Answers to the letter № 58-60.

429800


   Hello, Nemo!


   For many years enjoyed your KAY-128.
But recently, he was gone. We were told that
You can send old running boards. We even pay KAY-128, if there 
is such. Under the drive, of course. Answer

please, for the price, this is for us
important ...


   If the board KAY-128 is no, then how much
worth paying KAY-256? Please reply.


                                       N.

                                           16.07.99


    Dear N!


   Indeed, in the sale are old board, but their price is close 
to the cost of new. Resuscitation, restoration, testing the old 
boards, as well as the supply of those. documentation - very 
expensive low-tech, crafts process. In addition, there is no 
certainty that the board is healthy in every sense. According 
to the old pay a lot of complaints made and it is also worth 
money. Actually, the price of the old board, as se, - (for 
example, when buying) scanty and only a minor effect on the 
price. I recommend buying all the same new fee. 


   Plat KAY-128, of course, long gone.
Their production was discontinued in 1993. Even
if they were available, they would
DO NOT SEND. Requirements for computers
Spectrum for the last 5-7 years has greatly increased. Users' 
dropped; REPAIR very expensive. (More precisely, the public 
does not consider the cost of repairs to be justified - hence 
the cries of "no" proposals for repair. If you will continue to 
perform a chorus song "expensive", then generally does not: 
neither expensive nor cheap. To a considerable extent, this 
concerns old boards. Freeloader / hacks gradually resorbed, 
lacking equipment and government jobs, where they implicitly 
subsidized from the budget, were left alone PROFESSIONALS. And 
they have a the cost of repairs "hammered" depreciation and

overheads. If it does not take into account
ruin - after six months). Prices: see
price list.

                  (C) Nemo

427600 8.07.99


   Hello!


   Again, I am writing to you a letter because you
one of the few who continue to (hopefully) really do 
Spectrum'om and may be able to provide answers to some issues 
raised by me in connection with the complete absence of any 
information in Over the past months.



   Will there ever be, "Black Crow-2"? More 2/11/1998, I turned 
to you money for this game. Thereafter, in March

this year, received a letter from you, which you reported that 
according to B. Mednonogova "FT-2" must come,

and once that happens, you will immediately its
send me. But it is now July, and since
been no news from you has been received.
Also, you can not even establish a stable relationship with the 
firm LOGROS. At the end of last year seem to be able to set it 
up I did pretty quickly got my order. Thereafter made a second, 
but since then - silence. Wrote a letter to M. Ivan, but

No reply was not received. That
happening with the company LOGROS?


   Went a ninth number ZX-FORMAT? After all, he
was announced last fall. In
Recently heard nothing about
X-TRADE. Have they abandoned Spectrum?
And if not, whether they have released a new
ROM version (1.5 or above) for GENERAL SOUND? Whether they 
continue to produce the magazine Spectrum Expert? In my opinion 
it was most useful for content Spectrum magazine, of all others.



   And anyway - is there any hope for
that the situation will change with Spectrum'om
for the better? Do FUNTOP'98 was
swan song? After all, since we have not
received any encouraging news. Because of the lack of any 
positive changes on Spectrum Market postponed indefinitely 
developed our game "WORMS". But for She was ready almost all 
graphics (Only for worms drawn animation

more than 200 sprites), developed many
algorithms and procedures. Should we continue to write this 
game? 


   I'd like to hope that some
positive changes still occur.
And Spectrum'a will come better days.
After all, hope dies last ...


   Hoping for the best, N.


P.S. Recently, the computer press
(RS-shnoy), was information that a
14 to 15 August this year in Las Vegas
(USA) exhibition will be held Classic
Gaming Expo, dedicated to computer games. On it, among other 
things, will be submitted to Spectrum everything connected with 
it as in soft'a, and in the field

hard'a. And there will not only
that was put into production or out of print, but the design, 
which until this has not been submitted to the general

public. Also on this show will be
Representatives of many companies ever
are producing for Spectrum'a or producing computers themselves.


N.



   Dear N!


   1. According to the VA Mednonogova Black
Raven-2 "will be released no earlier than the beginning of 
autumn 1999. Given the fact that you have moved

money in November 1998, (translation obtained 10/11/1998) will 
be sent - in addition - the magazine ZX-F № 9, which is also 
scheduled to be released in the near future. (This not a gift. 
Your money in circulation (with) Nemo more than six months). 


   2. By Logros'u. I can help the fact that
publish your letter in the "Open letters".
Akimov regularly scans the "Op. Let."
on the key "Logros" (lexicographic search). I think the "black 
balls" favorably impact on the work of the postal operator.



