┌──────────────────────────────┐
│ ───────── SYSTEM ─────────── │
└──────────────────────────────┘
SERGEY SAVOCHENKO.
PRINTER FOR "ZX-SPECTRUM".
--------------------------
INTRODUCTION
A printer is a peripheral device that most "ZX-SPECTRUM" users want to have at their disposal.
It should be noted that almost any printer can be connected to this computer, but certain difficulties may arise. Together, we will try to overcome these difficulties.
INTERFACE TYPE.
This point is very important, as it determines the way to connect the printer to the computer.
There are two main methods of information exchange between computers and peripheral devices - parallel and serial.
In parallel connection, all bits that make up the byte of the message are transmitted simultaneously over parallel data buses.
In serial connection, the byte is transmitted bit by bit in sequence.
Historically, the interfaces implementing the parallel transmission method have been called "CENTRONICS", while the serial method is known as "RS 232".
METHODS OF ORGANIZING INTERFACES.
For the "SPECTRUM", there are several ways to organize interfaces for connecting a printer. We will consider the two most popular methods of organization:
1. Implementation using the KR580VV55A chip;
2. ZX-PRINT (MK III) interface.
KR580VV55A INTERFACE.
To implement the "CENTRONICS" type interface, it is convenient to use the KR580VV55A chip, which is a programmable interface adapter (PIA). The PIA consists of three 8-bit parallel input/output ports A, B, C. In our scheme, port B is used to output information DATA 0-7 to the printer, the least significant bit of port C - RC0 carries the STROBE signal, and the most significant bit - RC7 is used for inputting the printer's BUSY signal. Port A is reserved for the joystick. The interface support program writes the number 136 into the PIA control register, which corresponds to setting the PIA to output mode on port B and the 4 least significant bits of port C, and inputting the 4 most significant bits of port C.
It should be noted that after powering on or after a RESET, all PIA ports are set to input mode. Additionally, the addressing of port A is chosen in such a way that allows its use as a joystick interface. The joystick will be selected when there is a zero on the buses A5, RD, IORQ, which corresponds to the Kempston interface addressing.
The printer is connected to the interface using a cable 1.5-2m long.
To increase the load capacity at the output of the interface, a buffer element can be included, which can be any TTL chips without inversion, for example, 155ЛП4, 155ЛП10, 155ЛП11, 555АП5, 555АП6, 589АП16, etc.
Some printers use the parallel IRPR interface, which differs from CENTRONICS both in signal polarity and in the exchange protocol.
Despite the differences in exchange protocols, the CENTRONICS interface scheme and support program can work with printers equipped with the IRPR interface. For this, it is necessary to invert the data lines DATA 0-7 and buffer the SC signal, as the IRPR requires load currents of about 40mA. The AC signal is used instead of the BUSY signal, and the SC signal instead of the STROBE signal. XOR gate chips - 155ЛП5 can be used as inverters and buffers. In this case, by applying "1" or "0" to the second inputs of the chip elements, you will get an inverted or non-inverted signal at the outputs, thus your parallel interface will be universal.
ZX LPRINT (MK III).
We present a description of the following model of the interface: ZX-LPRINT (MK III). This interface can be configured and supports equipment with both "CENTRONICS" and RS232.
Mk III - the printer interface can be used with versions 16K, 48K, and 128K and various other branded and amateur ZX-SPECTRUMs for printing messages on graphic and text printers using parallel (CENTRONICS type) or serial (RS232-5v type) interfaces. When powered on, the ZX-SPECTRUM goes to the normal input menu (splash screen), while all functions are preserved.
INITIALIZATION.
After powering on, Mk III must be initialized with the "CARRIAGE RETURN" command (CARRIGE RETURN (CHR$ 13). This is done with the "LPRINT+ENTER" or "LPRINT+line" command in BASIC. When initialized, Mk III automatically enters text printing mode (TEXT MODE) and sets the printer to print 80 characters per line.
Selection of various types of graphic printers is done with the following commands:
LPRINT CHR$ 0; CHR$ 0 - Call "MENU"
LPRINT CHR$ 0; CHR$ 1 - SEIKOSHA GP 250 X
LPRINT CHR$ 0; CHR$ 2 - SEIKOSHA GP 100 A
LPRINT CHR$ 0; CHR$ 3 - EPSON (high-resolution models)
START DP 510, GEMENI I STX 80
LPRINT CHR$ 0; CHR$ 4 - WALTERS WM80, SHINWA and CTI CP 80
LPRINT CHR$ 0; CHR$ 5 - same as for CHR$ 3, but the copy is reduced
LPRINT CHR$ 0; CHR$ 6 - MIKROLINE 80 and 82 or similar CG115 and MCP40 in 4 colors
The selected command is displayed in the bottom line of the display. Scrolling is done with the "SPACE" key. Confirmation of selection is done with the "ENTER" key.
