The Feature takes a rest this issue and instead turns into Publications. Not seen since issue #1 but straining at the leash ever since. Original book worm Claire has been sacked due to a ban by Brixton library for 'missing' book pages. So armed with my clean Notts record I sussed out the West Bridgford branch. Not an unpleasant task as one of the assistants looks like Louise Brooks. And giggles alot.
A sign of a good book is one with loads of stamps in the front and a chewed up cover, EASY ADD ON PROJECTS FOR SPECTRUM, ZX81 + ACE by Owen Bishop has both in excess. The book describes how to build inexpensive project mother-boards from scratch. These include a pulse detector, picture digitiser, model controller, light pen, photo-flash, games control and those all important 'many mores'. All are connected to the I/O port by an address decoder which you also have to build. The word 'easy' applies here if you are confident with circuit diagrams and a solder gun. A list of components is given plus small control programs to make things happen. Components were available from an address at the back of the book but that was 1983 so Tandy should be the obvious place to go shopping these days. As you may imagine, I can't comment on actually building anything from this book! but after a few beers I get the feeling I COULD make them. This is the kind of book that pushes you to the complicated side of computing by the sheer interest value it generates. EXPLORING SPECTRUM BASIC by Mike Lord is another excellent paperback gleaned from the same shelf. It's got a 'fanzine style' look to it, typed text and letraset headings.
It makes the read altogether more friendly and relaxed. It's own blurb reads 'It complements the Sinclair manual in carefully explaining the main features of BASIC, and then showing how these can be used to create games or application programs.' And having seen several books which boast the above, this one does it the best. SPECTRUM ADVENTURES by Tony Bridge and Roy Carnell was bought for 20p from the charity shop just across the road. It goes into the history of Speccy adventures and also discusses many classic early games like The Hobbit. This book guides you to write your own adventures in BASIC and includes a massive game listing to type in yourself. Not my cup of lager but a very good publication as it contains many useful sub-routines. Those who don't fancy the thrill of the chase in tracking books down can instead buy Speccy flavoured tomes from BERNARD BABANI LTD. They publish a whole range of very obscure electrical manuals and guides. A large SAE to: The Grampians, Shepherds Bush Rd, London W6 7NF should provide you with a full catalogue.
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