Micropendium Volume 1 Number 1 - Revision history

Amycjgrace: /* Vendors shifting gears; remain loyal to TI market */

2024-11-29T23:28:12Z

‎Vendors shifting gears; remain loyal to TI market

Amycjgrace: /* Dream Machine? The soon to be unveiled 99/64 (aka Phoenix) may be the best home computer yet */

2024-11-29T20:41:02Z

‎Dream Machine? The soon to be unveiled 99/64 (aka Phoenix) may be the best home computer yet

Amycjgrace: /* Dream Machine? The soon to be unveiled 99/64 (aka Phoenix) may be the best home computer yet */

2024-11-29T20:36:51Z

‎Dream Machine? The soon to be unveiled 99/64 (aka Phoenix) may be the best home computer yet

Amycjgrace: /* Dream Machine? The soon to be unveiled 99/64 (aka Phoenix) may be the best home computer yet */

2024-11-29T20:35:46Z

‎Dream Machine? The soon to be unveiled 99/64 (aka Phoenix) may be the best home computer yet

Amycjgrace: /* TI: Answers to your questions about what it will do for you - and what it won't */

2024-11-27T05:37:16Z

‎TI: Answers to your questions about what it will do for you - and what it won't

Amycjgrace at 20:36, 19 November 2024

2024-11-19T20:36:00Z

Amycjgrace at 20:35, 19 November 2024

2024-11-19T20:35:28Z

Amycjgrace: /* Classified */

2024-11-19T19:37:48Z

‎Classified

Amycjgrace: /* User Notes */

2024-11-19T19:36:41Z

‎User Notes

Amycjgrace at 19:34, 19 November 2024

2024-11-19T19:34:11Z

@@ Line 144: / Line 144: @@
 He notes that among the third party vendors whose orders Tenex handles, there is "95 percent enthusiasm to stay in a market in which their largest competitor has deserted."
-However, he notes, "in the long run people question the viability of the TI market" unless some of the rumors of a compatible console to be produced by another company prove true. (See related story Page 6). He notes that there are ''two million TIs
+However, he notes, "in the long run people question the viability of the TI market" unless some of the rumors of a compatible console to be produced by another company prove true. (See related story Page 6). He notes that there are "two million TIs in place. Our position as a company is to support the TI market."
 He feels that the "mass market channels the products used to move through were typically not very supportive. They didn't know what went with what. I think that the aftermarket will return to firms that can help them more."
@@ Line 151: / Line 150: @@
 Gary Siegel, president of Challenge Software, a division of Ashford Computers, says, "Our plans, I suppose, are to wait and see. We have advertising in place that involves mail order sales and we'll see what develops."
-He notes that some future plans may depend on whether "the patent on the 99 is sold to a major company like Milton Bradley. That's going to affect the shape of the market, or at least the length of the demand." Siegel says, "We don't see a lot of
+He notes that some future plans may depend on whether "the patent on the 99 is sold to a major company like Milton Bradley. That's going to affect the shape of the market, or at least the length of the demand." Siegel says, "We don't see a lot of change so far. A lot of people have put things on hold. We hear from some places that sales are very brisk."
-As for the future, Siegel says, "Not having a crystal ball, I don't know." Craig Reitan, owner of Unisource Electronics, Lubbock, Texas, another large mail order distributor of TI products, says that his company is "in the process of selling everything
+As for the future, Siegel says, "Not having a crystal ball, I don't know." Craig Reitan, owner of Unisource Electronics, Lubbock, Texas, another large mail order distributor of TI products, says that his company is "in the process of selling everything as fast as we can."
 He says that since consumers "aren't going to be able" to buy TI products at outlets such as K-Mart or Best Products, "mail order dealers like us are in a strong position."
@@ Line 175: / Line 172: @@
 Futura was on the verge of announcing the system when TI "exploded the bomb," Ehninger said.
-The week before, he notes, some TI officials had told him that TI would continue to support the 99/4A for two or three years to come. He feels that his sources were sincere in what they told him. Corporate decisions, he says, are made in "ivory towers"
+The week before, he notes, some TI officials had told him that TI would continue to support the 99/4A for two or three years to come. He feels that his sources were sincere in what they told him. Corporate decisions, he says, are made in "ivory towers" and not everyone gets to be there when they are made.
 Mr. Moon, of Moonbeam Software (he says his first name is Mr), notes that his company will continue to produce games for the TI home computer "as long as there is demand."
@@ Line 182: / Line 178: @@
 He notes that his company has recently reduced prices on all its software.
-"We had intended to reduce the prices before Tl left the market," he says. "That just brought it to the forefront."
+"We had intended to reduce the prices before TI left the market," he says. "That just brought it to the forefront."
 The International 99/4 Users Group, which does $2.5 million in TI business annually, has a number of proposals in to TI.
@@ Line 188: / Line 184: @@
 Charles LaFara, IUG president, says that the IUG would like to manufacture a number of TI cartridges on a royalty basis, buying the parts from TI and assembling them for resale. Included among these would be Extended BASIC, Editor/ Assembler, Terminal Emulator II and non-solid state programs such as Teach Yourself Extended BASIC and Teach Yourself BASIC. The IUG has also asked to take over TI's toll-free hotline.
-La Fara feels that the IUG can help TI users "detain the obsolescence" of their machines for the next 36 to 48 months. He notes that the IUG program library contains some 2,500 user written programs. He also says that the IUG will continue to publish its magazine, Enthusiast '99, and plans no major changes in its operations that will affect members in the near future.
+LaFara feels that the IUG can help TI users "detain the obsolescence" of their machines for the next 36 to 48 months. He notes that the IUG program library contains some 2,500 user written programs. He also says that the IUG will continue to publish its magazine, Enthusiast '99, and plans no major changes in its operations that will affect members in the near future.
 '''— LB'''

