💾 Archived View for gemini.spam.works › mirrors › textfiles › games › ATARIMAIL › vax86.txt captured on 2020-10-31 at 23:26:33.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Atari/Atari Games VaxMail 1986 Jed Margolin
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::GRAHAM 2-JAN-1986 10:21:33.70
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: ATARI GAMES 401-K PLAN
John Klein asked me to put the following memo out on junk mail:
TO: All Employees
FROM: John Klein/Dennis Wood
We are quite pleased to report that our 401-K Plan has gotten off
to an excellent start. As of today we had 118 employees making
contributions to the Plan.
We encourage each employee not participating in the Plan to review
carefully whether or not you should consider making contributions
starting in January 1986. Please keep in mind that Atari will
provide matching funds at the rate of $.50 per dollar up to a
maximum of $1,500.00 of Atari contribution.
If you have any questions about making a deferred or even a
voluntary contribution to the 401-K Plan, please see either one
of us. We would be pleased to answer your questions.
Thank you for your cooperation in getting the Plan started in
1985. We especially appreciated the timely manner in which the
various forms were completed.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 3-JAN-1986 21:17:57.69
To: BRAD,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj:
Brad,
I need the following Sound Things for the TomCat demo on Jan 15:
1. Howling Banshee (F14 fires the gun).
2. Jet engine with control of speed.
3. Clunk (Getting Hit) - [Warlords had a nice clunk]
4. Jet Flyby
5. Speech - Use some samples from Star Wars.
6. Music - Ride of the Valkyries - Wagner
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SCHLAGE "SUTTLES, SHEPPERD, MOTT, or ALBAUGH" 6-JAN-1986 17:03:30.55
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK,SCHLAGE
CC:
Subj: HEAR YE, HEAR YE!
The front door will relock automatically at 7PM, not 8PM.
This is a permanent change. The building will be cleared of all non-
Atari employees by 10PM each night. Card access hours will remain unchanged
except for the hour between 7PM and 8PM. During this time (in the near
future) access to the building will only be recognized at the front
lobby and west lobby sensors. The sensor in the east lobby will be deactivated
between 7PM and 8AM.
The east lobby door was not deactivated today, it was destroyed.
I have taken it apart and reassembled it the way it should have been; it will
now function as it should. Please continue to let me know if there are
problems where the system doesn't work as it should. I know I really don't
have to ask for your cooperation--I'm certain I'll be told.
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 7-JAN-1986 14:08:31.19
To: WOOD,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj:
What is the status of the Parker Bros./Star Wars royalties?
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::WOOD 7-JAN-1986 14:54:33.71
To: MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: Star Wars Royalties
I am still discussing the matter with WCI. I hope to have a resolution
of the matter this month.
DW
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::MORRIS 7-JAN-1986 17:03:35.80
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: New (improved) greenhills 68000 C compiler. (again).
There is a new version of the greenhills C compiler available for anyone
who wishes to use it.
Many bugs have been fixed, including the ROM relocation problem and the
corrupt register problem.
I have recompiled my game and it still works.
Apparently the code generation, and optimiser have been improved.
To use it assign ncc (or whatever) to:-
SYS$SYSDEVICE:[GREEN.1V7V22]CCOM.EXE
If you find any problems let me know.
Jim.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::BRAD 8-JAN-1986 12:18:40.86
To: MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: TOMCAT SOUNDS
I've looked over the code and put some stuff in rpm to (hopefully) allow it
to work on tomcat hardware.
In [brad.tomcat]tomcat.lda is the ROM code (8000) for some tests.
It should look at the port (upon IRQ) and play sounds.
It probably won't work first time (it never does) but we can try it and see
what happens
- brad -
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::BRAD 8-JAN-1986 18:47:16.51
To: KIM::MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj:
that's ok,
Actually that means we can have YAMAHA do the IRQs
RPM already has that provision.
- brad -
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SHEPPERD 8-JAN-1986 19:55:52.58
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: A new way to program...
We have a new EPROM programmer. This one is from a different company than
Data I/O so it does things a bit different than what you might be used to.
But fear not, it is quite a bit better. Although it doesn't program EPROM's
any faster than the DIO, it does everything else substantially faster.
It has 512k bytes of internal ram so you can program sets with up to
8 27512's (or 16 27256's). The maximum word size allowed is 128 bits
which ought to cover anything we'd do in the near future. It does not,
however, allow you to patch data from the keyboard (too bad, Ed and Bob).
I've setup a new command procedure to run it and you use it from any of
the terminals in the DIO room. The commands are the same as the one's
for the DIO except you start it up with:
$ IMI !instead of DIO
You only need to turn the unit on (switch is in back, upper right corner)
to activate it for computer (no Sel F1 Start required). After it does its
self-test, the message IMI 3016 appears in the window. If its already on,
and the START button is lit, then press it. If the button remains lit,
cycle the power on the unit.
There are no manufacturer codes required in this unit, so the DEVICE command
needs only the generic part name and I assume it means you can program mixed
vendor parts simultaneously. But you still need to watch out for 27128's and
27128A's!
Each socket has an LED over it and this LED can either be off, glow red,
glow yellow or glow green depending on what the IMI is doing or has done.
Basically RED means the EPROM didn't program or verify properly or in the
case of set programming, indicates a missing part. Green means the EPROM
programmed or verified correctly and yellow or off means the socket is
not being used.
Set programming is done the same as with the DIO except the word size is
handled by the VAX not by the IMI. This means that the IMI always thinks
that the word size is 8, so if you peek into memory from the keyboard you
might not see what you think you ought to. The VAX scrambles the data words
during the download into sections the size of a single EPROM and loads them
into the IMI in the order that they appear in the input file. For example
assume a word size of 24 bits and an EPROM size of 1000 (hex):
input file offset: +0 +1 +2 +3 +4 ... +0FFC +0FFD +0FFE
data appears at socket 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 3
" 4 5 6 4 5 4 5 6
etc.
This is the same as what the DIO would do.
The IMI program does what is called a LOAD TEST before beginning programming or
verifying. This test checks that all EPROMS are properly loaded into their
sockets and if set programming, also checks that there are enough EPROMS to make
up at least one set. If either of these tests fail, then the program will
display what is needed on the terminal, light the LED's over the sockets to
which you must do something, turn on the START button and wait for you fix
whatever is wrong and press the START button. The tests are repeated each time
you press the lighted START button.
If you are programming, the IMI program checks that all the EPROMS that are
loaded into the unit are blank. If one or more is not blank, then the red
LED over the non-blank part is illuminated, the START button is turned on
and the system waits until you load a blank EPROM and press the START button.
The blank test is repeated until is succeeds.
For the really advanced EPROM user, you can also dynamically change the
programming pulse time with a /PULSE=m[.n] command on the FILE or PROG command.
The maximum value is 50.9 milliseconds and the minimum time is 0.1 milliseconds.
The typical value for the older EPROMs (2732 and smaller) is upwards of 40
milliseconds. The 27256's and co. use a pulse time of about 4 milliseconds. If
you change the programming pulse, DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK! The data may be
programmed into the part so it'll verify but shortening the pulse time will also
shorten the lifetime of the data in your EPROM. That is to say, your data may
"erase" itself over a course of a few days. This may be acceptable for
development work where you re-program the EPROM's daily or weekly, but not so
hot for parts destined for a field test game or some such.
Report errors to this address,
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::BRAD 13-JAN-1986 11:19:06.25
To: MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: TOMCAT SFX
DOWNLOADED IN THE DEVSYS ARE TWO NEW THINGS. GUN FIRE AND MUSIC.