INTERFACE COMMANDS.
LPRINT CHR$ 3 - carriage return with line feed (CR+LF)
LPRINT CHR$ 2 - only carriage return
LPRINT CHR$ 1;"A" - where "A" can be from 1 to 8. This informs the machine how many characters after the command will be interpreted as printer commands
LPRINT CHR$ 4 - only one character is interpreted as a command to the printer
LPRINT CHR$ 5 - the machine's character generator is disabled, i.e., all characters output by this command will be interpreted as ASCII codes. Return to the "ZX-SPECTRUM" character generator is done with the "COPY" command.
LPRINT CHR$ 0; S - switch from "CENTRONICS" interface to "RS 232"
LPRINT CHR$ 0; P - return from "RS 232" to "CENTRONICS"
POKE 23697,n - where "n" defines the number of characters in the printer line. Upon initialization, the printer is set to 80 characters per line
POKE 23728,n - transmission speed via RS 232. Upon initialization 1200 baud.
n speed n speed n speed
--------------------------------
1 75 4 300 7 2400
2 110 5 600 8 4800
3 150 6 1200 9 9600
BASIC COMMANDS FOR PRINTING
LPRINT - print to printer
LLIST - print listing to printer
COPY - output screen to printer in graphic form.
Initialization of the printer needs to be done only once after powering on the computer or after the "NEW" command.
SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY OF PRINTER DRIVERS.
As you have already noticed, the implementation of interfaces for the printer on the KR580VV55A chip and ZX-LPRINT schematically differ from each other and, therefore, software support (printer driver) will also differ from each other.
There are many software tools for working with the printer using one driver or the other. They are incompatible.
Below we will try to show you how to combine software tools with various printer drivers.
PRINTER DRIVER ON KR580VV55A CHIP.
The KR580VV55A chip is a programmable interface adapter (PIA). The PIA consists of three 8-bit parallel input/output ports (see the above description).
Below we provide a standard printer driver program on the KR580VV55A chip. Such a driver can be found in many programs that work with a printer connected through KR580VV55A.
N ! Mnemonic ! Comment
--------------------------------
10! LD A,#98 ! Setting up the PIA:
20! LD C,#7F ! channel A - input
30! OUT (C),A ! channel B - output
! ! channel C1 - output
! ! channel C2 - input
40! LD C,#5F ! Remove signal
50! OUT (C),C ! STROBE
60! LD C,#3F ! Issue byte
70! OUT (C),A ! to printer
80! LD C,#5F ! Polling
90! M1 IN A,(C) ! signal
100! RLA ! BUSY
110! JR C,M1 !
120! LD D,#FE ! Issue signal
130! OUT (C),D ! STROBE
140! M2 DEC D ! Delay
150! JR NZ,M2 ! STROBE
160! OUT (C),C ! Remove signal
170! RET ! STROBE. EXIT.
This driver consists of two parts:
1. Lines 10 - 50 - PIA setup;
2. Lines 60 - 160 - issuing a byte to the printer, which is contained in register A.
As you have already noticed from the provided program listing, the addresses of external devices relative to Z80 are as follows:
#7F - control register of the PIA;
#5F - port C (C1 - output STROBE, C2 - input BUSY);
#3F - port B (output data byte to the printer).
Port A, with address #1F, is reserved in many schemes for the KEMPSTON-JOYSTICK.
ZX-LPRINT (MK III) PRINTER DRIVER.
The driver exists in two variants: resident and non-resident. The resident driver is stored in ROM (see Fig. 2) and is called only from the 48K mode using the LLIST, LPRINT, COPY commands. Many programs can also access this driver. How to work with such a driver is described above. It should be noted that this driver is launched only when working with BASIC through stream #3. For example, the commands: LLIST and LIST #3 are identical.
The non-resident driver is inserted into the body of some program (just like the KR580VV55A driver) and controls the printer "bypassing" the ROM with the resident driver.
Below we provide the standard printer driver for ZX-LPRINT, which is used in many programs, both in 48K mode and in 128K mode (i.e., it does not use the system variables of the operating system).
