Ramblings From The Ridge
by D. Sage
    I am hot and tired. This has been a very hot June for Missouri. When the overnight low starts out at 80 you know it isn't going to get any better. This has also been one of my busiest Junes ever. Between a full-time consulting job, ADAM and Amstrad, I have been forced to build my own garage. I had a contractor, but he was behind schedule and my building permit was on the verge of expiring. That left me with little choice but to begin building a 24 x 60 garage with little prior experience on free standing structures. Well, it's not done yet, but it is getting there. The building inspectors were out last week and did not say anything about it not being finished, so I guess we're okay. Because of all of this ECN is running a little late again. I hope that you will bear with us, but it looks like deadlines will only be a general guide. ECN will get published, but you may not get an issue until well into the month that it would normally be due. We will try to get it out as quickly as possible, but there is only so much time.
    This brings me to another subject. I try very hard to answer all of the mail I receive from you as quickly as possible. Letters containing a self-addressed stamped envelope are always answered first. Letters with general questions, I try to cover in the newsletter, the rest gets answered when I can get to it. Sometimes all I can do is scribble a quick note (those of you who have received one, probably understand what I mean by scribble). If you really need an answer you must enclose a SASE or I cannot guarantee that I will be able to get back to you soon.
    We also make every effort to fill orders prompt­ly, but this is not always within our control. Recently while working on orders and renewals, I encountered a disk drive failure on my Zenith. This problem resulted in the destruction of active data files and a loss of a great deal of time, which I happen to have so much of. The files were easily restored using backups, but the most recent backups also turned out to be damaged. This required reentering previous information that should have been okay. In any event, most orders are filled within a week of their receipt and few take longer than two weeks. If your order was accompanied by questions, your answer will probably come separately. Also, different parts of your order may be shipped separately.
    Earlier I mentioned Amstrad. We are currently in the process of organizing the North American Amstrad User Support Group (NAAUSG). This organi­zation will be somewhat different from ECN, but in some ways will be similar. We will be selling the new Amstrad WPC 8256 and carrying supplies and software for it and the CPC 6128. Members of NAAUSG will be entitled to discounts where pos­sible. I have included some comments on the WPC 8256 in this issue and you should recognize that while I have tried to be impartial in discussing the product, it should not be considered to be an unbiased review. I am also including information on NAAUSG and our products and services. This does not imply in any way that we will be dumping the ADAM. The ADAM is still a good system and as long as you support us, we will continue to publish ECN and support ADAM owners.
    This brings me to some comments on some of the proported support for the ADAM. I have received some inquiries about products that have been alleged to be in existence for the ADAM. These include an Apple emulator and a Commodore emulator. Some products are available for the ADAM. These include an 80 column card, a variety of printer interfaces, and memory expanders. The Apple and Commodore emulators, however, would require the manufacturer to obtain a license from those companies or to spend a lot of time and money developing operating systems that don't violate these companies' copyrights yet still allow software to work properly. If these emulators exist at all they are probably the result of work by some hardware hackers, who have not bothered to get the rights to the operating systems. It is unlikely that these products would be of production quality and are unlikely to ever be available in any volume at a reasonable price. If I am wrong, I will be more than happy to review one of these products and to print full details on how they may be obtained. As far as I am concerned, if you want to run Commodore programs, then buy a Commo­dore, it's probably going to be a cheaper and more reliable solution. If you want to run Apple programs, buy one of the less expensive Apple clones.
    ADAM doesn't need emulators to be a good system. Many people use its word processor regularly and many others have found it to be a functional system with current software and its CP/M capabili­ties. If the ADAM doesn't meet your needs, then you are probably going to have to move up to another system. The advantages of expanding ADAM should be weighed carefully to determine if the end result will do what you want. We will not unrealistically sit here and wave the ADAM forever flag. As we have said before the ADAM has its shortcomings as well as its good points. With the decline in software sales that has recovered only slightly, there undoubtedly will be a decline in new products. If you want flight simulator or other sophisticated graphics software that is not available for the ADAM, then you are not likely to get it, no matter how long you wait. No one is going to produce more software if their last product sold less than 50 copies.
    I have been advised by Alpha-1 that they now have disk drives available.
    Someone inquired about the availablility of Power Print 2. I am assuming they were referring to MultiWrite which is now available. We were supposed to be supplied with a review copy but have not received one.
    Eve's 80 Column Card is now available. I have not seen one and do not have any plans to obtain one. If anyone has one of these, how about reviewing it.
    A British company has indicated that they will be releasing two Colecovision cartridges in the U.S. These are Skiing and Amazing Bumpman. They also will be making available Soccer and a number of previously released games. The company's U.S. address is Telegames USA, Box 901, Lancaster, TX 75146.
    Keith Burrows has informed me that the second edition of the ADAM RESOURCE has been delayed, but will be available soon.
    Many of our regular columns continue in this issue along with a few reviews. In addition Jim Guenzel has submitted some Basic programs which he has asked us to share. We hope that you will enjoy them.
    Our supply of back issues remains #1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. These are still three dollars each.
    Remember we only send out renewal notices once and that is after you have received your last issue. The number on the top right of your mailing label indicates the last issue of your subscription. We hope you will stick around with us, but if you don't, thanks for your past support. Return to Top