I MODIFIED YOUR LISTING OF THE SFX AND NUMBERS TO REFLECT THE CHANGES.
- brad -
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::ROLM "SUTTLES, SHEPPERD, MOTT, or ALBAUGH" 13-JAN-1986 12:58:43.80
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK ! MOSTLY ETS USERS (BUT READ IT ANYWAYS),ROLM
CC:
Subj: Featured feature
HOLD .vs. HANG ONTO
There has been some (some???) confusion about exactly what HOLD is
and how long HOLD will HOLD for. So, here goes:
There are two kinds of hold on the system. There is the star-nine
hold you heard about in class, and another kind you get automatically whenever
you FLASH. The kind you ask for with a star-nine is called a hang up hold,
because after you ask for it you may hang up the phone. The other kind is
called an off-hook hold, or flash hold, because if you hang up, the system will
KNOW that you forgot about the call (or how to get it back) because you didn't
say you wanted to hang up (i.e., it was not a hang up hold).
Why are there two kinds? Because when you flash, SOMETHING has to
happen to the call you were on, and it's not fair to assume that the call
will wait for five minutes or so, if you DO forget. And it is neccesary
at times to put someone on hold for longer than a few seconds.
Here's the timing info: When you flash, you start a timer.
If you don't reconnect (star-one or CNCT) to the guy you were talking to,
or do something with or to him (like add him in on a conference call,
or transfer him, or park him somewhere, etc) before the timer gets to
35 seconds, the call will go to the operator. If you hang up before this
time, your phone will immediately ring, and he will be treated as an incoming
call. When you put someone on hangup hold, he will wait 75 seconds (a
minute and a quarter) before doing anything. You can hang up, and he won't
bother you. After that 75 seconds, he starts watching your phone; if it becomes
non-busy, he becomes an incoming call as before. But if your phone stays
off hook, he gives up AFTER FIVE MINUTES (not 35 seconds) and goes to the
operator.
Now a lot of people have complained that this isn't exactly the way
it works; but there is a consistent explanation. The button on an ETS marked
HOLD under the three lines is a flash hold, and not a hangup hold. I think
that ROLM screwed up, and should have labelled it FLASH. But it isn't exactly
a flash button either. On single line phones (Rolm calles them FLASHPHONES[tm])
you can flash and then do things like report a bad line, or key in the code
for park and an extension; you can do something WITH or ABOUT the other call.
On ETS's, you can't do that. If you hit the HOLD button, you have FLASHed,
as you can tell by the series of tones, but you may as well be on a different
line; you can't affect the other call. Also, if you change lines and come
back, you are automatically reconnected to your previous call--you don't get
the double tone of a call on hold, EVEN WITH A HANGUP HOLD. This is also
more like the multi-button phones than like the single-line phones.
You should know that PARKING a call on an extension is the same as
the call being placed on HANGUP hold by that extension. It will wait 5 minutes
before going back to the operator. But if you want to have someone wait longer
than half a minute, you MUST key in a star nine (hangup hold) or the call will
go to the operator.
I am experimenting with ETS keyboard layouts. MAIL (VAX or paper) any
suggestions to me. I already plan on a minimum of PICK, SAVE, REPEAT, BAD LINE,
and if I can figure out how, hang up hold. Suggestions could include names
for the hangup hold button (wait? hang on? ho-o-o-old? take 5? stall? thimk?
working...? Not working? toilet break? Coffee break? vacation? Sabbatical?
Maybe you guys better come up with the name...)
I know this feature was mostly aimed at the ETS users, but don't you
fret, you guys with the "simpleton" phones... I'll get you too...
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::BRAD 14-JAN-1986 10:43:09.03
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: pokey design for new systems
For new audio systems in the future PLEASE do not copy previous POKEY designs
like SYSTEM I and SYSTEM II
WHY?
'cause they are extremely too loud compared to the YAMAHA. The audio group
has to cut the volume for POKEY sound effects drastically to match with
YAMAHA. Fortunately it's not too much a problem on SYSTEM II because of
the mixers but on SYSTEM I the volume of the sound effects on POKEY
operate on the low end of the scale and thus there isn't any range to
work in.
During the design phase of SYSTEM I we tried to match the volume of the
two chips (YAMAHA and POKEY) with sample files that we had at the time.
Unfortunately we didn't have the extensive files and experience we have
now.
now for YAMAHA.
Thanx
- bra d-
i mean
- brad -
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 14-JAN-1986 17:38:47.42
To: @SYS$MAIL:EVERYBODY.UAF
CC:
Subj: TomCat Demo
I will be demonstrating the TomCat hardware Wednesday January 15 from
4pm to 5pm in Rick Moncrief's Lab.
You are invited.
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SUTTLES 15-JAN-1986 10:06:03.24
To: KIM::MARGOLIN,SUTTLES
CC:
Subj: RE: TomCat Demo
Are you aware that everybody.uaf is kim users only (no charm users)?
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 15-JAN-1986 13:16:13.90
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj:
I will be demonstrating the TomCat hardware Wednesday January 15 from
4pm to 5pm in Rick Moncrief's Lab.
You are invited.
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::BRAD 22-JAN-1986 16:11:40.07
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: pokey design for new systems update
Regarding volume levels for POKEY verses YAMAHA:
The Gauntlet Audio design has come the closest to balancing
the volume levels on these two chips. But for added measure a MIXER
was employed so we could fine tune the balance. A MIXER comes in mighty
handy because some YAMAHA voices are very soft. Also RPM will automatically
change the volume of the sound chips to an individually pre-determined
volume level whenever a TI VOICE command is requested. This allows for
more comprehensible speech.
- brad -
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::COMPLAINT 23-JAN-1986 11:30:56.63
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: HVAC bugs (aka features)
Send complaints about the A/C in your area to KIM::COMPLAINT. Please be
very specific about what it is doing and what is should be doing. We are
going to attempt to get it fixed (if possible).
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::BROWN 23-JAN-1986 14:45:26.17
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE UPDATE
ATARI GAMES HAS JUST BEEN ASSIGNED A GROUP # FOR NWNL MEDICAL AND DENTAL INSURANCE.
THE NUMBER FOR BOTH IS GH-I9272-4. OUR INSURANCE REP HAS INFORMED ME THAT I.D.
CARDS WILL BE SENT OUT WITHIN A WEEK AND INFORMATION BOOKLETS FOR BOTH MEDICAL
AND DENTAL IN APPROXIMATELY 3 - 4 WEEKS.
THAT'S ALL FOLKS1! !
SANDI
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SHEPPERD 27-JAN-1986 11:20:02.12
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: The IMI EPROM programmer
The people at IMI sent me some new program Eproms for the IMI with fixes for
some of the bugs that I told them about. I, in turn, fixed the VAX program
to compensate for their bug fixes and in the process, changed it a little.
1) It will now allow you to program partial sets.
2) Data downloads will go faster if you specify a fill character (default
character is 00) that matches MOST of the data in the EPROM. The program
pre-fills the RAM in the IMI with this fill character and won't download
streams of 10 or more of those characters found in your input file.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::VICKERS 28-JAN-1986 12:45:55.85
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: The Final Frontier
I don't know about you, but I'm usually pretty cynical about tragedies.
I'm a little surprised to find this space shuttle thing triggering such an
emotional response. I guess somehow I see the space program as some kind of
symbol of hope for the future of the human race, a sort of mirror opposite to
what is symbolized by the arms race. At least these are missiles that aren't
supposed to blow up. They seem to symbolize quest, exploration, cooperation,
transcendence. And there seem to be a lot of people that come back from orbit
feeling somehow changed by the experience, by seeing the earth as a whole, a
blue oasis in space, without obvious national boundaries.
