Commodore 64
COMPUTB'^
VIC -20'
2.00
July 1983
Issue 1 Vol. 1, No. 1
63380
For Owners And Users Of Commodore VIC-20™ And 64" 'Personal Computers
SKYDIVER
An Exciting
Action Game
ForyiC&64
fttn iiiHSWuiwawti^'
Using Joysiieks
On The
Commodore 64
A non-technical expla-
nation of how joysticks
work on the Comnno-
dore 64, and the use of
joysticks in your own
programs. Complete
with diagrams, exam-
ples, and ready-to-use
program routines.
*ir«,."-»^
COMPUTING FOR KIDS
At last, a monthly col-
umn especially for the
people who will inherit
the com puters of the
future: the children of
today.
Simple Answers
To Common
Questions
For Beginning Connpufer Users
74470"63380"
07
An Introductien
To BASIC
Programming On
The VIC-20 & 64
The Beginner's Corner,
and other monthly col-
umns and articles, show
how programming your
own Gomputer can oe not
only easy, but fun.
Also In This Issue
Does Your
Comiiuter Need
A Cassette
Recorder?
The Programmer
Behind C^alaeHc
BiHx
Liven Uip VIC & 64
Programs With
Sound
Braderbimd
nmERicfl 5 ravoftiTE
compifTER mm
Now for the Commoiloro 64
CHOPLiFTER!'" It s the
best selling game ever for the
Apple. In its Atari 400/800
version, it zoomed to the top
of the charts. Now CHOP-
LIFTER!™ is available for
the Commodore 64.
Your challenge is to rescue
peace-conference delegates
held hostage behind enemy
lines. Amid heavy fire from
tanks, missiles and planes, you heroically maneu-
ver your daredevil chopper You'll need all your
courage and sKili to survive against treacherous
odds. The game's remarkable graphics and realistic
joystick control won't let you give up. Afler all, vrarld
peace rests in your hands!
Ask your nearest Broderbund dealer
for a sneak preview of Choplifter!^" and our
other Commodore 64 games; David's
Midnight Magic,'" Seafox,'" and
Serpentine.'"
And (or VIC-20 owners, tea
A.EJ" A runavray best-seller for thej
Apple 11 and the Atari 400/800, is a
winner for VIC-20.
Giant robot stingrays designed to
fight pollution have run amok and
are attacking in waves from the sky,
A.E.'" ("stingray" in Japanese) is a graphic
masterpiece, with screen after screen of
spectacular 3-D effects. The arcade-style action is masterful too. as you launch
your remotely-triggered missiles and detonate them precisely to coincide
with the swooping, diving, constantly changing flight patterns of the deadly A.E.'s!
Ask your nearest Br0derbund dealer for a sneak preview of A.E/" and our
other VIC-20 games: Martian Raider/" Multi-Sound Synthesizer,"* Seafox/"
Shark Trap/" and Sky Blazer/"
««
mi
rbundSoftiuare
MnrK Applu. V>C-?0. Cofnmodofo a* a^d IBM PC. am toqtsMtmi
iTfldirrTi/irks qI Mm. IrK , Apph^ Computor frx; , CumnyxkifO
Bluclrunfcn, {.Hi , tim\ IntorniilionJil Uufiimn^j*) MttohimifiCorp
pompnciivQry
Br0derbund Software 1938 Fourth Street San Rafael, CA 94901
the»
^NE^
Wis i$ i
SK
Acdon!
Planet Earth is under
attack by ruthless
aliens who hurl heat
missies at our polar
ice caps. Will the Earth
flood? As the orbiting
Space Sentinel, the
Earth's fate is up to
you. If you can hold
out against the
merciless attackers,
Earth's population will
have time to escape
, and colonize a new
home planet.
ON SPA^^
gaME
,mMod
OBE6*'-
$29.95
Vi.,_.
Complete sprite & character araphics with 3-voice
sound. Joystick, EHskdrive & Commodore' 64 required.
Available at finer Software Stores euerx^where.
OR CALL (213) 501-5845 FOR THE NAME OF YOUR LOCAL DEALER OR DISTRIBUTOR.
T&F Softu'are Compam 10902 Riverside Drive/ North Hollywood, Califomici 91602. (213)501-5845
«il982 MEGAJEM. SPACE SENTlNa IS A TRADEMARK OF T&F SOFTWARE. COMMODORE M IS A REG TRADEMARK OF COMMODORE COMPUTERS, INC.
SPINNAKER'S UNE OF
EARLY UARNMG GAMES
ISGR0WMG
ASIASTASYOUR
CHILD'S MIND.
Watching your kids grow up is a lot of fun. But
making sure their minds grow as fast as their
bodies is even more rewarding. That's where we
can help. With a growing line of Early Learning
Programs that are not only lots of fun to play but
also educational.
Some of the gannes you see on these two pages
help exercise your child's creativity. Others help
improve vocabulary and spelling skills. While others
improve your child's writing and reading abilities.
And all of them help your child understand how to
use the computer.
So if you're looking for computer programs that
do more than just "babysit" for your kids, read on.
You'll find that our Early Learning Programs are not
only compatible with Apple:"' Atari?' IBM"* and
Connnnodore 64^" computers, but also with kids
who like to have fun.
HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE^" Poetry in motion. Ages 3 to 10.
Kids love rhymes.
And since HEY DIDDLE
DIDDLE features 30 classic
rhymes with full color
graphics and the neatest
computer music you've ever
heard, it makes rhyme games
more fun than ever before.
Plus, it makes it fun for kids to read, helps them
understand how words and rhymes create poetry
and lets them take fragmented thoughts and
rearrange them to form coherent verse.
Apple, I BM sno Aun are regtsterM trMemarto of Apf^e Computer. Inc Interridtiofial Btatness Machines Corp. an) Atari, [nc. respectively
Commodore 64 Is a trademark of Qxnmodorv ElectfWto Ljmltetl.
V
The story of STORY MACHINE™ Ages 5 to 9.
STORY MACHINE is
like a storybook come
to life. Using the key-
board, your children
write tiieir own fun
little stories. The
computer then
takes what they've
written and animates their
story on the screen, com-
plete with full color
graphics and sound,
STORY MACHINE
helps your children
learn to write correctly,
become familiar with
the keyboard, and lets
them have fun exercising
their creativity at the same time.
KINDERC0MP7" Numbers, shapes, letters, words and
drawings make fun. Ages 3 to 8.
KINDERCOMP is
a game that allows
very young children
tD start learning on
the computer It's a
collection of learning
exercises that ask
your children to match
shapes and letters, write their
names, draw pictures, or fill in
missing numbers. And KINDER-
COMP will delight kids with color
ful rewards, as the
screen comes to
life when correct
answers are
given.
As a parent,
you can enjoy
the fact that
your children are having
fun while improving their
reading readiness and
counting skills.
PACEMAKER '" makes faces fun. Ages 4 to 1 2.
PACEMAKER lets chil-
dren create their own
funny faces on the
screen. Oncea face is
completed, your
children will giggle
with delight as they
make it do all kinds
of neat things: wink, smile,
wiggle its ears, or whatever
their imagination desires.
Plus. PACEMAKER helps
children become com-
fortable with computer
fundamentals such as:
menus, cursors, the
return key. the space bar.
simple programs, and
graphics. PACEMAKER
won't make parents frown because
their children will have fun making
friends with the computer.
SPI/iNAiim
) 1863. Spinnaker Software Corp. All rtghts reserved.
We make learning fun.
CREATIVE SOFTWARE
-the#1* independent VIC-20 full-line sof^AfQre
publisher in the U.S. - 1$ proud to announce
4 new Gome Cartridges & 5 Home Applications
for the COMMODORE 64: i
iVE
-TWARE
A OAME ON CAATN&GE HJHTHE COMMODOU 64'
ARE
A GAME ON CARTMOOI FOU THE COMMODOU 64'
SAVE HEW YORK
^^^ loyittdi controller required.
, Joystldi coniToller required.
»!£AT1VE
— SOFTWARE
/ISTROBLITZ:
A GAME OH CAnmi[}GE FOR THE COMMODOKE 64 "
^
Joyifldi controller required.
OHATIVE
L^n SOFTWARE
A eiiME OH OUOMPeE fOK TIE OOMMODOAE 64 "
^
Jojnfldi controller required.
THIS GAME IS ALSO AVAILABLE FO« THE VlC-fiO. THIS GAME )S ALSO AVAItABlH FOR THE VIC-20.
CREATIVE
SOFTWARE
A OnrrsKin qt ASCI Ire
230 East Caribbean Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
*Based on survey of distributors and retailers.
Copyright 19S3 by Creative Software, All rights reserved.
"VIC-SO," "COMMODORE" and "COMMODORE 64"
are trademarics of COMMODORE ELECTRONICS, LFD.
' •• • ■ ■■'■' .f-i.!..! I
l(y» OT> 30^ J
These Home Appli-
cation Programs
are also available
for the VIC-20.
July 1983 Val.1,No.1
FEATURES
Does Your Computer Need A Cassette Recorder? Tom R. Halfhill
Commodore 64 Video Update Tom R. Halfhill
GAMES
Inside View: Programmer Jimmy Huey John Blackford
Skydiver Alan Crossley
Snake Escape Daryl Biberdorf . . . .
28
40
64
49
52
54
*
V/64
V/64
58
63
V/64
V
REVIEWS
Exatron Stringy Floppy For VIC-20 And 64 Tom R. Halfhill
Deadly Duck Cartridge Game For Unexpanded VIC-20 Tom R. Halfhill 63
EDUCATION/HOME APPLICATIONS
Computing For Kids: Computer Adventures Fred D'Ignazio 34 *
Alfabug Michael Wasilenko 66 V/64
VIC Marquee Louis Mendelsohn 68 V
Word Hunt: A Puzzle Game Eric Jansing & Bob Meyers, Jr 70 V/64
VIC Timepiece Joseph Wright 74 V
PROGRAMMING
The Beginner's Corner: Learning To Program In BASIC C Regena 20 V/64
Commodore Classics: Quickfind Harvey B. Herman 46 V/64
Power BASIC: 64 Paddle Reader Routine Bobby Williams 83 64
Machine Language For Beginners: A Hidden World Richard Mansfield 84 *
Hints & Tips: Accelerated IFs Kurt Carpenter 88 V/64
Enlivening Programs With Sound Gregg Peels 88 V/64
Using Joysticks On The 64: A BASIC Tutorial Charles Brannon 90 64
DEPARTMENTS
The Editor's Notes Robert Lock 6
Gazette Feedback Editors & Readers 10 *
COMPUTEI's Gazette Author Guide 14 '
Simple Answers To Common Questions Tom R. Halfhill 16
VICreations Dan Carmichael 76 V
64 Explorer Larry Isaacs 78 64
News & Products 96 *
PROGRAM LISTINGS
A Beginner's Guide To Typing In Programs 112
How To Type In COMPUTERS Gazette Programs 113
Program Listings 1 1^
Product Mart 1 26
Advertisers Index 1 29
• = General, V = VIC-20, 64 = Commodore 64.
COMI'Uny'i Cii-plii' is .nibUfiliL'd [wtlve tirrfs«H-ii Vf.irbv COMPUTE! Publjci lions. Inf., I'list Offici.- Bo)c.54(l6, Greensboro, NC27'«n3 USA. Phone
(9iyi 2754m rililori.il iiffiCL-s .iro locitfii at 5(1'; ndw.lrtlia'Privo, Grccnsburo, NC 27-im. HonU'Stlc sutacriptions: 12 isstios, S2I1. iond subscription
orLiers <jr clLinsi.- o( .itKlress (P.O. Tntrn .1579) lo Cirail.ilion i\-pi.. COMPUTr.r^ Gt,z,'ll>: P.O. liox >m. Grcmsboro, NC 27Am Si^cond c .iss applicilion
m.iidmK al Grwnsboro, NC 37.1(11 ,ind .iddiHoiiol m,ii1iiii; ..Ifi.fs. Tnlire contcnls ciTyfiRlH '' I'W'' I'v COMPUTE! r.ibl.i.itu.ns, Iric All riRhls ri:si.-r%f.i.
iHSN(1737-37lb. .
Jul/ 1983 COMPUTEi'iGaisHe 5
IHE EDirOR'S
Welcome to the premiere issue
t)f COMPUTE!'? Cnzi'ttc for Com-
modore VIC-20 and 64 personal
computers. You are participating
in one of the most successful
launches of a personal computer
magazine in the history of our
industry- Press run for (his initial
issue is 1 73,000 copies (up from
an originailv planned 75,000).
Where is the demand com-
ing from? Well, we estimate that
Commodore is currently selling
over 100,000 V'lC-20s and 64s a
month. Dozens of sol t ware and
other support vendors are
rushing to supply products for
these rapidly growing markets.
Persc^nal computing power is
now expanding at a rale far past
that predicted bv industry obser-
vers. With (he recent price de-
creases in the VIC-20 and 64, we
expect this trend to continue its
dynamic escalation.
Whv COMPUTEI's Gnzrtle?
As publi'shers of COMPUTE!
Magazine, we've been well
aware of the need for clear
explanalit)ns and support for
beginning personal computer
owners. COMPUTE! has done an
excellent job of building and
maintaining leadership in
bridging the gap in information,
applications, and support of a
wide range of personal computer
users. In looking at the mar-
ketplace, and in studying the
feedback from our readers, we
realized that our Cnzctlc-
positioned to support readers
not yet ready for some of tlv
more sophistica(ed features of
COMPUTE! -was our missing
link to the emerging consumer
marketplace.
COMPUTEI's Gi!zcftcw\\[
maintain the Ljuality and editorial
6 COMPUTEI'iCazefle July 1983
Standards of COMPUTE!. It will
be written to support a broader
mix of beginning and interme-
diate computer users. In every
issue, you'll find interesting
tutorials, exciting games and
applications, hints, and much
more.
A Call For Articles
Now that we've briefly explained
the goal and cfirection of COM-
PUTE!'s Gaziili', we invite you to
consider submitting an article or
program. For more information,
see the author's guide in this
issue.
User Groups, Where
Are You?
As a regular feature of the
Gazette, we plan to publish the
names and addresses of local
user groups. Send in the follow-
ing information, addressed to
Gazette Ui^er Gronf^s: Group
Name, mailing address, contact
person, and local telephone
number (if desired). Please in-
clude a brief description of your
group, including date founded,
sponsoring company if any, fre-
quency of meetings, number of
members, and any other perti-
nent inftirmation you think use-
ful (such as composition of
group, etc.).
An Introduction To
The Editors And
Columnists Of
COMPUTEI's Gazette
Tom flalfhill, Iklitor, is a jour-
nalism graduate, with honors,
from Kent State University. After
several years t)f newspaper and
regional magazine work, Tom
initially joined COMPUTE! in the Hdi tor-In-Chief
spring of 1982 as Features Editor
of COMPUTE!.
D<m Carmichael, Assistant
Editor, has a background in
writing and programming sup-
port, lie is quite knowledgeable
about the VIC-20 and 64.
Richard Mansfield, Senior
I-ditor of COMPUTE! Publica-
ticMis, is also the author of
Miuiuuc Lauguai^c for Begi)t}icrs, a
recently introduced COMPUTE!
Book. He'll be writing, in his
usual clear prose, a mon(hIy
coktmn on the same topic.
F'red D'Ignazio is a prolific
and frequently published author
in the personal computer field.
We're sure you'll appreciate
Fred's ability to write clearly for
both children and adults.
C. kegena (Cheryl) has been
best known to COMPUTE! readers
as a strong columnist for readers
at all levels who use the TI
personal computer. With this
issue, she makes her debut using
the same writing skills and pro-
gramming e.xpertise with the
VlC-2t).
Larry Isaacs is a BSFIi who
originally worked for COMPUTE!
when COMPUTE! was starting
up. Now a sol t ware specialist
with Mi cro Fech nol ogy Un-
limited in Raleigh, NC, Larry is
bringing to the Gnzelie his ability
to clearly explain the sometimes
unexplainable.
Fnjoy the premiere issue of
COMPUi'E!'^ Gazette, and please
use the Etlitor'a Feedbnck postcard
in the back of the magazine to let
us have your thoughts and input.
K](o
FROGGER'f'^ ■ The popular
coin-op comes home! Action
so fast and graphics so brilliant,
you'll swear you're at an arcade!
$34.95
3^
CROSSFIRE™ • Attacking aliens surround
you tn a game of speed and accuracy! An
ever-dwindling supply of ammunition Is
your only defense! $34.95 cartridge
JAWBREAKER - No more stale mazes!
They're for mice and other pests!
Everything moves in a flurry of color -
even the walls! $34.95 cartridge
►>hc«*
These smash hits on other computers are now available for the Commodore 64!
And it's just a start. The best! The brightest! The fastest! That's our promise. Get
your Frogger, Crossfire or Jawbreaker from your local dealer or order directly from
Sierra On-Line, Inc., Sierra On-Llne Building, Coarsegold, Calif. 93614 (209) 683-6858.
ADD ONE DOLLAR FOR SHIPPING
VISA • MASTERCARD • CHECK • COD ACCEPTED
SBBBlMISIlld/-
^^
ICCtil
'AMW£f/VC
SIERRAVISION tS A TRADEMARK OF SIERRA ONLINE. INC.
FROGGER IS A TRADEMARK OF SEGA ENTERPRISES, INC. JAWBREAKER IE A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF SIERRA ON-LINE. INC. CROSSFIRE IS A TRADEMARK OF SIERRA ON-LINE, INf
COMPUTE! Publications, Inc.
Editor in Cliief/ Publisher Robert C. Lock
Publisiter's Assistant Alice S. Wolfe
Senior Editor Kieh.ird M<iiisfield
Manoging Editor Kallileon H. Marliiiek
Art/Design Director Georgia PiipLtdupoulos
Editorial
Tom R. Halfliiil, Gazette Editor; Orson Scott Card,
Editor, COMPUTH! Books Division; Gail Walker,
Product itrn Hditor; Ottis R. Govvper, Technical Editor;
Charles I^rannon, Prograni lidilor; Tony Roberts,
Assistant VIanaj;ini; liditor
Assistant Editors
Dan Carmichael (Publications), John Blackford
(Features), Stephen Levy (Books); Lance Plko
(Publications), Kathy Yakal, Editorial Assistant
(Features)
Programming Assistants
Patrick Pa rrish, Clre^j; Peele, Jonathan Byrd
Copy Editing/Proofreading
Juanita Lewi?, (Assistanl), Beck) i lall, Sarah Johnston,
Linda Shaw
Administrative Staff
Vicki Jennings, Laura MacF'adden, Carol Eddy
Associcrte Editors
Jim Biitterfield (Toronto), I lan'ey Herman
(Greensboro), Pred D'lj^na/.io (Roanoke), David
Thornburg (Los Altt)s), Bill Wilkinst>n (Cupertino)
Production
Irma Swain, Assistant Production Manager; De Potter,
Mechanical Art Supervisor; Terry Cash, Typesetting
Artists
Jean Hendrix (Publications), Janice P'ary (Books);
Todd [ leimarck. Promotions Assistant; Marry Blair,
Illustrator
Operations/Customer Service
Carol Lock, Manager; Assistants: Patty Jones,
Shannon Meyer; Dealer Coordinator, Pran Lyons;
Assistants: C^ail loni's, Sharon Mini>r
Customer Service Staff
Chris Gordon, Dorothy Bt)gan, Cassandra Robinson,
Chris Patty, Rhontla Savage, Lisa I'laharty, Anita
Roop, Mary Sprague, Jim Coward (Warehouse
Manager), Larry O'Connor, Chris Cain, Dai Rues,
Jack McConnelf
Data Processing
l^eon Stokes, Manager; Joan Compton, Assistant
Accounting
W, Jerry Day, Manager; Ellen Day, Bookkeeper;
Assistants: Linda Miller, Doris Hall; Staff: Ruth
Granger, Anna Harris, Em i lie Covil, Anne Ferguson
Advertising Sales
Andy Meehan, National Sales Manager; Patti
Williams, Production Coordinator; Bonnie Valentino,
Accounting Coordinator; Rose marie Davis, Sales
Assistant
Sales Representatives
Jerrv Thompson 415-348-8222
Phoebe Thompson 408-354-5553
JoAnn Sullivan 213-373-0397
Ed Winchell 2L3-378-8361
Harry Blair 919-275-9809
8 COMPUT£ri Gazette July19e3
Jules E. Thompson, Inc.
National and Canadian Sales Representatives
1290 Howard Avenue, Suite 303
Burlingame, CA 94010
Address all advertising materials to:
Patti Williams, COMPUTE!'^ Gm'ite,
505 I-dwardia Drive, Greensboro, NC 27409
Sales Offices, The Thompson' Company
New England 617-720-1888
Mid -Atlantic 212-772-0933
Southeast 919-275-9809
Midwest 312-726-6047
Texas 713-731-2605
Northwest 408-354-5553
Northern CA 415-348-8222 or 408-354-5553
Southern CA 213-373-0397 or 213-378-8361
N e vada , A ri zona 21 3-373-0397
New Mexico 213-378-8361
Colorado 303-595-9299
COMPUTE! Publications, hie. publishes
COMPUTE! COMPUTE! Books COMPUTE fs Gazette
Corporate Office
505 Edwardia Drive, Greensboro, NC 27409
Mailing Address
Post Office Box 5406, Greensboro, XC 27403
Telephone: 919-275-9809
Office Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday-Friday
President/Chief Executive Officer Robert C. Lock
Vice President and Comptroller W. Jerry Day
Vice President and General Counsel
E. Norman Graiiam
Executive Assistant Sonja Whitesell
Receptionist Debbie Nash
Subscription Information
COMPUTEI's Gazetfe Circulation Oept.
P.O. Box 540A, Greensboro, NC 37403
TOLL FREE
Subscription Order line
800-334-0868
In HC 919-2^-9809
COMPUTEI's Gazette
Subscription Rotes
(12 Issue Year): US (one year) $20. Canada, Mexico
and Porei^n Surface Mail S25. Foreign Air Mail $45.
Authors of ni.iniisiTi[-ils wnimiil th.it .ill m.itfriiils submittud to
COMPL/TiJ/'s C(i;d(i' .iro orij^in.il iiuili-ri.ils u'iti) full ovvnersliip
rifjhls rt'sklt'iil in s.iid .iiithurs. liv siibmitling .irtidrs to COMPLIl'LI'f.
Ciliiitt', iiiitliors .icktii>vvk'dj;i' Ihal siii'h nnlcri.iK, upon lUix'pt.uicf
for publiLMlkiii, U'comi' llirfxcliisivi' nropsTly of COMPUTE! f'uliti-
Ciitions, Inf. No porlion of Ihis nvig.i/.iiiL' m.iy tx' R'prodiRod in .iny
form without wiiltcn pi'iniissioii from the piiblisfiur. Hntiri? contents
copyrii^lit <■ I'W.l, COMPUTE! I'lrblitMtions, hu-. Rights to programs
dcvf lopod and submittt'ci bv .luthors are explained in our author
conlroft. Unsolicited m.iterials not acceptecf for publication will be
returned if .luthor provides a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Where prof;rainf> are included in an article submission, a tape or disk
must accompany the submission, Printed listinj^s cire optional, but
helpful. Articles should W furnished as typed copv (upper and
lowercase, please) with double spann^, t'.M'h article paf;e should
bear the title of the article, date, and name of the author. COMPUTE!
Publications, Inc., assumes no liatiility for errors in articles or adver-
tisemi-nls. Opinions expressed hv autliors are not necessarily those
of COMPUTi! f'ublicalions. Inc.
PET, CUM, VIC-20, and Commodiire 64 arf trademark.s of Commo-
dore Business Machines, Inc., and or Commodore Electronics
Limited. Other than as an independent supplier of quality informa-
tion and services to owners and users of Commodore prtxiucts,
COMPUTE! I'ublications, Inc., is in no way associated with Commo-
dore Business Machines, Inc. , or any of its subsidiaries.
WordPro 3 Piiis/64'
The Best Word Processor for your Commodore 64^"
When choosing a Word Processor for your Commodore 64 com-
puter, there's no reason to settle for anything but the best— in a
word WordPro™,
With over 30,000 happy WordPro clients churning out letters and
documents all over the world, the WordPro Plus™ Series is un-
questionably the #1 selling software package on Commodore
computers! So when you choose WordPro, you know you're in-
vesting in a trial-tested program that's a real winner. And Word-
Pro 3 Plus/64 is NOW available for your Commodore 64 com-
puter at prices as low as $89,95,
Designed for the novice user with no computer or word process-
ing experience whatsoever, WordPro 3 Plus/64 brings a whole
new dimension to the term "user-friendly." More than just easy
to use, WordPro 3 Plus/64 is a commercial level word prKessor
loaded with powerful features including: Auto Page Numbering,
Headers and Footers, Math Functions, Global Search and
Replace, the Ability to Create Multiple Personalized Letters and
Documents, Underlining, Boldface, Super and Subscripts and
much, much, more.
Best of all, WordPro 3 Plus/64's powerful arsenal of features can
be put to use almost immediately— by even the novice user. So
whether you're a writer, in business, education, or just a hob-
byist, you'll quickly become a WordPro Pro!
Invest in the best. . .WordPro Plus. In a class by itself.
Call us today lor th« name of th« WordPro a PIub/64 dsalflr nearest you.
Professional Software inc.
51 Fremont Street (617) 444-5224
Needham, MA 02194 Telex: 951579
WordPro 3 PIus/6'ITm is a trademark of Professional Software Inc.
The WordPro Plus Series was designed and written by Steve Punter of Pro-Micro Software Ltd.
Some printers may not support certain VVordPro 3 Plus/64 functions and/or require an interface. Please check with your dealer.
Commodore 64"^^ is a trademark of Commodore Electronics Ltd.
Oea(er and Distributor inquiries are invited.
GAZETTE FEEDBACK
EDITORS AND READERS
Do you have a iftiestiou or a pwbleiu? Or have you discovered
fitmifthing that could help otiicr VlC-20 ami Commodore 64
users? Do i/ou have a conuiwid alnrnt something you've read
in COMPUTEI's Gazette /or Commodore? "Gazette Feed-
hack" wants to hear froai you. For our first issue, ioc've
asscinbled so!uc ijuestiaus imitteu to our couipanion
magazine, COMPUTE!.
Automatic RUN
I own a VIC-20 persoiinl computer. I have yet to
find an explanation of just how to get a BASIC
program to run automatically after it has been
loaded from tape. Can you help? Thanks,
Tim S. Hallen
As you know, when i/ou type LOAD and prc^s RE-
TURN on cither a VIC-IO or Commodore 64, the next
program on the cassette tape is entered into tlw com-
puter's inrnwrif. You must tiien type RUN and press
RETURN to act ualhi start thepro^rafu. But there is a
way to LOAD and RUN programs autottuitictdly.
Instead of typing LOAD, hold down the SHIFT
key and press the rUn/STOP kcif. The next program
on tiie tape will i^e LOADed a)ui then RUN autonmti-
cally. If tfie cassette has hcen reioound to its beginning,
the program LOADed ami RUN ioill be the first program
on the tape.
Commodore 39?
1 have been thinking about purchasing the Com-
modore 64 computer for home use and to play video
games. But I'm a little skeptical of the 64K RAM
advertised by Commodore. Does the Commodore
64 have 64K RAM that can be used in a program
written by the owner? If the 64K RAM is available,
how is it used? Since t>nlv 39K RAM is available for
BASIC programs, is there a way to add a memor)'
expansion cartridge to expand the BASIC RAM to
64K? Does such a cartridge exist or dt>es Conunodore
or a second-party manufacturer plan to produce
one?
I,t. Melvin S. Swain
We've received several hiters on this question. It's trite
that tiie Conunodore 64 has 64K (64000 Injtes) of Random
Access Meuuny (RAM). But it's also true that "only"
about 39K (3891 i bytes, to be exact) are available for
10 COMPUTEI'i Caiette Jolyl983
BASIC language progrannning.
At thelieart of all personal computers is a silicon
chip called a microprocessor. This "coiiiputer-on-a-chip"
is what makes computers such as the Conmwdore 64 and
VIC-20 fTossihle. Vie 64's microprocessor is a chip called
the 6510. It is a miriation of the popular 6502 chip found
in the VIC-20, Atari, Apple, and other small computers.
One characteristic of this chip is that it can address
(access) oidy 64K of memory at a time.
If the designers of the Conunodore 64 simply filled
tlw computer with G4K of empty memory, the machine
would be iielpless. Computers need certain built-in pro-
grams to function aiul to make them easier to use, Don't
confuse these built-in programs with the jirograms i/ou
Torite yourself or load into the computer from tapes or
disks. The built-in programs are permanently stored in
special meimm/ chij>s called ROMs (Read Only
Memories). Unlike ottier programs, they remain safe in
their ROM memory chips even when power is turned
off. The I^ASIC language itself is one of these pro-
grams. Another is //ic operating system, which
performs "housekeeping" duties that you're not usually
aware of.
These internal programs need some of the 64K of
space that the 6510 microprocessor chip can address. To
make room for them, the Commodore 64 designers used
some of the RAM area. That's lohy, when progranmung
in BASIC, you have only39K of memory. The "missing"
15 K RAM is taken up ?'v the BASIC language, the oper-
ating system, and other things. This design is common in
personal computers. What is less conmion is that the
designers made it possible to temporarily "stoitcfi off" the
Commodore 64's ROM, thus freeing the full 64K of RAM
underneath.
Unfortunately, when i/oii switch off BASIC and the
operating system, you are left with an "unconscious"
computer. It has no tasks to perform at all, knows nothing;
it's pure memory with no thought patterns at all. You
must replace the operating system with one of your own
that lakes care of the necessary housekeeping tasks. Since
BASIC is gone, too, this replacement must be machine
language. 'Therefore, the full 64 K of RAM is directly
available only to very advanced programmers. Average
users will benefit from this feature indirectly. Even-
tually, there wdl be some commercial programs with
their own custom operating systems h) take luLvanlagc
ofthefAK.
I
Don't let price get in the way
of owning a quality printer.
Adding a printer to your computer makes
sense. But deciding which printer to add can be
triclty. Do you settle for a printer with limited
functions and an inexpensive price tag or buy a
more versatile printer that costs more than your
computer? Neither choice makes sense.
Here's a refreshing option— the new, compact
STX-80 printer from Star Micronics. It's the under
$200 printer that's whisper-quiet, prints 60 cps
and is ready to run with most popular personal
computers.
The STX-80 has deluxe features you would j
P>
expect in higher priced models. It prints a full 80
columns of crisp, attractive characters with true
descenders, foreign language characters and
special symbols. It offers both finely detailed dot-
addressable graphics and block graphics.
And, of course, the SJX-BO comes with Star
Micronics' 180 day warranty (90 days on the -
print element).
The STX-80 thermal printer from Star W
Micronics. It combines high performance with
a very low price. So now, there is nothing in
the way of owning a quality printer.
'Manufacturer's suggesled retail prige.
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The fiiii that /cs.s tlnui 64K is available fa theavenii^e
user is iwi peculiar to the Conunociore 64. All computers
hazv van/ill}^ amounts of "overhead," incmorij which
the computer consumes for its own purposes, for emm-
ple, although the VIC-20 is advertised with 5K of RAM,
only ?>.5K 058^ bytes) are available for BASIC pro-
i^rammin;^. This is true of other brands as well. The
nezv 64K Atari 1200X1 has about 38K for BASIC pro-
gramming; so does a 4SK Atari 400 or 800.
Since the Connnodore 64 already contains all the
memory it can address at once, there are no memory
expansion cartrid;^es from Connnodore or other com-
panies. But such a cartrid;^e isfcasil'le usini,; a special
technique called "bank selection." Extra memory in the
cartridge would be "swa})ped" with existing memory in
the computer. For instaiwe, such expanders make it
possible to put 96K in a Commodore Super PET, 128K
in an Apple lie, or 160K in an Atari 800.
Adding VIC Memory
I own a VIC-20 computer and would like to add
some memory. The problem is, where does one
start with memory on the VIC - with 3K, 8K, 16K,
or a combination thereof? Would it make a difference
which memory 1 added first, and what would be
the most efficient first addition?
Russell C. Waters
Perhaps you could start off by asking, "How much memory
do I need?" Many conmiercially available games, word
processors, financial programs, ami so on will state on
their i^ackages something like: "Requires 3K Exitansion,"
or "Requires At Least SK Expansion." The best answer to
this question is to buy ivhat your specific needs demand.
You may never require more than 8K, 3K, or even the
standard 5K.
if you plan to cx^mnd your VIC to large amounts of
menHwy - JSK, 24K, or the full 32K - it is usually more
ccaiuymical to buy it all at once on a single plug-in ex-
paiuier. One 16K expander is usually less cxpcnsiiK than
two SK expanders. A single expander also is easier to use;
tzvo or nwrc smaller expanders ivould require a special
expa>!sion board with enough extra slots to plug them hi
at once.
If you are iiderestcd in j^rogrnmnnng, or if you use
BASIC programs 7orilten In/ others, there is something
else to consider when adding memory to the VIC: the
screen and color RAM kvations can change. Screen
and color RAM are the areas in memory -where you
can use the POKE statement to place characters and
colors on the TV screen. (For an explanation of screen
and color RAM, see "Cununodorc 64 Video Update"
elseivhere hi this issue.) 'Fhe PRINT statement loorks the
same on all VlCs, but if you POKE to the screen, you
must adjust your programs to work on the various memory
configurations.
Ill Itte unexpaftded VIC, the screen )neinoiy starts at
location 7680 and ends al 8191, and the color memon/ is
located from 38400 to 3891 1 . When you add the 3K e.x-
12 COMPUTEl-s Gazette July 1983
pander or the Super Expander, these locations do not
change. However, if you add 8K or more of expansion
tncinon/, the locations do change. Screen memory will
reside from 4096 to 4607, and color memon/ will move
from 37SSS to 38399.
This coidd cause some minor difficulties if, for in-
stance, i/ou have a program that was written for the un-
expanded VIC, and you tn/ to run it in a VIC with 8K or
more expansion. It might tn/ to POKE characters to the
screen at the uncxpanded loadions (76S0-8191), but the
screen is mno at 4096-4607. This would cause some errors,
and could cause the program to abort.
Here is a formula you can use in your BASIC pro-
grams to automatically set i/oitr screen and color memory
Ixations:
10 SC=7680:CL=38400:IF 4* (PEEK{ 36866 ) AND 1
28) +64* (PEEK (36869) AND 112) =4096 THEN SC
=4096:CL=37888
This formula will set the variables for the screen
memory (SC) and color memory (CL) to the proper values.
For example, if this were run on a VIC loith 8K or more
expansion, SC (screen) would be set to 4096, and CL
(color) ivoiild beset to .V888. Then, whenever POKEing
to screen or color memon/, you would use these variables.
If i/ou are having problems with a VIC program, this
"moving memory" might be the culprit. If you have SK
or more expansion, try the program without the expander;
likewise, if the program fails on a VIC with less than SK,
tn/ plugging in an expander.
Computer Compatibility
If I buy pre-programmed cassettes from Timex or
Atari, can I play them on my VIC-2t)? If I can, do I
need an adapter?
Robert McClenahan
Unforlunalely, programs on cassette or disk for one type
of computer are not compatible wdh other computer
brands. If a program is not specifically labeled for your
computer, it will not load into memory.
Tinicx and Atari, for utstance, record programs on
tape (and disk) infonnats ivhich Commodore computers
cannot recognize. Similarh/, Commodore tapes cannot be
loaded on Timex or Atari computers.
If you can find a program listing -rt printout of a
BASIC program - you could try typing it into your
computer and modifi/hig it to xvork. Although different
computers use different ivrsions of BASIC, they are
remarkably similar. But unless you are knowledgeable
about both computers, you might have to spend some
time adjusting things, especially aspects of the program
which involve the TV screen.
Computers made by the same company usually
have more in conunon. Tapes and disks for Commodore
PET computers will load on VlC-20s and Commodore
64s. With a few modifications, they can usually be made
to work. Connnodore plans to sell an adapter, called a
PET Emulator, which loill allow the 64 to run almost
all PET programs. 9
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COMPUTEI's Gazette for Commodore
AUTHOR GUIDE
COMPUTE!'^ Ctizetfe for Commodore is looking for
interesting, useful artiL'les aimed at beginning In inter-
mediate VEC-20 and Commodore 64 users. If you havu
an article idea or a good original program, we'd like to
see it. Don't worry if you are riot a professional writer.
We are more concerned with the content of an article
than ils style. Simply try to be clear in your writing
and check your program for any bugs,
COMPllTFJ's Giiii'tti.' for Commodore is a con-
sumer-oriented magazine for VlC-2n and Commodore
64 users who want to get the most out of their com-
puters in a non-technical way. It is aimed primarily at
home users, nt)t all of whom neces.snrily want to be-
come expert programmers. If your article covers a
more ad\'anced or technical topic, you may choose to
submit it to our companion publication, COMPUTE!. If
you submit an article to one of our magazines and we
believe it woukl be more suilable to the other, we will
transfer your submission to the right etiitors. The basic
editorial reijuireinents for publication are the same for
both magazines; so are the payment raScs.
The following guidelines will permit your good
ideas and programs to be more easily edited and pub-
lished. Most of these suggestions serve to improve the
speed and accuracy of publication:
1. The upper left corner of ihe first page should
contain your name, address, lelephone number, and
the date of submission,
2. The iollowing information should appear in the
upper right corner of the first page. If your article is
specifically directed to either the \TC-20 or Commodore
64, please state which one. In atldition, please indicate
the memory rei|uiremenls of prografiis.
3. 1 he niulerlined title ol the article should start
about 2/3 of the way down the first page.
4. Following pages should be typed normally,
except that in the upper right corner there should be
an abbreviation of the title, your last n.nne, and the
page number. Tor example: Memory lVlap/SmiUi/2.
5. Short programs (under 20 lines) can easily be
included within the te\t. Longer progr.mis should be
separate listings. // (s tv^t'iiliiil Itinl we liavr a n)/»i/ ofllw
pw^niiii, rcconlcil tiriiv. on n Inpcoriii^k. The tape or
disk should be labeled with your name and the title of
the article. Tapes are fairly simdy, but disks need to be
enclosed within plastic or cardboard mailers (.ivailable
at photography, stationery, or computer siippK'
stores).
It is far easier ior tithers to type in your program if
you use CHRS(X) values and rAB(X) or SPC(,X) instead
of cursor manipulations to format your output. Tor
five carriage returns, FOR i = 1 TO'5:I'RlN r;NFXT is far
more "portable" to other computers with other BASlCs
and also easier to type in. And, instead of a dozen
right-ciu-sor symbols, wiiy nol simply use I'RINT
SPC(12)? A quick check through your program -
14 COMPUTE! 'iCa2BHe July 1983
making these substitutions- would be greatly ap-
preciated bv your editors and by your readers.
6. If your article is accepted and you have since
made improvements lo the program, please submit an
entirely new tape or disk and a new copy of the article
reflecting the update. VVe cannot easily make revisions
to programs and articles. 11 is necessary that you send
the revised version as if it were a new submission en-
tirely, but be sure to indicate that your submission is a
revised version by writing "Revision" on the envelope
and the article.
7. All lines within the text of the article shtiuld be
spaced so that there is about 1/2 inch between them. A
one-inch margin should be left at the right, left, top,
and bottom of each page. No hyphens should be used
at the ends of lines to break words. And please do not
justify. Leave the Hnes ragged.
8. Standard typing paper should be used (no
onionskin or other thin paper) and typing should be
tvn one side of the [ia[ier only (upper- ancl lowercase).
9. Sheets should be attached together with a papt-r
clip. Staples should not be used.
10. A good general rule is to spell out the numbers
zero through ten in your article and write higher num-
bers as numerals (1024), The exceptions to this are:
Figure 5, Table 3, TAB(4), etc. Within ordinary text,
however, the zero through ten should ajipearas words,
nol nu rubers. Also, symbols and ablireviations should
nol be used within te\t: use "and" (nol &), "reference"
(not ref.), "through" (not thru).
11. For greater clarity, use all capitals when refer-
ring to keys {RLFURN, TAB, LSC, SI IIFT), BASIC
words (LIS! , RND, CXTI'O), .^nd three languages
(BASIC, Al'L, I'lLOT), i leadlines and subheads
should, however, bv initial caps only, and emphasized
words are not capitalized. If you wish to emphasize,
underline the word and it will be italicized during
typesetting.
12.C0Mrt./TE.''s Gazette for Commodore pays
between $75 and £1000 for published articles. In gen-
eral, tiie rate reflects Ihe length and cjualily of the article.
Payment is made upon acceptance of an article, !'"ol-
lowing submission (F.ditorial Department, COM-
PlirU's Giizdtr for Commodore, P.O. Box 5406,
Greensboro, NC 27403) it will take from four to six
weeks for us to reply. !f your work is accepted, you
will be notified by a letter which will include a contract
for you to sign and return. Rejected manuscripts are
returned to authors who enclose an SASE. We do not
consider articles which are multiple submissions. If
you wish to send an article to .mother magazine for
consideration, please do not submit it lo us.
13, Articles can be of any length - from a single-line
routine to a multi-issue series. The average article is
about four to eight dout>le-spaced, typed pages.
14. If you want to include [ihotographs, they
should be 5x7, black-and-white glossies, @
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SIMPLE ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
TOM R. HALFHILL, EDITOR
QA
Each month, COMPUTERS Gazette for Com-
modore will tackle some questions we are com-
monly asked by new VIC-20/Commodore 64
owners and by people shopping for their first
home computer.
a
A her purchasing a Commodore 64, f am
curious as to the differences in programming the
VIC-20 versus the Commodore 64. Is the VIC-20
BASIC the same as the 64's? If not, what changes
must be made to run VIC-20 programs on the 64?
I have seen several programs listed for the VIC'20,
and have not read if they can be used on the 64 or
not.
The Commodurc 64 does indeed have the
same BASIC programming language as the VIC-
20. It is a version of the widely used Microsoft
BASIC, originally written for Commodore by
Microsoft, Inc. Most home computers use some
version of Microsoft BASIC. To Commodore users,
the version in the VIC-20 and 64 is known as Up-
•^rmic ROM, or sometimes, BASIC 2.0. Upgrade
ROM derives its name from the fact that it is an
upgraded version of the BASIC found in the orig-
inal Commodore PET computer introduced in
1977. The BASIC is stored in a Read Only Memory
(ROM) chip which was upgraded in later PETs.
Commodore chose to equip the VIC-2() and 64
with this upgraded version. Some other Commo-
dore computers have an even newer version,
known as BASIC 4.0.
So what does all this mean to the VIC-20 and
64 programmer? Fundamentally, the B ASICs arc
the same. But this docs not mean that programs
written for one computer will automatically run
on the other.
The problem is that the VIC-20 and 64, though
nearly identical in appearance, are very different
computers inside. One major difference is their
memories. Of course, the 64 comes with more
than a dozen hmes as much memory as the stan-
dard VIC. Bui the differences go even deeper.
The internal arrangement of the memory is not
the same. I'or instance, the screen memor\/ - an
1 6 COM FUTEI's Gozetle J u I y 1 98 3
area of memory set aside f*)r staring characters
displayed on the screen - is not in the same place
on both computers. This means programs which
use screen memory will have to be adjusted, or
they will not work.
Another difference is in the way the VIC
and 64 create soimds. The 64 has an advanced
synthesizer-on-a-chip which is much more flexible
(and complicated) than the VIC's tone generator.
Still another difference is in the two com-
puters' .screen formats. The VIC can display only
22 characters across the screen, while the 64 dis-
plays 40, Programs written for one computer will
not work, or at least will look very strange, if run
on the other computer.
There are other, similar, differences. Trans-
lating programs between the two computers is
basically a matter of tediously resolving these
differences. It will be easier to convert VIC pro-
grams for the 64 than vice versa, since the 64 has
special features not available on the VIC.
We intend to have continuing coverage of
this subject in COMPilTEI's Gazette for Commo-
dore. Also, when we publish programs for the
VIC and 64, whenever practical we will print a
translated version for the other computer.
Can the VIC-20 be upgraded to a Com-
modore 64? If so, does Commodore plan to make
available such an upgrade?
The answer to both questions is a pretty
certain "no." Don't underestimate the differences
between the VIC-20 and Commodore 64. The two
computers appear almost identical - sharing the
same housing and keyboard - and some people
mistakenly refer to the Commodore 64 as the
"VlC-64." But as explained above, the VIC and 64
have significant internal differences. "Upgrading"
a VIC to a 64 could more accurately be described
as "rebuilding." It would probably cost more in
parts and labor than what a new 64 sells for.
However, some upgrades for the VIC are
theoretically possible. For instance, the 64's syn-
thesizer sound chip could be built into a plug-in
cartridge for the VIC. Also, the microchip which
You need more
than ABC, BPI, MAS,
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Workhorse solutions
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There are iots of bookkeeping and business systems for your
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When professional computer dealers who were
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is the VlC's ct-Mitral "brain" is capable of addres-
sing a total of 64K of memor>', twice as much as
thf current m;iximLim on the computer.
Commodore has hinted recently that an up-
graded version of the VIC is at least a possibllily.
This might be something as simple as 1 hK standard
memory instead of the current 5K. VVIiether it
actually happens depends partly on the competi-
tive situation in the !ovv-end home computer mar-
ket, partly on declining manufacturing costs, and
partly on what Commodore perceives as gaps in
its product line. W
Attention Writers
COMPUTERS Gazette is looking for well-
written, clearly explained articles for
beginning and intermediate users of
VIC-20 and Commoflore 64 personal
computers. II you have an idea for a
feature article or tutorial, submit a
manuscript or send us a query letter.
See the Author Guide elsewhere in
this issue,
For your Commodore 64
For only $12,95 each, our CURSOR
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Most of our packages include three
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We don't have room to describe all
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18 COMPUTEViCozene July 1983
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Complete reference for
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• VIC-20'*' and CBM-64'a
versions
Color and ctia racier
SCREEN map defined
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3700 Computer Drive
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Raleigh, N.C. 27619
. (J-.ii[i)-,«,/(llJI
M"';;rjiiHJ7>7.rr[ii]fi7;/jiniMJw/jnNY';A'iiij;r,,
A 'llie Iriterbus Series. Tliree interfaces for liie VIC 20 aiKi
Commodore 64; one for IEEE 488, one for RS 232 and one
for Parallel,
The VIE and OE are IEEE 488 interfaces for the V!C 20.
When plugged into the expansion port, the cartridge is
"tran^jareni," that is, the user can still attach other peripherals
without any interference. Devices such as 4040, 80.50, 2031, 2032,
4022 and 8023 caii be controlled. Hie IEEE software caai be called
by using the 'SYS' command, even In the middle of a
BASIC program.
Tlie V232 and C232 are serial interface cartridges which
allow connection of various input/output devices such as printers,
modems, plotters, etc, to VIC 20 or ComnwKlore 64 computers.
Features include: positive and negative voltage swings to meet full
ElA standards, straps and jumpers to allow reconfiguration to meet
pinouts for any RS2:J2 device, and software selectable reconfigura-
tion such as baud rate, parity, and duplex mode.
The VPI and CPl are parallel interfaces for the VIC 20 and
Commodore 64, These interlaces provide direct BASIC use of the
parallel printer bus and give "invi^ble" access to the bus, 'Hie
VPI CrUi te used only on the VIC 20 and uses the expansion port.
The CPI will work with both the VIC 20 and Commodore 64 and
does not use the expajision port The CPI also has switches for set-
ting insertion or deletion of line feed, converaon of Commodore
ASCII into standard ASCII or visa versa, addresses printer to device
4, 5, fi or 7, and allows normally unprintable Commodore characters
to be printed in a recognizable form.
B Exjjandoport Series. Expandoport 3 and E)cpandojx)rt 6 are
three- and sbs-siot expansion boards for the VIC 20. Each slot on
the Expandoport 6 has a switch for controlling power to that con-
nector. The switch allows the use of cartridges which respond to the
same memory space. The Expandoport 6 dso has a fuse and reset
switch. The fuse prevents excessive current drain from the VIC 20
and protects it from 'short.s'. The reset switch allows the user to
'Restart' the VIC 20 without turning power off. This feature allows
RAM, which is located in the ROM expansion area, to be protected
during 'Restart'.
Expandoport 4 is a four port expansion board for the
Commodore 64, It has the same features as the Expandoport 6 and
even allows for the use of varying width cartridges.
C Terminal Pak Series, llie VfE 40 Toininal Emulator
(VTE 40) is a hardware and software package which converts the
VIC 20 into a 40-column communications terminal. The VTE 40
cartridge is complete. Various set-up parameters .sucli as Ijaud rate,
parity, duj}lex, and bits per character can 1x3 .selected through a
'menu' format. VTE 40 features are: 40 x 25 text display, user
definable communication specs, smooth or normal scroll, print infor-
mation to printer or disk, generation of control codes, selective
omission of data, continuous status line.
'llie CTE/VTE Terminal Emulator (CTE/VTE) is a software
program which a)nverts the VIC 20 or Commodore 64 into a ter-
minal, 'Die user can '.soltware select' the baud rate compatible with
the nmdan wsd Full upper and lower case characters are supported.
D Audio Link. An audio cassette adapter interface for the
VIC 20. Features include; use of regular cassette recorders, conver-
sion of VIC 20 distal data to audio and visa versa, normal and
inverted cassette signal, remote on/off control and control of
external devices.
A Int^tus Series.
B Expandoport Series.
C Terminal Pak St'ries,
D Audio Link.
Call toll free
for nearest dealer
Lifetime warrant
available upon
return of Product
warranty card
E VRAM. These memory expansion modules are designed to
provide additional user programming space for the VIC 20 system.
VRAM plugs into the memory expansion port and requires no
additional power or modification to the VIC 20 system, llie units are
packiiged as 3K, 8K, 16K and 24K modules. Str^^ing is provided
for mapping 8K blocks of memory into the various available
memory blocks.
VK 2(1^' Mid Comrmxkire M™ CBM™' «ntf PEt'™ ttr resis««(d lrad«iw)o vt Qmmo^m
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MICRO BYBTEMS DEVEtX3PMENT, INC.
111C3B BHAOY TRAIL • SUrTE 104 • DAU-AS, TEXAS TSSSS
THE BEGINNER'S CORNER
C. REGENA
Learning To Program
In BASIC
I'm happy to be writing a monthly column on
beginning progrnniming for the VlC-20 and Com-
modore 64 computers. 1 own several microcom-
puters and have published programs and articles
in several national magazines for the TI-99/4A,
TRS-80 Color Computer, and VIC-20 computers,
and I publish "Tidbits" for the Tl-99/2. I have also
w^ritten two books on programming BASIC, one
for the TI-99/4A and one for the TRS-SO, whicli
are published by COMPUTE! Books.
1 enjoy programming and helping others
learn how much fun it is to get a computer to do
what i/()» want it to do. The main goal of this col-
umn will be to discuss programming concepts as
they apply specifically to Commodore's BASIC
which is built in the VIC-20 and Commodore 64.
With each column, I'll try to include a short pro-
gram for you to type in and RUN,
In future columns, I'll try to cover interactive
programming, colors, graphics, sounds, DATA
statements, arrays, built-in functions, strings,
and programming techniques and hints to help
you with your own programming. I'll assume
you have available the guide that comes with your
computer. If you want more advanced informa-
tion, you should have the VIC or 64 Programmer's
Refcrcm'c Guide published by Commodore. Have
your computer handy while you read my articles,
and actually try things on your computer while
you are reading.
I'll rarely mention hardware (another section
of^this magazine will cover that) unless it is really
necessary for a particular application. But you
should have the Commodore Datassetteora 1540/
1541 disk drive to save your programs for Inter
use. All programming in this column can be done
on the standard VIC or 64 with no expansion
memory or other peripherals.
First, Commands
Let's get started on an actual program. A computer
20 COMPUTEt'iGozelte Jul^- 19B3
"program" consists of numbered statements or
commands. You may type the statements in any
order, and the computer will keep them in mem-
ory. However, it is less confusing if you type them
in the proper order. When the program is RUN,
the computer executes the statements in numerical
order. If you type a command without a line
number, the computer will execute the statement
immediately (and the statement will not be saved
in memory). This is called immediate mode or direct
mode. When I start to program, I often number
the lines in increments of ten - 10, 20, 30, etc. - so
later linos may be inserted between existing state-
ments if necessary.