Industry Observations
by D. Sage
    Well another Consumer Electronics Show has come and passed. It used to be that the press couldn't wait for this event. Everyone wanted to run stories on the latest developments in the home electronic game and computer market. Now, the show hardly gets a mention. If it does the subject is generally the latest in audio or video technology. Computers and electronic games are generally ignored. After all, the home computer industry is dead so why bother to beat a dead horse.
    Unfortunately, some of the companies involved in the home computer market appear to be doing what they can to finish themselves off. Commodore appears to be little more than a ship adrift at sea. They can't seem to figure out where to go. This spring they announced that their PC compat­ibles would be available for U.S. distribution and would be shown at CES. Later they decided that only one model of the PC compatible would be shown. Just before CES they decided not to show any PC compatibles, but instead brought out the Commodore 64C. Another earthshaking development from Commodore. Commodore also seemed to have some difficulty deciding whether or not to show at CES at all. Originally they had obtained CES space. Later they decided to show their wares away from CES at another site. At the last minute, they reclaimed their CES space.
    What is the 64C? Well its a more expensive Commodore 64 with bundled software. It's priced around what the 128 is selling for. Now isn't that exciting.
    In the meantime, some analysts have indicated that they feel Commodore would like to drop the Amiga, but can't. The reason is that their lenders feel that the Amiga is the company's only long term hope for solvency. Commodore dropped the price of the Amiga by $500 and it began selling more briskly. Sales were so good they raised the price back up and sales declined. Can't follow this logic. Who can?
    In spite of the negative attitude held by many concerning the home computer market, recent market surveys indicate that a market does exist and that the price break is somewhere under $800 for a complete system. A complete system is the comput­er, at least one disk drive, a monitor, and a printer. As the price of such a system declines towards $600, the demand goes up. When ADAM came out it was selling for $599 and a color monitor could be purchased for as low as $250.
    Following this logic, Amstrad has introduced their WPC8256 and 8512 systems that come with the computer, monochrome monitor, one disk drive and a letter-quality dot matrix printer, all with a suggested retail price of $799 (see later in this issue for more info). They are obviously paying attention to the research on the home market.
    Meanwhile, Nintendo is moving towards nationwide distribution of their game system. Based on early success in the east, the product is now available essentially nationwide.
    The Intellivision system's rejuvenation has also been somewhat successful and they are planning the introduction of some new games. Atari has finally begun selling their 7800. It is reported to be available at Toys R Us for $79 and includes Pole Position II. Cartridges are priced at $9.97 each.
    Remember if you here of any interesting news, pass it on and we will share it with everyone. Return to Top

Beginning Basic
by D. Sage
    In the last issue I covered the Basic commands: PR#1, PR#0, CATALOG, LIST, RUN and LOAD. These commands allowed you to load and run programs and list the catalog and program contents and print them.
    This time we will cover writing a short Basic program. You will learn a little about the structure Basic needs and some of the other commands that are available.
    SmartBasic requires that you start each line with a number. The numbers are important because they determine the order of execution of the statements. The numbers also allow you to make corrections and changes in your program. After the line number you should leave a space before any commands or statements. Let's use the REM statement. This is a non-executing statement that allows you to include notes in your program. When Basic encounters a REM statement it does nothing but go on to the next statement. Let's try it. Load SmartBasic and type in the following line on your ADAM:

10 REM This does nothing!!

20 PRINT "      IT WORKS      "

15 PR#1
30 PR#0

40 END

Telecommunications
by Joe Blenkle
    In this month's column I thought I'd take the opportunity to review some of the telecommunica­tions software available for Adam. While the list isn't exactly growing by leaps and bounds, there are still several worthwhile packages out there.
    To date, the best telecommunications software comes in the CP/M format, I have had experience using four of these: ASCOM, MADAM 7 (modem 7), MEX and MITE.
    I would have to rate MADAM 7 and MEX the best for all around use. They both have very similar command structures, both allow the use of a phone directory and both allow XMODEM transfers as well as text and ASCII transfers.
    Both MADAM 7 and MEX have been configured for use with ADAM's internal modem. In my opinion, MADAM 7 is the easier of the two to use. The ADAM version of MEX, ADAMex, has a few quirks in it that make it a little less desirable, but it has some advantages in its ADAM configuration that make up for this -- full use of ADAM's SmartKeys to make its many functions and changeable parameters easier to manage. It's only annoying quirk is that it locks up if you fail to hang up via a ESCAPE-N before the other computer hangs up on you.
    The only other disadvatage with these programs is their 80-column display format. If used with a screen chop program (the fully configured MEX program has one built in), this becomes manageable. If not, it can be very frustrating trying to read text scrolling all over the place.
    ADAM's own ADAMLink I & II are, of course, configured for use with ADAM. For anyone still stuck with ADAMLink I, as you well know, it's not possible to do anything other than call up BBS' and read messages. ADAMLink II, however, features an ASCII up/download feature so you can at least send and receive some files. It can't handle binary files though (this is where XMODEM transfers come in).
    I have heard very strong rumors that an ADAMLink III exists somewhere out in the ADAM never-never land. It is said to feature a phone directory and the ability to do XMODEM type transfers. Whether this will ever actually surface, I don't know, but it's entirely possible considering the amount of other software that has found its way out of Coleco.
    ASCOM and MITE come last on my list of choices for ADAM telecommunication software. Despite being jam packed full of special features, their very nature makes them difficult to use. My ASCOM manual looks more like a small telephone book. I have not yet even begun to explore all the features of it.
    Both MITE and ASCOM are CP/M programs. Again, the same old problem of 80-column programs on a 30-column screen comes into play here. Both are very expensive as well and for the general user they offer no advantage over either MADAM 7 or MEX which are public domain and a lot easier to use.
    On a different side of the telecommunications front, several BBS programs are beginning to surface. Alan Neeley who created a fine BASIC BBS has done some more work on it and now has more message and password space. It's also possible to build an auto-answer device for his BBS which truly makes it a functional program. He's still expect­ing to add more features to it in coming months and has promised to keep me up to da'te on his progress.
    I've also heard of several other BBS programs that have been or are being developed in both BASIC and CP/M formats. Hopefully I will be able to obtain copies of these for review in the future.
    For anyone interested in obtaining a copy of MEX or BBS Version 1.3, I have them on disk for $5 each (DDP $10 or $7.50 each for both). I also have a variety of other programs available including BASIC UTILITIES & DEMOS, GAMES, MORE BASIC I, MORE BASIC II, LOGO PROGRAMS and CP/M PROGRAMS. All are available on disk or DDP for the above stated price. I'm always adding new things so send for a list to: Joe Blenkle, P. 0. Box 41746, Sacramento, CA 955841.
    If anyone is developing any kind of telecommuni­cations programs, I would appreciate receiving copies for review. Please send them to the address above.
    NOTE: It has come to my attention recently that several ADAMites have tried to reach me by phone. I appreciate the interest in my column, but the J. Blenkle listed in the Sacramento phone book and by directory assistance is not me! If you have any questions or comments, please write. I will be more than happy to answer your letters. Return to Top

TO POLY :SIZE :SIDES
PD (pendown)
HT (hide turtle, not necessary)
REPEAT :SIDES [FD :SIZE RT 360/ :SIDES] (draws the shape)
END

REPEAT 72 [POLY 40 6 RT 5]

PD
SETPC :C (sets the pencolor of the current turtle to :C)
HT
REPEAT :SIDES [FD :SIZE RT 360/ :SIDES]
IF :F=1 [PU SETH 45 FD 2 PD FILL]
(if :F=1 then the turtle will move away from the shape
and towards the center and fill it in)
END