I don't know if this is an appropriate time to suggest this or not,
but I remember overhearing a number of Atarians in the past suggesting the
idea of some sort of space exploration game. I feel that now that the video
game industry, at least for a while, has gotten past the stage of reinforcing
people's space war fantasies, it would be nice if we could go the next step
and encourage active participation in a guided fantasy of space exploration.
The thing that made the Star Trek series so great was its success at
encouraging positive thoughts about the human spirit and our need for quest,
invoking an almost sacred aura around the mission to explore new worlds, to
boldly go where no man has gone before, etc. There are limits to how much of
this atmosphere we can achieve in a video game, but it would be interesting to
explore these limits.
I don't have any specific game idea to suggest. It could be a
simulated space shuttle mission or the first manned flight to Mars. It could
be a Voyager-like pass-by through the whole solar system. It could be a
space-age Noah's ark, making its escape from Earth moments before the Last
War. You could be controlling flight trajectories, docking with other ships,
using a simulated shuttle control panel, doing in-flight experiments using
remote-control arms, doing space walks, landing the ship, or whatever. There
might be bad guys, there might not. It would be nice if it were a multi-player
cooperative or cooperative/competitive game. In general the way to do a
cooperative game has been to have the players cooperate in competing against a
common enemy (Rip-Off, Gauntlet, etc.). It might be interesting to make the
common enemy the rigors of space, the difficulty of the mission itself.
Different players could be working together in the ship, or piloting different
crafts, or whatever.
Videodisk would've been ideal for using NASA footage to do great
background visuals of planets, moons, and the Earth. But whatever system
we might use, I'm sure we can develop evocative graphics and music appropriate
to the theme.
Well, I just wanted to toss this out and see if anything bounces back.
If there seems to be sufficient interest, maybe we can have some brainstorming
meetings or something. Maybe there's a game in here / out there somewhere, but
we won't know until we look.
Earl
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DROBNY "Buddy Flyback" 29-JAN-1986 10:08:49.22
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: a bad day at the office
I dont know about you, but I am usually cynical about people who
say they are cynical about tragedies! Everybody in this building knows
that Earl Vickers is completely insensitive to everything he can
get his hands on. But he just loves to remind us all the time.
The truth of the matter is that yesterdays explosion of the Challenger
spacecraft was a shock to everyone in this country (Except Earl Vickers).
I personnally felt quite a shock, for this time their were alot of people
including myself who were thinking how successful the shuttle has been
and how it began too look more and more like civilians would be taking the
trip more and more. Well this truely will happen someday, but yesterday,
just like in January of 1967, Our space program suffered a severe loss and
setback. And what about those people and students in Concord, New Hampshire
who now have to live with what they saw yesterday. I think you might
call it the sling-shot effect. They were quite que'd up with much
excitement of seeing thier teacher going into space exploration, only to be
scorned within seconds by Mr. DEATH. And of coarse this is not to forget
by any means the rest of the crew and their families. True these people
knew the risk involved. When there are tons of Liquid Hydrogen stored in
a "thin-skinned" tank that is twice the size of you, and this tank is strapped
to your belly, There is consderable risk. And true, where there is
experimentaion there is always faliure of some sort. But NASA has done
well with the safety of there missions in the past. (obviosly not well enough
yesterday) But I think that evryone knew this was going to happen eventually
and it really is amazing to me that it hasnt happend alot more. Anyway,
to see a national tragedy right in front of your eyes is one thing, But
to see people vaporized as part of that national tragedy is another. And for
those people who have to live with the fact that thier husband or wife or
mother or father have been taken from them only to know them now as
"National Heros", Its got to hurt. Not to mention those children who really
are not old enough to understand.
Well I'm sorry, but I feel alot of sorrow over what happend yesterday.
It's not like we dont have enough troubles with that Jerk in Libya who
considers himself a fish beverage (Cod-coffee). The one thing this nation
is doing together, to expand itself and reach out to the skies in a peaceful
(not including that Star Wars garbage) way, yesterday had to take a step
back.
Salute to those 7 Americans who died for their country 10 miles above
the Atlantic.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SUTTLES 29-JAN-1986 11:36:21.83
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK,SUTTLES
CC:
Subj: An addendum to the appendix
I don't mean to belittle the deaths of the 7 people yesterday,
but it seems to me to be one of the more minor tragedies of our times.
What really irks me is the public acceptance of the deaths of thousands
while they bemoan the deaths of a few, or the imprisonment of a few,
or the mistreatment of a few. I am not known as a peacemonger, or
"nuke the nukes" freak, but I believe it is more of a travesty for
Time/Life books to use the deaths of hundreds of thousands (during VietNam)
to make a profit! Watch for the commercials and see if you can eat
afterwards.
I regret the deaths of those 7, and I empathize with their families,
but it is a bigger crisis when a jet airliner crashes in a shopping mall,
killing hundreds and leaving emotional scars on the witnesses for the rest
of their lives. May all those who have to suffer such things recieve their
just rewards sooner.
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DROBNY "Buddy Flyback" 29-JAN-1986 11:40:41.30
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: My apologies to Mr. Vickers
I must say that, after hearing from Earl, that I truely over-reacted
to his message and did not understand what he was trying to say. I
therefore must apologize to him publicly for trying to slander his personality
for something he was not guilty. I now know he basically felt the same
as I and many others over the awful thing that happend yesterday.
I apologize Earl and promise that in the future I will read your messages
more carefully.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::VICKERS 30-JAN-1986 11:55:37.00
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: what I meant to say was...
I just want to thank Chris for his apology, and to explain what it was
I meant to say the other day. I can see how a misunderstanding like this can
happen, when people are expecting the black humor and bad taste with which my
name has apparently become synonymous.
What I was trying to say is that although I am usually cynical about
tragedies - there's only so much of it you can take from the media every day -
that this was a total exception. Tears were rolling down my cheeks the whole
time I was driving in to work. It came as a total surprise to me that it
affected me this way - I'm not even that much of a space junky. I was just in
shock the whole day. And the reason seemed to be not just that 7 people had
died, though this was a big part of it - I wouldn't be upset over an unmanned
ship exploding - but it was also a sense of loss, like seeing your hopes and
dreams blow up.
And the point of the mail message was that I felt the last thing these
people who died yesterday would have wanted would be for the space program to
be cut back. And I felt that something we could do in our own small way, as
kind of a tribute, would be to make a game that would help reinforce positive
fantasies about space exploration. Maybe my timing was wrong, but I felt that
this was a time when all of our thoughts were focused on one thing. I didn't
intend it in any sort of exploitive way. I'm sorry if we view our work here as
such an insignificant and unimportant form of mindless entertainment that the
mail message could only be taken as some sort of sick joke. I feel a need for
some kind of meaning in my work. I don't mind if most of the games we make are
empty calories, but it would be nice if occasionally we could contribute
something, however small, to the culture. I don't know what or how, but
something.
Earl
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::ALBAUGH 31-JAN-1986 12:07:33.02
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Public Utilities
Some time ago, I wrote a little "address-book" program for myself.
Yesterday, while talking to a new user, I realized that more of you might
like to use it. The following is a bit sketchy, but should let you decide
and get you running if you are interested.
