From: dlk0ms9s@umiami.ir.miami.edu
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: ZNET 9214 (REALLY LONG!, I mean it).
Date: 5 Apr 92 18:40:41 EDT
Organization: Univ of Miami IR


 | (((((((( |         Z*Net International Atari Online Magazine
 |      ((  |         -----------------------------------------
 |    ((    |         April 3, 1992                Issue #92-14
 |  ((      |         -----------------------------------------
 | (((((((( |         Copyright (c)1992, Rovac Industries, Inc.
 |          |         Post Office Box 59,  Middlesex,  NJ 08846
 |    ((    |
 |  ((((((  |                        CONTENTS
 |    ((    |
 |          |  * The Editors Desk............................Ron Kovacs
 | (((   (( |  * Z*Net Newswire........................................
 | ((((  (( |  * Glencon 2 - The Codeheads....................John Nagy
 | (( (( (( |  * ST - Bring Me My Mint Julep..............Norm Weinress
 | ((  (((( |  * Thanks For The Memory........................John Nagy
 | ((   ((( |  * Perusing CompuServe......................Mike Mortilla
 |          |  * Portfolio Owners Update.....................BJ Gleason
 | (((((((  |  * Basic AT Commands - Part 1 of 3.......................
 | ((       |
 | (((((    |                 "Exclusive Glencon 2 Report"
 | ((       |
 | (((((((  |  ~ Publisher/Editor............................Ron Kovacs
 |          |  ~ Contributing Editor..........................John Nagy
 | (((((((( |  ~ Z*Net Newswire Ltd..........................Jon Clarke
 |    ((    |  ~ Contributing Editor.....................Bruce Hansford
 |    ((    |  ~ PD Software Reviews.....................Ron Berinstein
 |    ((    |  ~ Reporter....................................Mike Brown
 |    ((    |  ~ Assistant News Editor.......................Mike Davis
 |          |  ~ Z*Net Canadian Correspondent...........Terry Schreiber
 |          |  ~ Columnist....................................Ed Krimen
 |          |  ~ Columnist................................Mike Mortilla
 |          |  ~ UK Columnist...............................Mick Jarvis
 |          |  ~ Features Editor.........................Dr. Paul Keith
 |          |
 |----------|  $ GEnie Address....................................Z-NET
 |  ONLINE  |  $ CompuServe Address..........................75300,1642
 |  AREAS   |  $ Delphi Address....................................ZNET
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 |----------|  $ America Online Address........................ZNET1991
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 |          |                     Fido Address 1:363/112
 =======================================================================
 * Z*NET NEWSWIRE
 ======================================================================
 
 
 MIDI SHOWS IN LOS ANGELES
 Last weekend, Goodman's Music had a gala two-day MIDI show and sale at
 Hollywood's Beverly Garland Hotel.  Atari's Mike Groh attended the
 event that included significant support for Atari computers.  Then
 Sunday, March 29, Mike attended a CUBASE/STEINBERG event hosted by Los
 Angeles's Mid-Cities Computer store.  Reps from the manufacturers were
 "thrilled" with the turnout and interest in the new high-line of their
 software, designed to maximize the potential of the Atari TT030 in
 music studios.  The continuing "Professional Series Music Seminars"
 will include a showing of Hybrid Arts' Digital Master EX and "the NEW
 Hybrid Arts product line" in another show this Sunday, April 5.  Call
 Mid-Cities for information at 310-867-0626.
 
 
 NEW TOUCH-UP COMING FROM MIGRAPH
 Users of Mega STe and TT computers have had to disable their caches to
 use the current Touch-Up software (version 1.69).  The problem has
 shown itself in the inability to scan an image without stray
 repetitions, like vivid shadows, around all images scanned with the
 cache in the normal position.  The interim fix is simply to disable the
 cache before scanning.  According to Migraph, a new version (1.8) of
 the Touch-Up scanning and editing software will be released in May.
 While details are not available yet, the marked increase in version
 number may indicate considerable improvements and new features.  Watch
 Z*Net for more info as it becomes available.
 
 
 CRAZY DOTS HAS NEW MODEL AND NEW LOWER PRICE
 Gribnif Software has announced that their imported graphics card "Crazy
 Dots" has been well received, and that the volume they have experienced
 has allowed them to reduce the retail pricing.  Crazy Dots 8 is the
 original "video display adapter" product, and will drive VGA and gray
 scale monitors with resolutions up to 1,664 X 1,200 and up to 256
 colors or gray scales at once.  Available in Megabus and VME versions,
 the price has been reduced by $150 from $999.95 to $859.95.  If that
 isn't enough power for you, the new Crazy Dots 15 will do 32,768 colors
 or gray scales and the same resolutions.  The new model is priced at
 the old model's original price; $999.95, and owners of the older model
 may upgrade for $199.95.  Gribnif, P.O. Box 350, Hadley, MA 01035,
 phone 413-584-2565.
 
 
 SALES-PRO VERSION 6.10 RELEASED
 The popular and powerful point-of-sale and inventory control system for
 the Atari ST has been updated by Hi-Tech Advisors.  New features of
 Version 6.10 include 3 different payment types, more sorts on customer
 lists, displayed receivables balances, plus many other features, more
 speed, and bug fixes.  Sales-Pro comes in many configurations starting
 as low as $99.  Owners of older versions should contact Hi-Tech for
 upgrade information.  P.O. Box 128, Ravena, NY 12143-0128, phone 518-
 756-3800.
 
 
 POWERPOINT DEBUTS WITH NEW NETWORK
 Chris Latham, author of the Universal Item Selector and the Universal
 Network (marketed by A & D Software) has formed a new company and
 announced that he will offer no further support of the earlier products
 or company.  Latham's new company is called PowerPoint Software, and
 the first product from his new company is PowerNet, billed as the most
 powerful networking system to date for the Atari ST/TT line of
 computers.  Similar to his earlier network design, the system works
 with Midi, LanTech LT101 and LT201 cartridges, as well as with the Mega
 STe/TT Local Talk ports.  PowerPoint is offering a limited 'trade-in'
 for registered owners of Universal Network or SGS Net network software.
 The upgrade plan offers a complete 2-Node 'Starter Set' of PowerNet for
 50% off of the regular $99 price.  To participate, owners of the
 products must send in their FORMATTED original master program disks
 along with $49.50 (plus $5 S&H).  Additional Nodes are $55 each; Midi
 connector boxes are $20 each; Local Talk connector boxes are $25 each;
 and a special 'Midi 2-Node Package' (complete with 2 connector boxes)
 is $120.  PowerPoint Software, P.O. Box 942, Merlin, OR 97532, phone
 503-479-6635.
 
 
 ONE OF A KIND ATARI LAPEL PINS!!!!
 The Eastside Atari Users Group, under authorization of Atari Corp., is
 offering a unique item that is a must to own.  It is a limited edition
 Atari Lapel Pin.  There are less than 300 of these pins in existence
 and no more of this style will be made.  Readers of the Z-Net Forum
 will attest to the fact that Bob Brodie has endorsed this pin and
 recommends it highly.  He has presented pins to Sam Tramiel and others
 at Atari Corp..  He wears them on his travels and is one of our biggest
 boosters.  Due to the exposure we have had through Z-Net Magazine,
 Z-Net Forum, and GEnie, we have sent pins all over the world.  As
 stated earlier, this is a limited edition item.  Don't wait too long
 and miss out on this quality product.  The cost of the pins are only
 $5.00 which will include shipping and handling unless you want to be
 nice and send an extra 50 cents.  Volume discounts are available if you
 or your user group orders 10 or more pins.  Then the price drops to
 $4.50 and no need to be nice about the 50 cent postage and handling.
 Send your orders to: Eastside Atari Users Group, 1504 Saratoga,
 Collinsville, IL 62234.  We accept check, money order, or if you
 dare... CASH!  Don't pas this opportunity buy to make yourself the envy
 of everyone else in your user group.  EVERYONE will be asking where you
 got it!
 
