Open Letters #02 20 февраля 2000

Nemo open letters № 2.10

360032


           Hello Nemo!


   1. Tell us about MKEY mouse / keyboard controller in more 
detail. In price list refers to the possibility of connecting 
the "other devices with RS232", except for the mouse - how it 
is organized. 

   And yet, what is the approximate cost of the device and 
whether pre-buy / send me money for more unsaleable device?


   2. Maybe you have to buy any
modem (preferably under the bus KAY'ya).

   3. Confusion with matching names and
jack number Peripherals' Centronics
 on the concept KAY'ya-1024 (If
believe the names of certain pin'ov
connector, then it coincides with the standard
Centronics'om occur only along the lines of
DATA (0 .. 7), Busy, Strob). It is a typo?
Confirm / explain.

   4. Is there any further work on
circuitry KAY'ya whether there are such plans?

   5. Controller TR-DOS KAY'ya (Beta-Turbo, if not mistaken) 
incorrectly refers to the data bus mode IM2 - perhaps because 
it does not work, some program KAY'e. (The first was discovered 
by Test V4.0). 

   6. By the way, is it possible to make the controller TR-DOS 
for KAY'ya, understanding High Density? Similar to the level 
kulibinskom has already been done for Pentagon'a. If these 
controllers can not (economically inefficient) to produce a 
finished form, then could be sold blank cards +

Scheme / simple scheme for self-
assembly. Compatibility is not affected, the benefits
evident. So what?


   The next few questions
IS-DOS. They should be addressed to Alexey
Leontief, but I do not know his address.
I hope you will convey them to him.


   First, a couple of glitches:


   1. Gluck trd_ram.com (from 7.8.1999, the)
-In check box Auto Boot (Y)
load in the email. *. trd disk file, if
it [is not] boot'a - an explosion of the system.

   2.Glyuk edit +. Com (version 6.11.1999 city)
Formatting (80 - 42, 80 - 64)
large file (100 kb ...) [Ss + sp, ss + f,
cs + r] for some time, the process is proceeding normally, but 
then the editor refuses to format text, leaving the mode dial 
and ignoring the repeat command. Making the editor format on

You can only overwrite files (*. wet) in
another location and, therefore, re-
open its editor. (Yes, everything is on the screw).


   And now the questions:


   1. Are there IS-DOS program
connection between the two KAY'yami on Centronics'u
- For quick transfer of the screw - the screw? Generally, as 
you have organized similar Enterprise (record on the screw of 
large volumes of data)? 

   2. In the old IS-DOS (Classic) existed defragmenter 
speed.com - whether its counterpart in ISDOS CHICK?


   3.Raspakovschik zip-archives jsunjr.com -
excellent, but is there a wrapper (a ISDOS)?

   4. And yet, would have ISDOS ever mouse?


                          Sincerely, N.

                05.02.2000

              Dear N!


   I liked your letter - all
strictly the case. The answer is in order:

   1. Something concrete to say, and so
more promise for MKEY mouse / keyboard
quite difficult. First of all, because
it is unknown when it will be
if at all. This project deals with the firm
CPG Compex (Konstantin Verbov). How
I understand (based on available information), the project is 
in progress. There is a concept (but not layouts - and thus the 
software that alarming, because may well be that you have to 
change the diagram). Wiring is already done, but due to the 
fact that the CPG Compex manufactures GS (production rights 
were acquired from XTRADE), then until is their implementation 
in production, MKEY rest. The long delay in the implementation 
project bears fruit, - disappeared some components (assumed

supply channels) and may have
pererazvodit fee. By Tekhn. characteristics can add to what was 
said in price list is that RS232 will be implemented as 
standard (ie, match standard will be: DB-9 connector, the 
temporal parameters / electro. parameters and protocol at the 
hardware level for 9 pin-a marketing joint (podstandart RS 
232)). Also from conversations with Constantine can

suggest (but do not promise!) that
docking to KAY'yu due to more advanced
Bus Nemo-bus will be implemented additional modes / services / 
opportunities in the extent that it does not lead to a 
substantial rise in the cost devaysa. In general, it may be, of 
course, connect and provodochkah, if someone is there

desire. Another thing that connect
have their own.