TO INSPI :SIZE :ANGLE
FD :SIZE
RT :ANGLE
INSPI :SIZE (:ANGLE+10)
END

TO POLYSPI :SIZE :ANGLE
FD :SIZE
RT :ANGLE
POLYSPI ( :SIZE+1) :ANGLE
END

Glitches, Bugs, Errata, Etc.
 In our last issue, I listed the wrong address for John Bonavita in the Bulletin Board. His address should have been: P.O. Box 320, St. Bonaventure, NY 14778.
 Roger Fraser wants to know if anybody knows how to load a second program into a program while it is running and not lose the first program. This would be helpful for loading subroutines into a main program.
 Philip Cassady indicates that he has had various problems with data packs, including the inability to read files. He found that by cleaning the tapes, the problem usually went away. He does this by carefully lifting the tape away from the white pad. He uses Radio Shack Head Cleaner to clean the pad. I would recommend that you not get cleaner on the tape itself and allow the pad to dry before using the tape.
 Owen McNulty sends in the following about the 2010: Text Game. The game that was saved on his data pack is actually in the last stages of the game. All one has to do is press the "use equip­ment" key, press the key to start the generator, press the "use equipment" key again, then press the key to activate the engines. A congratulatory message then comes on the screen followed by the colorful launch of the Discovery and picture of I0, and finally some nice music. Remember to be sure and load the data pack in drive 1. For some reason when the pack is in drive 2 and one tries to retrieve the saved game a chorus of "Here we go into the wild blue yonder" is heard and then the game is ended by a return to the electronic typewriter mode.
 Ann Pratt is seeking help with Apshai game. She wants to know how to use wand and cross and other level 6, 7, 8 spells and weapons. HELP! Return to Top

Bulletin Board
 WANTED: Tim Ferdinand, 917 S. Conkling St., Baltimore, MD 21224, is looking for an ADAM Technical Manual and books on the ADAM.
 FOR SALE: Mint ADAM DDP software with all instruc­tions, price includes postage: SmartLetters & Forms, Electronic Flashcard Maker, and SmartBASIC Bonanza - $15 each. Flashfacts: Flashbacks, Vocabulater, and Trivia - $7 each. Bounty Hunter - $10. Cartridges: Omega Race, Pepper II and Zaxxon - $5 each. Book: The programming Guide to the Z80 Chip - $7. Contact Kyle Alons, RR 1, Box 17, Boyden, IA 51234.
 WANTED: Tournament Tennis Cartridge - Contact: Joseph E. Peppers, 4109 - 1st St., Des Moines, IA 50313.
 FOR SALE: Complete ADAM computer system (1 yr old), dual data drives, dual disk drives and more (too numerous to list) - contact: Tom Lewis, 2216 No. College Ave., Bethany, OK 73008. Include SASE for fast service.
 WANTED: Spy Hunter cartridge. Will buy or trade all of the following (Dragon's Lair, Family Feud, 2010, Tapper, Tarzan) for one Spy Hunter. Contact - Randall V. Adams, 4757 #B Sunny Palm Crl., West Palm Beach, FL 33415, ph. after 6:30 pm EST - 305/ 689-1085.
 FOR SALE: Nintendo Game System, includes 4 carts (Excitebike, Gyromite, Duck Hunt, Hogan's Alley). Also includes robot, light gun and all accessories. Excellent condition - $180 or best offer. Dragon's Lair DDP - $10; CARTS: $10 - Beamrider, Destruc­tor, Oil's Well, River Raid, Dr. Seuss. Contact Lee Smith, Box 159, Terre Hill, PA 17581.
 WANTED: Expansion module #1 for Atari cartridges. Contact T. G. Gray, 2236 Epworth Street, Victoria, BC, Canada VSR 5L1.
 FOR SALE: Original cartridges, data packs and disks for Colecovision or ADAM. Like NEW, in the box with instructions. Send SASE for list and prices to Stanley M. Siembor, 378 Sunningdale Drive, Inster, MI 48141.
 WANTED: New or used disk drive for the ADAM. Also baseball and other sports games in Basic. Contact: Hugh Farmer, 10204 S. Dinah Cir., Covington, GA 30209, ph. 404/786-9238.
 FOR SALE: Unopened Super Action Football for $11.75. Send check or money order to Scott Gordon, 12503 Kingslake Dr., Reston, VA 22091.
 FOR SALE: I have the following public domain programs for sale for ADAM: ADAMex (telecommunica­tions), BASIC games (dbl sided disk), More BASIC #1, More BASIC #2, Logo Programs, CP/M Programs/U­tilities. $5 per disk, $10 per ddp (2 or more ddp's $7.50 each). Check or Money Order in US funds to Joe Blenkle, P.O. Box 41746, Sacramento, CA 95841. Drop me a line and I'll send you a list; more program disks/ddps are in the works. Return to Top