N ! Mnemonic ! Comment
--------------------------------
10! M1 IN A,(#7B) ! Polling
20! AND #80 ! signal
30! JR Z,M1 ! BUSY
40! PUSH BC ! Delay for
50! LD B,#40 ! STROBE
60! OUT (#FB),A ! Issue byte
70! M2 OUT (#7B),A ! Issue STROBE
80! DJNZ M2 ! Delay
90! OUT (#FB),A ! Remove STROBE
100! POP BC !
110! RET ! Exit
As you have already noticed from the provided program listing, the addresses of external devices relative to Z80 are as follows:
#FB - input/output data without STROBE,
#7B - input/output data with STROBE.
In many drivers, lines 40, 50, 80, 100 are often absent, as there is no need to introduce a delay for the STROBE signal. But if your printer's STROBE signal is critical in timing parameters, it is better to introduce a delay. The nominal delay is chosen in line 50. You can start with the maximum #FF and, reducing, adjust to the nominal value. (For example, for the ROBOTRON 6329 printer, the nominal value is #40.)
The above printer drivers may differ slightly in some programs, but the main organization of software support looks the same as in the provided listings. Now, having standard printer drivers in front of you, you can insert them into any program, knowing how your computer's printer interface is implemented, i.e., achieve compatibility of the program with your computer.
Below, using the "ARTSTUDIO" program as an example, we will show how to achieve compatibility of the printer driver.
SETTING UP THE "ARTSTUDIO" PROGRAM.
The "ARTSTUDIO" program is the most powerful and flexible among the currently existing graphic editors for the "SPECTRUM" class computer.
The program was created with consideration for all users - both beginners and artists engaged in professional graphic drawing.
The program is an installation program (install programm), i.e., you can use it to set up (create) a working copy of the program that will be oriented towards a specific configuration of your external devices (printer, keyboard, joystick, interface, driver, etc.).
To create a working copy, you need to have the original disk (original disk) on which the install program is recorded, and the designated disk (destination disk) on which you will create (install) the working copy.
The "ARTSTUDIO" program exists in two versions: 48K and 128K. All actions for setting up the program described below are valid for both versions.
To properly configure the "ARTSTUDIO" program for working with a specific printer in graphic mode, you need to know the basic commands of your printer. These commands are provided in the user manual for your printer. If you do not have a manual for the printer, below are the basic command codes for EPSON-compatible printers.
So, let's proceed with the program setup.
After loading the "ART S128" program, you will see the message "ART STUDIO 128K install programm", which indicates that the program is an installation program.
Next, the program will ask you where you will install the program - on a cassette or on a disk. You will need to choose a specific external medium.
After selecting the medium, the program will display the following table and question:
1....User-defined keys
2....Interfase 2 joystisk
3....Kempston joystick
4....Cursor keys/joystick
5....AMX mouse
6....Kempston mouse
Select input device ?
This table and question require you to select a specific input device with which you will control the program. You need to press a specific number.
To select the keyboard, we will enter the number 1.
Next, the program will require you to designate the keys with specific directions and the SELECT command.
After that, the program will ask:
Are you using an 80-column dot matrix printer (y or n)?
i.e., will you be using an 80-column (narrow) matrix printer? If your printer has other characteristics, you answer 'n'.
Then the program will display the following table-question:
1. Kempston 'S' Centronics
2. Kempston 'E' Centronics
3. Tasman type A Centronics
4. Tasman type B/1 Centronics
5. Tasman type B/2 Centronics
6. Tasman serial RS232
7. Hilderbay Centronics
8. Morex Centronics
9. Morex RS232
10. ZX Interfase 1 RS232
11. ZX Lprint II/III Centronics
12. ZX Lprint II/III RS232
13. Micro Peripherals Centronics
14. Direco Centronics
15. Dk'tronics Centronics
16. AMX Centronics
17. Indescomp Centronics
18. Indescomp RS232
19. Spectrum+2
255. User-own driver
From this table, it is clear that you are required to select the controller and type of interface through which your printer is connected to the computer. This selection is needed for the program to install the specific driver in the program. If you do not find the connection method for your printer in the table (for example, via KR580VV55A), you can select 255 - User-own driver. After such a selection, the program will create control codes for the printer, but you will have to insert the driver into the created program yourself (how to do this will be explained below).
For example, we will set up the program for the MS 6312 printer, which is EPSON-compatible.
Our printer is connected via ZX-LPRINT with a CENTRONICS interface, i.e., we need to select number 11 from the table.
