[HEA] _____________________ ___ _ |___ ______________| | | | | | | _ | | | | | || | | | | | | || | | | | | | || | | | ____ _ _ _ _ ______ | | | || | | | / __ \ | | / \_/ \ | ___ \ | | | || |__ ____ | | / / \ | | /\ /\ \ | | \ \ | | | || _ \ | _ \ | | \ \__/ | | | |_|| | | |__/ / | | | || | | || |_|| | | \___/|_| |_| |_| | ____/ |_| | || | | || |__ | |____________________ | | _ |__||_| |_|\____/ |________________________| | | |_| | | Lighting Your Apple II Path | | |_| ----------------------------------- >>> WELCOME TO THE LAMP! <<< ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE BEST OF THE A2 BULLETIN BOARD ON Syndicomm Online AND THE BEST OF THE DELPHI A2 AND A2PRO MESSAGE BOARDS "Teaching the Apple II user how to fish since 1998" :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: The Lamp! An Onipa'a Software Production Vol. 6, No. 7 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Publisher................................Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W. Editor.....................................................Lyle Syverson Internet Email, Publisher.........................thelamp@sheppyware.net Internet Email, Editor................................lyle@FoxValley.net :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: TABLE OF CONTENTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ July 15, 2003 HIGH ABOVE THE ROCK RIVER---------------------------------------------[OPN] A Unique Store KFest is Unique A2 FORUM AT Syndicomm Online (A2Central.com) DISTILLATIONS------------[DAS] New Upload in A2 Library-----------------------------------------[NUL] NinjaForce Web Site Updated--------------------------------------[NWS] Test Your HTML Code----------------------------------------------[THC] Patent on GIF LZW Compression Expires----------------------------[GCE] New TimeTool 1.0.3 Archive Uploaded to Library-------------------[TTA] The Lamp Index Updated-------------------------------------------[LIU] Using Prizm in Programming---------------------------------------[UPP] More Discussion on Marinetti Programming-------------------------[DMP] Creating a Slide Show From a Series of Prints--------------------[CSS] Comparing Phone Rates--------------------------------------------[CPR] DiskMaker 1.3 Uploaded to Library--------------------------------[DMU] Updated Lamp Index Uploaded to Library---------------------------[LIL] TimeTool 1.0.3 Uploaded to Library-------------------------------[TTL] ILLUMINATING THE LAMP-------------------------------------------------[ITL] An overview of GEnieLamp A2 and The Lamp! Editor's Note ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM SYNDICOMM------------------------------------------[ANS] To Sign up for Syndicomm Online----------------------------------[TSU] The July 2003 Issue of Syndicommotion Is Ready-------------------[JSR] THE TINKERER'S CORNER-------------------------------------------------[TTC] The Traveling IIe You are Invited LETTERS TO THE EDITOR-------------------------------------------------[LTE] No Letters to the Editor This Month An Invitation KFEST 2003------------------------------------------------------------[KFT] KFest 2003 - Plan to be There!-----------------------------------[PBT] KFest Registration Form------------------------------------------[KRF] You Are Invited to KFest-----------------------------------------[YAI] All Types of People Come to KFest - a Pinch of Salt--------------[ATP] Peikop Endropov Airport Taxi Service-----------------------------[PET] Syndicomm Will be Selling Dozens of Products at KFest------------[DOP] The KFest FAQ Version 4.1.2--------------------------------------[FAQ] New Unofficial 802.11B Antenna Contest Rules---------------------[ACR] Kfest 2003 HackFest Rules----------------------------------------[KHR] 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]. [OPN]------------------------------- HIGH ABOVE THE ROCK RIVER | ------------------------------------ From The Editor """"""""""""""" by Lyle Syverson A Unique Store ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Just a half mile from the patio High Above The Rock River stands the 320 Store. A row of parking spaces occupies the space in front of the unassuming brick building. Inside, homemade counters and shelves display the store's claim to fame... high quality fresh produce. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables are available, both organically grown and regular. Today's selection includes purple potatoes and fava beans. The steady stream of customers coming and going attest to the popularity of the store. They arrive by auto, bicycle, local bus and on foot. One woman refers to her recipe for gourmet vegetable soup and asks for help to locate the 17 different herbs and vegetables needed. A teenager buys a single banana for a snack before going back to his skateboard. The checkout system is also homemade. Place your selections on one of four checkout counters. The clerk places the first kind of produce on a free standing electronic balance, then enters the price per pound on the calculator connected to the balance. Hitting ENTER records the weight, price per pound, and total for that item. After repeating the procedure for each kind of fruit and vegetable you are buying, hitting TOTAL calculates the sales tax, calculates the total, prints a tape of the transaction, and unlocks the cash drawer. Yes, the 320 Store is truly unique. KFest is Unique ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Those who have been to KFest in the past will tell you that it is a unique experience. Sharing, learning, building, trading, competing, visiting... with others who have known the Apple II experience. There is still time for you to be a part of KFest 2003. See the KFest section of this issue for registration information. [EOA] ASCII ART BEGINS _________ _ _ _ |__ __| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |___ ____ | | _____ __ ___ _ _ _____ | | | | | ___ \ / __ \ | | /____ \ | v v | | v ___ \ | | | | | | | | | /__\ \ | | ____| | | /\ /\ | | / \ \ | | | | | | | | | _____| | | / ___ | | || || | | | | | |_| | | | | | | | |_____ | |____ | |__| | | || || | | \___/ / _ |_| |_| |_| \______| |______| \____^_| |_||_||_| | |\____/ |_| | | | | |_| ASCII ART ENDS [EOA] [DAS]---------------------------------------------- DISTILLATIONS FROM The A2 FORUM at Syndicomm.com | (A2Central.com) | --------------------------------------------------- by Lyle Syverson [NUL] NEW UPLOAD IN A2 LIBRARY """""""""""""""""""""""" There is a new upload in the education/word.games.and.reading directory: File: type.away.bxy Size: 5632 Date: Jun 17 Type.Away is a simple typing program for pre-school kids who aren't quite ready for Charlie Hartley's Typing Tutor. Written in 8-bit 6502 assembly, not because it needed to be but rather more as a coding exercise on the road to my learning assembly. This was to be my Hackfest entry if I had made it to Kansas Fest this year. The main executable is only 676 bytes so it will run on any Apple II ever made and from either DOS 3.3 or ProDOS. Freeware. Uploaded by the author, Mark Percival. Tony Ward, A2 Librarian (A2.TONY, Cat 2, Top 37, Msg 17) [EOA] [NWS] NINJAFORCE WEB SITE UPDATE """""""""""""""""""""""""" I received the following in email this morning: Finally: on board new server Almost two months of complete absence (thanks to our old provider and the apparent cyber-bureaucracy), we're now back on our new server. Other than that, there's nothing much new. -- Jesse Blue / Ninjaforce E-MAIL: jesseblue@ninjaforce.com ICQ: 8895643 WWW: http://www.ninjaforce.com (KGAGNE, Cat 11, Top 12, Msg 25) [EOA] [THC] TEST YOUR HTML CODE """"""""""""""""""" I've heard of this site, but never used it before yesterday: http://validator.w3.org/ This site contains a collection of tools intended to help streamline HTML coding. The link labeled "Link Checker" will test the HTML links in any online document and report which ones are broken or need modifying. Very useful! -Ken (KGAGNE, Cat 11, Top 29, Msg 53) [EOA] [GCE] PATENT ON GIF LZW COMPRESSION EXPIRES """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" I read that Unisys' patent on GIF LZW compression expired on June 20th of this year. Can anyone explain the significance of this lapse? -Ken (KGAGNE, Cat 12, Top 3, Msg 22) >>>>> """"" The expiration of the US patent for LZW means that software that uses the LZW compression algorithm can be distributed and used legally without forking over a license fee to Unisys. This means software that creates GIFs, plus ShrinkIt software, since both use the LZW algorithm. Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd sheppy@syndicomm.com Owner, Syndicomm http://www.syndicomm.com Building communities, bit by bit. (SYNDICOMM, Cat 12, Top 3, Msg 23) >>>>> """"" Sheppy, Does that mean programmers of utilities like Balloon, Shrink II, and SuperConvert had to pay licensing fees for the compression algorithm? Also, wasn't it quite a few years after CompuServe created the GIF format that the owners of the LZW patent stepped forward to demand licensing fees for GIF programs? -Ken (KGAGNE, Cat 12, Top 3, Msg 24) >>>>> """"" >> Does that mean programmers of utilities like Balloon, Shrink II, and SuperConvert had to pay licensing fees for the compression algorithm? << Yes, that's exactly true. We paid $1.50 to Unisys for each copy of Balloon or Shrink II sold. >> Also, wasn't it quite a few years after CompuServe created the GIF format that the owners of the LZW patent stepped forward to demand licensing fees for GIF programs? << Yes, it was. It surprised and annoyed everyone when they showed up out of the blue to claim their rights. Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd sheppy@syndicomm.com Owner, Syndicomm http://www.syndicomm.com Building communities, bit by bit. (SYNDICOMM, Cat 12, Top 3, Msg 25) >>>>> """"" I find letting something become a standard while not charging and then suddenly demanding money from even people doing software that they weren't being paid for kind of tacky. Sounds like something SCO would do. Dain (A2.DAIN, Cat 12, Top 3, Msg 26) >>>>> """"" "Kind of?" It sucks. Unisys has been pretty much universally derided since they pulled that stunt. Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd sheppy@syndicomm.com Owner, Syndicomm http://www.syndicomm.com Building communities, bit by bit. (SYNDICOMM, Cat 12, Top 3, Msg 27) [EOA] [TTA] NEW TimeTool 1.0.3 ARCHIVE UPLOADED TO LIBRARY """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" It came to my attention recently that the TimeTool 1.0.3 archive never included the Orca/M macro and header file. I have uploaded a new archive with the Orca/M programming tools included to the Syndicomm library. I don't think Pascal, C, or Merlin headers/macros were ever written. If anybody wrote this, please send them to me and I will make sure the archive will get updated with the latest programming tools. I apologize for the initial release that wasn't complete. It is really nice to see that it useful for some folks. Geoff (GEOFF, Cat 20, Top 13, Msg 60) [EOA] [LIU] THE LAMP INDEX UPDATED """""""""""""""""""""" The latest edition of the Lamp Index was just uploaded to the A2 library, including the 0306 edition of The Lamp! Steven Weyhrich --< Apple II History Scroll? http://apple2history.org (A2HISTORY, Cat 20, Top 20, Msg 96) [EOA] [UPP] USING PRIZM IN PROGRAMMING """""""""""""""""""""""""" I only use Prizm for editing. I have yet to successfully compile/assemble software with it. And this is on a real IIgs. I'm sure if you add/remove/change the order of system extensions on your emulated GS, you will see different results. Using the PRIZM editor makes me wish that an emulator would allow for larger GS screen resolution to see more lines for editing. It is very disconcerting to get 50+ x 160+ characters in my UNIX windows and get a fraction of that in the IIgs windows. And don't get me started having multiple windows open in PRIZM where you want to see both contents at the same time. Geoff (GEOFF, Cat 22, Top 28, Msg 8) >>>>> """"" This is something I planned to implement eventually in Sweet16 -- a protocol for passing files to an extension that would then save them to disk and cause ORCA scripts to run to compile the code, so you could use, for example, CodeWarrior as an IDE but have it pass the files through to ORCA to compile them. :) It oughtn't to be hard to do, just need