library, he did not receive equal protection under the law, as
guaranteed by the 14 th Amendment. Neither will any other BBS, if this
becomes precedent. The library defense was allowed for large systems in
Cubby versus CompuServe, based on a previous obscenity case (Smith vs.
California), in which the Supreme Court ruled it generally
unconstitutional to hold bookstore owners liable for content, because
that would place an undue burden on bookstores to review every book they
carry, thereby chilling the distribution of books and infringing the
First Amendment.
If the sysop beats the bogus pandering charge, there's still possession,
even though he was *totally unaware* of what was on an old backup
floppy, unsolicited in the first place, found unused in a cardboard box.
Possession does not require knowledge that the person depicted is
underage. The law presumes anyone in possession of such files must be a
pedophile. The framers of the law never anticipated sysops,or that a
sysop would routinely be receiving over 10,000 files from over 1,000
users.
The case could set a far ranging statewide and nationwide precedent
whether or not the sysop is innocent or guilty, since he and his family
might lack the funds to fight this--after battling to get this far.
These kinds of issues are normally resolved in the higher courts-and
*need* to be resolved, lest this becomes commonplace anytime the police
or a prosecutor want to intimidate a BBS, snoop through users electronic
mail, or just appropriate someone's computer for their own use. You, the
reader, probably know a sysop like Mark Lehrer. You and your family have
probably enjoyed the benefits of BBS ing. You may even have put one over
on a busy sysop now and then.
In this case; the sysop is a sober and responsible college student,
studying computer science and working to put himself through school. He
kept his board a lot cleaner than could be reasonably expected, so much
so that the prosecution can find very little to fault him for.
*Important* Please consider a small contribution to ensure a fair trial
and precedent, with standards of evidence upheld, so that mere
possession of a computer is not grounds for a witch hunt.
These issues must not be decided by the tactics of a war of attrition ;
*however far* in the court system this needs to go. For this reason, an
independent, legal defense trust fund has been set up by concerned area
computer users, CPA s, attorneys,etc.
Mark Lehrer First Amendment Legal Defense Fund
(or just: MLFALDF)
Lockbox No. 901287
Cleveland, OH 44190-1287
*All* unused defense funds go to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a
nonprofit, 501c3 organization, to defend BBS's and First Amendment
rights.
Help get the word out. If you re not sure about all this, ask your local
sysops what this precedent could mean, who the EFF is--and ask them to
keep you informed of further developments in this case. Please copy this
file and send it to whoever may be interested. This case *needs* to be
watchdogged.
Please send any questions, ideas or comments directly to the sysop:
Mark Lehrer CompuServe: 71756,2116 InterNet: 71756.2116@compuserve.com
Modem: (216) 688-6383 USPO: P.O. Box 275 Munroe Falls, OH 44262
----------------------------
FOOTNOTE: The above says the framers of the Constitution weren't aware
of BBSs when drafting the Constitution. To this I say-THEN
WHAT IS FREEDOM? The Constitution's 1st Amendment and the
9th Amendment clearly addresses this issue. This case is
another case of the actual police power against Americans.
There is NO crime here! There is NO property damaged and
there is NO human victim here. Then there should be NO crime
but our present system has the power to invent a crime which
is exactly what is going on here.
PLEASE contribute monetarily or at least in writing to Mark
Lehrer at the above address. Send proof of such contri-
bution and a 3 months FREE access will be granted by HOME
BBS at (909) 735-2573.
Can YOU PLEASE Help STOP more loss of our guaranteed
FREEDOMS?
________________________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips"
"""""""""""""""""""""
- Greer, SC WAYNE WATSON NOW SUPPORTING TRANSCENDENCE BBS
---------
Transcendence BBS will no longer be supported by David Brown. David
has turned over all rights to the program to me. I will be maintaining,
selling and supporting the BBS as of now. His BBS will not be online as of
Jan. 15th. All refernces to Twilight Zone Software should be replaced by
Southern Software. Any shareware payments that you plan to send in should
be sent to the address below.
David has decided to get out of support for the BBS as he doesn't feel
like he has the time to put into it that he thinks he should. Other
things are taking precedence. All currently registered Sysops will still
be supported and updates will still be free.
David wants to get into other things as well. He will still be around.
I wish him the best of luck. We have been working together on this thing
for 1 1/2 years now and I have learned a lot from him. Now maybe my phone
bill will return to normal.
Please be patient during this time of transition. He will be sending
out all information on registered Sysops, etc., soon. I still have access
to all registered sysop names so I know who you are. I am now Support
Line 1 (as if you couldn't guess). Please, start calling my BBS number
above for future support.
Contact Wayne on GEnie or at:
Wayne Watson
C/O Southern Software
1129 Lake Cunningham Rd.
Greer, SC 29651
1-803-879-4186
- Cupertino, CA APPLE TO RELEASE _NEW_ COMPUTER
-------------
Apple is reportedly releasing a new genre of computers, called
Centris, based on Motorola's 68040 CPU. Its estimated cost will be about
the same as a IIsi. Its also reported to be equipped with a CD-ROM,
internal Hard Disk and expandable on-board ram. Apple is expected to
price this new entry at more than competitive levels as its intended to
compete "across the boards" in the 68xxx platform. Multi-media is the new
"by-word".
- Anaheim, CA 23rd ANNUAL NAMM SHOW
-----------
The 23rd annual Winter NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) show
at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, will be held:
Friday January 15 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday January 16 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday January 17 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Monday January 18 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
There is no "Public" or "Consumer" day at this show. Dealers, exhibitors,
and press only. You can pre-register or register onsite in HALL E,
showing music dealership proof such as business license, invoices from MI
manufacturers or distributorships, etc. Business cards not accepted as
proof. Picture ID's required.