Next, the question will follow:
Enter number of wires in print head (7 or 8)?
Here we are asked to choose how many needles (7 or 8) can be used by the printer when outputting an image.
To the question: Is the top wire the mb (y or n)? you need to answer 'y'. Here you set the correspondence between the needle numbers and the bit numbers of the output byte.
Next, the question will follow:
Enter control codes to be sent to the printer before a screen dump, separated by commas?
The program asks you to enter control codes with which your printer should be prepared for printing, as well as any other preparatory codes (line feed, etc.).
For our printer, we enter:
27,65,8 - in this case, this chain of codes corresponds to the command 'set interval to 8/72 inches'.
The numbers are entered in decimal form, separated by commas.
To the question: Enter number of dots in single density mode? You should enter the number of dots printed at single density. We will enter 480.
Next, the question will follow: "Enter control codes....", to which we must enter control codes with which the printer switches to graphic mode single density with the specified number of dots. We will enter: 27,75,224,1.
Next, there will be the same 2 questions, but for double density printing. The answers will be respectively: 960 and 27,76,192,3.
To the question: Enter control code for carriage return? you need to enter the code corresponding to the carriage return - 13.
To the question: Enter control code for line feed? you need to enter the code corresponding to the line feed - 10.
After answering all the questions, the program will display a resulting table of all the parameters you entered. If you are satisfied with this table, then to the question: Is this correct? you need to answer 'y'. Otherwise, the questions will repeat.
After an affirmative answer to the last question, the installation of the working program will be completed on the selected external medium. The name of the new program will be assigned as "STUDIO 128".
CHOICE OF GRAPHIC IMAGE MODE ON THE PRINTER.
You can output graphic images of various scales and densities on an EPSON-compatible printer.
When setting up the "ARTSTUDIO" program, we specified two modes of graphic image on the printer: normal density and double density, using a set of control codes.
These modes were set with the following codes:
- normal density (480 dots) - 27,75,224,1
- double density (960 dots) - 27,76,192,3
From the table below, you can see that the graphic mode of the printer can be changed and, consequently, images can be output to the printer in various formats.
Mode Density Code Content
-----------------------------------------------------------
! 0 ! Single ! ESC K ! 60 dots/inch !
! ! ! ! 480 dots/8-inch line !
! ! ! ! 816 dots/13.6-inch line!
-----------------------------------------------------------
! 1 ! Double with ! ESC L ! 120 dots/inch !
! ! low speed ! ! 960 dots/8-inch line !
! ! ! ! 1632 dots/13.6-inch line !
-----------------------------------------------------------
! 2 ! Double with ! ESC Y ! same density as in regime 1, but faster. !
! ! low speed ! ! !
-----------------------------------------------------------
! 4 ! elt 1 ! none ! 80 dots/inch !
! ! ! ! 640 dots/8-inch line !
! ! ! ! 1088 dots/13.6-inch line !
! ! ! ! Matches screen density 10 (this facilitates unloading the screen) !
-----------------------------------------------------------
! 5 ! one after ! none ! 72 dots/inch !
! ! another ! ! 576 dots/8-inch line !
! !(graphic ! ! 979 dots/13.6-inch line !
! ! printer) ! ! Horizontal density is the same as vertical, allowing for distortion-free representation of curves. !
-----------------------------------------------------------
! 6 ! elt 11 ! none ! 90 dots/inch !
! ! ! ! 720 dots/8-inch line !
! ! ! ! 1224 dots/13.6-inch line !
-----------------------------------------------------------
! 7 ! graphic ! none ! 144 dots/inch !
! ! printer with ! ! 1152 dots/8-inch line !
! ! 4-fold density! ! 1958 dots/13.6-inch line !
! ! ! ! Very small images can be output! !
-----------------------------------------------------------
This table is provided for the MS 6312 printer. Other EPSON compatible printers may have some deviations.
The choice of graphic mode for the printer is set with the following control codes:
ASCII code ESC * (m)(n1)(n2)
decimal 27 42 (m)(n1)(n2)
hexadecimal 1B 2A (m)(n1)(n2)
where: m = 0 - 7 - graphic mode (see the table above)
n1, n2 = 0 - 255 - number of dots.
The number of dots is calculated using the following formula:
N = number of dots
n1 = N MOD 256
n2 = INT (N/256)
For example: N = 480 dots
n1 = 480 MOD 256 = 224 decimal or E0 hexadecimal.
n2 = INT(486/256) = 1 decimal or 01 hexadecimal.