Product Review: Amstrad WPC8256 Computer
by D. Sage
Product: Computer system
Manufacturer: Amstrad
Warranty: 1 year
Price: suggested retail $799
    As I indicated earlier, I will try to be objec­tive in discussing this product. Nevertheless, you should read this review with the understanding that I am not a disinterested party, since I am selling this product. I will say that I would not consider selling the product unless I felt that it was a quality machine.
    Amstrad describes the WPC8256 as "a complete word processor for a completely unbelievable price." Essentially it is a 256K RAM, Z80 computer, with one disk drive, a monochrome green monitor (with a 90 by 32 character display), a letter quality dot-matrix printer, and software. The software includes Locascript (word processing software), DR LOGO, CPM Plus, and Mallard Locomotive Basic.
    The disk drive uses three inch disks (the same as the CPC6128). For all practical purposes this system is fully compatible with the earlier Amstrad computers. The advertising stresses the word processing function of this system and the keyboard includes a number of special keys that work with Locascript. The fact that this is a full-fledged computer is played down in the advertising. I really don't understand this since the system comes with both LOGO and Basic. Even though these languages are included, the manual only includes sparse references to Basic and its presentation of LOGO is relatively brief. A separate Basic manual is available. I would guess that it is similar to the one that accompanies the 6128 since the languages appear to be the same.
    The word processor is easy to start using, but includes a wide range of features. The various features can be implemented by selecting options from "pull-down menus" or entered by keyboard command. The printer is excellent and has a variety of features that can be selected. In draft mode it prints at 90 cps, but prints at 20 cps in letter quality.
    The monitor produces crisp letters and the color is quite pleasing. Persons who do a lot of writing will appreciate the 90 X 32 display. Set up is easy. From box to running Locascript took less than 15 minutes. The instructions are clear and include a small manual for first time use. The larger manual is easy to read and includes a number of examples. The greatest shortcoming is the sparse discussion of CPM Plus, Basic and LOGO. Additional manuals or books would be required to explore these more fully.
    A detailed Basic reference manual is available along with printer interfaces (if you wish to use a different printer), and Supercalc II (an elec­tronic spreadsheet). Additional software will be available in the future. Borland International has already indicated that many of its products (i.e. Turbo Pascal, etc.) are being made available for this system in Europe and I anticipate they will be available in the U.S. shortly.
    As you probably can tell, I like this system. In reality it is a souped up version of the 6128. I don't like the absence of the Basic manual and really think Amstrad should have included it. Especially since this is one of the most powerful versions of Basic available on a home computer. Nevertheless, this is a good system. If you are a writer or a student, you really ought to look it over. Return to Top

Product Review: Quickcopy 1.1
by Dan Grelinger
Product: Software copier
Manufacturer: G.J.M.G. Enterprises/Orphanware
Media: Disk
Warranty: 6 months
Price: $12.00 + $1.50 shipping
Rating: 9
    This software copying program is written in machine language and takes up 10K on the disk. Loading time is quick, at less than 7 seconds.
    Quickopy allows copying in two different formats between any of the digital or disk drives. Block copy allows the user to copy any string of blocks from one drive to any location on the same drive or another drive. File copy allows the selective copying of any files in the tape or disk directory (including deleted files) to any other drive. This will copy any commercial programs that have entries in the directory (SmartFiler, AdamCalc.etc.) to any other drive. File copy mode will also display all file entries and attributes in the directory, deleted or otherwise.
    Perhaps the nicest feature of Quickopy is the large memory buffer used. The program uses a 40K buffer to copy programs. If a 64K memory buffer is installed, a 104K buffer is used. With a 104K buffer, a full data pack can be copied in two extra tape swaps, or a disk in one extra swap. Copying occurs rather rapidly. A block copy of all blocks (160) from one disk to another takes less than 2 and 1/2 minutes with two drives and the 64K expander. To copy 256 blocks between data packs takes less than 14 minutes with two drives. If using one drive the copy takes only slightly longer.
    Overall, this is a very nice program with many nice features, all contributing to a professional product. In experimenting with Quickopy, I only noticed one small problem. When copying data base files created by Address Book Filer using the file copy mode, the whole file was not copied. It appears that Quickopy only copies the blocks in a file that are shown, in the directory, as being used. Whereas, this is nice when backing up basic or SmartWriter files, it doesn't work with data-base files. This is easily circumvented by using block copy mode.
    If you need to back up your software purchases, this product works very well, and the price is nice too! Return to Top

