[HEA] _____________________ ___ _ |___ ______________| | | | | | | _ | | | | | || | | | | | | || | | | | | | || | | | ____ _ _ _ _ ______ | | | || | | | / __ \ | | / \_/ \ | ___ \ | | | || |__ ____ | | / / \ | | /\ /\ \ | | \ \ | | | || _ \ | _ \ | | \ \__/ | | | |_|| | | |__/ / | | | || | | || |_|| | | \___/|_| |_| |_| | ____/ |_| | || | | || |__ | |____________________ | | _ |__||_| |_|\____/ |________________________| | | |_| | | Lighting Your Apple II Path On Delphi | | |_| >>> WELCOME TO THE LAMP! <<< ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THINKING KFEST: The KFest Mailing List SIZZLING SHAREWARE: Unzip IIe THE VIRTUAL ][: The BernieBook--Macintosh Portables Go To The Dogs AND THE BEST OF THE A2 AND A2PRO MESSAGE BOARDS "Teaching the Apple II user how to fish since 1998" :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: The Lamp! An Onipa'a Software Production Vol. 1, No. 5 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Publisher & Editor.......................Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W. Internet Email........................................thelamp@delphi.com :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: TABLE OF CONTENTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ May 15, 1998 OPENING PITCH Dream Team ][ -------------------------------------------------- [OPN] A FUNNY THING HAPPENED [FOR] The Heat Is On ------------------------------------------------- [HET] Miscellanea [MSC] Rumor Mill ----------------------------------------------------- [RMR] Public Postings [PUB] Best Of The Best ----------------------------------------------- [BOB] A2Pro_DUCTIVITY Checking out A2PRO on Delphi ----------------------------------- [A2P] THINKING KFEST The KFest Mailing List ----------------------------------------- [KFE] SIZZLING SHAREWARE Unzip IIe ------------------------------------------------------ [SIZ] THE VIRTUAL ][ The BernieBook--Macintosh Portables Go To The Dogs ------------- [TVT] EXTRA INNINGS About The Lamp! ------------------------------------------------ [INN] [*] [*] [*] READING THE LAMP! The index system used by The Lamp! is designed to make """"""""""""""""" your reading easier. To use this system, load this issue into any word processor or text editor. In the index you will find something like: EXTRA INNINGS About The Lamp! ------------------------------------------------ [INN] To read this article, simply use your search or find command to locate [INN]. There is a similar tag at the end of each article: [EOA]. :: DISCUSSED ON DELPHI :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: : : : Windoze 98 has finally caught up. They're now : : where the IIgs was 10 years ago. : : : : At the blue screen. : : : :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: GUDATH ::::::: [EOA] [OPN]------------------------------ OPENING PITCH | ----------------------------------- From The Editor """"""""""""""" by Ryan M. Suenaga, B.A., M.S.W., L.S.W. [thelamp@delphi.com] DREAM TEAM ][ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One of the benefits of the online world is it makes friends in other parts of the real world closer than ever. In this way, Apple II enthusiasts from all over the globe gather to make our computer a better platform, and our computing world a better place. On any given day from my office or my home or even the public library a mile from my house, I have virtual conversations and mail with Apple II enthusiasts in Canada, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, San Francisco, Arizona, New York, New Jersey, Nebraska, Chicago, Michigan, Texas, Kansas, San Diego, Los Angeles, and nearly everywhere in between. The common experience of the Apple II forges the ties between us and the fabric of the Internet--and, of course, the Delphi Online Service--serves to strengthen those bonds, and the variety of our different real-world experiences gives us more to share with those we meet. While there may be fewer Apple II users than ever, the minimizing of the physical limitations between the remaining enthusiasts around the world has created a virtual team where the greatest Apple II minds can work together to continue to do what couldn't be done. Two examples of the ongoing work that shows the continuing wonder of the Apple II were brought to us on May 1st--yes, normally we here at _The Lamp!_ don't cover stories that stretch into the month the issue is actually published, but like the Apple II itself, we try to be flexible--from two totally different areas of the world: Fremont, California, where Eric Shepherd, also known as Sheppy, released an updated version of _Wolfenstein 3D for the Apple IIgs_, and Switzerland, where F.E. Systems (_The Programmers Formerly Known As Bright Software_) released a new version of _Bernie ][ The Rescue_ (_The IIgs Emulator For The PowerMacintosh Formerly Known As Fast Eddie_)--yet, one didn't exist totally separately from the other. In fact, much of _Wolf_ was coded under _Bernie_ (and before he was eaten by some dog while skiing in the Swiss Alps, our old friend _Gus_). And when _Wolf_ was ready to start howling at the Apple IIgs community, _Bernie_ changed his woof a bit so that our Macintosh friends wouldn't be left out. To take our global team theme even farther, consider that _Wolf_ originally started its transition onto the Apple IIgs with Burger Bill Heineman, in Southern California, and made its way into the hands of Sheppy, in Northern California--assistance with beta testing, art, and just about everything else came from Apple II users in Europe, New England, Michigan, and Wisconsin, among other venues. _Bernie_ has lived all of his life in the Swiss Alps, but there are Bernie sightings in Australia, Rhode Island, California, Michigan, Arizona, and Europe, at least. Even those of us who live in the middle of the Pacific Ocean can appreciate such global teamwork. It really is a Dream Team--Dream Team ][. [*] [*] [*] Before I forget, here's your Blatant Plug for this issue: KansasFest 1998, the Apple II event of the year, is on for July 22-26 at Avila College in Kansas City, Missouri. Join dozens of Apple II users from around the world as they celebrate 10 years of KFest. I will be on hand again, as will an entire flock of the Apple II's most diehard supporters--expected to attend are Joe Kohn of _Shareware Solutions II_, Max Jones of _Juiced.GS_, Mike Westerfield of _ByteWorks_, Tony Diaz of _Alltech Electronics_, noted programmers Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd, Richard Bennett, Nathan Mates, Ewen Wannop, Geoff Weiss, and dozens more of the Apple II faithful. Do whatever you can to be there--KFest is indeed better than real life. I've been there. [*] [*] [*] Shift Happens Department: A slight shift in the location of the official World Wide Web home page for _The Lamp!_: The -new- URL is: http://lamp.sheppyware.net Thanks to Sheppy for making this change. [*] [*] [*] Hawai'ian Language 101 Department: in the language of the islands, "mahalo" means "thank you," not "trash," despite what it says on the flaps of the disposals at the local McDonald's. So, for this issue, mahalo to Devin Reade and Henrik Gudat for their technical expertise in assisting with two articles this issue. [*] [*] [*] This issue of _The Lamp!_ is dedicated to the memory of Nancy Crawford, an Apple II enthusiast and a member of the Applebyters of the Quad Cities. I never met Nancy in person, but I had countless discussions with her back when we were both on Genie. She edited her user group's newsletter and quoted me several times, never failing to send me a complimentary copy, produced painstakingly with her Apple //c, or later, her IIgs. Grassroots efforts like these made up the basis of our community when the Apple II was first born, and it continues to be our lifeblood today. You will be missed, Nancy. Ryan thelamp@delphi.com ASCII ART BEGINS _________ _ _ _ |__ __| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |___ ____ | | _____ __ ___ _ _ _____ | | | | | ___ \ / __ \ | | /____ \ | v v | | v ___ \ | | | | | | | | | /__\ \ | | ____| | | /\ /\ | | / \ \ | | | | | | | | | _____| | | / ___ | | || || | | | | | |_| | | | | | | | |_____ | |____ | |__| | | || || | | \___/ / _ |_| |_| |_| \______| |______| \____^_| |_||_||_| | |\____/ |_| | | | | |_| ASCII ART ENDS [EOA] [OPN]------------------------------ A FUNNY THING HAPPENED. . . . | ----------------------------------- Checking out A2 on Delphi """"""""""""""""""""""""" by Ryan M. Suenaga, B.A., M.S.W., L.S.W. [thelamp@delphi.com] * The Heat Is On * Miscellanea * Rumor Mill * Public Postings * Best Of The Best THE HEAT IS ON """""""""""""" [*] The Apple II Legacy ....... Get Ready Kansas City [*] User Groups & Publications ...... What's New At SSII [*] Entertainment Software ....... Wolf Bugs Found And Killed [*] Hardware Hacker ....... Focus Drives, IIgs ROMs [*] General Chatter ....... II And 1040 Forms MISCELLANEA """"""""""" WOLF TIDBITS All Wolfenstein 3D users should know about a serious bug """""""""""" that's been discovered in Wolfenstein 3D; it was identified positively today. This problem exists in both 1.0 and 1.0.1 and can cause randomly strange behavior, ranging from no trouble at all to bad art to crashes. There's a memory-blasting bug in the game, located in a part of the program I don't have source code for. I'm attempting to rewrite that part of the code from scratch, and hope to have a new version of the game available in the next few weeks, which will include several other enhancements. I apologize for the inconvenience, and will keep you all posted as to the progress on getting this fixed. Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum (SHEPPY, 11831, GO COM A2) >>>>> Wolfenstein 3D 1.1, which should be out in a few weeks (hopefully """"" sooner rather than later, but that depends on how testing goes), has several improvements aside from the bug fixes. The sound code has been completely rewritten. It's still not stereo, but the code is now ready to be upgraded to stereo. It also can now play more sound effects at once, which really improves the feel of the game. The preference dialog box has been replaced; two options that weren't used have been removed, and you can now completely configure the keyboard controls. There will probably be a 1.2 version eventually which should support stereo sound. I say "probably" because my interest in plugging more time into a project this cost-ineffective (ie, totally lacking in any financial motivation) is just about gone. :) Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum (SHEPPY, 11921, GO COM A2) IIGS TO DESKJET CABLES Does anyone have the pinouts for an Apple IIgs to """""""""""""""""""""" HP DeskJet 500 cable? I just picked up a DJ500 but need to know how to make the cable. DJ500 pinouts and any other info would also be helpful! Thanks! Paul. (SCHULTP, 11403, GO COM A2) >>>>> The simplest configuration is to make a cable for XON/XOFF """"" handshake: Pinouts GS DeskJet -- ------- 5 <---------> 2 3 <---------> 3 4 <---------> 7 Set the GS printer port for XON/XOFF handshake only, and set switch 8 (the right-most) on the right-hand bank of switches on the DeskJet 500 to the down position (DTR & XON/XOFF). If you want to do DTR handshake, you will also need to connect pin 2 of the GS serial port to Pin 20 of the DeskJet 500 serial connector. Set the GS printer port to DTR/DSR handshake. The DeskJet switch should probably be set to 'DTR Only' (up). - Don (IronTooth) Delivered by my ANSITerm off-line reader scripts... They're OLRight! (DZAHNISER, 11415, GO COM A2) >>>>> This is the same as a Mac Plus to Imagewriter I (-=NOT=- II :) """"" cable, which ought to be easily available (and a heckuva lot more fun than soldering a mini-din 8 connector :) Ryan KFest '98! Delivered by OLRight! scripts for ANSITerm (RSUENAGA, 11425, GO COM A2) >>>>> I took an old GS-to-Modem cable, chopped off the 25-pin connector, """"" and soldered a new one on for the DeskJet. That modem cable wasn't properly set up for hardware handshaking, and the only pin that wasn't connected on the GS Serial port end was Pin #7, which would have been required for the type of modem cable I wanted. Rewired, it has been faithfully doing duty ever since I got the DJ 500. Recycling and all that... - Don (IronTooth) Delivered by my ANSITerm off-line reader scripts... They're OLRight! (DZAHNISER, 11429, GO COM A2) >>>>> The other alternative would be either getting a null modem adapter """"" or one of those DB25 M to DB25 F jumper boxes that Radio Shack and other places sell, and wiring it that way :) Ryan KFest '98! Delivered by OLRight! scripts for ANSITerm (RSUENAGA, 11440, GO COM A2) EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT 3.5 DRIVES AND THE IIE There's only 2 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" real versions of the ROMs: those in the unenhanced //e, and those in the enhanced. Easiest way to check: poweron or reboot (control-openapple-reset all at once), and watch the top of the screen. [Doing so w/o a disk in the drives will leave this up longer in case you're not a speed reader.] At the top center, it should say "Apple ][" or "Apple //e". The first is the unenhanced, and the second is the enhanced. [Theoretically, you can partially enhance or unenhance a //e as there's 4 independent chips in that upgrade, but such mutations should be avoided whenever possible] Nathan Mates (NMATES, 11866, GO COM A2) >>>>> The GS has the controller built in, and takes any 3.5 external """"" drive built for the Apple II. It was specifically designed for the "Apple 3.5" drive which is a "dumb" drive. The //e needs a controller card. Apple made two cards for 3.5" drives. The first worked only with the 3.5" Unidrive, which was a smart drive. The second will work with the GS dumb drive, as well as the Apple "Superdrive" which will handle 1.44 meg HD floppys. Shreve has been selling the later controller. Both controller cards had the same name, which is very confusing. -- Carl Knoblock - Telephone Tech - Via Crock O' Gold v2.3 Follow the Yellow Brick Road to KFest 10 - July 22-26, 1998 cknoblo@novia.net (CKNOBLO, 11876, GO COM A2) >>>>> If you want to be even more confused, Video Technology (the company """"" that sold the Laser 128 and related II clones) also sold the Universal Disk Controller (UDC) which would control both 5.25 inch and 3.5 inch drives. It couldn't do the SuperDrives as 1.44 megs, but it could do Mac drives as 800k II drives. Worked better in the //e than the IIgs. Ryan KFest '98! Delivered by OLRight! scripts for ANSITerm (RSUENAGA, 11884, GO COM A2) THE DREMELMASTER FOCUSES IN The Focus just needs to be in a slot set to """"""""""""""""""""""""""" your card. No biggie. It can co-exist with a RAM card invading it's air space. They can hit each other, nothing will happen. If you have a ROM 3, use slot 4. You can also use Slot 2 if you use either ProTERM or Spectrum for your modem, as either of these go directly to the port regardless of slot settings. The RAMFast and Focus can co-exist just fine. If the RAMFast is just going to have the tape backup, put it in 6, when you are going to backup, declare the slot.. Tony (T_DIAZ, 11990, GO COM A2) <<<<< You can have as many Focus drives in your Apple II as you can """"" access via a declared slot. ..I usually have 2 or three in the same computer when setting them up. Tony (T_DIAZ, 12004, GO COM A2) <<<<< Some of the //e drives shipped are not compatible with the Focus """"" driver. There are very few out there like this, but a lot are 120 Meg. If the drive is not compatible with the driver then it will hang during boot with the Focus driver's in use indicator stuck on (graphic in upper right corner) That can be the only problem I can think of. Deactivate/move the Focus driver from the drivers folder so you can swap data around on those drives if that's what your trying to do. Tony (T_DIAZ, 12044, GO COM A2) THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IIGS ROM VERSIONS Due to Apple's bad terminology, """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" there is a *much* bigger difference between the ROM 00/01 to 3 than the 00 to 01. It's not simply a few ROM chips that are swapped, it's the whole motherboard. Apart from the obvious ROM version difference, there's more RAM on board-- 1.125MB vs 256K. There's also a few minor things like slightly better sound out of the 3, but GS/OS makes the ROM 3 virtually identical to the ROM 01 to all well written programs. [And the poorly written ones tend to be older demos that want the 00/01 only-- the ROM 01 is probably the most compatible machine out there] As the main difference between the ROM 01 and 3 is amount of RAM, you can add RAM to either to pull them both up to the max of 8.125MB. The 1MB on the ROM 3 won't cut it when running System 6-- 2MB total is almost a minimum. I feel that you're really going to want to add 2-4MB to any GS, and so if given the choice between an 01 and 3, unless the 3 was the same price or less (doubtful), I'd go with the 01. You get a much better bang for the buck by spending $ on RAM, HD, or an accelerator versus paying more for a ROM 3 cpu. Nathan Mates (NMATES, 11402, GO COM A2) >>>>> As Nathan points out, there are considerable hardware differences """"" between a ROM_01 and ROM_03. However, unless you're using older programs (typically FTA demos) that require a ROM_01, there's little logical difference between the two. Once one adds memory (four megs is really what you want for working with the IIgs, at a minimum), the practical differences come down to better sound out of the