   3. ZX-F № 9 not out. The main problem - the failure to pay 
the dealer network, as it PRO Magazine. Being developed 
methodology (technology), which allow at least partially solve 
this problem. As for the exit, it is not

earlier than a month. Actually Journal
is ready, but needs some clean
technical operations, which cost money. According to the above 
technologies Editor does not affect the final

user since we are not talking about technical protection.


   4. The situation with X-Trade'ami uncertain. In my opinion 
they have encountered problems associated with multiple 
superficial ideas about business in Spectrum'e.

The reasons for this situation lies in the decisions of two or 
three years ago, caught too opportunistic and therefore 
unpromising, unwillingness to work on vision and faith in the 
Spectrum. (Speech is not about the technical solutions !!!). By

ROM information at my disposal.


   5. "Spectrum Expert" will not continue to issue, upon 
application of X-Trade'ov themselves. I beg to differ with your 
assessment of "Sp. Exp." 


   Not all that pleasant to read, really helpful to read - it 
is directly related to item 4. Useful content - it's material 
involves some mental effort, working in the future. This 
prepolagaet some work the reader with the text that

many can not do. Of course, the necessary and the massive 
"lamerskie" edition, but they MUST NOT claim to be 
PROFESSIONAL. And who is this expert? This is PROFESSIONAL. 
Synonyms. These journals produced in great abundance throughout 
the CIS, "Sp.-Expo." sooner or later be lost among them. They 
are also freeware, ie freebie.



   6. Hope is always there. Those who lose it, sit at the PC. 
This would not be nothing wrong if the audience of this

varieties to use in his time some authority and influence in 
Spectrum'e, did not begin to take their own failure for 
bankruptcy Spectrum'a as a whole. This is of cowardice and

feeble mind. Psychologically very advantageous position: "Wine 
is not about me, and in the external objective circumstances." 
This kontraproduktivny approach corrupting

acting on others. Such people
unable to create their destiny - the work of
employment. From start to finish. If they are in business, you 
usually do it fraud. Hoping the same should be primarily on 
themselves and not wait when a "good" uncle (in Moscow

whether, in St. Petersburg or somewhere else) you make happy, 
and yes even on a freebie. Here you write about "the complete 
absence of any information." And if you did any attempt to 
somehow connect with someone - as in your city and beyond?

Place an ad in the newspaper, try to organize a club or network 
HIMSELF? Say, in the accompanying envelope "Open letters" have 
the opportunity to publish their address (see the file 
"About"). In this case, MY postal mechanic starts work

for you. Here you write: "We have not received any encouraging 
news." And with How is it that they will come to you with a 
fright? Under a still stone gathers no moss. It is good that 
you wrote a letter, but not enough. If you

find a way somehow to be
USEFUL community Spectrum'a (platform), then for the 
information would be not to worry. Here you have the game. (As 
I understood, is almost ready). Put a

You any efforts to promote it?
Or argue in a stereotyped pattern: we
wrote the great code, and the rest - not
our business / self-generated / laziness / not
I wonder? Ie love to sled ride
but carry sleigh - it let someone
another.


   Well, the last. Should not expect quick and easy results. 
Series machines KAY available for about 5 years old. But

actually, in fact, they are widely known
have just now. It is five years.
In order to begin their professional
work must be at least two years
continuous, systematic effort MARKET otherwise you just will 
not feel. 


   "It is hoped that some
positive changes still occur.
A very characteristic statement. Like that:
world of objective, there is nothing beyond our
dependent, and therefore sit at the sea and wait for the 
weather. And when you do not wait, as it happens precisely, if 
passively wait - then sit down row and weep Debug ... The three 
streams, as women, sobbing, deep ... Here

Bill Geytts something overjoyed. Best gift
for him and you can imagine. This fact will mean that he will 
win. And that Russia will never be a computer power. And will 
the police system at the PC framework of. Stepashin promised 
all numbered - not otherwise than for the convenience of 
computer processing ... In fact, any platform, any market - is 
a superposition Wills of its members. And each, ANY

party, albeit in a microscopic
extent, depends on the general condition. If you
will prove to be able to FEEL, knowingly and intelligently USE 
this dependence, it would mean that Bill Geytts lost, and 
Russia - to win. And do not need to be afraid of money - money 
is energy. 

    7. What about Las Vegas (USA):


    1) Spectrum - not a gaming computer, at least, not just a 
game, - This is HOME COMPUTER, unlike PC-ka.


    2) There will be, not all that
associated with it. For example, I go there for some reason had 
not been invited. Although (with) Nemo (meaning company) - one 
of the few, if not only ISSUED AT THE MOMENT equipment in 
Russia. If you think that they were unaware of my existence, 
you are mistaken. 