   The controller will have its own processing core and 
interact with the machine with I / O ports (keyboard will be 
simulated Spectrum'ovskaya, "Substitute" the appropriate ports 
through bus as the controller XT-KLAVA (development firm (s) 
Nemo in 1995) without WHATSOEVER provodochkov connecting

controller board in addition to tires, ie, it
will really Tyre extension / device in contrast to similar
devices.

   Estimated cost of the device now
point is quite difficult, because Firstly, it will depend on 
sales volumes, and this value is very uncertain, and secondly, 
until the device is put into production, there is no cost 
estimate. In my glance, the price will INDICATIVE such

the same as GS. Rush to send money
not worth it, because by and large money
MKEY have not invested (ie, it remains
opportunity to back off). In addition,
there is a risk that it will be unfinished.
Money makes sense to send when it is already
utilized 70 - 80% of the amount of work / investment and
running ads with a specific price tag
(Even in U.S. dollars).

   2. In principle, seem to be reopened
production XTR-modems, but until it is
ustakanilos. Ie manufacturers can not
guarantee a firm price, so the margin is maximal. (135 cu - 
Editorial Price on 25.01.2000 - not yet published).


   3. In fact, the confusion is only in
names pin'ov / Signal Connector Centronics, ie a marriage 
layout concept. In concept with the editorial board of 
19/01/2000 (already published), these "errors" are eliminated. 
By the way, you the first one reported. Although these

typos are already 5 years - a very good example of a series of 
"technical specifications / Their steepness / 
mashinopoklonnichestvo. Talk about some lofty matters, but

the scheme is not even looked, did not even try to understand. 
A demand even steeper more. Why? Even if that

are not able to use - and not
enjoy ... The printer is connected - and
ok ... Fix signal names on the scheme can be ANY DOK'u on 
Centronics'u, - Including the attached to the printer

instructions. Can be corrected by hand: 10
- ACKNLG, 1911 - BUSV, 1912 - PE, 13 - SELOUT, 1914 - AUTO, 15 
- ERROR, 16 - INIT, 1917 - SELIN, 1918 - I1 (in the original 
Centronics'a - GND), 19 - I3 (in the original - GND), 20 - I4 
(-"-), 21,22 - GND, 23 - Q6 /, 24 - GND, 25 - Q8 /. Deciphering 
signal has meaning only when connected printer, so give it 
meaning not has. Signals / pin'y 1,16,17 - it exits from the 
computer model OK. Pin 14 (AUTO) used to supply +5 V on

expansion device, abutting on
Connector Centronics. Pin'y 15,11,10 and 12
generally used as inputs (from
computer), but can also work in the regime
output if configured
Port B chip'a AY8910. Similarly pin'y
18,19,20 (in the standard RS-shnom Centronics'e - is the land / 
ground / GND). Ie when used as pin'a 1914 (AUTO -> +5 V), - 
PC-to rest. 

   4. For further work on
KAY'ya circuitry. Of course, this
work is underway. But mostly it matters
manufacturability, and partly microarchitecture. At the moment 
there is a list of 25 items that could be done. Approximately 
60% of items are mutually contradictory, ie when implemented in 
hardware can be no more than 10 - 15 changes. In addition,

desirability of certain changes are not
obvious - it is unclear what will be more:
benefit or harm. Some items are purely
technology, ie user even
does not notice that something has changed. For example, Clause 
7: R4 move up - this is necessary because montazhnitse 
uncomfortable put connector XS5. As a result, each

the tenth case he soldered awry. Of course, there are items 
that called for public "- is on the case, if

someone from the venerable "competitors"
/ "Manufacturers" will rise up from their sleep and
try vparit any regular
bullshit - before expelling it appropriate snowstorm. This 
possibility arises with a periodicity of about 4 - 5 years. For

this time almost completely unchanged
of the parties and youthful shoots, not burdened with sorrowful 
memories of shopping "slope", again produced to release money 
to the wind. 

