CL206601@ULKYVX.BITNET (04/26/88)
Heres some answers to misc. questions that have cropped up on the net lately, and a few questions and comments of my own. Some of the questions may have been answered by the time my message is posted, Due to the links to ohio-state going down regularly! ************ Analog-misc************************************************************ ************ I have the May issue of the Mag and it is better than the april issue. I would like to see the conclusion on the atari Zucchini article, they claim they have figured out how to connect 8-bit machines using the SIO port. Even tho analog is going down hill it is still better than ANTIC! for 8-bitters. Does anyone have the ANALOG 8-bit extra, it supposedly has all those programs that were to large to publish in the magazine. Also it supposedly had lots of ACTION! programs in it? *************** Software_misc-********************************************************** *************** Desktop video type software is available for the 8-bits the titles i have seen are virtuoso by virtuosonic, Colour space from Antic and Envision also in the antic catalog. Virtuoso has been reviewed in recent issues of Antic and Analog mag. Datasoft also has an entry in this arena with a video tape titler, I'm not sure of the exact name of the software but it costs around $40. The availibility of software is a problem atari should address for the 8-bits. Yes its great Atari has made those super 256K carts for games like Flight simulator II. But I'm still waiting for them to release something new. If the future of the 8-bits depends on the XEG Atari should be working a little bit harder to move some software titles. Atari should contact Micro-Prose(old name) and get them to convert some of there games to the cart format. Especially the ones they never released. MindScape is another good target for new games. Those new XE carts work just fine on the 800xl. Games labeled for Xe usually work on the Xl machines if they don't require 128K, but if you have a 256K Xl then i only can think of one program that doesn't work, it is a destop publishing program. By the way if you still have an old 800 you should at least compliment it with an xl or Xe machine, merely for the fact you can find one used for around $25-$70. The super carts are a good idea i wonder if ADOS will be in one? I'm sure atari could cram a window/icon/mouse environment into a 256K cart, leaving most of our 64K available for Programs. IF ADOS ever leaves the vapor world maybe applications programs will be written. Hopefully atari will make ADOS compatible with the 256K+ ram upgrades. Also I would like to use The MIO with it. ************** Hardware-misc************************************************** ************** I have seen prices for the Xf551 run from $150-$199. They are available in Louisville Ky, so the must be available in other remote parts of the country. I have seen the sx212 modem working on the sio port with a PD program called SX212 companion, which modifys your version of 1030 express to work with the sx212. SX212 companion also loads a handler that allows kermit65 or other term programs to use the sx212. I have a Track ball demo programs in ACTION! and Basic. (Scott @ ksuvm.bitnet) Send me e-mail or talk real-time over bitnet using the send command! Now that I have posted a mod to convert the Sega light gun to work with the ATARI, there should be a mod allowing the Sega 3-d glasses to work with the 8-bits coming soon. Most of the mod would probably be in the form of software and maybe the construction of an adapter cord,(since sega moved some of the signals around the 9 pin din). Too Bad atari does not sell the Flight Sim II cart or the light gun separately, some one just might buy them. Last but not least Here in Lousiville Rumours of atari losing money are floating around among the Computers dealer that are left around here. But we haven't had an Atari dealer for about 2 yrs. (Neil Harris did you here this!)