Open Letters #02 20 февраля 2000

Nemo open letters № 2.6

183036 15.09.99


      Hello, dear Nemo!


   Finally got your card
KAY-1024. My joy knew no bounds! I
all quickly hooked up and everything worked
perfect. But after the 4 th or 5 th inclusion Controller 
BETA-TURBO suddenly stopped recognize the drive. Ie motor in 
the drive starts, but TR-DOS says: "No

disk ". Drives and trail tested - all
OK, so it is sin to the controller.

   I have a big request to you: you will make
controller as soon as possible. And even so
payment waiting for 3.5 months. I hope for a speedy
recovery controller, and I'll be able to sit down at the end of 
KAY and learn all of its charms.



                          Sincerely, N.


                                 22.11.99


      Hello, dear Nemo!


   The reason for my letter to you in the following: September 
15 this year, I sent you packet with a faulty controller 
BETA-TURBO for KAY-1024 fix. But today 22 November, and I 
received no response. In this regard I have for you Question: 
Did you see my card? If so, when can I get it. I hope

for a speedy resolution of the issue, but then I
PC has more than 2 months worth of work.

   Well, that's all. All the best!


                          Sincerely, N.


                                 28.12.99


              Dear N!

By letter of 1:


   Send you 2 copies. controller "BETA-TURBO" from various 
parties. Try connected in series both controllers. If the 
defect remains, we will have change fee. I apologize that the 
expulsion of controllers took 3 months. - no crystals VG93. I 
think if the case is in the board, put about 1 - 2 months. 
Generally, certainly better to have you on the spot was

person who deals with equipment,
- Probably a no. A pity. Further, in
one of the controllers downed tolerance for milling groove key. 
It is therefore necessary Center the board when installed in 
the slot - ie set carefully.


By letter of 2:

Fee received 9/21/1999.


                                (C) Nemo.

P.S. Necessary to control the voltage +5 v Directly on the 
board - it is also desirable at the time of launching the 
drive. Tolerance +5 v + / - 0.15v. Fee is efficient in the 
range of 5 + / - 0.25v, but 0.1v - Error of the instrument 
(tester). Also You can try to pick up the voltage

power in the range 5v + / - 0.25v to the disappearance of the 
defect. Power wires must be at least 0.5 square millimeters of 
[the author - on] copper.


450112


           Hello, Nemo!


   If the "last bastion sinklerizma in
Your face still functioning, then I ask
send a catalog. So I know how you
there, what and how much.

      Yours faithfully, [signature illegible]



                                 28.12.99


     Dear Ivan Ivanovich Ivanov!


   I am writing to you this way for lack of name. This, indeed, 
see in the first time - homemade envelope. I doubt that your 
financial position will allow you to be a customer. 
Nevertheless, sending the price, look at it closely, probably 
find yourself something interesting. Well, about "the last 
stronghold sinklerizma "You are nothing - see" Open letters ". 
If (a) Nemo really is "Last bastion", it will end.

In fact, it is not. Your opinion is based on insufficient 
information. 


                                (C) Nemo.
665717


   Hello, dear firm Nemo!


   I would like to get your new
The price list for goods offered by your
firm, and also learn about your future
developments in ZX-Spectrum'a. Also very much like you to take 
into attention to our message, which is

next: now you can buy your computer KAY on a very nice price, 
which is already happy, plus all the hardware design,

that make it comfortable and professional in their work. Yet 
there is one poser - imagine the following

situation: A user bought your computer, but where it connected? 
Could would, of course, to the TV, but how? If

he knows about the soldering iron just hearsay
Yes, and it would be easier to monitor, but such
not likely produce (for example - Electronics 1932 WTC 202 or 
similar). So What is our idea. Not bad

it would release a card that worked
would be with most IBM-monitors or specials.
board individually for EGA, VGA and
SVGA-monitors. I would like to know your
opinion on this matter. Very'll wait
response.

                                       N.


                               05.01.2000


              Dear N!


   1. In the near future to make a programmer for RPROM, IC 
with UV erasure (ROM) - domestic series 573, imports - 27HHH. 
The programmer is designed (hardware), but Issue will be 
launched no earlier than: 

   1). Will take place ads (via ZX-F).