ADDRESS is a program which takes a name or list of names and
produces an address or list of same. For example, suppose you login.com
file contained the following:
$ ADDR*ess :== $ UTL$EXE:address -b Sys$Userdisk:[Albaugh]phone.lis
Then if you typed:
$ addr albaugh
you would get:
1)
Mike Albaugh
xxxxxxxxxxx
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
You could similarly find anybody else on the "Atari Alumni et al"
mailing list. You DON'T need to get the name exactly right, although the
part of the program that attempts to match mis-spelled names doesn't know
about the silent 'g', so "alba" won't match but "albak" will. If you give
it more to work with, you have a better chance to match. "Mike Alba" does
work, for instance. If it can't find a "close enough" match, it will say
so, and also tell you the closest match it found. At present, you need to
re-try with that name, if it is the one you wanted. Some time that I have
some spare time I will try to make it a bit friendlier.
Anyway, you can also just type:
$ addr
first name
second name
third name
to get several names at once. or:
$ addr mike
to get all the "mikes" on the list, or:
$ addr
mike
dave
to get all the mikes and daves, etc.
These multiple listings are actually more useful when the output
is sent to a file like so:
$ addr -o mikes.lst mike
Which will put a list of mikes in the file mikes.lst.
You can also get the list of names from a file, with:
$ addr -i names.lis
Which will look in the file "names.lis" (a text file with one name per
line) and show you the corresponding addresses, or more usefully:
$ addr -i names.lis -o addresses.lis
which you can probably figure out.
When you get tired of looking up Atari Alumni, you can also change
the "book" you use:
$ addr -b mybook.lis fred smith
will get the entry for Fred Smith from your own private address book.
This file contains entries in which the first line is the "name", to be
compared against the name you give ADDRESS, and the following lines, up to
the next blank line, contain the address, phone number, etc. Any line that
starts with a period will be ignored (to allow me to use .rno files). If the
first line ends in a hyphen, the second line will also be considered part of
the name. Also, the check for blank lines does NOT ignore spaces and tabs, so
if you really want to have a blank line within an entry, just use a line
starting with a space. Just take a look at the default "bookfile" (the
alumni phone list) to get the idea if you're still confused.
When you get tired of typing your bookfile name all the time you can
do something like:
$ PADDR*ess :== $ UTL$EXE:address -b kim::[Albaugh.private]pphone.lis
in addition to the original definition. Note the node-name, so I
can use the same file from any system. The alumni list is present on all
the Vaxim, but my private list is only on KIM. This makes it a little slow
but saves disk space and hassle. Incidentally, my KIM login.com defines
paddr without the kim::, because DecNet is to stupid to know when it is
already on kim and uses the net anyway if I use a node name.
If you've gotten this far, I should warn you that this software is
category D support (we give you a phone number to call which is disconnected,
say, 555-1000). That is, I'll gladly READ complaints sent to KIM::Albaugh,
but do NOT guarantee timely response.
Have fun,
Mike
p.s. This message lives in KIM::Sys$Userdisk:[albaugh.phone]address.doc
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOWNEND 4-FEB-1986 10:32:21.70
To: @ALPHAGANG.DIS
CC:
Subj: Air Conditioning
During the past couple of weeks, I've been party to a couple
of meetings regarding HVAC - Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
Here are some miscellaneous details I've picked up:
1) Only exterior offices with windows have both heating and cooling
ducts; interior spaces have cooling only; of course all areas get
both indirectly as the system circulates air...(IF it circulates
air - see below).
2) Until 2 weeks ago, the entire system was being monitored by an
Energy Management System that was supposed to increase overall
energy efficiency. The experts determined it was not working properly
and turned it off. The noticeble side-effect of this seems to be that
thermostats NOW seem to do something when you change the setting.
3) There are apparently a couple of different types of HVAC systems. One
type continuously exchanges air in all parts of the building; since
the fans are continuously running, this type is energy in-efficient.
The other type of HVAC, the one we have, is more or less an
"on-demand" system. In other words, if the thermostat says everthing
is o.k. the system will slowly shut-down air flow to the point where
it is possible to have no air exchange at all. This situation can be
avoided or at least minimized by making sure that the rooms with the
thermostats are not sealed off from the general working area and
working population.
4) Thermostat locations:
Alpha Lab has 2:
a) in Runner lab controling Runner, Police, TomCat and
half the central area.
b) In Thrash lab controling Thrash, Relief, Gauntlet and
half the central area.
Hardwall offices have 1 in Stempler's office controling Paauw,
Theurer, Stempler, Salwitz, McCarthy, Ralston, Hally,
Downend, Moore, Shepperd, Suttles, Albaugh, and Dawe.
Cubicle offices have 1 outside Paauw's office controling cube area.
Common Area has 1 outside Downend's office controling Common
area and Cyndy's cubicle.
Proto Lab has 1 inside Proto lab controling Proto lab.
LSI Lab has 1 inside LSI lab controling LSI lab.
Dan's Office has 1 inside Dan's office controling Dan's office.
Engr. Conf. Room has 1 inside Conf. Rm. Controling Conf. Rm.
5)There is a plan to break the Hardwall office system into 3 thermostat
systems with
Paauw, Theurer, Stempler, Salwitz, McCarthy on one Thermostat.
Ralston, Hally, Downend, Moore on one thermostat.
Shepperd, Suttles, Albaugh, Dawe on one thermostat.
6) Remote Override Switches
There are huge "40-ton" HVAC units on the roof controling roughly
one quarter of the building each. They are shut off at 6:00 PM
weeknights until 8:00 AM (I think) the next morning. They
are also shut off on weekends. The computers have separate
24-hr/day 2-ton units. If you are here during an "off" period
and the air-temp is unbearable you can turn on one of these
40-ton HVAC units by cycling the "remote override" switches
located throughout the building. These switches must be turned
from "off" to "on" to activate the HVAC unit.
SWITCH LOCATIONS:
1)Outside Paauw's office - controls Alpha lab and the
the rest of the back quarter of the building.
2)Outside Shepperd's office - controls Alpha Office space and
the rest of the front quarter of the building.
Once this switch is cycled the HVAC unit will be activated
for one hour. PLEASE USE GOOD SENSE WHEN TURNING ON THESE
40-TON UNITS!
That's all for now.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.S.
RE: Phone System
I understand that the front lobby switch board is "shut-down"
at 5:00 PM when Evelyn leaves. Therefore, DO NOT expect
your unanswered calls to get forwarded to the lobby so you can
be paged - after 5:00 PM.
Dave S. says they plan to install a "night bell" so that
unanswered calls forwarded to the lobby will sound a tone
in the Intercom system; then anybody can answer it with
the appropriate key strokes on any phone...
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::ROLM "SUTTLES, SHEPPERD, MOTT, or ALBAUGH" 4-FEB-1986 12:13:43.36
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK,ROLM
CC:
Subj: HELP!! (Bad line reporting)
It has become apparent during the last week that the phone system
has a problem with one of the incoming lines. An outside call rings your
phone, and when you answer it, it sounds like someone is there, but they
say nothing. No matter what you do to convince them to talk, they sit there
and wait. Eventually, they hang up. Soon after, they call again, and
comment that they had a problem getting through. More than one person
has logged this complaint.
Here's what I beleive happens: They dial the number, and the
phone company connects it to the Rolm system. The Rolm system rings
your phone, and tries to send a ringing tone to the caller. Somewhere
along the line, the transmission of sound of any kind from the Rolm
switch to the caller is blocked. You answer your phone, because it is
ringing, and the same thing happens--they hear nothing. They sit there
waiting for the phone to ring, and eventually decide that the call didn't
go through. So they try again.
So, we either have a bad trunk line from the phone company, or
we have a bad trunk card. Unfortunately, we have 40 incoming trunks.
