• Tag Archives Timex

  • Sync (January/February 1981)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: Sync – Volume 1, Number 1 – January/February 1981

    The Sinclair line of computers was extremely popular in the U.K. during the 1980s in part due to their low price. They also made their way to the U.S. via Timex but failed to achieve much success. While the the first Sinclair computer, the ZX80 was very cheap at the time, it was also very limited with only 1K of memory and a membrane keyboard among other limitations. Commodore’s VIC-20 was introduced only a year later as another inexpensive competitor. While it was somewhat more expensive than the ZX-80, at least initially, it had far superior built in sound and graphics capabilities and more RAM (though the CPU was slower, at least for some things). The VIC-20 would go on to be the first computer to sell 1 million units.

    Despite the limited success of Sinclair computers in the U.S., they would still have a couple of magazines that covered them. Sync is one of those and the January/February 1981 issue includes:

    • Interview With Clive Sinclair – The man behind Sinclair computers. In addition to the ZX80 and future computer products, he also mentions flat-screen TV technology though he is still referring to CRT technology.
    • Sinclair ZX80 – A detailed review of the ZX80. Being a magazine dedicated to the machine I’m not sure it is really impartial. The key technical specs are a 3.25MHz Z80 CPU and 1KB of RAM.
    • Building a MicroAce – The MicroAce was a ZX80 clone that, at least initially, came in kit form. This article takes you through the steps to build it.
    • Hurkle – A type-in game for the ZX80 in which you must find a beast called a hurkle in a 10×10 grid. You are given a direction after each guess.
    • Converting From Other Basics – BASIC was not the same on all machines the the ZX80 in particular had a more limited BASIC than most computers. This article explains how to translate some missing commands into something that can be used on the ZX80.
    • Editorial – Unsurprisingly, a bright future predicted for the ZX80.
    • Dealing Out a Conversion – Details on how to convert a BASIC program (a card game originally published in a Book by Creative Computing) into something that will work on the ZX80.

    • Nicomacus – A type-in program that implements a mathematical puzzle called a “boomerang” (the computer guesses the number you are thinking of).
    • A Weekend With the ZX80 – From setup to running software to programming.
    • The SYNC Challenge – SYNC challenges readers to rewrite Hammurabi from Creative Computing’s “BASIC Computer Games” so that it will work on the 1K ZX80.
    • Crash Cursor – Origin – Intro to a comic strip to be featured in SYNC.
    • Castle Doors – A type-in program that gives you a sort of randomized adventure.
    • Draw a Picture – A type-in program that gives you a simple drawing program for the ZX-80.
    • Dollars & Cents, Pounds & Pence – A type-in educational program that test the students ability the add currencies.
    • LED Load Monitor – When loading programs from cassette tape, the appropriate volume setting had to be figured out by trial and error. This tutorial shows you how to install a couple of LEDs that light up when the level is correct making this a bit easier.
    • New Peripherals for the ZX80 – New items for the ZX80 include mention of a 3″ CRT and a new 8K Basic ROM.
    • 30 Programs for the ZX80 – A Review – A book with 30 type-in programs for the ZX80.
    • Linsac’s Game Packs – A Review – A review of two game packages that each consist of 6 to 7 games.
    • Resources for ZX80 and MicroAce – A list of currently available products for the ZX-80.

    …and more!


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  • Timex Sinclair User – Issue Number 3

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: Timex Sinclair User – Issue Number 3

    The Sinclair ZX81 and Spectrum were extremely popular computers in the U.K. during the 1980s and even early 1990s. However, while there were variations of those machines released in the U.S. by Timex, they were sometimes incompatible, had relatively limited software compared to other machines like the Commodore 64, Apple II and TRS-80 and only had very limited success. Timex Sinclair User was a magazine dedicated to these machines and issue number 3 includes:

    • Timexpectations – Software Blues
    • Letters – On U.K. imports, tape recorders, 16K RAMS and the new 2040
    • Software – 3D-Orbiter, Galaxia, ZX-Data Finder and other programs reviewed
    • Cover: T/S Goes to Camp – Ellen Vanstone reports on computer camps that offer the T/S 1000
    • Books – Four colorful, inviting, fun-filled books from Usborne
    • In-Depth – Fred Blechman previews the prototype of the 2000, the Spectrum
    • Focus – Timex Sinclair User rates home management software
    • Hardware 1 – The Timex Sinclair 2040 printer reviewed
    • How to Program – John Gilbert on simple ways of sorting data
    • Program Printout – Dice, Flashcard, Kingdom and five other exciting programs listed
    • Project – Build your own graphics generatorusing inexpensive components
    • U.K. Window – In Britain, prices continue to drop on Sinclair components
    • News – Timex is increasing after-sale support for its products
    • Hardware 2 – 6 Keyboards Compared: Which is the one for you?
    • Starting Out – Tips for beginners
    • Hints & Tips – Warren Smith prescribes ways to prevent overheating
    • Bulletin Board – News and information of interest to T/S users

    …and more!


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  • Family Computing (June 1984)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Source: Family Computing – Issue Number 10 – June 1984

    Family Computing was a 1980s U.S. computer magazine published by Scholastic, Inc. It covered all the major home computer platforms of the day including the Apple II series, Commodore Vic 20 and 64, Atari 8-bit family as well as the IBM PC and Apple Macintosh among others. The June 1984 issue includes:

    Features

    • The “Hard-Boiled” School of Software – An interview with Infocom’s revolutionary adventure-game designers., the creators of Zork, Starcross, and The Witness.
    • Whistle While You Word Process – There’s a new crop of word-processing programs that are perfect for family use – they’re inexpensive and easy to operate. Inside…find out how they rate. Plus: How to Judge Word-Processing Software
    • Looking For A Summer Job? – Ten ways to earn money with the help of your computer.
    • A New-Age Mom-And-Pop Business – Many people dream of running a computer store. The Seran family of Colorado took the plunge. Plus: Starting A Computer Store – Tips From The Serans
    • Five-Year-Old Authors – IBM’s Writing to Read System has kindergartners reading and writing as if they were born knowing how.
    • Buyer’s Guide to Computers – A look at the 10 leading models for home use, with a comparison of prices, graphics capabilities, and other features.
    • A Preview: Apple IIc – Apple heads for the home market with its new product: a sleek 7.5-pound transportable computer with a built-in disk drive.

    Programming

    • The Programmer – For enthusiasts of all levels.
    • Beginner Programs – Print disk labels and create an original Father’s Day gift for your dad with programs for ADAM, Apple, Atari, Commodore, IBM, TI, Timex, and TRS-80 computers.
    • Puzzle – Recipe for Disaster: Can you retrieve the stolen recipe in time for the culinary competition?
    • Programming P.S. – Sorry, we goofed. Here are some corrections for programs from previous months, plus some program enhancements from readers.
    • Reader-Written Program – Fishtank: Create a sea of tropical fish on your computer screen.

    Products

    • What’s In Store – Ten pages of product announcements and reviews.
    • New Hardware Announcements – The latest in the field: the IBM Portable Computer; a new Kaypro 4; the Smart-Cable 817, a module that connects to the serial port on many computers; the MicroRam 64K Memory Board for the Atari 600XL; and Mikel’s serial interface for the Ti-99/4A.
    • Software Guide – Quick takes on two dozen new and noteworthy programs.
    • Software Reviews

    Departments

    • Editor’s Note
    • Letters
    • Behind The Screens – Keeping your Timex ticking; a programmer’s windfall; microfloppies; and more.
    • Home-School Connection – Tomorrow’s VisiFarmers: In Ortonville, Minnesota, teenagers are applying what they learn in school about computers to help their parents run the family farm.
    • Home Business – Keeping the Lincoln (Illinois) Log: The Strasmas tell how they run a national computer information service from their rec room.
    • Computer Clinic – Questions from readers are answered.
    • Games – Games People Play: The state of the art and a survey of your gaming habits.
    • BASIC Booth – A monthly cartoon.
    • Books
    • The Primer – A reference guide that appears each month.
    • Classified
    • Advertisers’ Index

    …and more!


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