If you would like to attend this show and are not a dealer, check with
your local dealer and see if he/she has tickets and would like to send you
as a representative.
The MIDI/Music Forums on CompuServe will have a full crew reporting on the
latest and greatest in MIDI and Music products directly from the show
floor. Unfortunately, my leg won't be strong enough for me to attend this
year so I won't be attending, the MIDI Forum crew will be based out of the
Mackie Pro Products Booth and will have an onsite computer link to CS.
Some artists and events to catch at NAMM:
-----------------------------------------
Bass player Victor Lemonte Wooten of Bela Fleck's band will appear at the
Third Coast Labs Booth #6614.
Peter Frampton, Curtis Matthewson, Ben Schultz and Alex Skolnick will be
at the Eventide booth #3500.
Brian May will be appearing at the US Music Corp booth to promote the
re-issue of the Guild Brian May Guitar.
Arman Sabal-Lecco (bassist for Paul Simon's "Born at the Right Time" tour)
will be performing in the SWR Engineering's soundroom at 2pm on Saturday.
On Sunday, LA session guitarist, Michael Thompson (credits on Kenny G,
Michael Bolton, Peter Cetera albums and numerous movie and tv scores) will
appear in the OFB Guitars booth #6604.
Mechanical Music Corp will be featuring Doane Perry (Jethro Tull), Mark
Scott (trixter), John Stamos (Beach Boys), Zoro (Lenny Kravitz), John
Tempesta (Exodus), and Louie Weaver (Ptera).
Ed Shaughnessy, Greg D'Angelo, Walt Woodward, Ginger Baker, Blas Elias,
Alan White and others will appear at the Ludwig Drum booth #401,411.
Korg will have two shows daily with guitarist Dave Amato (Ted Nugent, REO
Speedwagon, Cher, etc.) along with Paul Mirkovich, Ron Wikso, and Ricky
Phillips.
Thomas Dolby will be demonstrating current sampling technology at the East
West Sound booth #2432.
CIS Sysop Brad Hill
- Sunnyvale, CA FALCON UPDATE NEWS
-------------
I spoke with Bill Rehbock last night in response to the Falcon media
press kit he sent me recently. Follow up questions are welcome to be
posted here, as I speak with him from time to time. He referred some of
my music-oriented questions to James Grunke, as I expected; this is
probably the worst week of the year to reach him, though, as the NAMM show
is this weekend. But I'll get him after the show at any rate, and in the
meantime got some general info from Bill about Atari's presence at this
crucial convention. Here are the main points Bill clarified:
Atari has reserved an entire room, as opposed to booth space, at NAMM.
It will consist of a main stage surrounded by 16 workstations. There will
be a Falcon giveaway, demos of Hard disk recording, and D2D will
participate in the room by demoing their 4-track system. He didn't tell
me what would be happening on the main stage.
Shipping status in this country. At the moment, only developer units
have been shipped. Bill went out of his way to emphasize _strongly_ that
units will be available by March. He stated this categorically, as if
there were no room for question. He asserted with equal certainty that
dealer floor units would be in place by February.
Multi-TOS is ready to go now. For the European units already on the
street it will be added via floppy. Bill was sure it would be included in
the dealer units in February, and all others in March.
Voice recognition in/out will be offered as an operating system
upgrade sometime in 1993. This will include a speech synthesizer and the
ability to execute commands via voice.
The mega-bass which Stefan mentioned was built into the output
equalization NO LONGER EXISTS. He referred to that as an out-and-out
mistake which was abolished.
We talked generally about market positioning within the music
industry. My main question, for starters, was whether Atari would take
advantage of the timelyness of an integrated HD recording system by
pursuing high-end users, or whether they would put all their eggs in the
home/recreational basket. The press packet definitely emphasizes the
Personal Integrated Media angle as a fun and productive home tool. As
expected, he affirmed that they would indeed, but I'll have to get details
about advertising plans, retailer relationships, convention presence, and
so on from Janes Grunke, either this week or after NAMM.
Here are some of the applications the Falcon media kit lists as
"available".
AutoArt. (SKWare One) Mathematically generates artforms for video art.
Chronos-3D Key Frame Animator (Lexicor) Animation software and rendering.
Genesis (Lexicor) Special FX programs for creating 3D space animations.
Kodak Photo-CD Access System (Color Concepts) View, sort and manipulate
CD photos.
MEM (Dept. of Psychology, U. of Glessen) dHypermedia system for
developing computer-aided instruction.
Mona Lisa (Lexicor) Color, animation, paint program.
OverLay Title Generator (System Solutions) Video titles
SoundScope II (Sydney Conservatory of Music) multimedia music education
program.
I'm looking forward to talking with James Grunke about pro music software
titles.
CIS SYSOP Brad Hill
________________________________________________________________
> NVN WANTS YOU! STR InfoFile Another Network Supports Atari!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
National Videotext Network (NVN) has recently added an Atari ST Forum
to it's growing lists of available services. The Atari ST Forum is going
through its final "construction" phases and will be available to NVN
members by mid-December 1992. U.S. Videotel, founded in 1986, is an
electronic information and interactive services provider. The U.S.
Videotel Network launched in March of 1989, and provided electronic
information services to the Texas market.
"The nationwide launch of the National Videotex Network, which
provides on-line data and information exchange services began on May
1, 1992." The future of NVN will be one which continues to remain
sensitive and responsive to market needs. Additional services and advances
in electronic information will continue to be added, to provide unique and
interesting services on an on-going basis.