The PRINT statement is one of the easiest to
start with. It is used to print something on the
screen. At the beginning of a program, I usually
like to clear the screen so there is a blank screen
to draw a title or start printing. To clear the screen,
use the following statement:
10 PRINT "ECLR} "
In listings in this column, and throughout
the magazine, the braces will indicate keys or
special function keys to be pressed. In this case,
hold the SHIFT key while you press the CLR/
HOME key. An inverse heart will be printed.
Now try a few more PRINT statements. Re-
member, as long as there is a line number before
the command, you will not see results until you
RUN the program. Remember to press RETURN
after typing each line.
20
PRINT
"HELLO"
30
PRINT
"EXAMPLES:"
40
PRINT
"HOW ARE YOU?
50
PRINT
60
PRINT
"JOHN"; "DOE"
70
PRINT
"JANE", "SMITH
80
END
Now RUN this program.
You will notice that the screen clears, then
ti:^Tf^M^M^Wf^^'
Monsters Is No Game
^^
-v^S^
i^i^
Role-ptaying games are a serious business. They require thought and strategy, skill and luck. But the programmers of computer
role-playing games haven't taken them seriously enough. Until now. Now ScreenPlay'" does role-playing right —
the Warrior of RAS'" series. Each volume of the Warrior of RAS^- series is completely different from the others.
Dunzhin leaves you in a multi-level maze of rooms, full of traps, treasures, and
i,;. dangerous monsters. Volume II, Haiv, places
^^ your warrior in a cavern, complete with
magic, bats, cave-ins, and dozens of objects
to buy, collect and use to survive. Each
Warrior of RAS"* game can generate
millions of unpredictable games,
h. Not just data bases, but new
^ mazes. New caverns. New
challenges. i&
np^u
m^^
«
I
K
r are some
^...ngs our games
/O delays while
: computer
!S up informs-
. Or hours
spent poring over
rule books trying to figure
out how to play the game. Or
boring pauses while the computer
tries to figure out what to do next.
The Warrior of RAS'" games are fully
implemented in machine language,
with lightning-speed "from-above"
graphics. They're fast, powerful,
and easy to use. Even if you have
never played a role-playing game
before.
Since a Warrior of RAS'" explora-
tion may last many days, games
.^ c0 be saved directly onto your
-, ■■'}< tape or disk. And the charac-
( saved, and can be loaded
],.'; into other Warrior of R AS'"
;;• 'games. The Warrior of RAS'"
;,ieries was created by Randall
iiMastetler, author of several
.non-computer role-playing
mes.
le Warrior of RAS'" series,
fhy settle for anything
less?
• The Warrior of RAS'" games require 48K.
Available on cassette or disk for the TRS-80 Volume I Dt/NZH/hT^^pje or Disk $ 39.95 '
Model l/llt and Atari 400/800. Available on Volume II KAIV Upe or Disk $39.95
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-SVlH^' $4-00 for overseas order.
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TO ORDER, CALL: 1-800-334-5470, or see your dealer.
Apfric, Alati, TRS-SO ind Commodort 6* arc tMdcnjrtii ol Aftpit Compuicf, Inc., Warner Communiutiofls, Inc., Tandy C«p«iil>an, and Commcxtorc, itiptctiytty.
■
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Look what
for your VIC 20.
'^--i
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Fi
last action. Complex strategies.
Interesting characters. Supe-^7-^
rior sound effects. Multiple levels ■
of play.
These are the things you want
fronn your VIC 20™ "t^i^-l
They're also the things you get
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Each one is something dif-
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/- --^u.^ / They're all designed to bring
^ nDut the best in your V!C 20.
You shouldn't settle for any-
thing less/ ._/ '■''
-/
/
Jimmy Huey.;
In a predatory world^
of killer worms, dragons, st^lk-"
ers, pods and fly traps, the scot^-^
pion prowls the maze in search"
of sustenance. Frogs and their ~yL. /
eggs mean survival to the scorpion/
But they can also mean instant /''
death! (Suggested retail $39.95)
m
"r-^/ /■
^^-^/"'^
we have in store
,jfS^
Thomas Kim.
Your helicopter gun-
ship hovers over the enemy's
mijjtary bases and missile emplace^
ments. Your mission is to destroy
them. But as the sky fills with smart
bombs and anti-aircraft fire, there's
less and less room for a wrong
move! (Suggested retail $39.95)
By
Corey Ostman.
Deep in the earth, a
fortune awaits. But the dark
passageways are filled with peril as
well as profit. Runaway boxcars.
Crashing boulders. A claim jumper
with murder in his eyes. Be careful.
But be quick— oxygen is in short
supply! (Suggested retail $39,95)
8295 South La Cienega Blvd., Ingiewood, CA 90301
Look for Tronix games in youmearest store. If you can't find them there, write to us.
-^^
Hi
•
r-H~^.
VIC 20'" is a.ifademark of Comrrioctote Elecifonics Lid.
;20"
demarkof
■-i
f I
J I '^-
the messages within the quotation marks are
printed, starting at the top left of the screen. Each
message is on a separate line. The PRINT state-
ment starts a new line and begins printing at the
left margin. If you wanted the word HELLO on
the top line, you could, include HELLO in the
quotes of line 10 right after the ECLRl .
Careful With Punctuation
Lines 30 and 40 show that you may print punctu-
ation marks if they are included iuside the quote
marks. Line 50 is just tiie word PRINT and prints
a blank line. Lines 60 and 70 show the difference
in printing items separated by a semicolon or a
comma (called "print separators"). Notice how
they are outside the quotahon marks. The semico-
lon puts the second item right next to the first.
The comma indicates to print in the next print
column, sort of like the TAB key on a typewriter.
Line 80 is an END statement. Although in
Commodore BASIC the program will end by itself
anyway, it is good programming practice to use
END as the very last statement in your program.
Some forms of BASIC require it.
Try a few statements with messages of your
own in queries. Notice that if you have a long mes-
sage, longer than 22 characters on the VIC or 40
characters on the 64, the printing simply goes to
the next line. When you are printing messages on
the screen, you may use extra spaces between
words so that you don't divide a word between
two lines.
Another way to print a blank line is to use
the down cursor key. Add this line, then RUN:
72 PRINT "{2 down) GO DOWN"
(Press the down cursor twice. A reverse Q
will be printed for the cursor,)
You may use the right cursor key to position
words so tliey aren't at the left column. Try adding
this line, then RUN:
74 PRINT "{3 RIGHTImOVE RIGHT"
(Press the right cursor three times. A reverse left
bracket will be printed for the cursor. In listings,
this may also be expressed as I RIGHT 31 .)
Another way to move something to the right
is to use the TAB function. The columns on the
screen are numbered 0 to 21 on the VIC, and 0 to
39 on the 64, with the left column zero. You may
TAB over to a certain column, and your printing
will start in that column. Add this fine and RUN:
76 PRINT TAB(6); "SIX"
You can see there are many ways to print.
Different methods or combinations of commas,
semicolons, TABs, and cursor controls will accom-
plish the same visual effect. Some methods may
use more memory (and that's a subject of a whole
column), but there is really no "wrong" way if
the end result is what you want it tc* be.
24 COMPUTEI'i Gazatle July 1983
'I'lh' saiiijiic pivf^rmu ii^cfi PRINT sttitciucut^ mid the hiiilt-iii
^niphicfi cluumicra to arate tliis scaw ou tlif VIC-IO. Tlic
progratn also works on tlie 64, but looks sli;^htly diffen'tit due
to the screen variathvis between the computers.
Now, Color
Now let's add some color. Changing colors is very
easy to do on the computer.
First type NEW, then press RETURN to get rid
of the old program and start a new program. If you
also want to start with a clean screen, press SHIFT
and CLR/HOME.
To change colors in a program, you still use
the PRINT statement, but press CTRL and one of
the color keys on the top row of keys just before the
word you want printed. Be sure the color is inside
the quote marks. You'll notice (hat the color keys
print an inverse symbol - it may be difficult for us
to remember what symbol goes with which color,
but the computer keeps track with just the one sym-
bol. Whatever you print will be the new color until
you change colors again. Here is a sample,
10 PRINT "ICLr!"
20 PRINT "HELLO"
30 PRINT "{RED 3 THIS IS RED."
40 PRINT "{GRNItHIS IS GREEN."
50 PRINT "(BLK)"
60 END
As you are programming, your cursor will not
change colors. You are writing statements that tell
the computer to change colors when you RUN the
program. By the way, if the cursor does change
colors while you're typing, it means you have made
a typing error and did not put the color change
within quotes. The easiest thing to do is press RE-
TURN and type the line over.
Now RUN the program. Notice that line 50
said to print in black. TJie next line ends the pro-
gram; since I didn't return to blue, all printing now
will be black. If you really want to get back to blue,
press CTRL and BLU. CTRL and RVS ON will make
the letters print with reversed colors, and CTRL
RVS OFF returns the printing to normal.
Here they are — the players' games from CDSI
Faster action , . . nearer misses . . . more heart-
stopping wins I
All CDS games are written In machine farrgtiagi
to keep you playing faster and betterl
Check 'em out . . .
Strap on your lasers, squad, because this one Is':
going to stretch you to your limits I ^
Changing screens and fast-paced, norvstop action
keep you long on fun and short on flngemallst |
i.
Can VX'ally fight his way to the top and save his
true love??? The way looks simple enough, but
. . . Uh oh . . . LOOK OUT FOR THE WITCHIII
Its a multl-ievel, multi-screen boggleri Super
game power requires an 8K expanderl
The COS wfnnerj for the Commodore V1C20, ,™™
lAlsosome (torCommodoreMI Suggested retail ^^^»;;;^^M.. - .\:
S29.9S US Icasiette). Ask for them at your c^M^^^W
Commodore store. Or write to ui. Dealer ^vaSn\\™\..\s.v,^.v;
Inquiries also welcomed.
>^^^^m^ Commercial Data Systems Ltd.,
■^^^^^; 730 Eastvlew Avenue, Reglna, Canada S4N 0A2
@immm
Can our hero make it across the freeway without
getting that run-down feeling 77
And If he does . . . does he know he can't
5wJm7l7l ^
It's the thrlH of victory and watch
Keep your eyes open — there's a
tasty treasure In cheeses Just ahead I
But . . . there's hungry cats around
every comerl
One wrong move, and you'rej|'i»
hickory dfckory dead I
VK n Jiral CeSMJUOOOAt M n^. VJd* iMihd CAWBOtfort
- -'"^^
Note: To save typing effort and memory, you
mav leave out the space after the line number and
after the word PRINT. To abbreviate the word
PRINT and save even more memory, use the ques-
tion mark. Line 20 above may be typed:
20?"HELLO"
If you list the program, even though you used
the question mark, the listing will show the word
PRINT. However, the computer remembers the
question mark (or "token"). If you are typing in
listings from this magazine, you may freely substi-
tute the question mark for the word PRINT.
Enough Words
Let's get to graphics. You have probably already
discovered that SHIFT plus a key will print the sym-
bol on the right face of the key, and the Commo-
dore key plus a key will print the symbol on (he
left face of the key. To draw graphics in a program,
just PRINT combinations of graphics symbols.
I usually like to sketch on graph paper the pic-
ture I'm going to draw. For the VIC, either mark off
graph paper in 22 columns by 23 rows or use a copy
of page 144 in the VIC manual. For the 64, mark off
graph paper in 40 columns by 25 rows. Sketch your
picture on the graph paper, then try to decide which
grapihics characters would best fit your design. Use
colored pencils to make it more attractive.
Now for your program, go down the graph
paper line by line with PRINT statements to match
the graphics. Remember, you may change colors
before any printed graphics character. You may
also wanton experiment with CTRL RVS ON. By
the way, once you turn the reverse ON, all charac-
ters in that set of quotes will be reversed unless you
turn it back OFF. The next PRINT statement, how-
ever, will autotnatically return characters to normal.
Rather than using separate PRINT statements, it
may be more convenient to use the cursor keys to
move around as you draw. To move tiic cursor up
or left, be sure to press the SHIFT key as you press
the appropriate CRSR key.
To keep your design on the screen without the
word READY appearing at the end of the program
(or without scrolling), use a line such as
900 GOTO 900
To stop the program, press the RUN/STOP
key. Line 900 here tells the computer to go to line
900, which just keeps the computer endlessly
looping on that line until yuu "break" or STOP the
program.
Here is a simple graphic design using PRINT
statements. You may type it in and try it - but by
next month's issue you should be proficient in your
own graphics or printing programs.
Line 10 clears the screen and moves down two
lines. Line 30 illustrates the use of cursor keys rather
than separate PRINT statements. Line 40 is the
26 COMPUTE!', Coielte July 1983
Commodore key and the minus sign. Line 50 uses
two reversed characters, then CTRL RVS OFF to
get back to normal. Line 70 uses spaces to move
over three spaces. You could also use the right cursi)r
to move over. Line 130 will print the symbol across
the screen. Line 140 holds the picture on the screen
until you press STOP.
See prognm listing oit piigc V)4. @
USER FRIENDLY PROGRAMS
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• Uses Relative Files for efficiency
SEND CHECK/MONEY ORDER TO;
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ARRANGE PASSAGE TODAY!
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Commodore 64. PET. and VIC 20 arc Registered Trademarks of Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
•High Res Full Machine Code Arcade Style Games.
Does Your Computer
Need
ACassette Recorder?
Tom R. Halfhiil, Editor
Maybe you're shopping around for your first
home computer, or perhaps you've just
bought a new VIC-20 or Commodore 64.
Usually the advertised price does not include
any "extras." Probably the salesperson tried
to sell you a cassette recorder to plug into the
computer. But what accessories, if any, do
you really need? What is a cassette recorder
good for? Most new home computer owners
do end up buying a recorder, and here's
why.
Those magazine and newspaper adver-
tisements sure make home computers
look attractive: VIC-2() computers are
selling for less than half their price of
two years ago, and prices of Commodore 64 com-
puters have plunged about $200 since Christmas.
But does a $149 computer really cost $149? As
you've probably already discovered, it really costs
only $149 if you can resist the sales pitch to buy
some soflwiur (programs) and peripherals (acces-
sories). You might be thinking that this is just
another sales gimmick - advertise an inexpensive
computer, then tack on all kinds of expensive
extras. Naturally, it is a salesperson's job to sell.
But the fact is, if you want to get the most out of a
home computer, you zvHt need at least some pro-
grams and peripherals,
2B COMPUTEI'i Gaiette July 1983
Programs And Peripherals
Without programs, a home computer is little more
than a fancy calculator. A computer needs pro-
grams the way that a game machine needs car-
tridges, or a stereo needs records or tapes. Since a
program is just a series of instructions which tell a
computer what to do (and how to do it), you
choose programs based on what you want to do
with the computer. If you bought the computer to
play games, keep track of your household budget,
and help teach a child the alphabet, you'll need
some game programs, a budget program, and
educational programs.
Deciding which peripherals to get is not much
different. Once you know what you want to do
with the computer, you'll know (or at least be
prepared to ask) what peripherals you'll need.
The most common peripheral found on computers
is some sort of device for storing programs and
other information for later use - a mass storage
device. And the most common mass storage de-
vice for home computers is a cassette recorder.
Two Kinds Of Memory
Without a mass storage device, you have no way
of storing programs while the computer is not in
use. The part of a computer's memory where pro-
grams are run - Random Access Meimm/ (RAM) - is
erased whenever the power is turned off. That's
because RAM chips need a constant flow of elec-
tricity to maintain their information. Each time a
Technological Innovations for
the VIC 20® and Commodore 64
Designed by RAK-Ware
EXPAND-0-RAM
ViC20
UNIVERSAL TAPE INTERFACE
No need to purchase an expensive data recorder tor your VIC 20'"
or Commodore 64'^. The Tymac Universal Tape Interface and
Duplicator will allow you to load, save and even duplicate* your
programs and data cassettes with virtually any portable home
'tape recorder. To insure positive LOADS and SAVES, a special
audio enhancement circuit is provided in the interface. Three LED
indicators monitor the status at all times and provide a visual
indication of loads and saves. A parity switch will also insure that
all types of data tapes can be successfully loaded. Operator
controlled action of the recorder is another desirable feature.
Finally, you can easily make back-up tapes without the need of
loading your software back into the computer. A unique switch
function will allow you to make direct recordings to another tape
recorder. A great duplication device for the user who may want to
start a software business at home. The TYIVIAC UNIVERSAL TAPE
INTERFACE AND DUPLICATOR is way ahead of the competitors in
features and quality.
ALL THIS FOR OUVf..
,.S49.00
'NOTE: Duplication requires the use of Two Standard tape
recorders.
EXPAND-0-RAfVI is truly a multifunction memory expansion board
that provides 2 switch selectable slots to double the capacity of
your computer. In addition to these important features, a RESET
button has been provided to allow you to regain control of a
"hung" or unstoppable program. A bank of mini-switches control
memory addressing on the board so that you can use EXPAND-O-,
RAM as a useful tool for cartridge development and debugging. A
write protect function is even provided so that you can simulate a
ROM environment or investigate a previously programmed ROM
Cartridge Pack. A quick summary of the features are as follows:
A) 16K of additional Memory.
B) Compatability witfi additional Memory & Games
Cartridges.
C) Two Additional Switch Selectable Slots.
D) Reset Switch for warm starts.
E) Slide Switch lor easy selection of Cartridges or
memory packs. '
F} Switch selectable Memory Ma;) selections of the
16K memorv.
G) Use as a Program and Cartridge development tool.
H) Write protection of memory area for cartridge simulation
and investigation.
ALL THIS FOR ONLY.
..$119.00
Ualnrul
ZAnmurAoi
DISTRIBUTING INC.
1342 B Rt. 23, Butler, NJ 07405
201-838-9027
Dsaier and Distributor
inquiries invited
NOTE: We soiFCH tiafdware and sotlwate ilenis lor Ihe VIC ZD' and CBM M' Royallies, \Ktnte IMS, of outiigm
purcfiases can be neQOtiaW CBM 64' 4 VIC 20" are Registeied Ttadennflrks of Commixime Business Machines Inc
computer is turned on, the program you want to
run must be entered into RAM from a mass storage
device. Without such a device, there are only two
ways to enter a program - plug in a cartridge, or
copy it from a program listing by typing it on the
keyboard.
Cartridges are the easiest way to enter pro-
grams. They are quick, handy, and require no
additional devices. Cartridges contain a circuit
board withKcnr/ 0;i/i/Mt'»f()n/ (ROM) chips. Unlike
RAM chips, ROMs permanently store their infor-
mation even when power is turned off. Plugging
in the cartridge alitiws the computer to read the
chips and run the program. Since the computer
can read the chips directly - as if tliey were built
into the computer- the program enters the com-
puter's memory instantaneously.
On the other hand, typing a program listing
on the keyboard is the hardest way to enter a pro-
gram into a computer. The program must be typed
exactly as listed, or it proL">ably will not ixm cor-
rectly. A very long program could take a couple
of hours to type in. And when the computer is
turned off, the program is erased and all your
work is lost. That's why you need a mass storage
device.
There are two main types of mass storage
devices: cassette recorders and disk drives (for an
explanadon of a third type. Stringy Floppy drives,
see this month's review of the Exatron Stringy
Floppy elsewhere in the magazine). Each type of
mass storage device has ils advantages and disad-
vantages. Cassette recorders are the least expen-
sive of these devices and they are the most popular
with home computers.
Putting Them In Storage
In general, though, all these devices share one
thing in common - they allow you to .save a pro-
gram for later use by copying it from the com-
puter's memory onto tape or disk. For example,
to save a program onto tape with a VIC-20 or
Commodore 64, you can simply type 5AV0 and
press the RETURN key. When a cassette is inserted
in the recorder and the PLAY and RECORD but-
tons are pressed, the computer converts the pro-
gram in its memory into sound pulses -something
like Morse code ~ and records them on the tape.
Once the program is saved, you can safely shut
off the computer. When you want to run the pro-
gram again at a later time, you type LOAD, press
the RETURN key, insert the cassette into the re-
corder, and press the PLAY button. The computer
then reads the program off the tape and loads it
into memory again. The program remains on the
tape and can be used over and over until it is
erased.
With Commodore computers, you can also
save programs on tape with a filoiame. This is a
title, up to 16 characters long (including spaces),
that sets a program apart from others on the same
tape. For example, vou can save a program on
tape by typing SAVE "PROGRAM ONE", pres-
sing the RETURN key, and pressing the recorder's
PLAY and RECORD buttons. The program is
saved on tape under the title "PROGRAM ONE"
(note that because spaces are counted as charac-
ters, this is an 11-character filename). If it happens
to be the first program on the tape, you can load
it by just typing LOAD as usual. But if there are
many programs on the same tape, you can find it
by typing LOAD "PROGRAM ONE". The com-
puter will search the tape until it finds "PRO-
GRAM ONE", and then load it.
Disk drives work in a similar way, only much
faster than cassettes. On the VIC-20 and Commo-
dore 64, you use the same SAVE and LOAD com-
mands, except that programs saved on disks must
always be given a filename. Also, a comma and
the numeral "8" must be appended to the SAVE
New model Commodore Datassettes have a streamlined
appeanince.
30 COMPUTEIS Gazette July 1983
The Commodore Dulasselte: it am remember what your
computer forgets.
No one, not even the author, has
ever achieved the last Grtdrunner. It
is an extremely fast-paced arcade-
quality game designed to test your
coolness under fire and challenge
your reflexes.
As the pilot of the Gridrunner, a
combat ship, you must annihilate
the various enemies traveling
along the "Grid." High scores are
possible only through the mastery
of the patterns of the X/Y Zappers
and the Gridsearch Droids which,
when destroyed, mutate into
potentialiy lethal Pods.
Gridrunner has 32 levels of diffi-
culty (20 levels in
the VIC 20 ver-
sion). To this
date, the 13th
level has been
the highest
achieved,
Gridrunner
is available
for VIC 20,
Cammodore
64 and Atari
400/800.
Can you beat
Gridrunner?
See your local
computer or
games deafer
and find out.
Human Engineered Software
71 Park Lane
Brisbane, CA 94005
HS
a iMvlalDn of USI
^i/^^ i/"^^^
EiQfit screens eacPi more di'-
licuLt than Ihe lasr. uttm ia3t
aclioriwim-^jp^fti color ijnd
sotjnd. tor Iht» e»pt*rt yafnc
pfaycrooly Thiiigiiiiie i^ very
ha'tJifitieed [omasit'r Each
SCrt'fcn H {JiMor^nl opponf-nt,
wilh umqu<} bautt^ Ijcltcn
andmibsiIt'S Vouwilfnot tire
of Ihiii game in «i huffy,
Cassette £20 00
U r-e:< pa nriRd VIC 30
Keyboard or Joyshck
A v(?ry fast aclior. gamt?
bar«t?(i upon [h<?tamhl)aF mazc-
themn supii^ichafger doss
[jOfOi rJol 3. random fr uit bonus
CJtiTii Mc alter ISOO poinls.
higri scoie haW. music, sound
L'ltects, etc All this on an un-
expanded VIC 20 m :^uper
V^fA htgh resoluhon graphics
Cassette S20 00
Un-t?xpjinded VIC 20
Key hoard or poystfck
PANIC
A Eadae/ and plattoiTti enyimn
rneni where aliens pur&uo a
shovel wi^kJcnrj cn*w jriem-
beraround Ihe screen Arinud
only with.a space shovel set
traps tor Ihe uliun^ tiy iJitj-
^ng holes m iht* pJaMormi^ th*'p>
pound them lodealhyvulhlhu
shovel Miutltiple screen, hi scof e,
unlim hted play, thfe*j *ilief > typos
Cassette S24 00
Un-enpandod VIC KO
"eyboard or Joystick
k
•^i/W^ ^^^^
•j^<^
,<<^
«^'
METEOR
You r sJi I p 15 b^^f>9 approached
fay deadly meteors, your Pong
lange scan localesapptoaeh-
ing meteor and indrcaLes
lange Your (ask is lo spot
Ihe approac;hmg meleo's
deslTOy il with laser lire beloie
Impact. Beauhful graphics,
damage indicator, tull color
tilTsKilution graphics and
sound.
Cassetle SI 2.00
Un-expanded VIC 20 or
Commodore 64
Keytraaid or JoyslUk
BUNNY
Usjng the loyshcK move Ihe
bunny across lour lanes of
speeding Iratltc. dodging
trucks and cars Then hoe
across a swillly Itowing.
piranha inlested nrar tyy lump-
ing on lloating logs and friend-
ly lurllea to batety. Full
colof high resolution action
game with sound eltocls.
Cassetle S20.00
Un-expanded VIC 20 or Com-
modore €4 Joystick required
SKi-RUI^
Three different games tn one,
Domihill. Sialom.Gi3ntSla tom.
Each game with nine skill
levels A race against the
clock tor the fastest time. In
Downhill, dodge Ihe many
trees and snowdrifts keep-
ing between the pat hmarkers
Statom ailds a new dimension
to Iho game with StaJom gates
Cassette S2000
Un-expanded VIC 20 or Com-
modore 64 Keytioard only
and LOAD commands: SAVE "PROGRAM
ONE", 8 or [.OAD "PROCKAM ONE", 8. The
niimeriTl "H" is a ticviir luiiiilvr which tells ihc com-
puter that the command refers to the disk drive,
and not the cassette recorder.
Why A Datassette?
Mass storage devices make computers so much
more usei'ul that most people consider them in-
dispensable. Without one, you would have to
buv all vtnir pruH''ams on cartridges or else Ivpe
them on the keyboard lor e.ich use. With a cassette
recorder or disk drive, you can buy commercial
programs on tapes or disks, which are more com-
mon than cartridges. You can also accumulate a
program library by trading programs you've writ-
ten with frientls, typing and saving programs
from maga/.ines, anci saving your own programs.
Since cassette recorders are much less expen-
sive than disk drives - averaging about S75 versus
$375 - most home computer users choose tape
over disk, at least for starters. There are many
other factctrs to weigh besides cost when deciding
between cassette ancJ disk, and we'll explore these
alternatives further in future articles. Most people
who have disk drives also own cassette recorders
anyway, either because they started with one or
because some commercial programs are only avail-
able on cassettes.
So let's assume that you're interested in
adding a cassette recorder lo your VIC-2() or
Commodore 64. Which one should vou buv?
There's not much to consider, because Com-
modore users basically have only one choice - the
Commodore Datassette. The Datassette is a special
cassette recorder made by Commodore specifically
for Commodore computers. Some home com-
puters, such as the Texas Instruments I'l-WMA
and I^adio Shack TRS-SO Color Computer, can
use ordinary, high-quality audio cassette recor-
ders. Rut these recorders will not work with a
V]C-2{) or 64 (although some companies make
adapters for this purpose). Commodore elected to
design a system which requires (he Datassette.
Contrary lo the opinion of some skeptics,
this decision wasn't just a scheme to force Com-
modore users to buy their rect)rders from Com-
modore, because the Datassette is optimized fur
computer use, it is more reliable than most cassette
recorders on other computers. With good tape,
and proper maintenance of the Datas.sette, pro-
grams are almost never lost by accident.
If you want to get the most out of your VIC-20
or 64, you should serit)usly consider buying a
Datassette or disk drive. Without one, your selec-
tion of programs - and therefore, the number of
applicatiiins for your computer - is very small.
But with one, there are a.s manv uses for your
computer as there are programs. Q
* ♦ * COIVIMODORE'S SX-1 00 PORTABLE! * * ♦
* FU1I64K COMPLETELY PORTABLE!
* Color Monitor built-in
* Disk drive built-iri
* FREE software package
* Completely compatible with
* the Commodore 64
* LOTS OF SOFTWARE AVAILABLE!
Special Introductory Offer
95
$899
COMPLETE
Ro tail: $995
$«A|% COMMODORE 64 $'
Tlll|-fM)E-IN REFUND
co«amodore64
IINTELIICENTWAYS
TQIUV ACOKHOODHEH
11 You buy on< ham ui *1 SIi09.95
2] YDubuyonf Iramuiil S3S9.S5, 1h«n you
MAtf in in Qld/n«w (in my canditran}
amputtr or TV (imi to Cammodcrrt S
nciivt ilOO.QO iTom thim!
3] You buy ont ComrnodDnM from ui it S3ii^ ,95
Thin vou buy ont Timax TS-IDOO from u} loi $44.35
Thtn Hod tbo Tiimx Xo Commoitori & flit $100.00.
You Innit U4.9S & )lt t1 00.00, nit giin: $65.05
Z.IOCiid For i:ommoilDrtE4 $209.95
SO Colunin Cirll For ComrnDdDri 64 169.95
40 Column Cird For VIC 2D Wti
40 Column Cird «.'IK mim built-in lor VIC.ZO 139.95
Vidio ^ck 64K For VIC Id 3I0.9S
FREE WITH PURCHASE of each Z 80 citd.BDcDJumni
40 Enluitin or Viilto F^ck E4, you lecgive tht iDllowing:
Woid Milter woril tiroctuoi loftwtit
Mailing List software
TElecomrnunica lions soltwiie
Du« 1Q thi triminrlouj dinunrl of the» piodutti, g^adi
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COMMODORE M
COMPUTER
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(T9 -
DISK nRIVES& OTHER PERIPHERALS
1541 OniOrin (JH)S WwW"!"^''"
ISM DiUHni M.14 •o't»'t'>f"f
1S25EPiinlir ]]S)5i/Jr;0ji«lj«
IBM VicHodtm 98,85 CotimoJo'eSJ.
1SZ0 NEW! Color piintll/lHonir IIOJS
1701 HEW! 14" color monhor IttM
ft commodore
uit20»99'*'
Olympic
Sales ^
g^ SCHViNG vou SINCE IS';.
Company
'Wlien puichiHd u pin o1 thii pickiic ONLY.
VlCZ0$1Z9.9SwhBn purchased alone.
SPECIAI.PACKACE DEAL:
VIC 20 99.95
DATASETTEnt:Driltre9.95
GDRTEKSslmiri 10 0»
TOTAL Coil 119 95
You »i $119.95 lar $2t99S nlufl
Mud porchiti nholv pidiiti lo tilii
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PO.Boi 74545 21BSD Oifoitl A»» Lo> flngflri. CA 80004
Phone: (2131739 1130 Clble ■OLYRAV LSA
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III! lipiniv^r SArptnailEj iPi b^ U P S unlltl Plrr*! Pvi]
rtiuiirid ftajii. ridirirt. ana iltni iibiu irt ittt <M
■nipping cridgn ^tn ndiii* miOi [miltii Wliin or.
dtrarr vittioul citttnis. ihipping ctiirpii goili - SI OQ
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OlING ON INr OflDEfl.JMM
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nim lOeutm ipOf(n
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K*4 Ita* l\a t-OO
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»N(| Ut,«'rl.lv .
BL^i^b-i *to-i^ ■ ^«:.M
SUI 9 01*1
C«ri |>»(M-I1 nU >•.. ttt* -Mm
J dCT H VI A^nt^ WMi. ^ Au 1 V
Fa F^w »»i -w-i * ti»s *m *i
roiu
riLfjilt 3if hCp ou*JirfrTY BlCOinrft
AdOraw
O,
SM»«e_
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(•
S-grUtu'A
July ! 983 COMPUTE! 'i Gozetle
FREDD'IGNAZIO
COMPUTING
3®s Mdl
Computer Adventures
You can use this corner of COMPUTIl'.'s Gtizette ns
a launch pad to send you blasting away each
month on a new computer adventure with your
VIC-2Q or your Commodore 64 computer.
One month I'll show you how to set up a
secret phono lino between your computer and
your friends. We'll see how you can invent a secret
language on your computer that only your friend
can decode. You can send each other messages
and play games, all in your secret language.
Another month I'll show you how to set up
video games on your computer. Then I'll show
you how to use the video games to help you with
your homework.
Let's spend at least a couple of months using
our computers to create adventure games and
dangerous missions. I'll show you how to invent
games where you get to be the hero and fight evil
creatures and discover fantastic treasures.
We should also spend some time trying to
answer some popular questions kids have about
computers. For example:
Should 1 learn to program?
Which language is best - BASIC, Logo, or
PILOT?
What kind of computer career should I aim
for?
Are video games good for you or bad?
How can I lobby for more computers in my
school?
Why are mv parents scared of computers?
I low can my computer help me study?
Who's better at computers - girls or boys?
Also, in a section entitled "Can You Im-
agine?" I'll tell you about some of the latest de-
velopments in computers and some of the exciting
things you can expect in the future.
34 COMPUTer^ Gaiette July 1983
Who's Out There?
And I'd like to get to know you. Write and tell me
who you are and why computers turn yuu on. 1
want to hear from you. It may take me awhile, but
I'll always write back.
If you have any good programs, tricks, or ideas,
write and share them with me. Til print the best
ones in this column each month under the heading:
"Kids Know Best."
Also, if I say something that makes you mad,
write me and tell me why. You can reach me by
writing:
Fred D'l^^nnziu
c/o COMPUTE!'^ Qjzetlc for Commodore
P.O. Box 5406
Greensboro, NC 27403
This column is for everyone - big kids, little
kids, fat kids, skinny kids, and kids with green
polka dots on their feel, 1 want it to be the column
you turn to every month as soon as you get your
new issue of the GnzctlL'. You can help me do this
by writing and telling me what you most w^toI to
see.
Who Am I?
Who ami?
I'm a computer nut. I love computers- even
more than pizza, steak sandwiches, or spaghetti.
Once, several years ago, my wife bopped me
on the head with a pillow because she was jealous
of mv computer. Actually it wasn't a computer, it
was a computer terminal that talked on a tele-
phone with a big computer thousands of miles
away. The terminal was neat because it fit into a
briefcase. 1 used to slay up all night programming
the computer on the kitchen table. Lots of nights 1
got so carried away, I forgot to go to bed.
6TEPBY6TEP
fl Progromminq Cour6e For Beginner6
What is ihc best way to learn
how to use your PET® or
COMMODORE 64 computer?
You couid enroll in a class — ar-
ranged at someone else's con-
venience, given by a technician
who may not be a very good
teacher. Or you could read a
book — written by a program-
mer who may not be a very
good writer. Or you could learn
in your own home, on your own
computer a( your own conven-
ience, using the course that has
become a standard of the indus-
try.
Introducing STEP BY STEP
a programming course for
beginners
In 1978, PDI introduced the
original Step by Step. The stu-
dent learned by interacting with
his or her computer, Thousands
oi .students learned how to use a
PET computer and the BASIC
language with Slep by Step. Now
the course has been revised and
updated. Versions arc available
lor both PET cassette and disk,
A vei.sion lor COMMODORE 64
will be ready by the time you
read this ad.
How does ST£P BY STEP work?
The computer program shows
screen displays or sample pro-
grams. Alter each instructional
segment, the student is asked a
([uestion or asked to solve a
problem. The computer checks
the student's work.
The student uses the Slep by
Slep workbook to review and
piaetice the material covered in
the lesson. After the practice as-
signment has been completed,
the student takes a quiz.
Periodic e.xams are given.
What does STEP BY STEP teach?
There are about twenty hours
oi instruction. Topics covered
include:
• Writing simple programs
• PRINTing Characters
• Mathematics
• PRINT Statement
• RUN, LIST Commands
• SYNTAX ERRORS
STOP END Statements
NEW Command
Numeric Variables
INPUT Statement
GOTO, IF . . . THEN Statements
ON . . . GOTO Statement
Relational Operators
Counting, REM Statements
PKT' aiiJ COMMODORE 64' arv iVfiislLTL'd u;i(.leiiiaik(. of CoitiiiiihIiiii.' BiiMtii-ss MiiLliitit's, hit
• INTeger, A B Solute,
RaNDom Functions
• PRINT Formatting: Comma,
Semicolon, and TAB
• String Variables
• GOSUB Statement
• READ, DATA, RESTORE State-
ments
• FOR . . . NEXT Statement
• Arrays
• DIM Statement
• Nested Loops
• PRINT Formatting
• Cuj'sor Control Keys
• Lower Case Letters
• Graphics-Animation
• Multiple Line Statements
• FRE Statement
• Scientific Notation
How con STEP BY STEP be used?
Schools can use Step by Step lor
individualized instruction in
programming in BASIC and in
computer literacy program.s.
Families can use Slep by Slep to
ensure that all family members
can use the family computer.
Businesses can use Step by Step
to train thcii' personnel.
COMMODORE dealers can
use Step by Step to introduce
prospective customers to either
the PET or COMMODORE 64
computer.
Step by Step is available at retail
outlets or from PDI.
The cost?
PET vcr'sion on cassette $49.95
PET version on disk .S9.95
COMMODORE 64 version on
disk 59_.95
Add $.3 .00 lor shipping and
handling.
Program Design, Inc.
95 East Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06B30
203-661-8799
And computer fantasies? Wow! I used to
dream of computers even before I ever met one.
But now, nt long Inst, my dreams have come true.
I have n house full of computers ~ computers in
the bedroom, in the dining room, in my study,
and in the play room. This morning 1 took a com-
puter with me into the bathroom. Yesterday I was
really proud because 1 got six computers running
programs, all at the same time. One was playing
music, two were talking, one was spitting out
words, one was drawing crazy turtle pictures all
over the TV screen, and one was controlling a
robot.
A Robot Pterodactyl
1 have written 15 books about computers and
robots, including Kiilic niul Uw Con)piilcr, Workiii;^
Robola, the Slur H'drs Quc^^tion and A}tsuvy Book
Ahoiii Coi!tj>tilfrii, and a new solve-it-yourself
mystery series. The first book in the series is Chip
Mitdwll: The Case of I he Stolen Computei' Brauis. It
just came out this spring.
1 really envy the hero of the series. Chip
Mitchell. Chip has even more computers than 1
have. And he has a talking pet robot named Sher-
win, 456 snakes, nuinkeys, lizards, wallaroos,
gerbils, and frogs, all living in his bedroom. Of
course Chip doesn't have something 1 have: a
pterodactyl robot that sleeps under my desk and
nips my knees while I'm writing.
We Were Kids Together
Computers and I go way back, I was bt>m on January
6, 1949, at Bryn Mawr Hospital, just outside
Philadelphia, As I was l>'ing in the nursery, crying,
slobbering, and gooing along with a dozen other
babies, 1 didn't realize there was another baby just
up the road that was already beginning to make
history. That baby didn't slobber or cry. With its
2t),00t) glowing vacuum tubes the size of pickles, it
was hot stuff. Who was the baby? It was ENIAC,
the world's first modern computer.
As the years went by, computers and I grew
up. We were neighbors, but we still hadn't met, I
grew bigger, like a normal kid. But while 1 was
growing big, computers grew enormous. By 1959,
when I was ten years old, some computers were
bigger than a brontosaurus. One computer, tlie
Whirlwind I, in Massachusetts, occupied a two-stor)'
building the size of n cit}^ block.
During the 19r->()s I still hadn't heard about com-
puters. But 1 was getting ready for them. 1 had a
bedroom in the attic of an old stone house. Off the
corner of (he bedroom was my "Monster's Den." It
was really a giant closet, bull called it my Monster's
Den because that's where I kept all the creatures 1
had invented - clay aliens, plastic dinosaurs, and
robots made out of old go-cart motors, motorcycle
batteries, anti dryer hoses.
36 COMPUTEls Gazette July r5>83
1 read comic books, saw monster movies, and
stayed up late for the scary movies that came on TV
after midnight.
At night 1 dreamt about monsters, and about
building a machine someday that would obey my
orders -just like Dr. i'rankenstein's creature. Except
not like Dr. Frankenstein's e.xactly, since his crea-
ture didn't listen too well.
Little did 1 know that I was dreaming about
computers. And while I was dreaming, computers
were undergoing an almost magical change. They
were like Alice in Wonderland. At first, they had
grown really big. Then, one day, after eating a piece
of cake, they grew very, very small.
What happened?
In California, an engineer named Ted Hoff did
the impossible. He squeezed hundreds of computer
circuits onto a tiny square of silicon the size of a
baby's big toenail, Ted had invented the world's
first chip "brain." He had started the personal com-
puter revolution.
This was about the time 1 first bumped into a
computer. 1 met the computer at college, I taught it
to tell me hi)w many Chinese were visiting Latin
America. At the time, 1 thought this was an impor-
tant subject. The computer added up the number
of Chinese visitors and helped me make k>ts of
pretty graphs to impress my professors.
Dreams To Magic Words
I was hooked. When 1 programmed the computer,
1 felt like a lion tamer in a circus. With just a few
commands, typed into a typewriter, I was able to
control a machine that was bigger than my college
dorm, and faster than greased lightning,
I especially liked computers because I could
control them with words instead of with screw-
drivers, wrenches, pulleys, and gears. It made
me feel like a magician. If I said the magic word,
the computer would turn cartwheels. Of course,
sometimes 1 said the wrong magic word, and the
computer stood on its head or rolled over and
played dead.
In the 1970s, I went to work for a company
programming computers full-time. I worked on a
computer in the basement of the Pentagon, in
Washington, D.C, Just to get into the con^puter
room each dav I had to wear five securitv badges
hanging from my neck like dog tags. My job was
so top secret I never even got to see the real data
for mv programs. AH 1 knew was that mv programs
had somelliing to do with sending soldiers' socks
and underwear all over the world.
The basement of the Pentagon was a gloomy
place. Everyone frowned and carried rifles. Pipes
hung from the ceilings. After only a couple of
weelcs there, I devised a plan to escape. One day,
1 took my briefcase computer terminal, slipped out
the back door, and started visiting elementary
mi^m
^C commodore
COMPUTER «>«**»<»<»«**■
HARD\A^ARE
1 525 80 Column Printer S339,00
1600 VIC Modem $95.00
1610 VIC Term 40 $49.00
1650 AD/AA Modem $159.00
1 701 1 4" Color Monitor S269.00
1 31 1 Joysticks (each) $5.99
1312 Paddles S11.99
1 1 1 0 VIC 8K $42.00
11 11 VIC 1 6K $69.00
1011 RS-232 Interface S42.00
1211 Super Expander $53.00
1541
SINGLE ClISK DRIVE
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195 0 Radar flat Race S23.0O
1917 VooDdo CastlH $23.00
1922 Cosmic Crunclier S3 5.00
1923 Gort £29.00
1924 Omega Race $30.00
110 VIC Helorence Guide SI 5.00
CBM 64 HetBience Guida Sia.OO
EASV BUSINESS SERIES
C'64 Dlsl<s
Easy File S79.00
Easy Finance ..S39.00
Easy Mull $39.00
Easy Scflpl S79.0O
Wor!l/^amB Machine S23.0O
pnOeRAMMER SERIES
C-64 Disks
Asaembler S3a.oo
Logo S79.00
Pilot S79.00
P«t Emulator S25.0O
Screen Editor,.. .... , S25.00
Video/Music Support , , ,S39.0O
ART S. MUSIC SERIES
C'64 Disks
Music Machine ..S25.0O
Music Composer S2S.00
Meta Music I S79.00
FLOPPY DISKS
Maxell $32.00
Verbatum $2e.00
Elephant $1 9.99
CARDCa.
Light Pen S32.00
Cassette Interlace S29.00
Parallel Printer Interface $64.00
3-Slot Eipunaloa lntsrtsc«(ViC) . . .$32.00
6-Slol Eipnnilon Intsrtacs IVICI . . . $79 .00
ARTWOnX
c-64 Cassettes
BridBoS.O S14.95
C.64/VIC 20 Cassetlei
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Martian Haid SI 6.00
Shark Trap SI 6.00
Multlsound Synthesizer ,...,,516.00
COMMERCIAL OATA
VIC 20 Cassettes
Motor Mouse S23.O0
Centipede $23.00
Froggee ... . S23.0O
C-S4 Caasettei
Froggee ..S23.O0
CREATIVE SOFTWARE
VIC 20 Cassettes
Home Finance $16,00
Homo Inventory... S16.0O
VIC 20 Cartridges
Astro Blitz $32.00
Black Hole 132.00
Trashman S32,0O
EPYX
VIC 20 Cassettes
Sword 0( Fargoal $24,00
Rescue at Rigel $24.00
Ricochet S1 6.00
CaUICK BROWN FOX
VIC 20 Cartridge
Word Proceaaor $49.00
UMI
VIC 20 Cartridges
Amok S30.IXI
Meteor Run S40.00
Alien Blitz $30.00
VtC 20 Cassettes
Vlterm A SI 6.00
The Allen SI 6.00
HES
VIC 20 Cassettes
Torg $1 4.00
Skier $14.95
Tank Wars.. SI 4.95
Pah Bomber $12.95
Dom Somber , $12.95
Maze of Mikor , S14.95
Laser Slitz ..,..$14.95
Pinball SI 2.95
Tank Trap..,, 514.95
VIC 20 Cartridges
VIC Fortti , $47.95
HES Mon $31.95
HES Writer.. $29.00
Aggressor $31-95
Synthesound S47.9S
Shamus $29.00
Protector S32.0O
Turtle Graphics S31 .95
C-64 Cartridges
HES Mon , . $29.00
HES Write* S35.00
NUFEKOP
VIC 20 Castelles
Alien Panic $1 0.00
Race Fun-Drag Race SI 6.00
The Catup St 0.00
Exterminator SI 9.00
C<64 Cassettes
3D Man S1S.0O
ROMCX
VIC 20 Cartridges
Princess and Frog $36.00
Anteater $36.00
Typo S36.0O
RAINBOW
C-64 Disks
Personal Finance $48.00
Writer s Assistant $95.00
MICROSPEC
VIC 20 Cassettes
Spaillng Bee-Crades2.3.4,Sor 6 , , . S8.00
Math Drill sa.OO
pDrKoiio Manager $16,00
Data Manager $16.00
VIC 20 Disks
General Ledger $69.00
Mailrng List Manager $35.00
Inventory Package ..S69.O0
Payroll S69.00
Data Base $49,00
C-64 CasBBttos
Black SoK S12.00
Color Sketch (20.00
Match Maker S16.00
C-64 Disks
Mailing List Manager..... $45.00
Inventory Package $79.00
General Ledger S7g.00
Data Base $69.00
Block Boi $16.00
Color Skotcti $22.00
Match Mailer $20.00
TRONIX
VIC 20 Cassettes
Galactic Blitz $19.95
Swa rm $22.95
Sidewinder $22.95
VICTORY
C-64/VIC 20 Cassettes
Adventure Pack I (3g»mos) — SI 2.00
Adventure Pack II (3 games) .. .512.00
Annihilation ,. $16.00
Grave Robber $11.00
Kongo Kong S16.00
Trek $11.00
PROFESSION Al_
SOFT^A/ARE
Word Pro 64 $79.95
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800-233-8950
Dept.706A, In PA Call (71 7)327-9575
477 E. Third St. Wllllamspoft, PA 1 7701
No risk, na daposit on C.OrD. ordefs, Pre-paid Grd^rs receivs
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schools around Washington.
When I arrived in a classroom, 1 plugged the
terminal into a telephone, and the kids and I called
up my company's big computer in Chicago. We
bought Bob Albrecht's book, Whal Do You Do Aft n
Yiiii Hit Rcluru?, and we used il to leach us how
to program in BASIC.
It was a great thrill. Here we were in a school
classroom playing with a company's giant com-
puter. 1 was supposed to be working. The kids
were supposed to be working. Instead we were
playing games like Mk^^'ec'""/', Hurklc, and Hunt
The Wiiiiipu<>. \i was a nice break from pro-
gramming socks and underwear.
My company didn't let me stay in the class-
rooms too long. They decided to use the top-secret
military programming skills 1 had developed at
the Pentagt)n and put me to work programming
Bicentennial military bases. I wrote a program
that automatically produced a letter to Con-
gressmen congratulating them on having a new
Bicentennial military base in their district. When 1
finally got the program debugged, it was one of
my proudest moments in top-secret military
programming.
A Bonk On The Nose
Soon after this success, my wife and I moved to
North Carolina. We had a baby daughter named
Catie. Shortly after Catie was horn, 1 had her sit-
ting al the computer in my study, banging happily
on the keys. We used to spend hours in this crea-
tive form of free play. One night, however, all of
a sudden, Catie lost her balance, fell forward, and
bonked her nose on the picture screen.
Oh, how she howled!
My wife came running and veiled at me for
almost letting Catie fall into the computer. This
was such a good idea for a book that I immediately
sat down to write it. Two years and 99 rejection
letters later, the bt)ok was published. It was called
Katie and the Compuicv. It was about a little girl
named Katie who fell inside her family's computer
and found a magic land kntiwn as Cybernia.
Katie's adventures inside the computer included
riding down a mountain on a btibsled, meeting a
ferocious robot spider, parachuting out of an
airplane, and getting fired out of a pirate's
cannon in tiie midst of a big glob of goopy
green paint. Q|
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38 COMWTB's Gazette July 1983
VIC 20
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Now you can get 40 or 80 Columns on your T.V. or monitor at one time! No more
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Commodore 64
Video Update
Tom R. Halfhill, Editor
There are some ongoing upgrades that are im-
proving the Commodore 64's video quality,
and another recent change which is causing
problems with some commercial software.
One nf the facts of life in personal com-
puting is that new and improved
models are constantly coming along.
Technology is advancing taster than
you can say "stalc-of-the-art."
Not onlv is tills true of personal computers in
general, but also of specific models of personal
computers. Many modifications are made between
the time a new personal computer is first rigged
up on "breadboards," then assembled as a
working prototype, then moved into full produc-
tion, and then dropped from production a few
years later when it becomes obsolete. St)nietimos
entirely new features are added. But usually the
changes involve fixing bugs, correcting quirks,
and making small improvements. Otten the mod-
ifications are made quietly, and few outsiders are
aware of them.
Both the VlC-2() and Commodore 64 have
been undergoing such subtle changes since their
introductions. For example, late-model VlC-20s
are being shipped with new keyboards. All the
same keys are there, and the keys still perform
the same functions, but the new VIC keyboard is
identical to the one found on the Commodore 64.
fhe keyboard is sculpted into a "dish" shape, like
IBM Selectric typewriters, so that keys on the
lower rows are tilted slightly toward the top of
the keyboarci. Older VIC keyboards are "stepped,"
arranged like flat terraces on a hillside. ALso, the
new keyboard has pebble-surfacecl keycaps to
reduce glare. The keyboard upgrade was made a
40 COMPUTEI's Gazette July 1983
few months ago without fanfare -and went un-
noticed by most people.
Problems With Sparkle Artd
Sprites
Numerous other changes have been made to the
VIC-20 and Commodore 64, mostly to improve
their video quahty. Early models of both com-
puters were troubled by TV interference problems,
although they passed all applicable Federal Com-
munications Commission regulations. This inter-
ference, called RF (radio frequency) intcrfercinv, is
caused by the stray emissions from computer
circuitry. The amount of RV that escapes a com-
puter and interferes with nearby TV sets depends
upon the computer's circuit design, internal
shielding, anti the arrangement of its TV/monitor
cable. Also, some TVs are more susceptible to
interference than others. RF interl'erence usually
shows up on a TV as overall fuzziness, or as "her-
ringbone patterns" (rows of wavy lines, sort of
like a weather map).
Recently purchased VICs and 64s show
markedly improved video quality over earlier
models. Peeking inside their ca.ses reveals that
both computers now come with extra metal shield-
ing. Also, their video circuitry has been redesigned
to reduce interference.
64s in particular have been extensively mod-
ified, mostly because early production models
suffered from various video problems, not just RF
interference. One of these problems is sometimes
called "sparkle." This shows up as flickering
points of light on screen characters while a pro-
gram is running. To test lor this, fill up the screen
with characters, perhaps by LISTing a long BASIC
program. Then, in direct mode (i.e., without using
r
">
sCTa^
'^ « n a r* ■'
"n
COMMODORE 64:^
NOW THAT you
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GET THE MOST
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SPREAD SHEET ANALYSIS
DATA BASE MANAGEMENT
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a line number), type FOR X = ITO 10000:NEXT
and press RETURN. This puts the computer in a
running program loop. Watcli the characters on
the screen for flickering points of light. Early 64s
nearly fill the screen with sparkle; on newer
models, it is hareiy n{)ticeable.