 
 SHARP PC-3000 DELAYED
 A couple of months back Z-Net reported that the Sharp PC-3000 was ready
 for release.  It seems we were a little premature with that
 announcement as hundreds of units now sit in the Toronto warehouse
 waiting for a addendum to the manual to be written.  Apparently if it
 is used the way the current manual instructs you - the date does not
 change and the time is not current.
 
 
 FALCON UNDER WRAPS
 Although some information about the new line of Atari products has
 filtered out in the past few weeks - Atari still remains closed mouthed
 about its new Falcon.  Dealers and Developers signing non-disclosures
 may be party to some new info at the Toronto show - but no promises.
 Rumour has it that Atari has approached third party developers for the
 MS-DOS emulation add-ons.  Right now you will see a lot of smoke and
 no fire until late fall.
 
 
 INTEL PLANS RELEASE OF 486 DX2 CHIP
 What is it?  Well after glancing through a performance brief of some
 forty-five pages and a technical reference manual of over one hundred
 pages we find that this chip is an accelerator.  When used in
 conjunction with the 486-50 this chip performed on average the same as
 a 486-66 if there was one.  Perhaps we are getting to old for these
 speeds as we regress to remember the Atari 800XL.  Need to know more?
 Contact Intel and ask for: Intel 486 DX2 Microprocessor Performance
 Brief Order Number 241254-001 Revision 1.0 March 1992, Intel 486 DX2
 Microprocessor Data Book Order Number 241245-001 Revision 1.0 February
 1992.
 
 
 ATARI COMES IN THIRD
 In the February 10th 1992 issue of the Canadian Computer Dealer News
 Atari came in third right behind IBM and Apple for overall sales in
 Canada.  IBM and Apple came in at 10.6 respectively while Atari came in
 at 3.2 of the market.  Commodore didn't even make mention in the list
 while Compac and Tandy came in at 3.1.
 
 
 ATARI-NET ANNOUNCED
 A new network for those BBS's that choose to support the Atari platform
 of home computers has been announced.  The name of this new network is
 AtariNet and can be accessed by any BBS that uses any Fido compatible
 mailer/msg tosser.  Any BBS that wishes to join should send Netmail to
 either Bill Scull (1:363/112 or 51:1/0), Jim Goedhart (1:104/223 or
 51:2/0) or Tony Castorino (1:102/1102 or 51:3/0).  We have a parser for
 the Atari platform and I'm sure there are parsers for other platforms
 that will support multiple domains.  Once you apply you will be sent a
 package that contains the parser and the latest node list.  For any
 assistance you may need, you can contact any of the existing nodes and
 they will be more than happy to help you get started.
 
 
 
 ======================================================================
 * GLENCON 2 - The CODEHEADS!          Exclusive for Z*Net by John Nagy
 ======================================================================
 
 
 Over 100 Southern Californians arrived by 10:30 AM last Saturday, March
 28, for GLENCON 2, a "technical conference" featuring the local heroes,
 Charles Johnson and John Eidsvoog, better known as the CodeHeads of
 CodeHead Technologies.  Held in an upstairs auditorium in a plush
 Glendale library, the event was the second in a series of support
 conferences sponsored by HACKS and John King Tarpinian, the people who
 also bring you the Southern California Atari Faire series, "The
 Glendale Show."
 
 The event was opened by an hour talk and question session by Atari's
 Bob Brodie, who is personal friends with many of those who attended.
 Bob was a past president of one of the many Atari user groups that were
 represented from the greater Los Angeles area.  Also on hand was Mike
 Fulton of Atari's technical group and another SoCal alum, who helped
 with some of the tougher hardware and software questions.
 
 Questions outnumbered answers by a wide margin, as almost everyone in
 the audience had been following the "Falcon" reports that have appeared
 in Z*Net and online.  Four out of five questions for Bob were asking
 for details that Bob couldn't give--yet.  Bob was admirably polite and
 firm with his repeated refusals to "leak" more information, or even to
 confirm the details that have been accepted by most readers to be cast
 in stone.  In fact, Bob urged the audience to be prepared to see final
 versions of the "new machines" that may differ from their expectations
 and the recent reports.  He assured them, however, that the release
 versions will be outstanding and will meet their high hopes with
 equally high specifications.
 
 Bob then played a short cat-and-mouse game, asking the audience "What
 would you REALISTICALLY hope for or expect from new Atari machines?"
 As the crowd called out their list of features, Bob would nod, or say
 "You could reasonably expect that to be our direction," or "We've been
 moving in that direction for some time," or occasionally, "That's not
 really relevant to our market," or "No consumer machine is going to
 offer that in the foreseeable future," or "That sort of thing would
 have to be part of a more upscale machine than the one we are going to
 be releasing first."  All in all, a profile of the much rumored
 "Sparrow" or "Falcon 030" machine did emerge, and appears to be at
 least quite similar to that reported in recent Z*Net issues.
 
 *  The new machine is the first of another series of Atari Computers
    that remain compatible with TOS.
 
 *  The new machine will be in a 1040 style case for "reasons which will
    become obvious and very satisfying to all."
 
 *  The new machine will use a 68030 CPU.

 *  The new machine will very likely run a standard Super VGA monitor,
    with colors, palette, and resolution similar to or exceeding the
    Super VGA standards.
 
 *  The new machine will have industry standard ports, including SCSI
    and others.
 
 *  The new machine will not have VME slots, but the VME slot has not
    been abandoned in Atari's plans.  The 1040 case dictates no slot in
    this particular machine.

 *  The new machine will have a multi-tasking TOS.
 
 *  It is likely that memory configurations of well over 4 meg will be
    possible in the machine.
 
 *  The digital sound will be BETTER than that offered by the current
    "e" and TT series of computers.  As these machines offer 8-bit
    digital sound, look for 16 bit or more.  The current DMA sound will
    still be supported in the new machine as well.
 
 *  The use of the Motorola DSP sound chip WOULD NOT BE CONFIRMED by Bob
    Brodie.  However, he made no effort to refute the recurring rumor,
    which originated with announcements from Motorola itself (reported
    in Z*Net in late 1991).  The "fact" of the new line of Atari
    computers using the DSP was in each of the unofficial stories about
    the machine shown privately by Atari at CeBIT earlier in March '92.
    The DSP is used in the NeXT computers now to provide outstanding
    sound digitizing power.
 
 After a short break, the main event of the GLENCON 2 began, as John and
 Charles took the stage and alternately showed their products and
 fielded questions about them and the general future of Atari software.
 
 Many, many questions and much interest revolved around the TEC board
 that allows new TOS 2.06 to be installed in old ST computers, and what
 all the upgrade really will do for users.  The CodeHead TEC provides
 the complete kit with ROMS for under $140, and includes a manual for
 the use of TOS 2.06 that may be more comprehensive than Atari's own
 user documentation.  It was asked if CodeHead would consider selling
 the manual alone for reference by owners of newer Atari computers that
 already have the newer TOS installed.  Answer: Maybe soon.
 
 WARP-9 was the other hot topic.  CodeHead took over QuickST as of
 January 1, 1992, and has a completely re-done package that is so
 different, it has a new name.  Warp-9 has over three dozen bug fixes
 and code enhancements over the last version of QuickST, and adds the
 CodeHead touch in configuration interface.  New features are included
 and old ones tweaked, to give remarkable mouse, screen, background, and
 loading power.  It should be shipping as you read this, and any QuickST
 or TurboST owner can upgrade for $20 with proof of original purchase
 (formatted original disk, manual cover, receipt, etc.).
 