   In my opinion, KAY are REALLY ahead of the other clones. 
Real in the sense that there is some set of technical 
characteristics / modes / standards that could potentially be 
made to work, ie fill some useful sense. Specifications 
themselves by themselves have no practical meaning,

ie they have no value in themselves, not sufficient.
It makes sense to the consumer benefit,
content. In KAY'e they now demand / not fully implemented. Ie
consumer content companies below actually possible - that is, 
some unrealized potential. In the meantime, not mastered it, 
that is, move on pointless and even absurd - there is no 
feedback. Properly done? And is it necessary? Like all it 
interacts as a whole? These issues hang in the air. Pile 
something on - This is to multiply and pile up errors that are 
likely to have. It is impossible to stand on slippery slope. A 
typical example - part 3. The public still does not cut one that

Centronics KAY'e to perform the functions of the system 
connector for external extensions. Does anyone enjoy this? 
Someone generally understand why this connector is sticking

FRONT system unit? It is now five
years, and things there. With a bus, thank God, understood - 
have learned to enjoy. Little addition, they yell, they do not 
have enough slots. When they point the finger at Centronics, 
they make the round eyes and then pull them on your forehead. 
And yet passed Five years! Concept KAY'ya was published already 
in 1994. (The article is WITHOUT ANY cuts and changes: Radio 
amateurs "N 11, 1994," Computer KAY-256 "). The only obvious 
mistake in the article - it's connection to Centronics'u via 
train. This is not working. Docked to" pay a fee. "When the 
producers of Spectrum-hard'a point Out Centronics, they usually 
say: "But KAY 's little ... "Similarly, the programmers (in a 
wider set of parameters KAY'ya) - the same words. 

   But if the wind it has characteristics that will buy even 
less software compatibility between the modules will become

lower cost (a function of volume) will be even greater. Ie a 
pair of scissors. These specifications will never be work. Gone 
are the days when a bright eyes and beautiful promises given in 
millions. It was a time prihvatizatsii / redistribution. People 
had a lot of money and little brains, but the chimeras in the 
head at least Take away. Was credibility, which

"Smart" people forge into the capital, implementing / selecting 
the loan without a trace - in most cases, he now turns

in RS-ke, ie the American economy.
There was also a CREDIT from the west (not to be confused with
IMF loans) in the form of gratis, pirated software. Which 
should have just not be lazy diskovat - hence the shadow 
screen. Hence the tradition of "professional" theft, this 
failure to comply with copyright rights. Mikhailov, first 
create a shadow Monitor the "Hobbit" based on what I think, 
precisely because of such considerations. Bosons also ripped 
off the concept, so clearly not realizing that ripped off. If 
realized, it is not would call the shadow extension 
professional. This, incidentally, is very common for Zonova, he 
can say "Top flair" feels conjuncture and

mood lamer, but skinned, he
really never understood and do not understand.
But this time has gone, to the public, this is not
comes. From habit she continues to steal, not realizing that 
now steals from itself. Not surprisingly, the content of 
component software falls. Only a moron can assume that it 
becomes richer, obvorovyvaya himself. And the public is hard 
pay money to those who had robbed, hoping perhaps that their 
money is ever return (in the form of support). This psychology

Depositors of the pyramids. Well-trodden path -
and the herd, like a flock of sheep there. And there
their offices waiting for the mechanism of flies from cutlets.

   Again, going back to Zonov. Here it is
ripped off the bus. Well, not smart enough (and desire) to do 
myself, so at least you shit, then do not drive! What makes 
Zonov? He solder one connector (explaining that,

supposedly, you can solder ANY plug on free space - but in fact 
it saves PENNY) - filling up promoting standards. Then there 
user solder slot FDN and fees can safely throw out the trash - 
it is not there a chisel vybesh. Makes it more and SYSTEM

CONNECTOR - absolutely senseless thing -
bus and the system connector are mutually exclusive,
- In the form as it did Zonov. System connector to be in demand,
must hang out cases such as this and
was in the prototype. Why was this done? And it was done for 
the lamer. After all, as lamer reasons: "One plus

- one is two, two more than one "
- Ie "The only Nemo bus, while Zonova
yet the system connector! That's cool! "Ie
clean water konyunkturschina. Ie argument on the principle: "It 
larechnika - it small - chop cabbage. Let Nemo

engaged in advanced research,
let it invests, develops, promotes ... Let it be with saucers, 
and we (along with the clerk) was attached with a spoon! "I 
sometimes ask:" Will you support the Scorpion? "What

I can answer? The only thing that
there is 256 to in excess of the standard
Amstrad 128 +? But if a person bought a card
Zonova, ie Invest money, then it is
very difficult to understand.