Sparkle is more llian an annoyance; some
users have reported that it interferes with sprites,
the programmable animated objects that are one
of the 64's advanced features. Special memory
locations in the 64 detect collisions between sprites
and other screen objects, and the sparkle has been
blamed for registering collisions when none have
occurred.
If you have an early 64 that suffers from seri-
ous sparkle or RE interference, there arc some
possible repairs. Ilovvever, not all the remedies
are sanctioned by Coiimiodore. Some of these
repairs involve soldering capacitors and resistors
between various pins within the computer, and
should be attempted only by qualified personnel.
Check with Commodore or your local service
dealer if you are having video problems.
The Story Behind Blank Screens
In an attempt to imprtive the video on early Com-
modore 64s, Commodore began modifying the
chip that produces the computer's TV output.
This chip is called the 6566 Video Interface Chip,
or sometimes, the VIC II chip (the VIC I is the
VIC-20 computer's video cliip).
These modifications started soon after the 64
entered production in August/September 1982.
Although the computer is not yet a year old, the
VIC II chip reportedly is already in its eighth
revision.
As noted, these revisions have dramatically
improved the video quality on late- mod el 64s.
I lowever, one of the latest revisions to the com-
puter inadvertently made recent 64s incompatible
with some existing commercial software, if you
loaded a commercial program into a new 64 re-
cently and were surprised by a blank screen,
you're probably a victim of this mix-up.
To fully comprehend what happened, let's
look brielly at how the 64 displays information on
the TV screen, it might seem like heavy going for
those of you who are not programmers (or don't
want to be), but the concepts are essentially easy
to understand.
Picture the screen as a "window" looking
onto a section of memor\' within the computer.
This section o\ memory is called screen nieinon/,
and any number placed in these memory locations
shows up on the TV as a character. "Screen mem-
ory" is just like regular memory, except that what-
ever is sttjred there will also appear on the screen.
It is set aside to "hold" the image. The 64's screen
42 COMPUTEIi Colette Jufyl983
memory consists of UlOO such locations, because
in text mode the computer displays 25 horizontal
rows of 40 characters (25 x 40 = 1000). In a standard
64, screen memory starts at location 1024 and
ends at 2023 (1000 locations, inclusive).
For example, let's say we want to make a tiny
white ball character appear in the middle of the
screen. We could do this with the PRINT statement
in BASIC, but it's also ptissible to do it another
way: by inserting the proper number directly into
screen memory. Screen memory starts at the upper
left ci)rner at loc<Uti)n 1024, so the middle of the
screen would be about 1.524. First, clear the screen
by holding down the SiilFT key and pressing the
CLR/HOME key. To make the ball appear, put
the charadcr code number for a ball at location 1524
by typing POKE 1524,81 . Press RETURN. Presto!
A tiny white ball appears.
What's that, you say? The ball did not appear?
If you're still staring at a blank screen, you've got
one of the newer 64s with a revised VIC II chip. If
the white ball did appear, you have an older 64
with a previous VIC II chip.
And if this little exercise sounds familiar, it's
because the .same exercise is found on page 64 of
your Cotmiiodorf 64 User's Guide. If you tried that
exercise when you lirst brought home your com-
puter and didn't see the white ball, rest assured
that your Coiiiniodotv 64 is not broki'ii. The chip revi-
sion has made this part of the manual incorrect.
It also made some commercial programs ob-
solete - those programs whicli printed characters
on the screen by putting numbers directly into
screen memory. The result is the same: a blank
screen.
The Invisible Characters
Actually, the screen isn't truly "blank." The ball
character is there, but it's invisible, because it's
the same color as the background. Here's why:
Most computers use similar types of screen
memory to create (heir video displays. However,
the 64 (and, incidentally, the VlC-20) also use
another section of memory for the screen - color
tnemoryf or color RAM (Random Access Memory).
The 64 has 1000 locations of color memory, one
for each screen memory location. Color memory
starts at location 55296 and ends at 56295.
Now, this is important: the number stored in
color memory determines the color of the character
in screen memorv.
The older 64s automatically filled all 1000
color memory locations with I's when the screen
was cleared (f is the color code for white). So, any
character placed in screen memory automatically
showed up as white.
But the newer 64s do not fill the color memory
with white. Instead, they fill color memory with
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ORIORUNIMER • Disk
TEMPLE OF APSHAI • Disk
UPPER REACHES OF APSHAI • Oiek
CURSE OF RA • Disk
ANNIHILATOR ■ Cass.
MOTOR MANIA • Cass.
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EXTERMINATOR B4 • Cass.
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APE CRAZE • Disk S. Cass.
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COMMODORE USERS
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• LET US KNOW WHICH MACHINE YOU USE *
COMMODORE 64^
• HARDWARE •
FULL UNE OF COMMODORE COMPUTERS
AND ACCESSORIES AVAIIABLE.
Special procjram, deltvery (UPS, UPS AIR), and tfxtendtfct ore
year warranty tree with computer purchasi?
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1 look your monitor & sUjreo up lo your 64 lnsUuctlon» includifd an
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ADD $2.00 FOR DISK VERSJOKS
SPRITE SHAPER"
Soe [tie muHhcofor Sprite take torm as you design il
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Try difleronl setlingsoE ADSR, waveforms, and filters for each
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MASTERCARD • VISA
Simil 25e (or Dur VIC or 61 Catalog • Dnator Iniiuiries Invited
ABOVE SOFTWARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR 1>IE COMMODORE C138/40
July 1983 COMPUTE!'! Goistle 43
whatever color code happens to be hi the back-
groiniil color register. Normally, this is 6, the color
code for dark blue. That means any character
placed in screen memory aiso will show up as
dark blue - so it won't show up at all. It will blend
into the background.
Conclu.sion: any program that creates screen
displays on new 64s by putting numbers into
screen memory, without also putting a avitraf>tiiig
color nuiiibcr into color memory, will wind up with a
"blank" screen.
(To prove Dial the ball is really on the screen
in the above example, repeat the exercise on a
new 64 with one additional instruction, POKE
55796,1. Press RETURN. The ball will now appear
as while against the dark blue background, be-
cause we put the color code for white into the
corresponding location in color memorv. PRINT
statements in BASIC work the same on both old
and new 64s, because they automatically take
care of such details.)
One of the commercial programs affected by
the revision was V^ordPro 3 +/64, the word pro-
cessor by Professional Software, Inc. As .soon as
Professional Software became aware of the prob-
lem, il immediately revised WoniPro and allowed
previous buyers to exchange their disks for new
ones. Luckily, WordPro had just been released for
the 64, so not many original copies were sold.
(The revised WordPro still works on earlier 64s,
too.)
When Comnn)dore learned of tlie compat-
ibility problem, it sent letters explaining the
revision to all the outside software companies
developing programs for the 64. If you have some
software which seems to suffer from this problem,
contact the producer for a revised version.
In some cases, the problem can be fixed by
typing FORX^l TO 1 000: POKE 55295 -hX,l:
NEXT and pressing RETURN before loading or
running the program. This fills the color memory
with I's for white.
This revision is a perfect example of how a
seeminglv minor change in a computer can have
widespread consequences. In this case, the revi-
sion actually was made to a part of the 64 known
as the kcriml. The kernal is mostiv of interest to
machine language programmers. It's basically a
set of entry points into the 64's BASIC language
and opcrntiiig si/fitciti (the built-in program that
performs a computer's routine housekeeping
chores). W
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For more information and the name of your nearest dealer,
Piease write or call (619)223-4496
DM! Software Inc. 1866 Bacon Street San Diego, CA 92107
44 COMPUrEi'i Gazette July 1983
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR
COMMODORE-64
WITH SOFTWARE FROM ABACUS
SCREEN GRAPHICS 64
" Adds 24 commands
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■ Plot points, lines,
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■ Includes demos.
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■ $27.95 FOR DISK
SYNTHY S4
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$29.95 FOR TAPE
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For postage & handling, add Si. 50
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FREE CATALOG
Ask for a listing of other soft-
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Commodore 64 $419.95
1525-E Printer S329.95
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BMC Color Monitor $349.95
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Gemini 15 $536.95
24K Golden Ram $149.24
Vic Rabbit S39.95
Wico Joystick S22 50
Wico Joystick "Red Ball" $25.00
HES Sound Box S12.50
BOOKS
SOFTWARE (COMMODORE 64)
Avalon Hill
B1 Nuclear Bonnber
Midway Campaign
North Atlantic
Nuke
Planet f^liners
AndrometJa Conquest .
Broderbund Software
Choplifter
David's Midnight Magic
Sea Fox
Serpentine
S12.00
S12.00
$12.00
$12.00
$12.00
$13.50
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S33.95
$29.95
$29.95
HES
HESMON 64
HES Writer 64 ... .
Royal
Quick Brown Fox.
Commodore Reference Guide $19.50
VIC Reference Guide S16.50
1st Book of VIC $9.50
2nd Book of VIC $12.95
1st Book of Commodore 64 $12.95
Tricks for VICS .$9.95
ACCOLADE COMPUTER PRODUCTS
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Sierra on Line
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Spinnaker
In Search of the
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Synapse
Ft. Apocalypse
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Dealer inquiries invited
California residents add G"* Sales Tax
53 00 (Of sfirpping an*] handling {except Hardware, add 3S i:Jt pf tce
D CnargeSl 50 — CO D s. Casnier^ChecksorMoney Ordefsonly
We nccepi Money O'dots Casfiieis Checks.
personal checks mtjst take 2 weeks \o deai
if]n <Hd(*ri paid in U S funtJ^. ^idiJ Sti 00 tor ^ht[]pirif] nnd h.intliinq
[or ^°-i> of hnrdware nncej
Jul/ 1953 COMPUWs Gazatte 45
Commodore Classics
QUICKFIND
Harvey B. Herman, Associate Editor
Since the Commodore PET was introduced in
1977 as one of the first personal computers,
hundreds of handy programs and routines
have been written in Commodore BASIC.
Many of these programs, when translated and
updated, are equally handy for users of today's
VIC-20 and Commodore 64 computers. From
time to time we'll feature some of these "Com-
modore Classics." This one was adapted from
a program and article by Harvey B. Herman,
an associate editor of COMPUTE!.
If you Lisr l.ipt', VDii'll love "Qiiickfind,"
Quicklind lets yuii looitt' nnd load programs
off cassette tape in a snap. Although it's still not
as good as owning a disk drive, it does remove
much of the frustration of storing many programs
on tape - and it's a lot less expensive,
Quickfind permits programs to be loaded
after tlie tape has been positioned bv ['ast F^orward
under caniptitfr caiilral. It was originally written for
the Commodore PET back in the days before
floppy disk drives were available. The Datassette
recorders made then did not even have tape
counters. I'inding programs on a cassette tape
was a time-consuming task. Although today's
Datasseltes have digital tape counters, Quickfind
is still a useful utilitv. It works bv storing a direc-
torv' as the first program on each tape. I'his direc-
tory calculates the proper amount of time to Fast
Forward to Icvcate each file. Quickfind is self-
prompting and easy to use, even for beginners.
Two updated versii>ns of Quickfind are in-
cluded here, for the VIC-20 and C(Mnmodore 64.
Be sure to carefully type the right listing for your
computer and read the following instructions.
How To Prepare A Tape
1 . hoad a copy of Quickfind into the computer
».6 COMPUTE!'! Coiene juiv 1983
and change the program names in line 350 to those
of your own programs. AfUctmiiic, as it's called,
may be up to 16 characters long (including spaces).
Do not remove the word DATA from line 350. The
first word on this line must be DATA so the com-
puter knows that tlie subsequent characters are
data to be read. A VIC or 64 accepts only 80 char-
acters per program line, so if you rim out of room,
start a new line 360 with DA'FA as the first word
and continue etitering your filenames.
2. At line 140, set the variable N equal to the
number of programs you arc storing on that side
of the cassette {in other words, the number ol
program names you included in line 350). For
instance, if you are recording six programs, change
line 140 so N = 6. This tells the computer to expect
six programs on that side of the tape.
3. Now SAVt- your modified version of Quick-
find as the first program on a new tape. Do iiol
ivioiitti. Remove this tape and in.sert the cassette
from which you want to load voiu' first program.
4. LOAD the program into the computer.
Remove the cassette.
5. Insert the Quickfind tape and SAVE the
program. It should now be recorded just following
the Quickfind program itself on the new tape.
6. Rewind the tape, LOAD and RUN Quick-
find. Select the next program and let tlic computer
fast forward to the proper place. Do not rewind.
Remove the Quickfind cassette, and again, insert
the tape fn^m which you want to load the next
program,
7. LOAD the next program.
8. Put back the Quickfind tape and SAVE.
9. Repeat steps 6 through 8 as many times as
necessary. (This will depend on how many
programs you are storing on tliat side t)f the
cas.sette.)
$40 Can Make
A Home Computer
A Business Computer
If you oivn a
VIC-20"'ot Commodore 64^
someday you may consider getting
a more sopiiisticated computer for
your business.
That could cost you thousands of
dollars. Or just $40. ($50 for PractiCalc 64.)
Forty dollars will buy a PractiCalc
software program for your VIC-20 and
suddenlyyourVICwillbeabletodomany
business tasks that have made Apple®
and IBM® computers so popular in the
business world.
With PractiCalc
and a VIC, you can devise
^j budgets, and
L"J?wL- make business
projections -
instantly!
See what PractiCalc"can do for you.
You can keep track of expenses,
investments and inventory.
N/laintain and /nstenf/ysearc/j* files
of customers.
Alphabetize lists, and rearrange
long rows of numbers - instantly.
Even turn numbers into graphs.*
PractiCalc makes it practical to
play with numbers, in a
way you never could
with pencil and paper.
Sit down at your VIC,
put in PractiCalc, and
tasks that would
normally take hours,
take minutes.
PractiCalc. If you're
tired of playing games, and want to get
down to business.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE ASSOCIATES
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'Oanotes features evnilablo only on PractiCEitc 6-1 iiniJ PmciiCfilc Plus
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This procedure is easier than it appears and
will become second nature if you do it often.
How etuickf ind Works
You can skip this part if you want. You already
know everything you need to use Quickfind.
But for those who are interested, Quickfind
works because the Commodore Datassette is more
sophisticated than it might appear at first glance.
The computer can control its drive motor and
detect if a switch is pressed. It cannot differentiate,
however, between the press of Fast Forward or
Flay. That's why after running Quickfind and
selecting your program, Quickfind prompts you
to press the right buttons. Here are the steps in
that sequence:
1 . Is a button pressed? If yes, prompt for re-
lease and wait until no. If no, continue.
2. First program? If yes, skip ahead to step 8.
If no, continue.
3. Prompt for press of Fast Forward.
4. Fast Forward pressed? If yes, continue. If
no, wait until yes.
5. Turn off Datassette motor when time is up.
6. Prompt for release.
7. Fast Forward released? If yes, continue. If
no, wait until yes.
8. LOAD program using "dynamic keyboard"
technique.
The programs arc spaced six seconds apart in
this version of Quickfind (see line 280). Time is
kept by the built-in "jiffy clock," (A jiff}/ is a sixtieth
of a second.) The variable Tl always contains the
value of this clock.
"Dynamic keyboard" is a technique for
loading programs from within another program.
It is similar to the trick the computer uses when
you press the SHIFT and RUN/STOP keys and
get an automatic LOAD and RUN (see this
month's "Gazette Feedback"), if you want Quick-
find to do automatic LOADs and RUNs, you can
change the 13 in line 340 to a 131 .
Don't be discouraged if you fail to understand
any or all of the technical details. We were all in
that boat at some point. Quickfind can be used
even if you don't understand all the tricks. Keep
in mind that as you continue to use your VIC or
64, what now seems to be arcane black magic may
become clearer to you. At that time you'll be able
to refer back to teciihical discussions for help with
your own programs. It may happen sooner than
you think.
See program listings on page 114. 9
Home Control ^^
System for the Q/
VIC 20 & CBM/64
'Control up to 256 lights S appliances
•ON. OFF, ALLOt^. ALLOFF Commands
* 9 levels of Brightness
• Manual & Time Control Software
• Uses BSR remote switches
* Plugs Into User Port
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Extended Time Control Program tor CBM)64
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Call 2 1 5-86 1 -0850 to Order
GENESIS COMPUTER CORP.
1444 Linden Streat
Bethlehem, PA 1801B
Quit Playing Games . . .
Disk Baserl So'ftware to Make Your
Computer Get Down to Busineis
Disk Data Manager create and manaqe youf own oata
base. AMovvi yau to create, add, change, delete. icartFi,
sort, print, etc. Up to I20D records on a iinqlc disk,
VIC 20. . . 59.95 CBH/I 64 , . . 89,95
Payroll System Full featured, complete p.iyroll sys-
tem. Cven prints checks.
VIC ZO. . . 89.95 CBtWI 64 , . . 99.95
IWailino List -Up to 1200 records on a single ciisk,
Presorti by Zip Code. Prints on stock up to lour
labels wide.
VIC 20 . . . 44.95 CBIW 64 . . . 54.95
Inventory Package- Maintains quantity on hand, cost,
sales price, reorder point, etc. Gener,ites sug9ested
reorder, laiei report, and sales analysis.
VIC 20. . . 89.95 CBM64 . . .99.95
General Ledger UPto7S accounts! Generates Balance
Sheet, Income Statement, Update Report, etc.
VtC 20, . . 89.95 CBHA 64 . . . 99.95
Checkbook Manager — up to 2 5 expense categories.
Tracks all outstanding checks until they are paid.
VIC 20. . . 49.95 CBW 64 . . .49.95
CONTACT US FOR ALL YOUR
DISK BASED SOFTWARE NEEDS
Call tor spccKicson Hardware Configurations,
Send Self.Adttressed Stamped Envelope for
Catalogue of Games and other Applications
DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME
^
P.O. Box 863085
Piano. Texas 75086
(214) 867-1333
VISA and MASTERCARD Acceptad
48 COMPUTE!'! Gazette Jiil>- 1983
-'HI.14'JU'.'.
JIMMY HUEY
The Programmer Behind Galactic Blitz.
Sidewinder, And Swarm!
John Blackford, Assistant Features Editor
A good game programmer can squeeze arcade-
quality action even from a computer with very
limited memory, such as the VIC- 20. Quality
game programmers arc hard to come by and
are in increasing demand by software pro-
ducers. Each month, "Inside View" will high-
light some of the best programmers in the field.
Programmer Jimmy Huey is an old-timer at
22 years of age. The other two program-
mers who work with him at Dragonfly, a
small software development firm, are 17
and 18. One of them is still in high school. Often
the top people in professional game programming
are quite young.
Huey got his start in junior high school in
Los Angeles around 1974. "That was a long time
ago," he notes. "Back then we didn't have any of
those Apples or Commodores. All we had were
100-baud teletypes connected to a Hewlett-
Packard computer u.sed by
the school administration.
We could use it for about
an hour a day. Only about
two or three people in the
whole school were inter-
ested in computers then.
"We didn't have any
games to speak of - at
least no graphics - because
the only output from the
teletypes was paper." The
paper spewed out in a
continuous roll, just as it
used to from wire-service
teletypes in the newsrooms
of big-city newspapers.
SQiTsis naxx* eiiooee
Galactic Blitz
Huey has finished four games for the VIC- 20
in the year since he started programming seri-
ously. The four - and all other games produced
by Dragonfly to date -are marketed by Tronix
Publishing, Inc.
The games are fast-paced, machine language
programs with smooth, arcade-like action. Three
of them - Sidewinder, Caliuiic Blitz, and Sumrtri! -
are available on cassette, while the fourth (Scorpion)
is sold as a plug-in cartridge. Galactic Blitz and
Swarm! require no memory expansion, while Side-
winder needs an 8K expansion module. Sidewinder
features horizontal scrolling and several types of
aliens, including one thai appears suddenly on
the screen and homes in rapidly on your rocket-
equipped helicopter.
The trick to beating the game, according to
Huey, is to keep moving fast. "The game has a
time limit," he advises. "If you spend too much
time in one place, the aliens will get you. Go for-
ward as fast as possible, then flip back and fire."
The first game Huey wrote for the VIC-20
was Galactic Blitz. It features bomb-dropping aliens
that swoop around the screen
in changing patterns, 'I!he
aliens consist of a special
four-character set that Muey
designed.
Huey had just acquired
the VIC and wanted to do
some machine language pro-
gramming when he started
Blitz, but he didn't have a
full-featured assembler
(software that makes it easier
to write a machine language
program). All he had was
Commodore's mini-assembler,
VICMON, which doesn't use
labels (for variables) or move
July 1933 COMPUTEI's Gozelte 49
blocks of code very easily. Still he created the entire
game with it, using only cassette tape as a storage
medium.
"I would test a subroutine, then record it on
cassette, adding it to (he mntn program," he ex-
plains. "Then I'd test Hie main program. 1 built
up the whole thing little by little.
"Working with the mini-assembler, 1 wasn't
sure how much memory 1 had left. You only have
about 3.5K of usable RAM. [The VIC-20 comes
with 5K, but some is used for internal housekeep-
ing functions of the computer. I Of course, I knew
how many subroutijies I'd need, so I allocated a
certain number of bytes tor each one,"
But what would happen if he found out later
that a subroutine needed more space than he had
allocated? That could cause problems. "You can
gel kind of lost when you start moving blocks of
code, because the jump routines will gt) lo the
wrong places. You have to make a lot of changes
lo make it work."
I'o avoid such trouble, he left code between
the subroutines that was essentially free space — it
wasn't part of tlie program, but it didn't interfere
with the program, either. Using that method, if
he later found that a subroutine required more
memory than he'd allovveti, he could type over
the dummy code, replacing it with the extra part
of the subroutine.
"First 1 did the ship, then the shooting
routines for it." Next came the star field that forms
the background for Gnlactk Blitz, then the aliens,
and finally, the bombs that the aliens drop. "After
the main program was finished, I started filling
up the spaces made by the dummy code with
some of the sound routines."
Since there is no space to spare in the unex-
panded VIC, Huey wasn't entirely sure there
would be enough memory for the program until
it was done - but it ran without difficulty, a testa-
ment to both the potential of a modest computer
without costly peripherals and to its programmer.
Siiicwinilff
BASICS OF
ANIMAT10
Leam to program
games using Basic
animation techniques!
This Tricky Tutorial covers
such invaluable topics as animation using the
PRINT command, POKEing the screen to make
things move, and a joystick routine you could
add to any program. Included are three games,
each fully explained so you can see hov/ they
were created. Use the same techniques in your
own games! Call or write us for more information
THE MOST VALUABLE REFERENCE BOOK YOU CAN BUY
The MASTER MEMORY MAP is a guide, for
twth beginners and experts, to most memory
locations in the computer and their functions. By
simply altering the locations with POKE and PEEK
statements, you can get some amazing and very
creative effects with your computer.
Written in a friendly and concise manner, the 300-
plus page Master Memory Map covers a rainbow
of subjects. The memory locations are
grouped into several sections including:
how to PEEK and POKE, paddles and
joysticks, color locations, single and mul-
tiple sound registers, graphics registers,
sprites, character graphics registers and a
host of others. There is also a section on
how to make sounds and sprites.
This manual is loaded with Illustrations and
plenty of examples, which are written in
Earthling Language, not Computerese.
For Commodore 64
Coming foon for VIC-20
CALL or WRITE (ot ORDERING INF0RHAT10N:
4565 Cherryvale Ave, Soquel, CA 95073
(406) 476-4901 or (800) 692-9520
FOR WORK OR PLAY, OUR NAME SAYS IT ALL
New from AdVentures
Gypsum Caves Vic 20
by Brian Wagner Commodore 64
(+16K)
A revolutionary new game requir-
ing more than {ust hand-eye coor-
dination, Gypsum Caves is a word-
adventure trek through endless
caverns. Use objects found along
the way and your imagination to
gain the final test — then try to get
out alive! 3-D Color Graphics
Cassette $^^^ $14.95
Ak-Ak Man — The Amazing Maze
Game
by Brian Wagner Vic 20
The old standby with a nev*^ twist
— random screens. The computer
devises a new pattern every time, for
added challenge and excitement.
Casseffe p4^ $9.99
COMMODORE
Clowns Commodore 64
Try to pop the target balloons without
falling lo the ground. Accelerating action
color graphics make this game a real
challenge. s,_^ /
Cartridge S^!©^ S25,99
Radar Rat RaCQ Commodore 64
Steer your rat through the maze in search
of the cheese, but avoid cats and other rats
with the use of the unique radar screen. In
color. N. ^
Cartridge ^^9^ S25.99
BRODERBUND
tVlartian Raider Vic 20
Lead a battleship fieet against the evil
Martian Empire in a do or die struggle. At-
tack the Martian cities and defend against a
hall of attack ships, meteorites, and surface
toair fiiissiies. x. ^
Tape $Tp^ SI 5.99
Shark Trap Vic 20
You have been forced to walk the plank
Into a shark- and-octopus-infested sea.
Your only chance for survival is your atomic
net and your own skill. j.
Tbpb S?*S5_ SI 5.95
EPYX
Sword of Falgoal
byJeffMcCord Vic20<+16Kj
A word adventure game with color
graphics and sound. Search the dungeon
for the Sword, then get out alive! Playing
lime: 30 minutes to hours. Book of Lore and
program included. v /*
Tape ^t^ $25.99
UMI
Sub Chase Vic20( + aK)
Guide your sub chaser in pursuit of the
enemy submarines. Fire depth charges at
them while avoiding their rising mines.
Taps :^pis& S21.99
Motor Mania Commodore 64
A new dimension )n road racing. Rack up
miles while monitoring fuel, spaed and
course — and keep your eyes on'the road!
Tape , 5|9?Sl5. $25.99
HES
Tank Trap Vic 20
Use the Joystick to design the perfect
trap For the enemy tank — just you against
the computer. .,.,^ ^
Tape S7>^ $13.99
Aggressor Vic 20
Protect the precious ore fields of
Freeworld 6 in your advanced VX6 Marauder
Ramjet fighter. 10 levels of difficulty.
Cartridge S3>!^ $32.99
Grldrunner Vic 20 and Commodore 64
Combat the enemy drolds on the Grid, a
huge orbiting solar power station, In a
specially constructed Grldrunner ship.
Joystick required. /
Cartridge $^SQ $32.99
ALSO AVAILABLE:
Zwark Commodore 64
A variable difficulty game. Unpredictable
Zwarks descend singly, then In groups to
threaten your defense station. Use
keyboard or joystick. j^
Disk.... S2?!S^ S19.99
My ABC's Vic 20 and Commodore 64
Software designed to help young children
get a head start in language as well as
familiarize them with the potential of the
computer. ..^
Tape $1/^ $8.99
Mailflle Vic 20 and Commodore 64
A software directory for your home com-
puter, Mailflle stores and retrieves names,
numbers and addresses by name and zip
code. V >
Tape $13^ S9.99
Sprite Editor Commodore 64
Moveable high resolution graphics are
made simple with this editing program.
Open new creative avenues with this multi-
function tool. Capabilities include colora-
tion, expansion, and others. ^ y
Tape or disc $1^4§ $15.99
Introduction to Basic #1 and #2 Vic 20
Alf material and software necessary to
learn how to program the Basic computer
language on your Vic 20 computer. The
course requires no prior knowledge of com-
puter programming. Contained in each kit
are manuals vi^ith step by step Instructions,
explanations, exams, practice drills, and
two software cassettes. » y"
Tape i2f*35 $20.99
Multi-Sound Synthesizer Vic 20
fvlultiple voice, rhythm, sustain and
vibrato, and sound effects combine to turn
your Vic Into a musical Instrument, Four
memory tracks and taping capability to save
your fine creations. v ^
Tape $M?S^ S17.99
f/onitorCables, all types S9.95
Cable wrapups 5 for $1.19
Many programs available on disk
Deaier/Dlstributors inquiry welcome.
Attention Programmers: Top dollar for
original programs. We provide
copyright assistance.
^^H
ff)
Other major credit cards accepted
AdVENTURES
Call Toll Free
1-800-835-2222
In D.C. Metro area
703-360-0301
8718A Richmond Highway
Alexandria, Virginia 22309
©Copyright 19B3 Venture Mail, Inc.
SKYDIVER
Alan Crossley
"Sky diver" is an arcade-style game for the
unexpanded VIC-20. We've added a version
for the Commodore 64, and for the VIC-20
with a Super Expander cartridge. All versions
require a joystick.
"Skydiver" is a game of skill and luck in which
you try to control a parachutist to a safe landing.
It's up to you to choose when to jump and which
liinding pad to try for. You'll also have to learn to
compensate for varying winds.
There are three landing pads to choose from
- labeled 2X, 5X, and lOX. Each pad is more diffi-
cult to land on than the previous one, and there-
fore scores more points (2X is the largest pad, lOX
the smallest). If you land successfully, you are
rewarded with a tune and bonus points. If you
miss, you lose one of your three skydivers. At
5000 points you are awarded an extra skydiver.
Each time you make two successful landings, the
game's difficulty level increases and the bonus
value goes up 50 points.
To play, press the joystick button to clear the
title screen, Next, choose which landing pad to
try for by manipulating the joystick to indicate
your selection. If you don't choose before the
countdown timer expires, the computer will
choose for you. Pressing the joystick button
chooses the landing pad you want and starts the
game.
Watch carefully as the airplane emerges from
the left side of the screen. Gauge the distance to
the landing pad you want to try for - taking into
account the wind - and press the joystick button
to jump. Your skydiver will leap into a freefall.
The parachute will deploy about halfway down,
and the joystick will control the remaining
descent.
See program listings on page 115.
The airplane, bearing a parachutist, flies over the targets in
the VIC-20 version of "SkytUver."
52 COMPUTEI'i GazoHe Julyl9B3
' 'Sh/dive r," Coninioclore 64 versio)!.
SNAKE ESCAPE
Action Game For VIC-20 And 64
Daryl Biberdorf
In "Snake Escape/' your goal is to move a snake
out of a poisonous garden. Tliere are approxi-
mately 150 poisonous plants on the screen after
you enter your skill level. The snake appears in
the upper-left corner after all poisonou.s plants
have been placed. You then attempt to get the
snake to the escape hole within the time liniil you
chose earlier.
The snake must reach the hole without hitting
a poisonous plant, running into itself, or running
out of time. If it reaches the escape hole safely,
you will receive a bonus in addition to your score.
The snake grows as it moves along; you receive
one point for each body segment it adds while
moving. If it runs into itself or a poisonous plant,
a cross will appear in the center of the screen with
your score and the number of remaining snakes.
You may slop the snake if you wish by simply
releasing all keys, but remember this costs you
time.
Strategy
If you are runningyour snake near the left or right
edges of the screen, remember that both the VIC
and 64 have horizontal screen wraparound. You
may end up hitting a poisonous plant on (he other
side of the screen, so be careful! Occasionally, the
snake will be cornered between plants and itself
due to a miscalculation in maneuvering. Try to fill
up all the spaces you can in the cornered-off area.
You may lose a snake, but you will still receive a
few extra points. Alst), try to keep moving at all
times. And watch where you're going!
The direction the snake moves is determined
in lines 200 through 230 in both versions. As
written, keys I (up), J (left), K (right), and M
(down) move the snake. If you aren't comfortable
controlling the snake with these keys, you can
easily change the program to accept other key
commands.
77jt' miiUicolorcii snake xniuh its wmf ituou^fh tlw poisonous
musl}rooii!s toivartt llw goiil in "S)itih' f.^cnpe," VlC-20
vcniio)!.
54 COMPUTEI's GaiBtte Julyl9B3
{
♦ * f« 4
} « 4 i ♦
4 « t f « t
I - * * *
14* '
i 4* ft « HIM IK I 4
.^^44 1 4t fc
* j^ ^*^ * * * f4 • i
4t * tt i t:«o4t
... *^ ♦ ;
4 4 4«t-**^:
* 4 4* fft
4 4 *;
♦ 4* * f* * f '
4 4 « 4
^t * 4* «♦***♦ **♦♦ 'M
'Snake Escape" for ttw Coininotiorc 64.
PflOGRflm/TOM
The Program Store Presents
VIC 20 and Commodore 64
nraGAAfll/TOM
1V/CO COMMAND CONTROL
JOYSTICKS. . .AU fO% OFF!
Joystick
WIGO
COMMAND CONTROL
Joystick Deluxe
The most "professional"' joystick of all. The
rugged, fieavy-duty base gives you a heady
feeling of pov,(er ... of being able to conquer
the world., .and everyone you play against.
20170 $44.95
Now on sale through July 30 for $40.45
WICO COMMAND CONTROL
The ultimate in one-hand control.
The bat handle grip fits comfortably
in your hand and offers smooth, quick 8-position move-
ment. Two fire buttons, one on the handle, the other
on the base, make this a most versatile unit. And
the rugged compact base gives you a feeling of
total control, while the 4 rubber grip pads make it ideal
for table top. Yet it's lightweight enough for
hours of comfortable hand-held action.
Udost important there's WICO's 6-lea) switch
assembly — the key to a new dimension of k
arcade response and control.
38483 $29.95 Now on sale through July 30 for $26.95
WICO COMMAND CONTROL
JOYSTICK EXTENSION CORDS
For use with all Command Control joysticks allow you to move freely
about as you play your favorite games.
36223 Six Foot Length, $4.95 (on
sale now through July 30 for S4.45)
41296 Twelve Foot Length, $7.95 (on
sale now through July 30 for $7,15)
Over 2500 Programs for TRS-80,
WICO
COMMAND
CONTROL
Famous Red Ball™
Joystick
Every time you grab the red ball handle,
you'll think you're in an arcade. Instant-
action dual fire buttons let you blast away
with amazing speed and accuracy And will
it take punishment!
41016 $34.95
Now on salethrough July 30
for $31,45
WICO COMMAND
CONTROL
TRACKBALL
Increase the response ... the challenge ... the fun of home
video games, A phenolic ball offers the magic
of 360 degree movement to an infinite
number of positions and controls
the speed of the objects on
the screen as well. It's the
same design that WICO sells'
to the arcade market!
43591 $59,95
(now on salethrough
July 30 for $53,95
For Information Call
202-363-9797
Visit our other stores:
BZ9 BetHei Rd., Columbus, OH
Seven Corners Center, Fall Church. VA
W. Bell Plaza, 5GD0 Security Blvd.. Baltimore, MD
While Flint Mall. Rockville Pike, Rockville. MD
Harvard Square, 13 DunslerSt., Cambridge, MA
Westmoreland Mall, Rte. 30 East, Greonsburg, PA
Coming soon lo Philadelphia
TH€r/T\l,»
PROGRRtn/TINK
ATARI 400/800, APPLE, IBM & VIC 20.
To Order Call Toil-Free
800-424-2738
MAIL ORDERS: Send cheek or M.O. tor lotal purchase price,
plus S2.00 postage & handling. D.C., MD & VA: add sales lax.
Charge cards. Include all embossed information.
Franchise Openings
Available in selected cities.
© 19B3 The Program Store Inc.
THE PROGRAM STORE • Dept. 11-07-3 • Box 9582 • 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W, • Washington, D.C, 20016
Item #,T[tle
Tape^OisK/Rom/Bock Price
Postage
. Total __
$2.00
Name_-
. Address .
City
.D CHECK n VISA
.n MASTERCAFID Card*
. Computer .
. Stats -
.Zip__
. Exp. .
standard VIC 20
no additional memory needed
(CG008) Alien Panic $12.95
Race against time as your guy digs holes to trap
aliens in 4 floor laddered, brick construction site.
Requires joystick.
(CG096) Antimatter Spiatter S24.95
Ttiis game is as good as its name. Another pure
machine code game, this one is fast! The alien at
the top of the screen is making a strong effort to
rid the world of humankind by dropping anti-
matter on them. The splatter cannon and you are
our only hope as more and more antimatter falls.
Joystick again is optional equipment.
{CG026) Coilide $12.95
"Vic" controls one, you the other as cars go
opposite directions on 4 lane track. Requires
joystick.
(CG094) Exterminator $24.95
Recently scoring a rating of 10 out of a possible
10 this game was praised as "one of the best I've
seen on any computer" by a prominent reviewer
in a leading magazine. The idea is to shoot a
centipede before it overuns you, the problem
being every time you hit it, it divides into two
separate shorter ones. Several other little
creatures bounce around during this struggle. All
of them lethal. 100% machine language makes
the rapid fire action very smooth. A joystick is
optional, but as always, recommended, (a trac
ball is also very nice!).
{CG054) Krazy Kong $12.95
Three screens, a gorilla, barrels, and changing
difficulty levels help to make this one of our most
popular. Joystick optional.
(CG098) Racefun $19.95
Extensive use of multicolored character capabili-
ties of the "Vic" make this one very appealing to
the eye. Fast all machine language
action, quick response to the stick o
keyboard controlled throttle, combine
with the challenge of driving in
ever faster traffic to make it
appeal to the rest of the body.
Joystick controlling
is an option.
(CG058) Rescue From Nufon $12.95
iVlust find 30 hostages in this 100 room, 6 story,
alien infested, graphic adventure game. A
continual big seller. Keyboard only (n. = north w =
west etc.)
(CG068) The Catcti . . . $12.95
Another all machine language game based on the
principle that one person with one joystick
guiding one catch/shield can catch everything
that one alien can throw at one. The action comes
slowly at first but by the fourth wave you'll be
aware of . . . "The Catch" . . .
Expanded Memory Vic 20 Games
(CG090) Defender On Tri S19.95
Pilot a defender style ship on mission to save
trapped scientists from a fiery fate (they are
aboard an alien vessel deep in the gravity well of
sol). Excellent graphics. Short scene setting story
in the instructions. "Defender On Tri" requires at
least 3K added memory.
(CG092) 3D IWan S19.95
The maze from probably the most populara.rcade
game ever, with perspective altered from over-
head to eye level. The dots, the monsters, the
power dots, the side exits, the game is amazing.
"3D Man" requires at least 3K added memory.
(CG088) Space Quest S19.95
Our first 8K memory expander game and its a
beauty. The scene (a short story is included) is far
in the future, a time when man's knowledge has
reduced an entire galaxy into a mapped series of
quadrants. This game has stratagy (you plot your
own hyperspace jumps on Galaxy map), action
(against a starry background you find yourself
engaged in a dogfight, laser style), exploration
(you must fly your ship deep into caverns to pick
up necessary fuel). "Space Quest" requires at
sast 8K memory expansion and a joystick.
Commodore 64
(CG602) 3D-64, IWan $19.95
This available on the expanded "Vic 20"
game, has been completely rewritten for
the 64 and uses sprites, sounds, and
other features not available onthe"Vtc"
This one requires a joystick.
P.O. Box 1 56, Shady Cove, Oregon 97539-01 56 Masiercafd and Visa cards accepted C.O.D. Orders...call (503) 878-21 1 3
VIC is a trademark ot Commodore Business Machines, Inc. Games will be on tape unless you request disk. Ask (or our FREE catalog!
For instance, suppose you want to use the Z
key rather than the J key to move the snake left.
Since location 197 reads the keyboard on the VIC
and 64, you must first determine the number
which is POKIZd into this location when Z is
pressed. Type the following line:
1 PRINT PEEK (197):FOR I = 1 TO 400:NEXT I:
GOTOl
and then RUN the program. Next press the Z
key, and the number in location 197 corresponding
to the Z key will print repeatedly on the screen.
The VIC will print 33, the 64 will show 12. Try
some other keys, noting their values, then hit the
RUN/STOP key.
You are now ready to make the modification
in line 200. In the VIC version, replace 20 with 33,
and in the 64 version, substitute 12 for 34. RUN
the program (after deleting line 1, of course); you
can move the snake left with the Z key.
If you don't want to type in the program, I
will make a copy of it for you. Send $3 and a
stamped, self-addressed mailer to:
Diin/I Biberdoff
1008 Molmwk Dr.
Iiviii<i:, TX 75061
Sec program listings on page 118.9
24K
MEMORY
EXPANSION
BOARD
tt,^ VIC-20"
^ORDER FACTORY DIRECT
$119.95
ADD S2.00 FOR POSTAGE & HANDLING
TEXAS RESIDENTS ADD 5% SALES TAX
• PLUGS INSIDE VIC-20
LEAVES EXPANSION SLOT FREE
• USES HIGHEST QUALITY PARTS
> 90 DAY WARRANTY
•COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED
NO SOLDERING
DuNAMic Technoloqies
2104 CHALICE ROAD
ARLINGTON. TEXAS 76014
mm, (817) 261-8363
VIC-20 is a ragistered TM of Commodore Business Machines
1 J-KlfTAIflt f\r\ CI
TYPiira tutoh
JOIN THE
COMPUTER
REVOLUTION
WITH A MASTERY
OF THE KEYBOARD!
In the age of the computer, everyone
from the school child to theChairman of
the Board should be at home at the
computer keyboard, Soon there will be
a computer terminal on every desk and
in every home. Learn how/ to use it right
...and have some fun at the same time!
Rated THE BEST oducatlonal program for the VIC 20™
by CrBBtlve Compaf/ng Magazine
TYPING TUTOR PLUS WORD INVADERS — $21.95
(2 programs on one cassette tape for the unexpended VIC 20^**)
Typing Tutor plus Word Invaders rnakes learning the keyboard easy and fun!
Typing Tutor leaches the keyboard in easy steps. Word Invaders nnakes typing
practice an entertaining game Highly praised by customers:
"Typing Tutor is great! ". "Fantastic". "Exceiteni". High quality". "A source of
great joy an<3 teaming lot our chitdren", "Even my little sister tikes it". "Word
Invaders Is sensational! "
Customer comment says It all . . .
"... and it waseverytning you advertised it would be. In three weeks, my 13 year
old son, who had never typed belore.was typing 35 w.p.m. I had improved my
typing speed 15 w.p.m. and my husband was able to keep up with his college
typing class by practicing at home. "
SPECIAL
VERSION OF
TYPING TUTOR
PLUS WORD INVADERS
NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE
CO M MO DO RE 64™...$21 .95 fTapeJ
All or tha fevturts of tfi« VIC 20^** Varslon tnd more
SPRITE
DESIGNER
by Dr. Lee T. HUI
$1 6.95^rape) $21 .95(D}sk)
Create and Ihen transform sprites automatically. We
have the other sprite making programs, Dut this is the
one we use to make sprites. The automatic transfor-
mations aregreat!
^^^^ Shipping and handling $1.00 per
^3^ order. California residents add 6%
^i^^ sales tax VISA and Mastercard
orders must include full name as shown on card, card
number, and expiration date Free catalog sent with
order and on request.
ACADclilV
SOFTH//^RE
P.O. Box 9403, San Rafael, CA 9491 2 (41 5) 499-0850
Programmar*: Write lo our Naw Program Managtr conceniing any exceptional VIC 20TM or Commodore Q4TM game orolfier program you have developed.
56 COMPUTEI'sGoZBlle July 1983
Skyles Electric Works Presents
The VicTree"
. ,, Leaves your new Vic (or CBM 64) with 35 additional commands.
. ..Branches out to most BASIC 4.0 programs.
. ..Roots into most printers.
New from Skyles: the VicTree, a coordinated hardware and software package that allows your Vic
to branch out in unbelievable directions and makes it easier than ever to do BASIC programming,
debugging and to access your disk. And the new VicTree provides routines to interface the Vic to
the powerful ProNet local network. 8kb of ROM — 4kb for the BASIC commands, 4kb for disk
commands and interfacing to Prohet — plus 4kb of RAM for miscellaneous, storage. Perfect not
only for the new Vic but also for the Commodore 64. Unbelievably simple to use and to install, the
VicTree gives you all the additional BASIC 4.0 commands to allow most BASIC 4.0 programs to
work on your new Vic or CBM 64.
Mow only $89.95... or $99.95 complete with Centronics standard printer cable. (Cable alone
$ 19.95.) Available now from your local dealer or order through your Visa or MasterCard toll free:
(800) 227-9998 (California, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii: (415) 965-1735) or send check or
jt money order directly to:
^^ Skyles Electric Works
231 E South Whisman Road
Mountain View, CA 94041
(415)965-1735
REVIEWS
Exatron Stringy Floppy For
VIC-20 And 64
Tom R. Halfhill, Editor
One of the most common dilem-
mas faced by home computer
owners is whether to invest sev-
eral himdreci dollars in n disk
drive or to stick with cassette
tapes for storing programs.
A lot of trade-offs are in-
volved: cassette recorders are
much cheaper (under $75 for a
Commodore Dalassetle), goner-
ally reliable, and the cassettes
themselves are fairly rugged.
But thev are also slow.
Disk drives are very fast,
can store many programs per
disk, run a wider varielv of com-
mercial software, and make pos-
sible certain advanced tech-
nk]ues with the new "expanded"
memory available to the com-
puter. But they are also expen-
sive ($375 and up).
Some people have sought
alternatives to both storage
methods, turning to add-on de-
vices which speeti up cassette
recorders, among other things.
The newest alternative for VIC-
20 and Commodore 64 users is
the Exatron Stringy Floppy,
The Exatron Stringy Floppy
isn't really new; it's been widely
used since 1978, mostly by own-
ers of Radio Shack TRS-HO com-
puters. It was only recently made
available for the VIC-20 and 64.
At $199.50, it could be an attrac-
tive alternative to a disk drive.
The Idea Behind
Stringy Floppies
Exactly wliat is a Stringy Floppy?
58 COMPum'iCazene July 1983
It's a mass storage device that's
sort of halfway between a cas-
sette recorder and a disk drive,
althougii it has more in common
with recorders. In some cases, a
Stringy Floppy is faster than a
disk drive, although in other
cases it can be as slow as a cas-
sette. For media, Stringy Flop-
pies use a small tape cartridge
called a iviifcr. Wafers are ex-
tremely small and light - about
tv^^o-thirds the size of a credit
rewound for repeated use. But
the tape in a wafer is one long
continuous loop, very much like
the tape in audio eight-track
cartridges. A wafer is never
flipped over or rewoimd. It
winds in one direction only.
Because Stringv Floppies
use tape, even though it is
wound continuously, they share
one important characteristic with
conventional cassette recorders:
they are sequential access devices.
This point is important because
it dictates how Stringy Floppies
must operate. A sec]uential ac-
cess device stores programs se-
quentially, one after the other.
To get to a program somewhere
Actual Size
Capstan
Pindi
Roller
Head Window
And
Pressure Pad
Sensor
Window
For
Splice Marker
Inside View Of A Wafer
card and about three credit cards
thick. Inside the wafer cartridge
is digital-quality magnetic tape
only 1/16-inch wide.
The tape in a wafer is wound
differently than tape in a regular
cassette. Cassette tape is wound
end-to-end on spools, and the
cassette must be flipped over or
in the middle of tiie tape, it must
first wind past all the intervening
tape. On the other hand, a disk
drive is a random access device.
The movable read/write head in
a disk drive finds a program in
tiie middle of a disk and moves
to it directly.
A good analogy is to think
REVIEWS
of stereo systems. To play a song
in the middle of a cassette tape,
you first must press Fast Fonvard
and wind past all the precedinj;
songs. But to play a song in the
middle of a record, you need
only lift the tone arm (o the
proper band; the preceding
songs are bypassed. Disk drives
work on the same principle.
Stringy Fk)ppies, however,
record programs and data se-
quentiallv, beginning at the start
of the tape loop and continuing
until the end. The Stringy Floppy
drive is an "inlelligent"
peripheral device, and it knows
where this tape loop begins and
ends. This is accomplished with
a shiny metal marker that splices
the tape loop together. On top
of the wafer is a small circular
window, and a sensor within
the Stringy Floppy drive peers
through this window to detect
the marker as the tape winds by.
Usually Far Faster
Than Tape
Wafer tape winds very fast -
eight inches per second (conven-
tional cassette recorders wind
tape at only 1%-inches per sec-
ond). It transfers data quickly,
too. that's why, under ideal
conditions, a Stringy F'loppy can
outperform a VIC-i54{)/i341 disk
drive (which admittedly is a bit
slower than some other disk
drives). However, because the
Stringv Floppy is inherently a
sequential access device, it can
be as slow as a cassette recorder
for some operations. In the vast
majority of cases, though, it will
prove much faster than cassettes.
The amount of data that can
be stored on a wafer depends on
the length of its tape loop. Wafers
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A comp 1*1(1 clear axplniiAtlon of mAcMnfl
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modify Aaaambly language programs wlih the
Edilor. Load and link machine langgage modutoa
wUh the Loader. Oacodd machine languaQs back
Into BBBflmbly lenguaga for study or Input to tha
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CfHTimodort auikwtt hiMttinf I Inc.
July 1983 COMPUTEI'i Gazette 59
REVIEWS
The Exntnm Striit^i/ Hopin/, until ti wafer iiiaerted in Ihrfnwt tilol.
are available from Exatron in
lengths of 5, 1 0, 20, 35, and 50
feet. The shortest wafer holds
4000 bytes {4K), whicJi is enough
to store the longest program
possible in an im expanded VIC-
20 (which has 3583 byles free fc^r
program ming). The longest
wafer holds 40K, which is
enovigh to store the longest pro-
gram possible in a 64 (which has
38911 bytes free for BASIC).
Speed Vs. Economy
The Exatron Stringy Floppy drive
itself is a light, compact unit
about a third the size of a VIC-
1540/1541 disk drive. Hooking it
up is simple - just plug in two
cords. The first one, a coiled
cord, plugs into the same input/
output port on the back of a VIC
or 64 that is used by the disk
drive. (If your system already
includes a disk drive, the Stringy
Floppy plugs into the back of the
drive, forming what is called a
daisy chain.)
The second cord is for power
- unlike the Datassettc, the
Stringy Floppy does not draw its
power from the computer. The
60 COMPUTE!'! Gazette Julyl?83
power cord has a transformer
that plugs into the wall socket.
There are no switches, but-
tons, or controls of any kind on
the Stringy Floppy. It comes on
when it's plugged in, and one of
the two red lights on the front
panel lights up brieflv to let vou
know. It blinks again when the
computer is switched on. You'll
hear a quiet whir as the Stringy
Floppy initializes itself. The next
step is to insert a wafer by sliding
it, topside-up, into the front slot
until it snaps into place.
The Stringy Floppy's com-
mands are straightforward, and
are similar to the standard VIC/64
commands for saving, loading,
and verifying programs and
data. The main difference is that
the Stringy Floppy is addressed
as device number 20, so a comma
and 20 must be tacked onto each
command. The 27-page manual
explains all of this in a step-by-
step, easily understood manner,
with examples.
For instance, calling up a
directory for a wafer is very much
like the procedure on a disk
drive. You type LOAD"$",20
and press RETURN. When the
directory is loaded, you read it
by typing LIST. This shows all
the files stored on that wafer. Of
course, since the directory itself
is loaded as if it were a file, it
erases any program currently in
memory.
To load a file, you type
LOAD"filename",20. The
Stringy Floppy's second LED, a
busy light, blinks on as the unit
speeds through the wafer in
search of that file. The drive
searches sequentially through
the tape, pausing brieflv at the
start of each file to check if it's
the right one. When it finds its
target, it loads the file in a matter
of seconds (often faster than a
disk drive).
Bui the key factor here is
the search time. Remember, the
Stringy Floppy cannot rewind its
tape - it must always search for-
ward through the tape loop.
Although the unit loads files
very quickly once they are found,
the search time depends on
where the tape happens to be
positioned. Under ideal condi-
tions, when the tape is
positioned just before the file
you want, the whole loading
procedure takes only a few sec-
onds. The extreme case is when
the tape is positioned jusi after
the hie you want. Then the
Stringy Floppy must search the
entire length of the tape loop.
This happens every time you
VERIFY a previous SAVE, and
every time you call up a direc-
tory. Since the Stringy does not
store its directory in one place,
as a disk drive does, it must
search the entire wafer for the
filename headers which precede
each file.
The time consumed by these
REVIEWS
searches depends, of course, on
the length of the wafer. On a
medium-length wnfer (20 feet,
or 16K), one complete cycle
through the tape loop takes 55 to
65 seconds (the exact time de-
pends on the number of files
stored, since the Stringy pauses
briefly to read each flic header).
So when you SAVE a short pro-
gram on a long wafer, the VER-
IFY procedure could take as long
as rewinding a conventional
cassette and then VERlFYing.
