Spectrofon #18 22 марта 1996

Письма

From the world of bat - post the log and continued discussions about and around Spetrkume him.

                  E-MAIL



   Well here we are together again! Hi all
our readers and fans! Over the past
month we got something like hundreds of letters and is now 
seriously thinking of including in its state secretary, which 
are mail sorting would be. But it's the lyrics, but now the 
main thing - what do you give us this has been written? 

ZOOL00K (Tallinn):


   Hello, dear editors of "SPECTROFON"! I hasten to inform you 
that Your magazine is read not only in

Russia but also abroad, and in particular in the city of 
Tallinn (Estonia). Although most likely you and so know it. 



   The magazine is read with interest and waiting
look new numbers, despite the
many problems such as border crossings, etc. This is the 
message I wanted to write for a long time, but somehow it did 
not have free time. The subject of my letter, I did not could 
think of, so much so there will be affected a variety of issues 
... 


   A long time ago I was interested in heading
"SPECTROFON" type "From the world of a bat or
"SYSTEM", namely the hardware ZX
SPECTRUM (on the program also will be discussed)
compatibility issues with the company ZX
SPECTRUM 128. I myself am an owner
Computer PENTAGON 128 - to modify it for
schemes, which were published in various journals (added a 
signature signal INT, port # FF, Kempston Joystick, Turbo

VG93, etc.). And the machine I bought this in a
expectation of full compatibility with Russian software.



   All programs are excellent, even the notorious multicolor 
works as expected in Insult and Satisfaction Megademo ... In 
short, everything is fine - the car is perfect! And thought

I would so still, if I had not
had access to a computer on the Internet.
So, wandering around this remarkable network through IRC (IRC - 
International Relay Chat - here you can talk to

real time with someone who
located anywhere in the world), I found a channel called # Z80.


   It turns out that this channel is organized
Speccy fans from Slovakia. Met
I was there very well - people were very
good-natured to every fan of the Spectrum. C
that moment my circle of acquaintances with fans ZX greatly 
increased. It turns out that contrary to popular belief, Speccy 
is alive, not only in Russia, but also in many other countries,

such as Poland, Czech Republic, Finland, Norway, India, USA, 
Germany and of course England.


   How's it going I do not know, but
with regard to Slovakia, here I am informed well enough.


   To begin with, what they do this
In very long affair, along with the Poles, and
have a great experience working with
this remarkable machine. It's a shame
that many good programs written by
in Slovakia (and not only there) and not
reached the Russian sinkleristov. But
these programs are the same quality as any
English or Polish or Russian ...


   Very interesting for me was the discovery when I found out 
what their machine configuration. The fact that there, in 
contrast from us, all the machines - branded. And if

our configuration, about such: ZX
SPECTRUM 128K + AY-3-8910 (12) + BETA DISK
INTERFACE, then they have, to my surprise,
was a huge variety of disk interfaces. It's like MB-02, + D '
DISCIPLE, D40, D80, SINSOFT etc.

   Oddly enough, Beta Disk there is very little common ...


   Interestingly, you ask, and how they
exchange programs? Very simply,
I will answer you. Yes, yes, because each computer has a tape 
out! Of course, All feeders they are written in BASIC-e,

but this is not a handicap, so much so in Slovakia there is no
such problems with piracy and illegal
copying, as we have.


   Well, what is there, in that Slovakia's good? - You ask. A 
lot of things, I answer You. For example, the annual DemoParty 
under name DEMOBIT. Every year, musicians,

programmers, artists exhibiting at the
Review their products, where ee immediately
objectively assessed (on DemoBite'95 was
about 1200 visitors). The whole thing, of course, stimulated by 
cash prizes. 



   Organizer DemoBit for Speccy programmer is number one in 
Slovakia - BUSY SOFT, a famous Russian sinkleristam on demo 
BLAVA, SONG IN LINES 4 and etc. I know that Peter has already 
taken place a DemoParty ENLIGHT'95, but if there were

programs for Speccy - I do not know (or rather
likely were not) ... Therefore, I believe the team 
prisoedenyayus ko CODE BUSTERS about the fact that Russia 
should also be hold a contest for the best for Demo

Speccy (see Intro to INSULT MEGADEMO). And
why only a Demo? It's also possible, and
better graphics, music, intro, etc. I am sure that many would 
be willing to accept participate in this DemoParty and would 
further was willing to make their opinion in overall

assessment ...