NVN service offerings can be broken into three categories: Basic,
Premium, and Premium Plus.
Basic Services
--------------
Most of the Basic services are available 24 hours a day with no
connect time charges beyond the basic membership fee. However, a select
group have functions for which transaction fees are charged. Basic
services are accessible through a flat rate charge of $5.95 per month.
Premium Services
----------------
For Premium services, Members pay connect charges for the amount of
time spent in a particular service. Premium services are accessible Monday
through Friday for a connect time charge of $9.00/hour from 8 am to 6 pm,
and $6.00/hour from 6 pm to 8 am; and on Saturday and Sunday for a connect
time charge of $6.00 all day (6 pm Friday til 8 am Monday), central time
zone.
Premium Plus Services
---------------------
Premium Plus services are subject to the same type of connect time
charge as Premium services. However, a surcharge is also added to the
connect time for these services.
You can join NVN one of two ways. By voice phone 1-800-336-9096
(Client Services) or via modem phone 1-800-336-9092. You will be issued
an Account # (usually within 24 hours) and will be allowed to access
National Videotex Network.
_____________________________________________________________
> STR Mail Call "...a place for the readers to be heard"
"""""""""""""
STReport's MailBag
""""""""""""""""""
Messages * NOT EDITED * for content
-----------------------------------
From GEnie's ST RT
Falcon commentaries reign supreme...
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 165 Sat Jan 09, 1993
J.RICHTER [J.RICHTER] at 01:43 EST
LABELLE,
Just got back from spending BIG bucks on the Brodie Roundtable !!!
Yes, FCC "B" is here
NO there will NOT be a separate keyboard model for maybe 1-2 years!!!!
YES MultiTOS is REAL and will run GREAT on your ST/STE/Mega
NO, the Falcon030 will not ship til at least MARCH, Manufacturing QUALITY
BUGS!! SAM is - MAD - as H___ about it!! and ATARI is looking for a SECOND
source just in case... (Fret... Worry ....) HEY when you sell your
manufacturing capability and depend solely on outside Vendors.. Well..
Yes, There is ATARIWORKS and it comes with Thesuarus and SpellChecker and
powerfull spreadsheet and DataBase program ALL-IN-ONE!!
YES, all these Great features will ship with the Falcon030
The feeling I get... The Falcon is what it is! don't hope for better.. any
time soon!! by April 486-33 PC's will be CHEAPER at three times the speed
and Twice the graphic power!! 040 MACS for around $1700 to try and keep
pace with the Main-Frame in a BOX Windows based PC's... (don't think they
can).. I have already seen a DSP based sound card for UNDER $300 for the
PC.. and where will all the Software come from? Atari Germany is Way
Downsizing! Toys R US is canning the LYNX ( No revenue there ) the
Portfolio is OUT OF DATE.. The stock is 1.12!!! has been UNDER 2 for 1 1/2
years!!! I have lost $2700 by purchasing what I thought at one time was
UNDER VALUED at $2.50 share... ALL from a company that has manufactured a
GREAT product for YEARS but refuses to tell
anyone!!!... I GIVE UP....
Questions... Why is the Personal Media Falcon030 NOT at CES when MACS,
PC's and Amiga's are there showing THEIR MultiMedia Stuff? Is it because
there is NO CD/software for the Falcon030? ........ Is it because the
competition is showing 24bit graphics not 16bit? Is it because several PC
cards are now out with 16bit CD quality sound? (not DSP but STILL sounds
just like CD)... Is it because some of these systems are selling for LESS
with SVGA monitor than the Falcon030 similarly equipped (and have REAL
keyboards and Expansion slots.. with REAL 32 architecture?) hmmmm...
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 180 Sun Jan 10, 1993
D.ENGEL [Thunderbird] at 10:44 EST
Wayne:
A ferrite bead monitor cable is no big deal. The manufacturing cost of
such an item would probably run $3-$5 depending on the length and quality
of the connectors.
Whatever it acrually costs, it was worth the trouble to appeal the FCC
decision to make one mandatory.
I think that the q/a problems are really at fault for the delay. Mr.
Brodie sounded pretty honest. The trouble is that it will take a _lot_ of
honesty from atari to make up for all of the dishonesty in their past.
I've seen far _too many_ staunch atari supporters turn into "atari
bashers" in the past year... it is scary. I hope that the Tramiels are
_not_ being isolated from this phenomenon. They really should know that
some of their _best_ advertisers are now working for the clone world.
Put my vote in too for the 2-piece unit. Recent surveys indicated that
an overwelming majority of atari users preferred the 2-piece case. The
surveys even said that the users would pay extra for such a unit. I don't
see why the general public would prefer anything different than the
general atari users prefer, so let us hope that the one piece unit is
being dumped ASAP, and the penny pincher who decided the Falcon030 would
be in that case is _severely_ reprimanded.
_________________________
\hunderbird
'cause "Cheap didn't sell."
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 182 Sun Jan 10, 1993
REALM [Joey] at 19:48 EST
The only thing I didn't like about the conference was the fact
nothing is completely done yet? How could they possible have said in
August it would ship in October? They've still got software at this late
point and date going through it's 'final stages'. This stuff should have
been going through it's 'final stages' in August.
One other thing I didn't like was the fact that Atari Works would be
bundled with the Falcon when the software was finished. That it might
sell for $100 (Guestimate). What about the loyal users who run right out
and buy a Falcon only to have to buy Atari Works a month later for $100
more while other less die hard supporters get it free? If there going to
package it, then package it with all the Falcons even if it's just a
coupon to buy it for $10 shipping or something when it is released.