 The balance of the conference featured an overview of line of CodeHead
 products, including HotWire, MaxiFile, MultiDesk Deluxe, CodeKeys,
 Lookit/Popit, Cherry Fonts, and the new graphics powerhouses MegaPaint,
 Genus, and Avant Vector.  The public was invited to swarm the stage in
 order to get a good view of the products in action on the 19"
 TT monitor.  (An overhead projection unit was on hand but unable to be
 used--the library's projector was indeed "available" as promised in the
 building, but not until set up time on Saturday did the library staff
 add that it was not allowed to be used by "outside groups.")
 
 The conference broke up at about 1:00 PM, and resumed informally at The
 Computer Network, a Glendale Atari dealership.  Hundreds of people
 turned out during the afternoon for the store's open house.  Demos were
 done by the CodeHeads and others, and everyone got a chance to chat
 with the Atari Celebrities.  Notable musicians stopped by, including
 members of The Beach Boys band.
 
 Organizer John King Tarpinian says that the event was a success all
 around, and that future Glencon meetings will probably focus on MIDI
 and DTP, hopefully with a hands-on session with Calamus SL and other
 software.  John's intent in the series is to acquaint users with
 products that are either hard to grasp by reading about them or looking
 at the box at dealers.  With presentations by the developers themselves
 and opportunity for questions and answers, users can much more
 effectively judge their own need and ability to use high-powered
 software and hardware.
 
 HACKS, the local user group headed by Tarpinian, is also preparing for
 this fall's "Glendale Show", to be held September 12 and 13, 1992, at
 the familiar Glendale Civic Auditorium in Northern suburban Los
 Angeles.  Dealer/developer packages will be sent out beginning in MAY.
 For more information, contact HACKS at 818-246-7286.
 
 
 
 ======================================================================
 * ST - BRING ME MY MINT JULEP               by Norm Weinress for Z*Net
 ======================================================================
 
 
 The magical letters, DSP, are appearing in talk about future Atari
 computers, but most people don't know what they mean.  This is a brief
 introduction into Digital Signal Processing.
 
 The "signals" we are talking about are (take a deep breath) analog
 waveforms.  To us, that is mainly video and audio signals.  When you
 want to do something other than just see and hear the original picture
 or sound, you need to process the signal.  So, to mix more than one
 signal, or improve it, or change it in any way, you must process it.
 
 This processing used to be done by analog circuits, but nowadays, you
 can digitize it and then play with it digitally.  That is, your
 computer can modify it.  But these signals are changing rapidly, and to
 process them in real time, the computer has to be really fast!
 
 That's where DSP chips come in.  They are computer processing chips
 that are especially tailored for this work...to do tricks with
 digitized analog signals in real time.  To do this, they have been
 trimmed of many functions required by a general-purpose chip, like the
 68000 in your ST.  That means that they usually work as a second
 processor in a computer, doing their special job under the direction of
 a regular CPU.
 
 Adding a DSP to a regular computer gives it capabilities in creating
 and reproducing a lot of neat video and audio effects.  Until recently,
 they were so expensive, only a few people used them.  But as they
 become cheaper, many more uses for them are being discovered.  Like
 maybe we'll be sending pictures as well as messages on our local
 bulletin boards, and replacing the keyboard with voice input!  Well,
 OK, not next week.  But this is the necessary first step toward those
 goals.
 
 

 ======================================================================
 * THANKS FOR THE MEMORY                                   by John Nagy
 ======================================================================
 
 
 The following article is reprinted in Z*Net by permission of AtariUser
 magazine and Quill Publishing.  It MAY NOT be further reprinted without
 specific permission of Quill.  AtariUser is a monthly Atari magazine,
 available by subscription for $18 a year.  For more information on
 AtariUser, call 800-333-3567.  ST/TT for January 1992 AtariUser (v2n1)
 
 
 ALERT:  RAM PRICES continue to fall.  One megabyte DRAM chips are at or
 below $7 most anywhere, while 256K chips are around $2.  One meg SIMMS
 cards can easily be found for $50, and as little as $30 each at swap
 meets, but look out for USED CARDS that might not be stable.  256K
 SIMMS (only good for bringing a 520 STe up to a meg) are only about
 $15, but hard to find... except from other STe owners who have upgraded
 above 1 megabyte.  For use in a normal ST or even an 68000 accelerated
 machine (not a 68030), any "speed rating" of 120 nanosecond OR LESS is
 fine.  The smaller this number, the faster the memory, being able to
 properly record and deliver data in shorter times without error.  These
 days, 80 NS is a common rating.
 
 
 Upgrading your ST RAM, maybe by Yourself!
 
 
 Probably the number one upgrade for Atari computers is the addition of
 more memory.  Most of us bought a 520ST or 1040ST and soon found that
 we needed/wanted MORE MEMORY.  There are lots of how-to articles
 detailing the installation of more RAM.  Many companies offer kits for
 you to upgrade your memory yourself, and most dealers will do it for
 you for a price.  But what do you get, and how should you choose?
 
 You might consider doing your own upgrade without a kit.  Instructions
 for several upgrades can be found on Genie, CompuServe, Delphi, and BBS
 systems, or from your club library.  But beware: there are lots of ST
 board revisions within each model, and plans that are written for one
 may NOT work for another.  Atari kept things interesting by re-using
 board revision letters on different revisions.  Except for the very
 competent (or adventurous) hobbyist, only a few models of Atari
 computers should be considered for kitless upgrades.
 
 PLUG AND PLAY

 The newer-generation machines (Stacy, TT, STe) have sockets for plug-in
 memory cards.  Upgrading memory is as simple as changing or adding
 cards.  You should be able to do an upgrade based on this article, but
 AtariUser (and I) can't be responsible for any damage you might do to
 your machine while trying to follow these directions.  If you're in
 doubt, don't do it yourself.
 
 For any work to be done inside a computer, take special care to avoid
 static electricity.  One little snap can end the life of a computer.
 Working on a foil-covered table, preferably grounded, and always
 touching the foil before touching the computer board can help.  Don't
 work over carpeting, and of course don't work on the innards when the
 power is on or attached!
 
 Getting inside Atari computers is no big challenge.  The screws that
 have to come out are usually in squarish holes.  Other ones can stay,
 at least until you are inside.  Little bend-tabs or more screws hold
 most of the internal shielding together.  I won't go into further
 detail--if you get lost before you get inside, stop!
 
 On ANY STe machine, the memory cards are common plug-in modules called
 "single in-line memory modules", or SIMMS.  These can be bought through
 most electronic supply, computer supply, and swap meets.  "Page mode"
 SIMMS are used, by far the most common and inexpensive, and the MAC
 SIMMS are the same.  Atari uses 8-bit wide, but the 9-bit wide (with
 parity bit, used in IBM) can be used without modification.  The cards
 are available in 256K and 1 megabyte sizes.
 
 All STe machines appear to have four SIMMS sockets (despite scattered
 scare reports to the contrary).  Memory configurations can ONLY be
 512K, 1 meg, 2 meg, and 4 meg.  The TOS can tell what memory is
 available, but can't use any in-between sizes, so mixing cards for
 intermediate memory totals can't be done.  In a 520 machine, a 256K
 card will be in slots 1 and 3 (counting from the front of the sloping
 unit).  In a 1 meg machine, all four slots will have 256K (you CAN'T do
 one meg with one card!).  A two meg setup has a 1 meg card in positions
 1 and 3, and a 4 meg setup has all four with a meg each.  Those are the
 ONLY combinations that work.  But it's as easy as plug and play!
 