Thus, it seems shtjrter
wafers would be the answer.
But there's a trade-off involved -
there's not much difference in
price between the shortest and
longest wafers. The lowest price
for a five-foot, 4K wafer is $2.50,
while a 50-foot, 40K wafer is
$3.50. Since wafers always store
data in IK blocks, no matter how
short the actual program is, a 4K
wafer is pretty "much limited to
one or two short files. This makes
short wafers significantly more
expensive than disks or cas-
settes. Long wafers are a much
better bargain, but also require
much longer search times.
So, the trade-off is between
the convenience and speed of
short wafers versus the economy
of long wafers.
Keeping Track Of
Files
Another factor to consider when
weighing the merits of a Stringy
Floppy is the convenience of
storing multiple files on a single
wafer. Disk drives, of course,
automatically keep track of
where files are stored. With cas-
settes, you have to manually
keep track of what files are on
which tapes, usually by jotting
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IHus Zhe Smting J^ew Uook
INSIDE THE VIC
THE BOOK
A coitipfatff ciQir axplanillart of michlnii
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THE TOOLS
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Editor. Load and link macblne languaga moduiss
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507-263*4821
VrC'20 li i, rrqlitFrcrd TM of
Julyl9B3 COMPUWiGa^ene 61
REVIEWS
down the tape counter numbers.
With a Stringy, you'll probably
have to keep a similar log. Here's
why:
There are two SAVE com-
mands for theStringy. The first
is SAVE"filcnanie",20 (filenames
up to eight ctia meters are al-
lowed). Phis automatically stores
the file as the fty$t file on the tnpf
loop foUowiiig llw splice iimrker.
The Stringy does not check to
see if a file is already there, so
one (5r more files can be over-
written if you use this command
carelessly. (However, theStringy
docs check to see if the end of the
tape loop has been reached - if
so, it will stop recording, and
your subsequent VERIFY will
tell you that the SAVE was
interrupted.)
The second command is
SAVE"#filenam",2n (only
seven-character filenames are
allowed because of the # sign).
The # sign, which is stripped off
the filename by the Stringy, tolls
the Stringy to store the file wher-
ever file tape /s ciimiith/ posithndi.
Important: It's up to you to in-
sure the tape is positioned after
the end of the last file on the
wafer. Othcrwi.se, existing files
may be overwritten.
Unfortunately, there is nt>
special command to position the
tape past the last file. The best
way is to VERIFY the last file.
Since the last file will be different
than the file you want to save, a
? VERIFY liRROK will result.
This is just what you want; the
tape is now properly p(.)sitioned
for a SAVE with the # sign. Then
you VERIFY witl\ the proper
filename to double-check the
SAVE. This is the procedure
recommended by Fxalron, al-
62 COMPUTB'sGa!a»B July 1983
though it is not mentioned in
(he manual.
This whole procedure also
depends on your knowing the
filename of the last file; other-
wise, vou can't get the ? VERIFY
ERROR you want. That's why
you'll have to keep a careful log
of the files on each wafer. You
can't discover the filename by
calling the directory, because
loading the directory will erase
the file in memorv that you want
to save (as it does on the disk
drive).
Does all this soimd con-
fusing? Exatron advises new
users of Stringy Floppies to store
only one file per wafer unfil they
get the hang of it.
Other Considerations
As a general-purpose mass stor-
age device, the Stringy I'loppy
supports the same commands as
the Datassette and disk drive,
including OPEN, PR1NT#,
IN!'UT#, GET#, CLOSE, CMD,
and STATUS. This means you
can store data files on wafers in
addition to programs, perform
input/output during program
execution, and so on. The Ex-
atron manual explains these
operations.
Fxatron warrants (he Stringy
F'loppv for one year, part.s and
labor, and offers a 30-dav money-
back guarantee of satisfaction.
Unlike a disk drive, the Stringy
does not have a movable read/
write head, and theotily moving
parts are the tape transport
mechanisms, so it should be a
reliable device. The onlv mainte-
nance it rec^uires is an occasional
head and capstan cleaning.
Besides convenience and
cost, another majtir factor to
consider is commercial software
availability. Software is widely
available on cassettes and disks,
but this is not yet the case with
wafers. That might well change
soon, ho^vever, if Stringy Flop-
pies become a popular alterna-
tive for VIC and 64 users. In the
TRS-8t) commimity, some soft-
w a re ha s bee n m a de a vail a b I e
on wafers. Also, Exatron is trying
to collect public domain software
for VlCs anci 64s to distribute
free with sales of blank wafers.
New Moment um
' I'll e re's evidence that Stringy
Floppies are picking up momen-
tum among other computer
users, too. A new line of
peripherals introcluced by Texas
Instruments for its new.$9y 'ri-99/
2 computer includes a VVafertape
drive, which is an Exatron
Stringy Floppy licensed to TI.
The VVafertape drive also works
on Tl's new Compact Computer
40 and - with an adapter - on
the Tl-4y/4A. A recently an-
noimced portable business com-
puter also has a Stringy Floppy
for mass storage. The Stringy's
small size, speed, and rugged-
ness make it ideal for portables.
Whether you go with a cas-
.setle, disk drive, or Stringy
Floppy, remember that the mass
storage device is probably the
most important peripheral you'll
buy. All have acivantages and
disadvantages; which one is
"best" depends mostly on your
needs. Hxatron's Stringy Floppy
is clearly a viable alternative.
Exainm Stringy Floppy
Exatron Corporation
181 Cimiinfrcial Street
Sumn/i'iile, CA 94086
$199:50 m
REVIEWS
Deadly Duck Cartridge Game
ForUnexpanded VIC-20
Tom R. Halfhill, Editor
For a while, most of the best
computer games were available
only for such machines as the
Apple II or Atari 4()0/800. Partly
this was for marketing reasons:
these computers have what's
called a large "installed base,"
and the major software com-
panies naturally preferred to
make games which would sell to
the most customers,
Bui lliat's been changing
now tha( the ViC-20 and Com-
modore 64 compLitcrs have been
selling like hotdogs at the World
Series. The major software
houses are recognizing that a
significant new market is de-
veloping. Companies once
known primarily for their Apple
or Atari games are moving to
support Commodore, loo.
One of these companies is
Sirius Software, Inc. Sirius may
be a new name to Commodore
users, but it's well-known among
Apple and Atari game-players
for such classics as Sfwcc Es^gs
and Snaikrrs. U was also the
stomping ground t)f such famous
game programmers as Nasir
Gebelli.
Deadly Duck is one of a new
line of games introduced by
Sirius for the VIC-20 and Com-
modore 64. Although Dnitlhf
Duck is avaikible only for the
VlC-2() at present, a Commodore
64 version is in the works (in
fact, the game instructions refer
to the 64 version).
Dciuliy Duck maintains the
standards set by Sirius's previous
products: the game program is
fast {all machine language) and
bug-free, makes excellent use of
the computer's color graphics
and sound, includes multiple
difficulty levels and other op-
tions, and is supported by solid
documentation. The game was
designed by Cd llodappand
programmed for the VIC-20 by
Jeremy A. Jones.
Big Duck In A
Small Pond
Although the title Deadhj Duck
might imply that your enemy is
.some sort of fearsome watertowi,
!/()» are actually "Deadly" the
Duck. Using either a joystick or
the keyboard, you control a mul-
ticolored duck which can swim
back and forth on a pond along
the bottom o( the screen. You
begin the game with a supply of
four ducks; your three spares
are displayed below the pond.
You can acquire any number of
bonus ducks throughout the
game, but no mi)re than three of
these spares are displayed at a
lime.
The object of Deadly Duck is
to retain control of your pond
while battling pesty enemies.
During the first level, the
enemies consist of flying crabs
which try to drop bricks on your
head. Mtire enemies appear in
the higher levels.
Besides evasive action
{swimming back and forth), you
have another way of defending
yourself. Woe unto the unsus-
pecting hunter who tries to bag
Deadly, because this is one duck
who is literally armed to the teeth
- or bill. Inside Deadly's bill is a
hidden gun which fires "bill
bullets." You can fire one bill
bullet at a time by pressing the
joystick fire button {c}r space
bar). Each shot is accompanied
by a very realistic "quack."
To aim your shots, you ma-
neuver Deadly directly beneath
your target. Naturally, this ex-
poses him to the falling bricks.
This means you have to become
adept at swimming beneath
the flying crabs {which are con-
stantly changing direction), fir-
'MIGHTY V
IS HERE
TO SAVE
THE DAY!
BUSINESS
&HOME
SOFTWARE
* Commodore 64
* Vic 20
* TRS 80 Color
Computer
* Apple
FREE CATALOG
POWERBYTE
2CHIPLEYHUN
WESTBEHLIN, N.J. 08091
(609) 346-3063
July 1983 COMPUTEt'sCazeUe 63
REVIEWS
w&y;iSS;3'S;',iSfiSSS'S';S;i-;ES'iJ^^^
ing a quick bill bullet, and then
dodging the falling bricks. When
a brick misses Deadly and hits
the pond, it floats on the water
for a few seconds, blocking
Deadly from swimming past it.
If several bricks fall at once, he
can be trapped between them,
or against one side of the screen,
which makes you even more
vulnerable to the falling bricks.
One solution is to shoot the
bricks. You also score more
points this way, but it's a hazard-
ous tactic since Deadly must be
positioned directly beneath
them. And in the higher levels,
the bricks drop much faster.
More Formidable
Foes
To advance to' each succeeding
level, you must destroy all eight
flying crabs. This wins you a
bonus duck. Getting past the
first level isn't too difficult after
a few tries. Beginning with the
second level, though, you en-
counter even more formidable
foes. Tliese are the constantly
increasing, hovering
dragonflies.
Two of these dragonflies
appear in the second level. They
hover just over Deadly's head,
below the crabs. Since they don't
move very fast, they're quite
easy to shoot, and each hit is
worth ten points. Unfortunately,
shooting a dragonfly doesn't
make it disappear, because the
dragonflies are invulnerable.
What's worse, shooting the
dragonflies only angers them,
and they retaliate by dropping
bombs on Deadly. Each bomb
consists of a slowly descending
cloud of tiny fragments. The
slightest touch of one of these
64 COMPUTE!'} Gaietie July 1 ?83
wiwB'T: ji'".'~rn'-^-.r,i'i?i c-.'j ■>\»b ■*-—,_ ...
' ' Di'ii dli/" the duck szviiiiH between Iwo
floating Imch while evadiiii^ the flying
cnibs and hovering dragonflies.
fragments is deadly to Deadly.
The bombs arc relatively
easy to dodge in the second level,
since there are only two
dragonflies dropping only one
bomb at a time.
If you survive long enough
to reach the fifth level, the bricks
start falling faster. And in the
sixth level, the crabs start flying
as fast as mosquitoes around a
light bulb. The crabs are always
worth 30 points, and the
dragonflies ten points, but you
do get more points for shooting
bricks in the higher levels - up
to ten times the 50 points that
bricks are worth in level one.
Attention To Detail
All of the animation in Deadly
Duck is extremely smooth and
swift. You don't expect slow,
jerky motion in a good commer-
cial game program, and none is
evident here. What's more, all of
the main characters - Deadly the
Duck, the flying crabs, and the
dragonflies - are finely detailed
and multicolored. This is espe-
cially impressive since the VIC
does not support sprites or bit-
mapped graphics modes.
Deadly Duck also has several
convenience features which
should perhaps be standard on
all games of this type. The
keyboard control option will be
appreciated by people without a
joystick, or by those who prefer
the feel of "buttons" for this
game. The f5 function key allows
more advanced players to skip
the lower levels and begin im-
mediately at the higher levels.
The RESTORE key ends any
game in progre.ss and returns
you to the "demo mode," in
which the high score is displayed
and the screen colors cycle end-
lessly. The RUN/STOP key in-
stantly freey.es the action in case
the phone rings or some other
momentary distraction arises.
Pressing RUN/STOP restarts the
game where you left off. And
finally, the (7 function key helps
clear up fuzzy images on some
color TV sets which are slightly
out of synchronization with the
VIC's video signal.
The thoughtful design of
this product extends even to its
plug-in cartridge. The decision
to put the game on a cartridge
makes it convenient to load and
accessible to any VIC owner.
Deadly Duck is enclosed in a
sturdy plastic case with indented
and ridged finger-grips. If
you've ever struggled to extract
a reluctant cartridge from the
back of your VIC, you'll ap-
preciate this.
For fans of arcade-style ac-
tion games. Deadly Duck should
be a welcome addition to the
growing selection of VIC-2G
software.
Deadly Duck
Sirius Software, hic.
10364 Rockingham Drive
Sacrameulo, CA 95827
$34.95 m
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231G South Whisman Road
Mountain View, CA 94041
Europe please contact Supersoft, Winciiester House, Harrow Wealdstone, England HA3 7SJ, Tel. 01 861 1166
ALFABUG
Michael Wasilenko
"Alfabug" is a colorful, exciting game that
helps your three- to six-year olds learn the al-
phabet. The program was originally written
for the unexpanded (5K) VIC-20, and there's
also a version for the Commodore 64.
In an effort to make my VlC-20 something more
than just n keyboard far my young dn lighters to
bang on, 1 wrote this little program to make it do
something and at the same time provide an op-
portunity to practice the alphabet. Consequently,
"Alfabug" is for relatively young people, three to
six years old. To a child learning the alphabet, the
accomplishment of pressing the correct key to
initiate a bug race is quite exhilarating.
The object of (he game is to press the same
letter of the alphabet on the keyboard that the
computer displays on the screen. When the correct
letter is pressed, a bug race starts - five different-
colored bugs race across the screen. If the wrong
letter is pressed, the computer responds with a
toot and then waits for the correct letter. The order
in which the bugs finish is marked at the end of
each lane, so the player{s) can also compete for
points bv guessing the winner. Upon completion
of each race, the player is asked if another race is
desired. At this point, a "Y" or "N" for "yes" or
"no" is expected. Again, a toot is heard when an
invalid answer is given.
In the following program, the computer will
select the letters alphabeticallv beginning with
"A" (of course), and will reset to "A" after "Z" is
reached. By simply deleting the remark statement
(REM) from line 76, the program will select the
letters randomly. You could also modify the pro-
gram so it asks the player for the method of letter
selection. But I have found that the fewer the
prompts, the easier it is for the child. Remember,
this is for young children who are just learning
their alphabet or who are just learning to read.
For instance, with the selection method fixed in
the code, my five-year-old daughter can load and
run the program without anv assistance.
This simple program can provide hours of
fun for young children while helping them practice
the alphabet. But watch out! You may not get to
use your computer again, unless they're all asleep.
Sec pn\^riu!i lint in s^ on pii;^e 120.
66 COMPUret'i Gazette July 1983
Little critters race to the finish line in "Alfnlnii(," VIC -20
version .
'Alfabug," Commodore 64 version.
COMPUTE rs Gazette
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VIC-20 - GAMES - VIC-20
OTHLLLO — Chaiicnijtnq board ^ttiv CiritiSiitatihici& HHtntiw/tmTi^r Uiei^^xidiHei
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BLACKJACK — Caano^ftvit cord gomt using fttM sure cohr cards w/iound (J^rs
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cit>riJ%, tlw compuier hdt's them & fh#n giws you the oniw^r k^ey SK* , . . .$14.95
- UTILITIES -
•l.lSTINa FORMATTEK - Alloun yatir prnur tolal all pritijrann luinclu* VIC2'>
Li'trphii L^iiiFtjffc^s. tL'placei cahj A iunor conlrnt%urbrackvlfiiwatdi, 10 K^*'*'2]
,ji,i,iri„(i„.. /f|.i,„tr,.% aK- SI9.M
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w indniduol L'itluei ^iitifutil)!** for adding i^iund to prosroms . , .SM. 95
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SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO:
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Win A FREE
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Can You Beat
PARATROOPER?
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A New Commodore 64 will be awarded to the person with the highest score. The winning entry
must contain a photograph of the highest score of the game.
PARATROOPER e.N du...
REALISTIC SMOOTH ACTION AND TRUE Ht-RES GRAPHICS
FOR THE VIC-20
1st Prize
CBM64
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Disk Drive
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$200 worth of Software
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$100 worth of Software
JOYSTICK
OR
KEYBOARD
RUNS IN STANDARD VIC-20
PAflATROOPER a High Resolution game that doesn't tet you make anii mistakes. You
are in command. Helvcopiefs fill the sky, (and we mean (ill the sky!), dropping
paratroopers. Your mission is to keep 3 paratroopers Itom hilting Ihe ground on eilher
side of your gun. But that's just the beginning Vou score by hitting the helicopters or the
paratroopers, but if you miss a shot it subtracts (rom youi score. Therefore, you must
make every shot count to make a high score! IT HAS FOUR FAST ACTION LEVELS
TO CHALLENGE THE BEST PLAYER The High Resolution graphics helicoptors ate
fantastic. They bok exactly like helicopters! The paratroopers arc super realistic Their
chutes open and then they drift down to earth. If this weren't enough Ihc sounds are
fantastic. There are helicopter blades whirring and you can hear the howitzer pumping
shells This game really show off the sound and graphic capabilities of you VIC
PARATROOPER IS OUR * 1 SELUNG ARCADE GAME, you've got to see this game to
believe it, $19,95
Order your copy today or see your dealer.
Will you set the top score?
COMPUTERMAT • P.O. Box lewU* Lake Hauasu City, AZ 86403
RULES
L. AltcniTHMmuti he m^iWd^dt pCHtmdrkidrerequtr«d [^determine Ihc tarlwtt Winning tntry. In the I
vvtni o} A t* [K* pDtimdf k will detfrmiTw ihf wmrvfr
2. (Vflrflifw for cntTtf* ts JuK^ M. 198J
3. Proof of pijfcfu«Fi>mufE bv provided KdurnyourenErvwiihpibckA^e tronl4l^4dpTuolc;(pu^chd&elltp I
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4. ENTRrES MUST BE MAILED TO: PARATROOPER CONTEST. P O. Box 388^ Lake Hftviiu |
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5. Gair\e canifji v^>id where prohibil«d.
6- Contest bv^im ApirJ 2. L983. Atl cntrm muit b« pot1frwk«d by July 21, 196XContff«l vndi JuV 3L,
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10, Contest it limiiled lo USA.. Properltes arKl CanadA only.
Write for a FREE catalog of
VIC COMMODORE 64 Software
VIC Marquee
Louis Mendelsohn
With this program, you can display a moving
message across the top or bottom of your VIC
screen while another program is doing some-
thing else. Although it does this trick with
machine language, you don't need to under-
stand machine language to use it. It is provided
in the form of a BASIC loader program.
"VIC Marquee" is a modification of a program for
generating moving marquees on the Commodore
PET. The beauty of this program is that the mar-
quee, a moving billboard display across the top of
the screen, is generated in machine lanji^Ltage as
part of the screen interrupt task. This means that
the marquees arc created as a background task
while the primary (BASIC) program can be doing
something else.
Many modifications to the original program
were required for VIC-20 operation. The screen
edge location had to be moved to memory location
SIEOO (hexadecimal) and the number of columns
changed from 40 to 22. In addition, t!ie hardware
interrupt vector, IRQVEC, had to be changed
from 50090 to 3031 4, while the interrupt handler,
OLDIRQ, was relocated from $7003 to the VIC
KERNAL location SCABF. The speed was slowed
from 5 to 15 to allow for easier reading. The mod-
ified program was kepi in tiie original PET cassette
buffer (locations 864 through 1015) since it coin-
cides with the VIC buffer. But the sample message
was moved to 830. The message is stored in ASCII
code and terminated with a CHR$(0). The high
byte and low byle defining the start of the mes-
sage, stored in locations U)09and 1011, were ad-
justed accordingly.
One final modification must be made in using
the VIC Marquee, since the technique employed
will produce white letters on the normally white
VIC screen. Either the screen color can be changed
68 COMPUTEI-i Gazette July 1983
or colored messages can be produced. The pro-
gram provides a BASIC loader for the VIC Mar-
quee with a blue-lettered message.
The VIC Marquee program will display the
message across the top of the screen. But the loca-
tion of the message is easily modified by changing
the data specifying the left edge of the display
area (which is stored low byte, high byte in loca-
tions 875 and 876) and the data specifying the left
edge minus one (stored in locations 878, 879, and
906, 907, and 915, 916). The color screen memory
must also be adjusted to provide a visible message.
These changes to the program are required to
display the message across the bottom of the
screen:
21 : POKE 38884 + r, 6 :
11 FOR I
NEXT
870 DATA
876 DATA
906 DATA
= 0
I
15,
31,
227,
TO
22, 160, 1, 165, 228
153, 227, 31, 200, 204
31, 96, 172, 96, 3
32, 153, 227, 31, 230
912 DATA 169,
See progmiH listing o)i page 121.
Bap i :c ^fi=^R<^UE:l^ Bv'ncx>Ti~^re:MjH
^gREr^DV. ''-'''■■
BtTt^^ I r^g^Mk^^gei? .1"^ ■
^H"Bf=«Cl<<3ROUND" BV .^H
KSSr^MEI TIME. EKl^MRLE = jj
l^eeo l=RIMT -HErL-L-O" ^1
^pEL^O^®^^ 11
With "VJC Marquee" i/on cuii put movinj^ messages across the
top of your TV screen. 41
ta/DPU SEf\lSEi:.>'
C-64
VIC-20e
VIC-1515
VIC-1530
VIC-1541
VIC-1010
VIC-1311
VIC-1312
$399.00
147,00
334.95
67.50
347.00
139.95
9.95
19.95
99.95
. 34.95
to I a I.
52.50
119.95
39.95
Provides mterUoQ between ttie VIC-;^D and RS232 lelecommunication^
moderns Connecis to VIC'S user poM.
PETSPEED - BBJic Compiler lor CommoiJore 140.00
COF^piie any Pel Sasic program. ThA only opttmizing compiler. Programs
compiled wilh Petapeed run up 10 40 times Tester. Pelspeed code is unlisteble
and compiled progrims cannot be tempered with. No security device required
for cpmptled programs AvAilable NOW for the Commodore 64.
Computft
Personal Computer
Printer
Dataiette
Olak Drive
Expanalon Module
Joytltck
Game Paddlei
Telephone Modem
VIC 3K Memory Expander Cart
Plugs direClly into Ihe Vic i u^pjinjinn j)E:rl Expands 10 flK RAM
VIC-1 1 10 VIC 8K Memory Expander Cart
3K FIAM expansion cartridge ptugi directly into the VIC.
CM102 24K Memory Expander Cart.
VIC-1011A RS232C Terminal Interface
BUSINESS USES FOR YOUR VIC-20®
CW-107A
CPV-31
CPV-96
VIC-1210
Star Gemini 10 Printer
Star Gemini 1S Printer
SHD Monitor
360.00
450.00
347.00
CS1 QUICK BROWN FOX $55.00
Ttio Word Processor o) ttiis decadef For the VIC-ZO end C-64.
CPV-208
CH
CH
CH
CH
CH
GT-21
CT-121
CT-124
CT-125
CT-126
CT-140
CM-152
CQ-5
cs
CS
cs
COMMODORE SOFTWARE
VIC-1211A VIC-20 Super Expander $55.00
Evvrythling CommodorB could pacH into one cnrirldgo - 3K RAM momofy
expansion, high roaolution graphlca plollLng, calor. palm and »ound cam-
mandl- Graphic, taxt, muHfcolor and music modvs. 1O24x10:?*l (tol scrflQn
ploKlng. All commands may be typed as new BAStC commands or Accftssed
by hitting one o1 ti^e VIC'3 9peciat function kayr Inciuda^ lutorfal instruction
book. Excellent for all programming levals.
V)C-t212 Programmer'fl Aid Cartrtdge $45.99
Marelh4n20newBA5lCcomm;)ndsh(t]pni3yvitndexpcfiencedprogrammei'&
renumber, Irace andadit BASIC programs Tr^ce any program line^by-line as
It exacutes, pause to edit Special KEY command (ets pfogrammers redehne
funclton keys as BASIC commands, subroutines or new comimands.
VIC-1213VICMON Machine Unguage Monitor $48.99
Helps macbina coda programmers write fasf. alhcient &507 assembly lan<
guage programs. Includes nna Itn* Assembrer/disajsemblor.
CARDCO
Atari Adapter • piay your jeoo gsmes on ihe vtc-zo $79.95
CARDBOARD 6 $87.50
An expansion interlace lor the VIC' 30 Allows enparisiori lo 40K or accepts up
to SIX games May be dAisy-chamed lor rnore verutilily.
CARDBOARD 3 $35.95
Ecariomy f>xpan$ion interface for the Vic-?0
CARD "?" CARD/PRINT $76 00
Universal Ccnironrca Pariatlol Prtnier Interface tor Ibe VtC'20or CBM-SA. Us^
an Epson HX-&0 or OKIOATA or TANDY Of lusl about any oinor.
CAflDETTE $3095
U3« any standard cauelle player/recorder with your V9C-2Ci or CBM'64.
LIGHT PEN $29.95
A ligtii pen with sm good programs to use witn youf VIC-20 or CBM-e^J
Accounts Payable & Receivable $29 95
Home Calculation Program Pack 48.95
Data Files - your storage is unltmileO 14.95
Household Finance Package - to 30.95
keep records ol ell your household expenses
8sr-Chart - alsplayyour numerical data 8.95
Turtle Graphics - learn pro^rammln;^ 34.95
VIC Forth - a powerlul lenguage lor 49.95
BASIC programming
HES MON - a 6S02 macMne lenguage 34.95
moniior wiiri e mini.asseriibler
HES Writer • time-wung word process tool 34.95
Encoder - keep your p«rsonal records 34.95
away from prying eyes
statistics SadlStlCS - slallstlcal analysis 14.95
Total Time Manager 2.0 - creates 15.95
personal or business scnedijies
TotI Label - a mailing list & label program 13.95
TotI Text BASIC 15.95
Research Assistant - keep track or oaia 17.50
TotI Text Enhanced 29.95
GrafIX Designer - design grapnic cnaraclert 12,95
MInlmon - allows you to program, load, 13.95
save, or execute machine language programs
Home Inventory - lists your belongings 17.95
Check Minder - keep your checkbook righl 14,95
General Ledger - a complete ledger 19.95
GAMES FOR YOUR VIG-20®
CH-G203 Tank War*
Pinball
Simon - It gets tougher as you gel batiar.
Great tor hids of all ages.
Fuel Pirates
Laser Btltz
Tank Trap
Concentration
Dam Bomber - pilot Ihe plane, avoid enemy
Shamus - search room etier room lor the
CH-Q205
CH-G206
CH-G207
CH-G209
CH-G210
CH-G211
CH-G212
CH-C307
CH-C308
CPU-79
CPU-85
CPU-87
CPU-88
CPU-89
CPU-108
36,95
7.95
9.95
9.95
7.95
7.95
9.95
16K Memory Expander
All CARDCO Products have a lifetime warranty
Protector
Breakout
Hangman * unbelievable graphics & sound
Memory - vie challenges youf memory
Match - hand & eye coordination
Monks - a devilish game ol logic
Bomber * you must decide who you wer>t to riy
ipr. then pick a Target & your experience level
CPU- 109 Amok - Iha halts of Amok are populaled by 20.95
robots that obey one command - gel the mlruderi
CPU-153 Tank VS. UFO- Ihe tank IS moving back i 9.95
forlh along the base: shoot the tJFO before It shocis you
CPU-194 Snakman- Pacmamorthevic 14.95
Defender on TrI - youre the pHol of an eiperlmental ship 1 7.95
$50.50 3-D Man - the popular arcade game, requires 3K 17.95
Exterminator - a game full of bugs 20.95
We have over 400 programs for your VIC-20
and over 250 programs for your C-64!
Shipping A Handling Chargei;
First two (2) Items - $2.00 per item.
Three (3) or more items - $1.00 per item.
For orders over J1D0 total, surface shipping will be paid by
CcmpuSenae. Blue Label or apeciai handling wit! be paid by
the customer.
Additional $2.00 C.O.D, tee on all G.O.D. orders.
MasterCard and Visa accepted. Give card number and expiration
date on order form.
Allow three (3) weeks for personal ctiecks.
Write for
TO ORDER:
P.O. Box 187653
Wichita, KS 67218
(316) 263-1095
Catalog!
Prices subiect to change.
VIC-ZO' IS a registered trademark of Commodore
JiSf^^^-^^S!!*???!^
t*»=WSSSS««****«SStl
^St*
Word Hunt
A
Puzzle Game
For VIC-20 And 64
Eric Jansing and Bob Meyers, Jr.
This VIC-20 translation of a popular Commo-
dore PET program shows how screen compati-
bility problems can be overcome. It requires
an 8K memory expansion. We've also added a
version for the Commodore 64,
Word Hunt" is a great game
that appeared in the March
1982 issue of COMPUTE!, the
Gazette's comp'anion
magazine. The game was written perfectly except
for one thing - it couldn't be RUN on a VIC without
some problems. I put the game on the PHT
and liked it so much that I decided to translate it for
the VIC.
After days of problems, I was ready to give
up completely until 1 met Bob Meyers. He too had
a VIC. I told him about the game and he agreed
that it would be a good project. Bob's solution
was to use a VIC 8K expander.
Screen Compatibility
The expander gave us enough memon,', but it didn't
solve the screen compatibility problem. The original
program was written for a 40-colunin screen; VIC's
screen is 22 columns wide. In the end, wo took out
a few words and abbreviated some others to make
the program compatible with the VIC's screen.
In the original program, the puz/Je was placed
on the screen by a subroutine (line 1700). The vari-
able G determined where the puzzle board was
aWHl=VT SK ILL LEVEL
hL<E:eiSV> TO S<HRRD> ? 3
■lEMTER 10 WORDS,
rMPiKE: E:f=iCH W0RI> 3 TO 8
* CHPiRPlOTERS LONG.
iJWORr* i -P WORDHUNT
lwORI> 3 •? FIND
(jHORD ^
■i^Sf'
The first step in "Woni l-liuit" is to enter ten imrdsfor the
puzzle. The Coninioiiorc 64 ivrsion is similnr to this VIC-20
scrtvn.
70 COMPUTEI's Gazette July 1983
w^^m&
STSS
c iRCysKFsa
VREPAP VLFK
HORRO IDRRL
J-RLj^IEICNOC I
VRTNUHDROW
OCOMRUTERO
EHOR3>HU^^TV
LFIECMOCBWO
RERf^lRVLFf^lG:
<3e: vqruopr V
LOC.
I-'OW ,COL
Hunting for the ward "flypaper," VIC-20 version. The next
etitr:/ would be "6" to indicate the word is spelled iwfavnrds in
roxvl, colnttnt 8.
LUNA
SOFTWARE
LUNA SOFTWARE is quickly becoming one of the largest
manufacturers of software for the Commodore 64'" and VIC
20^^^, We have now available for immediate delivery a
diverse line of softv^/are. Call us today and shoot for the stars
ufith LUNA.
DISKEHES & CASSETTES FOR THE
COMMODORE 64"^ AND VIC 20™
o^
trsensaraloq
<o
Call us today for a ,inc i^niniu
featuring our complete line of
programs.
LUNA
P.O. Box 26922
San Jose, CA 95159-6922
(408) 378-7793
DES-SOFT^
Quality Software For Commodore' Computers
Vic-20-' Commodore- P«t 4064*' C-128- B-700-
* * 1 * I * * * I *
I * ^ * I * 1^ * j^^ I
Lli.^_l'~' I'LL
SHIFTV (c) By Kavan
Watch the maze chfintje as you pass through
the revolving doors. Can you keep ahead of the
bandits? "Shifty is really nifty" and a lot
tougher than it looks. Machine language.
Keyboard or joystick. 11K~.
Cassette S20.00
This and other great games and programs arc available fron-i DES-SOFT. home of
B0N20, HOPPER, LASER COMJMAND and many other programs for Commodore Computers.
Dealefs invited
(213) 923-9361
See your LOCAL DEALER for our Programs
Software Distribution Available
DES - Data Equipment Supply Corj).
Authors Wanted
^S 8315Firi'sioii
Douiiey.CA'Jtl211
(714)778-5455
Vie-20, ComnwAm M, Pjt4064, C-128, B-700arerfad5nuirlnn(Cnmrar«Jijri'
Juiy1983 COMPUTEI's Gazette 71
lluiiliii^ for the word "y'i)t/s//cA-," d-i vcrsiou. Tlw iifxt t'ltlri/
would k' "4" to iudicatc the ivard runs downward from
row J , column 9.
located. That is mainly what is changed. Also, in
line 260 of the original program, the FOR-NEXT
statement caused the variable Q to overflow. It
now reads: 260 X 9 = 0: FOR Y = 1 TO X.
When you RUN Word Hunt, you get a catchy
title with lots of color. The compLiler then asks you
the skill level, 1 being easy and 5 being hard. Then
the computer asks you to input ten words. When
the computer finishes the puzzle, you're asked to
press any key and the game begins.
The computer writes the puzzle on the screen
and displays the word you must hunt for. Then
you are asked the starting location of the word
(ROW,COLUMN), and the computer will ask you
the direction. The direction box is located at the
bottom left of the screen. To answer the direction,
just look at the word and match its direcHon at the
bottom.
if you are correct, the computer will respond
"yes" and give you points. The number of points
you get is determined by the time you took to
answer.
Sec program listings on page 122. 9
FOX
UpryteQyter'
Presenis,..
For the Commodore 64
The user affectionate sprite development progfam. Menu-
driven, mono/rrulticolor sprites, joystick/keyboard, tape/disk
20K w/FAST machine language routines. Over 60 commands:
ROTATE (any angle 0-360), INVEFIT/OBVEFIT, SHIFT, SYM-
I^ETRY, AND/OR, REVERSE. REVIEW. MOVIE (animation).
Create and edit up to 128 sprites per tite. For programming
efficiencyandFUN' indudesttieGams Maker- automalicat^^
prepares a tiase for game development.
Cassette £29.95
Disk $34.95
(U.S. Funda)
Faxg®iiir'"
P.O. Box 507
Deer PafK Texas 77536
(7 13} 473-6723
72 COMPUTEI's Goiette July 1983
Commodore ViC20/64 1541 Single Disk Drive 325.00
K- Commodore VIC20/64 1530 Datassette 62.00
■ Commodore V1C20/64 1525 Printer, , , , 325,00
Commodore V(C20/64 1701 Color Monitor 245,00
Commodore V)C20/64 1600 Vicmodem (Telephone
Interface). 91.00
•When purchased with 1530 Datassette and VL1 10 Refer-
ence Programmers Guide,
VICinOViC8K Memory Expander Cartridge. ..... 41.00
VtCI n 1 VIC 16K Memory Expan(ier Cartridge 65.00
VIC1923 Gorf 28.00
V!C 1924 Adventure Land Adventure 28.00
VlC1917The Count 28.00
VIC1929 Personal Finance 28,00
VIC1211A VIC 20 Super Expander 53,00
VIC1212 Programmers Aid Cartridge 44,00
VIC1213Vtcmon Machine Language Monitor 44,00
VL102 Introduction to Basic Programming-Partf, . , . 18,00
VL103 Basic Programming-Part tl 18,00
VT107A Home Calculation Program Six Pack 42.00
VT164 Programmable Character Set/
Gamegraphics Editor 1 1,00
VM 100 Personal Computing On The VIC20 4.50
VL1 10 V1C20 Programmers Reference Guide 13,00
Maxell. Minr-Drsks. B%".
MD-2D Double sided, double density. For use on Tl, Shugart
or eauivalent ( 10 pkg,) $47,50
MD-1 Single sided, single density for mini floppy disc
drives (10 pkg.) 533,50
Cardco, Creative Software, EPYX,
HES,UMlWICO,Romox.
Get the ttest prices on hardware and software. For a com-
plete listing of all SAVE's products, send $5,00 for our cata-
logue (refundable with your first order).
Enjoy the convenience of in-home shopping. Call our toll free
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Use your American Express, VISA, Mastercard, check or
money order. Minimum order of $50. Shipping and handling
charges are extra. Alt prices are subject to change without
notice. AKow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Prices gooa through
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Order Toll Free 1-800-241-2682
In Georgia (404}-351-8459
I
s m a amoEiianofaiina
a OB aaBaaaaaaa ibi ea fi
BUSICALC/BUSICALC II
BOSICALC A Honey of an Electronic Spreadsheet
Why electronic spreadsheet programs?
Electronic spreadsheet programs allow the user to create a gridsheet,
spreadsheet, worksheet, or any other table of information, using the
memory of the computer as pencil and paper The computer display or
terminal acts as a window through which the user views the information ^ _^V
as it is entered. Textual information (such as headings), numerical values, ^^^A *\t
and formulas can easily be entered into the spreadsheet. .^^^^T^ Cl/
For Commodore 64 ^f^ W^ C^
For Commodore VIC 20 ^ O v (V m^^
^^^ For Commodore PET/CBM 40 columns w -4% ^V*'^^
For Commodore CBM 80 column/SuperPet > C5
^^ \
BGSICALC Your Computer Drone for Repetitive Calculations \ C^^
The outstanding advantage of using a computer Is that It acts not only ^ ^. ^
as a pencil and paper but as a perfect eraser and an automatic calculator. V *■ /^V
The user can quickly and easily make any number of alterations to the fs^^
data within the table. The BUSICALC will evaluate any formula using the ^ ^'
data that has been entered. Further, it retains the formulas and displays ^
the resulting value. With BUSICALC controlling the entry of data, provid-
ing a comprehensive memory, and performing arithmetic, the preparation
f^j of a spreadsheet is faster and more accurate than if it were prepared
'^^ by hand.
BUSICALC With the Sting Removed from the Prices
BUSICALC 20 only $49.00 for the VIC 20
BUSICALC 64 only $69.00 for the CBM 64
BUSICALC 40 only $79.00 for the original 40 column PET/CBM
BUSICALC 80 only $89.00 for the original 80 column CBMs and SuperPets
^ ^^ BUSICALC AVAILABLE NOW FROM YOOR LOCAL DEALER
-^^ G ^^ (^^0) 227-9998 ^r.
.0^^ qO for the name of yogr nearest dealer ^m^
^Ni c,9^ * California, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii please call (415) 965-1735
rj]) Skyles Electric Works
W 231G South Whisman Road
Ji Mountain View, CA 94041
Europe please contact SuperaofI, Winchester House, Canning Boad, Harrow Weeldstone, Middlesex, England HA3 7SJ, Tel. 01 661 1166
VIC
Timepiece
Joseph D. Wright
With this program, your VIC becomes a clock
complete with sound and colors. And, when
you prefer quiet, you can turn the sound down.
For the unexpanded VIC. If you have an ex-
panded VIC, unplug the memory cartridge
before loading and running the program.
What do you do with your computer when you're
not using il? Why noi lei it display tlie tiiiu*
and slit)w oi'f.somo of its talents during your
"downtime."
This program was fashioned after the plastic
rolling-liall clocks. [3ii( with this clock, you can
turn (he soinui down when you sleep or watch TV.
Patterns, Sound, Colors
Tlic first step in designing tiic clock was to lay out
different patterns on the screen until a feasible de-
sign was found. The next step was to draw the
screen display on graph paper (5 x 5 Quadrille),
making it easier to list all screen coordinates to which
the ball could move.
The screen locations were put in an array, A(40),
in the order they would be encountered; from the
lower right of the screen, up the "elevator," and
across the top ramp to where the ball falls to the
second ramp and continues tti the position where
the first hall might be located. Another array, B(48),
siiows the route all extra ha I is take to the bottom of
the screen .
A delay was added to the sound routine to
slow the ball to a reasonable speed. The program
worked fine without a deiay when only one ball
was involved, hut when five halls started rolling,
things got a little hectic. It would have been nice to
have the balls fall at a faster rate than they rolled
the rest of the way down the clock, but memor)'
restrictions dampened any chance of such intrica-
cies. I decided to increase the overall speed of the
balls so the "fall" speed would be close to normal.
The sound routine is designed so any condition
that warrants a "hit" sound is sent to that section of
74 COMPUTEI's GaietiB JuIyl9B3
the routine. Otherwise, control falls through to the
"roll" sound. Two sounds were tied together to
approximate the sound of a rolling Liall,
Usually I prefer the orange background because
it gives more color to work with. The dark color
also allows POKEing into screen memory without
also POKEing a color into color memory. By the
way, a simple way to add color is to add CO to the
previously POKEd location, where CO equals 30720
(38400-7680, which is the beginning of color memory
minus the screen memory), inir example, I'OKE
SC -I- {var),81:POKE SC -I- ^'ar) -I- CO,(color).
A Little Ingenuity
To convert this program to another computer, try
using the same program lines and change only
the variables to allow for voin' screen size (for
instance, to allow for the Commodore 64' s 40-
column screen). Ifyour computer addresses screen
locations with X and Y coordinates, try changing
the DATA statements to four-digit numbers, such
as 0215 where 02 is the X value and 15 is the Y
value. These values can be obtained bv the for-
mulas: X = VAL(LEFTS(B(X),2)) and Y = VAL
At 12:59, the clock is fully racked loith (mils.
(RIGHT$(B(X),2)) in Microsoft BASIC. The DATA
statements would have to be READ in as strings.
For tliosc of you with PRINTfa statements, similar
results can be achieved by PRlNTing an "o" or an
"*" (or anything else that belter resembles a ball)
at the proper locations.
With n little ingenuity, this clock could be
displayed on any computer, although it might
require some fancy manipulating of PRINTTAB
or other statements.
If you'd rather nut type this program listing,
just .send $3 and a stamped, self-addressed mailer
with blank cassette (no disks) to:
j.D. \\'n<iht
10M)auir!c^ Street
Lotiisvi!k\ KY 40204
Sec program listing on page 124.
As tlic liitit luiiiiiti' of the hour expires, the bath i'i\^i}i their
descent, tri;^j^ering chain reactions among Itie other racks. . .
until only one ball remains on titehour rack, iiulieating it
IS nou' 1 :00. ffl
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July 1983 COMPUTEI's Gazette 75
VlCreations
DANCARMICHAEL
sv:^\Na«oSxiM«JSS>iiSiSc;iiV;;:^
Let me tell you a little about myself first and then
we'll get down to an interesting technique you
can use - how to speed up your BASIC programs.
After studying computer science in the late
1960s, I entered the world of "data processing" at
a relatively early stage in the computer revolution.
My first job in the field involved what were then
considered ultra-giant computers - IBM 370 168's.
With a memory capacity of around eight million
bytes, the 168's provided the programmer with a
lot of room to work in,
I was so used to the large memory of these
machines that when the first personal computers
hit the consumer market around 1977, I was hesi-
tant to buy one. After all, I figured, what can 16K
offer to a programmer who is accustomed to work-
ing with millions of bytes of memory? I continued
to resist home computers until 1981 when the
VIC-20 hit the market. Its price - $300 then - was
low enough to justify the experiment.
I bought one, and was pleasantly surprised.
Amazed might be a better word. To put it simply,
the VIC turned out to be a sea led -down version of
the IBMs I loved so much. Just less memory, that's
all. The VIC screen editor was surprisingly
sophisticated. You can easily and quickly move
the cursor anywhere you want to and change
things efficiently on screen. (Many other com-
puters have cumbersome editing.) And the other
internal workings of the VIC turned out to be
similar to the IBMs. Even the BASIC language in
the VIC was very much like the BASIC emulator
in the large IBMs. I've been fascinated with my
VIC ever since. Like a good book, it's hard to pull
yourself away from it.
Future Columns
This monthly column will contain everything
from useful bits of information for the beginner
(did you know that if you type POKE 650,128 and
hit RETURN, every key on the keyboard will "re-
peat" if you continue to hold it down?) to helpful
tutorials for the intermediate-level programmer.
We'll look at the best VIC software as it comes
on the market and talk about the best new games.
We'll even get into how to go about writing some
games of your own. And there'll be useful pro-
grams and utilities to help you get the most out of
your amazing "little" computer.
76 COMPUWiGoiette July 1983
Above all, we'll explore the programs, tech-
niques, new products, and discoveries that should
make for many hours of fun, and fascination,
with your VIC.
Speedy Variables
Sometimes one of the biggest problems when
programming with BASIC (especially in writing
games) is figuring out how to make the program
run fast enough. It's no good playing slow-motion
Ping Pong. There are ways, however, to squeeze
more speed out of your BASIC programs. One
simple way is to use more variables. The following
programs will demonstrate this. The programs
will fill the screen with dots and then tell you
how many seconds it took to finish the job.
Carefully type in Program 1, type RUN, and
press the RETURN key. (To type the clear-screen
character [CLR] in line 10, hold down the SHIFT
key and press the CLR/HOME key. You should
then see a reversed heart character. If you have a
problem, see "How To Type In COMPUTE'.' s
Gazette Programs" elsewhere in this issue.)
Program 1
i0 PRINT" {CLR)":A=0:TI$= "000000"
20 POKE 7680+A,81:POKE 38400+A,6:IF A=505
THEN GOTO 40
30 A=A+1:G0T0 20
40 PRINT TI/60:END
The running time for Program 1 is approxi-
mately 12.16 seconds. The only variable used
here is the variable "A", which serves to increment
both the screen (7680 + A) and color (38400 + A)
memory locations.
Now type in Program 2, and RUN it.
Piogram 2
10 PRINT "{CLRl "sA=0!B=7680:C=38400:TI$="
000000"
20 POKE B+A,81:P0KE C+A,6:IF A=505 THEN G
OTO 40
30 A=A+l:GOTa 20
40 PRINT TI/60:END
The running time for Program 2 is approxi- .
mately 8.53 seconds, an increase in speed of 30
percent! The only changes we made in Program 2
were to define the numbers 7680 and 38400 as
variables ("B" and "C") during the initialization
(the preliminary definitions and instructions to
the computer) in the program. Then we used these
variables in the program itself.
Now enter Program 3, and RUN it.
Program 3
10 PRINT" {CLR} " :A=0!B=76a0:C=38400:D=81 :E
=6 :F=505:TI$= "000000"
20 POKE B+A,D:POKE C+A,E:IF A=F THEN GOTO
40
30 A=A+1:G0T0 20
40 PRINT TI/60:END
In Program 3, we have replaced tiiost of the
numbers in the program with variables. Re-
member that the variables were first defined fur
the VIC during the initializntiaii phase of the pro-
gram. Witliout first being defined, a variable
would mean nothing to the computer later on in
the program. The variable would just be a zero,
and that would cause havoc.
The running time of Program 3 is approxi-
mately 6,7 seconds, almost twice as fast as Program
1, and a marked improvement over Program 2.
The trade-offs here are obvious. By using a
Bttle more of the VlC's memory to define variables,
you can greatly increase the swiftness of your
programs. Also, if these variables are used more
than once in your program, you can save memory
at the same lime you're increasing speed. So you
cnii have your cake and eat it too.
Speedy BASIC
You could also try the FOR/NEXT structure instead
of the POKE we've been using so far (in Programs
1-3). Here's how.
Enter Program 4, and RUN.
Program 4
10 PRINT "[ CLR} ":A=7680! 8=38400 :C=8l!D=6:
F=505:TI$="000000"
20 FOR E=0 TO F:POKE A+E,C:POKE B-»-E,D!N
EXT SPRINT TI/60:END
This version runs in just over four seconds.
It's the fastest version yet.
Programming with the FOR/NEXT technique
might be a bit more difficult. But in some cases,
where speed is important, the extra effort would
be worth it.
A Word About Machine
Language
For maximum efficiency, for programs that run at
lightning speed, machine language is the way to
go. Machine language is the VIC's native lan-
guage. It talks to it ^tif in machine language; BASIC
has to be "interpreted" while a program is run-
ning. This translating process can significantly
retard progress from one instruction to the next.
Of course, computers are so fundamentally fast
that many programs don't require any extra speed.
But some do. Thai's when the techniques we've
looked at this month are worth knowing. Even
so, in certain cases, machine language is the only
solution. To see the spectacular speed of machine
language, try Program 5:
Program 5
10 FOR A=7168 TO 7200: READ BiPOKE A,B:NEX
T
20 PRINT"tCLR)" PRESS ANY KEY,",,, "BUT DO
N'T BLINK 1 I"
30 GETA5:IF A$=""THEN GOTO 30
40 TI$"000000":SYS7168: PRINT Tl/60:END
50 DATA 162,0,169,81,157,0,30,169,6,157,0
,150,232,224,0,208,241,169,81
60 DATA 157,254,30,169,6
70 DATA 157,254,150,232,224,0,208,241,96
After many years oi programming, I am still
fascinated by the extraordinary speed of machine
language.
As you can see, this program runs in just
over 1/100 of a second, approximately 730 times
faster than Program 1, which is written in BASIC.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with machine
language, there's no trick here. As a matter of
fact, this program could have been written to run
even faster, but you get the idea.
Machine language is an advanced topic and
won't be covered in any detail in this column, but
if you're interested, COMPUTE'.'fi Gnzetk' for
Commodore has a column on the subject,
"Machine Language For Beginners," elsewhere
in this issue.
If you've got questions or ideas about subjects
you'd like to see covered in this column, write to:
VlCreations, P.O. Box 5406, Greensboro, NC 27403.
COMPUTE rs Gazette
Toll Free Subscription Order Line
800-334-0868
In NC 919-275-9809
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July 1983 COMPUTED Goielte 7?
LARRY ISAACS
64 EXPLORER
"64 Explorer" will be a regular column dealing
with topics of interest to Commodore 64 users.
Since this is Ihc premiere column, perhaps a little
bit about my backgrtmnd is in order (mixed with
a few items of historical interest) before we begin
our first explorations of the 64's BASIC language.
Eight Years Ago
1 ha\'e had an interest in microcomputers since
they first became available. At that time (around
1975), I was still in college, so naturally I couldn't
afford one of my own. Instead, I had to be ct)ntent
reading all the literature and magazines 1 could
lay my hands on. In those days, you had to know
a lot about how your microcomputer worked in
tirder to use it. Plus, you would typically have to
do a lot of your own programming. Back then a
microcomputer with as much memory as the 64
would have been L]uite expensive. And it would
have weighed a ton, because at that state of tech-
nology it would have required a very large power
supply.
It was during this time that 1 picked up most
of my hardware design experience. This experi-
ence included designing a bit-slice (i.e., custom)
minicomputer and working on some peripheral
controllers for DEC minict)mputers. Unfortu-
nately, 1 wasn't able to pick up much experience
on microcomputers.
Then came the Apple and Commodore PET
computers. Tiiey were the first nias.s-market
microcomputers for beginners as well as for more
experienced people. Actually, the PET (short for
Personal Electronic Transactor) could he consid-
ered the great-grandfather of the Commodore 64.
When the PET was first introduced, there weren't
many hcvoks or publications to help beginners
learn about computing, and fewer still ready-to-
run programs, so it was quite a challenge for a
beginner to use a PET. Fortunately, things began
to immediately improve with the formation of
user clubs and the publication of a number of
small but informati\'e newsletters.
It was a short time later (the spring of 1979)
that 1 joined Small System Services, which a few
?8 COMPUTEI's Gazatta July 1983
months later began publishing COMPUTE! (the
parent magazine of C0M/-'U7'E.''s Gazetlc). It was
at Small Svstem Services that 1 got my first hands-
on experience with microcomputers. Most of that
experience was with the Commodore PHTand
CBM computers, though the Atari was not far
behind.
I had been with Small System Services about
a year when, in an effort to further my program-
ming skills, I left to work for Micro Technology
Unlimited. I^ir the past three years, I have been
writing or adapting programs almost exclusively,
though my work still exposes me to a good deal
of hardware. Most of my programming involves
machine kinguage, but I have also done a fair
amount of programming in BASIC. And I have at
least a little experience with some of the less wide-
spread languages, such as Forth, Pascal, and C.
Virtually all my programming experience has
involved the 6502 microprocessor. The 6510,
which is the microprocessor chip at the heart of
the Commodore 64, is identical to the 6502 except
for a few mitior changes. For programming pur-
po.ses they can be considered virtually identical.
Tips, Translations, Small
Applications
In this column, I plan to cover topics for all levels
of users, but primarily for the beginner- to
intermediate-level user. 1 will try to provide
programming tips as well as useful informa-
tion about the computer. Where feasible, 1 will
discuss how to convert programs from other
home computers, especially the VIC, I'or use on
the 64, and I'll try to keep you up-to-date on
new hardware and software products for the 64.