On the good side, I agree with everything else!:-) It's nice to see
them bundling so much software with the Falcon. I look forward to playing
with it any year now.:-) I also agree they should hold all this stuff and
ship it all together with working machines... no arguments. However they
shouldn't introduce systems that cannot possible be released on the given
date. That was a major malfunction that really placed the last straw on
the users back.
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 187 Sun Jan 10, 1993
C.LABELLE [Tintin] at 23:17 EST
Lyre,
I read your quotation of the conference in the transcript. My point is:
what software will REALLY be included when I go get my Falcon in "March" ?
Bob mentionned 8 programs; some are not finished at this time, other like
Works and SpeedoGDOS are rumored to be included when ready, etc. The
situation is confused, and MultiTOS is still being debugged, and NOT
included in German Falcons.
Tintin
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 190 Mon Jan 11, 1993
J.RICHTER [J.RICHTER] at 03:28 EST
Yeah,
Two piece units are INDUSTRY STANDARD from $499 clones to Amigas, to MACs
...
The single piece units are from yesterdays HOME COMPUTERS not todays
Falcon030's!!! Can you imagine.. John.. come-on over and look at my $2100
Multi-Media system(14meg+monitor)!!.. and he gets there and.. and ... You
mean they STILL make these things?.. Naaa.. I can't wait to here the Byte
review on this one.. Desk clutter anyone?... I have not read ONE revue
from England of US that likes this one-piece design!! This is the company
that Listens to it users?
Lou,
I love to get home to my Mega4 SEPARATE KEYBOARD.. and uncluttered desk!!!
but I do miss the RAW SPEED of my 486-33 C31 w/blitter equiped local bus
PC at work!! I can scan through 5 pages of WforW text FASTER than TEMPUS
can go through plain text!!! and thats at 800x600x256 colors
NON-INTERLACED .... 50mhz 040' Falcon, now thats the ticket..lets face it
20mips beats the HECK out of Falcon030 5mips any day, especially when the
cost is the SAME!!! A usable Falcon030 MUST have 14meg (4 just IS NOT
enough) and decent monitor is $400.. lets see.. 1200+500(mem)+400=$2100
for a ONE PIECE system.. hmmmmm 486-33/66 + 200meg + SVGA monitor /
Mini-Tower WITH VESA (32 bit graphics bus) + ISA slots, add $280 for
SoundBlaster 16bit CD quality audio ... these can be had for only $200
more!!.JUST look in the Sunday newpaper... I am sorry, the current
Falcon030 is just TOOOO far behind the SPEED curve... (Is this the
REAL reason the Falcon is late?)... I say this, cut the Falcon price to
UNDER $1000 for 14meg Hard Diskless (65meg is WORTHLESS anyway for digital
recording) and ramp up the '040-33... or RISK GOING OUTA BUSINESS!
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 191 Mon Jan 11, 1993
S.DANUSER [Soul Manager] at 03:41 EST
I found the conference to be both uplifting and disheartening. The
announcement that the Falcon won't be out until March is quite
discouraging, as it means that a lot of the sales made by Atari's best
salespeople (the users) will be lost to the clone market. The best part
of the conference was that Bill came out and was willing to officially
push the release date back to a reasonable time (he could have said
mid-February, after all).
As for believing Atari on this one, I do. I _really_ think they'd love to
have the machines widely available right now. Perhaps the delay will have
a good side: Atari Works, Speedo GDOS, and MultiTOS might all be ready
for packaging with US Falcons. Who knows, Atari might even have time to
put an ad campaign together...
Soul Manager
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 194 Mon Jan 11, 1993
DENNYA [Denny Atkin] at 12:09 EST
You guys could always buy Amiga 1200s at the $599 special (bundled with
DPaint IV AGA and Final Copy) to hold you over until the Falcon's
released, then turn around and easily sell them for $499 when the Falcon's
released if you still want one. For only $100 you'll have use of a newer
computer for two to two
hundred months (grin).
I just hope Atari hasn't Osborned itself--are _any_ machines still selling
in the U.S. with the Falcon hanging temptingly over the horizon?
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 196 Mon Jan 11, 1993
S.WINICK at 19:27 EST
Denny,
Yes, Atari products are still selling quite well, thank you. You have to
realize that the Falcon isn't for everyone. As Atari's new entry level
platform, the Falcon is indeed an awesome product. But the large majority
of my customer base requires a higher level of product. Both the MegaSTe
and TT030 offer a superior case and keyboard than the Falcon. Both offer
better internal cooling for heavy duty or long term usage. Both also
offer an internal VME expansion port and a standard 3.5" hard drive bay
offering a lot more flexibility than the Falcons 2.5" IDE drive bay. Both
also offer additional ports that are not available on the Falcon. And the
TT030 supports a 19" high res monitor out of the box (great for music
sequencing and scoring, desktop publishing, word processing, databases,
spreadsheets, and CADD, for example); plus features a standard built-in
math coprocessor, TT-RAM for additional speed, and a 32MHz 68030
processor.
You have to realize that Atari systems are used for more things than just
home video and games. The Falcon will be a nice addition to Atari's
lineup -- but it definitely will not be all things to all people, any more
than that Amiga 1200, which is also a fine entry level home product.
Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 200 Mon Jan 11, 1993
M.HEMBRUCH [Mattias] at 21:54 EST
Jonathan - if you pass on the 030 Falcon there may not be an 040..
So, I have to buy a machine I DON'T WANT in order to get one I DO??