ROM_03, =possibly= maximum top accelerated speed, and less headaches using both a local hard drive and Appletalk, all of which are somewhat minor and/or can be gotten around. Ryan KFest '98! Delivered by OLRight! scripts for ANSITerm (RSUENAGA, 11424, GO COM A2) NEW VERSION OF LYNX SUPPORTS SSL AND DELPHI CHATS Well, well, well... """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" In the latest development in the "they said it couldn't be done on an Apple II" front... I just visited the A2 chat room and was able to take part in a chat! That might not sound like any big deal, except for one thing... I was using my Apple II, and was able to enter the chat room via webside access using lynx! The newest version of lynx - v2.8 - is here! The world wide web just opened up some more doors for Apple II users! Now that this hurdle has been cleared, Shareware Solutions II is aiming for the stars. I would like to have a Monday night chat that attracts at least 100 Apple II users ;-) Joe (JOE_KOHN, 11556, GO COM A2) <<<<< Whoops. """"" In my excitement, I seem to have "jumped the gun" when I proclaimed that lynx v2.8 now supports secure transactions (https). With lynx v2.8, I _was_ able to access many sites where I had previously been denied access with the message (paraphrased) "your browser does not support https." I was able to take part in Delphi's A2 chat, from the web using lynx v2.8, but... lynx 2.8 CAN support https, and the version I have used does support https, but in order for v2.8 to support https, a patch needs to be applied to the standard release version of 2.8. Apparently, secure transactions rely on encryption schemes whose use is regulated by the US government as part of some laws having to do with the export of munitions. In the meanwhile, it's possible that there's already a public access https-capable version of lynx v2.8 available for use. To find out, check out http://www.crl.com/~subir As a word of explanation...I use the same ISP as lynx-proponent Subir, so I just have an alias set up that let's me use Subir's lynx...and his version does already have that patch applied. Joe (JOE_KOHN, 11616, GO COM A2) LOST HISTORY OF SSII I was just poking around in the Shareware Solutions """""""""""""""""""" II cavernous warehouses, and found more than 20 shrink wrapped packages of "Art Gallery - American History." Additionally, I know there's a second collection around here somewhere... In essence, there are 350 Print Shop graphics with an American History theme. The graphics were, in actuality, produced by Unison World as an add-on collection for their Print Shop clone - Print Master. But, they can be used with the original Print Shop. Additionally, I just ran a number of them through the converter that comes with The New Print Shop, so they can be used with that program too. For some odd reason, no other programs seems to recognize the graphics. In any case, there are 350 graphics that are, in many ways, geared for use in the classroom. There's a manual that includes a paragraph or two description of the historical significance of each of the events or people portrayed in the graphics. I've never sold a single one of these, and just want to clear out some space, so no reasonable offers will be refused. Unfortunately, the package weighs more than 2 lbs, so postage to the US would be $4, and a special trip to the post office would be required. Postage to Australia would be more than $20, so I think that the only folks that could really use these are US based teachers, who use IIe/IIc systems and who have either Print Shop or New Print Shop. But, like I said, no reasonable offer will be refused... I also counted a dozen boxes of California Games for the IIe/IIc. Make me an offer on those as well... I'd like to at least re-coup my expenses... Joe Kohn (JOE_KOHN, 12033, GO COM A2) TRANSPROG TRICKS I am not sure this is going to land in the most """""""""""""""" appropriate place (but I tried!): I have just set up Charles Hartley's Computer Keyboarding 5 for my son to learn typing. A few days ago, I configured Spectrum and COG to let my wife send email via my Delphi account more easily. Now I would like to incorporate both of these changes in the TransProg Thermal configuration. (I successfully added the Applesoft Basic "STARTUP" program for KB5 to the pull-down menu as a sub-file of BASIC, which I titled "Computer Keyboarding"; and it was equally easy to prepare the script for the email set-up as a sub-file of Spectrum in the pull-down.) I don't know how to allow the Thermal Configuration of TransProg to recognize either the Spectrum script the AppleSoft program. Any help? Jim (PEACECHURCH, 11642, GO COM A2) >>>>> To run the STARTUP program from TransProg Thermo, copy BASIC.SYSTEM """"" into the same folder with the STARTUP program, and set up TransProg Thermo to launch _that_ copy of BASIC.SYSTEM with the key combination. This will work for any Applesoft program if you rename the program STARTUP or if you create a 1-liner STARTUP program that reads something like: 10 PRINT CHR$(4);"-yourprogram" Where 'yourprogram' is the name of the Applesoft program that you wish to run. Note the smart launch '-' in front of the program name. Works great for me! - Don (IronTooth) Delivered by my ANSITerm off-line reader scripts... They're OLRight! (DZAHNISER, 11652, GO COM A2) STEP BY STEP: CHANGING IIGS BATTERIES Try this: """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" 1- Check the yellow pages for "Batteries." Look for an ad selling batteries for mobile phones, security and institutional systems etc. Call and ask for a TL-5101 3.6 Volt battery "with" solder leads (ROM 3 machines use NON solder lead type). These batteries are common and sell for $6-$12. I've heard they're now available from Radio Shack stores or try their sister-stores Computer City; Shop for convenience and price. 2- Remove the IIgs power supply: Unplug the power cord and pull forward on the front clip. 3- Note the battery (usually purple and black) on the left edge just between center and the computer's backplane (with the backplane of the computer facing away from you). (The battery is cylinder-shaped, and about 5/8" wide X 3/4" long.) 4- If you do not feel comfortable soldering on a circuit board, clip the leads leaving them as long as possible sticking up from the motherboard -- Clip them right where they join the old battery. Make note of the battery's PLUS/MINUS directions (the black "+" end toward the backplane). 5- Take the battery with you to the store, purchase the same battery, and give them the old one to dispose of. (The battery contains lithium, is inorganic, not environmentally friendly and needs proper disposal care). 6- Obtain a sewing needle that is about the same width as the battery leads. Use the needle as a mandrel, and wind the battery leads around the needle (making them "spring" or "pigtail" shaped. NOTE: Take extreme care to NOT touch the battery's leads together. The leads are soft and easy to work just using your fingers. If there is a short bit of a lead that does not wind tight, clip the short end flush to the pigtail. 7- Being careful which lead is negative and positive relative to the new battery and the long-clipped old battery wires (leads) now sticking up from the motherboard, slip the pigtail leads onto the "motherboard" leads. (C) 1998 Jerry Cline InTrec Software, Inc. jerrycline@intrec.com AutoReply: Jerry Cline @ InTrec Software, Inc. - jerry@intrec.com ProTERM @ your service! The superior telnet and dialup application. Sent w/ProTERM Message Manager (PTMM) - Details @ Download ProTERM & PTMM the full working versions: (INTREC, 11720, GO COM A2) RUMOR MILL """""""""" THE NEW TWILIGHT II Alright folks, keep your phone lines free, as """"""""""""""""""" something big is just about to come down the pike. I've received final goahead on T2, so it's only a little final touches to the dox and packing it up. Barring any unforseen last minute highly serious bug reports, Twilight II v1.99 will be uploaded to Delphi's file databases Sat, April 4th. It has that version number to signify "very close to completion", but will still initially be considered *BETA* software-- there may be some interactions with programs that nobody betaing so far runs. Further, Apple's installer program is not licensed for this, so you'll have to manually install it by copying files around. Some time after v1.99 goes out, I'll write up some form of installer, fix anything reported, and an official 2.0 release will be uploaded. I do not expect any serious bugs to exist in v1.99, but I am hedging my bets. For lists of features, etc in this update to Twilight II, see forum message #11275. This message (and others like 11275) may be reposted to GEnie and Compuserve, but due to a few arrogant pirates on csa2, NO official announcement will be made there, and do not report my words there. Distribution policies: copyrighted freeware, uploaded initially to Delphi and at a later time to my ftp/web site. Some distribution limits will be set; see dox in released version for full details. Please support GS authors who work long hours to bring such things to you. Support can take many forms, such as words of encouragment, cash (if it's shareware or commercial), and helping in the battle against the pirates who make it less and desirable to want to release anything near them. Do not let them feel welcome as long as they keep up their ways. Nathan Mates (NMATES, 11465, GO COM A2) >>>>> HEALTH HAZARD WARNING! """"" Twilight II found to be habit-forming! Affected persons can be easily recognized by the typical symptoms of addiction: 1. They can be observed to sit immobilized in front of their Apple IIGS computers for hours. 