From time to time, 1 will try to present small
applications of my own which I hope will prove
useful and instructive to you. Since this column
is for your benefit, I invite you to send in your
suggestions for subjects you would like to see
covered.
Now let's move on to something you can put
to use. As you may know, the 64 represents the
state-of-the-art in inexpensive home computers.
NOW THE
KK MAKES YOUR
COMMODORE
4TIMES SMARTER
You may know how Quick Brown Fox ™ smar-
tens up your VIC 20'" or Commodore 64'"
by tuming it into the quickest, user-friend!iest,
and most versatile word processor running.
Now you should know about three new
software rascals that make the Commodore
64 even more wily and clever
First, there's QuickFlnger.'" In the most cunning
Fox tradition, it's both a game and a teacher — for
both children and adults. It makes a sport out of
learning to touch-type on a computer keyboard by showing letters
on a screen. The letters move faster and faster until pretty soon
you're typing quick as the devil,
■Second, there's QuickSpell.'" It's compatible with Quick Brown Fox
word processing. )ust in kase your won of those fokes what makes spel-
ing airors or trypos every now and them, QuickSpell checks them for you
without your having to live with a dictionary on your lap.
Third, there's QuickMail.'" It's the foxy way to keep your mailing lists up to
-date — easily, tidily, and, of course, quickly.
So now you have four ways the friendly Fox makes your computer more
cute, clever, and cuddly But don't stop counting. Deep in its lair, the Fox is
getting ready to trot out more beguiling new programs for you.
QUICKBROWNFOX"
Call or write for more details;
548 Broadway New York. NY 10012 (Z 1 2) 925-8290
Dealer Inquiries Invited
© 1 983 Quick Brown Fox
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^m
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80 COMPUTEI'sGozttte Julyl9B3
Yet it still shares a lot of similarities with Commo-
dore machines that have preceded it. An advan-
tage you have over owners of the early Commo-
dore machines is the availability of helpful books
and publications. This should make it easier to
learn how to get more out of your computer. Your
64 came with a small book called the Coiimiodarv
64 User's Guide. It is written in tutorial style and
provides a very brief introduction to the BASIC
language. In most cases, it doesn't go into enough
detail to prepare you to do actual programming.
If you've never written any
programs before, you will
soon learn that some of the
things you're used to doing
may not be acceptable to BASIC.
If you do plan to do some of your own program-
ming, a book you should buy is the Cottiiiiodon' 64
Progmmnier'^ Referemr Guide. It provides informa-
tion on a wide variety of subjects, and in much
greater detail. In my next column, I will briefly
review this book, and in the future I will try to
mention sections of this book where you can find
additional information related to subjects covered
in the column.
Microsoft BASIC
If the 64 is your t'irst computer, and you're plan-
ning on doing some of your own programming,
then chances are that BASIC will be your first
computer language. Several different versions of
BASIC have been developed by various com-
panies. Each has its own style or flavor.
The BASIC which is built into the 64 comes
originally from Microsoft, Inc. It is an early version
of Microsoft BASIC, which means that it is missing
some features sometimes found in newer or "ex-
tended" BASICS. But, for most applications, this
simpler version will prove sufficient, and it has
the advantage of taking up less memory. En-
hancements to BASIC have already begun to hit
the market, so those who would like some of these
extra features will not have to do without. 1 will
try to keep you posted on the enhancements as
they become available.
Some Terms
Before discussing some things concerning the 64'. s
BASIC, I had better define a couple of terms first.
Some of the time I may refer to BASIC coiinutuuis,
and other times I may refer to BASIC slatemcnts.
Some of you might wonder what the difference
is. Generally speaking, there isn't any difference.
Strictly speaking, a BASIC statement is any "sen-
tence" which is executable by BASIC, and is thus
the more general term. BASIC commands are
typically those BASIC statements which are
executed as direci commands (that is, instructions
typed in without line numbers for immediate
execution). This implies that the other statements,
not called commands, are typically used within
programs.
The CoDDttoiiive 64 User's Gki'A' categorizes
CONT, LIST, LOAD, NEW, RUN, SAVE, and
VERIFY as commands, and the rest as statements.
1 will try to follow this terminology, but in some
cases it isn't obvious whether a statement is being
used as a command or not. In such cases, my
choice will depend mostly'on my mood. For ex-
ample, it may seem more natural to say "OPEN
command" rather than "OPEN statement" if it is
being executed as a direct command.
Another important term I will be using in
this column is the word "enter," 1 use "enter" to
refer to a line or lines that should be typed into
the computer with each line being terminated by
pressing RETURN. So, if I indicate that you should
enter "NEW," you should type "NEW" followed
by a RETURN.
If you've never written any programs before,
you will soon learn that some of the things you're
used to doing may not be acceptable to BASIC. A
prime example is the use of commas in numbers.
When writing numbers for other humans, we are
taught to place commas in the number for the
millions and thousands (i.e., l,00t),tKK)). But, in
BASIC, the comma is used to separate various
items from one another; you write 3101), not 3,100.
BASIC would interpret 3,100 as three followed
by 100.
CHRGET Routine
One of the things that gives the 64's BASIC its
flavor is a routine called the CHRGET routine.
This is not a BASIC routine, but a machine lan-
guage routine which is part of the BASIC inter-
preter program. For those new to programming,
the BASIC interpreter program is the program the
64 is executing while you are using BASIC. The
computer chip in the 64 isn't made to execute
BASIC statements directly, so a program is needed
which can interpret the BASIC statements and
perform the specified action.
The CI-IRGET routine is used by the BASIC
interpreter to fetch the next character from your
BASIC program or direct command. It isn't the
only way the BASIC interpreter fetches the next
character, but it is the one used in most situations.
Thus, the characteristics of this routine have a
major effect on the way certain things operate in
this BASIC,
July 1983 COMPUTSIS Gazette 81
For example, the CHRGET routine will skip
spaces. If the character fetched is a space character,
the CHRGET rtuitine will throw it away and fetch
the character following the space. It will repeat
this process until a non-space character is found.
The result is that the BASIC interpreter won't see
any difference between "FOR I = 1 TO 10" and
"FORI = ITOIO". There are other times where the
results can he somewhat unexpected. For e.xam-
p!e, BASIC also uses the CHRGET rtiutine to fetch
the digits found in numbers. Consequently,
BASIC doesn't see any difference between "'■)99'-)"
and "99 99". Enter the following to see this for
yourself:
PRINT VAL("9999"), VAL("99 99")
It must be nt)ted, though, ilia I the spaces are
thrown away only when the statements are being
executed, and not when they are entered.
Statement Terminator
Another characteristic of the CHRGET routine is
that it will signal when the end of a statement has
been reached. It decides that it has reached the end
of a statement when it finds a colon {:) or a /.ero-byte
character (i,e., a character whose ASCII value is
zero, not to be confused with a "0" character which
has an ASCII value of 49). You need not concern
yourself with the zero-bvte character since it is au-
tomatically put at the end of each line by the BASIC
interpreter. This is not the case v\ ilh the colon,
whose special status as a statement terminator can
also cause imexpected results. For example, tr\'
entering and running the following one-line
pR)gram:
10 INPUT T$:I'RINTT$
The INPUT statement will make the computer
display a question mark and pause while it awaits
some response from you. Then enter:
ABCD:EFG
as your resptJnse to the INPUT statement. The 64
will display:
7EXTRA IGNORED
A BCD
As you can see, the colon in your response had
the effect of terminating input into the TS variable.
The "EXTRA IGNORED" message is to let you
know that there was more on the line which was
not used. You might expect that changing the
program ti>:
10 INPUT T1$,T2S:PR1NT T1$,T2S
and entering the same response would get rid of
the "EXTRA IGNORED" message, but this is not
the case. If you enter the same input, BASIC will
display "??" indicating that the INPU'f statement
wants more data. This happens because the colon
doesn't just separate, but terminates the input for
82 COMPUTEI's Gazette July 1983
that lino as well. It is as if you entered a RETURN
after the "D" instead of the colon.
As previously stated, the comma is the charac-
ter used to separate items from one another. If you
enter "ABCD,EFG" in the two examples above,
yt>u would find that the first example wt>iks the
same, but the sectJnd works as expected, "ABCD"
and "DEE" are read into Tl$ and T2$, respectively.
The comma does not have the terminating charac-
teristic that the colon does.
Special-Purpose Characters
With this special treatment given to the comma
and colon, it would appear that using them as
normal characters would be difficult. However,
this is where another character wliich receives
special treatment comes in handy. This character
is the quote iiaark ("). Any seqLience of characters
found between quotes will be interpreted as a
literal string, which means that BASIC won't use
the CI IRGET routine to fetch the characters. As a
result, the comma and colon won't receive the
usual special treatment. The only difticultv that
remains is embedding quotes within a string.
This is accomplished by specifying the c|uote as
CI 1R$(34) (the character code number for ") and
combining it into the siring at the desired places.
For example, the statements:
PRINT CHRS(34);"PRINT THIS WITHIN
QUOTES";CHRS(34)
TS = CHRS(34) + "PRINT THIS Win II N
QUOTES" + CHR$(34):PRINT r$
will both print a sequence of characters between
quotes. The first statement prints it directly; the
second places the string into a variable first, then
prints the variable.
The moral of tliis story is that BASIC may not
always do what you might expect. The Microsoft
BASIC in the 64 uses some characters t'or special
purposes, which in other situations can give im-
expected results. As you become better acquainted
with BASIC, these surprises will occur less often,
1 will try to cover more of these operational details
in future columns.
One Final Tip
As one final tip tor this month, I would like to
point out that FN is a rcscrocd kci/woni - it may not
be used as a variable name. Remembering this
could save a lottif time, and a lot of hair-pulling.
On more than one occasion 1 have tried to use
FNS as a string variable to hold a file name. The
result is a SYN'I'AX ERROR which can be very
difficult to see if you forget that I-N is reserved. I
have stared at the offending statements for longer
than I would care to admit before remembering
this simple fact. 1 hope you won't make the same
mistake, at least not more than once. 0
POWER BASK
64 Paddle
Reader Routine
Bobby Williams
Bcf^iiiniu^ thin month, "Power BASIC" irill be a scriiV of
short iitililics luitl rontiiifn ic/kV/i use Dmchinc liiit^iun^f to
othntn-i.' tin- jnturr iiiitl iiM'fiiliu'^n ofipiircoiiipiitcr'n BASIC.
You do not mril to tutiU'r^tniid iiiticliim' hiit^^tia^c to use
these routines - eueh will he presented in the fonu of a short
BASIC prof^raiii ready to ti/pe i)i luid use.
If you've ever tried io use the Commodore (vl
piiddle controllers in n BASIC progr^im, you m.iy
have noticed how the value you PEEK to read the
paddles "jitters" or jumps around even when the
paddle isn't touched. This is due to the ana log-to-
ri igilal conversion going on, plus the paddle's
sensitivity.
The VIC doesn't seem to suffer as much from
this "jitter." So what can we do to get the 64's
paddles to "calm down"?
One way is to read the paddle several times
and average the results. This could be done with
a short loop in BASIC. But even a very short loop
in BASIC is relatively slow, especially if you're
trying to read the paddle very fast, as in a game.
The answer is to use machine language.
256 Readings Per Split Second
Don't worry - you won't need to understand
machine language to use the following program.
It's been converted into a BASIC hymicr, a short
BASIC subroutine which loads the machine lan-
guage into memory as part of your regular BASIC
program. The routine reads the paddle 256 times
in a split second and takes the average as the final
value.
All you need to do is add these lines to the
beginning of any new or existing BASIC program
that uses the paddles;
10 PR=49152tFOR 1=0 TO 16: READ A i POKE PR+
I,A:NEXT
11 DATA 169,0,170,168,24,109,25,212,144,1
, 200, 202, 208,247, 132, 251 ,96
When you want to read the paddle, simply
type:
SYSPR:PA^PnEK(251)
We are IM-.EKing memory location 251 instead
of the actual paddle location (542^7) because that
is where the subroutine stores the average that
you want.
X And ¥ Coordinate Readings
If you want the paddle reading to be an X or Y
coordinate ot a sprite, simply use these lines in-
stead of those above:
10 PR=49152:FOR 1=0 TO 17: READ A: POKE PR+
I, A: NEXT
11 DATA 169,0,170,168,24,109,25,212,144,1
,200,202, 208,247, 140, LO, HI, 96
Fill in "LO" with the low byte and "1 11" with
the high byte of the sprite's X or Y address. This
will automaticallv update your sprite position
when vou type SYS PR (either as a line in your
program or directly from the keyboard).
Both of these roLi tines read the X paddle. If
you want to read the Y paddle, change tlie 25 in
the DATA statements to a 26. Also, the variable
I'k in line 10 may be any value where you have 17
available memory locatitvns. For example, to store
the routine in the cassette buffer, make PR = 828.
This machine language routine is so fast that
even though it reads the paddle 256 times during
each call, if is only about eight microseconds
slower than a single PEEK in BASIC. 0
July 1983 COMPUm'sGoietle 83
MACHINE LANGUAGE FOR BEGINNERS
RICHARD MANSFIELD, SENIOR EDITOR
A Hidden World
There's something amazing beneath BASIC.
Each month in this column we'll explore (he
mysterious, powerful world of machine language.
Along the way, we'll try some fascinating tricks
and techniques. Evcrytliing will be designed to
give you hands-on experience using ready-made,
easily typed-in examples. 1 hope that you'll soon
come to feel that machine language is not much
more difficult to learn or to use than BASIC.
From time to time you'll hear someone say
that they could never learn to program in BASIC
because they aren't good at math. If you've done
any BASIC programming, you know (hat math
has little to do with it. You can chtni^n' to write
complicated mathematical programs, but few
home computerists want to or need to. Instead,
most of us write games, practical applications
programs, music, or whatever interests us. But
not math. BASIC commands such as SIN, TAN,
and COS just sit there unused.
Going Below BASIC
Likewise, many BASIC programmers hear about
this mysterious machinL' language and think that
it's only for physicists, engineers, or advanced
professional programmers. For example, an au-
thor will explain that he or she wrote a game in
BASIC, but added machine language in certain
places for speed. Somewhere in the same article
you might see a "program listing" of the machine
language part and be convinced that it's a lot less
understandable than BASIC. After all, machine
language uses special three-letter abbreviations
instead of the English words of BASIC.
It is somewhat easier to learn the meaning of
the STOP command than its machine language
equivalent, BRK. But they do pretty much the
same thing - they slop a running program - and
it's not that hard to remember that BRK is just
shorthand for BREAK. But we're getting ahead of
84 COMPUTEI's Gazette July 1983
ourselves. Let's first tr)' to define what machine
language is and also try out some easy, prelimi-
nary excursions "below" BASIC. To understand
the meaning of machine language we should
first take a brief look at how BASIC itself works.
Try typing in and RUNning the following:
VIC Version:
10?CHRS(14)
20 FOR I =49310 TO 49610: ? CHRS(PEEK(I));:
NEXT
64 Version:
10?CHR${:4)
20 FOR I = 41 160 TO 41560: ? CHRS(PEEK{I));:
NEXT
Here we are PEEKing into the section of your
computer's memory which contains BASIC as a
progmm on a Rend Only Mamvy (ROM) chip -
which is never erased. In the VIC, BASIC takes
up memory locations 49152 through 57343, and in
the 64 it goes from 40960 through 49151 . In both
cases, BASIC uses up 8K of memory, somewhat
more than 8000 bytes. What we're PEEKing here
is a list of the BASIC command words. Also, at
the end of that list is another "table" of words
which are the computer's error messages. (Notice
that the computer can tell when a word ends and
a new one begins because the last letter is
capitalized.)
BASIC is just another program - albeit a very
large program. But BASIC itself is not wrilicn in
BASIC. BASIC i$ a inacliinc liingtuigc pivgram.
Following The Trail
BASIC is a language that both you and your com-
puter can easily understand. It's the way you
communicate your instructions (your programs)
to the VIC or 64. That list of words we just ex-
tracted is sometimes called a lookup tabtc and con-
tains the 50 or so commands that you can use to
geat^'
dc-
WordSforrh
^.t'a't>.'s''/
SportSearch £L,
eOitlliE'STElTElAMsn.'
'p'iViIi.l.'^Mfi r1~
flu >i>A;ij[/A"o,''r>,?.,;t,
ii.i'i>:n\;:,\:-."-.i ■
|n|fejiiii'ih:,\'>-i
«'if™.r22!^si;K'
For yfC-20 and Commodore 64
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Add new Checks after Savins
YES
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Update and Edit after SoL-ing
YES
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NO
Delete and Void after Savins
YES
YF^
NO
Review Checks Forward & Backward
VES
NO
NO
Review by Check tt
YES
YES
NO
Print by Check or Calesory
YES
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NO
Print if iax Deductable
YES
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Configure far Serial or Parallel Printer
YES
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Upgrade from Cassette to Disk
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Compatabile with Personal Finance"
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program in BASIC. Let's see roughly what hap-
pens when you communicate with your computer
in BASIC, How i.s the word "Utah" printed on
the screen?
First we type in:
10 PRINT "UTAH"
Then, if we announce to the computer that
there is a program in memorv' to RUN (bv typing
RUN), it will look for the lowest line number and
then lutnlyzc the meaning of your instructions
following the line number. In this case, it would
find a match to liie instruction "PRINT." After it
located the match, it would then look down a
separate list of memory addresses. If PKIN T is the
sixth word on the "words list," then the computer
would count down to the sixth word on the "ad-
dresses list" and would send control of your
machine to the address it found. At that address
is a machine language program which handles
PRINT commands.
Now we can begin to see why programmers
want to learn machine language -programs rim
far more efficiently than they ever could in BASIC.
Why? Because BASIC is an "interpreter." BASIC
must interpret each instruction -ivhilv li }'iv;^rijiii is
rti}iHi!ig. What's more, a command like PRINT is
very general. Not only does BASIC need to find out
where {in ROM memory) the PMNT instructions
are located, it must then also interpret a number of
additional things. What's tlie format for the re-
quested PRIN Ting? Is there a TAB or SPC to deal
with? A comma or semicolon?
In our Utah example, there isn't any special
formal so BASIC must then decide if this is a re-
quest to print a literal string (something inside
quotes), a variable, or a number. And so on. Each
question must be answered by the computer be-
fore it can start putting something on the screen.
And all this takes time.
BASIC always has to keep track of the current
location of the cursor on the screen. This is how it
knows where to put the next item it PRINTs. By
the way, you can directly control the location oi
your cursor by POKEing new numbers into the
place that BASIC looks for this information. On
both the 64 and the VIC, the line location is held
in address 214 and the position on that line is in
address 211, You could type: POKE 214, 12 and
the cursor would be iiKived down to the twelfth
line. Or try POKE 21 i. It): PRINT "X".
We've just followed the trail of the PRINT
instruction, from lookup through execution. Re-
member that all of these events are going on while
BASIC is executing a program. This approach is
tolerably fast for many applications. After all, the
computer can fly around asking and answering
questions at impressive, electronic speeds.
Yet, because BASIC is all-purpose - it's the
86 COMPUTEI'i Gazette July 1983
Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
- it's never as fast as machine language. Machine
language can be hundreds of times faster because
you can print U TAl I without needing to check for
a quote or find a variable somewhere else in mem-
ory or whatever. You write a machine language
program which is customized, tailored to serve
no other function than to put the word U I'Al 1
where you want it. In one sense, printing Utah
via machine language means that you are con-
structing a new BASIC command word which
might be called PRINTUTAH.
An Experiment In High Velocity
Here's one final experiment. You'll see what's
meant by machine language speed and how valu-
able it is when you're writing games. It will also
illustrate the wav that machine language can be
aniihiiii'il with a iiABIC host program. The machine
language part is that series of numbers in the
DATA statements. When RUN, these numbers are
POKEd into memoiy to form a short machine lan-
guage program that will fill your screen with what-
ever key you press. And it will change the entire
screen instantly when you hit a different kev.
64 Version
10 FOR ADDR = 40000 TO 40017: READ NUMBE
R: POKE ADDR, NUMBER: NEXT
20 DATA 173,0,4,160,0,153,80,4,153,80,5
30 DATA 153, 8a. 6, 200, 208, 244, 96
40 GET A?! IFA$=""GOTO40
50 POKE1024,ASC(AS) :SyS40000 : GOT'J40
VIC Version
1 FOR A=O2 0 TO B69:READ QtPOKld A,BlNKXT
2 DATA 160,0,177,251,145,251,200,208,251,
162,255, 134,2 51,145,2 51,200,208,251,16
9,6,145
3 DATA 253,230,208,251,162,255,134,253,14
5,2 5 3,200,208,251,162,0,134,251,134,25
3,96,234
10 PRINT " I CLR) {down) PRESS ANY KEY"; POKE 2
51,0: POKE 252, 30: POKE 253,0: POKE 254,
150
20 IF 4*tPEEK(36866)ANR 128 )+64* ( PEEK( 368
69)AND L12)=4096 THEN POKE 252,16:POK
E 254, L48
30 GET AS: IF A$="" THEN 30
40 PRINT" (home) "A?:SYS82B:GOTO 30
After the numbers are POKEd into place, the
computer executes the machine language program
by a SYS command. This is essentially a GOSUB,
but the target isn't a BASIC line number. Rather,
it's the starting address of a machine language
routine. When finished, control is returned to
BASIC just as if the machine language routine
had ended with a RETURN, The VIC version is a
little longer to allow the program to work correctly
on any memory configuration.
VVe'll get into further explanations in the
months to come, but you might want to write a
short BASIC program to accomplish the same fill-
the-screen task. You'll then know why many
people find that learning machine language is
well worth their time. ®
BE CREATIVE WITH
YOUR CO"""n"n"=»
^K commodore
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#
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Enlivening
Programs With Sound
Gregg Peele, Programming Assistant
Have you been to a coin arcade lately? If you
have, then you know the impact that sound
has on the excitement of a video game. Whiz-
zes, bangs, and explosions of all sorts are
mixed with melodies and other special effects.
Although the visuals provide most of the
stimuli within a game, good sound effects add
that final professional touch.
How can sound be used effectively within a pro-
gram? Naturally, collisions, explosions, and other
climactic events occurring on the screen need the
added realism of sound. But don't limit its use to
these special effects.
Sound can add n spark of interest to a par-
ticularly dull section of a game. Maybe it takes ten
or 20 seconds to set up the screen for your game.
By adding sound to this part of your program,
you can maintain the interest even thouj^h, visu-
ally, not much is happening.
Sound can also serve more practical purposes
within other types of programs. A small beep can
signal an error condition or remind the user that
the computer needs attention.
Fortunately, Commodore has built excellent
sound capabilities into both the VIC-20 and the
Commodore 64. The 64, in fact, contains one of
the most sopliisticated sound-producing systems
of all personal computers, a true "synthcsizer-on-
a-chip." Commodore plans to use the full potential
of the 64's sound capability when it releases its
plug-in synthesizer keyboard later this year.
Commodore also is readying a plug-in drum syn-
thesizer for both the 64 and the VIC.
With these new peripherals, a revolution in
sound is beginning for Commodore users. We'll
be covering this subject regularly in COMPUTE!'s
Gazette for Commodore.
Fanfare
This month, here's a sound effect which may be
used to add a bit of excitement to almost any pro-
gram. There are two listings - one for the 64 and
the other for the VIC. The routine produces an
arcade-style "fanfare" for some triumphant mo-
ment within a game.
The addition of sound can enhance almost
any computer program. Don't neglect the added
dimension that .sound can add to your computing.
See program listings on page 114.9
HINTS&TIF
Accelerated IFs
Kurt Carpenter
If you've discovered a clever time-saving fechuicjtte, or a
\ brief bat effective progrannnirtg stiortcut, send it in to
"Hints & Tips, " c/o COMPUTEl's Gazette for Com-
modore. If we use it, we'll pay you $35.
; Microsoft BASIC for the VIC-20 and Commo-
dore 64, and probably for other computers as
well, will always execute an entire IF-THEN
I statement before rendering a decision. For
example:
IF (A = l AND B = 2 AND C = 3) THEN X = l
! In this statement, even though A is not
.aaMiHiTiawriwiiwimw^i^MIMpmgia^Bna
88 COMPUTEl-iGozene Julj-lSftS
equal to one, B is still checked for two and C
is checked for three before this statement is
found to be false.
Therefore, you can speed up a program
by replacing an IF statement of this type with
multiple IF statements, including the most
likely to fail first, the next most likely second,
etc. The above example would be changed to:
IFA = 1THENIFB = 2THEN1FC = 3
THENX = 1
This costs only one byte of memory per
each additional IF. In programs where execu-
tion speed is critical (such as games), the time
savings are worth it.
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July 1983 COMPUTEI'sGaze»e 89
Using Joysticks On
The Commodore 64:
A
BASIC Tutorial
Charles Brannon, Program Editor
Taking advantage o( the Commodore 64's
fascinating capabilities often involves PEEKs
and POKEs which can be confusing at first.
This article explains the essentials of using
joysticks in your own BASIC programs.
First of all, if you don't yet own a Commo-
dore joystick, you can usu the readily
available Atari joysticks, or any Atari-
compatiblc joystick - which gives vou quite
a choice. A number of "custom" sticks are avail-
able from outside companies. (This is fortunate,
because Atari recently won a court order blockinj^
Commodore from selling its Atari-lookalike joy-
sticks, so it may be awhile before we see a rede-
signed model.)
The Inside Story
To really understand joysticks, you have to know
how they work. Don't worry; joysticks are no
more complicated than a light switch. In fact,
inside the base t>f the joy.stick are five switches
that act like pushbuttons. When you press the
joystick north (up), south (down), east (right), or
west (left), or press the joybutton, a switch is
closed.
You can also move the stick diagonally (NE,
SE, SW, NW). 1 low can four buttons give you
90 COMPUlEn Gazette July 1983
eight direclitms? Simple. The joystick is designed
so that diagonal movement closes twi) switches
simultaneously.
Joy Bit
Each switch controls one part of a memory location
inside your computer. These are called h'tls. A bit
can hold only two values - either zero or one.
Zero normally means nothing, false, empty, off.
One means positive, true, on. Although it may
seem contusing at tirst, the joystick bits are re-
versed. When the joystick is centered (not de-
flected in any direction), all the bits are "on."
They are all ones. But if you move the joystick
up, the "north" bit will become a zero. If you
move the joystick diagonallv to the lower right,
both the "south" and "east" bits will become
zeros.
Siliconomics
Joysticks would be easier to use if each direction
had its own separate memory location. That way,
you could check the north, soutli, east, west, and
joybutton bits separately, but to economize (and
you always do when designing microchips, where
the cost is more than proportional to the amount
of silicon used), all the bits are grouped together
int<i a single memory byte (eight bits = one byte).
The bits are ordered like this;
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Direction
North:
South:
West:
East:
Buttun:
Value When Off
(Zero When On)
1
2
4
S
16
As we'll explain shortly, your program will
detect which way the joystick is deflected by look-
ing at this byte. The number in the byte will be
the sum oi all these values. Here's how it works.
Let's ignore the joybutton for a moment. If
the stick is not moved, the summed value in the
byte would be 15 (1 + 2 + 4 + 8 = 15). If the stick
were moved up (north), the north value would
become zero, and the remaining numbers would
add up k) 14. If the joystick were moved left (west),
the west value would become zero, and the re-
maining numbers would add up to 11.
The easiest way to use the joystick is to read
the memory location with the BASIC command
PEEK and use IF/THEN statements to take appro-
priate actions for each direction. Refer to this
diagram:
10
11 <-
14
<^
15
13
■^ 7
A series of IF/THEN statements might look
like this:
10 V=PEEK
20 IF V=l
30 IF V=l
40 IF V=7
50 IF V=l
60 IF V=6
70 IF V=5
80 IF V=9
90 IF V=l
100 IP V=
110 GOTO
(56321)AND15
4 THEN PRINT
3 THEN PRINT
THEN PRINT
1 THEN PRINT
THEN PRINT
THEN PRINT
THEN PRINT
0 THEN PRINT
15 THEN PRIN
10
"NORTH"
"SOUTH"
"EAST"
"WEST"
"NORTHEAST"
"SOUTHEAST"
"SOUTHWEST"
"NORTHWEST'
T "CENTER"
Line 10 reads the value of the joystick byte
and keeps it in a variable, V. The number 56321 is
the memory location for joystick port #1, I^EEK
reads this location, but you won't get just values
from 0-15. Other functions are also read here,
such as the joybutton. The "AND15" isolates the
values we're looking for bv turning off all the other
unwanted bits. I won't explain here why this
works ~ just take my word for it!
Who's On First?
You can read the second joystick (port #2) by
substituting the number 56320 for 56321 in line
92 CQMFUTErs Gazette July 1983
10. It might seem logical that the joystick which is
read by PEEKing location 56320 should be the
"first" joystick, since it has the lower number,
but that's not the way it works. You can't argue
with the lettering on the side of your Commodore
64 which clearly shows which is first and which is
second.
Also, you'll notice that the first joystick will
seem to "press" certain keys on your keyboard.
This is a hardware anomaly, but you can play
some joystick games by pressing keys in the upper
left part of your keyboard. It is not a reliable
method, however.
Another Way
Although the sample program above will read the
joystick, it's not necessarily the best way. IF/THEN
statements arc among tiie slowest statements in
BASIC, so if speed is important (as in games),
there are better ways to go. Here's a faster method.
Change line 10 to:
10 V=1S-(PEEK(56321)AND15)
Now the values returned will be:
1
•1*
4^
-> 8
10
Notice that the range is smaller here. You can
now use the values as the index to an array. Watch
how it works. Let's shorten the example
program:
10
20
30
40
FDR 1=0 TO 10: READ A$ :
MESSAGES ( I )=A$: NEXT I
DATA CENTER.NORTH, SOUTH, , WEST,
NORTHWEST , SOUTHWEST , , EAST ,
NORTHEAST , SOUTHEAST
V=15- { PEEK { 56321 )AND15}
PRINT MESSAGE? (V): GOTO 30
MESSAGES (prt>nounced "message-string")
is a slriu^ aniiy. A string array is a single variable
name that holds a whole list of strings (a string is
any series of characters). Each string has its own
box or place in the array. We address the item in
the list by calling its number. The READ loop on
line 10 fills the MESSAGES array with the ten
strings. If we .sav PRINT MESSAGES(O) we'll
get "CENTER". 'print MESSAGES(5) gives
"NORTHWEST"
Some of the DATA items are followed by two
commas, which are separators. The computer
interprets this to mean that between the commas
there is a "null" (empty) string. It saves us from
having to include items we don't need (since some
of the numbers in the range 0-10 don't correspond Ifs A Naturol
to any joystick direction).
Table Look-Up For Speed
Printing tiie messages indirectly by using the joy-
stick number is a form of table look-up. Instead of
having the computer go through a bunch of IF/
THENs, or searching a list for an answer, table look-
up is direct and fast. All the answers are already
determined. This is especially useful for games,
where speed is important. For example, you could
use a different character for any direction the player
is facing, and put them into an array to be selected
by the joystick number.
Tricky Techniques
You can also read the joystick by "masking"
(isolating) the bits you are looking for. Remember
that each direction has a number associated with
it. If we want to check for north, we just check to
see if the north bit has turned to zero. If we're
checking for north this way, we'll capture north-
east and northwest as well, which we wouldn't
have caught with a mere IF/THEN statement.
Here we'll "mask" out the north bit:
V=(15-PBEK{56321)AND15) AND 1
If V = 0, the joystick is not deflected north. If
V = 1, the joystick is being moved north, northeast,
or northwest.
To check for left (west):
V=(15-PEEK(56321)AND15) AND 4
If V = 0, there is no movement to the left. If
V = 4 (yes, 4, not 1), then the stick is being pressed
left, northwest, or southv/est. See how you can
separate the original four directions from the eight
possible ones?
So, to check for any direction, use:
V=PEEKC15-PEEK{56321)AND15J AND number
V (or whatever variable you use) wilt be either zero
(not deflected) or non-zero (deflected). Substitute
1, 2, 4, or 8 for number (1 = up, 2 = down, 4= left,
8 = right).
The Joybution
You can check for the joybutton, also called the fire
button or trigger, with:
B1=PEEK(56321)AND16 (for port: #1)
B2=PEEK{56320)AND16 (for port »2)
A zero value means the button is pushed. A
non-zero value (16) means the button is not
pushed. For example, if you are waiting for the
user to press the button to begin a game, you could
use a loop:
500 IF CPEEK( 56321 )AND16)<>0 THEN 500
Using a joystick in your next game will make it easier
to play, since joysticks seem more "natural" than
pressing keys on the keyboard. I Jut remember that a
joystick is just a tool. It will not move objects around
for you - it will just tell you how the user is deflecting
the joystick. Watch for future articles on how to
achieve joystick-controlled animation.
There are other uses for joysticks besides
games. Unlike the keyboard, with its 50-odd keys to
deal with, the joystick limits input to just nine pos-
sibilities (the eight directions and the joybutton). The
joystick can be used to select menu options, answer
simple questions (left = no, right = yes), and even
enter text {as you do with arcade games when you
set the high score). Study the following example pro-
gram for more ideas.
See program listiug on pa^^e 125. ^
COMPUTEl's Gazette
Toll Free Subscription Order Line
800-334-0868
In NC 919-275-9809
STOP PLAYING GAME'
'^
'^
I Calcuiatc odds on HOUSE RACtS wilh AW COMPU
TER using BASIC.
r SCIENTIFICALLY DERIVED SYSTEM really woiM. TV
Station WLKY of Louisville. Kentucky used this sylem
ta predict the odds ot the 1980 Ksntuck/ Octby See
(lie Wall Stieet Juurnal {June 6 19301 article on
ftOT$e-ttandicapping This systfrn «a; wrttien and
used by campuler experts and is now being riade availjit>ie to home cumputef nwners This
method if^ Dased on *;ioring data trom a laiqe number of r.tccs on ii tiigh speed, large scale
computer ?3 factors taken Irom the "Uaily Racing torm" were Ihen analyvtd by Ifie
computer to see t^ow they intFuenced race resuils From Ihese 22 Ijflors. ten «ere found to
be the most vital ui deiemining winners NUMERICAL PFIOBABILI tlES ot each of tMse 10
laclors «re Itien computed and this forms the basis ot this ItEVOLLtTIONARy MtW
PFlOGf^AM
I SIMPLE TO USE. Obtain Daily Racing Form the day before ths races and answer the 10
questions about each horse Run the program and your computer will prml out the odds Ipr
all horses in each race COMF>JIER POWER ijiues you iheadvantagel
t VOLIGET I) Casselle
2\ Listing pi ElASEC program for use with any computer
3] InstiijClKin^ uci how tQ gel the needed data iioni the "Gwiy Racing Form''
4) Tips on using the odds geneiated hy Ihe piogiam.
^J) Sanrple Innn 10 smiplily enlenncj (1.1 Li lor i^.icn r.1Ce
MAIL COUPON OR CALL TODAIf
3G COMPANY, INC. DEPT. G
RT. 3, BOX 28A, GASTON, OR 97119
Yes. 1 warn lo use my tompulei lor FUN and PROFIT ReasesewJ tne
at J 24. 9SBaclt.Ciicle the cassette yni need: IRS BO. CMoi-SO. ApiHe.
ViC-fO, Commodore frJ, Eincuu Iimex IIXM or Alan
Enclosed is LJ cfietk or moiwy ader Q Master Cat a C] Visa
(503)357-9869
. programs
piTfcm.
Cam No.
Exp.dilg
NAUE
ADIJRESS _
CITY
_ STATE.
.ZIP_
START USING YOUR COMPUTER FOR
FUN and PROFIT!
July 1983 COMPUTE! 'sGaiette 93
COMPUTEi's
Fiist Book Of VIC
Authors: COMPUTE! Magazine
contributors
Price: SI 2.95
On Sale: Now
I
V tmoducvon
tobcfi Lock
Chapter One; Getting Started
3 rhcSroryOf fhcVfC
1 1 Compijicf Genesis: Michc:K'l S, Tomc^yk
FfotTi Sncki And Slo/ipt Tn uir r-.
20Sup.,C^fcularor "^ ■■ °°'°'"y'^"*"Heto/Dav,dThcmburg
24 Large Alphabet Jim Butterfieid
26 Usrng A Joysiick ...... .\ Doug Ferguson
39 Extended Inpur Devices- '-'^^'^ Malmberg
Peddles And Tft(.- KfybcMrd
Mike Bassman / S.iJDfnon Leden
Finally, it's VIC's turn!
Users or other popular personal
computers have been enjoying their
COMPUTE! Books: COMPUTE!'!;
First Book Of PET/CBM, Program-
ming The PET/CBM. and others.
Now, there's a book devoted
exclusively to the Commodore VIC-
20'" Computer: COMPUTEi's First
BooliOfViC
The editors of COMPUTE!
Magazine - the leading resource for
the VIC-ZO - gathered together the
best \J\C-2Q articles published since
the summer of 1981 and added
some new material. The result is
more than 200 pages of valuable
information - information that goes
beyond the instruction manuals. In
the COMPUTE! tradition, it is care-
fully edited to be easily understood
and useful for beginners and experts
alike.
COMPUTEi's First Bool< Of VIC
is Spiral -bound to lie flat, and
includes ready-to-type program
listings and articles such as 'The
Joystick Connection: Meteor Maze,"
"STARFIGHT3/' "Train Your PET To
Run VIC Programs," "Renumber
BASIC Lines The Easy Way." "High
Resolution Plotting," "Custom Char- '
acters For The VIC, " "\f\C Memory ~
The Uncharted Adventure," and "A
Simple Monitor For The VIC."
At only SI 2.95, less than most
computer manuals, COMPUTE I's First Bool< Of VIC
is among the best resources a VIC user can own.
Available at computer dealers and bookstores nationwide. To order directly call TOLL FREE 800-334-0868.
In North Carolina call 919-275-9809. Or send check or.money order to COMPUTE! Books, P.O. Box 5406,
Greensboro. NC 27403.
46 0,1 me P.iddles
Chapter Two: Diverxicinc r»- °^'"" '^''^'"^'''9
67 ZAPU "'°' '^''" ■ P-auI L Bupp / Stepbe, i P Drop
72 S7-ARFIGHT3 ',[[[ Dub Scrogqin
78 AiphahvUzei ^ ■ David R Mizner
SO Count The Hews .*' •* JimWifcox
97 I f.iin rour PET To Run V)C PfOQMms -^''"'^ ^ McCallisier
99useMnp„t ^ ™ •■•■ LyleJofd.iri
lOiAmomzc ..._ -._- U'ayneKo,?un
l°° ^PP^'Kl - .V. .,^..ri,. ,. /\niih,)i Glazer
1 09 f ;if iting The Screen ••••••" Wayne Kozun
!:f "i<^" Confusing Quote ' C D, L^ne
"5 AltemjiteScfceni , '■■'■' ■■' ^ Charles Bunnon
119 (,/nekeeping Jm Bu((eif,eld
1 25 ^e, ,umbn BASIC L.nes The Ea^y Way '^'"'^ ^^^'''■''"<''
1 ^f Automarit Line Numbers ^ Charles H Gould
J 29 Pultmg The Squeeze On Your V(C-20 J"" ^''cO't
Oetiing )he Mosi Out Of 5OD0 Bytes '
On Otfier Commodore Computers
■■■■-- Stanley M Berlin
G'cg arid Ross Sherwood
M7T!^!" ''°'""- *^°'"^ ^""^ Graphics.
'*H f (igh KL'M>lumn PJottino '^^■'"'1
»S4 WCCrjIoMjps .. • r'aulf
ips
'S7 Tile Window
160 Custom Characlers'ror 7t,e WC
Chapter Five
Maps And Specifications.
Ill Knox
Charles Branriori
Ch<irles Brannon
Dat/id Malmberrj
1 73 How To Um. TfK. 6560 WSvn inu'^facTom
1 79 Browsing The WC Chip '^
lit )!'f- '"'■■""">' - ""' U'ic'i."t«( Advf.nturc
189 Memory M,:,p At,nve Page Zer„ "
Chapter Six: Machine Lanquaae
22isr:?^i--e!^ooitorpf'^
• • ■ • Dale Gilbert
„ „„ J'm Butterfield
Dawd Batrorr / Michael Ktemert
-Jirn BuHerfield
21 T ifioex
■nng PNVfWON I Directly imo your vic-20"
Jim Butteffield
ftjssel) Kavjnagh
I
Add S^ ihippiriq and handling. Out.^idc the U.S, add S5 for air mad. S2 for surface mail, All orders prepaid, U.S. furids only.
VIC-?0 is a trademark of Commodoit- Electronics Limiied.
COMPUTERS
Machine Language For Beginners
Table of Content
Author: Richard Mansfield
Price: SI 2.95
On Sale: Now
One of tl If most excitiiig moments in com-
puting is when a beginner wfiles his or iier
first progfam which actually works... usually
after hours of effort. A new world opens up.
Bu! as beginners grow into interrnedJate
programmers and become more fluent in
BASIC, [tiey realize the L^nguarje's limitations
- slow sfjf-'ed, and the lack of total control
over the inner operations of the computer.
They often develop an admiration for the
fast, smoothly lunning machine language
programs [liat mark commercial software.
Unfortunately, too many people view ma-
chine language as mysterious and fort^idding,
and they ate reluctant to tackle it themselv/es,
COMPUTE! Books' latest release.
Machine l.juqu.-ige For licqinnas, by
Richdid Mariifield, introduces newcomers
to the cfiallenges of machine language
with a unique approach. Aimed at people
wfio understand BASIC, Mxhine Language
For Beginners uses BASIC to explain how
machine language works. A whole section
of the book explains machine language in
terms of equivalent BASIC commands. If
you know how to do if in BASIC, you can
see how it's done in machine language
Machirie Language For Beginners is a
general tutorial for all users of computers
with 6502 microprocessors - with examples
for the Commodore M, VlC-20, Atari 400/
800/1200X1 . Apple II, and PET/CBM. Tfie
numerous machine language programs
will work on all these computers.
As a bonus, Machine Language For
Beginner<, includes something that all fledg-
ling machine language programmers will
need to get started - an assembler. The
"Simple AsscrTibler." written in BASIC for
the various computers, rakes the tedium
out of entering and assembling short
machine language programs Tfie book even
explains fiow to use the built-tn machine
language monitors on seveial of the com-
puters. And it includes a disassembler pro-
gram and several monitoi extensions.
This book fills the need for a solid, but
understandable, guide for personal com-
puting enthusiasts. Mansfield is Senior
Editor of COMPUTE!. His inonthly column,
"The Beginner's Page," has been one of COMPUTEI's most popular features.
In the COMPUTE! tradition. Machine Language For Beginners has been written
and edited to be straightfoiward, clear, and easily understood. It is spiral-bound '
ro lie flat to make it easier to type in programs.
Available at computer dealers and bookstores nationwide. To order directly call TOLL FREE 800-334-086S. In North Carolina
call 919-275-9809. Or send check or money order to COMPUTE! Books, P.O. Box 5406, Greensboro, NC 27403.
Add S? shipping iWd fwndlirtg. Ouisifle trie U.S. «Jd S5 (cm air mail, S2 (or suitiice mail All wtJeis prepaid. US (undi only
•^ ' July 1983 COMPUTEnGoiane 95
Preface
Introduction - Why Machine Language
Chapter [ : How To Use This Book . , .
Chapter 2: The Fundamentals
Chapter 3: The Monitor
Chapter 4: Addressing
Chapter 5: Arithmetic
Chapter 6: The Instruction Set
Chapter 7: Borrowing from BASIC
Chapter 8; Building A Program
Chapter 9; ML Equivalents
Of BASIC Commands ..,,
Appendices
A: Instruction Set
B: Maps
C; Assembler Programs
D: Disassembler Programs
Number Charts
Monitor Extensions.
The Wedge
Index . . .
E
F:
G
. . . V
. .vii
I
7
23
37
53
63
91
97
21
149
167
223
237
243
253
335
339
NEWSSc
PRODUCTS
Software Menu
For VIC-20
VIC Pak #7, a scries of seven
elementary programs for the
VIC-20, has been introduced by
Computer Software Associates.
The package is described as an
"introduction for the novice com-
puter user,"
VIC Piik #7 comes on cas-
sette with a suggested price of
$19,95. It loads seven programs,
ail of which are written in BASIC.
They are:
• Mortgage - a program
that allows the user to find the
unknown variable for the princi-
pal, monthly payment, term,
and annual interestof a mortgage
loan.
• Elements - a quiz on
naming the chemical symbol
associated with each of the
chemical elements.
• Statistics - an introduction
to using the VIC-20 as a sophisti-
cated calcidator.
• Calendar - a program that
produces any calendar month
from AD 1 to AD 9999.
• Marblestat-a program
that il hi si rates tlie computer's
ability to imitate real-life events
via programming,
• Fxpectancy - a formula to
calculate a rough life-expectancy
96 COMPUTEI's Gazette July 1983
estimate,
• U-Draw - a simple
graphics drawing program in
eight colors.
MkroSofhvare htkrnaimml
50 Tivd Dihv
Randolph, MA 02368
(617)961-5700
VIC-20 Hardware
Products
World Electronics has released
three hardware products for the
VIC-20 - the UCA-20 Universal
Cassette Adapter, the Universal
Parallel Printer Cable, and the
Memory Port Expander. Each
sells for $19. 95.
The Universal Cassette
Adapter plugs into the cassette
port of the computer and into
anv cassette recorder througii
the MIC and MONITOR jacks.
The adapter has Biters and
amplifiers to improve the tape
signal. However, the adapter is
un^iblc to duplicate the Commo-
dore Datassette's ability to signal
the computer if a button has
been pressed. The computer will
always assLune a button has been
pressed.
The Universal Parallel Print-
er Cable plugs into the user I/O
port and allows the VIC to print
on any Centronics standard
parallel printer. The documenta-
tion includes a BASIC listing
that allows anything printed on
the screen to go to the printer as
well, and an assembly listing
with lour optional modes, in-
cluding one that adds PRINTCff
and LIST@ commands to BASIC.
The routine also is available on
cartridge.
The Memory Port Expander
plugs into the memory expan-
sion port and duplicates that
port to three connectors. Each of
the newly created ports has all
of the address, data, and signal
lines of the original. A row of
DIP switches allows the u.ser to
disconnect power to any of the
connectors.
World nU'ctwtikii
n? 27 Ui Street
Brookli/ti, NY 11232
(212)499-5400
Nine Programs
For
Commodore 64
Creative Software, a publisher of
software for the VIC-20, is en-
tering the Commodore 64 market
with nine titles - five home ap-
plications programs and four
Qcommodore
NEW COMMODORE PRODUCTS
CBM 64 Coll
CBM B500 S 695
CBM B700 2990
CBM 5520 Plotter 259
CBM 1701 ColOf Monitor 279
8 Series Softvrare Doll
SOFTWARE FOR CBM 64 ^T
Word Processing (WordPro 3') S 69
Wofd-Poc (tope) 60
Vne Assistant Series
Wrtter's Assistant (easy and flexible), . . 99
FlleAssistont(datot>osewttfimerge), 99
Spreadsfwet Assistant 99
Pare. Finance Asisi.(great reports) ... 45
BusiHilc (SprBodstieet) 55
Coco II (build your own games eosity). . . 45
Home Accounting Pockoge 39
General Ledger, A/R. WP
(witti check wrtting) ea.l39
CBM EosyFlnance 50
CBM EosyScript BO
CBMEosyFile 80
Data Manager 70
Stock( investment ona lysis) 80
Pet Emulator (emulates 4,0 bosic) .... 30
Sprite- Magic {use joystick
to design sprites) 19
Assembler Package (cassette or disk,
compiled. Includes editor, loader.
dlstKsemtitflr) 39
Spocabel 20
Retroboil 34
INTERFACES A ACCESSORIES
80 Column Expander. SI 59
VIC 1600 Modem 95
VIC 1 650 (auto answer, auto dial) 1 50
VIC 1 525 Gtoptiic Printer 329
VIC 1 530 Dotosette Recorder 65
VIC1541 Disk Drive 329
VIC awitcti (connect 8 64's or Vies
lo printer, dd) 1 49
IEEE Interloce (64) 85
PET-IEEE coble 33
IEEE-IEEE coble (2m). 43
Parallel Interfoce (Epson, Okldota
IDS, NEC) 80
RS-232 Printer Inlertoce (Okldota
DIoblo, eta) 60
Progrommers Reference Guide 18
VertKitim Diskettas (10 pef box) 26
Vlctree (Programmers Utility) 75
VIC PRODUCTS A ACCESSORIES
8K RAM MemofY Expansion CorlTltJge . . . S 40
IBKRAM 70
24KRAM 105
VIC IEEE Interlace 75
VIC 3 Slot Expander. 27
VIC 6 Slot Expander 70
RS-232 Printer Interloce 65
Cossette Inlertoce 27
Home Finance Pockoge (6 topes) 47
Gort (64 olso) , , . . 30
Omego Race 30
Arcade Joystick • Heovy duty w/2 firing
buttons! Great lof tne VIC or 64 ... . 25
MONITORS - GREAT
RESOLUTION (64 OR VIC)
Amdek Color I S 299
Amdek II or III coll
Ponosonic CT160 , 279
Comrex 6500 - 1 3" Color 299
Tronstof 20 (High Resolution
Green Ptiosptior) 1 29
Video/ Audio Coble 15
PRINTERS - LETTER QUALITY
CBM 8300, 40 cps S1450
Diablo 620, 25 cps 949
ComRiter, 17 cps 819
Tronstor 130, 16 cps (aulo load,
wp leolures!) 769
NEC 7700 series. 2350
NEC 3500 series 1600
PRINTERS - DOT MATRIX
CBM 8023, 1 50 cps/groptiics 589
Epson FX Printer, 160 cps 529
Epson (itX-80 w/Grolfrox 349
CBM Graphics tor Epson 65
Okidoto 82A 1 20 cps (serial
and parallel) 429
NEC 8023 A (pofollel) . ." 439
Okidata 92 559
Star Gemini, 10. 360
Stor Gemini, 15 499
COMMODORE BUSINESS
SERIES
SuperPet (5 languages,
2 processors) SI 409
CBM 8032 Computer, 80 Column ... 1029
CBM Memory Exponsion, 64 K 359
CBM 8050, 1 mg. Dual Drive 1 259
CBM 8250, 2 mg. Dual Drive 1 500
CBM D9060, 5 mg. Hard Disk 2240
CBM D9090, 7.5 mg Hard Disk ... . 2500
CBM 2031, 170K Single Drtve (NeW) 489
DC Hayes Smart Modem 220
BUSINESS SOFTWARE
WordPro 4* or 5* S 309
Administrator 489
VIslColc (expended) 1 99
TTie Manogef (databos«). 1 99
BPI A/R, G/U Job Cost, inventoty.
Payroll ea325
MasterCard, Visa,
Money Order, Bank Check
COD (odd S5) occepled.
Add 3% suichorge tor credit oortte.
In stock items shipped within 48 hours,
F.O.B, Dallos, Texos
All products shipped with monutocturefs
wofionfy.
Prices ore subject to change without notice
TO ORDER
CALL TOLL FREE
600-92 7-4893
800-442-1048
(Within Texas)
Business Hours
Mon.- Fri. 8 to 6, Sat. 1 0-2
Write tor tree catalog.
GAME OF THE MONTH
Adventu- Writer (moke your
own odventure gome) 39
SJB DISTRIBUTORS INC.
10520 Piano Rood, Suite 208
DolkJS. Texas 75238
(214) 343-1 328
NEWSScPRODUCTS
games.
The five home applicntion
UUes are tmnslalitins of current
VIC-2() prDgnuns. They arc:
HousL'Jiohi finaiia', Home hwen-
lovy, Lofiii Aiinhfzcr, Car Costs,
and Dccifiioii Maker.
Of the four game titles, two,
Astroh!il2 and 'Vrashmau, are
translations of VIC-2() games,
and two, Moomiiist and Save New
York!, are original works.
The home applications pro-
grams arc available on tape and
disk, and the games come in
cartridge format.