Product Review: Entertainment Pack 1
by D. Sage
Product: Game software
Manufacturer: Reedy Software, 10085 60th Street, SE, Alto, MI 49302
Media: Disk/Data Pack
Warranty: 90 days
Price: $21.95 data pack/$19.95 disk (review copy supplied by manufacturer)
    This package of software contains three very well executed games: Connect 4, Blockade (like breakout), and slide puzzle. The software is auto-loading and menu driven. Each of the games loads quite quickly from disk. All games use graphics and sound to their advantage which makes them relatively enjoyable.
    Connect 4 or Join 4 is the old standard game that is played by slipping rings over pegs. The object is to keep your opponent from lining up four rings while you try to get yours lined up. In a sense it is an elaborate version of tic-tac-toe. You can play the computer or someone else.
    Blockade is played pretty much like breakout and uses the joystick to maneuver your paddle.
    Slide Puzzle is like the old hand held non-elec­tronic games where you tried to move numbers or letters until they were in the correct order. Of course, you can only move one square at a time, so you have to use some strategy in order to get the right pieces to the right places. This game is played with the joystick and is quite enjoyable.
    After trying this out, I found my favorites to be Connect 4 and Slide Puzzle. The execution of these two games is excellent. While the game concepts are those of some old standbys, Reedy Software has taken them and created two very well executed computer translations. If you like playing these kinds of games, give them a try. The software is available directly from the manufacturer. Return to Top

 
5    REM    :ADDRESS LABEL PRINTER    AJ GUENZEL / SEPT 1984
10   HOME: CLEAR: DIM nl(35), a$(6): q=1
20   PRINT "NAME:": INPUT a$(q)
25   GOSUB 600
40   PRINT: PRINT "STREET NUMBER AND NAME:": INPUT a$(2)
45   GOSUB 600
60   PRINT: PRINT "APARTMENT OR SUITE  IF NONE: ": INPUT a$(3)
62   IF a$(3) <> "" THEN  a$(3) = "NUMBER: "+a$(3): sp = 1
65   GOSUB 600
80   PRINT: PRINT "CITY": INPUT a$(4)
85   GOSUB 600
100  PRINT: PRINT "STATE": INPUT a$(5)
105  GOSUB 600
120  PRINT: PRINT "ZIP CODE": INPUT a$(6)
125  GOSUB 600
140  a$(4) =a$(4)+", "+a$(5)
142  q = 4: GOSUB 600
145  a$(5) = ""
150  HOME: FOR q = 1 TO 6
160  IF  a$(q) = "" THEN NEXT q
170  PRINT a$(q): NEXT q
180  PRINT: PRINT "IS THIS CORRECT 'Y' or 'N'?": GET key$
182  IF key$ = "Y" OR key$ = "y" OR  key$ = "N" OR key$ = "n" THEN 185
183  PRINT CHR$(7)+CHR$(7): GOTO 180
185  IF key$ = "n" OR key$ ="N" THEN 10
200  PRINT: INPUT "HOW MANY LABELS SHOULD I PRINT (MULTIPLES OF 3, MAX  33)"; nl
210  INVERSE: PRINT " CHECK LABELS IN PRINTER!! ": NORMAL
220  PRINT: PRINT "PRESS  TO PRINT OR  TO END": GET key$
225  IF key$ = CHR$(27) THEN HOME: PRINT "PROGRAM STOPPED": END
230  IF key$ = CHR$(149) OR key$ = CHR$(157) THEN 240
235  PRINT CHR$(7)+CHR$(7): GOTO 210
240  GOSUB 300
242  HOME
245  PRINT "TO PRINT MORE OF THE SAME LABEL PRESS , TO END PRESS ": GET key$
250  IF key$ = CHR$(27) THEN HOME: END
255  IF key$ = CHR$(149) OR key$ = CHR$(157) THEN 200
260  PRINT CHR$(7)+CHR$(7): GOTO 245
299  STOP
300  REM  *PRINT SUB ROUT*
305  PRINT: PR #1
320  FOR i = 0 TO nl STEP 3
340  FOR q = 1 TO 6
350  IF a$(q) = "" THEN NEXT q
360  PRINT TAB(1); a$(q); :PRINT TAB(29); a$(q); : PRINT TAB(25); a$(q)
380  NEXT q
400  IF sp = 0 THEN PRINT: PRINT
410  IF sp = 1 THEN PRINT
420  NEXT i
430  PR #0
450  RETURN
600  REM * check for too long entry *
620  IF LEN(a$(q)) < 26 THEN  q = q+1: GOTO 640
625  PRINT a$(q)+" LONGER THAN 25 SPACES!"
627  IF q = 4 THEN 80
630  INPUT "REENTER "; a$(q): GOTO 600
640  RETURN