   Similarly, and iSDOS'om. The same scheme: a)
steal, and b) put the cancer. How will this
work, nobody cares. Lamer
asks: "iSDOS there?" He replied:
"There." He is pleased. Company iSDOS while
does not receive a penny. There comes
This is the lamer and starts to swing the right:
"Why do not you keep Scorpion?"
He does not understand the comic situation, since
a) maintenance and support of stolen product, ie for free, and 
b) to support the "it" virtually impossible. He does not 
understand that it a) framed, b) correctly transferred to the 
arrow. When he say that they say: "Do not cry, my head you are 
not square, just a little machine crooked, but the system is 
flexible and can be done - but this money will be "- he 
inflates lips and the entire of itself offended - for iSDOS he 
has already paid. WHOM? For what? How to maintain and promote 
the OS, if its on the way discredit? 

   Where a year ago had a chance to hear from
users Spectrum'a (or rather Scorpion'ov - Zonov never used
logo Spectrum'a, - so that the correct
call it. Known fact that they are buying)
that Zonov resumed production. In fact attempted to resume work 
the mechanism of separation of flies by chops under the motto: 
"You make Zonov catch up and once again produce." Thank God, 
there are fewer fools. And anyway, does it make sense to use 
the word "Producer" to a person who does not comply with 
copyright on the software? 

   Somehow we talked about it with Kondratiev. So he said: "So 
in fact ALL steal. "What can I say?


   Well, firstly, not all. In Spectrum'e
copyright law is observed in 5 - 10%
cases, while in DC - just 2
- 5% of cases (and even then public enterprises -
evidence that anyone from individuals
paid for software, I do not know). This
Very strong. This is a fundamental advantage twice! This is not 
some crappy Megahertz - this mentality, it's on

level of mass consciousness, ie, very
complicated than deal with computer scientists.
And who pays? Beggars - and it's probably not money, and tears 
- and not some public enterprises, which sit side by side on 
the state budget and considering oil pipeline computers as a 
good way to budget theft. I think that few will understand

what it means.

   Secondly, what kind of a producer who cuts himself, the 
branch on which sat? Ie deliberately and methodically and 
systematically destroys his own market? Machines, after all, 
useful only as a soft - and

he steals it, in violation of copyright law
ie destroys the software companies. Yes
it should blow the dust off them and not engage in theft. Any 
businessman knows that money can work as anyone, anywhere and 
any way you want - only what can not be allowed - Is that your 
money is working against your same money. And here is not just 
a misunderstanding here system. Where is the logic? 

   A simple logic. Money can make money, not only as a result 
of creation, but also as a result of the destruction. Money - 
it is energy, and it stands out as in the creation, and 
fracture. And for the destruction of money is allocated

more and send them into my pocket easily. Break - not to build 
in order to spread, not necessarily to invest.

The market is worth the money, destroying it - you can
get them all. So act Soros
England. The collapse of any structure is accompanied by the 
release of energy. We first introduce own money - zatravochku

(A little). Then stick to them the money
lamer in an amount far greater,
after all, and demolish all the money we put ourselves
in his pocket. Money is converted into
"Reliable" business, such as PC-to.
Unique, sometimes disturbing sleep Zonov Russian citizen, when 
the shares High-Tech start to somehow fall. And it

quite nightmares plagued when State. Paper
The U.S. is starting to rise in price. Well, that's the word, 
though suggest themselves some strange, vague analogies. 

   Third, why all these stolen if
Scorpion firm controlled from 30 to
50% of all commercial shipments of software?
The question is not absurd. If someone
controls 50% of turnover, it determines the rules of the game. 
Ie not so easy distinguish cause from effect. Can

equal share of the truth to say that
Zonov steal because stealing ALL -
and vice versa - that all steal, because
that Zonov steals. In this memoir, the Soros
dependence is as follows:

             f = g (s)

             s = g (f) (1)

   In fact it is not mathematics, and fraud. For this to become 
like mathematics, we must require g (s (f)) <> Id, it is 
possible, if we consider (1) not in IR2, and IR3, a minimum of 
typing, For example, the variable t (time), ie basis {s, f, t}, 
- with anyone, not necessarily orthogonal and orthonormal, as 
bases in any expression (graph) is conformal - it is important 
topology. 