@@ Line 103: / Line 103: @@
 The system will come with what Cor-Comp calls "Improved Extended BASIC" in ROM (read only memory). It will also have what Webb calls "a true Extended BASIC compiler" and an operating system that allows the user the option of choosing screen display formats. Webb says the user will be able to chose from 32-, 40-, 80- or 132-column displays. The user will also be able to choose screen color, he says. The screen will include 25 rows, with the bottom row dedicated to command lines.
-The system will feature numerous built-in utilities. Webb said, including a word processor, spelling checker, spreadsheet, mail-merge to the word processor. menu planner, text filer and dc1tabase manager. It will also have a built-in text-to speech
+The system will feature numerous built-in utilities. Webb said, including a word processor, spelling checker, spreadsheet, mail-merge to the word processor. menu planner, text filer and database manager. It will also have a built-in text-to speech capability, real-time clock, two game controller ports-one Atari compatible, the other Apple compatible -compatible-hard disk capability and networking capability for multiuser systems.
 The disk drive controller card will accept up to four double-sided, quad-density drives, Webb said.

@@ Line 95: / Line 95: @@
 Features of the new machine include 64 kilobytes of built-in random access memory (RAM) and a built-in RS232 port and disk drive controller. The machine is supposed to come with a host of other features, including expandability to one megabyte of RAM in 64K increments and plug-in ports for such central processing unit chips as the Mostek 6502 chip used in Apple and Atari computers, the Intel 8088 chip used in the IBM-PC and the Z80A used in Osborne and Timex computers.
-According to Dana Webb, in charge of public relations for CorComp, the machine will be unveiled at the winter Consumer Electronics Show.
+According to Dana Webb, in charge of public relations for Cor-Comp, the machine will be unveiled at the winter Consumer Electronics Show.
 Webb characterizes the new computer as a "modular unit." Users will have a choice of three keyboards: typewriter style, mylar and wordprocessing style with a built-in numeric keypad and programmable function keys. Each will be priced differently.

@@ Line 91: / Line 91: @@
 Speculation about a successor to the Tl99/4A home computer has been settled by a California-based hardware manufacturer called Cor-Comp Inc.
-The company is producing a computer called the 99/64, dubbed the Phoenix. that it expects to have on the market by March. According to a company spokesman, the new machine will be compatible with all Tl99/4A software and hardware. The cost of the machines is expected to be in the $500-$600 range.
+The company is producing a computer called the 99/64, dubbed the Phoenix. that it expects to have on the market by March. According to a company spokesman, the new machine will be compatible with all Tl99/4A software and hardware. The cost of the machine is expected to be in the $500-$600 range.
 Features of the new machine include 64 kilobytes of built-in random access memory (RAM) and a built-in RS232 port and disk drive controller. The machine is supposed to come with a host of other features, including expandability to one megabyte of RAM in 64K increments and plug-in ports for such central processing unit chips as the Mostek 6502 chip used in Apple and Atari computers, the Intel 8088 chip used in the IBM-PC and the Z80A used in Osborne and Timex computers.