 
200  REM *next period predictor
202  HOME
205  PRINT "FORCASTER PROGRAM WILL HELP IN PROJECTING THE SALES FOR THE"
207  PRINT "NEXT PERIOD BASED ON A FORMULA THAT FINDS THE BEST LINE FOR"
210  PRINT "TWO OR MORE POINTS."
212  PRINT: PRINT "PRESS ANY KEY TO START": \\get key$
215  HOME: CLEAR
217  PRINT "ENTER SALES AMOUNTS FOR UP TO THE LAST 12 PERIODS STARTING WITH THE OLDEST."
219  PRINT  "IF LESS THAN 12 PERIODS THEN ENTER '0' WHEN DONE:"
270  DIM b(25), g$(50), m(25), P$(12), p(l2), x(25), y(25)
275  DIM q(25)
280  REM   *init*
315  FOR i = 2 TO 12
320  READ p$(i)
325  NEXT i
330  DATA 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0,1,A
340  n = 1: nn = 12
345  i = n
347  x(i) = i
350  PRINT  nn;
355  INPUT ". AMOUNT="; y(i)
360  IF n = 12 THEN 375
362  IF y(i) = 0 THEN n = n-1: GOTO 375
365  n = n + 1: nn = nn-1
372  GOTO 345
375  x(n+1) = n+1
385  REM  *BEST FIT*
390  FOR f = n TO 2 STEP -1
395  s1 = 0
400  s2 = 0
405  FOR i = (n-f+1) TO n
410  s1 = s1+x(i)
415  s2 = s2+y(i)
420  NEXT i
430  x = s1/f
435  y = s2/f
445  s3 = 0
450  s4 = 0
455  FOR i = (n-f+1) TO n
460  s3 = s3+(y(i)-y)*(x(i)-x)
465  s4 = s4+(x(i)-x)*(x(i)-x)
470  NEXT i
480  m(f) = s3/s4
485  b(f) = y-m(f)*x
490  p(f) = m(f)*x(n+1)+b(f)
495  NEXT f
500  PRINT: REM *PLOT THE GRAPH*
501  HOME
505  PRINT "FOR A COPY PRESS THE PRINT KEY"
506  PRINT "PRESS ANY KEY FOR NO COPY": GET key$
507  HOME
508  IF key$ = CHR$(149) OR key$ = CHR$(157) THEN pf = 1: PR #1
518  f9 = n
520  PRINT "WITH A BASIS OF "; f9; " PERIODS, THE BEST FIT IS Y ="; m(f9)
525  PRINT "X+"; b(f9)
530  PRINT
568  PRINT "     ";
570  PRINT "0   20    40    60    80    100%"
578  PRINT "     ";
580  PRINT "+---+----+----+----+----+Y"
600  REM *X\Y  PLOT*
610  y8 = y(l): y9 = y(1)
620  FOR i8 = 2 TO n
630  IF y(i8) < y8 THEN y8 = y(i8)
640  IF y(i8) > y9 THEN y9 = y(i8)
650  NEXT i8
660  d8 = y9-y8
670  IF d8 = 0 THEN d8 = 1
680  FOR i8 = 1 TO n
690  k8 = INT(l+(y(i8)-y8)/d8*25+.5)
700  PRINT x(i8); TAB(4+k8); "* "; y(i8)
710  NEXT i8
715  IF pf = 1 THEN 725
720  PRINT "PRESS ANY KEY TO SEE FORCAST": GET key$
725  PRINT
760  REM  *table of forcasts*
765  PRINT "PERIODS  FORCAST  CHARACTER"
770  FOR f = 12 TO 2 STEP -1
775  PRINT f; TAB(10); INT(p(f)+.5); TAB(23); p$(f)
780  NEXT f
800  PR #0: pf = 0
810  PRINT "TO RUN AGAIN PRESS CLEAR KEY"; : GET key$
820  IF key$ = CHR$(158) OR key$ = CHR$(150) THEN 215
830  TEXT: END