2. They gaze at their screens with a fixed stare and an ecstatic expression on their faces. 3. Once the effect of a module has worn off, they suffer acute withdrawal symptoms until the next module has been activated. Protect yourself and your family - don't leave your Apple IIGS within reach of children, enjoy Twilight II only in moderate amounts. This warning by courtesy of your A2 Health Watch. (GSCHNAUBELT, 11635, GO COM A2) PUBLIC POSTINGS """"""""""""""" KFEST YEARBOOKS FROM THE GRAPHICS GURU """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ----->>>>> ATTENTION KFESTERS <<<<<----- I have completed work on a project that I have been wanting to do for some time: ***** KFEST YEARBOOKS ***** I started putting pages for Kfest '97 into a desktop publishing layout and then my enthusiasm spilled over and I started on '96, and then '95. I now have master pages for all three Yearbooks. I call the collection "Keepsakes of Kfest". These are printed using a Canon BubbleJet printer and bright white paper. As you would expect, these are very graphic intense pages; but they also contain several long illustrated text articles, over 100 full color pictures each, activities, schedules, and quotes from attendees. The Kfest '97 Yearbook is 24 pages. The Kfest '96 Yearbook is 28 pages. The Kfest '95 Yearbook is 36 pages. Pat Kern . (PATZ_PIX, 11812, GO COM A2) ANOTHER NEW WOLF Wolfenstein 3D for the Apple IIgs, version 1.1, will be """""""""""""""" released on Friday, May 1, 1998, at 6:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time. This new version has several bug fixes (eliminating all known crashing problems and odd behaviors), new sound code that can play up to eight sounds at once (for a more fulfilling game experience), and a new preference dialog box that lets you configure the keyboard controls. The game has also been optimized slightly for a subtle performance improvement. Visit the official Wolfenstein 3D for the Apple IIgs web site at for more information and to download the new version. Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum (SHEPPY, 12083, GO COM A2) JUICED.GS ON THE VIRTUAL MOVE Hey gang! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" Just a note to let you all know that the Juiced.GS site on the World Wide Web now has a new address: http://www.wbwip.com/juiced.gs My appreciation goes out to Webmaster David Kerwood, who continues to maintain the site on his commercial server and has done an excellent job with the mess of information I've given him. Meanwhile, work is under way on the spring issue of Juiced.GS, which will be mailed to subscribers in mid-June. Thank you all again for the wonderful support. I can't believe Juiced.GS is now well into its third year and going strong. It seems like only yesterday we all met and embarked on this adventure. It's been a blast! Let's keep it going! Max Jones, Juiced.GS http://www.wbwip.com/juiced.gs Delivered by Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.4 (JUICEDGS, 11916, GO COM A2) SHEPPYWARE: RULER OF ITS OWN DOMAIN This announcement is to let you know """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" that the SheppyWare email, FTP, and Web site addresses have changed once again (probably permanently this time. I've now got a 100% genuine registered Internet domain. Here's the scoop: email: sheppy@sheppyware.net Web: http://www.sheppyware.net FTP: ftp.sheppyware.net The SheppyWare talk mailing list is now at talk-list@sheppyware.net. The old addresses will continue to work for a while, but you should start using the new addresses instead. Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum (SHEPPY, 11994, GO COM A2) BEST OF THE BEST """""""""""""""" 11466 4-APR 10:09 Apple Operating System RE: Twilight II 2.0 *very* near! (Re: Msg 11465) From: DZAHNISER To: ALL I was absolutely amazed when I saw that the Twilight II update was to be released as Freeware! This is a _quality_ product, as I am sure anyone who has previous versions must be aware. I had never owned or tried Twilight II when Nathan put out his call for testers. In the couple of weeks that I have been pounding on it, Nathan has made some significant improvements to this already great product. I am extremely happy (but also feel somewhat guilty) that I won't have to shell out $$$ to keep this on my hard drive. We all owe a big THANKS to Nathan and the others involved in making this new release of Twilight II so great - with copyrighted freeware distribution. Please everyone - If you like this (or other releases for the Apple II) LET THE AUTHOR KNOW. If we simply grab new freeware and run, without showing our appreciation, we will teach the authors that we don't care, and they eventually won't care also. If we don't pay money for a product, we still need to barter something for it. - Don (IronTooth) Delivered by my ANSITerm off-line reader scripts... They're OLRight! [EOA] [A2P]------------------------------ A2Pro_DUCTIVITY | ----------------------------------- Checking out A2PRO on Delphi """""""""""""""""""""""""""" by Ryan M. Suenaga, B.A., M.S.W., L.S.W. [thelamp@delphi.com] OPTIMIZING GS ANIMATION According to the guys at Apple with bus """"""""""""""""""""""" analyzers, that helps speed things up. Bank 01 is accessed at 2.5Mhz, while the screen in bank E1 is 1Mhz. As noted in GS technote #70 (I've got a nice html version at http://www.visi.com/~nathan/a2/tn/iigs/070.html ) there's synchronization issues between the two sides, and the NOP allows the fast side of the bus to get better resync'd with the slow side. I have not tested this personally, but I'd trust them on this. Nathan Mates (NMATES, 1611, GO COM A2PRO) >>>>> If memory serves me correctly, the folks at Apple ran some fancy """"" tests and determined that including the NOP actually makes the transfers faster! It was some sort of timing condition. I don't remember the details. Paul Schultz. (SCHULTP, 1613, GO COM A2PRO) >>>>> Thanks for the information!!! """"" I read Technote #70 again, and I will try it out to see what happens. The only thing is that I never use a stack blaster. Instead, I just use the direct page. It appears much more sensible when handling sprites. Sprites are usually are not very broad, so you can use one direct page pointer to draw 2 lines of the sprite. Second, to quickly get the next direct page pointer, the stack pointer points onto the table that holds the screen offsets (in reverse order, of course). After the 2 lines have been drawn, I simply pld (should make up for a nop, right?) and go for the next lines. According to a table that came with ORCA/M, an lda #, sta dp is just as fast as a single pea. Comments, anyone? :) Jesse Blue / Ninjaforce Check out our upcoming Apple IIGS game at: http://www.igd.fhg.de/~girschik/nfc (JESSEBLUE, 1614, GO COM A2PRO) >>>>> PEA takes 5 cycles, regardless of the accumulator size. """"" LDA # takes 2 cycles short (8-bit), 3 cycles long (16-bit). STA dp takes 3 cycles short, 4 cycles long (add another cycle if the dp is not in bank 0, I think.) So with a short (8-bit) accumulator, the times are identical. Since PEA pushes 16 bits regardless, I think the comparison should be with a long accumulator, which takes 7 cycles compared to 5 for the PEA. ----------------------------------------------------- Tony Ward, A2 Database Manager [Delivered with Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.3] -- "An elephant: A mouse built to government specifications." (TONYW1, 1615, GO COM A2PRO) <<<<< Misconception: that table lists the best case speeds. It does not """"" list the standard penalties: +1 cycle in 16 bit mode +1 cycle if DP is not page aligned (DP=$xy00) +1 if branch taken [16-bit penalty not applicable to 1-byte opcodes like TAX] So LDA #$1234 is 3 cycles, 3 bytes. STA <$56 is 2 bytes and 4 or 5 cycles depending on DP alignment, for a total of 7 or 8 cycles. PEA $1234 is always 5 cycles (no 8-bit