 A few things to watch out for, however, include some memory cards (even
 the ones that may come in your Atari) that have through-pins protruding
 past the circuit board far enough to touch another card in a full
 installation.  They don't matter if you have only 2 cards, but to use
 them with 4, you may have to trim those pins with tiny clippers.  Just
 look it over carefully, and beware static electricity when handling and
 clipping.
 
 STACY 2 machines are different, using more rare low-profile "SIPS", or
 "single in-line package" RAM, using wire leads instead of the bulkier
 card-edge connector of SIMMS.  The Stacy 4 machines are not socketed,
 but the 2 meg model is.  The Stacy 1 is a rare animal, but at least one
 company (JRI) offers a special board to upgrade it to two or four meg.
 But just getting inside a Stacy portable ST is involved enough to scare
 most of us off.  This is a good one to let the dealer do.
 
 In the new TT series, memory upgrade is easy but pricey.  Both "ST RAM"
 and "TT RAM" for the TT is on special proprietary circuit boards, and
 can't be populated with common swap meet chips.  Atari list prices: 2
 meg ST RAM, $379.95; 8 meg ST RAM, $1,199.95;  4 meg TT FASTRAM
 $759.95; 16 meg TT FASTRAM $1,999.95.  Aftermarket TT memory boards are
 just beginning to appear at more competitive prices and with a wider
 range of size options--up to 32 meg so far!  (Check the product
 releases area in the January 1992 issue of AtariUser.)
 
 OTHER KITLESS UPGRADES
 
 Making a 1-meg machine out of most 520STFM units is nearly as easy, but
 takes soldering and some technical advice.  These computers are
 (usually!) just like 1040STFM's but with 16 chips missing.  The printed
 chip outline and solder holes are there, but usually soldered closed.
 Add the 256K x 1 RAM chips (getting almost free these days!), resisters
 or capacitors if they aren't there already, and change a pair of memory
 control lines.  That's the catch--the control traces are different on
 each board revision.  You'll need a more thorough set of directions
 that we have room for here, sorry.  But the electrical traces on the
 circuit board are VERY delicate, and can be burned right off the board
 with the wrong technique or too hot an iron.  Use a small soldering
 iron, 30 watts or lower, anytime you work on computer circuit boards.
 
 Similarly, most Mega 2 computers are just Mega 4's waiting to happen.
 You'd add 16 one meg chips--sometimes!  A few late production Mega 2
 machines had no traces or places for the additional RAM chips, making
 it impossible to simply "finish" it into a Mega 4.  Also, some machines
 (mostly later production) have an MMU or buffer chip that can't quite
 deal with more than 1 or 2 meg, even though it was fine as built.  You
 might have to replace one to get your unit running.  Get detailed
 technical help or documentation before you start.
 
 It's said that "real" Mega 4 computers that failed a memory test in the
 high banks during manufacture were sometimes "repaired" by knocking
 them down into Mega 2 machines via a couple of trace cuts.  If you
 happen into one of these, you might find that an upgrade will cost you
 only one or two chips and a trace repair.  Finding the bad chips(s) on
 the board would be your only challenge.
 
 Kitless upgrades for other Atari configurations require desoldering
 existing parts, cutting traces, adding jumpers, piggybacking chips on
 each other, and a variety of other frightening procedures that each are
 able to turn your computer into a doorstop if done wrong.  Kids, don't
 try these at home.  Buy a kit.
 
 KITS

 You'll see plenty of memory upgrade kits offered for sale in this and
 other Atari publications.  One meg, 2.5 meg (a really nice working
 size!), and 4 meg sizes are offered, and many of them let you do a
 little now and add to your memory later.  All of the current crop seem
 to be quite operational and satisfactory, but each has its fans and its
 idiosyncracies.  Here's what is said of each, but these are neither
 endorsements nor condemnations.  Check the ads and talk to the dealers
 to find the one you want.
 
 JRI: Using SIMMS and an all-soldered-in arrangement, this is the
 favorite of many shops as a dealer upgrade, but is more work.
 
 TECH SPECIALTIES: The company's anti-customer attitude was the worst
 part of this early unit, preferred by many.
 
 ZUBAIR: A pin-grid arrangement for attaching to the MMU requires hot
 glue to be stable, plus a leg-insulation scheme requires extra care.
 Not as easy as advertised but good docs.
 
 AERCO: An early favorite, sometimes leaves a gap in the case of 520/
 1040 units.  Documentation was poor.
 
 EZ-RAM: A pronged device that pushes into the MMU socket works but can
 creep out be difficult to get into the socket.  The company (Terrific)
 appears to be defunct.
 
 XTRA-RAM: Imported, "solderless", uses SIMMS.  Requires a
 reconfiguration of jumpers for different memory that can be confusing.
 Still good overall.
 
 DEALER INSTALLATION
 
 For most of us, here's your best choice: let your dealer do the dirty
 work, and you won't have to worry which method or kit he uses.  Any of
 them will work fine if installed correctly, and that's the dealer's
 job.  And dealer installation is the only way you get the peace of mind
 called a warranty.
 
 I contacted a dealer local to me who installs the JRI unit into 1040
 machines, 2.5 meg for $259, and 4 meg for $359.  He prefers the
 soldered unit because "they never come back, no matter how the machine
 is handled," but says that other units using clips and less solder
 might be better for a novice to install.  Call around; most of the
 dealers you see advertising in AtariUser will do upgrades via mail.
 
 - John Nagy, with special thanks to Tony Lee of the Computer Network,
 in Glendale, California, (818) 500-3900.



 ======================================================================
 * PERUSING COMPUSERVE                           by Michael D. Mortilla
 ======================================================================
 
 
  A tutor who tooted a flute
  Tried to teach two young tutors to toot;
  Said the two to the tutor:
  Is it harder to toot, or
  To teach to tutors to toot?
                                 Anonymous


 The first messages we encountered this week were from forum members who
 were questioning the Atari File Finder (ATARIFF).  Specifically, the
 frequency of updates and the software used to manage all that 'stuff.'
 The thread moved to a discussion of CompuServe itself, and the massive
 amounts of time and energy used in operating this beast.  SYSOP Bob
 Retelle gives us a little insight into one of CISs competitor's systems
 in his message..."[do they have] a bunch of multi-ton air conditioning
 units on the roof running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year...  or have
 and entire building full of heat producing mainframes, disk drives and
 all kinds of ancillary processing equipment making heat for those air
 conditioners to cool...
 
 The electric bill at our installation is incredible... (we even have
 four huge diesel generators and rooms full of huge batteries for those
 times when Edison can't supply us with what we need  :)
 
 And that's only for the main building...  maintaining a world-wide data
 network means having installations in every major city where you have
 customers, a staff to keep that network running, and phone lines to tie
 them all together..
 
 And phone bills..!   They use the empty printer paper boxes to store
 the phone bills... several of them... each month..!
 
 They keep telling us to shut off individual disk drives when they're
 not in use to help keep the electricity bill down... (that "modern" TTL
 stuff seems more suited for electric toasters than for computers..   :)
 
 You're right, the bottom line is probably more than any of us (except
 Pattie, maybe) could imagine spending... but it's a heck of a lot lower
 than it might seem at first..."
 
 Admittedly, some of us seem to relate to the telecomputing maze by what
 appears on *our* screens.  It's easy to forget the complexity of a
 system like CompuServe when we're online.  It sure is humbling to
 realize what we're actually connected to!
 