the code for a distributable emulator and the time to add the feature. :) Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd sheppy@syndicomm.com Owner, Syndicomm http://www.syndicomm.com Building communities, bit by bit. (SYNDICOMM, Cat 22, Top 28, Msg 9) >>>>> """"" That sounds pretty cool. Part of the thing holding me back with the IIGS programming is that I've been trying to do it with Prizm and I got next to no results. I am going to look into the MPW option. Hopefully, someone at Kfest will have such a set up so that I can at least see it in action. Dain (A2.DAIN, Cat 22, Top 28, Msg 10) >>>>> """"" I'll be doing a KFest session demoing the use of MPW to do IIgs programming. :) Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd sheppy@syndicomm.com Owner, Syndicomm http://www.syndicomm.com Building communities, bit by bit. (SYNDICOMM, Cat 22, Top 28, Msg 12) [EOA] [DMP] MORE DISCUSSION ON MARINETTI PROGRAMMING """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Okay, more Marinetti programming questions :) Marinetti is up, and I'm able to get results on DNS properly, now I'm trying to actually open the connection (a telnet connection to port 25, aka to a SMTP server). here's what I'm trying right now: dummy := TCPIPOpenTCP(ipid); constatus := mysrBuff.srState; while constatus <> 4 do begin {4 being established} TCPIPPoll; dummy := TCPIPStatusTCP(ipid,@mysrBuff); constatus := mysrBuff.srState; end; {while} It seems to hang forever here. If I check the TCP states I constantly get 2 (tcpsSYNSENT); if I check the TCP logic errors, I get 0 (tcperrOK). I -am- supposed to be waiting for tcpsESTABLISHED, correct? :) Is there something special I'm supposed to specify earlier in TCPIPLogin? thanks Ryan (A2.RYAN, Cat 57, Top 31, Msg 10) >>>>> """"" It sounds like it's not managing to connect to the destination. You need to add a timeout so it eventually gives up. Use the TickCount function in the Event Manager. Not sure why it's not connecting though. What's your TCPIPLogin call doing? Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd sheppy@syndicomm.com Owner, Syndicomm http://www.syndicomm.com Building communities, bit by bit. (SYNDICOMM, Cat 57, Top 31, Msg 11) >>>>> """"" ipid := TCPIPLogin(UserID, IPAddress, 25, 0, 64); BTW, I tried the reversed byte thing you mentioned in conference and it didn't appear to help. I did (somehow) successfully connect once, but I can't seem to do it repeatedly. Ryan (A2.RYAN, Cat 57, Top 31, Msg 12) >>>>> """"" Sounds like funky juju going on. What version of Marinetti do you have installed? 2.0.1 or the latest devo build off MOSP? Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd sheppy@syndicomm.com Owner, Syndicomm http://www.syndicomm.com Building communities, bit by bit. (SYNDICOMM, Cat 57, Top 31, Msg 13) >>>>> """"" 2.0.1 at this point. Andrew's been in contact with me to help him test some newer builds (not related to this project) but they've not really been stable. I'll continue to play with it. Kind of hoping Ewen and Geoff will check in on this too, since they've successfully programmed Marinetti apps as well. :) Ryan (A2.RYAN, Cat 57, Top 31, Msg 14) >>>>> """"" Ryan posted his question to Marinetti-devo list and I replied there. Strange juju is the technical description of what was going on. If this happens, you have to change the order, add, or remove extensions in your system. You just need to so something to make sure the bits in memory are in a different order. Ryan had confirmed that my suggestion fixed the problem. Geoff (GEOFF, Cat 57, Top 31, Msg 15) >>>>> """"" Yeah, I had suggested that in chat previously but I think Ryan thought I was kidding. :) Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd sheppy@syndicomm.com Owner, Syndicomm http://www.syndicomm.com Building communities, bit by bit. (SYNDICOMM, Cat 57, Top 31, Msg 16) >>>>> """"" Actually, I didn't think your were kidding, I thought that the system I was running at had so few extensions installed this wouldn't make a difference. Of course, I suck. :) Ryan (A2.RYAN, Cat 57, Top 31, Msg 19) >>>>> """"" I continue to work on Marinetti. I am now up to needing to use TCPIPReadLineTCP, but I'm seriously perplexed. Marinetti's programing documentation indicates this: function TCPIPReadLineTCP (ipid, delimitStrPtr: pStringPtr; buffType: integer; data: univ longint; buffLen: longint; bPtr: rlrBuffPtr): integer; rlrBuff = record rlrBuffCount: longint; rlrBuffHandle: handle; rlrIsDataFlag: boolean; rlrMoreFlag: boolean; rlrBuffSize: longint; end; rlrBuffPtr = ^rlrBuff; I'm not sure at all what data does, and "univ longint", while I can guess at it, is not listed at all in ORCA references. I need a lot of help with this one :) Ryan (A2.RYAN, Cat 57, Top 31, Msg 21) >>>>> """"" "univ" means turn off type checking and let anything with the right size be used. "univ longint" means anything 4 bytes -- could be a long integer, could be a Handle, could be a local buffer, etc. buffType determines how marinetti treats data: $0000 - pointer to a buffer of some sort $0001 - handle (from NewHandle), Marinetti will resize $0002 - buffData is ignored, a new handle will be returned in the rlrBuff you should probably just pass $0002 and use the rlrBuffHandle for the data (remember to free it afterwards). Kelvin (KWS, Cat 57, Top 31, Msg 23) [EOA] [CSS] CREATING A SLIDE SHOW FROM A SERIES OF PRINTS """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" My brother wishes to create a slide show from about 100 print pictures he has. I am exploring options for him to do so, and have inquired with two photo labs so far. Converting to slides would be an expensive process at about $5.50 per photo; scanning/digitizing them is cheaper, but still expensive at $10 for the CD, plus $1.50/each. I have a scanner, but it is not the highest quality, and do not wish to commit to the slow, laborious work. It was also suggested I use a digital camera to take a picture of the print, but I'm unsure how well that would work. Any suggestions? -Ken (KGAGNE, Cat 2, Top 8, Msg 395) >>>>> """"" I think the only real option is to scan them. It doesn't take a spectacular scanner to do a fine job of scanning for screen viewing. Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd sheppy@syndicomm.com Owner, Syndicomm http://www.syndicomm.com Building communities, bit by bit. (SYNDICOMM, Cat 2, Top 8, Msg 396) >>>>> """"" Does he actually want real physical 35mm slides or does he want to do a slide-show style presentation, like PowerPoint? Ryan (A2.RYAN, Cat 2, Top 8, Msg 397) >>>>> """"" Ryan, Either, which is why I'm exploring both options. I think he'd prefer a digital solution. -Ken (KGAGNE, Cat 2, Top 8, Msg 398) >>>>> """"" Having done both, I have to say that they're both tedious to do. PowerPoint style presentations are not hard to do by any means, but scanning is definitely not the most fun thing I've ever done in my life. However, giving that, it's relatively low cost--way lower than making slides out of those photos would be--and can be done pretty well. No, I'm not volunteering. :) Ryan (A2.RYAN, Cat 2, Top 8, Msg 399) >>>>> """"" 100 pictures? pif! That's only about an hour's work if you "get into the rhythm." We did a Powerpoint show with 395 slides! Now THAT was work. The hard part was resisting the temptation to "fine-tune" each picture. >> It was also suggested I use a digital camera to take a picture of the print, but I'm unsure how well that would work. << I think the quality would REALLY stink using this method, unless you had professional equipment to ensure that the camera was mounted and the light was perfect. Sheppy responded: >> I think the only real option is to scan them. << I would definitely agree with Sheppy here. Remember, you only need 72 dpi for screen viewing. You need to experiment with your scanner software AND with powerpoint, if that's the target platform, to be sure that Powerpoint isn't re-scaling your pictures. Powerpoint allows you to create slideshows 'targeted' for different screen resolutions, and if the show plays on a different resolution, it will automatically re-scale, but the results aren't always nice. I think the ideal solution is to figure out what resolution to scan at that will bring the pictures in at the right size for the presentation without having to do any scaling. Taking some time at the front end to figure that out will save you a LOT of time later. One other thing about Powerpoint. If I were to do it over again, I would definitely leave the pictures external to the presentation (IOW, 'LINK' them in). If you have too many pictures imported, it's too easy for the whole presentation to be corrupted. If you don't want comments or transitions in the show, GraphicConverter also has a slide show feature. _________ | homas (TCOMPTER, Cat 2, Top 8, Msg 400) >>>>> """"" Thanks, all. I don't see the need to insert the pictures into a PowerPoint presentation; if the files are appropriately named in the order I wish to present them, GraphicConverter's slide show command will perform fine. -Ken (KGAGNE, Cat 2, Top 8, Msg 401) [EOA] [CPR] COMPARING PHONE RATES """"""""""""""""""""" Does anyone know of a web site that compares rates offered by various phone companies? I found ldwiz.com computes various rates for local and long distance calls, but I'd like to find an alternative provider that offers features such as caller ID and voice mail, as well. -Ken (KGAGNE, Cat 2, Top 8, Msg 411) >>>>> """"" ABTolls <10-10phonerates.com/> These will give you the real story. Carl Knoblock - Telephone Tech - Wed 2 Jul 03 8:45:42 pm cknoblo@cox.com - Via Spectrum v2.5.2 & SOAR v1.0b10 KFest 2003, July 22-27, 2003 - 20 days till KFest On cable via LANceGS & Marinetti 2.0.1 - Thank you, Richard. A2 RTC Staff - Sunday Night House Party - carlk@syndicomm.com (CARLK, Cat 2, Top 8, Msg 412) [EOA] [DMU] DiskMaker 1.3 UPLOADED TO LIBRARY """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" There is a new upload in the utilities/16-bit/applications directory: File: dmaker13.bxy Size: 26368 Date: Jul 10 DiskMaker 1.3 is a minor update to the popular disk image-to-disk conversion utility for the Apple IIgs. This version removes one step from the process of making floppies by automatically beginning to write the image out to disks inserted into a drive when you're asked to pick a disk to write the image onto. Uploaded by the author, Eric Shepherd. Tony Ward, A2 Librarian (A2.TONY, Cat 2, Top 37, Msg 18) [EOA] [LIL] UPDATED LAMP INDEX UPLOADED TO LIBRARY """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" There are new uploads in the publications/genielamp_the.lamp directory: File: index0306.txt Size: 548454 Date: Jul 11 File: indexreadme.txt Size: 5126 Date: Jul 11 The LAMP INDEX file is a topical index of nearly every individual article that was posted in the digital magazines GEnieLamp A2 from April 1992 through October 1997, and The Lamp! from January 1998 through the present. Uploaded by the author, Steven Weyhrich. Tony Ward, A2 Librarian (A2.TONY, Cat 2, Top 37, Msg 19) [EOA] [TTL] TimeTool 1.0.3 UPLOADED TO LIBRARY """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" There is a new upload in the system_software/misc_16-bit/tools directory: File: tool56v103.bxy Size: 106624 Date: Jul 11 TOOL56V103.BXY is an updated version of the Time Tool 1.0.3 archive. This time, the archive includes the necessary header files for Orca/M. Uploaded by the author, Geoff Weiss. Tony Ward, A2 Librarian (A2.TONY, Cat 2, Top 37, Msg 20) [EOA] [ITL]------------------------ ILLUMINATING THE LAMP | ----------------------------- An overview of GEnieLamp A2 and The Lamp! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ EDITOR'S NOTE """"""""""""" The series, Illuminating The Lamp, will be continued next month. [EOA] [ANS]------------------------------- ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM SYNDICOMM | ------------------------------------ by Lyle Syverson [TSU] TO SIGN UP FOR SYNDICOMM ONLINE """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Please visit our web site at http://www.syndicomm.com for information or to sign up! (Logon message) [EOA] [JSR] The July 2003 Issue of Syndicommotion Is Ready """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" The July 2003 (Volume 2, Number 7) issue of Syndicommotion has been emailed to subscribers. The HTML edition can be found online at the following URL: http://www.syndicomm.com/syndicommotion/v2n7.html (KGAGNE, HelpDesk, Cat 5, Top 4, Msg 11) [EOA] [TTC]------------------------------- THE TINKERER'S CORNER | ------------------------------------ By Lyle Syverson The Traveling IIe ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This project was inspired by the desire to make it easy to take one of my computers, nicknamed the QE2 (for Quadra with IIe), along when traveling to KFest 2003. This computer is constructed from hardware purchased from the local thrift store. The CPU is a Mac Quadra 605 which has been upgraded in several ways: 1. Installation of an Apple IIe card. (See The Tinkerer's Corner in the March 2003 issue of The Lamp!) 2. Replacement of the LC68040 processor with a full 68040 chip. 3. Installation of a 32MB ram stick. (Built in 4MB + 32 = 36MB total ram) 4. Replacement of the original hard drive with a 500MB drive. Being one of the "pizza box" Macs, the CPU and keyboard fit into my suitcase with my clothes. The Mac 12" RGB monitor, modem, mouse, and cables fit neatly in a cardboard file storage box purchased from an office supply store. (12" wide x 15.5" long x 10" high) A canvas bag with carrying straps was constructed to snugly fit the cardboard box, holding it on end while it is carried. So two hands can carry my clothes, personal items, and the computer all in one trip from the car to the room. So there you have an Apple IIe plus a Mac Quadra 605 that can be lugged along when traveling. [EOA] YOU ARE INVITED """"""""""""""" You are invited to submit your favorite Tinkerer's Project for the Apple II computers. Send your write up or idea to Lyle Syverson, Editor The Editor reserves the right to edit any material submitted. The Editor reserves the right to reject any material he considers unsuitable for publication in _The Lamp!_. [EOA] [LTE]------------------------------- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR | ------------------------------------ NO LETTERS TO THE EDITOR THIS MONTH """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" The mail box for Letters to the Editor remained empty this month. [EOA] AN INVITATION ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Express your opinions about the comings and goings in the world of the Apple II computers. Send your comments to Lyle Syverson, Editor The Editor reserves the right to edit any material submitted. The Editor reserves the right to reject any material he considers unsuitable for publication in _The Lamp!_. [EOA] [KFT]------------------------------ KFest 2003 | ----------------------------------- [PBT] KFest 2003 - PLAN TO BE THERE! """""""""""""""""""""""""""""" KansasFest 2003 is planned for July 22-27, 2003 at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri. (Entrance banner, Cat 5, Top 5) [EOA] [KRF] KFest REGISTRATION FORM """"""""""""""""""""""" The KFest registration form with instructions in PDF format can be downloaded here: http://lamp.a2central.com/klo/registration_forms/KFestRegForm2003g.pdf If you can not access PDF documents with your computer contact Jerry Cline at Intrec Software and request a form by mail. Contact information can be found below. Sponsored by: InTrec Software, Inc. 3035 E Topaz Circle Phoenix, AZ 85028-4423 Voc:602/992-1345 Fax:602/992-0232 kfest@intrec.com [EOA] [YAI] YOU ARE INVITED TO KFEST """""""""""""""""""""""" OH MY LORD, WE'RE GOING TO THE DANCE! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A few years ago, when the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team earned its way into the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship tournament--known alternatively as "March Madness" and "The Big Dance"--with an improbable run through an impossible field of Western Athletic Conference opponents, legend has it one of the homegrown players on the Hawai'i roster screamed at the top of his lungs, "Oh my Lord, we're going to the dance!" Who wouldn't be excited? March Madness is a gathering of the best of college athletics in this country, and while some may leave disappointed, no one regrets going, although many regret squandering the chance to go. The Apple II Community has its own Big Dance--it's called KansasFest. It is indeed a gathering of the best the Apple II world has to offer, but unlike college basketball's Big Dance, no one leaves disappointed, unless it's because they couldn't do everything they wanted to, and like college basketball's Big Dance, many regret squandering their chance to go. Unlike March Madness, the field isn't limited to those who are invited only--or rather, everyone's invited. Don't live with regrets--go to the dance. -- Ryan M. Suenaga [EOA] [ATP] ALL TYPES OF PEOPLE COME TO KFEST - A PINCH OF SALT """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" By some people's accounts, I'm still a KFest puppy. I can't remember if this is 3.5 or 4.5 - .5 being when I was a guest interloper at some of the evening events my first year. I've been a regular full timer ever since. Thanks to Jerry Cline, I've met and have kept meeting some of the most interesting people every year in July during KFest (and now you know who to blame). ;) One personal observation that I would like to share is the occasional soap opera that is KFest. Every year, people of all types come together for a common interest - the Apple II. Most of these people have strong opinions about the II community, but not everyone agrees on the methods, goings-on etc. It's political, it's real and it's likely to occasionally rub some people the wrong way. Every year, there's been a meltdown somewhere - someone got offended, frustrated, jilted, left out, interrupted, patronized... =) (not on purpose that I know of) but it's understandable that these things happen when a serious, passionate bunch of people get together in close proximity for 6 days, eating weird food and engaging in sleep-deprivation. Honestly, we could televise our own reality TV show or human lab experiment. The good news is that before it's all over, pretty much anyone and everyone who got miffed has found a way to make up and let it go. I find it all very interesting, because the closet sociologist in me believes this parallels most extended families and tribes. As communities