   Looks like I was really distracted, but I think
reading was not boring. At least
it is clear that the filling component real meaning is not so 
simple as it seems at first glance. Worth of at least the same 
"competitors" and "producers", with that have to deal with, as 
well as their users. "Peters" from Zonova far gone. Is that the 
stupider. 

   5. "Ill-treats bus
of data. "You absolyutiziruete test
program. And it's pretty conventional thing.
There is no guarantee that a programmer
tested it IM2, and not some microarchitectural feature
KAY'ya. When writing a test program, the
computer on which it is written, made implicitly (and sometimes 
explicitly) as a standard. Writing test is not a trivial task, 
as it seems certain programmers. Universal test implies 
adequate (in some clearly certain sense) check some

parameter on the set NxV (Cartesian
square), where N - is a set of clones
Spectrum'a, and V - the set of all possible vectors of states 
of the test com / program. And as a programmer

take into account all the peculiarities of each of the N 
clones? Neither conceptually nor in practice it can be done. 
Add to this the use of undocumented commands and Missing 
disable / enable interruptions in the family Z80. It is likely 
that the error will have to look in the program, rather than in 
hardware. In iSDOS'e widely used mode of IM2 and everything 
works fine. OS', too, can be viewed as a test - and besides, 
more and very good quality. First of all, because

that the OS created as a

   UNIVERSAL OS for ANY clone
Spectrum'a. Therefore, if already used
IM2, it uses exactly IM2, and not some microarchitectural 
subtlety - or a combination of them. Tests are generally very 
crafty thing. At KAY'e can, for example, write a test for 
speed, which will show as much 90% (maybe more), but shows 70%, 
as this corresponds to expedite implementation of the 
arithmetic mean of the program, ie, in most cases. 90% will 
also be only a small number of specific programs. Therefore, 
the specifications indicated 70%, not 90%. Specifying the 
latest figures will, in fact, fraud. The reason is that the 
transition TURBO - NORMAL is not linear, ie is not invariant 
under time scale. It can not be describe a scalar completely, 
because it a sense of matrix operations. Why do not you write a 
letter to the creator of the program? I, for example, a program 
there. Fully admit that Programmer's no KAY'ya - send him

photocopy of the scheme. The man who wrote
The test, HARDWARE, this should be
enough.

   6. High Density. Make it possible that
whatever - the only question is whether
sense and it worth it. You write
"... the benefits there." In fact, this
not obvious, at least.

   Assume that the criterion of expediency - is winning the 
user in a useful, consumer filling companies. (A not in the 
specifications). There Is this winning? We analyze the pros and

cons.

   Let's start with the minuses.
 1). VG93 High Density will not pull. Can
perverted as anything but a really hard-working, manufacturable 
with good reproducibility controller is impossible. And what 
does this mean? This means that either: a) is engaged in an 
extra slot, ie MINUS SLOT, b) no controller TRDOS - ie LOSS OF 
COMPATIBILITY (do two controllers on one board is unreal.  2). 
Where to take drives HD? A lot of them only at first glance. A 
couple of years they may well be on the scrap-heap (as

it happened in the PC-Schnick Disc
DD). Drives 5.25 "now on PC virtually
not used. 3). Compatibility. TRDOS
1.44 format will not pull, so must be split into two logical 
drives / drive one floppy / CD drive. Clearly, this

new, original, with anything not compatible standard - one of 
its promotion repeatedly override all pluses. And

Compatibility with the same RS-com will not.
It is necessary to "shake up" the firmware TRDOS. Y
users of the problem: earlier been
one standard - TRDOS, now two, -
support both? Expensive. This means
loss of compatibility.

   Basically, if you think about it, minuses
You can nakovyryat a whole bunch. Now
pros - but they are not obvious:

   1). Cheap Used branded drives.
First of all, to them can happen at the same
thing from the disk DD. Secondly, any 5.25 "1.44 Mb floppy 
drive can be converted to 720 Kb. It is easy and relaxed - 
flick of the wrist. 