@@ Line 81: / Line 81: @@
 The new TI service policies do not appear to be significantly different from those of the past. The most fundamental change is in the elimination of an exchange policy, whereby users could take defective units to one of Tl's exchange centers and receive a new or reconditioned unit. This service was provided without charge if the unit was still in warranty or at a relatively modest charge if out of warranty.
-Campbell estimates that users can expect to ·wait an average of two weeks for repairs to be made.
+Campbell estimates that users can expect to wait an average of two weeks for repairs to be made.
-Software service will be handled in the same way as hardware service at this point. Once contracts with third party vendors have been signed, the vendors will be expected to provide service for the software. TImanufactured software carries a three-month warranty from the date of purchase. Third party negotiations seem to be concentrating on applications software.
+Software service will be handled in the same way as hardware service at this point. Once contracts with third party vendors have been signed, the vendors will be expected to provide service for the software. TI-manufactured software carries a three-month warranty from the date of purchase. Third party negotiations seem to be concentrating on applications software.
 '''— JK'''

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 }}
-A New Magazine For TI99/4A Computer Users
+<big>'''A New Magazine For TI99/4A Computer Users'''</big>
 =What is the Home Computer Compendium?=

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 | language = English
 }}
 =What is the Home Computer Compendium?=

@@ Line 925: / Line 925: @@
 '''<small>Newsbytes is a column of general information for Tl99/4A users. It will include product announcements and other items of interest. Vendors and others are encouraged to submit items for consideration. Items submitted will be verified by the staff before inclusion and edited to fit the Newsbytes format. Items may be mailed to the Compendium, P.O. Box 1343, Round Rock, TX 78680.</small>'''
-==Classified==
+=Classified=
-===Software for Sale===
+==Software for Sale==
-====Software Programs====
+===Software Programs===
 All programs in Extended BASIC. Originals, not copies. Documentation included. Strike Force 99, Ring Destroyer, Starship Concord, All-Star Baseball, Programming Aids-III; TI Asteroids, Wizard's Dominion and Cosmic Drift. $10 each or $70 for all. Bruce Edward, 16606 Terrace Dr., Austin, TX 78728.
-====Home Budget====
+===Home Budget===
 FULL screen menus. Up to 50 accounts which you name and number. Program creates five data files. After initial set-up, using 11 page instruction manual, program maintains itself continuously throughout the year. Enter your data and perform maintenance of data through menu selections. Put your 99/4A to work tracking your personal finances, as a business does, keeping your personal financial plans on course, through the use of your computer and the information which only it can generate. Report output
 includes budget table, deposit record, check record and annual expense projections, plus MORE! Program is written in Extended BASIC and requires RS232 printer, disk system and memory expansion. Program disk can be backed up. Send $19.95 (VA residents add 4% sales tax) to: DCH Software, 7010 Catlett St., Springfield, VA 22151.
-====EDUCATION CASSETTES====
+===EDUCATION CASSETTES===
 Basic Math, Pre-Algebra, Number Guess, Geometry, Grammar, Emotional Health, Science Middle School, Fractions, Decimals, Percents. $8 each plus 10% handling and shipping. PA residents add 6% tax. Send check or M.O. to CALLCAR, P.O. Box 1001, Upper Darby, PA 19083.
-====TI-99/4A SOFTWARE====
+===TI-99/4A SOFTWARE===
 programs available, only $3 each! Not public domain, not translations, not pirated, not brief routines, these are absolutely original innovative programs utilizing - full color and sound capabilities of the TI-99/4A. Programmed in BASIC but XBASIC etc. often optional. Games, education, music, displays, programmers' aids, etc. Catalog $1, refundable. Tigercub Software, 156 Collingwood, Whitehall, OH 43213.
-====TI99/4A SOFTWARE BARGAIN!====
+===TI99/4A SOFTWARE BARGAIN!===
 A complete library of 100 terrific programs ONLY 50 cents each! Free Catalog. THE EXCHANGE, HCC-1, P.O. Box 46, Sterling, VA 22170.
-====TI-99/4A HOBBYIST ACTION====
+===TI-99/4A HOBBYIST ACTION===
 GAME Package features color and graphics, Snac Man, Alien Invasion, 24 Hour Invasion, Alien Invaders. Extended BASIC, joysticks. Cassette tapes $10. Microworld's Action Games (HCC), 145 East Norman Drive, Palatine, Illinois 60067.
-====SUPERSPELLER for TI99/4A====
+===SUPERSPELLER for TI99/4A===
 Allows input of own words. Optional review. Speech synthesizer and TE2 optional. Cassette $5, disk $8. SOFT RELATIONS, P.O. Box 647, Patton, CA 92369.
-===Books===
+==Books==
-====NEW BOOK====
+===NEW BOOK===
 The TI-99/4A in Bits & Bytes. Covers: Commands made easy, flowcharting, hints & tips, 50 Super Programs! $14.95+ $1.50 P&H. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Also Available Free Brochure of TI Books & Software. RAL, 543 Wilsonia, Cincinnati, OH 45205.