go, KFesters tend to be real top-shelf people. And besides all that, KFest is just plain fun, chock full of chewy gooey geeky goodness. So, take it all with a grain of salt. It's still too early for anyone to be getting miffed. Gotta wait until at least day 4. (Sean Fahey, KFest Mailing List, 3 Jul 2003) [EOA] [PET] Peikop Endropov AIRPORT TAXI SERVICE """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Peikop Endropov Airport Taxi Service The list of people needing rides to and from the airport isn't very long. Is everyone else driving to KFest, renting a car, or just like paying huge taxi charges? :) Maybe you just haven't made your reservations yet. Be sure to let me know, either here, the KFest mailing list, or direct email if you want a ride. Carl Knoblock - Telephone Tech - Sat 28 Jun 03 10:36:09 pm cknoblo@cox.com - Via Spectrum v2.5.2 & SOAR v1.0b10 KFest 2003, July 22-27, 2003 - 24 days till KFest On cable via LANceGS & Marinetti 2.0.1 - Thank you, Richard. A2 RTC Staff - Sunday Night House Party - carlk@syndicomm.com (CARLK, Cat 5, Top 5, Msg 69) [EOA] [DOP] SYNDICOMM WILL BE SELLING DOZENS OF PRODUCTS AT KFEST """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Well, I'm in full swing cranking out dozens of products to be ready to sell stuff at KFest. Syndicomm will have a ton of stuff available for sale, including at least two new releases. I'm pretty excited. :) Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd sheppy@syndicomm.com Owner, Syndicomm http://www.syndicomm.com Building communities, bit by bit. (SYNDICOMM, Cat 5, Top 5, Msg 78) [EOA] [FAQ] The KFest FAQ Version 4.1.2 """"""""""""""""""""""""""" The KFest FAQ--Summer Camp for Apple II Geeks ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ by Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W. [editor@juiced.gs] The KFest FAQ Version 4.1.2 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 KansasFest, the Apple II event of the year. It is not designed to answer general questions about the Apple II, although there may be some overlap. Any questions about this article can be sent via email to editor@juiced.gs. 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 KansasFest, they often have a number of questions which others before them had 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 KansasFest, also known as KFest. Many Apple II enthusiasts are interested in attending or just want some information about this event, so the most common questions are answered here. Q: How can this FAQ be distributed? A: The content of this FAQ is copyright 1999-2003 by Ryan M. Suenaga. Distribute freely, provided the content is unchanged. Q: What is KFest? A: KansasFest, abbreviated "KFest", is a computing conference held every summer at Avila College (now Avila University) in Kansas City, Missouri. Its original formal name was "The Apple II Summer Conference" while its nickname was "KansasFest", which was abbreviated to "KFest". Today, the conference's official name is "KansasFest". Q: When was the first KFest held? A: The first KansasFest was held in 1989. It was originally sponsored by Resource-Central, the folks who brought you the wonderful _Open-Apple_ and _A2-Central_ (among several other Apple II) publications. After Resource-Central became ICON, The Apple II Summer Conference became ICONference. This lasted one summer until ICON shut down. Two different companies sponsored KFest before Intrec Software, publishers of _ProTERM_, took over a few years back. This July will welcome the 15th KFest. Q: When is KFest this year? A: KansasFest 2003 runs from Tuesday through Sunday, July 22-27, 2003. The very popular early arrival day is now officially rolled into KansasFest proper. Meals, however, will not be served at Avila until Wednesday dinner. Q: Where is KFest held? A: KFest is held at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri. The address and phone number are: Avila University 11901 Wornall Road Kansas City, Missouri 64145 United States of America (816) 942-8400 Q: If it's held in Missouri, why is it called KansasFest? A: I dunno. It does take place in Kansas City, and if it makes you feel better, the Kansas border is very close to Avila University. Q: Who comes to KFest? A: While KFest was originally devoted to programmers, nowadays all kinds of folk from all over the world show up at Avila University. Programmers, users, newsletter publishers, and everyday folk show up from Europe, Canada, Australia, and all over the United States to celebrate the Apple II. Q: Who organizes KFest? A: Currently, KFest is organized by a committee headed by The Grand Gouda, Steve "Godzilla" Gozdziewski, who has taken over from The Big Cheese, Cindy Adams. Cindy remains on the committee. The scheduling is done by Tony Diaz, of Alltech Electronics fame. Tony also handles the maintenance of the World Wide Web site, Devin Reade maintains the email lists, and Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd provides World Wide Web hosting services and organizes HackFest, the programming contest. KFest is sponsored by Jerry Cline of Intrec Software. Q: How do I register for KFest? How much does it cost? A: Depending on when you register, registration prices vary. If you register early, you'll get a better deal. Please check the KFest Home Page at http://www.kfest.org/ for the most current information. You can download the registration form in PDF format from http://www.kfest.org/KFest2003Reg.pdf If you cannot download the form or print a PDF file, please contact Jerry Cline at Intrec Software (contact information is elsewhere in this file) and he will send you a form by fax or postal mail. Q: How do I reach Intrec/Jerry? Jerry Cline InTrec Software, Inc. 3035 E Topaz Circle Phoenix, AZ 85028-4423 Voc:602/992-1345 Fax:602/992-0232 kfest@intrec.com Q: Which airport do I fly into and how do I get from there to Avila? A: The major airport nearly everyone flies into is Kansas City International, which goes by the code letters MCI (not KCI, which will get you to Indonesia). There's a couple of small commuter airports which are closer, but unless you're Tony Diaz (who flies his own plane), you're not likely to use these. Even though MCI is the "closest" major