    3) As it is usually for Americans
will be arranged to show lamer. Spectrum,
will likely weigh in Deliberately
past tense - as a sort of PALEONTOLOGICAL fossil - an exhibit. 
What As for "... what was ..." and "... and

were not ...", then apparently there is a
form competent selection of participants, have failed to 
Spectrum'e. But say something, they will insolvency

Spectrum'a as such (see Section 6). Probably be said much about 
the low Performance, insufficient memory, low resolution TV. Ie 
will be used again the idea of progress, this idol, 
breastfeeding Americans with all the consequences of this idea, 
speculation. 

    4) Spectrum, at the moment - it is
"Russified" computer, which is at the level of
platform operates only in Russia and
in neighboring countries (CIS). And here
America? Want to mock? Produce something
they have it anyway will not. Too NEPROGRESSIVEN too 
NENAVOROCHEN - his Cheaper and easier to do in RUSSIA. And this

Americans want? They have a very "successful" preoccupied 
Amig'oy - and the result was evident. Hugs were much too hot ...



   I personally have no desire to participate in
demonstration funeral - and voovsche participate in activities 
designed in a such a tone. In general, it is unclear what 
relationship the U.S. has to Spectrum'y - except that CPU Z80 
... And Las Vegas is not quite pertinent place.



   P.S. Funtop-98. We are again talking about
Your ignorance. In this case,
not depending on your circumstances.
July 3-4 in St. Petersburg held House-Constraction-99, 
dedicated, almost exclusively, - Spectrum'y. Actually gathered 
around 200-300 people. Could be much more.


   The need to pay tribute to the organizers. The very fact 
that the NA-99 - is just great. They were able to arrange this, 
and this big, complicated case. Together so I take this 
opportunity to point out disadvantages of this event.

Again, not a reproach to the organizers, but that does not 
happen again in the next rally. 

   1. Organizers for some reason decided that
Spectrum-tusovka limited networks and
DEMO Mayking. The result - only 200-300
people. Information, then spread
ONLY ON NETWORKS. As a result, For instance, you do not even 
suspect about this event. The organizers probably did not even 
know that there are other channels information. Perhaps not as 
quickly, but much more massive. Speech talking about magazines, 
Post-mail, informational shells (such as, for example, the same 
"Open Letters"). They are much less mobile, but the coverage is 
wider. 

   2. There was no event coordinator. It can be given any name:
"Home", "responsible for the conduct,
"Administrator", "Organizer", etc.
etc. - the essence of this does not change. In his
objectives should include:

   - Planning, resource management
(Eg, registration and accommodation
participants, the provision of specified
areas (tables, equipped with sockets for example), the search 
for resources (extension cords, cameras, cars), the search for 
interested people, etc. etc.) 

   - Organization and provision of operational, widely 
available and easy ways / channels of communication with its 
own persona, and interested persons (including including each 
other) 

   - Decision-making power.
(Example: You can trade or not can be
Spectrum-distribute advertising or not?
etc. etc.)


   As a result:

   - Venue learned in less than a week, which created some 
difficulties. 

   - Resolution - as the very possibility of
- Installation KAY'ya on meetings, received 2-3 days prior to 
the start. As a result, What car was going the night before,

was untested and polukrivoy.

   - Advertising was not fully prepared (in particular, no
price lists)

   - It was not possible to organize
Spectrum-trade goods. (And it was
would be positive because would compensate for the way many
participants, because prices could be 2-3
times lower than, for example, in "Juno" / 
Yugo-Zapad/Kazakova). The reason is simple: that trading is 
allowed, we learned only at the rally.



   Attempts to somehow find a coordinator before (a week!) 
Failed. The audience, aware of the upcoming event, just 
pozhimmala shoulders and referred to some person from Australia 
who will come and arrange everything. But this is an anecdote. 
To find out whether socket is necessary to call in Australia? 
And various small organizational details, which are ongoing, 
need to be discussed at international prices? And anyway, how 
productive can organize an event person in Australia when

The event itself in the SP-B? Access to networks,
if he does not Freestuff, ie through the workplace for the 
budget bill is very expensive and practically unrealistic. 
FIDO, in this case, too low-speed, as necessary operational 
communications, ie only phone, and it is desirable home. A

just something that was required - this is to appoint a person 
in the SP-B. That was not done. 


             (C) Nemo


186130 30.06.1999


       Hello Firm "NEMO".