In order for me to tell which card/line pair is suspect, I need your help.
When this happens, (you get a call from someone who can't tell you are there),
please FLASH and dial *563. This must be done before you revert to dial tone.
It can be done just after they hang up, but you must be quick about it.
ETS users don't have to FLASH, and some of you have BAD LINE buttons, which
do the same thing.
What this does for me, is make an entry in a short list of complaints,
which will tell me the extension, the time of day, and the trunk line. When
I get more than one complaint with a given thing in common (like trunk line),
then I know where to start looking, and I can clear it up. Up until then, we
will have to put up with ghost callers (or whatever the current problem is)
or pull off each of the 40 lines until the problem is found.
By the way, BAD LINE does not just apply to ghost callers. Anytime
you have a complaint about the quality of a call, FLASH *563. We can fix
noisy (hissing) lines, lines with other people talking on them, etc, if we
can tell the telephone company which trunk is giving us the problem. It would
be a big help if you could drop me a note when you report a bad line letting
me know the time and extension you were at, and what the complaint was about
(hissing is one thing, ghost callers is another).
Thanx in advance for all your help.
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::BRAD 4-FEB-1986 14:52:48.27
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: MicroEmacs text editor
A public domain EMACS is available in [brad.microemacs].
This version of EMACS has most of the common commands found on the high-priced
EMACS, - search, multiple windows, buffers, spawning etc.. It can be defined
for AMIGA, ST 520, CP/M, VMS, UNIX V (maybe more, but I can't remember). I
can't speak for the other OSs but all commands that are in the brief
documentation (kim::[brad.microemacs]m_emacs.doc) work under VMS. Please try it
out and tell me if you find any bugs. Better yet, port it over to your machine!
(especially if you have a 520 cuz I'd like a copy for myself!).
The entire source code in C, makefile and executable version reside in the
directory. ED.H is the header file that is used to define your
machine/environment
If you would like to try it out, define this in your login.com:
EMACS :== $ SYS$USERDISK:[BRAD.MICROEMACS]M_EMACS
(by the way I'm on KIM::)
My initial reactions of MicroEmacs:
It works so far
It seems to be pretty fast (that is with a VAX, I don't know what will happen
using a micro)
I like multiple windows
I like the thought of having the SOURCE and adding features that I like
I like being able to call DCL (create an interactive shell) from the editor,
doing a directory, copy or mail, for instance, then going
back to the editor where I left off!
I like having ONE editor that resides on MANY machines so I don't have to
relearn everytime I go to another machine
I'm familiar with EMACS, it might take the unfamiliar some time getting used to.
Documentation is terse. I should (so they tell me) be able to obtain
better doc later.
The documentation is suitable for printing on one of the LQ printers
[brad.microemacs]m_emacs.doc
This product has no guarantee but please let me know if you find any bugs.
Not that I would/could fix them but I will post any problems/updates to people
that are interested. If you would like to know of any updates or other info
on MicroEmacs please send me your name and if there is enough interest
I'll create a mailing list.
- brad -
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SHEPPERD 7-FEB-1986 11:23:29.77
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: Missing CIT-101 keyboards
Did anybody happen to pick up a couple CIT-101 keyboards? They were in the
DIO room a couple of weeks ago. The parts to repair them have come in so
please return them ifn' you've got 'em. Thanks or else.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::DENCKER "Andrea Dencker" 7-FEB-1986 17:24:14.54
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Are you wondering if your MAIL messages are getting read?
A while ago I had asked Dave Shepperd about having a MAIL program capa-
bility of knowing whether a recipient has read an important message you have
sent. Apparently lots of other people across the country using VAXes have
also asked for this feature. No one can implement this feature because of
the MAIL file protection system: only Digital Equipment can change its
software.
Unfortunately, Digital's official answer is:
"The ability to inform a sender when a message is actually read
is a very contentious issue, since many individuals would consider
this to be an unacceptable invasion of privacy. Thus, there are
no plans to implement such a feature in VMS MAIL."
On the other hand, Digital says they are "investigating producing" new
MAIL software that would "probably" have message trace capability. Sounds
like a lot of vaporware.
Dave told me the best he can offer you is the capability of seeing how
many new unread mail messages that the recipient has. You can check for
such information on anyone on our DECnet.
At the operating-system level, type the following:
$ MCR CHKMAIL username
If the recipient is on another VAX, put the node name immediately ahead of
the name with double colons, as in:
$ MCR CHKMAIL KIM::username
The response at your terminal will be:
"User JOHNDOE on node WHATEVERVAX has __ new mail messages."
If the user has no unread MAIL messages, you will get no response on your
terminal other than the usual $ prompt.
The only fly in the ointment is CHKMAIL's inaccuracy: at the moment you
use this command, the recipient may have already read your important message
and may have just received some other new MAIL message(s). The only guaran-
tee of the user having read your message is when you get no response on your
terminal. Anyway, good luck using CHKMAIL.
Andrea
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::GRAHAM 10-FEB-1986 10:50:28.36
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj:
BOB FRYE ASKED ME TO WARN YOU THAT THE ELECTRICIAN WILL
BE INSTALLING MOTION SENSORS IN THE SHOWERS TODAY.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::OWENS 10-FEB-1986 11:06:44.04
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Motion Sensors
I'm almost afraid to ask. Why do we need motion sensors in the showers?
My preference would be remote control tv cameras conected to the big screen i
tv.
RLO
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::MILTY 10-FEB-1986 16:19:59.68
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: what's all this motion commotion?
I,too,am a bit leary to ask,yet wildly curious about exactly what motion,
or motions should we be on the look-out for. And,for that matter,where else
might these motions be sensed; or are we talkin' strictly shower dwellers.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::BENZLER 10-FEB-1986 16:32:33.54
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Motion Sensors
Alright folks, I got the scoop from our friendly local electrician...
I, too was a bit curious about motion sensors in the showers. I thought,
maybe water conservation; you know, when you stopped moving around in the
shower, the water automatically shut off (or maybe set off an alarm to
warn others that you had passed out under water after a long run).
Well it's really nothing all that newsworthy. There will be motion sensors
in all of the restrooms (not just the showers). When the restroom is
unoccupied for 10 minutes, the lights will automatically shut off in order
to conserve energy (of course this could happen if you remain very still
in the
room also!)
Anyway, according to my sources the job will not be finished until
sometime tomorrow.
--Linda
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::CAMERON 12-FEB-1986 09:15:37.07
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: INFORMATIONAL UPDATE
FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT USE THE WOMEN'S RESTROOM BY THE SHOWERS
AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THE THRILL OF THE DARKNESS AND/OR FLICKERING LIGHTS,
THERE IS NO NEED TO WORRY. DON, THE ELECTRICIAN, ASSURED ME THAT IT IS NOT
SUPPOSED TO DO THAT, AND THAT HE WOULD FIX IT.
IN THE MEANTIME , THOUGH, I HAVE DISCOVERED A FEW HELPFUL HINTS
THAT WILL MAKE YOUR STAY MORE COMFORTABLE;
1. WHEN YOU THINK YOU ARE LOSING YOUR MIND, YOU REALLY AREN'T.
THE LIGHTS REALLY ARE FLICKERING. JUST STAY CALM.
2. WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT COMPLETELY, SMALL MOTIONS LIKE TRYING TO
BREATHE OR REACHING OUT NERVOUSLY DON'T ACTIVATE THE MOTION
SENSOR. YOU NEED TO FLAIL YOUR ARMS ABOVE YOUR HEAD AS THOUGH
YOU WERE DIRECTING A RUNAWAY PLANE. THEN THE LIGHTS USUALLY
COME BACK ON. YOU CAN TEST THIS ANYTIME BY TRYING DIFFERENT
MOVEMENTS AND WATCHING THE RED LED MOTION INDICATOR ON THE
UNIT.
WELL, I HOPE THIS HELPS. I CAN'T TALK LONG BECAUSE I AM VERY BUSY
TRYING TO GET THE CONTRACT TO SUPPLY STARTER/BALLASTS.
CAROLE
P.S. THIS IS THE MOST FUN WE'VE HAD ON JUNK MAIL IN A LONG TIME! THANKS!
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::CAMERON 12-FEB-1986 09:41:30.40
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: NEVERMIND, IT APPEARS TO BE FIXED NOW
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOWNEND 18-FEB-1986 10:20:23.18
To: @ALPHAGANG.DIS
CC:
Subj: VACATION HOURS
I sent Sue (payroll) three complaint letters regarding wrong vacation
hours on paystubs...she called me 2/18 to say they are ALL wrong - every
employee - B of A messed up she says. Presumably they will get it right
at some point in the future and let us know...sorry for any confusion or
frustration this may have caused.
-Chris
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::FRYE 21-FEB-1986 11:50:36.98
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: FACILITIES UP-DATE
PARKING LOT...... WEATHER PERMITTING, WE WILL BE RESTRIPING OUR PARKING
LOT THIS WEEKEND. DRAWINGS WILL BE POSTED AT EACH LOBBY SHOWING AREAS
OF AVAILABLE PARKING DURING THIS TIME. DESIGN SERVICES MAY CONTINUE
TO PARK IN THE AREA DESIGNATED "VISITORS PARKING" UNTIL OUR MAIN LOBBY
IS RELOCATED. APPROX. 3-14-86.
AIR CONDITIONING..... OUR HVAC CONTRACTOR, CAL-AIR WILL START MODIFI-
CATIONS MONDAY, 3-24.
GAME ROOM..... WHERE HAVE ALL THE GAMES GONE?...RELAX, WE'RE GETTING
AROUND TO REPLACING OLD GAMES WITH SOME NEW ONES. THE MOTION SENSOR
HAS BEEN INSTALLED ALONG WITH A TIME CLOCK TO CONTROL THE GAMES,
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS. FROM 9AM TO 6PM, MON. THRU FRI. THE FUNCTIONS
OF THIS ROOM ARE NORMAL AND AT ALL OTHER TIMES, IF NO ONE IS USING
THIS ROOM...TOTAL DARKNESS WILL APPEAR. SHOULD YOU WISH TO USE
THE GAME ROOM OTHER THEN THE ABOVE HOURS, YOUR IN FOR A TREAT,
THE AUDIO EFFECTS FOR THE FIRST FEW SECONDS WILL ASTOUND YOU.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOWNEND 26-FEB-1986 09:26:59.83
To: @ALPHAGANG.DIS
CC:
Subj: AIR CONDITIONING
If you had'nt noticed, they are working on our air-conditioning. Bob
warned this was coming about a week ago. They are breaking up a
one-thermostat system into 3 separate tthermostat systems; Gary will keep
a thermostat for that bank of hard wall offices; Ralston will get a
thermostat for the bank along that respective wall, and Albaugh will get
a thermostat for the bank of offices around him. Hopefully, better climate
control will result.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOWNEND 26-FEB-1986 13:00:25.53
To: @ALPHAGANG.DIS
CC:
Subj: News Update: please read and delete to save disk space.
STATUS UPDATE - 2/86 - CONFIDENTIAL!!! ARARI EYES & EARS ONLY.
- ACME show is next week; Friday thru Sunday; 3/7-3/9/86.
-Atari will show: Super Sprint, Gauntlet, Temple of Doom, Robo Soccer.
-Van Elderen, Moore, Tacakichi, Weatherby, Turner, Drobny, Hally, Logg,
Arita are going from Engineering.
-They leave Thursday morning.
-Nakamura and 2 Namco Engineers will attend the show.
- Tentative production quantities of Super Sprint have been agreed upon -
see me if you really want to know...
- Beginning Monday the factory will stop building games for a 3-5 week period.
12 employees will stay on full-time; 43 will be furloughed. This was a
tough decision, but I think it's wise; When Sales volume has peaks and
valleys; the production volume has to follow - it hurts in the long term
to keep the factory running and build to inventory. Apparently, the
furlough package was well-received by manufacturing employees.
- We have purchased a new improved VTI package for custom I.C. layout.
This gives us a standard-cell library based on 2-micron CMOS as
well as gate array and full custom layout ablility. All the support tools
are included too.
- Japanese Yen: dollar is weak; 6-12months ago was 250 yen to dollar; now 180
yen to dollar. This is hurting PCB kit dealers in USA since profit margin
has been erroded - thats good for us - less competition.
- Nintendo is expected to introduce Super Mario Bros. on their VS Coin-op
system at ACME. Its been a HOT game in Japan on the Home computer and
at the usual $200 Nintendo kit price, its expected to do very well in the
USA. Nintendo apparently lost money last year in the US coin-op market,
and is expected to pull out of the coin-op market entirely...within 12 months?
They already have in Japan - they are concentrating on their VERY
succesful Home Computer/game console.
- SEGA is expected to introduce 4 new games at ACME: Space Harrier (not really
new), Major League Baseball, Quartet (4-player Gauntlet rip-off but not
nearly as good); and one other.
- Bally Sente is expected to introduce a new game too...rumor has it that
Owen Rubin is feverishly working on this one.
- Exidy is in Chap. 11 and with the president (Kaufman) recovering from
illness, they do not appear to pose a threat.
- Data East seems to have fallen off their high horse (Kung-Fu etc); with
not much to offer...maybe they have a surprise for us at the show. The
strong yen will hurt them too since all their product is licensed from Japan.
- Williams will probably introduce the new Steve Ritchie Pinball game. Its
supposed to be great. It was ready for AMOA, but they held off cause they
had a very good pinball in production...The name High Speed is in my mind,
thats either Ritchies, or the one they just finished. I have no idea what
the production run on a good pinball is these days...maybe someone going
to the show can pump Ritchie...
- Market still looks weak, but Atari is positioned VERY well with respect
to the competition.
- Nakamura and troops will be here week of 3/10-3/14; expect tours and
show n' tells; will be a good time to find out details about System I
Cocktail implementation issues...IF we have our ducks lined up. Please
think about questions, and how to present the questions clearly considering
the language barrier.
- Bob Stewert (Mfg. Mgr) will be bringing a group of 6-8 ace PCB techs
thru for a tour... I would like to show them Gauntlet,Roadrunner,Thrasher
Labs. I would like to also go over the game development process
using Gauntlet as an example.
- let me know if VAX mail like this is sufficient, or if you would rather
have a group meeting where questions/answers could be exchanged.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::FRYE 28-FEB-1986 15:28:20.97
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: VOLTAGE DROPS
ALL ENGINEERS, WE WERE AMONG THE MANY PG&E CUSTOMERS TO EXPERIENCE
FREQUENT VOLTAGE DROPS DURING THIS PASS WEEK. PG&E WAS NOT PREPARED
FOR THIS SUDDEN HEAT WAVE AND THUS DID NOT COMPENSATE FOR THE
INCREASE IN CUSTOMER USAGE, CAUSING THE VOLTAGE DROPS. THIS
PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED AND WE'RE BACK TO NORMAL... SO LET'S
ENJOY THE HEAT WAVE AS LONG AS IT'S HERE.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::FRYE 3-MAR-1986 13:32:36.88
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: HOT WATER SURVEY
ENGINEERING WAS SELECTED TO DO A "HEAT TEST" ONN OUR NEW HOT WATER
HEATER INSTALLED AT THE COFFEE STATION LOCATED BY THE ENGINEERING
CONF. RM.