airport, it's still most of an hour's drive from there to Avila, so walking is out of the question and cab fare would be substantial. Your best bet would be to try and catch a ride with another KFester who'll be flying in or passing by around the same time you'll be arriving. Carl Knoblock unofficially organizes rides to and from the airport. The best way to get in on the ride planning is to join the KFest email list (information on subscribing is elsewhere in this document). Q: What kind of official activities go on at KFest? A: Officially, there is a keynote speech, sessions on various computing topics, HackFest, a celebrity roast, product demonstrations, and a vendor fair. Q: Who is this year's roastee? A: Just announced by KFest Roast MC Ken Gagne: Geoff Weiss, author of Spectrum Internet Suite and many other Apple IIgs programs, will be the guest of honor at this year's roast. Q: What if I want to host a session? A: Email sessions@apple2.org with your ideas for a session. Sessions can include new ways to use programs, new programs, networking, or just about anything you can imagine. Everyone has something they can teach. Q: What kind of unofficial activities go on at KFest? A: Unofficially, there's been movie outings, pizza nights, Bite The Bag contests, late night eating at Denny's, runs out to Krispy Kreme, Floppy Disk Ninja, Apple II Jeopardy, and huge groups of folks going to eat huge pieces of beef at K.C. Masterpiece and Jess and Jim's restaurants. And there's a new contest this year called "CansasFest", a homemade 802.11b antenna contest. Q: Has anyone attended every KFest? A: One person: Tony Diaz of Computer Circulation Center (formerly known as Alltech Electronics). Q: I hear that the Avila University dorm is wired for Ethernet. Is there a way I can access that while I'm there? A: Yes. In each dorm room in the halls of Avila are two outlets that seem to be phone jacks. These _aren't_ phone jacks. They're Ethernet ports--to be exact, they're RJ-45 connectors that are compatible with 10 Base-T Ethernet. The entire Avila dorm is connected to the Internet this way, making for high speed World Wide Web browsing, electronic mail, and ftp connections for KansasFesters during their stay! The Avila Ethernet uses a protocol called Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, or DHCP, for short. Those of you who have set up TCP/IP connections with Windows or Macintosh computers (or, for that matter, the Apple IIgs) probably have some familiarity with inserting IP addresses, DNS addresses, and Gateway addresses. The beauty of DHCP is that it sets up nearly everything you need dynamically, meaning that the server assigns these addresses--all you need to do is set up TCP/IP on your computer and choose the DHCP protocol. Regardless of which platform you use, if you have software set up to share your hard drive with other computers, you probably ought to disable it--unless you like everyone in the Avila Ethernet having access to your files. At this point, you ought to be connected. If you previously had any proxy servers set up for use with your setup before Avila, disable them. You ought to have easy access for checking mail, browsing the Web, or using file transfer protocol--and very high speeds. One last caveat: As Spam on the Internet proliferates, it has become accepted practice to close off an Internet Service Provider's mail sending server--usually using Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, or smtp--to access from anyone who is not directly connected to the ISP. In other words, no one wants to be a relaying point for Spam. Because of this, it's likely you will not be able to use the same smtp server you use at home to send mail while at Avila. There is, however, a mail.avila.edu smtp server that can be used while at Avila. That ought to keep your email flowing freely. Q: I hear that there's wireless Internet access in the Avila dorm. How do I get hooked up? A: Ah, the infamous wireless. Several KFesters have set up Apple Airport Base Stations and other equivalents. Please see one of them (Sean Fahey, Dain Neater, Eric Shepherd, and Ryan Suenaga are likely candidates) if you'd like to get on the wireless 'Net. Q: How can I learn more about KFest? A: You can get more information on KansasFest by visiting the KansasFest World Wide Web site at http://www.kfest.org/ or sending email to kfest-help@kfest.org. You could also subscribe to the KFest mailing list by sending email to majordomo@kfest.org. In the body of the email include the text: subscribe kfest You will receive a confirmation email with instructions on finalizing your subscription. Q: Should I go to KFest? A: Need you ask? KFest is a must for the serious Apple II fanatic. Do yourself a favor--you're worth it. Show up at KFest 2003, the summer camp for Apple Geeks. [EOA] [ACR] NEW UNOFFICIAL 802.11B ANTENNA CONTEST RULES """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Antenna specifications 1. Antennas can be any shape or design. 2. Antennas cannot be powered by battery or power outlet. They must be passive. The only electrical or electronic connection they can have is to the router used for testing. 3. At the time of testing, the top of all antennas must be no more than six feet off of the ground. 4. All antennas must have a readily accessible female N connector for testing purposes. Materials 1. Non-exhaustive list of materials: Food containers (such as a Pringle's can) Wire Washers Bolts N connector Can lid Nuts Aluminum foil 2. The only material used in the construction of your antenna allowed to be brought to KansasFest at the time of your arrival is one female N connector. 3. All other materials used in the construction of your antennas must be obtained while the entrant is attending KansasFest through "legal" means. Theft is disallowed; "dumpster diving" is generally permitted, but trespassing to do so is not. 4. Purchased materials exceeding the N connector cannot exceed $20 total cost; all receipts must be kept and presented at the time of judging. 