 But getting back to the subject at hand, we can't blame *just* the
 software for a sometimes "slow" system.  We can blame... well, we'll
 quote Greg Wagman right about now: "I begin to see the sort of
 balancing act that CIS is doing with communications, users, hardware,
 disk space and network bandwidth.  I sure hope they've got some good
 tools for monitoring the aforementioned.  If I were in their shoes, I
 sure would have... <g>
 
 Jim, what you say seems pretty obvious, but the scroll rate for
 messages in such large bases would become even faster than now.  For
 example, in the MIDI forum it's a couple of days (like, 2).  If they
 increased the number of message sections without significantly growing
 the file size, many (most?) messages would scroll before they were
 read... not an exciting prospect <g>.
 
 The obvious answer is to provide more storage.  Part of their problem
 may be that there tied into old Operating software that doesn't allow
 transparent disk sharing (a la NFS or RFS).  That way, the user load
 could be spread across hosts and multiple hosts could share the disk
 resources...
 
 Ah, well, I'm sure there are good people at CIS who bemoan exactly the
 same things.  Been true of every place *I've* ever worked ("What we
 could do if we had...").
 
 Early on in this thread the discussion quickly turned to money;
 specifically, how much CIS makes!  There was no clear answer, only
 speculation.  But what speculation!  Even conservative estimates placed
 the figure at *many* millions per year.  Per month!  Anyway, it doesn't
 look like it's gonna slow down, overall!  Sure the economy has taken a
 few hard blows, it's tax time and an election year (in the states-
 keep forgetting about you folks who aren't in America-sorry!), but one
 thing we will always need is information, and we want it fast and
 accurately.  And we're getting it.  Just about *anything* we want.
 
 This may sound like an ad for CIS, but it is not.  Considering the
 total system, with all it's nuances, mechanics, data and users (!), we
 think that it is safe to say that the people running the CIS operation
 are doing a phenomenal job and a tremendous balancing act.
 
 Well, let's hop off the CIS carousel now and jump back on the Atari
 roller coaster... <wheeee...> Robert Delius Royar writes, 'I bought an
 ST in 1986 because
 
 1. I liked the 68000 instruction set and wanted to learn it better

 2. A license just to work on a mac at any decent level was 3X what I
    paid for the ST + docs + developer's pac (and the Mac license did
    not include hardware)

 3. The screen on the ST (in color even) was far easier on my eyes than
    any PC then available.  The dot pitch on the old SC1224 is still
     better than a lot of those VGAs being marketed

 So I still like my ST.  It's a joy compared to the IBM and Mac
 computers I use at work.  It communicates better with a Vax (using
 Uniterm) than the PCs and the Macs do using pricey emulators.  I can
 write my own tools and even do all sorts of legal low level stuff with
 the Bios and xBios that IBM never dreamed of.  And even Gem code
 requires fewer parameters than the equivalents on the other machines.
 I just wish I could find a C source translator that would convert my ST
 /Gem stuff into Windows or the Toolbox/QuickStart code so I could port
 software to those "low-end" machines the rest of my colleagues and
 student use.
 
 Alternatively, I wish Atari could afford to provide Hardware to schools
 (as do IBM and Apple) so we could get a platform for development.
 
 Robert Royar (English teacher, programmer, and converted Atari user)"
 
 And no, this is not an Atari ad, but it could be.  Even for those of us
 who can't program -Print "Hello World"- the Atari has remained
 incredibly easy to use and totally flexible in a wide array of
 applications. 
 
 So why the sudden optimism here? Well, when we consider the amount of
 trouble we get from so many other machines and businesses we deal with,
 it's nice to acknowledge the things in out lives which work with and
 for us rather than against us.  Isn't that enough of a reason to thank
 them?
 
 THANKS ATARI AND COMPUSERVE!
 
 Ah, that feels better, back to business <snarl>. We noticed that the
 POOLFIX has itself been fixed!  There is a version out of Germany
 called POOLFIX4 (we believe it is on CIS).  Charles over at CodeHead
 tells us that the latter version follows the XBRA protocol.  This led
 to a discussion of vectors which led to a little confusion on what
 vectors actually are.  Boris Molodyi, as usual, had some helpful
 comments to make: "Vector, in this case has nothing to do with vector
 fonts :-) It's a place in memory, storing the address of some
 subprogram in OS.  Usually, it is used for interrupt handling.  For
 example, if you use a mono monitor and pull the cable out of your ST,
 it generates some sort of interrupt, the system looks for a certain
 vector, and transfers execution to the address this vector points to
 (hence vector).  In this case it happens to be a warm boot subprogram."
 
 Rob Rasmussen countered: "OK, then why are they called Vector fonts and
 graphics?  I know what they are, I think, just curious about the name.
 
 To which Keith Jackson replied: "Because the positions of two points
 can be described in two ways.  If you simply put that they are so far
 apart then you have a scaler quantity.  If the _absolute_ positions are
 quoted you need both distance and direction so they would be so far
 apart and an angle of ??? degrees (say).  That is described as a VECTOR
 quantity.
 
 Vector graphics use mathematical descriptions to produce shapes.  Their
 advantage over bitmapped images is that they can be scaled without loss
 of quality.  To double a bitmapped image requires four times the dots,
 hence the blockiness.  Doubling a vector graphic simply places all of
 the nodal points further apart but the line is drawn between them each
 time so it doesn't deteriorate."
 
 Does all this stuff actually *happen* whilst we bang on the keys and
 drag our mouse around, always tapping on the base of it's tail area?
 You bet it does.  Any sometimes things go wrong, but it pays not to
 loose your temper and keep it light.  Consider this exchange concerning
 a problem with a version of Quick CIS.  The parties are Richard E.
 Paddock, Neil Burton and, of course, Jim Ness:
 
 Fm: Richard E. Paddock
 To: Jim Ness

 Jim, 

 You may remember a while ago that I complained about the mouse-into-the
 -menu-bar-and-disable when the Read Messages dialogue was open?  Neil
 mentioned the same problem in a message, and I suggested he try the
 test.  And he found it.  So I guess you need to dig that fix out again.
 
 Dick;

 Fm: Jim Ness
 To: Richard E. Paddock

 Dick -

 I wasn't able to reproduce the mouse problem myself.

 Could you repeat exactly how you make it happen?
 
 To: Jim Ness
 From:Neil Burton
 Watch me Jim...
 
 .
 .
 .
 .
 .
 .
 .
 There...  Did you see what I did ???  0-))))) <BIG CHEEKY GRIN>"
 
 And in the All-You-Can-Do-Is-Feel-For-The-Guy department, we hear from
 John Damiano: "I have had a major disaster.  Something (Adspeed
 problem..I don't know wiped out my HD and then when I tried to restore
 it from the Syquest it wiped out that too.!"

 Ouch!  HD and back-up gone!  Later in this thread (it seems we all had 
 horror stories) we read: "Any backup that is not convenient to do is a 
 backup that will never get done."

 To close on a somewhat happier note <pun intended> we scanned the MIDI
 library in the Atariarts forum and discovered there is a proliferation
 of music files (MIDI standard and other formats) and programs to
 satiate most musical tastes.  From Editor/Librarian programs to works
 by Bach to a light show for you color monitor, you'll find it in
 Library 5 at your nearest Atariarts forum.

 Later...
 
 
 

 ======================================================================
 * PORTFOLIO OWNERS UPDATE                               by B J Gleason
 ======================================================================
 
 
 The following article is reprinted in Z*Net by permission of AtariUser
 magazine and Quill Publishing.  It MAY NOT be further reprinted without
 specific permission of Quill.  AtariUser is a monthly Atari magazine,
 available by subscription for $18 a year.  For more information on
 AtariUser, call 800-333-3567.
 
 
 PORTFOLIO ALERT:
 You are lost in a maze of twisty tunnels, all alike.  The Original
 Adventure game, Collosal Cave, has been packed onto a ROMCard for the
 Portfolio!  $49.  Contact the Monterey Bay Whaling Company, (408) 475-
 4290.
  