version of it), and does not care about DP or stack alignment. An extra stack setup code like 'ADC #$0016 TCS' (if done right after an adc #$00A0 to get to next line, can be assured carry clear) costs 3+2 cycles. For any line where you draw more than 3 words in a row, it is going to be faster to set up the stack also and start PEAing. PHA/PHX/PHY are all 4 cycles each, so if you can identify at least 4 repeated words in a stack area (or between if you use X,Y regs smartly), it's better to LDAXY the repeated words and then slam it that way, but if your data is highly varied, straight PEAs are better. The above doesn't really take transparency into account, but if you're generating the stackslamming code from another program (and I hope you would), you can keep set the DP to the left side of the shape, SP to the right, you can DP-read in words to modify and then pha them out. That's what TurkeyshootGS does, generating code from a 17-color .BMP file (17th color is transparency) to draw stuff onscreen. Very ugly piece of C code; it's unreleased so far. Nathan Mates (NMATES, 1616, GO COM A2PRO) >>>>> Well, PEA is 5 cycles, and LDA#/STA dp is 7 minimum, 8 if dp is not """"" page aligned, so unless Mike has a good reason, I'd say its a mistake. Regards, Richard (RICHARD_B, 1619, GO COM A2PRO) >>>>> >Misconception: that table lists the best case speeds. It does not """"" >list the standard penalties: Misconception: It does. The reference card, which I assume is what the original message refers to, lists the lowest time in the table, but has footnote marks for each case that can add a cycle. These are explained at the end of the table. Even assembly listings generated with INSTIME ON show an asterisk next to times that can vary from the number of cycles shown. The manual points out that you should refer to a 65816 chip reference for the exceptions in that case. Of course, the assembler can't tell for sure whether some of the situations will exist. Page crossings can't be predicted, for example, because the code can be relocated. Mike Westerfield (BYTEWORKS, 1620, GO COM A2PRO) >>>>> Well, unfortunately, TRANSPARENCY is the most important thing with """"" sprites. With sprites, you have a background and a foreground. Parts of the Ninjaforce MEGADEMO were done like this: Background picture in bank $00, Foreground picture in bank $01. So when a sprite is moved, set the appropriate bits so that you READ from bank $00, and WRITE (with shadowing) to bank $01. This, however, only works when you have ONE sprite only. About using the dp/stack: Basically, I'm using the dp because it's easier to handle than the stack. The named caching could be done with x and y registers, plus you have the stz dp command as well, which is (believe me) quite handy. But, since you have much more flexible access, you don't need caching if the program that generates the sprite always sorts the code. This can even be optimized for sprites that are shifted one byte. Stack blasters would need to lda dp, and #, ora #, then pha, where direct page blaster just does a lda dp, sta dp+1. Like this: 00XXYYZZ00 Sprite data 1 2 3 4 Byte No. So, I wouldn't always say: Stack blasters is better than dp blaster... Comments? :) Jesse Blue / Ninjaforce Check out our upcoming Apple IIGS game at: { } (JESSEBLUE, 1622, GO COM A2PRO) HELP WANTED, APPLY WITHIN I apologize for taking so long to reply to """"""""""""""""""""""""" this, but I had to discuss it with my companions here and make sure I had a "real" answer for you first. :) A2 University (A2U for short) really hasn't gotten off the ground here yet. It's a program we did over on that other service before we came to Delphi, and it was a very successful program. The philosophy behind A2 University is, for the most part, the very core of A2Pro's existence. That is, to further the existence of new software for the computers we still love so much by helping the beginning and hobbyist programmers learn how to improve their programming skills, or pick up new skills. This is where we need help! Our most recent Dean of A2 University had a good dose of "real life" happen a while back, and had to resign from the position before we really got started over here. We've been Deanless since. (Well, as long as you don't count one of our bosses, who happens to be named "Dean" :) Thus, the following position is open: Position: Dean of A2 University (A2U) Time requirements: Some organization will be necessary at first (it's been a while since we've done this, and we haven't done it here on Delphi, yet, at all), so it will probably require 5 or so hours a week for the first couple weeks, getting things up-to-speed. Once it's going, it will probably only require an hour or two a week. Qualifications: - enthusiastic individual who can share his/her enthusiasm with others - good organizational skills Responsibilities: - Evaluating course ideas - Recruiting capable professors and encouraging participants - Maintaining contact with professors during the term of their courses - Reading the A2Pro Message Board on a daily basis Anyone interested in helping us out by filling this position should send a description of why you think you're the person for the job, along with any ideas you have towards how you would get things set up, to justdave@delphi.com Dave Miller Asst. Forum Manager, Apple II Programmers Forum (GO COM A2P/sigdir=a2pro) http://www2.c4systm.com/~dmiller justdave@syndicomm.com justdave@delphi.com (JUSTDAVE, 1643, GO COM A2PRO) >>>>> As another sorta-followup to my earlier post asking for people to """"" speak up with questions/problems/etc, I suppose that I could volunteer to run a few classes on either asm, graphics, game stuff, or the like. [Basically, the kfest cabal gets first dibs on what I walk about there, but could probably go into more depth eventually here.] As it looks like asm is out from kfest, I could start up something here. The problem with asm is that there's 2 main assemblers used in the GS world: Orca/M and Merlin. I only really speak Orca (blatant plug: email mikew50@aol.com or byteworks@delphi.com to purchase it if you want :) so that might either alienate a few folks, or require some sort of tag-team effort by people who speak both to help everyone. At least with C/Pascal, there's really only one choice (do TML Pascal users exist anymore? :) -- same as with Applesoft. I'd almost prefer that some sort of intro to programming course (possibly with Basic, even though that language makes Computer Science profs blow a blood vessel :) get started *before* assembly-- it's much easier for people to start using, and serious bugs won't make your system crash or worse. :) While I haven't really done serious basic coding in years, I did make an Applesoft Basic command & reference (definitely not a tutorial), which has been uploaded to the a2 forum's database, also at http://www.visi.com/~nathan/a2/faq/asoft.html Permission is granted for any asoft prof to blatantly plug it as a good free reference to keep handy :) Nathan Mates (NMATES, 1648, GO COM A2PRO) >>>>> Nathan, just to muddy the waters... """"" While GSoft BASIC has been slow in coming, mostly because I have work that actually pays the bills, it is coming. I finished the A1 version and am working hard on the documentation, which is about 80% done. My current plan is to release versions of our introductory programming course and our toolbox programming course for GSoft BASIC, too. Yes, toolbox programming. :) GSoft supports records and pointers, so you can actually handle the toolbox correctly. It already has a full toolbox interface, and it works quite nicely. You might factor these things into any plans for courses in BASIC. Mike Westerfield (BYTEWORKS, 1651, GO COM A2PRO) LONG-LOST TOOLSET NUMBER Has anyone compiled a list of version numbers """""""""""""""""""""""" for every toolset for each System release (from 4.0 on)? Also, out of curiosity, does anyone tell me what Tool037 was? It is mentioned on page 231 of the System 6.0 Reference as being handled by StartUpTools even though it is not actually part of 6.0 (and was apparently never release). So now I just =have= to know. :-) Michael (SAR, 1679, GO COM A2PRO) >>>>> I *think* that Tool037 was the Animation Toolkit. It was very close """"" to done, as I recall, when Mensch moved to me Mac side of the Force, and nobody had time to finish it (and I don't think Apple cared, either. :) Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd Macintosh & PowerPC Programmers Forum (SHEPPY, 1680, GO COM A2PRO) >>>>> Sheppy is of course correct, the never released Animation Tool Set """"" had support for sprites, backgrounds, compiled shapes and other handy stuff. Pity it was never released. Regards, Richard (RICHARD_B, 1681, GO COM A2PRO) >>>>> What a neat sounding tool set! This is the first I have ever heard """"" of it. Sure would have been interesting if this had been released. Oh well, we should be thankful for what we actually have. Paul. Paul Schultz schultp@delphi.com sent your way via Spectrum 2.1 and Crock O' Gold 2.3 (SCHULTP, 1683, GO COM A2PRO) [EOA] [KFE]------------------------------ THINKING KFEST | ----------------------------------- THE KFEST MAILING LIST ""'""""""""""""""""""" by Ryan M. Suenaga, B.A., M.S.W., L.S.W. [thelamp@delphi.com] YOU'VE GOT MAIL!