   2). Compatible with PC components is possible
only through the operating system - but it's there and so is.
In the 360 ​​Kb, which is in ANY
RS-kyo.

   3). Disk size 1.44 Mb. Possible
only under the OS. This is the most serious
plus, but again, only at first
look. Number of drives / disk size (the volume) are important 
only in TRDOS'e, and it is something just not able to pull 1.44

Mb. And it almost does not matter OS'i IF THERE Winchester. 
Although there still have to think ... 

   Ie For the same money you can get much more benefits
connecting screw, for example. So where are these
benefits that are there? In the RS-ke was
done quite pragmatic purpose -
lift people (users) on the money.
Real benefit to nobody got. Copy the script in Spectrum'e MS?

                       (C) Nemo.


   A few questions on IS-DOS is responsible Alexey Leontiev:


  0. My address: 195256 St. Petersburg,
etc. Science, 28, Apt. 123. Write, do not forget to send money. 
:-) 


  1. trd_ram.com (7.08.99). Yes, I agree.
I'll have to scan the directory downloaded trdosovskogo drive 
for this of the rubble, or work behavior

trdosa in his absence, which, incidentally,
More zamorochnee.


  2. edit +. com (11.06.99) "when formatting large files 
(100Kb. ..) a time, the process is proceeding normally, but then

Editor refuses to format text, leaving the mode dial and 
ignoring the repeat command. Making the editor format can only 
continue to overwrite the file (*. wet) to another directory 
and, accordingly, has reinvented its editor. " 

   - All true, all true. This is done deliberately in order not 
to overcrowd the unit descriptor segments. If you noticed in 
the upper left corner of the screen editor now indicates a 
certain number, gradually increasing the extent of the process. 
This is the number of file segments. It can not exceed 85. The 
old version of the editor simply rested against the system 
error Error 94, after which the file has already been done

just nothing is impossible, except
fall out of the editor and the contents
file, most often, happened very spoiled. So this not a glitch, 
and fuse. 

 3. "Is there IS-DOS program
connection between the two KAY'yami on Centronics'u
- For quick transfer of the screw - the screw? Generally, as 
you have organized similar Enterprise (record on the screw of 
large volumes of data)? 

   - Such a program I have (perhaps have someone, something 
like that and there), because no two kaev one room. In 1994, 
the company Iskrasoft has been developed by LAN iSDOS. Sergey 
Prokopenko wrote it. Realized she was as a driver on the client 
and programs on the server. Lower level - serial over twisted 
pair, but none does not interfere with support at least 
Centronics, though RS-232. No equipment to all

debug it, just, and demand is not great. So the problem is 
rapid transfer screw-propeller until we have solved. Throw

via floppy disk 5.


  4. "In the old IS-DOS (Classic) existed defragmenter 
speed.com - whether its counterpart in ISDOS CHICK? "


   - Speed.com will work in Classic
and Chic. And in the old and new. Really
that if the disk is loaded, it is likely
just have to reconnect after boot
defragmentation. I myself am of this program is not
I use, I fear. The program is not mine
Alexander Demidov. It is said that the brake and buggy. Check 
for yourself I'm afraid. For seals are used arzt +, and 
defragment the usual copiers. 


  5. "Unpacker zip-archives jsunjr.com
- Excellent, but is there a wrapper (a ISDOS)? "

   - Unfortunately, Mikhail Kondratyev it
have not written yet. And write if it is not known. He said 
that the 128Kb memory that he will not be enough, but not more 
than 128 everyone else is, and where there is, there is no 
single standard. It is better to ask about this at of the MC.



  6. "And yet, would have ISDOS ever a mouse?"

   - Mouse was there at one time in 1994-1995
respectively. It takes a lot of memory and slowing down the 
computer. Keyboard was to use a much simpler and faster. 
Besides, in real life mouse almost never occur. Therefore 
further mouse support was considered unwise. Mouse, in my 
opinion, need not iSDOS'y, and graphics and game programs, 
working in iSDOS'e. And these are two big differences. 


        Alexei Leontiev. March 2, 2000