You can see that the same codes were entered when setting up the "ARTSTUDIO" program.
When setting up the "ARTSTUDIO" program, you can specify any of the 7 graphic modes. For example, to the question where you need to specify the single density printing mode of the printer, you will enter the following parameters: 640 and 27,2A,04,128,2 you will set the 4th graphic mode and get images on the printer without any distortions.
SETTING UP THE "ARTSTUDIO" PROGRAM FOR ANY PRINTER DRIVER.
In this section, using the "ARTSTUDIO" program as an example, we will explain how to set up a particular program for a specific printer driver.
That is, our goal is to find out where in the program the printer driver is located and, if it does not suit us, to properly replace it with another.
The location of the printer driver in the program body can be determined using various disk or cassette monitor programs. We will use the "DOCTOR V4" program.
Using the "DOCTOR" program, we find the printer driver in the file "studio_m". It looks like this:
00 00 00 00 08
00 00 00 00 1B
41 08 E0 01 00
00 00 1B 4B E0
01 C0 03 00 00
00 1B 4C C0 03
0D 0A 64 87 6E
87 6E 87 73 87
16 00 DB 7B E6
80 C9 D3 FB D3
7B D3 FB C9 00
At first glance, it is not clear. But if you closely examine this dump, you will realize that it presents a table of parameters that we set when configuring the "ARTSTUDIO" program, followed by the printer driver program. Let's analyze this dump in order:
08 - the specified number of needles for the printer
1B 41 08 - command 'set interval'
E0 01 - number of dots at single density = 480
1B 4B E0 01 - command to enable the graphic mode of single density
C0 03 - number of dots at double density = 960
1B 4C C0 03 - command to enable the graphic mode of double density
0D - carriage return code
0A - line feed code.
This first part of the dump contains parameters for enabling various printer modes.
The second part of the dump contains the addresses for calling the printer driver and the driver program itself. Let's examine these codes:
64 87 - Starting address
6E 87 - Call address
6E 87 - Call address
73 87 - Call address
16 00 - Number of bytes occupied by the second part of the dump. The driver program "ZX-LPRINT" is located at the call addresses:
DB 7B E6 80 C9 - Polling the BUSY signal
D3 FB D3 7B D3 FB C9 - Outputting a byte to the printer
Now, knowing the values of the above codes, you can configure the working copy of the "ARTSTUDIO" program as you wish, without resorting to the installation program. That is, you can insert various parameters for the printer into the program: the number of needles, the number of dots, graphic image modes. You can also insert your printer driver into the program.
For example, for the printer driver on the KR580VV55A chip, the second part of the dump will look as follows:
64 87 6E 87 92 87
94 87 4F 00 3E 98
0E 7F ED 79 0E 5F
ED 49 3E 1B CD 94
87 3E 40 CD 94 87
3E 1B CD 94 87 3E
55 CD 94 87 3E 00
CD 94 87 C9 AF C9
0E 3F ED 79 0E 5F
ED 78 17 38 FB 16
FE ED 51 15 20 FD
ED 49 C9 00
The "ARTSTUDIO" program is configured to work with the printer driver on the KR580VV55A chip.
Now you have the skills to configure any program for a specific printer driver.
WARNING! To avoid damaging original programs, it is advisable to make all changes to programs on duplicate disks!
RETRIEVING IMAGES FROM ANY PROGRAM.
In this section, we will explain how to "extract" a desired image from any program.
The simplest way is to use the "magic button" - MAGIC.
Images are "extracted" as follows: you load the game you need. After the desired image appears on the screen, you press the "magic button" and the entire program from the computer's memory along with the screen area will be written to a floppy disk that you have previously inserted into the drive.
The saved file on the floppy disk is automatically assigned the name "@" . Now, to "extract" only the image from this magic file, you can use the following short program.
10 INPUT "NAME";N$
20 RANDOMIZE USR 15619:REM:LOAD "@" CODE 16384,6912
30 RANDOMIZE USR 15619:REM:SAVE N$ CODE 16384,6912
The resulting images can be processed by any graphic editor: ARTSTUDIO, ARTIST, etc.
COMMAND CODES FOR THE PRINTER
Special command codes are sent to the printer in series of ESCAPE sequences.
ESCAPE - the sequence consists of the code (27) and the subsequent alphanumeric characters or symbols. Below is a table of control programs. The decimal code of the functions is indicated in parentheses. The symbols that can be typed on the keyboard are indicated in angle brackets. The symbols N,N1,N2 are numbers in the range from 0 to 256.