RIGHT!! NOT!!
Well, I think the RTC finally put the doubts to rest.. If the new '040 Mac
is less than TWICE the price of a TT, I'm going to Mac.. My ST? Well, I'll
keep it around for my kids... "Ever seen an Atari, Billy??" "Gee, dad, I
thought they were just rumors??" "Well, son, not at first.. They really
did sell several models.. Then, they started selling rumors while secretly
taking over GEnie and making money off the messages debating their
rumors..."
Mattias
------------
Category 14, Topic 41
Message 197 Tue Jan 12, 1993
B.REHBOCK [BILL@ATARI] at 12:28 EST
Wayne, You are absolutely right about the fact that the best motivation
for a manufacturing facility is competition.
We have not committed to bundling Atari Works with Falcon030, but as Atari
Work's product manager, I'd naturally like to see it bundled :-)
All of the software that does come with Falcon _is_ pre-installed on the
harddisk, ready-to-run. Unlike the Macintosh Performa, we also include
back-up floppies of everything, too.
Steve Johnson - Thanks, it is good to be back :-) The show season (Atari
Messe, BCS, Comdex, etc. was a killer!)
Screenblaster is really great, and it is very TOS-compatible. I know the
guys at Overscan personally and they are a great bunch. They are looking
for a solid U.S. distributor, if anybody is interested. "Screen Blaster"
isn't T'Marked by Creative Labs in the U.S. yet :-)
We do intend to upgrade Atari Works as time goes on. Sam has already
agreed to letting me do a free (postage and handling) upgrade when we
finish the telecommunications module. It did originally have one, but it
was too weak in by opinion. I want to make sure it has X, Y, and Z-modem
so that it is fully useful.
If users think a language would be a useful thing to be bundled with
Falcon, please send me e-mail saying so. I need to persuade the marketing
people. :-)
-Bill @ Atari
------------
Category 14, Topic 41
Message 198 Tue Jan 12, 1993
K.HOUSER [Kevin MQ Def] at 13:36 EST
Bill,
Remember, "Sam has already agreed ... free ..." is now on record. :) I'd
like to see a language bundled (but not ST Basic :). I'll send GEmail on
that one.
Well, the Windoze terminal I'm typing at (from my '486DX/33) doesn't have
anything but Xmodem and ASCII text captures. :)
--Kevin
------------
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 12 Tue Jan 12, 1993
S.WINICK at 08:55 EST
J.BRENNER1,
The TT030's being shipped in this country have the following FCC
certification sticker attached:
THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES.
COMPLIANCE IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE
AND 2. THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE
RECEIVED INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT RESULTS IN
UNDESIRED OPERATION.
Similar wording is found on the SLM laser printers, TTM195 monitors and
other electronic equipment designed and approved for use in a business
environment.
Devices approved as Class B, such as the 1040STe and MegaSTe contain an
approval sticker with wording similar to the following:
CERTIFIED TO COMPLY WITH CLASS B LIMITS, PART
15 OF FCC RULES. SEE INSTRUCTIONS IF INTERFER-
ENCE TO RADIO RECEPTION IS SUSPECTED.
The above Class B certification should also be attached to the Falcon when
it begins shipping in this country.
Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
------------
EDITOR NOTE: The FCC ID# must also be prominently displayed within the
confines of the Official FCC Notice Label. Also, the SLM Laser printers,
804 & 605 do not have class B certification.
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 20 Wed Jan 13, 1993
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 03:02 EST
See Flat,
The TT is class B. I have one; it's class B.
Al
------------
Editor Note: According to our information, there never were _any_ TT030
units made and sold that were class B certified. Even though it was
finally certified Class B. Hmm ya never know..
Category 18, Topic 23
Message 35 Fri Jan 15, 1993
S.JOHNSON10 [Steve] at 01:21 EST
J.BUDIL - Sorry, I was thinking too quickly, too late at night! <grin>
When my brother bought a Mac IIsi last month, the revelation of moving
from his 9" monochrome screen to a 14" color screen was almost as
equivalent as me moving from using a TV as a monitor for my ST for about 3
years before finally getting a monitor (even though I can use that
experience as PROOF that ST's and Amiga's are QUITE usable without 'real'
computer monitors).
A.FASOLDT - I know there are Class B TT030's (I've seen the FCC
information on it), but apparently there aren't very many of them (i.e.
most of the new TT's still being sold are Class A), from what I've heard.
------------
From CIS Atari Fora
The Facon's late, late arrival is also the focus of discussion...
#: 79058 S17/Community Square
10-Jan-93 11:57:33
Sb: #78914-Falcon appears
Fm: LEXICOR Software 75300,763
To: Lloyd Pulley 72637,745
Lloyd. criticing ATARI is what makes it to the news! Maybe one of this
days we will all have Falcons. <grin> We do Agree that the Falcon is great
but Atari
just has to get them out the door. That will make someone happy.
It will make me happy!
Ringo
Read action !
#: 79109 S17/Community Square
11-Jan-93 07:18:18
Sb: #79034-Falcon appears
Fm: GST Software 71351,332
To: Tim Rule 100135,2013
Well Lexicor was wondering if the discontent here was from a small group
of owners whose opinions are not typical of Atari owners in general.
The people in the Atari conferences on CIX seem to have similar opinions
to the discontented ones on here *even in the closed developers confs* and
also some (if not all) of the Atari mags over here have been cynical or
damning about Atari in the last few months.
Tony
#: 36172 S13/Ask ATARI Corp.
13-Jan-93 02:40:05
Sb: #36126-ATARI STINKS!