Creative Software
230 E. Caribbean Drive
Stinm/vale, CA 940S6
(408)745-1655
Commodore 64
Word Processor
Professional Software has re-
leased WordPro 3 PUt^/64, a word
processor for the Commodore
64. Described as an easy-to-use,
commercial -level word proces-
sor, WordPro. ^ PIh^/64 includes
auto page numbering, headers
and footers, math functions,
global search and replace, un-
derlining, boldfacing, super-
scripts and subscripts.
WordPro 3 Plufi/64, selling
for $89.95, joins the more than
30,000 copies of other WordPro
word processing packages al-
ready in use worldwide.
Pnift'f^^iona! ^ofhvare, l)ic.
51 I'reiiiout Street
Needltam, MA 02194
(617)444-5224
Graphics Editor
For VIC And 64
A machine language graphics
editor for the VlC-2() and Com-
modore 64, Colorcraft, has been
introduced bv Sim Computer
Products. Colorcraft allows you
to create designs using the
Ml
WORLD
NIX
U.S. Distributors for:
PROGR€XriV€
P€RIPH€RfiLr
a /"OFTlJUfiRe
'iMiLzr.
VIC.ZO/64 Parallel Printer Interface
WnrkH with all Centronics type
parallis! urintErs anti plotters
includinn'
Ep^uii
C Itoh
OkidMla
Nee
Gemini 10
TP-l Smith Corona
• Hardware driven — works oil ot the senal port.
• Oiiality construction [Sleel DIN connectors and Shielded csbtesl
• Switoli yelectahle options.
—Device d. 5. 6, or 7 — Uppor and lower
—ASCII or PET ASCII or upper casu onlv
— 7 bit or 8 t)il output
RECOMMEMDED BV PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE (or
WordPro 3 Plus lor the S4.
MW-30S 51 1 9.95
THE AUTO CLOCK'
Turn your UIC-20/G4 into a
real time intelligent controller,
• Switch your \/\C-20/GA or other AC devices on and of( under
software control.
• 25B year clock/calendar
• 3K CMOS battary backed up RAM
• Menu drivcfO software.
• Plays into thd huss enpanaion slot.
• Cartridge style case.
• 19 user accessible subroutines
• 30 psge illustrated manual with detailuti nrogr;!riiniiii!i exaiiiplcs.
AUTO CLOCK 5129.95
UIC-20 / PET
DIGITAL TO ANALOG and
niUALOG TO DIGITAL COUUERTER
• IJ l:i Ti »uH r.iruii:
• inclijijeb cirivor '^ultware and documentatian
MW.304
sias.ss
STAR LIGHTER "
A iL(i[}hisjtDCEJtprt computer [jfiMnitGcl popLeiIjI*!
'Aatic liulitifKi controlitjr witn tlu! fijulurc?* (if
*i?0 DGQ thnjiLri! iiistnllnuiii', Umlor S1 .000
iViirJ'. ivilh UiL- VIC-SO
C«tl far specifications and quotas of tho
Starlighter sv^tnm.
GOTHMOG'S LAIR
• 9rn Aclventura Sfinfls for the tk3mrnador« 64
• Suund and Culur- Graphics
• ncHiHtrtjlKinsiyG mnriuill with fold out Mlnjl;.
• Tlie ultimate chijll^ngo Id tht; serious
coniputer ddvRntunsl
World 1 GOTHMOG'S LAIn S3S.95
;rWurtlF^''y 3 Plusi is a ti'Elctrmrirk uf PruFy&Sion^l SoftWdrti
■tS-Auto Clodt ant) SlETlishler are trademarks ol PP&S
90 day parts and labor guarantee.
MICRO WDRtO ELECTFIONIX will beat any adtprtiscd onre (unaer simitar mstock conditions)
cnCOMMODOflE/EPBON/KAYPfin/C iTOHarWor.iiri-r,ne?i CTitorauotK DLMipr,nquii.i><,
inv ti":."l V^i" hUrvlce ■hV'..'^ as bfili
MICRO WORLD ELECTROMIX, INC.
3333 South Wnd;;wOi-t.h Blvd , «C105, Lakt^auod. Colorado 80227, (3D31 934-1 973 or i:iU3) 9B7-2671
98 COMPUTE!'! Ga^tette J u I y 1 9 8 3
VK-20 and Commodore 64
AREWUA w
SMART BUYER?
MINI JINI" for $89.95 is a smart buy!
Keep records for home, school, club, or office
better and more quickly than by hand
Hold 50-500 records on tape or disk
Have the plug in ease of a cartridge
Put addresses, books, and more in order
Track appointments, meetings, valuables
Print any number of reports and labels
Do checkbook, class or sports statistics
• Make lists for letter writing software
Available now, in plain, simple English.
• Visa — Mastercharge — C.O.D.
• Dealer inquiry welcome
IrruTiOdtattf jhjprfK^tiE If III Mnc^- \i pvminril ch«^ck H lent. fi[\nvi dciditlonal 2 wcirlu.
f'ri.-'o^ (uhfcct tti cK^ngi^ Shlpnurnt tuh^i'cl 10 dvaildbLjltV- Ships UPS frt collpct
JINI MICRO-
SYSTEMS, INC,
RO. Box 274 • Riverdale, N.Y. 10463
PHONE; (212)796-6200
It's Time for
TOTL SOFTWARE!
for the VIC 20^" and COMMODORE 64™
WORD PROCESSING AND MAILING LIST & LABEL
nou, aaatlaMe with CfJJ£J^SPEED
FAST PRINTING • LIGHTNING LOADS • SIMPLE COMMANDS
All programs work with 40/80 column (VIC) and 80
column (64) adapters — compatible with tape or disk
systems —shipped on cassette tape — available
on disk S<1.00 extra.
QtiAltty You Can Afford
Aoaltable »t your local dernier
or by phone order
TOTL.TEXT 2.0 + CS VIC +8K expansion $25.00
TOTL.TEXT 2,5 + CS VIC + 16K expansion $35.00
TOTL.TEXT 2.6 + CS Commodore 64 $40.00
TOTL.LABEL 2.1 + CS VIC + 16K expansion $20.00
TOTL.LABEL 2.6 + CS Commodore 64 $20.00
TOTL TIME MANAGER 2.1 VtC + 8K expansion $30.00
TOTL TIME MANAGER 2.6 Commodore 64 $35.00
lime management, scheduling, reports
RESEARCH ASSISTANT 2.0 VIC + 8K expansion $30.00
RESEARCH ASSISTANT 2.0 Commodore 64 $35.00
key word cross-reference research tool
TOTL.BUSINESS 3.0 VIC + 16K expansion S85.00
TOTL.8USINESS 3.6 Commodore 64 $95.00
business programs reguire disk and are shipped on disk
One Megabyte Fuzzy Diskette $25.00
computer novelty pillow
software inc.
1555 Third Ave., Walnut Creek, CA 94596
V^^ .^^:^ ^^ ^^ Call (415) 343-7877
Commodore 64 and VIC 20 are registered trademarks of Commodore Electronics, Ltd.
NEWS&PRODUCTS
graphics nnd color keys on the
Cum mod ore kcybi)nrds. The
designs can be copied, edited,
and run back-to-back in the form
of an electronic Clipbook, making
you an animator in your own
home.
Colorcraft for the 64 is avail-
able on disk for $34.^35, or cas-
sette for $29.95. The VIC-20 cas-
sette version is .f24.95.
Shit Coinpiilcr Products, Inc.
P.O. Box?
Miqiion, PA 19452
Three Games
For VIC
Tronix Publishing has intro-
duced three new fast-action
video games for the Commodore
VIC-20.
^faefi-Hf
eese
ox VGEM
Gold hVver
Dcmili/ Skies is a "shoot-'em-
up" game in which the player.
eeeso
Deadly Skies
!00 co.:',ri;r:::c^.uita juiy ;9G3
equipped with a squadron of
five helicopters, tries to destroy
an enemy miUtary base.
Each sophisticated, highly
maneuverable helicopter must
be alert to such enemy weapons
as ground fire missiles, which
shoot straight out of the cloud
layer; smart bombs, which track
the sky seeking the helicopter;
asteroids, which dart around the
skies; and UFOs, which travel
through the upper atmosphere
dropping bombs.
Dead!}/ Skies features 32 play
levels. As each of the first 16
levels is played, additional ob-
jects enter the screen, making
each level more difficult. As the
player progresses to the top 16
skill levels, action is twice as fast
as at lower levels.
hi Gold Fever!, the player is a
geld miner who muat gather
gold in a mine shaft wliile
VIC-20 Users:
You're Not Alone Anymore!
Now you can get a full range of support services from
our International VIC-20 Users Group, including a
free newsletter, special sale prices on software and
hardware, and inexpensive rentals of all VIC-20
cartridge-based programs. Look at these sample
prices.
List Sale
COMMODORE
Rental
(One Month)
Programmer's Aid
VIC Mon
59.95
59 95
47.96
47,96
6.00
6.00
■ SuDer Alien ^^^^^F
29.95
29.95
23.96
23.96
3.00
3.00
Radar R;h Race
GORF
29 95
39 95
23.96
31,96
3.00
400
(Raid on Fort Knox
; Omega Raca
29.95
39.95
23.96
31.96
3.00
4.00
Sargon II Chess
Scotl Adams Adventures
HES
39.95
39.95
31.96
31.96
4.00
4,00
fNES Writer
1 VIC Forth
"WW
59.95
3 !.'{*«
47.96
~" 4.00
6.00
HES iVIon
Turtle Graphics
39,95
3995
31.96
31 96
4,00
4.00
; Aggressor <||Hlllfe
I Gridrunrter^^l^B
39,95
39.95
31.96
31.96
4.00
4.00
THORN EMI
River Rescue
VIC Music Composer
CREATIVE
39.95
39.95
31.96
31.96
4.00
4.00
: Choplifter
! Trashman ^^^H
39,95
U- 39,95
31.96
31.96
4.00
4.00
Ser|)ennne
Astrobliiz
39 95
3995
31 96
31.96
400
400
1 Black Hole
■^■^9.95
39,95
31.96
31.96
4.00
4.00
Videomania
Terraguard
UMI
39.95
39.95
31 .96
31.96
400
4.00
; Spiders of Mars
; Meteor Run-,^^^
49.95
m 49.95
39.96
39.96
5.00
5.00
Renaissance
Skibbereen
4995
3995
39.96
31.96
500
400
f Outworld ^^^^1
[video Vermin
IF 39.95
39.95
31.96
31.96
4.00
4.00
Amok
Cloudburst
39.95
39.95
31.96
31.96
4.00
4.00
^< Sats and Mets
r Alien Blitz
49.95
39.95
39.96
31.96
5.00
4.00,^
Membership fee only $1 5 to join, plus SI 0
dues (total of S25 first year). Call or write
detailed information
per year
for more
1964 OAK RIDGE TURNPIKE OAK RIDGE, TN 37B30
616-4B2.9592
VISA AND MASTERCARD ACCEPTED
VIC-20 .. CBM 64
EXPRNDER BaHRDE
4 Slot for th« 64. Toggle swilches and
reset switch,
p/N C64 "eg.QS
PTI offers the finest selection
of expander boards available
for the VtC-20 and CBIvl 64,
The design features, quality
construction, and competitive
prices make any of them an
exceptional value. New pro-
ducts are boing added monthly,
so write for complete catalog.
6 Sloi (or the VIC. Toggle switches
rinrt reset switch
P/N V36 '79.95
Slot lof the VIC, No switches, reset, ci
luse,
P/N VI 3 '49.95
4 Slol lor Ihe VIC. Toggle switcnes and
reset sw.i[ch
P/N V24 »69.95
PRECISION TECHNOLOGY. INC.
COMPUTEH PROOUCrS DIVISION
P O BOX 1S»S4
I SALT tAKE CITT. UTAH «<t15
(801|JST6;$t
3 Slot toi the Vic. Slice switches, no
r&set switch
P/N V23 '59.95
See your dealer, or place
your order direct
VISA-M/C-CHECK-GOD
cobSiar
AIR* SHIPPING WITHIN 2 DAYS
VIO20
IBKRAM $69
CARDBOAflD |3 SLOT EXP 33
KESCARD [5 SLOT EXP] 45
VIDEOPAK (40/80 COLUMNS] 99
m RABBIT (EASTERN ROUSE] 35
HES (VIOOEM [WITH SOFTWARE] B9
HES IVION ASSEIVIBLEft (C] 29
DUST COVER , 7
QUICK BROWN FOX |C] 54
80 COLUMN PRINTER 225
SHAWLS Id
PFIOTECTDfl Id
TOFIG jT] 5K
CHOPLIFTER |C|
CLOUnflJRSTjCI
ASTROBUTZ |C]
RQBDT PANIC 10
DEADLY DUCK (C|
SHARK TRAP |T| 5K
VIEAT [T| BK
KESWHITER [C|
VIC FORTH |CI
TYPE ATTACK |C!
TRASf«IAN Id
SPIDERS DF lyiARS ICI
OLTWORLD ICI
SWARM [T] 5K
C - [(RTniOQE
s;9
33
15
33
23
31
29
za
17
19
29
«
2%
33
2S
29
23
D DISK
HEWPDRT PRQSTICK SZ5
BK RAM 45
CAHDETTE |CASS INTERFACEI 33
PRINTER INTERFACE 55
STARFIGHTEfi JOYSTICK 14
VIDEDPAK WITHSK ftAM 135
UIDEDPAK WITH I6K RAM 175
VIDEDPAK WITH &4K HAM 319
65D2 PflOF DEU. SYS. (T| 8K 23
TURTLE GRAPHICS (C| 29
TDTL MAIL LIST [T| 13K 19
MARTIAN HAIDER |T(5K 17
SWORD OF FARGOAL (Tj 21K 23
HOUSEHOLD FINANCE |T|5K 28
MUSIC COMPOSER |C| 31
SKIIERITI5K 17
PINBALL [T| 5K IS
^ CASSETTE ■ MOST ITEMS
C0M<7TgR OftlERS ONLY: 80D-558-B8D3
nn nnv ninnnirT. n.nni.r. Of SBHtl cliEtk Or money Order, VISA, ME stld
P,D. BOX I73UG0L£TA.CA93I16 3^ Stiippln[|-$2 lor software (call lor
1805] 964-4660 hirdwarc] Calll add G'l lai. COD add !Z 50,
July 1983 COMPUTE! 'sCozetie 101
NEWSScPRODUCTS
Scorpion
avoiding runawav boxcars, boul-
ders and claim jumpers. In addi-
tion, the miner must cope with a
short supply of oxygen.
Gold i'eiicr! features two al-
ternating mazes and nine skill
levels.
Scorpion pits a scorpion
struggling for survival against
dragons, frogs, Venus's-flytraps,
stalkers, worms, and pods.
To siu'vive, the scorpion
must gather eggs and stun frogs
and take them to its house for
food. Scorpion has 32 pla\' le\'els
with four modes: demonstration,
easy, normal, and hard.
The games sell for $39.95
each.
7>onj.v Pul'lif^hin^, Inc.
8295 S. Ill Ck'iH'i^ti
In-^lcuvod, CA 9(W1
aU)07hii44O
102 COMPUTEI'sGaielfe July 1983
New Programs For
Commodore 64
Three new programs for the Com-
modore 64, the ArciJik' Pak, Gatuc
Pak, and the Ed-il-Pak are now
available from ComputerMal.
The Arctiili' Pak challenges
the players with three high-
resokition arcade games: Alien
Invasion can he played with one
to four players; I lead-On pits
you against the computer car in
a maze race for time; and Target
Command challenges you to
protect the cities against attacks
from space. The Arcaitf Piik is
priced at 524.93 for tape, $29.95
for disk.
The Game Pak includes three
maze and strategy games. In
Dragon Chase you race against
the dragon through several
mazes. Flip-It is a 200-year-old
strategy game that has a way of
turning the tables on you. Defied
puts you in llie driver's seat as
you hit selected objects, rhe
price is $14.95 for tape.
Tiie L'(/-t/-P(iA'contains four
programs. Ruler puts you in
charge of a country and lets you
rule as long as \'0u can. Micro
lets you trv to make a million t»y
running a computer manufac-
turing plant. Dungeon of
Mathacos is an adventure that
has you searching for treasure
and answering math problems.
In Geography, vou match loca-
tions around the world and in
the United States. The cost is
S24.95 for cassette,
CiWipiilerMnl
P.O. Box ■1664-FIi
Lake HaiHiau, AZ S6403
Software
Converted For
Commodore 64
Spinnaker Software is making its
entire line of educahonal and
entertainment game programs
available for the Commodore 64.
Six games are available for
the 64. They are: Fiwcmaker,
Story Machine, In Search Of Tin-
Most Amazing Thing, Hi Diddk
Didtih', and S)ioopcy Trooj>> I & U.
Spinnaker also intends to
introduce new products for the
VIC- 20 and Texas Instruments
computers in the near future.
Spinnaker Soft u '« re
213 First St I cct
Candyrid^c, MA 02142
(617}S68-4700
COMMADORE S4
VIC-SO
D
^
0)
<
u
£
L
0
TJ
C
0
in
(U
^
X
0
ID
d
8 Expansion
Connectors
Each Switched
Individually
Fully Enclosed
Chassis
Master Power
Switch with 2
HOvACOUTLETS
for computer
and accessories
RIBBON CABLE
Connection
for convenient
placement
LED DISPLAY
RESET Button
120 day chassis
1 yr power supply
WARRANTIES
finger tip
selection of
game and other
Cartridges
Optional 5 volt
Power Supply
removes power
load from your
computer
THE
SOFT-AWARE BOX
the most advanced
expansion chassis
$149.00 each
Power Supply
.$35.00 each.
^
e
TJ
t.
Q
>t-
0
n
L
3
d
i:
09
c
X
u
■a
e
a
5-
£
CO
SOFT -AWARE
C71 4} BB^'SBOS
P.D, Bost 725, Glendora, CA 91 740
VIC^&O mnii CBM B^sra cradsmarkB
of CommDdDPB BMBln«ii« Manhln**
VIC-20* OWNERS
Thf Cfi-2 is a complete ti;iril'.v,iii: Mrnl sdiA'arc package Itol
.illows you 1(1 easily ana erricic nilvin.ikiMiiacK -Mil Cfipyot your
v,iliifilirESollw.ire(ilitary Nuwyiiiiiiimproliitlyniirinvcsliiiwit'
Itninue tcatutcs'
• Allows cnnnEtllori lor tiiic or Iwu R.tiasctie itmnteis (or
pfluiuslEnl) TifinrecoKlcis requited lor ilmpltback-iipcopies
• Enciusiw statc-ol-ilm-.iil tiituiliy li-ls you icteillK hear ino
ut lap? dnifl heing loadcti oi mvbJ
• SpNtiil wave siiaping ciituiitv rtHke! a back-up copy as
iiood or beitet mar) Itie or omai
• CB? s Sufief Btockuwr soltwarcmil inleitace card allow you
To niaite 3 hack-up copy of your urtridfjc programs
il CB-ZAssembfBd . S89JS5
iSuggfstPitBflail Price Sm95)
h| SoEtiai CE-2 System
Igr Oalaspm 20/50 owntrj S79.95
(PltjSB snscify wtiich mailtl mhfrnrilerliiol
iBiii|i|i:sti(ilii'l,iill'ritn Sin.t55i
c| CB 7 lift Unll
fiiiCBMCr S69.B5
B. Champagne Memory on a Beer Budget
H;[triest(iuaWyalassepoiiy16Kmfmoiyl>oai(l«'itrigo'tilinr|ris
Sfovides lull Block swiichinQ and wnlc-proieciion on eatii flK
lock AilblockswIchesareccinvtniflillylacalMatdffilogcdgE
ol lire board.
OmtiiRAM
)| BirE mfmry hoard IH«M.'nOM| S1335
hi H Are rne^nory board kil S17.95
inqiude^ all compnoenls except RAtt/HOM chips
OalilRAM 8
c) Oiurd witti SK RAM Cnmplele XII . S3-4.9S
[|| Diurn wiih 8K RAM AHembleil S37,35
! S I , I n; t; hi I il lit! l.i 1 1 Pii f.c As sc inlilHl M7 95 1
OntnRAM IE
t] Surd with IflK RAM ' Complele Kll . . SA»35
II Board with leK RAM Asseirbled $S4JS
( S up oirslcd fif la 1 1 h I c i- A5 se mbled 569 S5s
"TiaCemarl". Cairr'tiiilc^'f Bps ^*ac^^lr^^^
A. Dataspan-SO
Tlie Dlt)Spin'50 expansion tinatil i5 Ihe cmnersWfie lor
txpanilinq tfie VIC-20 10 its maximum !;.i|i.i!iililii.'S 11 is Ihe most
advanced ycl easiest louse cxiMnsion tsaud .ivailablc Inlike
OWetcxpnosionUoartls. Use Datasiun Ml lias Ihe lollowing
eitluslvt fealures:
• 5 slot combinaKon roljry .iiid rocker swllcti seleciatile
ExpanMon lioard coriveini'iitlv covers all swllchinq rteeltt now
and la Itie liilure withoul lisiiiij niminon h,i;arilous slol tiv
Slol power switctiins
• Conibrnation swilcnes allow lolal conlrol belweeo 'Con^pulei
tartrdje? Imetnorv cioiinsiOn Piorirafflmn's Aid" Vic-Mon'
and othef ulilitiesi andtiaon! carlridries
• Dialaspan 50 allows suihiinci ot memory urtrMges op lo 29K m
BASICamHOK rn mactiirie lanflijati!;
• Fully ijuHered tiv live ni-iccn low power mitijiaied circuits
that help prtveril erraStc openllon ind Ign nl dili comriion in
typical unpultcred expansiorr boards anti isolates Ihe VICs'
1lllcropT[;c':^^Pr Irom accfdcnial [tamaqii
• tdoheil quallly circuil bppril willi gald contKlt tlirnudtioul
• Fused til piolecf IMr.' VIC-20' ppwr7 supply
• Masliii resDl tutton climitiales lutniiiri compuloi ntl and on
• inili'pi'ndiriii wiiiu piotficlion on two slots
Dllilpan M Kll $69.95
Oiliipin M Aiiemtiled iSAM
iSucQcsscdHciailPrictAssemblKl Sll»9!i'
OiliiptnJDS Slol Surd Call
C. D. & E.: See lalesl COMPUTE!
What Makes The VIC Tic?
llyoothirikcompulettiardwarerneaoiOulsarKHniltstliistraok
lilor you' Written especially lot itie beqtoiicr try VIC enthusiasts
WhalHahsTtieTOTIt? . . S 735
iSfiippmrfiniiimlr'El I
Dleltnl lntcrlai:c Systom Co. TERMS
HO BiiifiriS No CO I) Oidijis
Porllind.OB 9TM; StiippindailLlHandlmiiaM
|M3l?g6M90 VISAfMASIf BCARD - Add r.
Most orders shipped within JS
twins
rpi" ' Dial t-t-^- 1 s- a I 'ow ? wf ?V s i
VIC-20-
caHUDoottc
COMMODORE
TREK" $11.95
1'hu cliisbic: >>jiniE? \\uil hss
fai^rJnated cnnijmtori.sts for
over 3. dccmiii. (^ciiniiuiTui-
inj* Ihe briilge nf your sUir-
ship^ you explore thu ^ii];ixy.
Tending uff tht" Klin^oci in-
vasiun wilh ytiur pliiisprs
nnd phnlon lorpi'dn4^<>> M tKo
same lime conserving your
limited time and RnorKy. A
rejsl bargain at Sl2.H^-
LUDWIG'S
LEMON LASERS $14.95
You'd nevftr Jhink hListtng
ksmons uut of the sky i;(>uEd
bn so much fun! Kiist tiia-
chint! codn sctiun. Unn or
two players. WfiHiMi Ity Iho
dfimentud ddclor who guvr
us "Hospitid Advfintur«"',
COSMIC DEBRIS $14.S5
This highly ^^ddictivr i\r-
c.^de type game will k&iip you
batlling the iihens for days.
-ONLY ADVENTURES ARE
AVAILABLE FOR THE
COMMODORE M
SOPTWAnEiiJ
ADVENTURES'
The besi advunlnrtrs iit the
bcsl pricL^sf Conlrollud from
tht" fci-ybiJitrni
GRAVE ROBBERS* $14.95
ImrodutiJnH tbr firslGKAMUlC
ADVENTUKK twar nvjiiljihle
on tht; 'V\C'2iV. Ivxpinn; Ein old
deserted graveyiird. A<:)n-d]y
see thc! perils iIihiI Mir bi^yond.
ADVENTURE PACK 1*
(^ProgramsJ $14,B5
MOON BASE ALPHA-
Desiray \hv mtsrinsrthiil U rac-
ing towiirds your bnse.
COMKUTRR \DVEmURR-
Re-iivc the excitement of gel-
ling your first compulcr.
RIG BAD WO[>K-I)t)n'l let
th{; Avntf gfjhhh; y«>ii up.
ADVENTURE PACK 11*
|3 f'roKranisj $14.95
AFRICAN HSCAI*E-Kind
yaur way off ihii i^nnlinfint
after survivlruK n plane crash.
HOSPITAL ADVKKTURE—
Written by a medical doctor.
Don't check into this hospital!
BOMR Ti IREAT-(inl back to
town in time to warn the
bomb squad of the bomb.
ANNtlMLATOK St9.95
l^rotn I ytuir jilanet against
hostile? alien >i in this
dftfenderlike k""!©- All
n^acbinc code for fast ar-
cEide a<;tion. [oy stick
refold red.
KONGO KUNO $ie.95
Cliinh J^idders^ avoid Uir''els
(hr E:ni/y ape t<i rolling a1
yotJ, Ki?^[:iiirtht:itjirn-^e]. Par-
tially niitrbine code fnr
smoothn fa.st at: I ion. Key-
hoard or joy,stic;k.
fieni! for free Cidialng
All t>ro!iriim!i fie in the sEandard
Vir mcsmury^ nntj i;{imc on
mSMlttft UlJW.
Drderin>t-PlfMi»n ndd $1.^
pf)}iaj^n h hdndljnx fwr urder,
PA ratulrntt add 0"^ aalir^ IAt^-
Fatrtinn atiivt* mun bd drawn
in U.S. funds ot uw
crfulll CArd.
Credil card uwd— Sndude
number and frxplrBlitin datv.
victory software corp.
7 vai.IhEY brook road
PAOLI, VA 19301
(215\ 298-3787
JuJyl9B3 COMFUTEl'i Gazette 103
NEWS8cPRODUCTS
}-our neio progrnnis for the Coiuuiodoi e 64 from Tiiueworks, Inc.
Eleven
Commodore 64
Programs
Eleven nuvv programs for the
Commodore 64 are being intro-
duced nationally by Timeworks,
Inc., independent publisher of
personal computer software.
The first four of these programs
which are now available arc Wui!
Street, a com peli live game of
financial speculation; Robbers of
104 COMPUTEriGgzetle July 1983
the Lost Toitib, an adventure
search for the Sacred 'I'ablets
from a lost 100-room Egyptian
lomb; The Mo)ie\/ Mnun^er, a
home and business budget and
cash flow system; and Data Man-
n;^cr, a general information stor-
age and retrieval system with
features usually found in much
more expensive program.^.
Time works's new Commo-
dore 64 programs come with
complete and comprehensiv^e,
yet easy-to-undersland manuals;
are simple to operate, and are
complete with sound effects and
color. They are available on both
cassette and disk.
Suggested retail prices range
from S21.95 to S29.95. The bal-
ance of the programs are to be
introduced at the rate of four per
month.
Timeworks publishes per-
sonal computer software in these
categories: entertainment, edu-
cation, programming, and home/
small business utility.
TiDh'U'orkfi, l)i€.
40r> I. ah' Cook Rontt
Ihiihli)!'^ A
IM-rfield, !L 60015
PROCR€//IV€
P€RIPH€RfiL/
a/OfTUIP»R€ .
THE AUTO CUaCK'
A TRUE MULThFUNCTtON CARD
• Switch your VlC'Z(l/64 or omer AC devptc& on
an.d olt under soltWiirG control
• 356 y«?ar clock/calendar
• 2K CWOS bntteiy backed up RAM
• Menu dTiven sollwflre
• Plu^i knit) tne duss espanjicm slot
• Gaftndge slyie case
• 19 u^f .icceisi&i** 50t>rout«ne$
• 20 page ilKisiratriJ rminual with deTflifed
;]irogram(rnnq tjAJimpiea
AUTO CLOCK S129.95
CJlathmag's Jlmv
• State ol (tie art Pro-Ar1ven1ure Senea for tN*
Comniodore 64,
• Reiiii5tic sound ellvcis and animated colof
graphics
« 0^4«r fiigmy areas 70 ot>|ecis. and 40
commands
• A reai't<fne adventufp wit^i a user'triflndly
heFp featum, iipdalud consi^ntly
• Com p rein engive, illuslraled manual wiiri ■■
fold-out map
• Your success \n Gothmog's Lair wiJI depend on
your si(ill and rosoyrcefulness. NtDT on pure luck
• Prepare ^or ihc moM challenging adveri1ur«»
you will evet undorlnkc as you enter
GOTHM0G5 lAlR cas^tta ver^ton - S39 9^
diskette vfirsiqn — 539 95
n^ALER INOUIRIES iNViTCn
OnOER FROM:
PROGRESSIVE PEF^lPHERALS &. SOFTWAflE
6340 West Mississippi Avenue ^^^^M f/^'v"^
Lakewoort. Colorado 80226 i^^^^i^ m
(303) 77B-V312
^^
PUT SOME MUSCLE
IN YOUR
VIC 20
16K RAM EXPANSION
59.90
8K RAM EXPANSION
39.90
• DIRECT FROM
MANUFACTURER
• HIGH QUALITY
• LOW POWER
• 6 MONTH WARRANTY
III! ^^'^'T^^^'
MICRO
7881 La Riviera Drive, Suite 131
Sacramenlo. CA 95B26
(916) 386-0711
CO D Orders Welcome
Add S2 (or sfiipping & handling
California residents add 6% sales tax.
Checks/Money Orders OK
(Allow/ 3 weeks for checks)
DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME
THE COMPLETE
VIC
WIC. VIC-ZO S 64 aic Iraddmarlis ol
CommodOfe Business Machinos
AT LAST: A Definitive Resource
Direclory (or the VIC-20* Computer.
Find out what's available for the
VIC-20*, where to find it, what it
costs, and what other VIC owners
think of It!'
THE COMPLETE VIC^
INCLUDES:
• DuHuriplive hstmQ a1 over 500 products
an£] programs.
• liidopondenl program/ product revlows,
• Gross- retarenced by name and rn^inutacturer.
• Untjound and pre-puncfied lor siancJard
3'nng tiindgr.
• Reader lorum lor reviews I'CQimfn^n I g^etc
- T#ice yeafijr updates
• Names, addresses, and pfior^fi numbers o^
ViC 20' vendors and mail order housoi carrying
VtC 20- products
Fn the Spring Upddtu
Qkpriograpriy of VIC-20" magazine arhdes and
tKJok and a 'unctiorial trosS'rdlercnCK.
COMING SOON: THE COMPLETE 64*.
ih(> Compleie VIC is available Ipr SU.SO t St.&O
PjH An atlraclive vm^i- covered, J^rmy binder 15
avaniable tor 15.00. [Postpaid w»tn Tho Complete
VIC MOT sotd separately) CA le&idenis add B^^«
^alas tan Send check Or money orUflr lo
MACRO DYNAMICS
8950 Villa La Jolla Dr., Ste. 1200
La Jolla, CA 92037 allow4weeks
FOR OELIVERY
Attention
Users Groups
COMPUTEI's Gazette is
compiling a nationwide
guide of VIC-20 and Com-
modore 64 users groups
vvrhich will be published
periodically. Please send us
your group's name, address,
the name of a contact
person, and a phone
number (optional). Also
include any other relevant
information: the group's
membership, when it was
founded whether it operates
■a phone-in bulletin board
system for modem users, etc.
Address to:
Kathy Yakal,
Editorial Assistant
COMPUTEI's Gazette
P.O. Box 5406
Greensboro, NC 27403
Programming a VIC 20
or a
COMMODORE64™?
PAL®
Programtners
Aids & Logs
is here to help YOU!
Tr^-j f^Qt^^ cU'Viiilciv ■vO'i'CilJ'O'* O' IHQJ-'lI 1- 1! --ij .1
vvoK^^ThiriTl^ -mit \iHf\ tu tw fotjnci' SvnrvliiiniD vou nood
BciLjrri'ncr or if«p#rt inciud*^ luU colO'' Chan. B.*»it:'A.<i
r-^twrem;!* c^rsl, EI^-Kffyciuic^tjujde, £Z Nolti. S'CfOunlJvOuT
jrt..t ttuaitiTt (orms, diizEionaiy. riociirr^'ninjntn sfiJtwti,
■inriwdrr> Aftii <i:as,&&uo lofls inci much marc' Hiilps vau
■.i<dim% d(3s>^^n anii ^\ticutvnii\^ yen" prcj^jr^rrts Ewf rybodv
needs 3 PAL' Specitv PAL-20 or PAL 84
SJEisi.i.'Eion ^lujrjnieed dp yauf money t>sz^'
Si^rul S9,95 cfu!ck or MO plus S2 shipping
To PM Products (CIA res adc 6% laxj
4455 Torr.iricf? Blvd., *f 1 77
Tarf,ince, CA 90503
"CARD/?"
(CARD/PRINT)
UNIVERSAL CENTRONICS
PARALLEL PRINTER
INTERFACE FOR THE VIC-20 '-
Now you can use your VIC-20* with
an EPSON MX-SO printer, or an OKI-
DATA printer, or a TANDY printer, or
|ust about anybody's printer. And you
don'i have to give up the use of your
user port (IVIODEM), or change to
special printer commands, or load any
special software driver programs to do
it.
• Outputs standard ASCI! codes to |
the printer.
• Plugs m the VIC-20* printer serial
1/0 port
• Understands all standard VIC-20-
print commands.
• No modification to your VIC-20*
• No special programs required.
• Includes all necessary cables to
hook up a standard printer using
Centronics parallel input
• f^ADE IN THE U.S.A.
fd... CAFID.'' isaproauclolCARDCO. Inc
$76.00
TO ORDEH
P. O UOX Ifi7fi5
WICHIIA. KSG7218
(316) 263- TD95
Person,il chtjcks accepted
{^llaw 3 WF^pksl or
coo (AOt! S? 00)
H^nilling clijtgas 52 00
VtC'^O' 15 ^"1 rflg^slorOil tradumark ol Conimodere
July 1983 COMPUTEI'i Gazette 105
NEWS8<PRODUCTS
Home And
Business
Software For
The 64
Quick Brown Fox, developer of
word processing programs for
the Ct>mniodure 64 and VIC-20,
has announced a line of home
and business software for the
Commodore 64,
The products are:
• QiiickSjii'U, a spelling-
checker for the Quick Brown Fox
word processor;
• Qiiickfinger, an educa-
tional game designed lo (each
keyboard skills to bolh children
and adults;
• QtiickMtiil, a program for
generating and sorting mailing
lists for home or business use.
Quick Bwwii Fox
548 BwtuiuHiy Suite 4F
Ntnv York, NY WOTZ
VIC-20 Guide
Osborne/McGraw-l [ill has re-
leased a handbook for users and
potential buyers of Commo-
dore's VIC-20. Written by John
Heilborn with Ran Talbolt, the
VIC-20 User Guide addresses
users at all levels of computing
ability.
For tiiose who use commer-
cial software, the authors prt)vide
operating instructions for this
computer and its periplierals,
including disk drives, printers,
and modems. For beginning
programmers, there are tutorials
106 COMPUTEViGozene July 19B3
Jbi' VIC-20 User Guide.
in VlC-2() BASIC, including in-
structions for color graphics and
sound. For experienced pro-
grammers, this book serves as a
reference manual and includes
detailed coverage of VIC-20
BASIC statements and functions,
including a chapter on advanced
color graphics.
Appendices in the $14,95
book offer information on
trigonometric functions, sys-
tem architecture, a complete
memory map, tables, charts,
and illustrations.
Oabonid McCvtrn'-Uiil
2600 Tenth Sinvt
Ikikclqf. CA 94701
CASSETTES ! ! !
FOR YOUR COMPUTER
• Computer Grade • Wide Dynamic Range
• 100% Error Free • 5 Screw Housing
• Fully Guaranteed • Carefully Packed
All Prices Include Shipping
• Phone Orders Add $f.SOC. 0. D. Fee "
COMPUTER TAPE PRICES
Lfjngth 12 LOT 24 107 100 LOT
C-5 .52/6.24 .38/9.12 .35/35.00
C-10 .55/6.60 .40/9.60 .35/35.00
C-20 .50/7.20 .45/10.80 .40/40.00
BASF DPS Tapes Add ,05 Cents Per Tape
— Custom L ongths A vailabte —
. . . Writo For Volume Prices, , .
Noreico Cassette Cases and Labels
[with Cassette Orders Or^ly]
1 2-249 Cases 20 Ea 250-.13Ea
12 Labels lor .20 1 20 (or 1 .70
1000 Pinfeed Labels 14.50
SEND MONEY ORDERS OR CHECKS TO:
CASS-A-TAPES
BOX8123-C
Kansas City, Mo 64112
816-444-4651
"■"CQiDPU 5Er\i5Ei:.'
QUICK BROWN FOX $55.00
Thr ii\ worJ Ofocessor'
GENERAL LEDGER $19.95
(VIC-JO)
CHECK MINDER
VI c-20 $14.95 c-6'( $24.95
HOME INVENTORY $17.95
(VIC-20)
CENTIPOD $27.95
Like CentJped, only beller'
FROGEE $27.95
The exciting arcade yari>e of Froggcr
MOTOR MOUSE $29.95
Wnnt a ctiocse'ee game'
■ CRIBBAGE
VIC. 20 $14.95 0-64 $17.95
Triis Is iric game of CTibtagf?
STAR TREK
VIC-3D $12.95 c-64 $17.95
EKcellenf advenfurf? game!
MASTER MIND
VIC-20 $12.95 c-64 $19.95
Makes you think
ROACH MOTEL $9.95
Kill liie liiigsi
YAHTZEE 1.1 $12.95
YAHTZEE2.1 $14.95
TO ORDER
P O. BOX 16765
WICHITA. KS 67210
(aiS)2S3-1095
(Personal checks iiccapled
^AI^ow 3 weeks) Of
CO D (A<id S2.00)
Handling eharges S2 00
VlC-20' IS a registered trademark of CommodoTe
Commodore 64 Software
"SPRITEWRtlER"
MuMicalor and Single Color
Sprite Edit/Oesign
Ttie sprite generation package with the most
features available.
Appendspritedatastatementstoanyprogram
Test your sprites - up to 8 sprites displayed at
the X.Y location you choose Manipjiate color
of sprites and background. X.Y scaling and X,Y
coordinates.
Ojr price is $24.95 on cassette or $29.95 on
diskette + $1.00 (or shipping and handling.
Several naw software packages will be
available by the time this ad runs.
Pixell Now sells Hardware!
CBM 64 and peripherals
Amdek Monitors and Plotters - lowest prices
available
Corvus Disk Drives
The complete NEC product line
NEC 6000 and 6000 Personal Computer
NEC eaoo
The APC ' the best personal small business
machine built
Call for the most competitive prices
MasleTcaid/Visa
Dealer inquiries wolcemo
o pixel! software
6595 W. Mississippi PI, Lakewood, CO 80226
(303) 922-9197
DEL GAMES, INC.
^0i FOR VIC 20 %^
PERSONALIZED GAMES
STARRING "YOU" ON TV!
"BLACKOUT' ' ©By Gere Deutch
Ages 8 to Adult . . . shoot saucefS
Strategy Game 16.95
INCLUOm YOUR NAME IN GAM^i ''''"
"ATLANTIC CITY"
■S^Gamblirg craps tor adults
You can bet a rrillion
& take the casino home with you 14.95
INCL UOmCi YOUR NAME /W GAME! '"''"
"CAPTAIN SPACE"
Battle with mat) bomber
ActionGarre.. .INCLUDING 12.95
YOUR NAME IN ' IIGHTS" IN GAME' '"'''^
'■COLORED LIGHTS"
©Fantasy — needs 3K Expander
Not a game, tjuthrs. of relaxing, color-
changing, nnoving, Op-Art scenes!
Ideal for TV cable stations,
hospitals, Dr's offices, etc. 18.95
INCLUDING YOUR NAME! ''''°
SEND PROPER AMOUNT WITH NAME OF GAME
PLUS NAME WAt^TED. (UP TO 15 LETTERS)-
™: DEL GAMES, INC. P.O. BOX
33, HOWELL, NJ 07731 PH.
201-364-1973
DEALEH INQUIRIES INVITED.
NJ RESIDENTS ADD e<H> SALES TAX
VIC.?C( is 3 registered tradentark Qt CommodDiG ausmcss Macrtines
{ • ATTENTION • *
I • VIC USERS • t
* *
* t
* FOR FIRST ISSUE OF J
* GAZETTE *
? 3-SLOT EXPANSION BOARD *
i i
t $28.50 t
* IFLA. RES. ADD S% SALES TAX) J
J JULY ISSUE OtJLy:! I
* t
* t
* t
■>( We also do custom programming *
j forlhe VIC. Send us a description J
^ of the program you want, we will *
■k send more information and cost *
J for us to create the program, ^
* t
* i
^ Our catalog is in cassette form, -^l
* For the VIC 20 *
J Send $2.00 for a copy {
* t
* t
HUNDREDS OF PROGRAMS
AVAILABLE FOR THE
COMMODORE 64 & VIC 20
Aualon-ttill • HES • Commotlore • Creative
Software • Epyx • Spinnaker • Nufekop • Sinus
Star Tech • UMI • Comm'Data • Vicville • Viclory
and Much More
ALL PRICES UP TO 30% BELOW RETAILII
OUR
HETAIL PfllCe
HESMON 39.95 29.95
HESWritef 3995 29.95
Quick Brown Fox (Word Ptoc) 65 K) 47.50
Gridrunner 39.95 29.95
Clioplifter 44.95 36.50
Spiders 01 Mars 49.95 37 50
Hang Ma n/ttang Math 14.95 1125
ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE ALSO
Moflilors * Primers • Expansion Beards
Cables • Interlaces
CABOCO
Cat d board/ 6
99 95
77 9^
Card ? (Printer Inlertace)
79.95
62.95
DATA 20
Video tek (Expansion Carl.,
199.95
159.95
16K Mem., 40/60 col..
includes tree word processof)
16K Memory Cart
99.95
?9.95
Printer Interlace
69.95
55%
DYTEK
* (813)323-6139 *
* P.O. Box241. Pinellas Park FL3356S *
* i
Write or call for FREE CATALOG
TO ORDER: CALL 1-7 14451 -5596
800 AM .flOOfM PSI Men -Sat
or send check or credit card no . signature. ^ eip dale
CEKTURY MICRO PRODUCTS
P.0.60XZ520
MIttlon VieiD, CA mm
Visa/Mastercard add' 3%. Personal checks allow 2
weeks to clea r CA lesidenis add sales tax Shipping
and fiandlmg add S3 00 (hardware extra! Prices
siibiect to change .
July 1983 COMPUTEI's Gazelle 107
NEWSScPRODUCTS
VIC-20 Cassette
Interface
The VIK Dubber cassette inter-
face allows VlC-20 and Commo-
dore 64 users to save and load
data using any standard cassette
recorder. The VIK Dubber cir-
cuitry tillers and enhances the
cassette data, virtually elimi-
nating bad loads. The VIK Dub-
ber also includes several features
to allow easier cassette use. The
VIK Dubber allows you to con-
nect two cassette recorders to-
"■"'COiDPu 5Ef\i9Ei:.';
CARDBOARD 3
An Economy Expansion Interface
(Motherboard)
ForttieVIC-20« Personal
Computer
The"CARDB0ARD.'3' IS an expansion inter-
lace designed to allow tne user to access more '
than one ol ll^c plug-in-Iype memory dr ulility
cartridges now available It will accept up lo 3 i
RA^A or ROM cailndges at orrce For eiampie
• 16k HAM • 16k RAM • 3k RAM
• 16k RAM ■ Sk RAM - Super E«panaer
• 16k RAM ■ 8)t RAM * Vic-Mon
• 16k RAM • 3k RAM * Programmers Aid
• Hign quality TRW. gold plated connectors
• This board is fused
• 90 day tree replacement warranty coveririg j
eireryttiing exceoi the (use
$35,95
CARDBOARDS
An Expansion Interface tor VlC-20>
• Allows memofy expansion up to -lOK
• Accepis up to siK games
• Includes a system reset button
• AN slots are swilctr selectable
• Datsy chain seversl units lor even more
verSfiEi'ily
$87.50
TO ORDER
* P O BOX 18765
WICHITA. KS 67218
(316) 263-1095
Personal checks accepted
(Allow 3 weeks) or
VISA I
COD. (AdQS2)
Handling charge SZOO
VIC'20" IS a regisicinn liacJemaik ol Commodotp
108 COMPUTEI's Gazette July 1983
VIK
DUBBER
■VTCSIZE MICRO TECH
SEATTUe WA 9S1TI
lOI^-^ -1^
VIK Diibk'f OJfi^vltc iiifcrfiice for VlC-ZihCoiiiimuhm- 64.
gether to make high quality back-
up copies of cassette programs,
even those written in machine
language. The VIK Dubber aiso
has an indicator light and a quiet
audible tone to help you adjust
the cassette volume for proper
use and to allow you to monitor
the cassette data. The VIK Dub-
ber gets its power from the com-
puter, so no batteries are needed.
It sells for $34.93 postpaid in the
U.S., Canada, or Mexico.
Bytes ize M icro Tech i wlog 1/
P.O. Box 21123
Dept. FC
SeaHk'.WA9Sin
(206)2.%'ByTE
Game Book
For VIC
Sliiiiiilnlii!^ Sinudnlioiiii for the
VIC is a handbook of j 2 simula-
tion game programs written in
VIC BASIC.
Each program in the $6.50
book is presented with a listing,
sample run, instructions, and
program documentation, in-
cluding a flowchart, and ideas
for variations. Each game can be
played by one or more players
and can be modified to a variety
of difficulty levels.
^ commodore
$99
$427
MEMORY EXPANSION
$69
$39
SOFTWARE FOR THE VIC-20
WORD PROCESSING $23.00
ADV WORD PROCESSING $32.00
MAILING LISTS $20.00
SOFTWARE FOR THE COM-64
WORD PROCESSING $38.00
MAILING LISTS $20.00
Call for other software items.
VIC 1541 DISC DRIVE $339.00
VIC 1 530 1 530 DATASSETTE $ 64.95
VIC 1 525 GRAPHIC PRINTER $339.00
2hO(8 STATIC RAM CHIPS (aoo nseC) QTY. ea $ 7.95
^g^ . ORDER FORM ggi
■■■U (Circle Above Items) [wMT]
CHECK ONE
NAME DVISA □ MASTERCARD
STREET D Check Enclosed D C.O.D.
CITY Credit Card #
STATE ZIP - Expiration Date
PHONE Cfsdil Cards add 3%
Add 3% Shipping Charge
Personal cnecks accepted COD's add Si 50 plus 20% Deposil
(Allow 3 weeks extra) Requireil CA Res S'.^% Tai
U.S. TECHNOLOGIES
1 625 W. OLYMPIC SUITE 800
LOS ANGELES, CA 9001 5
(213)383-8127
(Information & Orders)
CREDiT CARD ORDERS ONLY CALL TOLL FREE:
1 -800-824-7888 # (48 States) 1 -800-824-7919 * (Alaska & Hawaii} 4r Ask for Operator #649
NEWSScPRODUCTS
The 12 programs include:
Art Auction, Monster Chase,
Lost Treasure, Gone Fishing,
Space Flight, Starship Alpha,
Forest Fire, Nautical Navigation,
Business Management, Rare
Birds, Diamond Thief, and The
Devil's Dungeon,
The 11 2-page book was writ-
ten by C. W. Engle.
Hayden Book Compamj
50 Essex Street
Rochclk I'ark, N} 07662
MODEM INTERFACE
FOR THE \/ICEaG.VlCOA
CARDBOARDS
$87.50
An expansion interlace for the VIC-20.
Allows expansion to 40 Kor accepts up
to six games. May be daisy chained for
more vorsatility.
CARDBOARD 3
$35.95
Economy expansion interface for
the V!C-20
CARD "?" CARD/PRINT
$76.00
Universal Centronics Parallel Printer
Interface (or the VIC-20 or CBW-64,
Use an Epson MX-80 or OKIDATA or
TANDY or just about any other.
CARDETTE
$30.95
Use any standard cassette player/re-
corder with your VIC-20 or CBM-64
LIGHT PEN
$29.95
A light pen with six good programs to
USB with your VIC-20 or CBM-64
Pfices subject to change
TOOROEH: P O. BOX 18765
WICHITA, KS67K18
(316) 263-1095
f cr jonfll Checlis Acceptor (Allow "i Weeks)
Of C O O (Ada S!) Handlmg Chniges S2 00
The Modem hiferface allows Ihr VIC-20 and Commodore 64 to opemie toith any
standaid ttnulfui.
Modem
Interface
The Modem Interface offers VIC-
20 and Oimmodore 64 users the
cost-saving convenience of con-
necting virtually any modem to
their computers. The Modem
Interface is compatible with the
Microconnection, Hay<-'s
Smart modem, Novation CAT,
etc. A three- foot cable with a
standard DB25 connector is in-
cluded. The Modem Interface
allows use of your modem's
auto-dial/aiito-nnswer features.
Included with the Modem Inter-
face is an autti-dial terminal pro-
gram. The cost is $21 .'^JB postpaid
in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.
Biftesizc Micro Tecluiolo^iy
P.O. Box 21123
Depl. DM
Seattle, WA9Srn
{206}Z36-BY!'E
Cartridge
Programs For
VIC-20 And 64
Creative Software has released
three new cartridges for the VIC-
20 and Commodore 64.
Rat Hold is an arcade-style,
"httie-and-seek" game for the
VIC-20 in which the player takes
the role of Ermine the Rat, a
cheese-seeking inhabitant of the
Hotel Paradisio who is pursued
by Waldo the Maintenance Man.
Using a jtiystick, the player
maneuvers the Rat from the attic,
down six floors and into the base-
ment where he can eat he Grand
Clieeseball. The Rat must reach
the basement within three
minutes. Reaching the cheese at
the very bottom enables the
player to reach the next difficulty
level. There are five levels in the
1 1 0 COMPUrffi Gaiuite J u I y 1 983
NEWSScPRODUCTS
RatHolel for the VlC-20.
game.
Tension is created when the
Rat encounters the Viirious ob-
stacles in his path. The elevators
that allow the Rat to move down
each floor will stop for him only
if he has eaten all the cheese on
the floor he wishes to leave. The
cheese, depending on color, will
either give the Rat energizing
points or leave him paralyzed
for a few seconds. In addition,
traps are strategically placed in
the Rat's favorite dining spots
and hiding places.
i'he second new cartridge is
Pipes, a home education prograni
for the VIC-2Q. IDesigned and
written by John Doering, Pipes is
the first in a series of programs
intended to join the worlds of
education and games. Pipe^i plays
like a game while teaching the
concepts of spatial relationships
and economics.
The object of Pipes is to con-
nect all the houses in town to
the main water supply. A joy-
stick is used to direct Arlo the
Plumber from the factory where
he carefully selects the right pipe
to the work -site where he installs
it. Arlo can select elbow-joints,
T-joints, and valves, each with
differing dollar values and in-
ventory limitations, to create a
Pipes /or f/jt' V''/C-2(J.
cost-effective and efficient water
system. If the pipes are not con-
nected and sealed properly, leaks
will spring and the game will
end. The challenge of Pipes is to
connect all the houses without
running out of the right kind of
pipe or using too much money.
PijH'ii, now available for the
VIC-20, will be available for the
Commodore 64 in August.
The third new cartridge is
Mooiidust by Jaron Lanier, a
science-fantasy game for the
Commodore 64.