   2). Will be received firm guarantees on
writing software (presumably, ISDOS), because creation of a 
software package under TRDOS practically impossible (see

price list).


   2. Professional users are doing tasks that he decides on a 
computer, and how he solves them (in the broadest sense), 
rather than the complex and its characteristics. 


    3. Computer Spectrum brand designed for connection to a TV.
Simple black and white (monochrome) connection through a 
capacitor (tantalum, electrolyte series K53-XX) capacity 20.0 - 
50.0 mF to-Video output. Connecting to RGB - via SCART. No 
SCART'a - let into it in TV. Not can do for yourself - order 
this work teleatele. There is infrastructure. 


   4. Subject to connect the monitor to the IBM-
Spectrum'u discussed in the "Open letters"
repeatedly (see "Op.let."). I think this is
line of work unpromising. By
the following reasons:

   4.1. Blurs the standard video processor. In the long term 
this will inevitably lead to the loss of software compatibility 
and deterioration of policy support. As Consequently, reduction 
of consumer price (consumer content) company. 

   4.2. The release of "special-cards individually
under the EGA, VGA and SVGA-monitors ... "unreal
for commercial and institutional and technological reasons. 
Universal card will cost more than the RGB-PAL encoder

with RF output, with the same quality.
Release of verified models for different models (standards) 
displays absurd for the simple reason that they have to produce

One by one - with a corresponding price. Price,
Again, be compared with the RGB-output. You yourself indicates 
three standard - And that three versions of the boards (with 
their instructions on how to connect, test displays, photomasks 
and etc., etc. - no SINGLE STANDPRTA there, and the TV -

is).

   4.3. Most of the devices in the trash, and proposes for a 
knockdown price - it's not displays and terminals. They require 
internal changes, which is comparable in complexity to a 
similar alteration of the TV by SCART. Add to this the problems 
associated with transportation, inspection and repair

displays, and you'll realize that this is unrealistic. Sell 
​​them nobody will, because impossible to guarantee. Moreover, 
the terminals themselves differ from one another as the 
parameters of developments and along the joints 
(vnutriblochnym), ie There is no single technology alteration. 

   4.4. Using IBM-provoking displays users to switch to IBM
PC. IBM-screen - that's half the cost of
RS-ka. Paying half of the user
buy it and completely. It is clear that each
separately to the user is most advantageous.
But for the entire set of users
it is harmful and disadvantageous (see Section 4.1). In
economy, this problem is known as
"Free-rider problem." This is a pessimistic, adverse to 
Spectrum'a scenario. In its implementation in the Spectrum

will cease to invest even the microscopic amount that is 
invested now as it means a loss of perspective. If you look 
around at the sides, you will realize that this problem is not 
purely Spectrum'ovskoy, it is somewhat broader.

Pointless to put money back where you lay out will be our 
overseas partners.


                                (C) Nemo.

P.S. Will send you a CD "Op. Let." wrapped in newspaper 
advertising "Center-Plus (SP-B). Carefully study the ad units

(They are there for more than 50). And find even one
Internet-address. They are not there. In St. Petersburg 
publishing e-mail is considered bad manners (As in the first 
place, indicates the stupidity advertiser, and secondly, to 
disrespect to the customer, because a hint of stupidity 
client). I would have sent you a newspaper as a whole, but 
brand sorry. 


644020 30.12.99


           Hello, Nemo!


   N wrote to you from the city of Omsk. Like
to look at your new price list.
Write out a ZX-Format N9, Spectrum
Progress-3, 2X-POWER-4, DEJA-VU-9. Also,
if you can, write what the book can be
buy from you, preferably the entire list.
If not hard to write about books: the best
Game 1 - 5, they you can buy, preferably 4 and 5 issue, and of 
others, if there. Would also like to know out there

"Black Crow-2. If possible, please
recent price list and ISDOS'u.

   Can write what new games come out. Perhaps in the future, as 
soon as you send me your new price list, I have

You'll order a lot of things.

   Happy New Year to you and all those involved in such a 
wonderful computer, as ZX-Spectrum. In any case I will remind

You my address.

   Good-bye, with best regards,
N. Waiting for your reply.

                            11.01.2000


              Dear N!