 256k, 512k, and 1 Meg Memory Modules are available for the Portfolio
 from DIP systems in England.  They work just like RAMCards, and measure
 20*50*70mm.  Contact DIP, 32 Frederick Sanger Road, Surrey Research
 Park, Guildford, United Kingdom, GU25XN.  (0483) 301555.  The prices
 (in pounds, check exchange rate when ordering): 256k - 182.56; 512k -
 252.13; 1 Meg - 373.87.
 
 Another Portfolio newsletter, but with a difference: a disk.  David
 Stewart, editor of the "Re:Port Newsletter" publishes bi-monthly.
 Re:Port will give you insights into how the Portfolio works and
 provides at least two programs on disk (3.5" or 5.25") per issue.
 Re:Port also offers discounts on Portfolio products.  Newsletter/disk
 subscription, $50 for six issues.  Re:Port Newsletter, 1618 South Beech
 Court, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
 
 NEW CARDS FROM ATARI:  As this column goes to press, Atari is releasing
 several new ROMcards for the Portfolio.  The first one is Portfolio
 Chess.  This is one tough player, and allows you select your own skill
 level.  The Instant Speller, a program to spell check your documents is
 also here now, as well as a Limited Edition "Terminator 2: Judgement
 Day" Card, in conjunction with release of the movie on videotape.
 
 
 
 THE PORTFOLIO CHRONICLES                 Tiny, tiny Desktop Publishing
 
 
 Desktop Publishing on the Portfolio?  Well, not exactly.  But new
 software allows you incorporate screen snapshots from the Portfolio
 into your documents--and vice versa, sort of...
 
 PGCAP is a new program that will "capture" a screen image on the
 Portfolio and save it to a disk file.  This Terminate and Stay Resident
 (TSR) program is requires less than 1k of memory, and is activated by
 pressing <ALT-S>.  This will copy the contents of the screen to a file
 on your disk.  Depending on the screen mode, the file extension will be
 .PGT if in text mode, or .PGF is the screen was displaying graphics.
 The main filenames will be "SCREENA", "SCREENB", etc., to allow you up
 to 26 screens per session.
 
 TIP: Each time you start PGCAP, it resets the filename back to SCREENA.
 Be sure to save the original images before starting a second session.
 
 Once you have captured the screen images, you can PGCONV to convert
 them into a form that can be used by a desktop publishing package.
 PGCAP will import .PGC, .PGT, and .PGF files and export .PGC, .PGF, as
 well as .IMG (Gem) and .WPG (Wordperfect).  Figure 1 is a image from
 the Portfolio that has been converted into an .IMG file.
 
 ...AND BACK AGAIN...

 The reverse is also now easy.  PGF Maker is a program for the Atari ST
 that lets you make screens by simply cutting a part of any DEGAS format
 monochrome ST screen.  Now making company logos or any graphic for use
 on the Portfolio can be done using scanners and graphic editors on the
 Atari ST, then clipped to Portfolio screens with no loss of resolution.
 The results are quite impressive.  Bruce Coleman programmed it in GFA
 Basic, and asks a shareware fee of $10.  PGF Maker is available on the
 telecom services or directly from Bruce at 456 Archglen Way, San Jose,
 California 95111.
 
 ANIMATION
 
 On the Portfolio?  YES!  Don Messerli, of the Software Vinyard, has
 been working furiously on an Animation Package for the Portfolio, and
 the results have been staggering.  Depending on the complexity of the
 image, the package is able to display anywhere from 16 to 20 images per
 second on the Portfolio's LCD screen.  To see the results of his labor,
 download PGFLIX, the animation package, and either DOMINOS.ZIP or
 HORSE.ZIP, the mini-movies.  Mr. Messerli has also released a tool so
 that you can create your own animation, called MKPGX1.  Word on the
 street has it that the APORTFOLIO forum is going to host a contest for
 the best PGFLIX animation in February or March.
 
 BIO:  BJ Gleason is an instructor of Computer Science at The American
 University in Washington D.C., and he's been programming for over a
 decade.  He's the author of over two dozen utilities and games,
 including PBASIC 4.9, the 'freeware' BASIC interpreter designed
 specifically for the Portfolio.  His Email address is
 BJGLEAS@auvm.american.edu and his Compuserve ID is 73500,2517.
 
 

 ======================================================================
 * BASIC AT COMMANDS -=- Part 1 of 3
 ======================================================================
 
 
 This article discusses configuration registers and result codes and
 contains a comprehensive list of basic AT commands, as well as the
 extended AT command lists for those modems equipped with MNP5 and V.42/
 42bis.  In addition, for your convenience, modem default lists have
 been included.
 
 Here are the sections discussed in this article(s):
 
 DO YOU NEED TO READ THIS FILE?
 ABOUT AT COMMANDS
 THE AT COMMAND LISTS
 RESULT CODES
 CONFIGURATION REGISTERS
 PROGRAMMABLE OPTIONS NOT SAVED IN NVRAM
 PROGRAMMABLE OPTIONS SAVED IN NVRAM
 
 DO YOU NEED TO READ THIS FILE?
 
 The beginning paragraphs of this file contain general information that
 will acquaint you with AT commands.  You will probably want to read
 these paragraphs, and then browse through the other sections.  Later,
 you can refer to this file as you learn more about your modem.  Keep in
 mind that most user-friendly communications programs allow you to
 manipulate AT commands via easy-to-use, menu-driven software; however,
 there may come a time when you will need to directly manipulate your
 modem.  This file will come in handy when that time comes.
 
 ABOUT AT COMMANDS
 
 Your new Megahertz modem uses Hayes commands, also known as AT
 commands, to communicate with your computer.  For this reason, the
 Megahertz modem is said to be Hayes-compatible.  The Hayes command set
 is what you or your communications package uses to tell the modem what
 to do and how.  As you might expect, the Hayes command set was
 developed by Hayes, the modem manufacturer.
 
 Hayes commands can be thought of as "words," all of which make up a
 "language."  This language, like most others, has a specific syntax
 that must be used in order for it to be understood.  Typically, these
 commands operate invisibly.  In other words, when you execute a
 function of a communications program, such as automatic dialing, you
 don't particularly notice that the program issues an ATD dialing
 command.
 
 A basic understanding of Hayes commands and how they work will be
 useful as you learn to operate your modem.  Sometimes, you will need to
 change an AT command or string in your communications program so that
 the modem will operate as desired.  For instance, if you use a phone
 with a pulse rather than a tone dial, you must change the communication
 program's AT command from DT to DP.  In addition, many communications
 programs allow you to communicate directly with the modem.  For
 instance, instead of using a program's dialing directory to initiate a
 call, you can type ATDT, the phone number, and any other specific AT
 commands, directly onto what is commonly refered to as the Terminal
 Mode Screen, and the modem will carry out the requested functions.
 
 Note: Terminal mode is the mode in which you can communicate directly
 with the modem.  Most communications programs have terminal mode
 capabilities; however, you will need to check with the documentation
 that came with your communications program for the exact mode name and
 instructions on its use.
 
 All Hayes commands, except the REPEAT command A/, are preceded by the
 attention command AT and followed by a carriage return <CR>.  In
 essence, this initial attention command, as the word attention implies,
 lets the modem know that its services are required; the modem will
 carry out the commands that follow the initial AT command.
 
 THE AT COMMAND LISTS
 
 This section contains three lists:
 
 1) Basic AT Commands
 2) MNP Commands
 3) V.42/42bis Commands
 
 The last two lists apply to you only if you have purchased a Megahertz
 modem that has the letter M incorporated into its product name, such as
 the P224FMV, AR124M, C324FM, etc.
 