Mooiidiisl challenges the
player to draw colorful trails of
moondust crystals through the
heart of glowing concentric cir-
cles. It is a true computer game
utilizing a full range of sound
and color capability. Music, com-
posed according to joystick
movement, accompanies every
action.
Moondust features the
friendly Spacewalkcr, who is the
master painter for the Moondusl
Pleet. The game begins when he
dnips moondusl to be spread
across the screen. I^epending
upon how far away from the
center the moondust is dropped,
a certain number of possilile
points will appear on the screen.
The Spacewalker directs his col-
Moondust for the Counnodore 64.
orful tleet to drag the moondust
toward the center. As they whirl
aroimd the screen, they leave
trails of aqua, emerald green,
cobalt, coral, and purple. The
player has to watch for the fleet's
flying patterns in order to protect
the Spacewalker from being
bumped three times and ending
the game.
Suggested retail price for all
the cartridges is $39.95.
Creative Softwiin'
230 llasf Oirilibeaii Drive
Sunmjvttie, CA 94086
COMPUTf'I's Gazellu for Commodore
loelcomes aiuioiinceiiients of new pro-
ducts for VIC -20 ami Coiuiiiodore 64
computers, e^peeiidly products uimcd at
Ije^^iuui)!;^ to iiiiermediote Hirers. Please
send press relenscs and photos uyII in ad-
vance to: Tony Roberts, Assist iV it Man-
agin^^ Editor', COMPU'l'HI's Gazette,
P.O. Box 5406. Greensboro, NC 27403.
New product retenses are selected from
subniissions for reasons of timeliness,
available space, and i^enemi interest to
our readers. We regret that we are unable
to select all neio product sulwussions for
publication. Reath'rs slioulil be aware
that we presoil liere some edited version
of materitd subiintted by vendors and are
uualile to vouch for its accuractf at lime of
publication.
July 1983 COMPUWi Gatette Ml
A Beginner's Guide
To Typing In Programs
What Is A Program?
A computer cannot perform any task by itself,
Like n car without gas, a computer has pofentin!,
but without a program, it isn't going anywhere.
Most of the programs published in COMPUTEI's
Gazette for Commodore are written in a computer
language called BASIC, BASIC is easy to iearn
and is built into all VIC-20s and Commodore 64s.
BASIC Programs
Each month, COMPUTERS Gazette for Commodore
publishes program.'? for both the VIC and 64. To
start out, type in only programs written for your
machine, e.g., "VIC Version" if you have a VIC-20.
Later, when you gain experience with your com-
puter's BASIC, you can try typing in and converting
certain programs from anotiier computer to yours.
Computers can be picky. Unlike the English
language, which is full of ambiguities, BASIC usu-
ally has only one "right way" of stating something.
Every letter, character, or number is significant. A
common mistake is substituting a letter such as
"O" for the numeral "0", a lowercase "1" for the
numeral "1", or an uppercase "B" for the numeral
"8". Also, you must enter all punctuation such as
colons and commas just as they appear in the
magazine. Spacing can be important. To be safe,
type in the listings cxacth/ as they appear.
Brackets And Special Characters
The exception to this typing rule is when you see
the curved bracket, such as "{DOWN}". Any-
thing within a set of brackets is a special character
or characters that cannot easily be listed on a print-
er. When you come across such a special state-
ment, refer to "How To Type In COMPUTEr$
Gazelle Programs."
About DATA Statements
Some programs contain a section or sections of
DATA statements. Tliese lines provide information
needed by the program. Some DATA statements
contain actual programs (called machine language);
others contain graphics codes. These lines are espe-
cially sensitive to errors.
If a single number in any one DATA statement
is mistyped, your madiine could "lock up," or
"crash," The keyboard and STOP key may seem
"dead," and the screen may go blank. Don't panic
- no damage is done. To regain control, you have
11! COMPUTE!-! Gazette July 1983
to turn off your computer, then turn it back on.
This will erase whatever program was in memor\',
so it}im\ji^ SAVE a ivpy ofijonr ptv^iwu before \/oh KUN
it. If your computer crashes, you can LOAD the
program and look for your mistake.
Sometimes a mistyped DATA statement will
cause an error message when the program is RUN,
Tlie error message may refer to the program line
that READS the data. The envf is slill in the DATA
statements, though.
Get To Know Your Machine
You should familiarize yourself with your com-
puter before attempting to type in a program.
Learn the statements you use to store and retrieve
programs from tape or disk. You'll want to save a
copy of your program, so that you won't have to
type it in every time you want to use it. Learn to
use your machine's editing functions. How do
you change a line if you made a mistake? You can
always retype the line, but you at least need to
know how to backspace. Do you know how to
enter inverse video, lowerca.se, and control char-
acters? It's all explained in your ct)mputer's
manuals.
A CLuick Review
1) Type in the program a line at a time, in order.
Press RETURN at the end of each line. Use back-
space or the back arrow to correct mistakes.
2) Check the line you've typed against the line in
the magazine. You can check the entire program
again if you get an error when you RUN the
program.
3) Make sure you've entered statements in brack-
ets as the appropriate control key (see "How To
Type COMPUTEI's Gazette Programs" elsewhere
in the magazine.)
I
VVt' regret that we are not able to respond to indiminal
incHtiriea about progranif,, protiiicti:, or scn'ices ap-
penrin;^ in COMPUTEf'.s Gazette for Commodore
due to increasing publiaitioii activity. On tliose in-
frequent ik'cafioiii: wlicn a pabtifilied program conlain$
11 ti/po, the correction leill appear in the nuiyaziiie,
sisuaihj within eight unvks. If you have specific
tpicstions about items or programs which \jou've seen
in COMPUTE!'s Gazette for Commodore, please
send tliein to Gazetle firdbnck, P. O. Box 5406,
Greensboro. NC 27403.
How To Type In
COMPUTEI's Gazette Programs
Many of the programs which are listed in COM-
PUTEl's Cazeltc contain special control characters
(cursor control, color keys, inverse video, etc.).
To make it easy to know exactly what to type when
entering one of these programs into your com-
puter, we have established the following listing
conventions.
Generally, any VIC-20 or Commodore 64
program listings will contain bracketed words
Which spell out any special characters: {DOWN}
would mean to press the cursor down key. {5
SPACES) would mean to press the space bar five
times.
To indicate that a key should be shifted (hold
down the SHIFT key while pressing the other
key), the key would be underlined in our listings.
For example, S would mean to type the S key
while holding the shift key. This would appear
on your screen as a "heart" symbol. If you find
an underlined key enclosed in braces (e.g., {10
N 1), you should type the key as many times as
indicated (in our example, you would enter ten
shifted N's).
If a key is enclosed in special brackets, \c^,
you should hold down the Coiwnadore key while
pressing the key inside the special brackets. (The
Commodore key is the key in the lower left corner
of the keyboard.) Again, if the key is preceded by
a number, you should press the key as many times
as necessary.
Rarely, you'll see a solitary letter of the al-
phabet enclosed in braces. These characters can
be entered on the Commodore 64 by holding down
the CTRL key while typing the letter in the braces.
For example, (A) would indicate that you should
press CTRL-A. You should never have to enter
such a character on the VIC- 20, hut if you do, you
would have to leave the quote mode (press RE-
TURN and cursor back up to the position where
the control character should go), press CTRL-9
(RVS ON), the letter in braces, and then CTRL-0
(RVSOFF).
About the quale mode: you know that you can
move the cursor around the screen with the CRSR
keys. Sometimes a programmer will want to move
the cursor under program control. That's why
you see all the {LEFT}'s, {HOME]'s, and
{BLUl's in our programs. The only way the com-
puter can tell the difference between direct and
programmed cursor control is the quote mode.
Once you press the quote (the double quote,
SHIFT-2), you are in the quote mode. If you type
something and then try to change it by moving
the cursor left, you'll only get a bunch of reverse-
video lines. These are the symbols for cursor left.
The only editing key that isn't programmable is
the DEL key; you can still use DEL to back up and
edit the line. Once you type another quote, you
are out of quote mode.
You also go into quote mode when you IN-
SerT spaces into a line. In any case, the easiest
way to get out of quote mode is to just press RE-
TURN. You'll then be out of quote mode and you
can cursor up lo the mistyped line and fix it.
Use the following table when entering cursor
and color control keys:
When You Read
Press:
Sea:
When You Read
Piess:
See:
When You Read:
Piess:
See:
(clear!
Ei
tCYN}
Eiao
k
173
BD
□
[HOME}
m
[PUR]
■Hl;th Q
m
§ei
QO
Eupj
m
(GRNt
Q9 D
u
iFll
EO
5
iDOvrat
QESXI
m
[BLU}
tsmu
E3
tF2l
EE
a
I LEFT !
i^mm HiFHjgi
n
iYELJ
cniD
m
lF3t
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■
Iright)
Frmra
Hi
QD
El
IF4}
rzi
Ifl
(RVSl
m:l« Q
CSS
121
ma
IS
IPS)
1^
n
{off!
QQI Q
9
ni
QQ
@
{F6]
1^
51
[blk;
ESI O
E4i
so
m
tF7}
r*ii
■1
{WHTl
■HI.W Q
M
151
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163
QQ
■i
July 1983 COMPUm'iCazene 113
Enlivening Programs
With Sound
ATTENTION PROGRAMMERS
Before typing in programs, please refer to "How
To Type COMPUTES's Gazette Programs" and
"A Beginner's Guide To Typing In Programs"
that appear before the Program Listings.
Program 1 : Fanfare For 64
10 REM:MUSIC PROGRAM FOR 64
20 BEGIN=54272:FORCLEAR=BEGTOBEGIN+24:POK
ECLEAR,0:NEXT
30 POKEBE+5 , 85 : POKEBE+6 , 85 : POKEBE+12 , 85 : P
OKEBE+13,85
40 POKEBE+24,15
50 POKEBE+4,33:POKEBE+ll,17
60 F0RX=1T06 : READHl , LI , H2 , L2 : POKEBE+1 , HI :
POKEBE, LI : POKEBE+8 , H2 : POKEBE+7 , L2
65 IFH1=50THENFORT=1TO200:NEXT
70 FORT=1TO100:NEXT
80 DATA25,30,18,209,33, 135,25,30,42,62,31
,165,50,60,37,162,42,62,31,165,50
,60
85 DATA37,162
90 NEXTX
100 BEGIN=54272 :FORCLEAR=BEGTOBEGIN+24 : POK
ECLEAR,0:NEXT
Program 2: Fanf aie foi vie
0 REM: FANFARE FOR VIC
10 51=36876
20 32=36875
30 V=36878
40 P0KEV,15
50 F0RX=1T06 : READPl ,P2 : POKESl , PI : P0KES2 , P
2
60 FORT=lTO150:NEXT
65 IFPl=235THENFORT=lTO200:NEXT
68 NEXT
70 POKEV,0
8 0 DATA21 5, 2 1 5, 225, 225, 231, 2 3 1,235, 235, 23
1,231,235,235
The Beginner's Corner
Graphics With PRINT
10 print"{clr1 (2 down)"
20 PRINTTAB(ia) ?"(YEL)qID0WN1"
30 PRINTTABO); "(CYN}uTD0WN1 {2 LEFT}
U[D0WN)[2 LEFT)U"
40 PRINTTAB(7); "E-3"
50 PRINTTAB(5) ; " (GRN) IrVS}§
E*3{0FF} {CYN)i-§"
60 PRINTTAB(4); "[GRN} {RVSlfe
12 SPACES} g*g"
70 PRINT" (3 SPACES} [RVS}fe
1 4 SPACES} g*3"
80 PRINT"(4 spaces} [RED}H +§"
90 PRINT" {4 SPACES J N +8"
100 PRINT"l4 SPACES) E+8tBLK}
E2 BE {red} 1+3"
110 PRINT"[4 SPACES)|i-3[BLK)
i2 BEiRED)E+3"
120 PRINT" [4 SPACES) E+3[BLK)
E2 b3{red)E+3"
130 PRINT"iGRN]E22 eHBLU)"
140 GOTO 140
150 END
UNDERLINE = SHIFT,
E 3 = COMMODORE KEY,
[ }= SPECIAL.
REFER TO LISTING CONVENTIONS
Commodore Classics:
CLuickfind
Program 1 : vic-20 GLuickfind
140 N=5:DIM A$(N):REM N IS # OF PROGRAMS
ON TAPE
150 FOR 1=1 TO N:READ A${l):NEXT X
160 PRINT CHR$(147);CHR?(144) ; "
(2 spaces} PROGRAM": PRINT "NUMBER/NAM
E": PRINT
170 FOR 1=1 TO N:PRINT CHR? ( 157 ) ; I; "
(2 SPACES} ";A${I ) :NEXT I : PRINT
180 INPUT "FIND NUMBER" ; J : PRINT
190 IF J<1 OR J>N THEN 160
200 IF J=l THEN 330
210 REM START OF FAST FORWARD ROUTINE
220 REM WAIT FOR RELEASE IF NECESSARY
230 IF (PEEKt37151) AND 64)=0 THEN PRINT
"PRESS STOP ON CASSETTE"
240 IF (PEEK(37151) AND 64)=0 THEN 240
250 PRINT "PRESS FAST FORWARD" ! PRINT
260 IF (PEEK(37151) AND 64)=64 THEN 260:
REM CHECK FOR PRESS
270 PRINT "OK": PRINT: A=TI
280 IF ABS{TI-A)<{J-1)*360 THEN 280 : REM
FAST FORWARD 6 SEC PER PROGRAM
290 POKE 37148, PEEK( 37148) AND 247:REM S
TOP MOTOR
300 PRINT "RELEASE FAST FORWARD"
310 IF (PEEK(37151) AND 64)=0 THEN 310:R
EM WAIT FOR RELEASE
3 20 REM DYNAMIC KEYBOARD LOAD
330 PRINT CHR?(147);CHR$(17);CHR$(17);CH
R5(17) ; "LOAD " ;CHR? ( 34) ; A? C J ) ; CHR? ( 3
4);CHR$(19)
340 POKE 198,1: POKE 631, 13: END
Attention Young People
COMPUTER'S Gazette wants to Icnow
wliat today's young people are doing
with connputers. We want our readers
to know, too. It you've written an in-
teresting program lor the VIC-20 or
Commodore 64, share it with us. See
the Author Guide elsewhere in this
issue, and tell us your age when you
submit on article.
114 COMPUJEi'iGozene July 1983
350 DATA P ROG RAMI, PR0GRAM2, PROGRAMS, PROG
RAM4, PROGRAMS
UNDERLINE = SHIFT,
13= COMMODORE KEY,
[ 3= SPECIAL.
REFER TO LISTING CONVENTIONS
Program 2: commodore 64 GLuickflnd
140 N=5:DIM A$(N):REM N IS # OF PROGRAMS O
N TAPE
150 FOR 1=1 TO N:READ A$(I):NEXT
160 PRINT CHR?(147) ;CHR5(18) ; " PROGRAM "
!PRINT"NUMBER NAME": PRINT
170 FOR 1=1 TO N: PRINT I;" ";A$(l):NEXT
: PRINT
180 INPUT "FIND NUMBER"; J :PRINT
190 IF J<1 OR N>N THEN 160
200 IF J=l THEN 330
210 REM START OF ROUTINE TO FAST FORWARD
220 REM WAIT FOR RELEASE IF NECESSARY
230 IF (PEEK{ 1 )AND16)=0 THEN PRINT "PRESS
STOP ON CASSETTE" : PRINT
240 IF Cpeek{1 )AND16)=0 THEN 240
250 PRINT "PRESS PAST FORWARD NOW" : PRINT
260 IF (PEEK(1)AND16) THEN 260
270 PRINT"OK. . .SEARCHING"; PRINT ;A=TI:P0KE1
92,1
280 IF ABS(TI-A)<(J-1)*360 THEN 280 : REM FA
ST FORWARD 6 SEC PER PROGRAM
290 POKEl, {PEEKtl)OR32) :REM STOP MOTOR
300 PRINT"PRESS STOP ON CASSETTE"
310 IF (PEEK(1)AND16}=0 THEN 310
3 20 REM DYNAMIC KEYBOARD LOAD
330 PRINTCHR?(147);CHR?(17) ; CHR$ ( 17 ) ;CHR? (
17);
3 35 PRINT"LOAD " ;CHR$ C 34) ; A? { J ) ;CHR$ ( 34) ;C
HR?(19)
340 POKE 198,1: POKE 631, 13: END
350 DATA PROGRAMl,PROGRAM2,PROGRAM3,PROGRA
M4, PROGRAMS
Skydiver
ATTENTION PROGRAMMERS
Before typing in programs, please refer to "How
To Type COMPUTE! 's Gazette Programs" and
"A Beginner's Guide To Typing In Programs"
that appear before the Program Listings.
Program 1 : vic-20 version
8 P1=37151:P2=37152:P3=37154:T7=30720:NE
=2
10 PRINT" ECLR3":GOTO60100
12 A(l)=7772:A(2}=7778:A{3)=7782
14 SC=0 : BO=100 : BA=3 : WA=7 : W=8 : EX=0
16 PRINT "[home! SCORE: 000 {3 SPACES}"
20 GOSUa5000
21 PRINT" EHOME) ";TAB( 14); "l3 SPACES}
13 LEFT}";A$
22 CT=21+INT(RND(TI)*20+1):CC=0
30 A=0
100 PRINT" EHOME} {down} ";TAB( A); " {off}
[RVS}E*§!2 LEFT} {DOWN] t off}
{RVS}E2 I3":A=A+1
102 CC=CC+1:IFCC>=CT ANDA<21ANDA> 1THEN12
0
105 IFA>=20THENPRINT"tHOME) [DOWN} " ; TABCa
);" (down) {left) {2 SPACES) ":A=0
110 GOSUB 1000:IFR<>128THENFaRI=lTO50!NE
XT: GOTO 100
112 IFA>20ORA<1THEN100
120 PRINT" (home) {down} ";TAB( A);" {lEFT}
[down) [2 SPACES}"
200 B=7747+A:T=INT(RND{TI)*S+1) !T=T+1
210 CH=46:C=0
212 C=C+1
220 POKEB,CH:POKEB,32:B=B+22
230 POKEB+T7,4:POKEB,CH: IPC<TTHENF0RY=1T
O80:NEXT:GOTO212
300 CH=65
305 P0KEB+T7,4:P0KEB,CH
310 GOSUB1000:C=C+1
320 IFC>=WTHENIFR=4THENP0KEB,32:B=B-1:P0
KEB+T7,4:POKEB,CH:C=0
330 IFC>=WTHENIFR=8THENP0KEB, 32:B=B+l ; PO
KEB+T7 , 4 ! POKEB, CH : C=0
340 D=D+1
350 IFD>=WATHENP0KEB,32:B=B+22
3S5 IFD>=WATHEND=0:IFPEEK(B)<>32THEN3000
360 P0KEB+T7,4!P0KEB,CH
370 WI=WI+1
390 IFWI>=SANDDI=-lTHENPOKEB,32:B=a+DI:P
OKEB+T7,4:WI=0
395 IFWI>=SANDDI=1THENP0KEB,32:B=B+DI:P0
KEB+T7,4:WI=0
400 TFPEEK{B) <:»32ANDPEEK(B) OCHTHEN3000
410 POKEB, CH
500 GOTO300
1000 P0KEP3, 127:X=NOTPEEK(Pl)AND60-[ (PEE
K(P2)AND128)=0) : POKEP3 , 255
1010 R=-( (XAND4)=4)-2*( {XAND8)=8}-4* ( (XA
ND16)=16)-a*( (XAND1)=1)-128*( (XAND3
2) =32)
1020 RETURN
3000 POKEB+T7,4
3010 IFP=1THENIFB=81240RB=8125THENP0KEB,
CH:GOTO4000
3020 1FP=2THENIFB=8130THENPOKEB,CH:GOTO4
050
3030 IFP=3THENIFB=813 50RB=81360RB=813 7TH
ENPOKEB,CH:GOTO4100
3040 POKEB, 170 :GOTO12000
4000 PRINT" {home} {a D0WN){S RIGHT} 5 X";B
0;"=";5*B0
4010 VA=5*BO:GOTO10000
4050 PRINT" {HOME} {8 DOWN) (4 RIGHT} 10 X";
BO; "=";10*BO
4060 VA=10*BO:GOTal0000
4100 PRINT" [HOME) {a DOWN ) { 5 RIGHT 3 2 X";B
0;"=";2*B0
4110 VA=2*BO:GOTO10000
5000 PRINT" {HOME) {19 DOWN)"
5020 PRINT" [3 SPACES} {BLK)gL3(YEL)
E2 l3[BLK}iJ3{2 SPACES)
[aLK)iL3{YEL)ilHBLK}
EjE{2 spaces) El|{yel}
63 i31blk}Ej3{blu}"
5030 PRINT"{RVS) {4 SPACES )5X[ 3 SPACES} 10
X{4 SPACES }2X{ 4 SPACES) {OFF} " ;
5040 FORI=ai64T08185!POKEI+T7 , 6 : POKEI ,16
0:NEXT
5041 1FBA<=-0THEN60000
July 1983 COMPUTEI'sGoiette 115
5042 PRINT" [home} ";TAB(17); "14 SPACES}"
5043 IFBA>1THENPRINT" tHOME)";TAa{ia); : FO
RI=1T0BA-1 : PRINT"A" ; : NEXT : PRINT
5045 SS=INT(RND{TI)*3+1};DI=INT(RND{TI)*
2+1 ) t IFDI=2THENDI=-1
5048 IFSS = lTHt:NS=5;SD=15
5049 IFSS=2THENS=I0:SD=10
5050 IFSS=3THENS=15:SD=5
5052 D$="RIGHT";IFDI=-1THEND5="LEFT"
5053 IFNJ>=NETHENSO=BO+50: PRINT "{home}
[7 DOVW} BONUS ADVANCE TO{RED}"fBO
RINT"{BLU}"
5054 IFNJ>=NETHENIFWA>4THENWA=WA-1
5055 IFNJ>=NETHENNJ=0:IFW<18THENW=W+1
5056 PRINT" [HOME) {2 DOWN) " ;TAB( 3 ) ; "WIND:
";SD"TO ";D?:GOSUB50000
5037 FORK=1TQ1000:NEXTj PRINT" {HOME}
[down) [20 SPACES) "
5060 F0RI=7724T08141STEP22 sPOKEI , 96 sPOKE
I+21,96:NEXT
5070 RETURN
10000 JM=JM+1:NJ=NJ+I
10100 FORP=1TOVA/10: PRINT" [HOME) EBLU}SC0
RE ! i RED ) " ; SO ! P0KES3 , 0 : SC=SC+10 j NEX
T : PRINT " I HOME }[bLU} SCORE! [RED}";SC
10110 FORID=1TO1000:NEXT:IFEX=0ANDSC>=50
00THENBA=BA+1 : EX=1
10120 PRINT" [HOME) (8 DOWN] (21 SPACES) "jG
OTO20
12000 PRINT" i HOME) (8 DOWN) [3 RIGHT} SORRY
NO B0NUS1":BA=BA-I
12010 FORID=1TQ500:NEXT
12120 POKES, 32 : PRINT" [HOME) {B DOWN}
[21 spaces] ":GOTO20
50000 REM SELECTION
50010 PRINT" [HOME] [4 DOWN} [RED}
[4 SPACES }5X( 3 SPACES }10X
[2 SPACES}2X[bLU}":P=1:Z=P
50020 TI$="000000"
50025 POKEA(P),PEEK(A{P) )+128AND255
50027 TM=15-VAL{TI9)
50028 PRINT"(H0ME} [12 DOWN} " ;TAB( 10 ) ,- "
{2 SPACES) {3 LEFT]",-TM:IFTM=0THENP
=INT(RND(TI) *3+l } ;GOTO30100
50030 GOSUB1000 ; I FR=40RR=aTHENX=PEEK ( A( P
)) :IFX>129THENP0KEA(P) ,X+128AND255
5003S IFR>127THEN50100
50040 GOSUB1000! IFR=4THENP=P-1; IFP<1THEN
P=3
50045 IFR=8THEKP=P+l!lFP>3THENP=l
50050 FORID=1TO100:NEXT:GOTO50025
50100 A$="2X":IFP=1THENA$="5X"
50110 IFP=2THENA$="10X"
50120 PRINT "[down) YOU MUST LAND ON ";A$
50140 FORID=1TO1500:NEXT
50150 PRINT" f HOME) " :F0RID=1T018: PRINT"
{21 SPACES) ": NEXT: RETURN
60000 PRINT" (HOME) {7 DOWN} [6 RIGHT) GAME
OVER":IFSC>HITHENHI=SC
60010 FORHD=1TO2000:NEXT
60020 PRINT" [home] [7 down} [6 RIGHT}
[9 SPACES}"
60100 POKE36879, 188: PRINT" [HOME] [2 DOWN]
[6 SPACES) {RED} SKY DIVER"
60110 PRINT: PRINT SPRINT: PRINT
60120 PRINT" (PUR)USE JOYSTICK TO PLAY"
60130 PRINT: PRINT: PRINT J PRINT
60140 PRINT" {6 SPACES) {CRN 3 HIGH SCORE
{RED}": PRINT
60150 XX=LEN(STR$(HI) ) /2 : PRINTTAB(10-XX)
fHI
60160 GOSUB1000:IFR=0THEN60160
60170 PRINT" [HOME) ": F0RK=1T018: PRINT"
[21 SPACES] ":NEXT:G0T012
UNDERLINE = SHIFT,
E 3 = COMMODORE KEY,
{ ]= SPECIAL.
REFER TO LISTING CONVENTIONS
P Program 2 : For vie with Super Expander
Adiiitkms and tiiodificatiims to Pn\'^nv!i 1. The 4- in
lim's 12010, 63000, and 63010 indiadcfi CTRL-hil
arrow.
4 REM SUPER EXPANDER VERSION
6 51=36874 !S2=36875:S3=36876sPOKE3687B, 15
1 10 IFRJOY ( 0 ) <>128THENFORI=1TO50 : NEXT :GOTO
100
310 R=RJOYC0)!C=C+1
5053 IFNJ>=NETHENBO=BO+50:PRINT"[HOME) {07
down) BONUS ADVANCE TO [ RED) "; BO: PRINT
"[BLU}"!G0SUB 63000
10000 REST0RE:JM=JM+1:NJ=NJ+1
10002 READN,M!lFN=999THEN10100
10004 POKESI , N ; P0KES2 , N : P0KES3 , N : P0RI=1T0M:
NEXT
10006 P0KES3 , 0 : POKESI , 0 ; P0KES2 , 0 : FORK=1TO20
;NEXT!GOTO10002
10100 FQRP=1TOVA/10:POKES3,220:PRINT"{HOME}
[ BLU ) SCORE ! [ RED ] " ; SC : P0KES3 , 0 :NEXT ;
PRINT" (home) [BLU) SCORE: [RED] ";SC
10110 FORID=lTO2000:NEXT!lFEX=0ANDSC>=5000
THENBA=BA+1:EX=1
12010 PRINT" {*-)3T2GRT1DT0RT1DRT3ERDRT3R#FR
G"
25000 DATA 217,400,213,400,223,400,227,200
,234,200,230,400,227,200,234,200,230,
400
25020 DATA 223,400,227,400,217,400,213,400
,236,400,234,1000,999,0
50030 R=RJOY(0) : IFR=40RR=8THENX=PEEK(a(p) ) :
IFX>129THENPOKEA(p),X+128AND2 5 5
50040 IFRJOY(0)=4THENP=P-1:IFP<1THENP=3
50045 IFRJOY(0)=8THENP=P+1:IFP>3THENP=1
60160 IFRJOY (0)=0THEN60160
63000 PRINT" {♦•}S2T3EFT4GEFDECT5D"
63010 PRINT" [•-}S3T3EFT4GEFDECT5DT3"
63020 RETURN
Program 3: commodore 64 version
5 T7=54272: E=2
10 PRINT" {CLR]":GOTO60100
12 A(I)=1192:A(2)=1202:A(3)=1209
1 4 SC=0 : B0= 100 : BA= 3 : WA=7 : W=8 : EX=0
16 PRINT" {home] {2 DOWN) {3 RIGHT) SCORE: 0
00[3 SPACES]"
20 GOSUB5000
21 PRINT" {HOME} {2 DOWN] {3 RIGHT] " ;TAB( 14
);"{3 SPACES} {3 LEFT}"; A?
22 CT=39+INT[RND(TI)*20+1) :CC=0
30 A=0
100 PRINT" [home) [D0WN}";TAB(A) ;"(0FF)
{RVS)6*3{2 LEFT] [down] {off}
{rVS)E2 i3":A=A-H
102 CC=CC+1:IFCC>=CT ANDA<39ANDA>1THEN12
0
105 IFA>=38THENPRINT" [hOME] [DOWN) ";TAB( A
);" [down) [left) {2 SPACES] ":A=0
110 GOSUB 1000:IFFR<;>0THENFORI = 1TO50:NEX
116 COMPUTE!') Colette July 1983
T:GOTO100
112 IFA>38ORA<1THEN100
120 PRINT"IhOHE} (D0WN1";TAB{A); " {LEFT)
{down} {2 SPACES}"
200 B=1146+A!T=lNT(RND(TI)*8+i) :T=T-H
210 CH=46:C=0
212 C=C+1
220 POKEB,CH:POKEB,32:B=B+22
230 P0KEB+T7 , 4: POKEB, CH: IFC<TTHENF0RY=1T
O80:NEXT!GOTO212
300 CH=65
305 P0KEB+T7,4:P0KEB,CH
310 GOSUB1000:C=C+1
320 IFC>='WTHENIFR=4THENP0KEB, 32 !B=B-1 ! PO
KEB+T7 , 4 1 POKEB, CH : C=0
330 IFC>=WTHENIFR=8THENP0KEB, 32 t B=B+1 1 PO
KEB+T7 , 4 X POKEB , CH : C=0
340 D=D+1
350 IFD>=WATHENPOKEB,32:B=B+40
355 IFD>=>WATHEND=0!lFPEEK(B)<>32THEN3000
360 POKEB+T7,4:POKEB,CH
370 WI=WI+1
390 IFHI>=SANDDI=-1THENP0KEB,32!B=B+DI;P
OKEB+T7,4!WI=0
395 IFWI>=SANDDI=lTHENPOKEB,32:B=B+Dl!PO
KEB+T7,4:WI=0
400 IFPEEK(B) <>32ANDPEEK(B} OCHTHEN3000
410 POKEB, CH
500 GOTO300
1000 R=PEEK( 56321)
1010 FR=RAND16
1020 R=15-(RAND15): RETURN
3000 POKEB+T7,4
3010 IFP=1THENIFB=18310RB=1832THENP0KEB,
CH:GOTO4000
3020 IFP=2THENIFB=1842THENPOKEB,CH:GOT04
050
3030 IFP=3THEN1PB=18510RB=18530RB=1855TH
ENPOKEB,CH:GOTO4100
3040 POKEB, 170SGOTO12000
4000 PRINT" {home} {8 DOWN} {11 RIGHT] 5 X";
BO; "="j5*B0
4010 VA= 5* BO: GOTO 10000
4050 PRINT" {home} {8 DOWN} £9 RIGHT} 10 X",-
BO; "=";10*BO
4060 VA=10*BO:GOTO10000
4100 PRINT"!hOME} [8 DOWN} (11 RIGHT} 2 X";
BO; " = ";2*B0
4110 VA=2*BO:GOTO10000
5000 PRINT" {home} [19 down}"
5020 PRINT" (6 SPACES] £bLK}^L3{YEL}
§4 l3{BLK}EJ3t5 spaces}
tBLK}gL3{YEL}B3 I8{BLK)
Uin SPACES }El3(yel}
%s i3{blk}Bj3[blu} "
5030 PRINT"{RVS]{8 SPACES}5X{9 SPACES}10
X{10 SPACES }2X[ 6 SPACES} {off}";
5040 FORI=1984TO2023 : P0KEI+T7 , 6 ; POKEI , 16
0 ! NEXT
5041 IFBA<=0THEN60000
5042 PRINT" {HOME] ";TAB(17) ; "{4 SPACES}"
5043 IFBA>1THENPRINT"{4 DOWN 3 [ HOME J "; TAB
(18); sFORI=lTOBA-l:PRINT"A"f ! NE
XT: PRINT
5045 SS=INT(RND(TI}*3+1):DI=INT(RND{TI}*
2+1 ) : IFDI=2THEND1=-1
5048 IFSS=1THENS=5:SD=15
5049 IFSS=2THENS=10:SD=10
5050 IFSS=3THENS=15:SD=5
5052 D$="RIGHT":IFDI=-1THEND$="LEFT"
5053 IFNJ>=NETHENBO=BO+50: PRINT" {home}
[5 right} {7 DOWN] BONUS ADVANCE TO
£ RED } " ; BO : PRINT " [ BLU } "
5054 IFNJ>=NETHENIFWA>4THENWA=WA-1
5055 IFNJ>=NETHENNJ=0!lFW<:18THENW=W+l
5056 PRINT" [home] [5 DOWN 3 " ; TAB(8} ; "WIND:
";SD"TO ";D$:GOSUB50000
5057 FORK=1TO1000:NEXT:PRINT" {home}
£ down} (20 SPACES)"
5060 FORI=1104TOia64STEP40 : POKEI , 96 : POKE
I+39,96!NBXT
5070 RETURN
10000 JM=JM+l!NJ=NJ+l
10100 FORP = 1TOVA/10 : PRINT" £ HOME} { BLU 3 SCO
RE : { RED } " ; SC : P0KES3 , 0 : SC=SC+1 0 ; NEX
T : PRINT " { HOME } ( BLU 3 SCORE ! { RED 3 " f
10110 FORID=1TO1000!NEXT:IFEX=0ANDSC>=50
00THENBA=BA+1 :EX=1
10120 PRINT"{H0ME3 {8 down] {21 SPACES) ":G
OTO20
12000 PRINT" (home) (8 DOWN) {3 RIGHT] SORRY
NO BONUSr':BA=BA-l
12010 FORID=1TOS00!NEXT
12120 POKEB, 32:PRINT"{H0ME}{8 DOWN )
(21 SPACES) ":GOTO20
50000 REM SELECTION
50010 PR1NT"(H0ME} (5 RIGHT}(4 D0WN3{RED}
{4 SPACES}5X(3 SPACES ] 10X
{2 SPACES}2X{BLU]":P=1:Z=P
50020 TI$="000000"
50025 POKEA(P) ,PEEKCaCP) )+128AND255
50027 TM=15-VAL(TI$)
50028 PRINT" {home} (12 DOWN) " ;TAB( 10} ; "
{2 SPACES) {3 LEFT)";TM:IFTM=0THENP
=INT(RND(TI}*3+1) !GOTO50100
50030 GOSUB1000:IFR=4ORR=8THENX=PEEK{A{P
}) :IFX>129THENPOKEA(P),X+128AND255
50035 IFR>127THEN50100
50040 GOSUB1000:IFR=4THENP=P-liIFP<lTHEN
P='3
50045 IPR=8THENP=P+1:IFP>3THENP=1
50050 FORID=lTO100:NEXT:GOTO50;a25
50100 A$="2X"!lFP=lTHENA$="5X"
50110 IFP=2THENA$="10X"
50120 PR1NT"{D0WN} YOU MUST LAND ON ";A?
50140 FORID=1TO1500:NEXT
50150 PRINT" {home} "!F0RID=1T018 SPRINT"
(30 SPACES) ":NEXT: RETURN
60000 PRINT"{HOME) (7 D0WN}(6 RIGHT]GAME
OVER" : IFSC>HITHENHI=SC
60010 FORHD=1TO2000:NEXT
60020. PRINT" [HOME) (7 DOWN) {6 RIGHT]
(9 SPACES}"
60100 POKE53281,l : POKE53280 , 6 { 3 SPACES)
! PRINT" (HOME) {4 DOWN] (11 SPACES]
(BLK) SKY DIVER"
60110 PRINT! PRINT: PRINT: PRINT" {2 DOWN)"
60120 PRINT" (8 SPACES) (2 BLUjUSE JOYSTIC
K TO PLAY"
60130 PRINT: PRINT: PRINT SPRINT" {2 DOWN)"
60140 PRINT" (12 SPACES] £GRN)HIGH SCORE
(RED) "; PRINT" £2 DOWN)"
60150 XX=LEN ( STR$ { HI ) ) /2 s PRINTTAB ( 1 6-XX )
;HI
60160 GOSUB1000:IFFR<>0THEN60160
60170 PRINT" (CLR) " : FORK=lTOia : PRINT"
£21 SPACES}":NEXT:G0T012
UNDERLINE = SHIFT,
I I - COMMODORE KEY,
{ )= SPECIAL-
REFER TO LISTING CONVENTIONS
July 1983 COMfUm'iGaiene \\7
Snake Escape
ATTENTION PROGRAMMERS
Before typing in programs, please refer to "How
To Type COMPUTE! 's Gazette Programs" and
"A Beginner's Guide To Typing In Programs"
that appear before the Program Listings.
Program 1 : vie Version
100 SO=0jSR=3;S1=36875:V=36878
110 GOSUB30000:GOSUB29000
120 PRINT"(CLR}"
1 30 GOSUB2a000 : GOSUB8000 : GOSUB9000 : GOSUB
28000
140 TI$="000000"
150 CL=INT ( RND( 1 ) *7 }+l : IFCL=50RCL=3THEN1
50
160 IFTI?=L$THENGOSUB7000:GOTO130
170 IFDH=0THENPOKEB,HC
180 POKEB,HC:POKECO,CL
190 K=PEEK(197)
200 IFK=20THENDR=-1:GOTO2 50:REM LEFT
210 IFK=44THENDR=1:GOTO250:REM RIGHT
220 IFK=12THENDR=-22:GOTO2 50:REM UP
230 IFK=36THENDR=22:GOTO2 50:REM DOWN
240 GOTO160
250 POKEB,BC:B=a+DR:CO=CO+DR:SO=SO+l
260 IPPEEK(B)=a8THENDH=0:GOTO9500
270 IFPEEK(B)=160THENGOSUB5000:GOTO120
280 IFPEEK(a)=81THENGOTO9500
300 IFB<7680ORB>81S5THENB=B-DR:CO=CO-DR
310 GOSl'B10000iGOTO150
4000 REM PRINT INSTRUCTIONS
4010 P'{INT"{clr} (down} {blu} YOUR GOAL IS
TO MOVE (2 SPACES] THE SNAKE OUT OF
THEt2 SPACESIpOISON PATCH."
4020 PRINT"(D0WN) (GRN) TRY TO AVOID ALL
(6 SPACES] POISON ( t BLK3x{CYN} ) .
II
4030 PRIMT"{D0WN) { red) CONTROLS: ": PRINT"
(pur) J=lRVS) left": PRINT" tGRNl K=
{RVSJ RIGHT"
4040 PRINT"{CYN] I=(RVS}UP":PRINT"{RED!
m=(rvs)down"
4050 print" (down] (red) point values:"
4060 PRINT" {blu] BODY SEGMENT=IrVS]1
{off} point"
4070 PRINT" { DOWN] {YEL] YOU WILL RECEIVE
a{4 spacesIbonus for escaping."
4080 PRINT" { DOWN ] {CYN] {RVSl [RIGHT] HIT A
KEY TO START "
4090 GETA$:IFA$=""THEN4090
4100 RETURN
5000 VB=0:POKE36879,27
5010 IFS=1THENVB=20
5020 IFS=2THENVB=30
5030 IFS=3THENVB=40
5035 IFS=4THENVB=50
5040 BN=FNSC(VB)
5050 PRINT"[CLR} {6 DOWN ]{ RIGHT ]{ BLU ] YOU
HAVE ESCAPEDl 1 I"
5060 SO=SO+BN
5070 PRINT" {2 DOWN] [6 SPACES }{ RED) { RVS 3 B
ONUS [OFF] : { RVS j {CYN} "BN" {OPF] "
5080 PRINT" {2 DOWN] [6 SPACES] { RVS ){ PUR] S
CORE (off} : ( RVS } (GRN}"S0
5090 PRINT" (2 DOWN] {RIGHT] {CYN]"SR" [RED]
SNAKES REMAINING"
5100 FORPI=1S0TO250STEP5 : P0KES3 , PI :POKEV
,15
5U0 FORT=1TO50:NEXTT:NEXTPI !POKEV,0:POK
ES3,0:DH=2
5120 FORT=1TO2000:NEXTT: RETURN
6000 PRINT" (CLR] (10 DOWN) (4 RIGHT] {BLU)
vvvvvvy
yVVVVV": PRINT"
{4 right) (blu]v(rvs} [cyn]
{11 RIGHT) {OFFT{blU}V"
6005 PR1NT"{4 RIGHTJVVVV
VVVVVVV
VV"
6010 PRINT" {home) {11 down} (5 RIGHT) { RVS ]
(cyn) game"
6020 pokev,1s:poke36874, 175 : fort=1to1000
: NEXTT
6025 POKE36874,150:PRINT"{HOME]{11 DOWN]
{10 RIGHT] (RVS ] (cyn) OVER " : F0RT=1T
01000 :NEXTT
6030 POKE36874,0:POKEV,0
6040 PRINT" (3 down) {5 RIGHT] ( RED] PLAY AG
AIN ?"
6050 GETP$:IFP$=""THEN6050
5060 I FPS= "Y"THENSO=0 : SR=3 :LK=0 : GOTOl 20
6070 IFP$<>"N"THEN6050
6080 PRINT" (3 down) {9 SPACES ] BYE i {HOME] "
:END
7000 SR=SR-l:POKE36879,27
7010 PRINT" (CLR} "SPC( 23) "{cyn] WHEWl YOU
HAVE JUST {3 SPACES] DIED OF EXAUSTIO
Nl"
7020 PRINTSPC(49) " (RVS] ( PUR) SCORE {OFF] :
(RVS) {GRN) "so
7030 PRINTSPC(67)"(RED]"SR"EBLU3SNAKES R
EMAINING"
7040 FORVD=13TO0STEP-1 : POKE36874 , 200 : POK
EV , VD : FORT=1TO100 : NEXT : NEXT : POKE36a
74,0
7050 FORT=1TO2000:NEXT
7060 IFSR=0THEN6000
7070 RETUFIN
8000 POKE36879,218:PRINT"{CLRJ (2 D0WN)"S
PC(24) "(RED}cH00SE YOUR SKILL:"
8005 PRINT" (2 SPACES) El7 t3 "
8010 PRINTSPC(45) "{BLU)LBVEL 1=60 SECOND
S"
8020 PRINTSPC(23) "(RED)LEVEL 2=45 SECOND
S"
8030 PRINTSPC(23) "{grn)LEVEL 3=30 SECOND
S"
8040 PRINTSPC{23) "(PUR)LEVEL 4=15 SECOND
S"
8045 PRINT" (2 DOWN) (7 RIGHT) EYEL)l{BLU3 E
(GRN]V(PUR)e{CYN)L (RED)?"
8050 GETS$:IFS$=""THEN8050
8060 S=VAL(S$)
8070 IFS=1THENL?="000100": RETURN
8080 IFS=2THENL?="000045": RETURN
8090 IFS=3THENL?="000030": RETURN
8100 IFS=4THENL5= "00001 5 " : RETURN
8110 GOTO8050
9000 POKE36879,i38:PRINT"{CLR] "
9010 FORF=lTO150:D=INT(RNDCl)*4a9)+7697
9020 POKED, 88 :POKED+30720,0:NEXTF
9030 P0KE8185, 160:POKE8184, 160:POKE8163,
i60:POKE8162,160
9040 POKE38905 , 4 : POKE38904, 4 : POKE38883 , 4
:POKE388S2,4
lie COMPUTEI'sGozetle July 1983
9050 POKE8141,32jPOKE81B3,32
9060 RETURN
9500 POKEV, 15 : POKESl , 200: FORT=1TO500 :NEX
TT
9510 POKESl , 175:FORT=1TO500 : NEXTT
9520 POKESl, 150 J FORT = 1TO600: NEXTT
9530 POKESl, 0:POKEV,0
9540 SR=SR-1
9550 PRINT" [home) "SPC{208) "Irvs] [WHT)
(right) (right) "SPC(19}"RIP"SPC(19)
"[right) (right] "spc(i9)" [right)
(right) (off) "
9560 FORT=1TO1000:NEXTT
9570 P0KE36879,27:PRINT"{CLR)"
9580 PRINTSPC(45) "{yEL)TOO BADli"
9590 PRINT" 12 DOWN) [6 RIGHT) { RVS 3 [BLU)SC
0RE[0FF) : [RVS] (PUR) "SO" (OFF) "
9600 PRINTSPC(67) " (GRN) "SR" (BLU)SNAKES R
EMAINING"
9610 FORT=lTO2000:NEXTT!lFSR=0THEN6000
9620 GOTO120
10000 POKEV, 15:POKES3,217:POKES3,217:POK
EV, 0: P0KES3 , 0 : RETURN
28000 BC=81 :HC=87 : B=7680 : 33=36876 ;C0=384
00 :LK=0: RETURN
29000 DEFFNA{L)=INT(RND(i)*L)+7702
29010 DEFFNSC(L)=INT(RND(l)*L)+5: RETURN
30000 POKE36879,27
30010 PRINT"[CLR] {8 down) [2 RIGHT] ( RVS )
(red) (17 SPACES)"
30020 PRINT" [2 right] (RVS ) [red) (GRN)
[15 SPACES) (RED] "
30030 PRINT" [2 right) [RVS ) (red) (gRN) SN
AKE ESCAPE! (RED] "
30040 PRINT" (2 right) [RVS] [red] [GRN]
[15 SPACES) (red) "
30050 PRINT" (2 right) [RVS] [red]
[17 spaces)"
30060 PRINT" [2 down] (2 RIGHT) [GRN] BY
(CYN)DARYL BIBERDORF
30070 PRINT" (2 down) (4 RIGHT) [YEL] INSTRU
CTIONS ?"
30080 GETI$:IFI$=""THEN30080
30090 IFI$="Y"THENGOSUB4000:GOTO30120
30100 IFI$="N"THEN30120
30110 GOTO30080
30120 RETURN
UNDERLINE = SHIFT,
E 3 = COMMODORE KEY,
( )= SPECIAL.
REFER TO LISTING CONVENTIONS
Program 2: 64 version
5 GOTO100
10 POKE54296, 15 :POKE54277, 17 :POKE542
78, 17
15 POKE 54276, 17 : POKE 54273, 28 : P0KE5
4272, 49
20 POKE54276,0:POKE54273,0:POKE54272,0
30 RETURN
100 SQ=0:SR=3
110 GOSUB30000:GOSUB29000
120 PRINT" (CLR)"
130 GOSUB28000tGOSUB8000:GOSUB9000;GOSUB
28000
140 TI5="000000"
150 CL=INT(RND(1 )*7)+1 : IFCL=50RCL=3THEN1
50
160 IFTI$=L?THENGOSUB7000!GOTO130
170 IFDH=0THENPOKEB,HC
180 POKES, HC:POKECO,CL
190 K=PEEKtl97}
200 IFK=34THENDR=-1:GOTO250:REM LEFT
210 IFK=37THENDR=1:GOTO250:REM RIGHT
220 IFK=33THENDR=-40:GOTO25O:REM UP
230 IFK=36THENDR=40:GOTO250:REM DOWN
240 GOTO160
250 POKES, BC:B = B-*-DR:CO=CO + DR:SO=SO+l
260 IFPEEK(S)=88THENDH=0:GOTO9500
270 IFPEEK(B)=160THENGOSUB5000:GOTO120
280 IPPEEK(B)=81THENGOTO9500
300 IFB<1024ORB>202 3THENB=B-DR!CO=CO-DR
310 GOSUB10:GOTOL50
4000 REM PRINT INSTRUCTIONS
4010 PRINT" [ CLR) (down) [BLU] [5 RIGHT) YOUR
GOAL IS TO MOVE THE SNAKE OUT OF T
HE (2 SPACES) POISON PATCH."
PRINT" (down) (GRN) [5 RIGHT )TRY TO AV
DID ALL POISON ( { BLK)x[CYN) ) . "
PRINT" [3 down) [RED)C0NTR0LS:": PRINT
"(PUR) J=( RVS )LEFT": PRINT" [GRN] K=
[ RVS ] RIGHT"
4040 PRINT"[CYN) I=(RVS)UP" :PRINT" (red)
M= ( RVS ) DOWN"
PRINT" (down) {red) point VALUES:"
PRINT " { BLU ] BODY SEGMENT= ( RVS ] 1 { OFF )
POINT"
4070 PRINT"{2 down )( red } you WILL RECEIVE
A BONUS FOR ESCAPING."
PRINT" (3 down) (pur) (RVS) [8 RIGHT] HI
T A KEY TO START "
GETA? : IFA$= " "THEN4090
RETURN
VB=0:POKE53280, 3 : POKE53281, 1
IFS=1THENVB=20
IFS=2THENVB=30
IFS=3THENVB=40
IFS=4THENVB=50
BN=FNSC(VB)
PRINT"(CLR) [6 DOWN) (a RIGHT) iBLU] . .
.YOU HAVE ESCAPED 111"
SO=SO+BN
PRINT" (2 down] [15 RIGHT] (red) {RVS} B
ONUS (off) : (RVS) [ BLU ) "BN"{0FF) "
PRINT" (2 down] {15 RIGHT) (RVS )[ PUR) S
CORE {OFF] : [RVS) {GRN] "SO
5090 PRINT" (2 down) (8 RIGHT )[ BLU ) "SR"
[red] SNAKES REMAINING"
POKE54296, 15 :POKE54277, 83 : P0KE5
4020
4030
4050
4060
4080
4090
4100
5000
5010
5020
5030
5035
5040
5050
5060
5070
5080
5100
4278, 50
5102 FORHI=33TO
)+180
5103 POKE 54276, 17: FORJ=1TO60:NEXTJ:POKE
542 7 3,HI:POKES4272,LO:NEXT
5106 F0RT=1T0 200 :NEXT:POKE54276,0:POKE
54273, 0:POKE54272,0
5120 DH=2:RETURN
6000 PRINT" ( CLR) (10 down] {12 RIGHT) [ BLU )
VVVVVVV
VVVVVV"
6003 PRINT" {12 RIGHT] (BLU ]V( RVS)
{CYN](11 right) (off) (BLU) V"
6005 PRINT" {12 RIGHT JVVV
VVVVVVV
VVV "
6010 PRINT" {HOME] (11 DOWN) [13 RIGHT]
(RVS)(BLK) GAME"
6020 P0KE54296, 15 :POKE54277, 53 :P0KE5
4278, 69
6021 POKE 54276, 33 ; POKE 54273, 3 : POKE
57STEP2:LO=INT{RND(0)*50
July 1983 COMPUWi Gazette H9
54272, 244
6022 FORT=lTO 900 : NEXT : POKE54276,0! POKE
54273, 0;POKE54272,0
6025 POKE36874, 150: PRINT" [HOMEI [11 DOWN}
[18 right] {rvs} {blk} over "
6026 poke54296, 15 :poke54277, 53 :p0ke5
4278, 69
6027 POKE 54276, 33 : POKE 54273, 2 : POKE
54272, 163
6028 F0RT=1T0 900 :NEXT:POKE54276,0:POKE
54273, 0:POKE54272,0
6040 PRINT" {3 DOWN) [12 RIGHT j ( RED j PLAY A
GAIN ?"