   If you wish, you can take
participate in DemoBit'96! To do this, all
just run the program DB'96! This is an invitation to 
DemoBit'96, where you will learn that and how to do.


   Now for the small problems that I encountered launch foreign 
software. Having some program DemoBit'95 (with all

of the same network, Internet), I was surprised to find that 
half of the demonstrations I not working as it should be, 
namely - does not work very fashionable now, the direction in 
programming, as multicolor. As stated by a VAV in its program,

under the name "INT", for normal corporate multicor-a requires 
only only the right signal INT, although corporate multicolor 
"left and next to the RST-Gaussian far not worth it." It is 
interesting that INT signal, I had a firm, but

called "left" multicolor was still awful.



   All this was very strange, until I
Busy Soft does not will explain (it is not only very
good programmer, but a good electronics) that for high-quality 
work multicolor'a must be clocked Z80

frequency equal to 3.5469 MHz + - 0.1%!!!!
It is this frequency on the company's ZX
SPECTRUM 128K! Now there are many programs have a so-called 
AUTOMATIC SYNCHRONIZE TESTER, which determines the type

computer on clock frequency and adjusts the program under the 
defined type. Naturally, the above TESTER'y will recognize only 
48 SPECTRUM, SPECTRUM 128 SPECTRUM +2, SPECTRUM +2 A, SPECTRUM 
+3 and have no idea about these computers, as

PROFI, PENTAGON, SCORPION, etc. In addition, the domestic 
machines, quartz put in the range 13.5 - 16.0 MHz, which is 
natural, multicolor'ny effect does not improve. 



   As for the "leftism" branded
multicolor'ov, most likely above VAV was in the dark as Russian 
sinklerist, to my great regret, I saw very few branded programs 
using multicolor'nye effects ... 


   For those who think that he had car
100% compatible with the company Speccy,
Busy Soft courtesy of his latest work - ECHOLOGY MEGADEMO - 
winner of the contest DemoBit'95. For quality And this demo all 
sorts of effects does not yield INSULT MEGADEMO, the entire 
question only that - whether these effects to work on your 
machine as it was intended? Now You understand why I am 
following with great interest for responses from readers, who 
write that "I did such and such a revision and Now I have a 
SHOCK DEMO works as necessary.




   Either this user has no ZX Spectrum
knows how the program should work
(In particular, what a quality
multicolor), or he really was able to
modify the machine to 100% compatibility with the
brand Speccy.


   I beg all sinkleristov who will work as intended, ECHOLOGY 
MEGADEMO (and what was intended, dogs will be very easy), tell 
people on their finalization, if any ... 


   Now, another interesting point. It appears, on the company's 
Speccy music processor is clocked not 1.75 MHz, a

1.77345 MHz! A frequency is obtained by Sia
very simple: 3.5469 MHZ divided by 2. That
it appears that in games, demos, and other
programs, we do not hear exactly the sounds
which were designed by the authors.



   In fact, I sound Speccy spend
a lot of attention, so I was
One small problem, namely: how
way to connect stereo speakers
system processor to the music? I have
because of what wiring diagram rather: ABC
ACB or stereo? In one of the issues "SPECTROFON" has already 
raised this issue and to my joy faithful have stated scheme ACB 
stereo, but have stated uncertainly, though, as then I found 
out that in many countries ACB stereo is standard (all music in 
ECHOLOGY MEGADEMO written ACB stereo little-known but 
professionally musician NORO SOFT).



   And I worry about one question. All
know that our beloved Speccy is not
ideal machine, in comparison with others,
are therefore different enthusiasts who modify computer 
hardware, and it's very good! 