-------------------------------------------------------
! FUNCTION ! CONTENT !
-------------------------------------------------------
!BEL (7) ! Sound signaling !
!BS (8) ! Back one step !
!HT (9) ! Horizontal tabulation !
!LF (10) ! Line feed !
!FF (12) ! Form feed !
!CR (13) ! Carriage return !
!SO (14) ! Enable Russian font !
!SI (15) ! Enable Latin font !
!DC1(17) ! Select printing device !
!DC3(19) ! Cancel printing device !
!CAN(24) ! Cancel line !
!DEL(127) ! Delete character !
!ESCN,N1,N2 ! Select graphic image mode !
!ESC1 ! Enable underline mode !
!ESC0 ! Disable underline mode !
!ESC ! Select 1/8 inch interval !
!ESC ! Select 7/96 inch interval !
!ESC ! Select 1/6 inch interval !
!ESCN ! Select n/288 inch interval !
!ESC ! Lock paper end sensor !
!ESC ! Enable paper end sensor !
-------------------------------------------------------
! FUNCTION ! CONTENT !
-------------------------------------------------------
!ESC ! Initialize printing device !
!ESCN ! Select n/96 inch interval !
!ESCN ! Select page length in n lines !
!ESC0N ! Select page length in n inches !
!ESC ! Set horizontal tabulation !
!ESC ! Select underlined mode !
!ESC ! Cancel underlined mode !
!ESC ! Select double strike mode !
!ESC ! Cancel double strike mode !
!ESCN ! Feed paper n/288 inches forward !
!ESCN ! Reverse paper feed n/288 inches !
!ESCN1,N2 ! Single density graphic image mode !
!ESCN1,N2 ! Double density graphic image mode !
!ESC ! Select "ELITE" step, compressed mode !
!ESCN ! Select perforation skip !
!ESC ! Cancel perforation skip !
!ESC ! Select character set !
!ESC0 ! Select upper index printing !
!ESC SI ! Enable compressed mode !
-------------------------------------------------------
! FUNCTION ! CONTENT !
-------------------------------------------------------
!ESC1 ! Select lower case printing !
!ESC ! Cancel upper and lower index printing !
!ESC1 ! Select extended mode !
!ESC0 ! Cancel extended mode !
!ESCN1,N2 ! Select double density graphic mode with high speed !
------------------------------------------------------
This table of command codes is provided for the printer MS 6312. Other EPSON-compatible printers may have some deviations or additions, but they are insignificant.
LITERATURE.
1. USER MANUAL "SPECTRUM" - COMPANY "VA PRINT".
2. A.LARCHENKO, N.RODIONOV "ZX-SPECTRUM FOR USERS AND PROGRAMMERS".
3. A.LARCHENKO, N.RODIONOV "DIALECTS OF BASIC".
Contents of the publication: Spectrofon #09
- Экспертиза - Дмитрий Усманов
Exploration of the game 'Laser Squad', identifying common bugs and proposing enhancements to elevate it beyond current versions. Highlights development efforts toward a networked variant of the game. Includes technical details for playing 'Laser Squad' via modem.
- Дебют - Дмитрий Усманов
Review of the adventure game 'MINDFIGHTER' on ZX Spectrum, highlighting gameplay features and language challenges. The game immerses players in a post-apocalyptic world with complex narratives. Notable are unique gameplay mechanics and English vocabulary intricacies.
- Дебют - Владислав Благовидов
Debut article about MARSPORT game exploration by Vladislav Blagovidov. Overview of game's mechanics and characters in a Martian port. Includes gameplay strategies and key locations.
- Экзамен - Антон Игошев
A detailed account of a bank robbery in the game 'THEY STOLE A MILLION' with strategic planning and character descriptions.
- Обзор
Review of new games in Moscow, including Elite III remix with improved graphics and 1st Division Manager's flaws. Spectrofon announces Star Heritage demo for issue 10. Seeking programmer for new football simulation project.
- Система - Сергей Савощенко
Instructions for extracting images from programs using a magic button and command codes for MS 6312 printer operations.
- С миру по биту
Discussion on game development, programming challenges, and reader queries about popular games for ZX Spectrum. Readers offer feedback and solutions for gaming issues. Authors are encouraged to submit programs with set royalties.
- Реклама
Advertisements and distribution channels for the Spectrofon magazine and ZX Spectrum software.