 NOTES:
 
 1) In the following lists, <CR> is used to indicate that you need to
    hit the Enter key.
 2) The letter "n", as in Bn, is used to indicate a variable, such as 1
    or 2, that you can change according to what you desire the modem to
    do.
 3) The command buffer holds 40 characters before a connection is made.
    After a connection is made, while in the escape state, the buffer
    holds 10 characters.
 
 Commands &W and A/ do not work after the modem has gone On-line.
 
 1)  Basic AT Commands

 *   (AT)  Attention Code:
 
 The attention code, "AT", begins every command line except A/.  AT may
 be entered as upper or lower case characters, and cannot be deleted
 using backspace or delete keys.  More than one command can be placed on
 a single line and separated with spaces for readability.  The command
 line must end with the ASCII character stored in S Register 3, which
 defaults to decimal 13 (Carriage Return).  A line with no carriage
 return will be ignored.  Commands following the AT are processed after
 receiving the carriage return character.  This attention code is used
 by the modem to detect the bit rate and character format of the
 connected Data Terminal Equipment (DTE).
 
 Example:  AT <CR>    An OK message should be returned.
 
 *   (A)  Answer Command:

 This command causes the modem to go off-hook and take control of the
 telephone line (in answer mode) from the associated telephone set.
 After receiving this command, the modem cannot accept any more commands
 because it immediately answers the call and goes into the data
 transmission mode.  While in the data mode the Escape code (+++) will
 return the modem to the command mode.
 
 Example:  AT A <CR>    You should hear a high-pitched tone.
 
 *   (A/)  Repeat Command:
 
 AT does not precede this command. The repeat command instructs the
 modem to execute the last command line stored in the command buffer.
 For example, the repeat command can be used to redial a number that was
 previously busy.  This command is neither followed by a carriage return
 nor preceded by the attention command AT.  THE COMMAND BUFFER IS LOST
 AFTER ENTERING THE HANDSHAKE MODE.  Once in the handshake mode (the
 period between when the host answers the phone and data is transmitted)
 the command buffer changes from 40 characters to 10 characters;
 therefore, the last number dialed is lost after entering the handshake
 mode.
 
 Example:
 
  AT DT 123-4567<CR>      Dial the number indicated.
  BUSY                    Indicates line is busy.
  A/                      Repeats last command which is the dial command
 
 *   (Bn)  BELL/V.24 Protocol Compatibility:
 
 The B command selects the protocol for 300 and 1200 bps operation.
 This command selects the mode of the data set between CCITT V.22 and
 V.21 and Bell 212A modes.
 
 The B command is ignored when the modem operation is at 2400 bps.  B0
 sets the modem to CCITT mode for 300 bps to 1200 bps data transfer.
 The default, B1, sets the modem to Bell 212A mode.
 
 The B0 (CCITT Mode) protocol sends 2100 Hz for 3.3 seconds and 75mS of
 silence followed by unscrambled ones in the answer mode, while the B1
 (Bell) protocol simply sends 2225 Hz.
 
 The transmitted signal in the originate mode sends scrambled ones at
 1200 for both B0 and B1.
 
 Example:  AT B0 <CR>      Selects CCITT mode.
 
 *   (Ds)  The Dialing Commands:
 
 The D command causes the modem to go into auto-dial mode in switched
 line, or to originate a call in leased line mode.  The parameters for
 this command include digits 0 to 9, touch-tones A to D, *, pound sign,
 the period and slash, P, R, T, comma and semicolon.  Punctuation
 (parenthesis, hyphen, and spaces) entered for readability are ignored.
 Dialing command parameters are described below.
 
 P,T    These parameters select between pulse and tone dialing.
        Dialing begins after the timeout period defined by register S6.
 
 Example:  AT DT <CR> Selects tone dialing.

 ,      The comma causes the modem to pause for the time specified by
        register S8 (default is 2 seconds).  This parameter is used, for
        example, to cause the modem to pause between dialing an external
        access code from a PBX and the actual telephone number.
 
 Example:  AT DT 9,123-4567 <CR>    Tone dials 9, then pauses for 2
 seconds before dialing the remaining numbers.
 
 ;      A semicolon placed at the end of a dialing command places the
        modem in command state and does not provide connection with
        another modem; rather, it holds the line and waits for other
        commands.  After the modem dials the numbers that precede the
        semicolon, it will return the result code "OK."  This parameter
        is useful when dialing long numbers.
 
 Example:
 
   AT DT 1-800-123-4567;<CR>  Dials the first number. 
   AT DT 4567890<CR>          Then without dropping the line, dials the
                              second number as well.
 
 @      The @ parameter causes the modem to wait for the time specified
        by register S7 for one or more rings followed by 5 seconds of
        silence before going to the next symbol in the dialing string.
        S7 default is 30 seconds.
 
 Example:  AT DT 9 @ 123-4567<CR>   Dials 9, then waits for 5 seconds of
 silence before continuing with the rest of the numbers.
 
 !      The flash command causes the modem to go on-hook for 1/2 second.
        Flash might be used for transferring calls.
 
 S      Dial number stored in NVRAM (See &Z Command).
 
 R      The Reverse command at the end of dialing permits the
        establishment of a call in reverse mode, ie, the local modem,
        which originated the call enters the "answer" mode.  This would
        be a useful command for communicating with an "originate only"
        modem at a remote site. The R modifier needs to be the last
        character of the dialing string.
 
 Example:  AT DT 123-4567R<CR>     Dials the number then places the
 modem in answer mode.
 
 W      Causes modem to wait for a dial tone while dialing.
 
 Example:  AT DT 9 W 123-4567<CR>   Dials the 9, then waits for another
 dial tone before dialing the remaining numbers.
 
 *   (En)  Echo Command:
 
 The Echo command determines whether or not the modem will echo the
 characters sent to it while in the command state.  E1 causes the modem
 to echo, which is the system default, and E0 sets the modem to no echo.
 
 Example:  AT E0<CR>      Echo off
           AT E1<CR>      Echo on  (default)
 
 *   (Hn)  Switch-Hook Control:
 
 The H0 (default) command will cause the telephone line relay to
 disconnect.  The H1 command will cause the telephone line relay to go
 off hook.
 
 Example:  AT H1<CR>      Takes the line off hook. Equivalent to
 removing the receiver on telephone hand set.
 
 *   (In) Request Product Code & Checksum:
 
 I    Requests the product code. The modem will respond with 24x, where
      x equals the software Revision Level.
 
 I1   Causes a checksum to be computed on the Rom and returned as three
      ASCII numeric characters followed by a carriage return and line
      feed.
 
 I2   Returns a computed message (the message "OK").
 
 I3   Requests the firmware revision level.
 
 I4   Requests the modem to display its configuration settings.
 
 Example:  AT I <CR>      Returns the internal rom revision level.
 
 *   (Ln)  Speaker Volume:
 
 L, L0, L1      Low volume
 L2             Medium volume   (default)
 L3             High Volume
 
 Example:  AT L3 <CR>     Sets the volume of the speaker high.
 
 Note:  Also see the Monitor on/off commands "M, M0, M1, M2 and M3".
 
 *   (Mn)  Monitor On/off:
 
 This command switches the speaker monitor amplifier output.  The
 default will be on except when receiving carrier.
 
 M :  speaker is off
 M0:  speaker is off
 M1:  speaker is off while receiving carrier (default)
 M2:  speaker is always on
 M3:  speaker disabled while dialing or receiving carrier
 
 Example:  AT M0 <CR>     Turns the speaker off.
 
 Also see commands "L, L1, L2 and L3".
 