   1. ZX-F N9 at the request of the editor of
11.01.2000 to be published in the
months. Information for other journals are not
disposal.

   2. On the books - see price list. There
a number of second-hand literature, but
the public shows no interest in this regard. New books on 
Spectrum'u now not printed. You may be interested

books on floppy disks - they can reproduce,
No copy protection. Shipping costs are cheaper and require less 
financial investments in circulation.


   3. FT-2 is not released. According to the VA Mednonogova 
output postponed indefinitely. 

   4. Price for ISDOS'u included in written promotional kit. 
Also see "Op. let. ".


   5. Got game "Mega tetris-2000. Advertising, see "Op. Let." 
for the period 05.99 - 09.99 (amended in May - August 1999).

Other information do not have. Book the soft and the list of 
new products for those who soft'om trades.


   6. Thank you for your congratulations.


                                (C) Nemo.


   P.S. "I have a lot of what you'll order ..."
Readily believe, especially when you consider that
to your letter (see "Op. let.", the letter
N60) were sent to:

   1. Price-list (with Invest
GRADE when ordering)

   2. Showcase

   3. Diskette "Open letters".

   At this time, probably so broke,
that even the brand is not invested. Likely to save up money 
for the order. Henceforth, when you receive correspondence from 
you with violations of the rules of the order price list will 
receive postcard with details,

as paid stamps order
price-list, regardless of whether received
You have or have not received an answer to the first letter. 
Find it unacceptable to pay out clients' funds are not much 
richer than you, somebody's a freebie. Do not put a floppy disk 
- when re-ordering needs to be PAY.



      With best wishes, (c) Nemo.

410035


              Hello.


   I learned that your firm is "Nemo" sells
computers and other equipment for them.
Computers that are compatible with the model
ZX-Spectrum and the like. I ask send me price list with a whole 
list of components and computers with prices for the next 2 
months. 

                       N.

                                    11.01.2000

              Dear N!


   Prices are valid within one month
Receipt of the letter / price list (see
"Conditions of Sale" in the price list). As an exception can be 
if you pay for a second month of the receipt Price increase 
factor of 0.2 (two tenths).


   After 2 months from receipt of the price-list should be:

   - Or order a new price list

   - Or specify the coefficient on the phone (STA)

   - Or determine the coefficient of the familiar, recently 
ordered and received price list.


                                (C) Nemo.
346524


              Hello!


   Send me please the price list and
software catalog on ZX-Spectrum.

   I have a computer Scorpion Turbo Pay GMX 2M and the IBM 
keyboard and mouse. 5.25 floppy drive and printer Robotron

CM 6329.01. I would like to improve the musical capabilities, 
ASI is already weak. Yes can still connect the disk drive 
controller card, but so far it has not. 


                          Sincerely, N.

                                    13.01.2000

              Dear N!


   1. Unfortunately, the proliferation of software firm (s) 
Nemo is not engaged. Contact the companies that specialize in 
this. 

   2. You can offer to expand the musical possibilities fee GS. 
Its production will resume anytime soon. Issues of 
connectivity, interoperability devices in a computer will have 
to decide. 

   3. Released by the controller "IDE-drive"
can be set to Scorpion, but as
do (ie, connection technology) and
how it will work as a whole - is unknown. It is also unclear 
whether installing additional expansion board with set 
controller GMX, - as will look constructively technology and 
how conflict will be obtained architecture. 

   For the above pricelist devices
guaranteed their normal work on
computer KAY. It is possible that their
You can connect to other Spectrum-clones, but the problem is 
"fit" under the specific company and ensure efficiency in the 
overall responsibility of the user. Unable to create a real 
device, without which "fit" will go to all companies. As a 
minimum, have to solve design-layout problem. May well turn out 
that the connection will require intervention in the company or 
scheme device expansion. With respect to

device company (with) Nemo it is worth mentioning that in this 
case, you'll lose the guarantee. The cost of repair / testing 
devices will also be included and the cost of the device to a 
standard form (if at all possible). 

                                (C) Nemo.
249270

(Letter submitted to the address of "Shine")


              Hello!