IT'S BEEN A WEEK AND A HALF SINCE THE HEATER WAS INSTALLED... WHAT'S
THE VERDICT? IS IT DOING THE JOB?... CAN I GET SOME FEED BACK?...
THE OTHER COFFEE STATIONS ARE WAITING THE OUTCOME...
THANKS AGAIN...BOB
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::CAMERON 3-MAR-1986 15:19:13.09
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: EXERCISE QUESTIONNAIRE
..........THE VOTES ARE BEING TABULATED..............
PLEASE TURN YOURS IN IF YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE HEALTH FACILITIES
UP & DOWN,
CAROLE
(THAT'S SHAPING & TRIMMING, OF COURSE)
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::GROSSMAN 4-MAR-1986 11:19:30.15
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: SYSTEM 1 GAMES: IDENTIFICATION BYTE - UPDATE 2/86
All System I games are required to initialize a byte in the
configuration area (Addr. 1006E specifically) to a certain value.
The utility system on the main board interrogates this byte to
determine if a new game cart has been installed and clears the
EEROM accordingly. For more information see the documentation
file on the VAX at KIM::DRA0:[SYSTEM1.DOC]SYSTEM1.DOC.
The following values for the byte at 1006E have been assigned.
All new System I games should contact Cyndy Grossman (X1734) for
assignment of a number.
Diagnostic Cart: 255
Pack Rat: 00
Marble Madness: 01
Temple of Doom: 02
Road Runner 03
Relief: 04
Future Vette: 05
Chris Downend and Rich Moore
Dist: All programmers in Alpha, Delta, Omega and Rick Moncrief
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::BRAD 6-MAR-1986 14:19:30.75
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: CERROR
TPU and GREENHILLS C users:
A new TPU/EDT function has been added to TPU and I need your help to see if
it works. At the moment this function only works for those of you that use
the GREENHILLS C compiler (if enough people scream for it 'cerror' could be
modified to accept error files generated by different compilers or
assemblers). The new function is called:
cerr*or [filename][.err]
and is invoked on the TPU/EDT command line (GOLD_KP7). 'cerror' reports
errors that have occurred during compilation. It does this by first reading
in a file (to another buffer) that contains the errors and then searching
that file for line numbers where the errors occurred. The file search will
default to your working directory and if a file is not specified will look
for a file that matches your current edit file that has an extension of
.err. You may also specify a file on the command line.
For example; after typing GOLD_KP7, you type
cerr
at the TPU/EDT command line, 'cerror' will look in your current directory for
the filename that matches the file that you're editing (the main_buffer's
file) with an extension of .err.
'cerror' will then look for the first occurrance of an error,
display that error in the message window (bottom of screen), and move the
cursor to the line where the error occurred. To find subsequent errors it's
best to bind a key to the function. I suggest using the PF2 key. Therefore
add this line to your tpu$init file:
baf$x_error_next := 'define_key("baf$error_next(current_direction)",pf2)';
By hitting the PF2 key you can find the next error. 'cerror' will also work
in the REVERSE direction.
You must have an error file that was created by the GREENHILLS compiler. You
can obtain this file by redirecting GREENHILLS error reporting to a file. I
do this by adding this to my MAKEFILE.:
myfile.ol : myfile.c
$ assign/user myfile.err sys$error
$ ncc -O -Z29 myfile.c
KNOWN BUGS:
* If you call 'cerror' more than once, TPU will report an error.
* 'cerror' does not know if you have edited your source file. So
if your error correction involved deleting or adding more
or less than what you started out with, the next error reported will
be off by that many lines. (you could edit starting from the bottom
but most C errors occur because of the first one)
- brad -
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOWNEND 4-MAR-1986 16:58:02.92
To: MOORE,@ALPHAGANG.DIS
CC:
Subj: Hail to the Chief
NAKAMURA, OUR FEARLESS LEADER AND OWNER OF THE COMPANY THAT MOSTLY
OWNS ATARI WILL BE HERE MONDAY AND TUESDAY 3/10-3/11. THERE ARE
NO FIRM PLANS, BUT PLEASE PLAN ON TOURS ETC.
Now, the Japanese are a traditional people and have a lot of
ritual in their business affairs. Therefore, it would be courteous
for us to tone down our western ways where appropriate.
1) Let's tidy up our labs and offices - if Rofo can do it, anybody
can.
2) On Monday and Tuesday let's make an effort to dress conservatively
in spite of the fanstatic weather we have been having.
3) Let's leave gym clothes in the locker room.
Maybe I'm overreacting, but I'm proud of the Atari Engineering group and its
product, and I want Nakamura be proud too...I don't want him to be distracted
by the cultural differences and miss the product.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::RAINS 11-MAR-1986 11:21:47.26
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Two of Atari's Finest...
... have been recognized for their contribution to the effort. RICH MOORE
and CHRIS DOWNEND have been promoted to ENGINEERING DIRECTORS. Both have been
dedicated workers and leaders, and their efforts have made our success this
year possible (as well as making life manageable for Dan and me).
Please offer your congratulations and support to these fine Atarians in
their new positions...
...because they'll need it!
<LVR>
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 11-MAR-1986 17:02:49.61
To: MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: Morris Editor
From: CHARM::MORRIS 11-MAR-1986 15:00
To: @sys$mail:engineer
Subj: Micro EDT/TPU Editor
There now exists an editor which works very much like EDT with a few TPU
like window control functions and a lot of EMACS window control functions.
At the moment this works for VMS (but TPU is a lot better), and on CPM68K
(omni-byte) boards.
The source can be re-compiled to work on MSDOS (IBM) and with a little work
(which I shall probably be doing in the near future) ATARI 520.
So if you need an EDT type editor for your system see me.
Jim.
Following is a preliminary DOC file for this editor. Skip if you are not
interested.
EDMAC uses EDT keypad commands, just like EDT except for the following:-
No help Key.
No page command (Keypad 7). - search for ^L instead.
No command (Gold Keypad 7). - use emacs commands.
No fill (Gold Keypad 8). - use ^X F to set wrap column
No replace (Gold Keypad 9).
Additional keypad functions:-
Gold I - Splits screen in two and reads in a file to upper window.
Gold W - Toggles between split screen and full screen.
Gold UP - Goes into included window.
Gold DOWN - Goes into main window.
Gold L - starts a learn sequence.
Gold R - terminates a learn sequence.
PF2 - executes the learned sequence.
Gold = - show cursor position.
Gold ! - spawn command (VMS only).
Gold S - spawn cli (VMS only).
The EMACS key sequences retained are:-
WINDOW CONTROL
^X 1 display only current window
^X 2 split current window (multiple window are permitted)
^X N move to Next window
^X P move to Previous window
^X Z enlarge current window by one or repeat count lines (^U)
^X ^Z reduce current window by one or repeat count lines (^U)
^X ^N scroll current window up one or by repeat count lines (^U)
^X ^P scroll current window down one or by repeat count lines (^U)
FILE CONTROL
^Z save file in current buffer and exit
^X ^C Exit without saving buffers.