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For ten summers now, the Apple II faithful have gathered in July at a small college in Kansas City, Missouri. The Apple II event of the year, KansasFest 1998, runs July 22-26, 1998, on the campus of Avila College. From the far corners of the earth as well as downtown Kansas City, Apple II fanatics gather to celebrate the computer that started it all. Planning such a trip can be as simple as getting in the car and driving a few blocks for someone like Allen Moore; something more challenging like getting in the car and driving a few hours--or more--for Max Jones or Ray Merlin; planning a cross-country flight, like Tony Diaz; or coming from across the ocean, like myself or Richard Bennett or Ewen Wannop. Indeed, there are at least as many stories that could be titled, "How I got to KFest" every year as KFest attendees. How, then, do between 50 and 100 Apple II fanatics from around the world tie together the loose ends of their arrivals and departures in the Land of Ahhs? In years prior to 1997, the center of the online Apple II Universe was the Genie (previously known as GEnie) online service, and the KFest faithful would read and post messages coordinating every detail; from the bare essentials--who was arriving at Kansas City International Airport when and by which airline, who was renting a car, and who needed a ride--to the merely important, such as a headcount for the pre- and post-KFest dinners at local restaurants and requests for KFest sessions--to the extracurricular, such as who was hoping to room with whom and who was bringing what equipment--to the absolutely esoteric, like what a turnpike is and how many beers it takes to get Conan in a Librarial mood. But as we all know, things have changed, and while we have moved many of the Apple II faithful from Genie to Delphi, some of our buddies haven't made the move yet, or have decided to hang their online hat elsewhere. What, then, is the lowest common denominator to coordinate the KFesters this year? The answer was simple: electronic mail. Anyone with electronic mail (email, for short, of course) access has the ability to get and give the latest information on KFest. Sponsored by Devin Reade's trenco.gno.org Internet server, the KFest Mailing List is an automated mailing list that serves anyone who cares to sign up for it. The advantage of this list is that it doesn't require the participants to have access to the same online service or even the World Wide Web--anyone with access to Internet email can be a part of it. It doesn't matter if you're on America Online, Genie, Delphi, Compuserve, Primenet, Juno, Concentric, Netcom, Kestrok, or anywhere else. In fact, I even receive KFest email at my office. For those of you who haven't been on a mailing list before, once you've signed up, you will send messages to and receive messages from just one email address--in this case, kfest@trenco.gno.org. However, any message sent to the list will magically be sent to everyone else on the list. You can subscribe (or unsubscribe) from the list at any time, and you don't have to be KFest bound to be part of it. To sign up for the KFest Mailing List, send email to: majordomo@trenco.gno.org and in the BODY of the message (not the subject), place the following text: subscribe kfest In a few minutes you will be sent a confirmation message via email. In order to complete the signup process, respond to this confirmation following the instructions given. You will then be sent a welcome message, including instructions on how to send mail to the list. Already in the KFest Mailing List we have discussed the traditional (and potential non-traditional) pre- and post-KFest eating spots, the Kansas City International Airport's site on the World Wide Web, KFest sessions, KFesters volunteering help to other KFesters on a variety of Apple II subjects, and much much more. If you have other informational needs regarding KFest, you may want to check out the KFest Web Page, at: http://www.primenet.com/~adams/kfest.html If you have a question that would be better sent to the KFest committee rather than the mailing list, you can address that to: kfest-info@trenco.gno.org Finally, thanks to Tony Diaz of Alltech Electronics, if remembering trenco.gno.org is too tough, you can also send mail to the KFest Mailing List at: kfest@apple2.org KFest mail will brighten up even the most dreary Apple II electronic mail box. Sign up today. [EOA] [SIZ]------------------------------ SIZZLING SHAREWARE | ----------------------------------- UNZIP IIE """"""""" by Ryan M. Suenaga, B.A., M.S.W., L.S.W. [thelamp@delphi.com] UNZIP IIE ~~~~~~~~~ Product Name: Unzip IIe File Name: UNZIPIIE.BXY Database: Utility Software File Size: 18048 Program Type: ProDOS 8 Application Author: Russ Woodroofe Version Reviewed: 1.0 Distribution: Shareware, $10 U.S. dollars, see ReadMe for details Requirements: Apple IIe, IIc, or IIgs; 19k disk space. It's a reality we all need to face: not everyone is fortunate enough to have an Apple II. Sooner or later, you'll encounter a file that you just have to have, perfect for you in every way--except it has a ".ZIP" suffix on it. Boom! You've hit the MSDOS wall--the Zip format is their packing standard, just as the NuFX format (the one used by _Shrinkit_ and _GS Shrinkit_) is ours. What to do, what to do--especially if you have a //e or //c? While the well-known Apple IIgs solution to dealing with .zip files is the shareware _PMP Unzip_, there is also a less-well-known 8-bit II solution, at an even better price: the $10 shareware _Unzip IIe_. Borrowing heavily from the _Shrinkit_ interface, _Unzip IIe_ does primarily one thing, and does it well--it unzips .zip archives. Like most ProDOS 8 programs, it's fast and efficient, and its interface ought to be very familiar for 8 bit Apple II users. _Unzip IIe_ will handle a variety of .zip archives without a hitch--in fact, I didn't come across a single .zip archive it failed to handle. One omission is the self-extracting (.exe) archives--no known Apple II program will currently these in one step, although there is a two-step solution we may look at next month. _Unzip IIe_ also doesn't -create- .zip archives, but then again, it doesn't claim to. In summary, _Unzip IIe_ is a simple, fast, and needed product. A meager $10 is a more than fair price to pay for a program that can quickly become invaluable. For any 8-bit Apple II fanatic, _Unzip IIe_ is a must-have utility. [EOA] [TVT]------------------------------ THE VIRTUAL ][ | ----------------------------------- The BernieBook--Macintosh Portables Go To The Dogs ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ by Ryan M. Suenaga, B.A., M.S.W., L.S.W. [thelamp@delphi.com] POWERBOOKS AND BERNIE ][ THE RESCUE FAQ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The following article is set up in a form commonly seen on the Internet, called Frequently Asked Questions. It is designed to answer some of the most common questions people have about using the Apple IIgs emulator _Bernie ][ The Rescue_ with an Apple Macintosh PowerBook. It is not designed to answer general questions about _Bernie_ or general questions about _PowerBooks_, although obviously there will be some overlap. Any questions about this article can be sent via email to thelamp@delphi.com. The Housekeeping Q: What's a FAQ, and how is it pronounced? A: The letters "FAQ" stand for _F_requently _A_sked _Q_uestions. When people first hear of or learn of a subject, such as the program _Bernie ][ The Rescue_, they often have a number of questions which others before them did when they also first learned of the same subject. A FAQ is a document listing both the questions and answers most frequently associated with new users, to save themselves (and others trying to assist them) time and frustration. And by the way, it's pronounced "fack", nearly identical to "fact". Q: What is the purpose of this FAQ? A: This FAQ is set up to assist people interested in using the Apple IIgs emulator _Bernie ][ The Rescue_ with an Apple Macintosh PowerBook. Many Apple II enthusiasts also have Macintosh computers or are considering the purchase of a Macintosh, and many of those Macs are PowerBooks. This document may assist those people with their general questions. It is as complete as possible given the recent release of an updated version of _Bernie_ (May 1, 1998). Q: How can this FAQ be distributed? A: The content of this FAQ is copyright 1998 by Ryan M. Suenaga, the editor and publisher of _The Lamp!