   I appeal to you for advice
the following question:

   I bought for my son "ZX Spectrum", a sketch of which is 
shown below, and tried to deal with his connection. When

work was done, I realized that it only works with a tape 
recorder, and the quality naturally to them no one especially 
not guaranteed, and the system programs go to disks. When I got 
the book with your services for the reconstruction of the above 
machines, of course, I was delighted and decided to try his 
luck. I live in the province, and time is difficult, and his 
son grows, I want to give him a lesson, but

of course not enough, and therefore
I want to ask whether it is possible once you solve the 
problem. I would like to combine the specified computer with a 
floppy drive, and if he antiquated series, earn it. If

possible, please explain the procedure
interaction.



 / / / / ZX Spectrum



                                Reset


                                 Joystick



   After switching appears firm
Saver:


     (C) 1982 Sinclair Research Ltd.


           Connector panel:



                . . . . . .

                . . . . . .

                .... .. ..

  O O P

  Power Video Tape IN Kempston

                     Tape OUT Joystick



         ¢



       / \



   I would like to ask you if you want to
term, connect the computer to the Internet.

   I ask how it is possible to give
response.

   Thanks in advance.


                          Sincerely, N.


                               16.01.2000


              Dear N!


   1. You have to thwart. At this
moment (and for about 5 years, probably)
"Shine" alterations, improvements
and reconstruction of computers "Spectrum"
not engaged. With the existing price
proportions is not just a disadvantage - is
Absurd. 10 years ago it was profitable
because:

   1). Price PC "Spectrum" (similar to your 48K + tape +40 keys 
/ layout "Board") was four average salary in the SP-B 
(expressed in current prices is about 10.000 USD.). 

   2). Price was serious repair
then one to one and a half average wages (about 2.5 - 3.7 
thousand rubles. in terms of current money). 

   3). Price alterations, such as the one that you
would like to do, ie, FDD, was then two to three
average wages (ie, approximately 5.0 - 7.5
Thousands of current rubles) to the cost of
components.

   Contrast those prices with the prices in
price list, and you will understand that cheaper
Buy a new computer than to repair, much less alter old.

   However, "Shine" is functioning,
solving the following problems:

   1) Warranty and after-sales service of computers KAY.

   2) Exchange with a surcharge of old computers
to new and old computers DISPOSE - you can not sell them 
because it Ruinous. This may be beneficial

only if such resale is considered fraud,
as operate normally, they are still not
will support them can not be repaired as well.

   3) Selective, limited REPAIR models produced in 1996 - 2000
In this case, repair costs, HOME,
without the cost of components, is
currently 400 rubles. But it is not profitable, even at this 
price, because overhead in the service sector is very high, 
because it NOT HIGH-TECH, and KUSTARSCHINA. From

These four hundred rubles 300 rubles.
- Is false. Approximately 50% of PCs
Non-Repair recognized - not because they do not know what's 
broke or it is unclear how to fix it, but because

that ADVANTAGEOUS TO DO. Target time for
repairs on the basis of 400 rubles. repairs is:

   (400-300) / (2.500/170) * 100 / (100 +50)
4-5 pm Where: 400 rubles. - The amount of repair
(Price for the customer) 300 p. - Overhead
P 2.500. - Average monthly salary in the SP-B
(USD / mo.) 170 - standard hours per month
(H / mo.) 50 - percent return repaired vehicles for the period 
of warranty. 

   In the 4 - 5 hours include the following
time: 12% - assembly / disassembly + connection to the bench 
equipment, (6 - 44)% - Search / Troubleshooting 12% -

testing 25% - documenting repair + shipping Laboratory / 
adoptive item "Glitter" + notification / consultation

with the customer.

   For highly advanced recommend to pay attention to the fact 
that the search for faults is only 6% and almost does not 
affect the price. Therefore, the qualification NOT affect the 
price of repairs. But the effect on quality.


   And where is the profit? And the profits, if not pay for 
work of a repairman General (33% profit: 100 p. - Zarplata/300 
p. - Overhead) at the rate of profit 25% of the repairman must 
pay 25 b. / Repair: 75 r./300 p. - 25% + 25 p. -

salary. So that's that.