 *   (On)  On-line:
 
 The O command is used to return the modem to the on-line mode after you
 have brought it to the command mode with the escape code (+++).  O1
 will cause the modem to return to the on-line state and initiate a
 retrain sequence (in 2400 bps only).  Also see &D and the Escape code
 sequence (+++).
 
 Example:  AT O <CR>      Returns from terminal mode to on-line mode.
 
 *   (Qn)  Result Codes:
 
 The Q command determines whether or not result codes will be sent after
 the execution of commands.  The code Q0 (default) directs the modem to
 return result codes.  When set to Q1, the modem will not return result
 codes.  S Register values, identification codes, check-sum results and
 results of test modes with self-test are returned.
 
 Example:  AT Q1 <CR>     Modem will not return result codes.
 
 *   (Sr)  Direct Register Commands:
 
 AT Sr?         This command returns the Decimal value of the S Register
                r stored in the controller.
 
 AT Sr=n        This command writes the binary equivalent of n base 10
                in S Register r.  The range of n is between 0 and 255.
 
 Modem configuration variables are stored in the S Registers.  Some
 registers are dedicated to one function, and some registers are bit-
 mapped in order to store information about the status of different
 commands.  For an intelligent DTE, it may be easier to write the
 desired data into the S Registers, rather than go through the process
 of stepping through each of the AT commands.  An understanding of these
 registers will allow you to configure the modem at any time, and to
 change only the parameters you want to change.  See the section
 entitled CONFIGURATION REGISTERS.
 
 *   (Vn)  Verbal/Numeric  (verbose/terse)
 
 The Vn command selects the type of result codes the modem returns after
 or during the execution of commands.  V1 selects word result codes
 (default).  V0 selects digit result codes,  which are useful for
 intelligent terminals or computers.  see the section entitled RESULT
 CODES.
 
 Example:  AT V0 <CR>   Causes numeric result codes to be returned.
 
 *   (Xn)  Enable Extended Result Code:
 
 AT X0 or X CONNECT MESSAGE    - CONNECT
 DIALING                       - Blind (set delay before dial)
 DIAL TONE TIMEOUT             - No
 BUSY DETECT                   - No
 
 The modem blind dials and waits the time period defined in S Register 6
 regardless of the absence or presence of a dial tone.  The modem sends
 a CONNECT message after a connection has been established.
 
 AT X1 CONNECT MESSAGE         - Full messages (CONNECT 1200 ETC.)
 DIALING                       - Blind (set delay before dial)
 DIAL TONE TIMEOUT             - No
 BUSY DETECT                   - No
 
 The modem sends a CONNECT message for 300 bps, 1200 bps or 2400 bps
 after a connection has been made. The modem blind dials and waits the
 time period defined in S Register 6 regardless of the absence or
 presence of a dial tone.
 
 AT X2 CONNECT MESSAGE         - Full messages
 DIALING                       - Waits for dial tone
 DIAL TONE TIMEOUT             - Yes
 BUSY DETECT                   - No
 
 The modem sends a CONNECT message for 300 bps, 1200 bps or 2400 bps
 after a connection has been made.  The modem waits for the dial tone
 before dialing.  A NO DIALTONE result code is returned if a dial tone
 is not received in five seconds.  The modem does not recognize the busy
 signal.
 
 AT X3 CONNECT MESSAGE         - Full Messages
 DIALING                       - Blind
 DIAL TONE TIMEOUT             - No
 BUSY DETECT                   - Yes
 
 The modem sends a CONNECT message for 300 bps, 1200 bps or 2400 bps
 after a connection has been made.  The modem blind dials and waits the
 time period defined in S Register 6 regardless of the absence or
 presence of a dial tone.  The modem will recognize the busy signal.
 
 AT X4 CONNECT MESSAGE         - Full messages (default)
 DIALING                       - Waits for dial tone
 DIAL TONE TIMEOUT             - Yes
 BUSY DETECT                   - Yes

 The modem sends a CONNECT message for 300 bps, 1200 bps or 2400 bps
 after a connection has been made.  The modem will wait the time period
 defined in S Register 6 before returning a NO DIALTONE, or will dial if
 the dial tone is present.  The modem will return a BUSY message if the
 busy signal is detected (2400 bps modem default).
 
 *   (Y)  Enable Long Space Disconnect:
 
 The AT Y or AT Y0 command sets the modem to disconnect when a space of
 1.6 seconds or more is received from the remote modem.  The default
 setting of Y0 disables this option. Command Y1 enables this option.  A
 space of 4 seconds is sent prior to going on-hook upon receiving an H0
 command or detecting an ON-to-OFF transition on DTR if the &D option is
 selected.
 
 Example:  AT Y1 <CR>     Enables long space disconnect.
 
 *   (Zn)  The Reset Command:
 
 The Zn (n=0,1) command resets all the features of the modem to the
 values contained in external nonvolatile memory in location n, and then
 returns "OK".  Any command on the command line after the Z command will
 be ignored.  On power-up, the profile in location 0 will be recalled
 (ATZ0).
 
 Example:  AT Z1 <CR>      Reset modem and recall profile 1
 
 *   (+++)  The Escape Code:
 
 The escape code returns the modem to the command state from the on-line
 state without releasing the telephone line.  This command consists of
 an escape guard time (defined by register S12, default 1 second) and an
 escape character (ASCII code of which is specified in register S2
 default "+").  The escape character must be entered three consecutive
 times with a guard time before and after the three characters.
 
 The modem returns to the local command state and sends the result code
 "OK" without releasing the telephone line connection.
 
 Also see the "0" and &D commands.
 
 Example:  +++       While in on-line mode, issue escape sequence.
           OK        Modem will return OK message.
           AT <CR>   Issue any AT command.
           OK        Modem returns OK message.
           AT O <CR> Returns modem back on-line.
 
 *   (&C) DCD Options
 
 The &C0 (or &C) command maintains an ON condition on DCD and ignores
 the actual state of the data carrier from the remote modem.  For the
 default &C1 command, the DCD signal tracks the state of the data
 carrier from the remote modem (this meets most software requirements).
 
 Example: AT &C1 <CR>     Data Carrier Detect follows actual state of
 the carrier.
 
 *   (&D)  DTR Options
 
 The &D command is ignored in synchronous mode.  When &D0 or &D are
 specified, the modem ignores DTR.
 
 After the &D1 command the modem will go from data mode to the command
 state on an ON-to-OFF transition of DTR.  All changes in the state of
 DTR must last longer than the time specified in S register 25.
 
 For the &D2 (default) command, an ON-to-OFF transition of DTR will
 cause the modem to go on-hook, disable auto-answer and end in the
 command state.  Auto answer can be re-enabled by turning DTR back on.
 All changes in the state of DTR must last longer than the time
 specified in S Register 25 in order to be recognized.
 
 For the &D3 command, the modem will assume the initialization state if
 it detects an ON-to-OFF transition on DTR.  All changes in the state of
 DTR must last longer than the time specified in register S25 in order
 to be recognized.  The result of this command is the same as that of
 the ATZ command.
 
 Example:  AT &D2 <CR>    Modem reacts to state of DTR.

 (Part 2 Next Week)

 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 To  sign up for GEnie service call (with modem)  (800) 638-8369.   Upon 
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 XTX99436,GEnie and hit <return>.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 To sign up for CompuServe service call (with phone) (800) 848-8199.  Ask 
 for operator #198.   You will be promptly sent a $15.00 free  membership 
 kit.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Z*Net  International  Atari  Online Magazine  is  a  weekly  publication 
 covering the Atari and related computer community.   Material  published 
 in  this edition may be reprinted under the following terms  only.   All 
 articles must remain unedited and include the issue number and author at 
 the top of each article reprinted.   Reprint permission granted,  unless 
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                Copyright (c)1992, Rovac Industries, Inc...
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