NORTH AMERICAN AMSTRAD USER SUPPORT GROUP     The North American Amstrad User Support Group (NAAUSG) has been established to provide support to owners of Amstrad computers on this continent. The NAAUSG will provide a variety of services to its members which will include discounts on various products, news and reviews of software and hardware, a public domain software library, assistance in the establishment of local user groups, and other services. Interested persons should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to NAAUSG c/o Sage Enterprises, Rt. 2, Box 211, Russellville, MO 65074, for more information. NOW AVAILABLE from SAGE ENTERPRISES AMSTRAD COMPUTERS AND PRODUCTS     The following products are now available from Sage Enterprises:     The Amstrad PCW8256 complete word processor and computer for the low introductory price of $659.95 plus $15 shipping/handling (continental U.S. only). Price includes a free one year membership in NAAUSG.     CF2 diskettes - (twin pack) $14.95 plus $2 shipping/handling.     PCW8256 Printer Ribbon - $11.95 plus $2.50 shipping/handling.     Super Calc II spreadsheet software for the PCW8256 or the CPC6128 - $89.95 plus $2.50 shipping/handling.     All of these products can now be ordered from Sage Enterprises, Send a check/money order for the correct amount to Sage Enterprises, Rt, 2, Box 211, Russellville, MO 65074, Allow 2 to 4 weeks for delivery, Personal checks must clear before orders will be shipped, We plan on offering Mastercard & Visa service by mail or phone soon, Call us at 314/782-3448 for availability of charge service, There will be a 4 1/2 percent surcharge on all charge card orders.     NOTE: This ad was written and printed on an Amstrad PCW8256, See following page for more details on this remarkable system.

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AMSTRAD Word Processor
Specifications A completely self-contained word processing system including monitor, disk drive, keyboard, printer and custom software. Monitor High-resolution screen. Green phosphor characters against a black background. Live display area: 90 columns x 32 lines of text. Disk Integral "flip over" 3-inch disk offering 180K bytes of formatted storage space per side. One blank disk is included.	Printer Dot matrix  provides correspondence quality perfor- ance at 20 characters per second (cps) and drafte quality at 90 cps. Features 53 built in typestyles, including italics, boldface, underline, superscript, subscript, plus a choice of pitch settings. Aligns single sheets of paper automatically; also has a tractor feed for continuous forms. Printer has its own custom microprocessor.. Keyboard 82 keys, including several special function keys for LocaScript, the word processing software included with the system. The keyboard is controlled by its own built-in microprocessor. Alternate character sets provide scientific notation and foreign language capabilities.	CPU and RAM Controlled by Z80A Central Processing Unit (CPU) with 256K bytes of Random Access Memory (RAM). Provides sufficient internal memory to store up to 140 pages of text. Operating System 8-bit CP/M Plus System with GSX graphics enhancement. Documentation "AMSTRAD Start-up Guide" and a comprehensive reference manual. Options * Mallard BASIC reference manual * RS/232 Serial and Centronics Parallel Interface *Supercalc II - electronic spreadsheet program AMSTRAD - This system is more than a word processor. It is a full function Z80 computer running CP/M Plus and includes the LOGO and BASIC languages.
This system is a bargain at the regular list price of $799, but is an even better buy at $659.95 from Sage Enterprises, RT. 2 Box 211, Russellville, MO 65704