   Connect the video port, light pen,
a new video processor with a game console
Dendy, mouse, etc. Great! But I
very disappointing that there are no developments in the field 
of sound. In Slovakia, for example, has long been used 8 bit 
Digital to Analog Converter (Digital Analog Converter), which 
give better quality sound than the AY-3-8910 (12) (of course, 
Digital Music). 


   That is, in general, and all I wanted to tell about what is 
happening abroad. There is only one question, not related 
directly to the Spectrum: Is the whole Russia has access to the 
Internet is only one CyberLife from Tambov?? Anyone who can

have access to the Internet waiting on the channel
# Z80!!!


   This concludes my story.
Sorry if something is wrong. Writer from
I have no great shakes ...

Internet e-mail: y930703@meeli.va.tu.ee

"S": Thank you, ZOOL00K, for an interesting story. Now a few 
words about the issues you raise in your letter. 


   About the standard layout music channels muzprotsessora.
Once again, we repeat our standard - A - left, B - R, C - mean. 
Ie DIA! We agreed to this once and for all.



   About DemoParty, which should be held in Russia. Recently, 
the creative team "STEP" discussed the possibility of

Exhibition of works illustrative sinkleristov,
with the firm FormaK. Thought some organizational moments. The 
idea of ​​holding such an event was supported. We hope to 
receive a blessing from the administration Politihnicheskogo 
Museum to highlight under DemoParty premises.




   Think, if our readers actively support this idea, the autumn 
of this year (approximately - in September) we are all together 
will meet in Moscow on First Polytech All-Russia Summit 
Sinkleristov. Incidentally, you might think about the name of 
the event (meeting, conference, exhibition, Congress ...???). 
We will have time to discuss all the details - from the name 
and ending types of competitive categories

(Demo, minidemo, megademo, game, sampled music, digital music, 
intro and etc.). E-mail us for voicing their opinions and 
ideas. After all, only the whole world can organize and hold a 
similar event. 

HOME MASTERS (Tomsk):


   Write to you about the program EAN-13.
When checking all digital codes that
We had, it turned out that half of the
them - fake! From this we can
Two conclusions:
1. A bar code is really a fake
(Ie, the producers of these commodities do not know
how to calculate the checksum bar code, which is very doubtful).

2. Error in the program.


   We stopped at the second option.
After reviewing the program, found that it
calculates a checksum for the following
formula: (n2 + n4 + n6 + n8 + n10 + n12) * 3 + (n1 + n3 +
n5 + n7 + n9 + n11), where n2 - second digit bar code, etc. 
From the resulting number she takes the second number and 
subtracts it from 10, and then compares with a check digit. If 
the calculation formula has turned a two-digit number, this 
number will be, and if three-digit (probably the author program 
would not allow it), then you are likely to see such a sign

- "Code fake."



   From the above it follows that the need
in the calculation formula to compare the latest figures are 
numbers with check digit, but not the second (hopefully not 
need to explain how to do this). After this change, you will 
hardly find "a fake code. On it and a check digit. Finally give 
your formula: (n2 + n4 + n6 + n8 + n10 + n12) * 3 + (n1 + n3 + 
n5 + n7 + n9 + n11 + n13). As a result, all the calculations 
the last digit number should be zero, the other is not given. 


   For all questions contact: 634040 Tomsk,
st. Irkutsk tract 176-21. HOME MASTERS.


                   GAMES


   Along with discussing important strategic issues related to 
further triumphant procession Speccy on our

vast expanses of the vast
most of the letters devoted to games, and questions on them.

   But we can not answer every
question. This is also how much you need to spend man-hours to 
go through each toy and find the answers to these questions.

So some of your questions, we will
redirect the readers. We hope that no request will remain
unheeded.


   Our mail is still very much
letters and questions on "Star Heritage"
but we still wait to respond to them because we think that the 
widespread "S" N16, dot the i. There is in editorial and 
letters to continue discussion of the "UFO - Enemy Unknown." 
One of these letters bring to your attention because it is 
fairly typical: 

ALEXANDER NEVLEV (Latvia, pos. Mirny):


   I am writing you about a toy that you have announced in due 
course. 