Fm: Dominick J. Fontana 74766,2154
To: Stefan Daystrom@Barefoot 75300,3331
Stefan,
Atari did ship my order in plenty of time. The reason it didn't arrive
until 16 days later via Fed-Ex (on New Year's Eve) was someone at Atari
typed the wrong address on the shipping label. (It was a nonexistent
address so it never got delivered anywhere).
The problem was I kept calling Atari before Christmas to tell them the
package hadn't arrived and they never did one thing to follow up. I know
mistakes do happen, but the fact is Atari did make the typing mistake in
the first place. So even though occasional mistakes are unavoidable, the
one who makes the mistake should bear the brunt of that mistake. That is,
there's nothing that can be done now to make the package arrive in time
for Christmas. So I have already suffered and paid the price for Atari's
mistake because of a late delivery. But since it's Atari who made the
mistake shouldn't they have to suffer and pay the price too? It was their
mistake, not mine.
I was contacted by an Atari online rep. I felt the proper solution
would have been to offer me a free Lynx. Either refund the money on the
Lynx already purchased or give me another one for free. He wouldn't do it.
I realize you can't crucify a company for one mistake. However, they made
the mistake, they should forfeit the sale. Instead I was offered a
discount on future Lynx software. The problem is that forces me to buy
more of their products directly from them. They're getting more of my
money instead of actually giving me something for their mistake. Granted
they will make less of a profit, but they'll break even on the sale. In
other words, they won't really have paid for their mistake, as they would
have if they had affirmatively given me something. To top it off, my
nephews' birthdays aren't until April, so I wouldn't want to get them the
Lynx software until that time. Yet, I was basically told I had to order it
within a few weeks. Atari makes a mistake and then tells me that as
compensation, I'll have to order more Lynx software from them immediately,
albeit at a discount.
So besides the initial Atari mistake, they still had ample time to
rectify it before Christmas. Fed-Ex was tring to deliver the package since
12/19/92. Atari had my phone number but they didn't insert it on the
shipping label. Fed-Ex called Atari three times to get my phone number,
but they said Atari never answered the phone. Then Fed-Ex even looked in
the phone book to get the phone number, but it's not listed. Their hands
were tied. The Atari rep had the temerity to suggest to me that Fed-Ex
should have physically opened the package to get my phone number. Can you
believe how ludicrous that is? If I claimed something was missing from the
package, then Atari would have placed the blame on Fed-Ex for opening it.
So obviously, Fed-Ex would never open a package, and rightfully so. All
Atari had to do was call Fed-Ex after I called Atari to say the package
hadn't arrived. Then after Atari found out the address was incorrect a
simple call to me would have insured delivery by Christmas. A simple phone
call would have solved everything, and this Atari didn't do. So it's not
just that Atari made a mistake with the shipping address, but they also
refused to follow up my notifications that the package hadn't arrived,
with one simple phone call.
One of the Sysops here said he would forward my complaint to the Atari
PR firm and I still haven't heard from them. It appears that Atari isn't
concerned with customer satisfaction at all.
Dom Fontana
<-- Sent from New York via AutoPilot -->
#: 79337 S17/Community Square
15-Jan-93 15:26:58
Sb: #79279-Migraph
Fm: Tim Rule 100135,2013
To: John J. Amsler 70275,676
I didn't make it clear but CorelDraw! is for the PC not the ST.
Unfortuantely there are no such packages for the ST.
Your point on price is valid but I need a top specification drawing
package for my business and CorleDraw! fits the bill, at a very reasonable
$250, including CD. Of course you need a CD-ROM drive to use the CD but I
for one suspect that a large proportion of CD-ROM drive purcases at the
moment are in some way due to people wanting to access the Corel clipart
library. CorelDraw! 3.0 is more than just a good drawing package. It
also includes in the price a highly sophisticated autotracer, CorelTRACE
(like $200 Avant vector); a superb 24-bit colour graphing program,
CorelGRAPH; and a bitmap image processor, CorelPhotoPaint, capable of
dealing with up to 24-bit colour photograps, adding photographic effects,
filtering out unwanted "noise" on scans, and a whole range of
sophisticated tools (embossing, equalising etc). Also included are,
pantone colour, clipart directory, guides to creating artwork, huge online
help files, clipart librarian (CorelMOSAIC), animation (including 3D
rendering).
You could not accuse CorelDraw! 3.0 of anything but excellent value for
money. It has changed the face of computer graphics, bringing graphics
technologies to the non-professional which are easy to use and at an
exceptionally low cost for what they are. There is nothing like it on the
ST, but then I could go on about PC Windows software which is simply
inconcievable to most ST owners. Why isn't our stuff as good? If there
was a package better than CorelDraw!, Microsoft Word for Windows 2,
Microsoft Excel 4, Microsoft Access for Windows, then they would attract
the market to the ST. Or is the ST dead already?
TimR
From Delphi's Atari Area
46610 12-JAN 21:14 General Information
RE: Lynx ad! (Re: Msg 46582)
From: ABARBIERO To: CHRYSTAL
I certainly hope so. I personally believe, and this does not reflect any
official idea, that Atari did not think that the ST line could really
compete against the PC market, not that the machine was inferior, but
because the product was not what the market had been educated and was
prepared to accept. The monolithic presence of the PC world really weighs
upon the entire market. Why it got this way is history, why PC are
everywhere is moot, because it is history and hold nothing more than
lessons. But I belive the market is prepared for something new... any
product can be SO good that it is exactly what is needed, but if the
market is not ready for it, it will never sell. Atari is taking advance
of the decay starting in that monolith, and machines like the F030, wont
grow in the cracks, but break new ground. If this machine can be placed
in the market as a appliance... something that does not require daily
devotions to keep running, and runs by itself. Imagine having to work on
your TV to watch the Simpsons as much as some people work on AUTOEXEC.BAT!