   And what is this mysterious 300 rubles. -
muhlezh not otherwise? Explain. When broken oscilloscope (or 
stand), the customer is Not paid because In this case, it

have to pay several times more than the cost of its components. 
This includes OVERHEAD. And pay all customers, in bulk - but 
slowly. By the way, misunderstanding Nature overhead - this is 
the main popadalovo lamers who think that the repair costs 
cheaper than 400 rubles. They usually come in a and begin to 
look at life more soberly it was after the failure of the 
oscilloscope. 

   Lengthy explanations are necessary because the average 
repair (the city) is ... 250 rub. Why this number? And this 
Schlock - a way of organizing work, where overhead outweigh the 
"on third parties. Hack, sitting in state enterprises, to the 
State equipment, for the time paid by the state, repairing your 
PC. It does not matter if the company was not on the profile 
and equipment is not quite appropriate - in He left WAGON time. 
Labor productivity is not important, qualification is also not 
important. Overhead "hooked" on the plant, and their sum, ie 
three hundred rubles, divided between ON JUSTICE

the customer and the (hack).
And then make fools of the State Statistics Committee
discovery that we have performance
labor is lower than in the U.S. 5 (PYAT!!) times,
as large overhead. Immediately start looking for the thieves, 
corrupt officials and away, away. Starts a fight with his own 
shadow. In reality, the average

Russian "communicates" with the work around
the same as earning at par. Ie real wages - in St. Petersburg,
for example - it's 5,000 p. (Average).

   That's a rhetorical question: - I
I compete with hacks? None. Be
I even thrice a professional (and that implies OVERHEAD, since 
professionalism - it's ways of working) and has fantastic 
skills hemorrhoids but I earn nothing.

To live as sweet as a potboiler,
I need to reduce the rate of time before
2 - 2.5 hours. It's already out of the realm of fantasy. Even 
if a miracle and managed to renovate the complex for a while, 
it will not change anything. Just hack will be taken for repair 
is not for 250 rubles., and, say, 100 rubles. To him it makes 
no difference. 

   City maintenance services - is on
existing structures, serving hacks, ie, providing advertising 
and dispatch services, on the one hand, and help you hack 
systematically and methodically "twine" family business. 
Professionals there are practically no, they are all gone. 

   Therefore it is very simple advice - look for
potboiler. Why did repair all the same
made - sometimes? And this is necessary
to improve the quality of the machines.
Need to know: 1) that breaks down, ie
bottlenecks, and 2) how different
manufacturers solve the problem of reliability;
3) need for "guinea pigs" for
testing the new design and technological ideas. It is clear 
that the repair is performed selectively and advertising 
"Glitter" NO. Here, let's say that you

propose to do with your computer
no interest, already five years
As. Now the most interesting range of issues associated with 
reliability, adaptability and aging (physical depreciation) 
techniques. If someone says that computers do not have the 
physical wear and tear, it's likely that person is simply not

Relates to production. By the way,
such a view is common in "Professional" among sellers of MS - 
and it is not surprising. "Making 'computers with a 
screwdriver, you can quite profitably coexist with any 
foolishness in your head. 

   2. Computer platform Spectrum is theoretically possible to 
connect to the Internet. You can, but need not, for the 
following reasons: 

   - The operation of Internet-COST
computer is not important because cost of access - is regularly 
paid money that easily (several months) cover the cost of the 
company; 

   - Technically, architecturally
Spectrum is designed for 32-50 characters
line, and IBM - to 80 characters. For IBM
need a display, for Spectrum'a - TV. IBM and the Internet - are 
synonymous. Detecting one, we find both, and vice versa. Ie 
Internet "sharpened" PC-to. Other architectures are able to 
access the Internet only at the transport level. Say, the 
connection Spectrum - Spectrum is possible, but no software, 
because himself approach is absurd (see above);


   - Not having the relevant professional goals, to do nothing 
on the Internet. This makes sure almost every user, "splash" in 
the sewer ditch three - four months later he bothers. If there 
is a freebie, ie access through State institutions, it is

possible and makes sense - if the freebie
- Do not look a gift horse in the mouth. And
dig up his nose 8 hours (from
start to finish) is difficult, and dangerous -
You can get injured the index finger. But relationships are not 
freebie Spectrum'u has, therefore, Spectrum has no relation to 
the Internet. 

                                (C) Nemo.