   These things work called "UFO -
Enemy unkown ", or in novoslavyanski" UFO -
The enemy is unknown. "


   When I saw the graph of authorship of the program's name 
Mednonogova, I had a bad feeling appears to continue the 
world-famous "VIDEOSPORTA", and therefore I was pleasantly 
surprised when I got into my hands did this last program, and 
appeared in front of me completely and quite a professional 
job. Not bad graphics and design, story, worthy of attention, 
all this makes the program very attractive to do it.



   Disc is inserted in the Flopper, given the team
"RUN", and after numerous elections before
my eyes was a map of our planet,
and kursorchik. Shifted to them on the map, and
plenty ponazhimat "ENTER", I switched to studying the menu.


   Due to its exceptional curiosity, I dug into the so-called 
"Encyclopedia ufologist. Initially admired picture, and then 
began to consider carefully the explanatory documentation. What 
is the was my surprise when I came to his

option of authorship, read about the following message :"... 
normal programming can be learned only in SPbGTU. Or something 
like that. Personally, I can not think of programming genius, 
but the program can do. Angry Sim message, I began to more 
carefully study the program, to identify various deficiencies. 
So, now I want to tell the world about their observations. 
Firstly - obviously poor interface mode capture enemy 
territories (Station of the cities, flying saucers, etc.), so 
for example, I like to choose Sinclair joystick, but manage it 
with the keyboard, and in this case almost impossible to 
correctly and optimally manage the hero, and at the same time 
lead a more or less aimed fire. Although it is on the one hand, 
and does not apply programming, and done in order to maximize 
repeat the original, I believe that genius programmer, and is to

improve the program in all respects.


   The second drawback is more serious
but maybe it was the result of careless deprotection 
(Incidentally, I am version on one disc, labeled either

"HACKER CRIS", is there still someone with the possibility of 
"FAST LOAD AMMO", "INFINITE AMMO" and "MANY MONEY"). The first

Infinite actually makes sense, because in battle
without him hard, but others clearly
superfluous. So, the second drawback is that when you try to 
bring down the average UFO fighter "The Avengers" in the air, 
the computer hangs. This manifests itself as at least two cars: 
"PENTAGON 128" and "KAY 128". So, comrades, look -

Does not observed such an effect on other
versions of the game or on other machines.


   Now yet another shortage - shipment status. The fact that 
shipping is not available from the game directly to disk 
(bypassing the output from the program). This feature, combined 
with the vagaries of games, making a very risky game with a 
long dispatch to the memory. You can stay with dangling 
computer games and a year behind. 


   In general, the game differs quite good graphics, many views 
the battlefield as well as various characteristics of the 
aliens. For example, sektoidy cowardly flottery and ephemerals 
are cruel, and pushy, and slip-slips cunning. All it makes the 
game very interesting. 


   So, gentlemen, "ufoshniki" if there is
someone above symptoms, especially with
"Avenger", write ...

"S": add from myself only one thing - constructive criticism 
never hurts. Especially because now, Vyacheslav Mednonogov

working on the second part of the game. Hope
that he would accept comments and suggestions of our
reader.

HACKER SQUAD (Kaliningrad):


   Has been programming for several years, especially we take 
the problems associated with the graphics capabilities of the 
Spectrum, as well as the implementation of strategic games. And 
since we are also fans of games of "intelligent" genres such as:

strategy adventyury, etc., all of this
resulted in what we have written the game "LAST
BATTLE "the Strategic genre. The work was completed in summer 
1995. The game represents a synthesis of ideas of games" Impire 
", "Warlords", with IBM PC, combined with the interface of the 
game "Laser Squad". Our game was ranked first in the 
competition held Speccy activists of the local media.



   It was published in the local electronic journal "ZX-Konig", 
which we will and send. Maybe you take a

dissemination of this game, if you believe it
interesting? We also gratefully apprehend any criticisms of this
authoritative source, which is the
your magazine.

"S": Thank you. We recommend that you contact
firm "FormaK" and discuss where all the conditions of 
distribution of your game. By the time the "Last Battle" came 
to us in edition, Moscow has already crawled the rumors about 
your game. Now it has become the property the general public, 
thanks to the efforts of distributors software. Read about it 
in the Overview section. 