_. Distribution without the expressed written consent of the copyright holder is prohibited. Q: Who do we have to thank for this FAQ? A: Special thanks to Henrik Gudat, Andre Horstmann, Urs Hochstrasser, and the rest of the gang at F.E. Systems, formerly known as Bright Software, for bringing _Bernie_ to the masses. Additional thanks to some of the Bernie Boys on Delphi, including Eric Shepherd, Dave Miller, and Kirk Mitchell, for helping out with some questions I wasn't able to handle myself. The Program Q: What is _Bernie ][ The Rescue_? A: _Bernie ][ The Rescue_, _Bernie_ for short, is an Apple IIgs emulation program for the PowerMacintosh series of computers produced by F.E. Systems in Switzerland. Q: What is emulation? A: Emulation means something acting like something else. In regards to computing, it usually means a computer acting like another computer, through special hardware, software, or both. While emulation has become popular in recent times, there is a long history of emulation among personal computers. Many years ago, the _Trackstar_ board allowed Intel based MSDOS computers to emulate an 8-bit Apple II, for instance, and the Apple /// included Apple ][+ (and, later, through the addition of a peripheral card, Apple //e) emulation. The Macintosh has had hardware-based solutions for emulating Apple IIs (the Macintosh LC //e card) and Intel based computers (the "DOS Cards" offered first for the Centris 610, among many other Macintosh models) as well as software-only solutions (_RealPC_, _Virtual PC_, and _SoftWindows_) for years. In fact, one of the more popular emulators in the computing world is likely on your desktop: the Apple IIgs emulates the 8-bit Apple IIs. For more information on different emulators for the Macintosh, see http://www.emulation.net. For an excellent but somewhat dated article on one microprocessor chip emulating another, leading to the development of the Apple IIgs, see Tom Weishaar's excellent "A 65802/65816 pre-boot" in the August 1986 (not 1996) issue of _Open-Apple_. Q: How can I get a copy of _Bernie_? A: If you have access to the World Wide Web, you can get a copy of the current version of _Bernie_ (1.3 as of this writing) at the following URL: http://www.magnet.ch/emutech/Download/Parts/bernieconsumer.html If you can successfully download from Delphi, _Bernie_ is available in the database there as well. If you do not have access to the Web, you can receive a copy of _Bernie_ on a floppy disk from Shareware Solutions II. Their contact information is: Shareware Solutions II 166 Alpine Street San Rafael, CA 94901-1008 USA joko@crl.com http://www.crl.com/~joko You will also need to provide a copy of your real IIgs's ROM image. More on this later. _Bernie ][ The Rescue_ is a $25 (U.S. dollars) shareware program that requires registration to make full use of it. Details are included with the program archive. Q: What are the minimum requirements for running _Bernie_? A: The minimum requirements for _Bernie_ are any PowerPC based Macintosh and four megabytes of free RAM. Realistically, PowerPC based Macs need an absolute minimum of 16 megs of "real" (as opposed to "virtual") RAM anyway, although some came with less. _Bernie_ runs fastest when your Mac is set to display 256 colors, but it will run regardless of this setting. Q: You mean this doesn't run on an Apple II? A: It doesn't run on an Apple II; it makes an Apple II run on your PowerMac. Q: Where do I get the ROM? A: The only legal place to get a copy of the IIgs ROM image required for using _Bernie_ is from an Apple IIgs. There are instructions for creating a ROM image in the official _Bernie_ documentation. A ROM from either a ROM_01 or ROM_03 IIgs may be used. Q: Will it run on anything but a PowerBook? A: _Bernie_ will run on any Macintosh with a PowerPC processor, including desktop Macs and Mac OS clones. Additionally, there is another version of _Bernie_ that will run under the _BeOS_ operating system for the Macintosh and BeBox. At this time, it will not run under the _BeOS_ for Intel systems. Q: What's with the name? A: The original name for this program was _Fast Eddie_; however, a software company that had a different product with a similar name contacted the authors of _Eddie_, and _Eddie's_ handlers agreed to change his name. After thinking it over for awhile, they decided on the name _Bernie ][ The Rescue_. Q: Okay, who's Bernie? A: The only Bernies I know are the dead guy in the _Weekend at Bernie's_ movies and the slugger for the Yankees. I'm pretty sure they aren't the ones the program is named after. Q: Well, then, who was Eddie? A: I know lots of Eddies, from my cousin Eddie to Eddie Van Halen, my favorite being the famous surfer Eddie Aikau, a crew member of the canoe Hokuleia who gave his life trying to find help when it started taking on water during one of its early voyages from Hawai'i to Tahiti. If you ever come to Hawai'i, and see bunches of bumper stickers with the phrase "Eddie Would Go" on them, it's in reference to huge surf that scares off most waveriders, but into which Eddie Aikau would go. But I don't think the program was named after him either. Rumor has it that the Eddie _Fast Eddie_ was named after is Formula-1 driver Eddie Irvine. This Eddie did so much crashing during early stages of races in 1996 that the gang over in Switzerland felt a real brotherhood with him. Or at least that's the way the story goes. Q: Okay, if you won't tell me who Bernie is, then at least tell me what's with all the dog jokes? A: Since _Bernie_ is housed in Switzerland, the F.E. Systems gang wanted to show everyone their national pride. A large St. Bernard is one of the most recognizable symbols of that country, as they are famous for rescue missions while patrolling the Swiss Alps. _Bernie_ is named after those St. Bernards. Q: Why didn't you tell me _Bernie_ was named after that? A: You only asked who Bernie was, not who _Bernie_ was named after. The PowerBooks Q: What is a "PowerBook"? A: A PowerBook is Apple Computer, Inc.'s Macintosh version of a "notebook" or "laptop" computer, a portable computer that is designed to be taken just about anywhere and run off of rechargable batteries. There are many different models of PowerBooks, including those with 68000, 68030, 68LC040, and PowerPC 603e, 603ev, and 750/740 ("G3") processors. Q: Are there any non-Apple-branded Mac OS compatible notebook computers? A: There was a computer known as an "Outbound" that functioned as a 68000-series Macintosh, but they've been out of production for some time, at least in part due to copyright issues centering around the Macintosh ROMs. None of the recent Mac OS clone vendors was allowed to produce a notebook-style computer, so there are no Radius, SuperMac, PowerComputing, MacTell, UMAX, Motorola, or other clone vendor notebooks. Q: Which PowerBooks can run _Bernie_? A: There are only a few PowerBooks which meet _Bernie_'s requirements straight out of the box: PowerBook 5300 series; PowerBook 1400 series; PowerBook 2400 series; PowerBook 3400 series; PowerBook G3 series; and PowerBook Duo 2300 series. Additionally, there are a few PowerBooks which can be upgraded to a PowerPC processor, after which they'll be compatible with Bernie: PowerBook 190 series; PowerBook 500 series; and PowerBook Duo 200 series We say "series" because you may see several things appended to a particular PowerBook's model number--for instance, a PowerBook 1400 series computer may specifically be called a "PowerBook 1400cs/166" indicates a PowerBook 1400 with a color passive matrix screen and a 166 mhz processor. A "PowerBook 2400c/180" indicates a PowerBook 2400 with a color active matrix screen and a 166 mhz processor. In the case of the PowerBook 500 and Duo 200 series, you will also see some different numbers in the middle of the PowerBook's model number--you will see a "PowerBook 520" or a "PowerBook Duo 230", for instance. With the exception of a few 5300's and upgraded 190's, 500's, and Duo 200's, every _Bernie_ capable PowerBook has a color screen built-in. For what it's worth, there is no actual "PowerBook 500" or "PowerBook Duo 200". Q: What's the difference between a "PowerBook" and a "PowerBook Duo"? A: Many PowerBook enthusiasts like to divide the various PowerBook models along two lines: "All-in-ones" and "Duos". Unfortunately, there are actually three lines: "All-in-ones", "Almost-All-in-ones", and "Duos" All-in-one PowerBooks make up the vast majority of all PowerBooks ever made. These PowerBooks have 3.5 inch floppy drives built-in (or as a removable option), internal 2.5 inch hard disk drives, internal modem