5. Any non-purchased material must include written documentation as to its origins, such as, "This length of wire given to me by Kirk Mitchell in exchange for a Budweiser on Tuesday, July 23, 2003 at 9 am." Tools and supplies 1. Non-exhaustive list of tools: Soldering iron Knife Awl Drill Hacksaw Tubing cutter Screwdriver Pliers 2. Tools may not be part of the actual antenna! 3. Tools may be brought with you to KansasFest. Tools may also be purchased during the event. 4. Non-exhaustive list of supplies: Solder Tape Epoxy 5. Supplies may be brought with you to KansasFest. Supplies may also be purchased during the event. 6. Plans may be brought with you to KansasFest or made during the event. Contest procedure 1. Entrants -must- be registered KansasFest 2003 attendees. 2. Contest begins at 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 23, and judging begins after lunch on Friday, July 25. Entries must be ready for judging immediately following lunch on Friday, July 25. Late entries will not be considered. 3. Individuals or teams can enter. 4. Two judges will be selected to judge the competition. 5. All entrants will have an opportunity to position their antenna. The antennas will be judged by attaching each antenna's N connector to a wireless router. The same wireless router will be used for all entrants. A Titanium PowerBook will be placed along a pre-set path some distance away from the antenna and will be moved away until connection is lost for five seconds. At the distance connection is lost, a marker will be placed on the ground to mark that entrant's results. Other issues Any questions should be brought to the attention of the judges during the event. Disclaimer CansasFest is not an official KansasFest event. Please refer to the appropriate FCC rules on use of antennas. You are responsible for your own equipment and any damages to your or anyone else's equipment. (Ryan M. Suenaga, KFest Mailing List) [EOA] [KHR] Kfest 2003 HackFest Rules """"""""""""""""""""""""" It's that time again! KansasFest 2003 HackFest Rules 1. Contest begins at 7:00 AM on Wednesday, July 23, and ends at 7:00 AM on Saturday, July 26 so that judging can begin. The winners will be announced during the Saturday morning sessions. Entries submitted late won't be considered. Entries may be done by individuals or teams; however, individual achievement counts. 2. Three judges will be selected by the KFest committee to judge the competition; at least one of them will be available at all times, to provide assistance and judgement calls. At least one judge will be a non-programmer. 3. Entries must be written entirely during the allotted time; no source code -- printed or on any form of computer-readable media -- may be used (although sample source code printed inside standard and acceptable reference materials is allowed), and the program must run on an Apple II model present at KFest. 4. Any version of any development environment and programming language may be used; however, there may not be any libraries, header files, or macro sets used that aren't standard-issue for that version of the development environment or programming language. 5. Programs can't require unusual additional software or hardware; it's up to the judges to decide what constitutes "unusual." The participant should ask in advance. 6. Programs can't take unfair advantage of system addons written in advance for the sole purpose of easing the work to be done during the contest period. Any extensions or other system addons used by an entry must have been released to the general public at least three months prior to the contest date. 7. Entries will be judged on completeness, cleverness, and the somewhat vague "cool" factor. Entries don't have to be useful if they're otherwise impressive, and they don't have to be "finished." 8. All entry programs are the property of the creator, and do not have to be released to the general public at any time; however, we hope that entries will be distributed by some means (whether for free or otherwise) when ready. However, entries may be described or discussed, including screen shots (where applicable), by the KFest committee for promotional purposes, or by legitimate Apple II community press. The following lists are not necessarily complete lists of everything allowed; these are to be taken as "givens." If it's not on the list, please ask for confirmation. Acceptable software: System software Development environment (no customizations) GSBug Nifty List Marinetti Exerciser ORCA/Debugger, Splat! DesignMaster, Foundation, Genesys, ResLin Talking Tools Spectrum, ProTERM, ANSITerm Acceptable hardware: Apple II computer, monitor, disk drives, hard drives CD-ROM drive, tape drive Hard disk controller card Sound card (speakers/headphones/etc) Accelerator card (any speed) RAM card Accepted reference material: All official Apple reference materials (including manuals, technical notes, and file type notes). Reference manuals included with development tools and software. Commercially-available reference manuals. Any other hardware, software, or reference material needs the approval of the judges in advance. When in doubt, ask the judges. This is the 'kfest' mailing list. To unsubscribe or customize your settings, visit . (Eric Shepherd , Kfest Mailing List) [EOA} [VKF] FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE KFest HOME PAGE """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" KFest Home Page http://www.kfest.org/ [EOA] [INN]------------------------------ EXTRA INNINGS | ----------------------------------- About The Lamp! The Lamp! is published on the fifteenth of every month on """"""""""""""" the WEB at: http://lamp.a2central.com/ 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 2003 by Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W. All rights reserved. * To reach The Lamp! on Internet email send mail to thelamp@sheppyware.net * All issues of The Lamp! are available at The Lamp! Home Page, http://lamp.a2central.com/ >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of A2Central.com, Delphi Online Services, Syndicomm, Ryan M. Suenaga, or Lyle Syverson. Forum messages are reprinted verbatim and are included in this publication with permission from the individual authors. A2Central.com, Delphi Online Services, Syndicomm, Ryan M. Suenaga, and Lyle Syverson 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]