AMATEUR Specchia (Kirov):


   I really like your journal, you post interesting articles 
and games, but ... 


   None of the fifteen issues of the journal, which came to me 
there is no programs such as manager and it is insulting.

After all games in this genre are very interesting and
fascinating. How do you want to become a millionaire at times, 
the manager of soccer club Arsenal or manager Lotus'a in 
formula 1. Now that life is not given ... Here's how time for 
such a program I've heard and read, this is "THE DOUBLE". 
Including a Article Matveev YA in the "ZX-REVIEW 93. I tried to 
find a game in our city, but to no avail. I decided to write 
you in hopes that you can help me and publish this

program in the pages of your magazine.

"S": share your opinions. Hopefully,
the next issue we will publish
"THE DOUBLE 128", which, incidentally, a long
long been ready for publication. Especially because
coming European Championship, but as
known in such years, usually many
acute interest in the football category.

For example, in the west strongly written
new soccer program dedicated to
such an important event in the sports world.
Will try and we can not stay away -
will please fans of "football manager"
its publication.

Tishkin OLEG (Orsk):


   Read several of your articles
ELITE-3 (THD), a looping first mission and decided to write. 
The fact that no loop exists. By At least the number of cycles 
is limited. Yes, stars explode and almost none for

another. But it's not forever. Some time later, after the 
removal of refugees from the dying plant in front of the 
station on which you keep the path, you will meet from 3 to 6 
ships, of which 1 or 2 - "Invisible". But even if you can 
"beat" from "invisible" shield generator, you do not will be 
able to pick up because you have to refugees aboard.


   You'll have to get to the planet, unload, take off again and 
povtoritt feat - to take the "cloaking device".

After that, the invisible disappear, and the flow
"New" stop.


   But here's the problem. After loading
your file "cloaking device" disappears!
We were invited to take a "generator" and
one breath (not pressing the "reset") to fly to the place where 
you will be prompted to release any station from Targon. And I 
managed to do. 


   Now I would like to describe one thing
which occurs in the ELITE and ELITE-3
(THD). I do not know, maybe it vseobscheizvestny fact?


   If you depart from the station and, without deviating 
neither left nor right, using only key "up" and "down" and 
begin to move away from the station (J-engines can not use!). 

   When a station on the rear screen will turn into a point, 
the security indicator blinks yellow-green. We are turned 
toward the planet (click the left "Right" do not touch!), 
Keeping sight about its center (diameter of the planet

about 5-6 cm) and begin to move up and down with an amplitude 
of 2-3 cm It is better to include missile guidance system. In 
One moment you hear a beep (the rocket zoomed) and in the 
center of sight for a moment to see outlines of the station. 
And it moves! Continuing to jerk up and down the next moment 
you see it even closer, and then right in front of your nose! 
Speed polunevidimoy this station is huge, and The station is 
equipped with an ECM. 

"S": On the topic of the game "ELITE", then
appears on the horizon loomed a "native"
128-I version of this game!



   Once we have amended it appears
adapted to the TR-DOS version - be sure to introduce it to all 
our readers. After all, as you know, in the company's 128th 
version of the game six missions! 

Valentin Kuzmin (St. Petersburg):


   I live in St. Petersburg and getting "spectrophone" long 
after its publication. A I would really like to get it early, 
if not immediately. I heard that you you can send it by mail. 
Write in your journal about the conditions.


"S": Lord! The editorial board does not deal with shipments of 
fresh rooms in the mail. IN ALL MATTERS RELATED TO

ACQUISITION OF ORDINARY NUMBERS SHOULD
REFER TO THE GENERAL DISTRIBUTOR
Creative Group "STEP" - U.S. "FORMAK.
Editorial Board NEGOTIATES ONLY
The author, games and Distributors
OTHER CITIES.
One more request: Do not send in
Bad COPIES OF JOURNAL EDITORS - EXCHANGE
Provided by the company "FORMAK" ON COMMON
CONDITIONS.


   Bear with us! If we start
engage in shipments - the magazine will be published once a 
year. 



            WAITING FOR YOUR LETTERS!