6050 GETP$!lFP?=""THEN6050
6060 IPP$="Y"THENSO=0:SR=3{LK=0!GOTO120
6070 IFP$<>"N"THEN6050
6080 PRINT" {3 down! (17 RIGHT } BYE 1 (HOME} "
:END
7000 SR=SR-1:POKE53280, 3 ; POKE53281 , 1
7010 PRINT" {CLRJ [6 DOWN) [RED J WHEW 1 YOU
HAVE JUST DIED OF EXAUSTIONl"
7020 PRINTSPCtl4)"(4 D0WN}[GRN)Z
(PUR}SCORE(OFF} : [ RVS } [GRN} "SO
7030 PRINTSPC(9) "(5 DOWN) [RED) "SR" [ BLU) S
NAKES REMAINING"
7040 POKE54296, 10 :POKE54277, 31 : POKES
4278, 17
7042 POKE 54276, 33 :POKE 54273, 5 :POKE
54272, 71
7043 FORV0=15TO5STEP-.5:POKE54296,V0:FOR
T= 1 TO! 00 : NEXT: NEXT
7045 POKE54276,0:POKE5427 3,0:POKE54272,0
sPOKE54296,0
7050 FORT=1TO2000;NEXT
7060 IFSR=0THEN6000
7070 RETURN
8000 PQKE53280,4: POKE53281 , 1 : PRINT" (CLR)
[3 D0WN}"SPC(42) "[REDJCHOOSE YOUR S
KILL: "
8005 PRINT"[2 SPACES)il7 T^ "
8010 PRINTSPC(51) "[DOWN) {aLU}LEVEL 1=60
SECONDS"
8020 PRINTSPC( 51) "[red] LEVEL 2=45 SECOND
S"
8030 PRINTSPC(51)"[GRN}LEVEL 3=30 SECOND
S"
8040 PRINTSPC(51)"[PUR)LEVEL 4=15 SECOND
S"
8045 PR1NT"[3 DOWN] [7 RIGHT 1 [YEL}l(BLU1e
{GRN)viPUR}E(CYN}L [RED]?"
8050 GETS$:IFS$=""THEN805a
8060 S=VAL(S$)
8070 IFS=1THENL$="000100" :RETURN
8080 IFS=2THENL$="000045" : RETURN
8090 IFS=3THENL$="000030"! RETURN
8100 IFS=4THENL?="00001S"; RETURN
8110 GOTO8050
9000 P0KE5 3280 , 4 : POKE53281 , 8 : PRINT" [ CLR }
9510 FORT=ITO 900 :NEXT:POKE54276,0:POKE
54273, 0:POKE54272,0
9515 POKE54296, 15 :POKE54277, 53 : P0KE5
4278, 69
9520 POKE 54276, 33 :POKE 54273, 3 :POKE
54272, 244
9525 F0RT=1T0 900 iNEXT: POKE54276, 0 : POKE
54273, 0:POKE54272,0
9530 POKE54296, 15 :P0KE54277, 53 : POKES
4278, 69
9533 POKE 54276, 33 :POKE S4273, 2 :POKE
54272, 163
9536 F0RT=1T0 900 : NEXT : POKES4276, 0 s POKE
54273, 0:POKE54272,0
9540 SR=SR-1
9550 PRINT" {HOME) {10 DOWN) "SPC( 18 ) " [ RVS)
[WHTJ t RIGHT) (right) "SPC ( 37 } " RIP" SP
c{37)" (right) (right) "spc (37)"
(right) [right) [off}"
9560 FORT=1TO1000:NEXTT
9570 POKE53280,3:POKE53281,1:PRINT"[CLR}
(5 down}"
9580 PRINTSPC(14)"(RED)T00 BADU "
9590 PRINT" (4 down) [14 RIGHT] E RVS j { BLU ) S
COREJoFF] : {RVS} ( PUR) "SO" tOFFJ "
9600 PRINTSPC(8) "(4 DOWN) (GRN ) "SR" [ BLU )S
NAKES REMAINING"
9610 FORT=1TO2000:NEXTTj IFSR=0THEN6000
9620 GOTO120
10000 POKEV, 15 : P0KES3 , 217 !P0KES3 , 217 : POK
EV , 0 : P0KES3 , 0 : RETURN
28000 BC=81 ! HC=87 : B=1024 : 33=36876 :CO=552
96 :LK=0: RETURN
29000 DEFFNA(L)=INT(RNDtl )*L)+1064
29010 DEFFNSC(L) = INT(RND(l)*L)-»-5: RETURN
30000 POKES3280,3:POKE53281, 1
30010 PRINT" {CLR} [8 DOWN} [11 RIGHT) ErVS]
(red) (17 SPACES)"
30020 PRINT" {11 right} (RVSJ {red) {GRN}
{IS SPACES} [red] "
30030 PRINT" {11 RIGHT) [RVS ] (red) (GRN) S
NAKE ESCAPE 1 {RED} "
30040 PRINT" (11 RIGHT) (RVS) (red] (GRNJ
(15 SPACES} {red) "
30050 PRINT" (11 RIGHT} [RVS }( RED}
[17 spaces]"
30070 PRINT" {2 DOWN) [12 RIGHTHbLU) INSTR
UCTIONS ?"
30080 GETI?:IFI5=""THEN30080
30090 IFI$="Y"THENGOSUB4000:GOTO30120
30100 IFI$="N"THEN30120
30110 GOTO30080
30120 RETURN
UNDERLINE = SHIFT,
i 3 = COMMODORE KEY,
{ ]= SPECIAL.
REFER TO LISTING CONVENTIONS
9010 FORF=1TO150:D=INT{RND(1)*966)+1058
9020 POKED,8S:POKED+54 27 2,l:FORJ=l TO20 :
NEXTJ : POKEDi-S4272 , 0 :NEXTF
9030 POKE2023, 160:POKE2022,160:POKE1983,
160;POKE19a2, 160
9040 POKE56295,6:POKE56294,6:POKE5625S,6
:POKE56254,6
9050 POKE1943,32:POKE2021,32
9060 RETURN
9500 POKE54296, 15 :POKE54277, 53 : POKES
4278, 69
950S POKE S4276, 33 : POKE 54273, 5 :POKE
54272, 71
120 COMPUTEVs Gazette July 1983
Alfabug
ATTENTION PROGRAMMERS
Before typing in programs, please refer to "How
To Type COMPUTEi's GazeHe Programs" and
"A Beginner's Guide To Typing In Programs"
that appear before the Program Listings.
Program l:vic-20 version
1 POKES 1,0; POKE52 , 28 : POKE55 , 0 : POKE56 , 26 :
CLR
5 FORN=7168T07679 : POKEN , PEEK ( N+25600 } : NE
XTN
L0 PRINT" i WHT 5 { CLEAR) " : P0KE36879 ,13: P0KE3
6878, 15
20 DIMY{5),KC5},0(5),C0(5) jAB=64
25 COC0)=l:CO(l)=3:CO(2)=4:CO(3)=5sCO{4)=
7
30 Z=05:A=45:CR=42!lN=-l
34 SS=7168+{41*8} :FORI=0TO15:READQ:POKESS
+1,0: NEXT I
36 DATA 36,72,123,254,254,123,72,36,144,7
2,123,254,254,123,72,144
40 FORN=0TO4:READY(N) :NEXTN
50 DATA 7835,7879,7923,7967,8011
55 PORW=0TO4:K(W)=Y(W) :NEXTW
57 PRINT"! WHT 3 {CLEAR} ": FOHP=0TO4 :0(P) =48 :
NEXTP:X=7812:F=4a
60 FORL=0TO5 : FORI=0TO2 1 : POKEX+I , A :NEXTI
70 POKEX+I-1, 115:X=X+44:NEXTL
7 5 FORG=0TO4 : P.0KEY{G)-1 , 49+G: P0KEY(G ) , CR:
POKEY(G)+30720,CO(G) iNEXTG
76 REM AB=INT{RND(l)*26)+64
77 AB=AB+l:IPAB>90THENAB=65
78 PRINT "{home} {down} PRESS " ;CHR? ( 18) CHR?
(AB)CHR5(146); " TO START"
79 GETA$:IFA$=""THEN79
80 IFASC(A?)<>ABTHENGOSUB175!GQT078
81 POKE36869,2 55:M=19:FORC=0TO4;IFKtC)=Y(
C)+19THEN105
85 POKEK(C),32
90 E=INT(RND( 1)+.5):K{C)=K(C)+E:IFK(C)=>Y
( C ) +MTHENK ( C) =Y ( C ) +M : F=F+1
100 POKEK{C),CR;POKEK{C)+30720,CO(C) :F0R J
=0TO2:NEXTJ:IFK(C)=Y(C)+MTHEN105
102 GOTO! 10
105 IFO(C) <>1THENP0KEK(C)+1,F:P0KEK(C) ,42:
O{C}=1:GOSUB200
110 NEXTC
115 CR=CR+INtIN=IN*-l:IPF<53THEN81
118 POKE36869,240
120 PRINT" {home] (19 DOWN} AGAIN? 'Y' OR 'N'
II
130 GETY?:IFY$=""THEN130
140 IFY$="Y"THENCR=42;1N=-1:G0T055
145 IFY? < > "N"THENG0SUB1 75 : GOTOl 20
150 END
175 EORD=0TO30 : POKE36877 , 128 :NEXTD!P0KE368
77,0: RETURN
200 FORD=0TO25:POKE36875,24l!NEXTD!POKE368
75,0: RETURN
2, 123,254,254, 123,72,144
40 FORN=0TO4 : READY ( N ) : NEXTN
50 DATA 1306,1386,1466,1546,1626
55 FORW=0TO4:K[W)=Y(W) :NEXTW
57 PRINT" { WHT} [CLEAR} ": FORP=0TO4 :0{P) =48 :
NEXTP:X=1264:F=48
60 FORL=0TO5:FORI=0TO39: POKEX+I , A: POKEX+I
+WX,0! NEXT!
70 POKEX+I-1,115:X=X+80:NEXTL
74 FORG=0TO4: POKEY (G)-1+WX,0:POKEYCg)+WX,
CR:NEXTG
7 5 FORG=0TO4 : POKEY ( G ) - 1 , 49+G : POKEY { G ) , CR :
NEXTG
76 REM AB=INT(RND{ l)*26)+64
77 AB=AB+1:IFAB>90THENAB=65
78 PRINT" {home} (BLK) (D0WN}PRESS "?CHR?(18
)CHR?(AB)CHR$(146) ; " TO START"
79 GETA$:IFA$=""THEN79
80 IFASC(A? ) <>ABTHENG0SUB174:G0T078
81 POKE53272, (PEEK{53272)AND240)+12: M=35
: FORC=0TO4 : 1 FK( C ) =Y( C ) +3 5THEN105
85 P0KEK(C),32
90 E=INT(RND(0)+.5}+l . 5 :K(C) =K(C)+E: IFK(C
)=>Y(C)+M-1.5THENK{C)=Y(C)+M:F=F+
1
100 POKEK{C) ,CR:POKEK(C)+WX,CO(C) :FOR J=0T
OZ:NEXTJ:IFK{C}=YCc)+MTHEN105
102 GOTO110
105 IFO(C) <>1THENP0KEK{C)+1,F:P0KEK(C)+1+W
X,0:POKEK(C) ,42 :0(C)=1 :GOSUB200
110 NEXTC
115 CR=CR+IN:IN=IN*-1:IFF<53THEN81
118 POKE53272,21
120 PRINT" {home} iBLK} [19 D0WN}AGAIN7 'Y' O
R 'N'"
130 GETY?:IPY?=""THEN130
140 IFY$="Y"THENCR=42:IN=-1:G0T05 5
145 IPY5<>"N"THENGOSUB174:GOTO120
150 END
1 74 30=54272 : FORGH=SOTOSO+24 : POKEGH , 0 : NEXT
! POKESO+24 , 15 : POKESO+1 , 34 : POKESO,
75
175 POKESO+5,72:PDKESO+6,72
176 POKESO+4,129:FORT=1TO500:NEXT
177 FORGH=10TO0STEP-1 : POKESO+24 , GH: NEXT
178 RETURN
200 30=54272 : FORGH=SaTOSO+24 : POKEGH, 0: NEXT
: POKESO+24 ,15: POKESO+ 1,34: POKESO ,
75
205 POKESO+5,72tPDKESO+6,72
210 POKESO+4,17:PDRT=1TO500:NEXT
215 FORGH=10TO0STEP-1: POKESO+24, GH: NEXT
220 RETURN
Program 2: 64 version
0 PRINT" [clear} INITIALIZING"
1 POKE52 , 48 : POKE56 , 48 : CLR : POKE56334 , PEEK
{56334)AND254:POKEl,PEEK(l)AND251
5 FORN=0TO12 79:POKEN+12288,PEEK{N+53248)
: NEXTN : POKEl , PEEK ( 1 ) 0R4
6 POKE56334,PEEK(56334)ORl
10 PRINT'MbLK} {clear} ":POKE53281,l
20 DIMY(S),K(5},0(5},CO{5):AB=64
25 CO { 0 ) =0 : CO ( 1 ) =3 : CO ( 2 ) =4 : CO { 3 ) =5 ; CO ( 4 } =
7
30 Z=05:A=45:CR=42:IN=-1 :WX=54272
.34 SS=12288+(41*8) : FORI=0TO15 : READQ: POKES
S+I,Q:NEXT1
36 DATA 36,72,123,254,254,123,72,36,144,7
VIC Marquee
ATTENTION PROGRAMMERS
Before typing in programs, please refer to "How
To Type COMPUTE! 's Gazette Programs" and
"A Beginner's Guide To Typing In Programs"
that appear before the Program Listings.
Moving Message
1 rem vic marquee
2 print"{clear}"
July 1983 COMPUTEI's Gazette 121
10 REM COLOR FOR MARQUEE
H FORI=0TO2 1 : POKE38400+I , 6 : NEXTI
20 GOSUB800:REM MARQUEE LOADER
30 GOSUB200q:REM MESSAGE
40 SYS1008:REM STARTS MARQUEE
50 END
800 REM MARQUEE BASIC LOADER
801 FORAD=864TO1015:READ D: POKEAD, D:NEXTAD
864 DATA22,0, 15, 191,234, 7
870 DATA15, 22, 160,1,185,0
876 DATA30, 153,255,29,200,204
882 DATA96,3,208,244,32,161
888 DATA3,205,97,3,240, 15
894 DATA192, 255, 240, 11,200,140
900 DATA101, 3, 172,96,3, 153
906 DATA25 5, 29, 96, 172,96,3
912 DATA169, 32, 153,255,29,238
918 DATA103,3,173, 103, 3,205
924 DATA96,3, 176,48,96, 172
930 DATA101,3,177,0,41, 191
936 DATA96, 141,0,0,142,1
942 DATA0, 169,0, 141, 103,3
948 DATA141, 101,3, 173,20,3
954 DATA141,99,3,173,21,3
960 DATA141, 100,3,120,169,223
966 DATA141,20,3,169,3,141
972 DATA21, 3,88,96, 120, 173
978 DATA99, 3, 141,20,3,173
984 DATA100, 3, 141,21,3,88
990 DATA96, 206, 102,3, 16,9
996 DATA32, 104,3,173,98,3
1002 DATA141, 102,3,108,99,3
1008 DATA162,3,169,62,32, 169
1014 DATA3,96
1016 RETURN
2000 REM MARQUEE MESSAGE
2001 FORAD=830TO859:READ D: POKEAD, D:NEXTAD
2030 DATA86, 73, 67, 3 2, 77, 65, 82, 8 1,85, 69
2040 DATA69, 3 2, 66,89, 32,76,79,85,32,77
2050 DATA69, 78, 68, 69, 76, 83, 79, 72, 78,0
2060 RETURN
Word Hunt
ATTENTION PROGRAMMERS
Before typing in programs, please refer to "How
To Type COMPUTEI's Gazelle Programs" and
"A Beginner's Guide To Typing In Programs"
that appear before the Program Listings.
Program 1 : word Hunt -vie Version
Mi/f: Slv "/ /die / 1' 7 i/fjf hi COMl'UiEr> CazcHc Piv^^imit^'
to iimlcfstaiid tlie niuhiiiiwd diaimiir::^.
2 CLR
3 A=0
4 POKE36879,8
5 A=A+1
10 PRINT"lCLR] ":PRINT"[7 DOWN ) { 4 RIGHT)
[ DOWN } [ RVS iQQQQQQQQQQQQQ"
11 PRINT" tRVS) [4 RIGHT )qI 11 SPACES)
Q"
12 PRINT" (RVS) (4 RIGHT }Q WORD HUNT
Q"
13 PRINT "lRVS)l4 RIGHT}q{H SPACES)
Q"
14 PRINT"tRVS) [4 RIGHT }QQQQQQQQQQQqq(off I "
20 FOR X=1TO200 ! NEXT: PRINT" ICLR)"
25 L$="[WHT}(YEL)lGRN)lPUR)iRED) [CYN}":?
RINT MID$(L$,A,1) :IF A<7 THEN 5
70 FOR X=l TO VAL(RIGHT$(TI$,2)):R=RND{1
) :NEXT
80 S=10:W=10:DIM M( S, S ) , W? {W) ,P{S, S ) , L(W
,3),F{8)
90 POKE36879,253!PRINT"lCLR}lDOWN)lBLU)W
HAT SKILL LEVEL"
95 PRINT:PRINT:PRINT
100 PRINT" iPUR)l{EASY) TO 5(HARD)
(3 SPACES)3{3 left)";
110 INPUTR$:X=VAL(RS) :IP X<1 AND X>5 THE
N 90
120 SL=9-X
130 print"Iblk) [2 D0WN}ENTER"W"W0RDS, "
140 PRINT: PRINT "MAKE EACH WORD 3 TO 8"
150 PRINT: PRINT"CHARACTERS LONG."
170 FOR X=1TOW:L(X,1)=0:L(X,2)=0:L(X,3}=
0
180 PRINT : PRINT" (RED) WO RD";X;TABt 8),-"
{2 RIGHT)?[3 left]";
190 INPUT R$:Q=LEN(R?)
200 IF Q<3 THEN PRINTTAB( 26 } ; " E RVS ) [ BLU)
[up)* too SHORT *[QFF)":G0T0 180
210 IF Q>8 THEN PRINTTAB( 26 ) ; " t RVS } [PUR]
lUP)* TOO LONG *t0FF)":G0T0 180
220 X9=0jFOR Y=1T0Q!A=ASC{MID$( "*"i-R$-t-"*
",Y+1,1))
230 IF A<65 OR A>90 THEN X9=1:Y=Q
240 NEXT Y:IF X9=l THEN PRINTTAB( 26 ) "
[up)* BAD WORD *"!GOTO 180
250 IP X=ll THEN W$(X)R$+"*";GOTO290
260 X9=0:FORY=1TOX:IFQ<=LEN{W$(Y) )-l THE
N 280
270 FOR B=XT0Y+1STEP-1:W$(B)=W${B-1) :NEX
T:W$(Y)=R$+"*":X9=1:Y=X-1
280 NEXT
290 NEXT
295 POKE36879,194
300 PRINT"(BLU)[CLR} [4 DOWN) {23 SPACES 1T
HAT'S ENOUGH WORDS 1 [23 SPACES}"
310 PRINT" (pur) [4 down) [23 SPACES) PLEASE
BE PATIENT. .. (23 SPACES)"
320 PRINT"[BLK} [2 DOWN} {22 SPACES } I ' M MA
KING THE PUZ2LE1[22 SPACES}"
340 FOR X=1T0S:F0RY=1T0S:M{Y,X)=42!NEXT:
NEXT:Q=0
360 FOR X=l TO S:FORY=1TOS:P(Y,X)=0:NEXT
370 NEXT:Q=Q+1 :IF Q>W THEN 760
380 G=LEN(W$(Q) ) -2
400 X9=0:FORX=lTaS;FORY=lTOS:IF P{Y,X)=0
THENX9=1;X=S:Y=S
410 NEXT: NEXT: IF X9=l THEN 450
430 PRINT" {CLR)THIS LIST OF WORDS
{4 SPACESJWILL NOT ALL FIT
440 PRINT"PLEASE ENTER NEW WORDS" :G0T013
0
450 A=INT(S*RND(1)+1):B=INT(S*RND(1)+1) :
IF P(B,A)<>0 THEN 450
460 P(B,A)=1:IF M(B,A)=42 THEN 490
470 IF MtB,A)<>ASC(LEFT5(W$CQ),l) )THEN40
0
490 FOR X=1TO8:F(X)=0:NEXT
500 X9=0:FOR X=lT08iIF F(X)=0 THEN X9=l;
X=8
i22 COMPUTErtGaxelta July 1983
510
520
530
550
560
570
580
590
600
610
620
630
640
650
670
680
690
710
720
740
760
770
775
780
790
800
810
820
NEXT:IF X9=0THEN400
D=1NT(8*RND(1)+1):IF F(D)=1 THEN 520
FtD)=l:ON D GOTO 550,590,580,620,610
,650,640,560
THEN 500
THEN 500
IF (A+G)>S
IF (B-G)<1
GOTO 670
IF (B+G)>S
IF (A+G)>S
GOTO 670
IF (A-G)<1
IF (B+G)>S
GOTO 670
IF (B-G)<1
IF {A-G)<1
THEN
THEN
THEN
THEN
500
500
500
500
860
861
870
880
890
900
910
920
921
930
940
950
951
960
970
980
1000
1020
THEN 500
THEN 500
X=A: y=8 ! X9=0 { F0RN=2T0G+1 : GOSUB1550 : I
F M{Y,X)=42 THEN 690
IF M(Y,X)<>ASC(MID$tW9{Q) ,N,1)) THEN
X9=1:N=G+1
NEXT!X=A!Y=B:IF X9=l THEN500
FOR N=lTOG+l!lF M(Y,X)=42 THEN M(y,X
)=ASC(MID$(W$(Q),N,1))
GOSUB 1550:NEXT
L{Q,1)=A-1:L{Q,2)='B-1:L(Q,3)=D:IF Q<
W THEN360
FOR Y=1T0S:F0RX=1T0S;IFMCY,X)=42 THE
NM(Y,X)=INT(25*RND(l)+65)
NEXT : NEXT ! WP=0 : TS=0
POKE36879,15
PRINT"iCYN}iCLR][5 DOWN 1 t RVS } READY "
PRINT"[GRN) {5 DOWN} PRESS ANY KEY TO
PLAY"
R$="":GETR?:IF R$="" THEN 800
POKE36879,25
PRINT"tBLU}{CLR}(DOWNl {DOWN}
{2 spaces] [RVS} column"; tab (14); "
{CYNJ {RVS} [UP}W 0 R D"
print"{bluH4 down} I RVS 3 Rt down}
(LEFT)0{D0WN} {LEFT)W15 UP} {2 LEFT}
{off} ";
PRINT"{BLK}l4 RIGHT}";
FORX=0TOS- 1 : PRINTRIGHT? ( STR$ ( X > , I ) ; :
NEXTX : PRINT ;y=l:GOSUB1650
FO RY= 1 TOS : PRI NT " I RI GHT } " ; RI GHT $ { STRS
(Y-l),l);"-";
FORX=lTOS:PRINTCHR$(M(y,X) ) ; : NEXTX
PRINT"-" !NEXTY:y=0:GOSUB1650
PRINT"TRED}{RVS}(D0WN}(3 SPACES} 7 8
1{3 SPACES}"
PRINT" [RVS} {4 SPACES }M-N
14 SPACES}": PRINT "{RvtjT3 SPACES) 6
*Q*2{3 SPACES}"
PRINT" ERVS} (4 SPACES }NBM
{4 spaces} ":PRINT" [RVS} [3 SPACES} 5 4
3(3 SPACES}"
G=l 7 ! GOSUB1700 : PRINT : PRINT" { UP} "TAB (
12); : PRINT" t PUR} [ RVS 1 [2 SPACES) SCORE
{2 SPACES} " ;PRINTTAB{ 12 );"EJ3
(7 SPACES }ELi"
PRINTTAB(12);"gjn3 SPACES 30
{3 SPACES 3 ELi"
PRINTTAB(12);"gJ3{7 SPACES}
EL3"
PRINTTAB(12);"g9 U3": PRINT"
{home}"
g=2!gosub1700!print"[9 spaces} "
WP=WP+1 : IFWP>WTHEN1450
Q=LEN{W$(WP) )-l
GOSUBl 700 : PRINTTAB ( 15- (Q/2 ) ) ; LEFTS (
W${WP),Q) :TI$= "000000"
G=4 : GOSUBl 700 j PRINTTAB ( 1 5 ) ; " { BLU JlO
1025 PRINTTAB(15)"EGRN}R0WIBLK3 , lRED}COL
II
1030 FORG=6TOll:GOSUB1700:
1040 PRINT" [5 SPACES} ":NEXTG:G=6:GOSUB17
00
1050 B$="":GETB$!lFB5=""THEN1050
1060 IF ASCCB$)=13THEN1050
1070 PRINTB$; ", "; : IFB$="0"THENB=0:GOTO10
90
1080 B=VALCB?) :IFB<10RB>9THENPRINT"
12 left} (2 spaces} [2 LEFT) "; :GOTO10
50
1090 A$=" " :GETA$ : IFA$=" "THEN1090
1100 IF ASC(A$)=13THEN1090
1110 PRINTA$:IFA$="0"THENA=0;GOTO1140
1120 A=VAL(A?) :IFA<1ORA>9THEN1030
1140 G=7:GOSUB1700:PRINT"DIR: "iPRINT:PRI
NTTAB(15);" {left}";
1150 GETD$:IFD$=""THEN1150
1160 IF ASC(D$)=13THEN1150
1170 PRINT" (up} (right) " ; D$ :D=VAL(D$) jIFD
<1ORD>8THEN1140
1190 WT=TI:IF8<>L(WP,2)THEN1230
1200 IF A<>L{WP,1)THEN1230
1210 IF D=L(WP,3)THENi360
1230 X=A+ltY=B-t-I :G=LENCW$ (WP) )-1 :IFH{Y,X
)<>ASC{LEFT$(W${WP) ,1))THEN1300
1240 X9=0:FORN=2TOG!GOSUB1550:IF X<10RX>
10THEN1270
1250 IF Y<1 OR Y>10 THEN1270
1260 IF M{Y,X)=ASC{MID$(W?(WP),N,1) )THEN
1280
1270 X9=1:N=G
1280 NEXTN:IF X9=0THEN 1360
1300 G=6: GOSUB 1700: PRINTSPC(0) ; !B$=STR$
(L(WP,2) ) :A$=STR$(L{WP,1) )
1310 PRINTRIGHT? (B$,LEN(B$}-1) ; ", "; RIGHT
${A$,LEN(A$)-1)
1320 G=8:GOSUB1700!PRINT SPC{ 1 ) ;L(WP, 3 )
1330 G=10: GOSUB 1700 : PRINT" T "
1340 G=11:GOSUB1700:PRINT"J {RVS} NO
{OFF}"
1341 G=13:G0SUB1 700: PRINT" EdOWN}HIT ANY"
:G=13:GOSUB1700!PRINT"{2 DOWN)
{2 SPACES}KEY"
1342 QW$="":GETQW$:IFQW$=""THEN1342 '
1343 G=10:GOSUB1700:PRINT" "
1344 G=ll:GOSUal700:PRINT"[5 SPACES}"
1345 G=l 3: GOSUBl 700: PRINT "{down}
( 7 SPACES 3 " : G=l 3 : GOSUBl 700 : PRINT "
(2 down} {5 SPACES}"
1350 GOTO 1420
1360 IF WT<(SL*60)THENWS=100:GOTO1390
1370 IF WT<(SL*1200)THENWS=10iGOTO1390
1380 WS=5+INT( {SL*1200)-WT)/60)
1390 G=10!GOSUB1700:PRINT"T"
1400 G=11:GOSUB1700:PRINT"{RVS}y{OFF} ,
{LEFT 3 "WS : TS=TS+WS
1420 G=17+2:GOSUB1700! PRINT TS
1430 GOTO 960
1450 PRINT" (home} {15 DOWN}"
1460 F0RX=1T06: PRINT" (12 SPACES} " :NEXTX
1470 FORG=-2T014: GOSUBl 700
1480 PRINT" {22 SPACES} ":NEXTG
1490 FORX=1TO1500: NEXTX : PRINT "{CLR}"
1491 POKE36879,76
1492 PRINT" {home} {8 DOWN3(YEL}do YOU WIS
H to PLAY{3 SPACES} (down} ANOTHER GA
ME? IF Y0U{2 SPACES ){ DOWN ) DO ENTER
Y FOR YES . "
Jul/ 1983 COMPUWsGaiene 123
1493
1500
1505
1510
1513
1520
1525
1530
1535
1540
1541
1550
1560
1570
1580
1590
1600
1610
1620
1630
1650
1660
1670
1680
1700
PRINT" {down] IF YOU DON'T ENTER N
{2 spaces) Idown]for no.
R$ = " " :GETR$ : IFR$ = " "THEN1500
IPR$="N"THEN1520
IP R? = ."Y"THEN90
I FR$ < > "N " ANDR$ <■ > "V'THENl 500
PRINT" (CLR) ":POKE36a79,42
PRINT" [home] [7 DOWN} (cYN] THANK YOU
FOR PLAYING I DOWN } ( YEL ) WORD HUNT
{cyn). hope youU spaces} [down} had
FUN.
PRINT" {2 down] I 6 right] {GRN I SEE YOU
LATER 1 I 1 "
FORX=1TO5000 ; NEXTXs PRINT " { CLR] " i POK
E36879,110
PRINT" {home} (10 DOWN] {CYN]
U spaces} END OF PROGRAM" s FORI =1 TO
1000:NEXT I
PRINT" [CLR]": POKE 36879, 27: END
ON D GOTO 1560,1570,1580,1590,1600,
1610,1620, 1630
Y=Y-1
X=X+1: RETURN
X=X+1
Y=Y+1 ; RETURN
Y=Y+1
X=X-1: RETURN
X=X-1
Y=Y-1: RETURN
PRINT" [2 right}
Ea3"; : GOTO! 670
PRINT"iZ3"r
FORX=0TOS- 1 : PRINT "^" ; : NEXTX
ITHENPRINT" |Si " : RETURN
PRINT" IXi": RETURN
PRINT" {home] "TAB (14); : F0RX9=1T0G s PR
INT"{bLK} [down}"; :NEXTX9 : RETURN
;IFY=1THENPR1NT"
;IFy=
UNDERLINE' = SHIFT,
I 3 = COMMODORE KEY,
[ }= SPECIAL.
REFER TO LISTING CONVENTIONS
Program 2: Woid Hunt - 64 version
Suhftitutc the falhwinj^ lines into Pro^mm 1 for tlu' 64
version.
4 POKE53280,0:POKE 53281,0
10 PRINT"{CLRJ"ePRINT"{7 DOWN} [10 RIGHT]
{ DOWN ] { RVS ] QQQQOQQQQQQQQ QQQQQQQ "
11 PRINT"{RVS]{10 RIGHT)Q{18 SPACES}
Q"
12 PRINT" {RVS} {10 RIGHT}Q[5 SPACES }w
ORD HUNT [4 SPACES }Q"
13 PRINT" {RVS] {10 RIGHT ]q{ 18 SPACES]
Q"
14 print"{rvs]{10 right Iqqqqqoqqqqq
QQQQQQQQ Q{OFFj"
90 POKE532e0,4:POKE53281,l:PRINT"{CLR]
{ DOWN }[ BLU } WHAT SKILL LEVEL"
295 POKE53281,l
300 PRINT" {RVS] {BLU ) {CLR] (6 DOWN]
{10 spaces] THAT'S ENOUGH WORDS 1
{10 SPACES]"
310 PRINT" {RVS} 1 PUR] {5 DOWN] {10 SPACES ]P
LEASE BE PATIENT. .. [10 SPACES]"
320 PRINT"{RVS]{BLK] (4 DOWN] {9 SPACES] I'
M MAKING THE PUZZLEl{9 SPACES]"
430 PRINT" {CLR}tHIS LIST OF WORDS WILL N
OT ALL FIT
775 POKE53280,7
780 PRINT" {BLU] {CLR} {5 DOWN] { RVS ) READY"
790 PRINT" [CRN] {5 down] {9 RIGHT]preSS AN
Y KEY TO PLAY"
810 PDKE532e0,l
1480 PRINT" {41 SPACES] " :NEXTG
1491 POKE53 280,4:POKE 53281,6
1492 PRINT" [home] {8 D0WN}[WHT]D0 YOU WIS
H TO PLAY ANOTHER GAME?" : PRINT"
{ DOWN ] I F YOU DO , " ;
1493 PRINT "ENTER Y FOR YES.": PRINT"
{D0WN)1F you DON'T ENTER N FOR NO."
1520 PRINT" (CLR] "JPOKE53280, 2: POKE 53281
,10
1525 PRINT" {HOME} [7 DOWN) [4 RIGHT] {WHT]T
HANK YOU FOR PLAYING [YELJwORD HUNT
II
1527 PRINT" [2 DOWN] [wHT] { 10 RIGHT)H0PE Y
OU HAD FUN I 1 "
1530 PRINT" {2 down] {11 RIGHT j ( WHT] SEE YO
U LATER i 1 1"
1535 FORX=1TO5000!NEXTX: PRINT" {CLR3": POK
E53280,6!POKE 53281,6
1541 SYS 2048:END
UNDERLINE = SHIFT,
§ i = COMMODORE KEY,
{ ]= SPECIAL.
REFER TO LISTING CONVENTIONS
VIC Timepiece
ATTENTION PROGRAMMERS
Before typing in programs, please refer to "How
To Type COMPUTE! 's Gazette Programs" and
"A Beginner's Guide To Typing In Programs"
that appear before the Program Listings.
Rolling-Ball Clock
10 T=36874 : POKET , 0 : POKE36875 , 0 : P0KE36876
,0
15 5=36877 :VO=36878:POKEVO,0
20 POKE36879,137!POKE657,128
30 D1MA(40),B(4B}
50 print" [clr] [rvs ) [wht] "tab( 5) "ball clo
ckEoff)":Print"[downJto set time, pre
SS KEY"
60 PRINT" [DOWNJwHEN ENTERING TIME,
{3 SPACES }GIVE hours AND MINUTESIN TH
IS MANNER: "
70 PRINT "{ YEL ]{ DOWN ] 91 5 { RVS ] RETURN {off}
or"
80 PRINT" [YEL] {down] 1231 { RVS ) RETURN { OFF]
" :PRINTTAB(88)" {press ANY KEY)
83 POKE198,0
85 GETA?:IFA$=""THEN85
90 GOSUB1000
100 REM DRAW CLOCK
105 PRINT" (HOME) [DOWN] {RED] {RVS) "TAB( 12 )
"[9 spaces]"
110 PRINT"{BLKi {3 D0WN]{RVS}{2 SPACES]
{up} {left) {off]Ed8{rvs} {D0WN]1
234[red]£8 SPACES]"
124 COMPUTE! 'sGozeMe July 1983
120 PRINT"l4 DOWN 1 I BLK 3 f RVS ) 1122334455
I RED } 1 5 SPACES } "
130 PRINT" [BLK} (rVs)50505050505ERED1
I 5 SPACES 1 **
140 PRINT" {BLK} {4 D0WN}lRVSll9 SPACES}11
i(red) (5 spaces!"
150 PRINT"lBLK) [RVS)l23456789012lRED]
{4 spaces! [off) 6"
160 PRINTTAB(17)"{RED) £RVS)6
(down) [2 LEFT)fe{OFF)&
t DOWN ] [ 3 LEFT ) TRVS } &ToFF 1
S"
170 PRINT" JD0WN1[WHT}15 spaces iQQQQQQQQQ
QQQQQQQ i 5 UP) " ; : POKE8185, 81
200 REM READ DATA
210 FORU=ITO405READA(U) tNEXT
220 F0RU=1T033 : READB ( U ) :NEXT : GOTO9a0
300 REM START OF BALL MOVEMENT ROUTINE
310 FORX=1TO40
320 P0KEA(X),81
325 IFX>22THENPOKEA(X-l),32
330, IFX>1ANDX<24THENP0KEA{X-1),99
340 IFX>2THENPOKEA(X-2) , 32
350 GOSUB2000:NEXT:POKE8185,8l
400 REM CONT TO MINUTES
410 L=A(40)
420 IFPEEK(L-1)=81THEN500
430 L=L-1 :P0KEL+1, 32:POKEL,8L ! IFPEEK{L-1
)=81THEN900
440 IFL=A{40)-4THEN900
450 GOSUB2010!GOTO430
460 POKEVO,0
500 REM MINUTES FULL, {9 SPACES) GOTO 5'S
505 Z=7892
510 FORX=5T022 : POKES (X), 81: POKES (X-5), 32
:GOSUB2040!NEXT
520 FORX=23T038:POKEB(X) ,81
525 Z=Z-l:IFPEEK(Z)<>-81ANDZ>7a77THENPOKE
Z,81 :POKEZ+l, 32
530 POKEB (X-4 } , 32 : GOSUB2080 : NEXT : POKEVO ,0
600 IFPEEK(7889)<>81THEN900:REM OR 5 ' S FULL
605 Z=7880
610 FORX=7889TO7892:P0KEX,81:P0KEX-12, 32
:GOSUB20a0:NEXT
620 FORX=18T028:POKEB(X),81
630 Z=Z+1 I POKEZ , 32 : GOSUB2060 : NEXT
640 FORX=29T037:POKEB(X),Bl:POKEB{X-12),32
650 GOSUa2040:NEXT
659 Z=Bt37-ll)
660 F0RX=37T044:POKEB{X) ,81 : POKEB (X-11) ,32
670 Z=Z-1:IFPEEK(Z) oSlTHENPOKEZ, 81 : POKE
Z+1,32
680 GOSUB2040:NEXT:
690 IFZ-1>8009ANDPEEK(Z-1) <>81THENZ=Z-1 s
POKEZ , 81 : POKEZ + 1 , 3 2 : GOSUB201 5 : GOTO690
695 POKEVO, 0
700 IFPEEK{8022)<>81THEN900
710 REM HRS PILLEDT
720 FORX=8023TOa027:POKEX,81:POKEX-12,32
730 GOSUB2100:NEXT
740 F0RX=lT012:POKEB(X+26) ,81 : POKE801 5+X , 32
750 G0SUB2 100: NEXT
760 PORX=lTO7:POKEB{27+X),32iGOSUB2110tN
EXT
900 REM TIME FOR ACTIONl
905 POKEVO, 0
910 IFRIGHT$ (TI? , 2 ) > "57"THEN300
920 GETA$:IFA$<>""THENRUN
930 GOTO900
1000 REM TIME SETTING ROUTINE
1010 PRINT"{CLR3 "TABC53) "TIME? [HOME! "TAB
1020
1030
1040
1045
1050
1055
1060
1070
1080
1090
1100
1110
1120
1130
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2030
2035
2040
2060
2080
2085
2090
2100
2110
2120
2180
2190
7999
8000
8010
8020
8025
8030
8040
(90) "(IN 3 OR 4 DIGITS)"
INPUTA$
A5="0"+A$:A5=RIGHT$(AS,4)
A=VRL(LEFT$(A$,2) ) : B=VAL( RIGHT? (AS ,
2) ) :C=INT(B/5)!B=B-5*C
IFA>120RC> 1 1THEN1000
REM SETTING CLOCK
PRINT" tCLR}"
FORX=lTOA : POKE8009+X, 81 : NEXT ! REM HRS
X=0
X=X+1 : IFX>BTHEN1100
POKE7769+X,81 :GOTO1080 : REM MINUTES
X=0
X=X+1:IFX>CTHEN1130
POKE7877+X,8L:GOTO1110
GOTO100
REM SOUND
GOTO2020
IFX=37THEN2190
POKEVO, 10 : F0RV=1T04 j POKES , 244 : FORW=
1T02 ;NEXT : POKES , 240 : NEXT ! RETURN
IFX<24THENF0RY=1T055: NEXT: RETURN
IFX>33ANDX<37THENPOKEVO,0: RETURN
GOTO2010
IFPEEK( 7892 )=aiTHENG0T02 190
IFPEEK(a026)=81THENGOTO2190
IFPEEK(BC29) )=81THENGOTO2190
IFPEEK(B(32))=81THENGOTO2190
IFPEEK(B(26) )=81THENGOTO2190
IFPEEK(e071 }=81THEN2190
IFPEEK(815 5}='81THEN2190
GOTO2015
IFX>4THEN2015
POKEVO, 15 : POKET, 245 : F0RY=1T09 :NEXTi
POKET,0 J FORY=1TO60: NEXT: RETURN
G0T07999
DATAai85, 8163, 8141, 8119, 8097, 8075, 8
053,8031,8009,7987,7965,7943,7921,7
899: REM STND
DATA7877, 7855, 7833, 7811, 7789, 7767,7
745,7723,7701,7700,7699,7698,7697,7
696,7695
DATA7694,7693, 7692, 7691, 7712,7734,7
756,7778,7777,7776,7775,77 74
DATA7770, 7 7 71, 7772,7773
DATA7774, 7775, 7776, 7777, 7778,7779, 7
780,7 781,7782,7804,7826,7848,7870,7
892,7893
DATA7894, 7916, 7938, 7960,7982,8004,8
026,8027,8049,8071,8092,8113,8134,8155
UNDERLINE = SHIFT,
i 3 = COMMODORE KEY,
[ ]= SPECIAL.
REFER TO LISTING CONVENTIONS
Joysticks On
The 64
ATTENTION PROGRAMMERS
Before typing in programs, please refer to "How
To Type COMPUTEl's Gazette Programs" and
"A Beginner's Guide To Typing In Programs"
that appear before the Program Listings.
Jjlyl9e3 COMPUTefsGazttlte 125
Program
Explanation
This program con Ui ins ihrcu sub routines
you can use in your own programs. Lines
10-70 just test the subroutines and show
you how to use them. The subroutine at
300 will accept a yes or no answer (left = no,
right = yes) and return it in A$.
IJnes 700-770 let the user enter a
numtier by counting it up and down with
the joystick. The number can be found in
the variable C. C will not exceed the limits
of MN (minimum) and MX (maximum).
The user presses the jovbutton to exit.
Notice the POKt 198,0.' Since the first joy-
stick interferes with the keyboard, this POKE
is used to clear it out.
You can use the subroutine at 800 to
accept a letter of the alphabet. The letter is
returned as a number from 1-26 in the vari-
able C. In the sample program (line 20), it is
used to accept a three-digit string of initials.
Example Program
10 PRINT"ENTER YOUR INITIALS:";
20 GOSUB800:N5=N$+CHR$(C+64) :IFLEN(N$) <3
THEN2ia
30 PRINT: PRINT"HOW OLD ARE YOU? "fsGOSU
B700:AGE=C
k40 PRINT sPRINTN?;", YOU CLAIM TO BE"; AGE
; "YEARS OLD."
50 PRINT!PRINT"IS THAT TRUE?" ; :GOSUB500
60 PRINTA?: IFA$= "YES "THENPRINT "GOOD FOR
YOU": END
70 PRINT"SO WEIAT IS THE TRUTH?" :GOTO 30
500 REM SUBROUTINE FOR YES/NO
505 A$=""
510 V=15-{PEEK(56321)AND15)
520 IF(VAND4)>0 THEN A$="NO"
530 IF(VAND8)>0 THEN A$="YES"
540 IFA$=""THEN510
550 POKE 198,0:REN5 GET RID OF ANY EXTRA
KEYS
RETURN
REM COUNTING SUBROUTINE
REM C WILL CONTAIN THE COUNT
REM VARIABLE MX AND MN CONTROL
REM THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM
REM VALUES ALLOWED, {2 SPACES lUSE
REM GOSUB 700 FOR THE DEFAULT
REM (1 AND 1.0), OR GOSUB 710
REM IF YOU ALTER MX AND MN
MN=i:MX=99
560
600
610
620
630
640
650
660
670
700
710
720
C=MN
PRINTRIGHT${ "[2 SPACES] "+STR5(C) ,2);
"[2 LEFT)";
730 V=15-(PEEK(56321)AND15)
740 C=C+( {VAND8)=8)*{C<MX)-( (VAND4)=4)*(
OMN)
750 REM IF FIRE BUTTON PRESSED, EXIT
760 IF(PEEK( 56321 )AND16)=0THENPQKE198,0:
PRINT" {2 right) "; :RETURN
770 GOTO 720
800 REM TEXT ENTRY: SIMILAR TO NUMBER COU
NTING ROUTINE
810 C=l
820 PRINT CHR$(64+C};"{LEFT} ";
830 V=15-(PEEK{56321)AND15}
840 C=C+( (VAND8)=8)*(C<26)-( (VAND4)=4)*{
Ol)
850 lt'(PEEK{56321)AND16)=0THENPOKE198,0:
PRINT " [ RIGHT } " ; : RETURN
860 GOTO820 ®
PRODUCT MART
4
64 Music Has Finally Arrived!!
JvJ NOTE PRO U fi^
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* t ligh speed play up lo 90
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July 1983 COMFUTEVs Gazette 137
ADVERTISERS INDEX
Reader Service Number/ Adverltser Page
102 Abacus Software 45
103 Academy Software 56
104 Accolade Computer Products 45
1 05 Adventures 51
106 A-1 Computer Services 26
107 Arbutus Totalsoftinc 127
1 08 BrcJderbund Software IFC
1 09 Byte Size Micro Tectinotogy 1 26
T 1 0 Byte Size Micro Tecfinology , . , . , 1 27
1 1 1 Cardco, Inc IBC
112 Cass-A-Tapes 107
113 Century Micro 105
1 1 4 Comm*Data 27
115 Commercial Data Systems Ltd 25
1 16 Commodore Business Machines Inc BC
117 Compuscope, Inc 75
118 Compu Sense 69
119 Compu Sense . 1 05
120 Compu Sense 107
121 Compu Sense 108
122 Compu Sense 110
123 Computer Center 26
124 Computer Mail Order . 37
1 25 ComputerMat 67
126 Computer Outlet 87
1 27 ComStar 101
1 28 Creative Software 4
129 Cursor 64 18
1 30 Datacopy 80
131 Data Equipment Supply 71
132 Del Games, Inc 107
133 Digital Interface Systems 103
134 DMI Software Inc 44
135 Dungeness Software 127
136 Dynamic Tectinologies 56
137Dytek 107
138 Educational Software 50
1 39 Electronic Laboratories Inc 1 26
140 Electronic Protection Devices Inc 15
141 Ferris Associates 1 27
142 Foxfire Systems, Inc 72
143 French Silk 59
144 French Silk 61
145 Gatos International 127
146 Genesis Computer Corp 48
147 Hewitt's Notional Wholesale 80
1 48 House of Software 43
149 Human Engineered Software , 31
150 Interesting Software 38
1 51 Just Another Software Co 1 26
152 Luna Software 71
153 Macro Dynamics 105
154 Micro Software International Inc 47
155 Microspec 48
156 Microsystems Development 19
157 Micro-Vic-Computers 127
158 Micro-Wore Distributing Inc 29
Reader Service Number' Advertiser Page
159 Micro World Electronix Inc 98
1 60 Midwest Micro Inc 89
161 Nufekop 55
162 Olympic Soles Company 33
1 63 Porsec Research 77
164 Pixell 107
165 PM Products 105
1 66 Powerbyte •. 63
167 Practical Applications 127
168 Precision Technology Inc 101
169 The Printer Store 91
170 Professional Software Inc 9
171 Program Design, Inc 35
172 The Program Stare 53
173 Progressive Peripherals & Software 105
174 Protecto Enterprizes 39
175 PRS 127
176 Quolity Computer 43
177 Quick Brown Fox 79
178 Rainbow Computer Corporation 41
179 SAVE 72
180 Screenplay 21
181 Selective Engineering Technology 66
182 Sierra On-Line, Inc 7
183 Sim Computer Products Inc 89
184 SJB Distributors 97
185 Skyles Electric Works 57
186 Skyles Electric Works 73
1 87 Skyles Electric Works 65
188 Soft-Awore 103
1 89 Software To Go 1 01
190 Southern Solutions 17
Spinnaker 2,3
191 Star Micronics 11
192 Stortech 32
193 Synapse 13
194 Systems Management Associates 18
1 95 T & F Software Company 1
196 T & F Software Company 85
3G Company, Inc 93
197 Topologic 59
198 Toronto Pet LIsers Group 43
199 Tot'l Software 99
200 Tronix 22,23
201 20-64 Software 127
202 U.S. Technologies 109
203 Victory Software Corp 1 03
204 Voice World 61
205 York 1 0 Computerware 33
COMPUTEi's First Book of VIC 94
COMPLJTEI's Machine Language for
Beginners . 95
Look to the future with . . .
Js the *^ selling printer interface for VIC20® and
^ Commodore 64 computers because it works.
The "CARD/PRINT" works with all
of these parallel printers without
any modification to tine printer:
Epson MX-80 & EPSON MX-100
(with or without GRAFTRAX+) ,
EPSON FX-SO. EPSON FX- 100,
STAR MICRONICS DP 8480,
STAR MICRONICS GEMINI 10,
STAR MICRONICS GEMINI 15,
PROWRITER,C-ITOH8510,
■■ STARWRITER, SMITH CORONA TP-1,
!ITER. MPI 88. MPI 99,
)ATA IMPACT D-92. OKIDATA 80,
JKIDATA 82, OKIDATA 83.
OKIDATA 84, OKIDATA 92,
"- OKIDATA 93, TRANSTAR 130,
TRANSTAR 140. IDS MICROPRISM,
IDS PRISM (IDS printers require
IDS cable P/N 603-673-9100),
MENNESMANN TALLY MT-160,
MANNESMANN TALLY 1000,
NEC 8023, AXIOM GP-1 00,
TANDY CGP-115 PRINTER/ PLOTTER
and many more.
INCLUDES ALL NECESSARY PLUGS
CABLES AND HARDWARE
REQUIRES NO SOFTWARE DRIVERS
JUST PLUG IT IN AND PRINT
AU. FUNCTIONS ARE UNDER USER
OR PROGRAM SOFTWARE
CONTROL
ADDS SEVEN NEW COMMANDS TO
INCREASE PRINTER FLEXIBILITY
SOFTWARE SELECTABLE ASCI!
CONVERSION AND GRAPHICS
MODES
NOTICE: CARDCO, Inc. fs now
Offering the "PRINTER UTILITY '
PACKAGE" tape based program
for use with our interface, a
VIC 20* or 0 Commodore 64 and
a Star Gemini series, and Episbn
MX or FX 80 or 100, or a
PROWRITER printer. These
programs include a machine
language high-res screen
dump, facilities to print ^
Commodore graphics, and
several sizes and styles of the
"BANNER HEADUNE" lype printing
allforS19.95.
See a complete line of American made Cardco Products at a computer store near you, today.
313 Mattiewson • Wichita. Kansas 67214 • (316) 267-6525
' VIC20 It a ragtotarad trodamartc o( Ccmmodoro IntBrnotionoJ
cardco. Inc.
APPLE' lie 64K
A personal computer
is supposed to be a
computer for persons.
Not just wealthy
persons. Or whiz-kid
persons. Or privileged
persons.
But person persons
In other words, all the persons whom
Apple, IBM, and Radio Shack seem to
have forgotten about (including, most
likely you).
But that's okay. Because now you can
get a high-powered home computer
without taking out a second mortgage
on your home.
It's tiie Commodore 6-1. We're not
talking about a low-pnced computerthat
can barely retain a phone number
We're talking about a memon/ of 64K,
Which tneans it can perform tasks most
»
KIHIIHIIIIIIII I
VTIF-
. t-.i > ' >*,
$139r $999* $1355*
TRS-80' lil 16K
tBM'PC64K
other home computers can't. Including
some of those that cost a lot more.
(Take another look at the three comput-
ers atx)ve,)
By Itself, the Commodore 64 is all
the computer you'll ever need. Yei, if
you do want to expand its capabilities
some day you can do so by adding a
full complement of Commodore pe-
ripherals. Such as disk drives. Modems,
And printers.
You can also play terrific games on
the Commodore 64, Many of which
Apjjio ^& n rt'UiBtupyd ir,MlofnHfk of Applw Cttmin.Uii Inc
TR,'i.60 a IS roaistetsu irad(>m«t ot Tjnay Corn IBM is a losisTBred tradorrorttol Imorraitional BuaUies« Mact^irais Corp
will be far niori:'
challenging than
those you could
"" ever play on a
game machine alone.
And as great as all
this sounds, what's
even greater-sounding
is the price. It's hundreds of dollars less
than that of our nearest competitor
So while other companies are trying
to take advantage of the computer
revolution, it seems to us they're really
taking advantage of something else:
Their customers.
•Mjnuf.iciurLTi' sutjgKiw! i.M •mcmjj at March 20. 1963
Von>*of i^ludeo with TRS 80 III onfy ComnxxtoPe Qu5<nt)&^
Machines. PO BoxSmR Conshoho<;Vo".PA1942B,
Cdna(l3-3370 Pharmaev AvenuD. Af)>ncourT. Oat , Can MIVV iK4
fz commodore
COMPUTER
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