@@ Line 810: / Line 810: @@
 '''— JK'''
-==User Notes==
+=User Notes=
 Ever wonder how to get a sort routine to run faster? Or may you've had a problem getting your printer to print graphics. Maybe your console is acting up from overuse (we hope not underuse) or you'd just like to pick up a few pointers that will make you a better programmer.
@@ Line 818: / Line 818: @@
 The information provided here is culled from newsletters published by TI99/4 user groups from across the country. But we don't want you to get the idea that non-user group members can't contribute ideas or tidbits that may help other computer users better utilize their equipment. If you've got an idea that may be of interest to readers, let us know. If you've discovered an undocumented feature of a piece of hardware or software and would like to share it, by all means send it in. Remember, we're all in this together.
-===Password?===
+==Password?==
 So you've got some top-secret programs that are for your eyes only. Your problem is how to keep the  secret without getting a reputation for being unsociable. Here is a brief routine that can be written into a program that will ask a user for the password before running the program. You choose your own password.
@@ Line 835: / Line 835: @@
 In this example, which comes from a users group in Sidney, Australia, you would write your program between lines 140 and 32000. You may number it any way you wish and add all manner of bells and whistles to let the "violator" know he's been found out.
-===We dare you===
+==We dare you==
 The Airport Area Computer Club of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, has a five-line program that it would like to see run side-by-side on the TI and Commodore 64 home computers. It's a test of calculation powers. Here it is:
@@ Line 845: / Line 845: @@
 ''140-END''<br>
-===GROM problems?===
+==GROM problems?==
 Have you ever plugged in a cartridge only to have the system "lock up" on you 15 minutes later? Well. the Central Iowa 99/4A Users Group has an idea that doesn't cost anything to implement and may help unlock those keyboards. Assuming that the root of the problem lies in a loose connection between the cartridge and the GROM port, the Iowans suggest you insert a matchbook cover underneath the cartridge to improve the fit. This should be done as you slide the cartridge in.
-===3rd party repairs===
+==3rd party repairs==
 This may not be of much help to most TI users, but the NET 99er group out of Hurst, Texas, reports than an electronics shop in Dallas will repair TI consoles and peripherals and cards. Our conclusion is that whatever is happening in Dallas is probably happening elsewhere, too.
-===There's a switch?===
+==There's a switch?==
 Yes, there is. But don't look for it on the outside. It's inside, so to speak. According to the SGV Users Group in West Covina, California, disk drive owners can switch their disk drive off by using a CALL LOAD command from either the Editor/Assembler or Mini-Memory cartridge. Be warned. however, that once you turn it off you won't be able to turn it on without first turning the console off, which means you'll have to save your data to cassette. Also, if you try to access the disk drive after you've switched it off. the system will lock up.
@@ Line 861: / Line 861: @@
 ''CALL LOAD (-3188.63.215)''
-===Alligator clips===
+==Alligator clips==
 The Kings 99er Users Group of Hanford, California, has a suggestion that takes the hassle out of hooking up your TI to the TV. They suggest you purchase a pair of "antennae clips" from Radio Shack for about $1 and attach them to the RF modulator, thus eliminating the need to take out a screwdriver to attach or detach the modulator.
-===What next?===
+==What next?==
 The Rocky Mountain 99ers, or Denver, Colorado, know what to do after they've entered OLD CS1 when they really meant to enter SAVE CS1. All is not lost, they say. Before doing something really silly, like turning the console off and losing everything, they suggest you type SHIFT E and press the enter key. You'll get an I/O error, but don't worry. You'll still have the program in memory and get a second chance at saving it.
-===Tone dialer===
+==Tone dialer==
 Members of the 99/4A Owner/Users Group of Wonder Lake, Illinois, have learned how to use the sound capabilities of the their computers to dial the phone. Listed below are the ten tones required by a standard "tone phone." The Wonder Lake group says that if you place the telephone mouthpiece near the speaker of your monitor or television and use their program, you can let your computer do the dialing. You'll need to add your own input lines, but this will get you started.

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 | image_caption = February 1984 Micropendium (Home Computer Compendium) Front Cover
 | editor = Laura Burns
 | category = Home Computers, TI-99/4A
 | publisher = [[John Koloen]]
 | country = USA
 | based = Round Rock, Texas