   I decided to write to you because call failed, got an 
answering service, and Home phone no. Started I have a problem 
with the computer, after the initial menu appears and the 
computer freezes. It started after I've inaccurately stuck in 
the slot mouse controller. Apparently peremknul 12 volts with 
something, flew a few tracks on the board. Well this is 
nothing. Throw the jumpers and it worked. The computer worked 
fine about a year, then began glitches. After

inclusion hanged, a day or two
included - and it works. But the last time
freezes completely.

   Yes, one more thing. Acquired from you through
mail "GENERAL SOUND", stuck in the slot
everything is fine once played. But not for long I
rejoiced. Sound effects are okay, but here the music files after
Download the first time are normal. But
Once the music ends, and should move to the top, there is a 
loop at the first position of the file, and everything is so 
and plays a fragment of a circle. Do not know What is the 
reason, but where the transition takes place not in the first 
position, such as music in the menu "HEAD BALL" all play 
normal. Checked the "GS" on another computer: all the same. 


   Well all of the glitch seems to have run.
Now I want to ask you to write a letter of response, as you can 
pay for repairs, If I send you a fee KAY-1024, and "GS", and

if you can specify: the computer card
sent to the controller and drive muses.
coprocessor or without them?

   Subtracted here in your price list of clocks to
computer "Dallas", if you can read more on where to pierce, and 
what they are represent.


   It seems finished this scribbling, well, everything
Song for saying good, waiting for an answer.

N.

17.07.99


   Dear N!

1. By KAY'yu. It would be superfluous in a letter
specify the brand of car. Had to raise
Paper: Order from 02.20.1998 / executed
01.06.98: KAY-1024 (supplied). Try
do the following:

   - Carefully review the fee (chain
Supply +5 V / GND). Could "otgoret" some tracks that are 
duplicative other. In the case of burnout machine goes into 
screen saver, but it may fail because of distinct large voltage 
drops on the remaining tracks.


   - Check the supply voltage (at
BOARD!) Should be +5 V + /-0.25V. It is desirable to expose 
this tension about 5.1V + /-0.1V - you can pick up the voltage

power in the range of 4.75-5.25V, at which the machine will 
cease to fail. 

   - Try to install the capacitor
200 pF between ground (GND) and terminal N 3 IC D2 
(1533TM8/F175). 

   - Is it possible glitches associated with increased
operating temperature. If your computer is exposed to direct 
sunlight, you must remove it in the shade. (And in general away 
from the heat-radiating objects.) 


   If all else fails, then the fee should be sent in for 
repair. The cost of repairs (warranty and you have ended) to 
17/07/1999 for non-resident (mail) 100 p. + Details. The price 
includes the cost of send back. Payment is COD upon receipt. 
Send it together with floppy drive controller and AY-chip.


2. According to GS. Apparently, this defect in the firmware 
(software error), or the way it should be. GS equipment you 
have is working. Think about whether the defect is so important 
to spend money on shipping and repairs. Also know that the 
problem is error in the ROM (if it is really

error) at this time.

3. On the clock "Dallas". Hours are meaningful
or working in networks, or at work
with OC ISDOS. In other cases, the clock sense
do not have. Clock can be connected only
via ext. device itself
mounted on Free board (see item 1.5)
Climb into the computer with a soldering iron unless absolutely 
necessary is not recommended. If you break fees, repairs will 
cost 2-3 times Expensive.


   From the information available Dallas'y:
 - Several options for wiring diagrams
(Via bus)
 - Branded documentation for proper
IC DS1287A
 - Description KR512VI1 (similar to Dallas, but
without built-in battery and quartz oscillator) in radio 
engineering. Ibid examples programming codes I8080

(KR580IK80A)


   Documentation Package - 15u.e. / Prepay by postal money 
order, with allowance for the cost of reference. Software 
support exists only in network programs and operating systems 
ISDOS. 


        (C) Nemo.


644020


   Hello Nemo!

N wrote to you from the city of N. Recently heard
that Black Raven-2 prepared by 90%. Another wanted to ask you, 
did not come out if ZX-Format-9, Spectrum Expert-3, Spectrum 
Progress 3-4, Adventurer-9, ZX-Power-4. Also can in the price 
list to indicate what new games have already sold you, and 
which are prepared for the exit. With udovlstviem buy any 
programs. Write kaie Games you have a modem.


   When the approximate release dates of FT-2?

26.06.99 N.

17.07.99


   Dear N!

 1) "Black Raven-2" will be released, according to the
B. Mednonogova not earlier than the beginning of autumn.
 2) ZX-F N 9 will be released no earlier than
month.
 3) Sp-Exp N 3 Close and leave more
will not.
 4) For the rest of the journals of information is not
rampolagayu - please "Logros". Too
applies to other software: contact
"Logros". Company (c) Nemo deals
hard'om, not soft'om.


             (C) Nemo.