I really think Atari fully believes that the F030, and the line of
computers following can find their own space... and not feed off everyone
else's ideas.
Andreas@AEO
46618 12-JAN 23:15 News & Reviews
Ditty From Jens Schulz.....
From: ATARIPOWER7 To: ALL
A little story about computer buying
Userloser : "Good morning, I search the new FALCON"
PC dealer : "Falcon ?? This is a computer store and not a wildlife
reserve !"
Userloser : "Orkkk, but the FALCON is a new fantastic computer"
PC dealer : "Sorry, but we don't sell noname PC's only Big Brother
systems"
Userloser : "But the FALCON has the unbelievable DSP-speed !"
PC dealer : "Every PC use the DSP (DOS Super Power)"
Userloser : "Hmmh, but the FALCON use a 68030 CPU"
PC dealer : "That's wrong, you've mixed the numerical order, a
typical error of a PC-newcomer.
Userloser : "Numerical order ??"
PC dealer : "Yes, 80386 is correct !" That's no fantastic computer,
because a brand new 486DX2 is the right stuff"
Userloser : "The FALCON is an ATARI computer and not a PC !"
PC dealer : "Aahh, the VCS 2600 system !"
Userloser : "Bloob, the FALCON is a new generation of multimedia
computers, not a video console !"
PC dealer : "Every PC is a low cost multimedia computer, here are the
extension cards for 2000$"
Userloser : "No bad card tricks, please !"
PC dealer : "But the normal PC sound is terrible !"
Userloser : "Grrh, what was your profession before PC dealer ?"
PC dealer : "Barber"
Userloser : "Barbariiaan, where is Jack the PC-Ripper ?"
PC dealer : "Unbelievable, this new FALCON obsession, but I only
need my C64 for my continuing education"
Poweruser : "Don't talk with segmented PC-brains as Motorola user !"
46468 10-JAN 17:01 General Information
RE: Atari Stock (Re: Msg 46435)
From: OCS To: ABARBIERO
- Gee, didn't mean to sound rude before, but I havent heard about
- anything you might have designed!
Just one word: DEKA!
Oliver@LateAtariJournal
46485 10-JAN 21:19 General Information
RE: Atari Stock (Re: Msg 46468)
From: ABARBIERO To: OCS
I write too many messages.... and Norm is such a distinctive name!
Sorry for any insults I may have unknowingly passed out! I deal with three
Norm's and I never made the connection with him... SORRY.
Andreas@AEO
46513 10-JAN 23:41 General Information
RE: Atari Stock (Re: Msg 46435)
From: NORMW To: ABARBIERO
I'm retired now (I retired in my mid-forties), but I was a Senior
Electronic Engineer designing dot-matrix printers. Our printers were
considered the greatest thing since sliced bread by Comsumer Reports (I
think they still use them in their testing labs) and were selected to be
the basis of "Tempest" high-security devices for government work.
On one of my first jobs, we used vacuum tube flip-flops (betcha you didn't
know they ever existed!), so I go back a ways. The only significant thing
I
designed for Atari's is DEKA, but that's mainly because the market is so
small it doesn't pay to put in the effort. I was working on a high-res
color board a year and a half ago, when we heard about Falcon (which was
supposed to be on the market a year ago), and it became moot.
Norm
46525 11-JAN 00:38 General Information
RE: Atari Stock (Re: Msg 46513)
From: ABARBIERO To: NORMW (NR)
Great! Now I know! I decided on the MSTe rather than getting a DEKA for
my ST, sorry, but the MSTe won out! It is tough to design something for
ANY computer market, never mind a small one like we have. The only way
devs are staying alive in the Atari market (as with the rest of the market
it seems) is by constantly producing new and interesting things, once a
product reaches saturation of the marketplace, new products are needed to
keep up the cash flow... this is what I keep telling Atari.
Well for some good news... MTOS should be done this month, and Atari may
be putting it out for free on the services... that's what Bob wants to do
anyway. SpeedoGDOS will cost, but not much. They have to pay for royalties
on the fonts, but making it available to the public is the highest
priority.
Maybe this week I will have some good new on this... I will be getting the
68000 version of MultiTOS to review on monday. I will let you all know.
Andreas@AEO
46484 10-JAN 21:18 General Information
RE: Atari Stock (Re: Msg 46466)
From: ABARBIERO To: OCS
I really miss the immense creativity caused by Apple, Atari, CBM, TI and
Tandy battling it out, really new software, and the excitement of
disk-drive technology!!! Too bad today you are stuck as an IBM, or you
are a rebel and own an Atari!!!
I prefer to be a rebel, rather than a lemming. Thats just me tho!!
Andreas@AEO
46510 10-JAN 23:20 General Information
RE: Lynx ad! (Re: Msg 46497)
From: SCARPAD To: LMCCLURE (NR)
Was it a surprise to anyone that the Falcon will not be released till
Spring ? Want another Prediction ? You'll be lucky to see it then. And
what about all those Falcon sent to magazines for Review ? How many of
those Mags will review a product that is not on the shelves? And think how
many Potential Falcon owners will sit and stare at thier new bright and
shiney spots for their Falcons, Spots that were Vacant since Christmas,
and Say Screw it, Let's put an A1200 or Clone or Mac there ? Truly Sad and
getting Sadder.