^X ^R Read a file into current buffer
^X ^S Save current buffer into its file
^X ^V Visit a file. Read file and display in current window
^X ^W Write buffer to file
^X ^F changes current buffer's filename to argument
BUFFER CONTROL
^X B prompt for new Buffer
^X ^B show active Buffers
^X ^K Kill a buffer
DELETING
^X ^O Kill surrounding blank lines
^X ^K Kill a buffer
CASE CONTROL
<esc> C Capitalize word
<esc> L Lowercase next word
<esc> U Uppercase next word
^X ^L Lowercase selected region
^X ^U Uppercase selected region
MISC
TAB tabs to set tab, to set tab do GOLD <arg> TAB, where arg is new tab stop.
^G abort any command in progress
^T Transpose characters
<esc> ! move current line to repeat count lines from top of window (???)
<esc> W Copy select range to paste buffer, do not cut.
^X ^X swap mark with cursor position
^X F Set Fill column.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::FRYE 13-MAR-1986 13:52:26.66
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: THE NEW LOBBY
THIS COMING MONDAY, 3-17, REMODEL WORK WILL BEGIN IN THE WEST LOBBY
(CAFETERIA SIDE). SINCE THIS LOBBY IS THE MAIN INTERSECTION FOR
ACTIVITY, AND WE DON'T WANT ANY TRAFFIC JAMS, WE HAVE COME UP WITH
THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE TO BENEFIT BOTH THE CONTRACTORS AND
EMPLOYEES.
MON AND TUES
WORKMEN WILL BE REMOVING CARPET, TILE, CLEANING THE FLOOR, AND
TRIMMING DOORS FOR THE NEW TILE. DURING THIS TIME, PLEASE USE THE
UPMOST CAUTION WHILE IN THIS AREA AS THE REMAINING CARPET WILL NOT
BE GLUED DOWN AT THIS TIME.
WED THUR & FRI
INSTALLATION OF NEW TILE AND CARPET... THIS WORK WILL BE DONE ON
THE SWING SHIFT SO AS TO ALLOW FULL USE OF THE LOBBY BY EMPLOYEES
DURING THE NORMAL WORKING HOURS.....AT APPROX. 4PM ON EACH OF
THESE DAYS, THE LOBBY, CAFETERIA, AND GAME ROOM WILL BE CLOSED
OFF TO ALL EMPLOYEES AND REOPENED THE FOLLOWING MORNING AT 7AM.
SAT.....NEW WALLCOVERING TO BE INSTALLED....AND IF ALL GOES WELL,
OUR NEW LOBBY WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS MONDAY MORNING.
PS....TWO NEW DOORS WILL BE ADDED IN THE HALLWAYS, ONE NEAR THE
NEW LOBBY AND THE OTHER IN THE HALLWAY OUTSIDE MONCRIEF'S LAB.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MCCARTHY 13-MAR-1986 14:39:46.57
To: @sys$mail:engineer,MCCARTHY
CC:
Subj: SOFT GATE ARRAY
For anyone interested in the XILINX XC-2064 LOGIC CELL ARRAY read
on.
This is a 1000-1500 gate Gate Array that is configured by
downloading a bit stream to it from rom at power up time. The
configuration 'links' are maintained in CMOS static ram cells in
the IC.
I have a spare copy of the data sheet plus some other information
obtained at the XILINX - HAMILTON/AVNET Seminar.
Some general information :
. 12000 bits are required for configuration
using a 1Mhz clock requires 12 milliseconds to load.
. There are 122 flop flops per IC distributed in 58 I/O blocks and
64 combinational blocks.
. Package size is 68 pin PLCC, 48 pin (40 i/o pins) DIP package
available soon.
. Development software runs on IBM PC XT/AT or compatible, with
hard disk.
. Full speed in circuit emulator is available.
(you can set a hardware breakpoint with this device)
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY.
Development software:
Evaluation Kit $ 250.00
XACT Development system software, including Macro library $3,600.00
SILOS Timing/simulation package $3,500.00
XACTOR in circuit emulator with one pod $3,000.00
(can accomodate 4 pods for simulation of 4 devices at once)
XACTOR pods $ 850.00
XACT training/demo package $ 350.00
Piece parts :
Speed package 1-24 25-99 100-999 5K+ (end '86)
-1 68 lead plcc $60 $53 $47 $20
-2 68 lead plcc $80 $72 $63 $28
-1 (20Mhz) available now, -2 (33Mhz) available end 2nd quarter.
48 pin package "soon"
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::MORRIS 13-MAR-1986 15:46:43.67
To: @sys$mail:engineer
CC:
Subj: VAXMDM
Ok all you VAX MODEM fans.
This little utility (and if you don't know what it is, you probably
don't want to) is now available in UTL$EXE.
Do the following to use it:-
$ VAXMDM:== $UTL$EXE:VAXMDM.EXE
It allows aborting by ^X now and the command file is no longer needed to
run it.
Please use this new version, if you are currently using the old one.
A repeat of the help documentation follows.
Delete now if you are not interested.
VaxModem is a version of the common Xmodem found on RBBS/RCPM systems.
It allows uploading and downloading to/from the Vax when dialing in.
It is useful for anyone who has the equivalent Xmodem or modem7 etc program
on their system at home. Or any system that uses the (standard?) Ward
Christensen protocol. (SOH,SEC,COMPSEC,128data,crc).
This program will allow transfer of text files or binary files, and can use
either CRC or checksums.
It is run by either typing VAXMDM and waiting for the command prompt, or
typing the command and filename on the command line.
$ VAXMDM ? This will give a limited help message.
$ VAXMDM s file.dat This will open the Binary file file.dat on the vax
and send it to your system.
$ VAXMDM sa file.src This will open the text file (Variable length CR),
file.src on the vax and send it to your system.
$ VAXMDM r file.dat This will create the Binary (fixed length 128 byte)
file file.dat on the vax and receive data from your
system using CRC.
$ VAXMDM rc file.dat This will open a binary file file.dat on the vax and
receive data from your system, it will expect a
a checksum.
Note the c option is only effective for the receive command. It will tell
the sending program to use CRC or checksum.
The program will prompt you with a message similar to the following:-
receiving file file.dat in binary using CRC
Hit control X slowly a number of times to abort
After getting this message start the transfer, for your machine.
Typing control X (usually once) will abort VAXMDM.
Install it by:-
$ VAXMDM:== $UTL$EXE:VAXMDM.EXE
Any problems, let me know.
Jim
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SHEPPERD 18-MAR-1986 11:09:03.71
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: IMI
A new feature you can use on the IMI EPROM programmer from the VAX is the
BLANK command which does only a blank check on the EPROM's loaded.
IMI_COMMAND> B*LANK
You still need to do a device selection before trying a blank check.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::HOFF 20-MAR-1986 17:39:11.43
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: VTI VIDEOTAPE
I you are using or soon to use the VTI LSI CAD tools this may
be of interest to you.
Atari now owns a copy of a video taped lecture on the VTITest
language. (2 hour lecture by the person who wrote VTITest). It is VERY
informative. It's in my office currently. It is available for viewing.
Morgan
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::ALBAUGH 21-MAR-1986 18:11:35.09
To: MARGOLIN,BEHENSKY,ALBAUGH
CC:
Subj: LDA to .ol converter
To use it, first define a symbol:
LTO*ol :== $ UTL$EXE:LTOOL
then use it as:
ltool frob fraz To convert frob.lda to fraz.ol
or ltool frob To convert frob.lda to frob.ol
or ltool -s "$seg9" frob To do frob, but put it in section 9
etc...
The following is from the program source in sys$userdisk:[Albaugh.TI320]:
/* LTOOL