capability (including on some models PC Card, aka "PCMCIA", modems), and on the rear of the PowerBook, a series of "ports"--connectors similar to what you see on the back of an Apple IIgs--for such things as serial ports (including Localtalk connections), microphones, ADB devices, Ethernet, and SCSI. PowerBook Duos are Apple's version of the "sub-notebook". These computers do not include a built-in floppy drive, and the only recognizable connectors on the back of the Duos are for power, one serial port, and, if installed, a modem. There is, however, a large, thin, edgecard-style connector on the back of the Duo. This is an integral component in expanding the Duo. The Duo can be connected to a "dock" using this connector, which can have many of the ports that the all-in-one PowerBooks have (if not more), as well as the missing floppy drive. Several docks have been manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc., as well as others. While many potential Duo users are scared off by the lack of a floppy drive built into the Duo--and I was once one of them--I have found the need for a floppy to be much less than anticipated, and the lighter weight and small size are always blessings. Unfortunately, neither the Duo nor any of the docks are in production any longer. Almost all-in-one PowerBooks are fairly rare--there are only two, really: the PowerBook 100 and the PowerBook 2400 series. These PowerBooks are like the Duo in that they are smaller than the all-in-ones and have no internal floppy drive but instead of requiring a dock, all of the ports are already present on the rear of the PowerBook, like the all-in-ones--including the port for the floppy drive. Q: I have a PowerBook XXX. Can my PowerBook be upgraded to run Bernie? A: With the exceptions listed above--PowerBook 500 series, 190 series, and Duo 200 series--none of the PowerBooks can be upgraded to PowerPC processors, meaning no _Bernie_. Q: I have a PowerPC-upgradable PowerBook. Where can I find the upgrade? A: Depends on which upgrade you're looking for. There were several versions of the PowerPC upgrade for the PowerBook 500 series. Apple Computer, Inc. made one, and Newer Technology licensed the Apple technology and created higher performance ones. While the Apple one does not appear to be made any longer and cannot be easily found, the Newer Technology models are relatively easy to find, but they aren't inexpensive. The Duo 200 series is upgradable with a motherboard swap, manufactured by Apple but apparently no longer available, which makes whatever Duo model you have functionally identical to a Duo 2300c, excepting the built-in screen. The Duo 2300c motherboard has connectors for both IDE and SCSI drives built-in, so you can use your old SCSI 2.5 inch drive or a new IDE 2.5 inch drive, depending on your needs (the cable for the IDE drive does not come with the 2300c motherboard, and it may be difficult to find). Similarly, the PowerBook 190 is upgradable with a motherboard swap to PowerBook 5300 performance. I have never seen one of these upgrades available. Q: What "catches" are there when buying a PowerBook for use with Bernie? A: Unless the prices are incredibly attractive and you have a source of an upgrade lined up, it's probably more sensible to buy a PowerBook already suited for Bernie than an upgradable one. The cost and scarcity of the upgrades tend to make them less appealing. Additionally, the non-2300 model Duos and 500s have 2.5 inch SCSI drives installed. These are no longer made new (although you can find new "SCSI" 2.5 inch drives, they are usually quite expensive converted IDE drives) and fairly difficult to come by, especially in reasonable sizes for today's Macs. While the Duo motherboard swap gives an upgraded Duo the capability of using IDE drives, it lacks the necessary cable to attach such a drive. Q: Where else can I get PowerBook information? A: There's lots of PowerBook information available on the World Wide Web. For starters you can try: http://www.ogrady.com http://powerbook.apple.com http://www.powerbook1.com Expansion Q: How can I expand my PowerBook? A: The PowerBook is a closer relative in form factor to the //c than the IIgs--like both the //c and IIgs it has "ports"--connectors on the rear of the computer that allow you to connect to external devices. Common ports on the back of the PowerBook are a power port, serial port, SCSI port, ADB port, microphone port, and speaker port. Some PowerBooks also have internal modems, some of the PC Card style--roughly the size of a credit card but about 1/8th of an inch thick--and some uniquely designed for a PowerBook. There are also Ethernet ports, video ports, and removable storage (floppy drive, Zip Drive, Magneto Optical drive, hard drive, CD ROM). Unlike the IIgs, PowerBooks don't have "slots", with one exception--Duos, when docked in certain models of dock, have access to NuBus slots. However, some PowerBooks can use the PC Cards (formerly known as PCMCIA) that are prevalent with Intel-style notebook computers, to add such things as modems, memory, hard drive storage, and Ethernet capability. Aside from Duos in certain docks, none of the Bernie-capable PowerBooks have two serial ports. They all have one--the "Printer/Modem Port", meaning you cannot use two external modems with Bernie. However, under Bernie, you can choose your internal modem as an equivalent to the IIgs modem port. More on this later. You can add RAM and larger hard drives to PowerBooks as well. You must remember that when you do this, you usually will need to replace your existing memory card or hard drive with another, leaving you with the older components as spares. Using Modems and Printers Q: Is the serial support ever going to be finished? A: Yes. Q: When? A: When it's ready. Q: When do we get to see what's done so far? A: Whenever you register _Bernie 1.3_. This is the first version of Bernie to support serial ports through the CerealPuffs(tm) emulation and the InkDirect printing. Once you've registered _Bernie_, you can set the IIgs Printer Port and the IIgs Modem Port through the Edit Preferences menu. This also requires the Macintosh Appearance Manager be installed. You can choose any Macintosh serial port or device recognized as such (primarily the serial ports on the back of the Mac and/or an internal modem) for use with this emulation. While there is a way to go before calling this emulation "perfect", it is a remarkable accomplishment. It has appeared to work better so far with faster Macs and PC Card modems. More Assistance Q: How can I get help with something not covered here? A: For further assistance with _Bernie ][ The Rescue_, you can check out the Delphi A2 Forum, as well as the Delphi A2 Conference, where you may often run into GUDATH, aka Henrik Gudat, one of Bernie's handlers. You can join the _Bernie_ mailing list, where lots of information about the dog gets transmitted daily. To learn more about the list, you can take a look at: http://www.design.ncisc.org/~bernie/current/index.html _Bernie_'s main page, including the _Bernie_ FAQ, remains at: http://www.magnet.ch/emutech Q: Any last words? A: Woof! :: DISCUSSED ON DELPHI :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: : : : When in doubt, make it sound convincing! : : : ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: TONYW1 :::: [EOA] [INN]------------------------------ EXTRA INNINGS | ----------------------------------- About The Lamp! The Lamp! is published on the fifteenth of every month in """"""""""""""" the Database of the II Scribe Forum on the Delphi online service (GO CUS 11). This publication produced entirely with real or emulated Apple II computers using Appleworks 5.1 and Hermes. Apple II Forever! * The Lamp! is (c) copyright 1998 by Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W. All rights reserved. * To reach The Lamp! on Internet email send mail to thelamp@delphi.com. * Back issues of The Lamp! are available in the II Scribe Forum on Delphi as well as The Lamp! Home Page, http://lamp.sheppyware.net. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Delphi Online Services, Syndicomm, Inc., or Ryan M. Suenaga. Forum messages are reprinted verbatim and are included in this publication with permission from the individual authors. Delphi Online Services, Syndicomm, Inc. and Ryan M. Suenaga do not guarantee the accuracy or suitability of any information included herein. We reserve the right to edit all letters and copy. Material published in this edition may not be reprinted without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Registered computer user groups, not for profit publications , and other interested parties may write the publisher to apply for permission to reprint any or all material. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< [EOF]