From the FNET...
Conf : Atari 16/32 Bit
Msg# : 2018/2028 Lines: Extended Read: 1
Sent : Jan 11, 1993 at 4:30 PM
To : Doug Hohenstein
From : Crackers at Fnet Node 619, *TRON II BBs Systems*
Subj : Re: <1977> People buy the computers that suit their needs.
Oh there's no doubt in my mind that Atari CAN take advantage of the
consumer market's "Lemmings Syndrome". They just don't seem to want to.
Infact, their entire business strategy seems to suggest they have no realy
desire to compete anymore in the computer business.
People working with M.S. DOS computers, or MAC computers always seem to be
well informed about what the other companies are up to, and what new
computers they have coming out even though they don't use that computer
system. 99% of those people that I've had contact with don't even know
Atari is releasing a new machine. Most of them didn't even know Atari
still made computers, and a large number of them don't even know what an
ST is. Except for one brief shinning moment in the mid 80's when Atari had
the most powerful personal computer on the market, very little has come
out of them, and they've had very little interest from the general public.
Infact, I'd be willing to say that if it wasn't for musicians taking
advantage of the machines inexpensive, midi power, the ST would have died
long ago, and Atari would now be non-exhistant.
I myself use an Atari ST professionally in my recording studio. I love the
machine, there's not a better midi system available for the price. My ST
has performed perfectly for almost 5 years now, never once giving me a
moment's trouble. I've never missed a project deadline due to computer
failure or any other reason. (I've never missed a deadline). The machine
is fantastic, and the Falcon has increadable potential...
I cannot stand the Atari Corporation, in particular, the Tramiels. They
have no clue as to what the current computer market is like. They have no
sound marketing stratagy. They are notorious for "Vapour-ware". And
they've done S.D.A. for the past five years and have allowed the company
to fall farther and farther behind. And the blame for this lies mostly on
the Tramiel's shoulders. Not one of the Tramiels know anything about
computer techknowledgey. Any innovative new system that Atari R & D has
come up with in the past five years has been either rejected, mismarketed,
or bastardized by the Tramiels. Everyone keeps talking about how the
Tramiels saved Atari in the early 80's, but things are different now. What
sold in the 80's won't sell in the 90's. And how could Atari help but do
well in the 80's when they had a machine better than anything else on the
market at the time. But if you stand still in the computer business it's
not long before everyone else passes you. Where do you think Commodore
would be now if they said, "Gee, our C-64 is the hottest thing on the
market. Now we'll never have to build another computer again." Only
someone who's been in a comma for the past 10 years would buy a whole C-64
system now adays. Not saying that the computer is useless, I've still got
my C-64 and use it almost daily as a Pitch to Midi data coverter, and
perhaps to play M.U.L.E.S. (I wish they had that game for the ST. It was
the greatest.) So it's not at all suprising that Atari has gotten
themselves into the mess they're in by sitting back on their duffs for the
last five years making alot of promisses, but producing very little
results. Every chance they've had to dominate a particular market over the
past five years has been ruined by marketing incompetence. For some reason
they seem to be the only company in the world that doesn't seem to
understand the importance of getting a product out on the market before
christmas. They could have buried Gameboy with Lynx if they had released
it in time for christmas when it first came out. Did they? No, the
delayed, Gameboy was out for christmas and left the Lynx behind in a cloud
of dust even though the machine is practically stone-age compaired to the
Lynx. Technology won't sell itself anymore, you have to know how to market
your product to get buyers. And we've seen absolutely no evidence of any
marketing from Atari yet.
Like I said though, I love their machines. And I hope they get their shirt
together so I'll be able to purchase a Falcon in the next couple of years.
And I'd like to think that my ST will continue to be a productive part of
my business for quite a few years to come. But at the moment, I see very
little confidence that Atari will be around much longer. It's an ugly
truth, and one I don't particularily want to happen, but I can't blind
myself into beliving otherwise. I just hope they can get their act
together. It would be nice if Atari could whipe those smug smirks off the
faces of all those MS-DOS and MAC users.
CRACKERS
(Love-hate relationships from hell!!!!!)
Conf : Atari 16/32 Bit
Msg# : 2040/2045 Lines: 17 Read: 1
Sent : Jan 13, 1993 at 3:52 PM
To : George Kotsopoulos
From : Edward Kovarski at Fnet Node 66, The Bre(/\)ery _ Ajax_Canada _
Subj : Re: <2032> FCC #
In reply to:
- Have you read the RTC transcripts form GEnie??
- It was stated by Sam Tramiel himself that developers would get the
- first batch of Falcons in around October, and they did. And, that the
- rest of us would get them in around January. Now that Atari's
- sub-contractor has fouled up, and has failed to meet Atari expectations
- in quaility control the Falcons will be delayed until March. A new
- contractor has been hired to double productivity.
Customers don't want excuses, they want products. Atari has always been
quick in blaming a third party for so called "accidental" hindrances and
it is becoming tiresome to listen to all the excuses. The fact remains
that Atari is responsible for shipping the product and they have not
managed to accomplish this yet, in order to satisfy customer demands.
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STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> A "Quotable Quote" "... REALLY??? ...."
"""""""""""""""""
"FALCONS TO SHIP BY MARCH'93"
..... The Hopeful Many
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> ABCO SPECIALS! STR InfoFile * 1992 HOLIDAY Prices! MORE Products! *
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STReport International Online Magazine
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STR Online! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" January 15, 1993
Since 1987 copyright (c) 1987-92 All Rights Reserved No.9.03
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Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
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