ZX Format #01: Mailbox: Offers on Hardware and Software

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LOGROS Software

If you are looking for something new in software products or peripherals and you live in St. Petersburg, contact LOGROS studio and you won't regret it. We sell programs both on disks and on cassettes. Both catalogs contain over 3000 programs and are constantly updated. In addition, you can purchase quite useful peripherals, such as a modem or KEMPSTON MOUSE, branded boards, or an entire computer. We sell on weekends at the radio market in Avtovo (business club JUNO, stall 21), and on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00 at the store located at: metro Petrogradskaya, embankment of the Karpovka River, house 5, premises of the store-warehouse LenPoligrafMash. Lunch from 14:00 to 15:00.

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If you need music written on the new powerful music editor, contact the editorial office of the magazine in the name of Litvinov Andrey (LAV).

I do not write music for loaders!

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Creat Soft research ltd. (C) Maxim Romanov

I greet all readers of the new electronic magazine ZX FORMAT, and congratulate you on the release of its first issue! We hope it will delight you every month, and will not be a one-time thing, but will serve as a reference, or even better, a guide to ZX SPECTRUM. If you still do not have a mouse manipulator, you are in luck! It's time to get one! Because the best of electronic magazines works with it, and many software programs have been adapted and written for it! Moreover, you can assemble it yourself! Saving a lot of money! You can already order this DIY kit by mail! The kit for self-assembly includes the following components:

1. Interface printed circuit board, including a controller for two Sinclair joysticks

2. Programmed matrix

3. Schematic and installation diagram. (there is no need for a setup instruction! Everything works the first time if quality parts are used)

To work with the mouse, you need to buy 7 common microchips, several resistors, and 2 transistors! For full operation with joysticks, you need to solder two more microchips and 10 diodes! AVAILABLE EVEN FOR BEGINNERS!

Why this mouse? It is the cheapest of the existing designs today. Compatible with branded software. Any program mentioning Kempston Mouse will work with it without problems and hassle! The interface is designed to work with cheap, but at the same time, the most qualitative "Passive Mice", which provide smoother movements than "Active". A typical example of a mouse is "POISK", ES-1841, etc. There is already a sufficiently developed base of software both system and gaming. If you liked the game UFO-1, then know that UFO-2 will work with the mouse too! In any case, this development will not suffer the fate of similar developments like: connecting a mouse through the joystick port, connecting a mouse through a music coprocessor, etc. Previously classified, now available to everyone, a new mouse interface for any Spectrum!

The cost of the kit (board + p/m + schematic) is 15000 without shipping.

Remember this name: KEMPSTON MOUSE from CREATE SOFT research ltd.

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The Create Soft research ltd group congratulates all ZX SPECTRUM fans on the release of the new St. Petersburg electronic magazine ZX FORMAT.

Taking this opportunity, we are inserting some advertising information regarding Kempston Mouse into this creation. And by the way! This magazine, i.e. ZF understands this interface and works with it, just like many other new programs do.

If you still do not have it for any reason, you should hurry! As they say, the quantity of goods in stock is limited, and inflation is uncontrollable...

So far, two versions of the interface have been implemented. Moreover, the first and second did not differ much. The second version differs in improved decoding. Currently, the third implementation of the interface is being distributed, which includes all the best features from previous versions and, in addition, some separate improvements. Specifically, there are two.

1. The board implements two joystick ports of the SINCLAIR type, left and right respectively. The circuit is made in such a way that two players can play simultaneously on these joysticks without mutual conflicts between the joysticks (as always happens if you connect these joysticks randomly like two rows of a keyboard).

2. The improved system connector now allows you to easily connect this device to a machine like Scorpion (I personally know only one such machine, which is the Scorpion itself). To connect to other types of machines, it is enough to solder the connector to the necessary (again all indicated) outputs of the processor according to the instructions, add a resistor, well, in short, there is almost nothing to do...

It should be noted that our group also offers clean boards with programmed PLM for self-assembly. This phenomenon will last quite a short time as soon as all the boards run out, we will develop a new, more compact version, and that will be the end of the DIY kits. However, exceptions are possible. Including for non-residents interested in distributing this device in their region both as a kit for assembly and for self-assembly for resale. Large batches can also be supplied at a significant discount. In any case, if you suddenly become interested and decide to find out all the details, you should contact by phone (812) 151-7793 20.00-24.00 msc, or contact the distributor.

A few words to inform buyers who are about to purchase this device: there are several options for selling ready-made boards:

1. A complete set, including the Interface itself, a mouse manipulator (upon request, installation of an imported mouse is possible) usually of the POISK type and a diskette with accompanying programs. Plus, a passport with documentation for connection and a six-month warranty.

2. Only the interface board with a passport (it makes sense to take it if you already have some mouse, or you threw away some computer like MAC, PC, ATARI ST, as a result of which you have such a small, but very nice mouse...) and an accompanying disk.

3. Of course, other options are also possible, but they need to be discussed at the aforementioned phone number.

THE PRICE OF THE MOUSE INTERFACE (ours) IS ONLY ABOUT $15 FOR A COMPLETE SET WITH MOUSE, DISK, BOARD, AND WARRANTY!!!

The choice is yours...
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Contents of the publication: ZX Format #01

  • IS-DOS
    IskraSoft introduces IS-DOS Classic 4.0 with advanced text editing features, a disk utility, a hard drive controller for ZX Spectrum, and a program debugger.
  • IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
    Overview of IS-DOS for ZX Spectrum, highlighting its advantages over TR-DOS. Discussion on installation, usage, and file management features of IS-DOS. Introduction to system utilities and interface similar to Norton Commander.
  • IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
    The article provides a concise guide to the IS-DOS system disk, listing all essential files with explanations. Files are sorted alphabetically and grouped by directories for easy navigation. The guide focuses on a basic overview of files and commands without extensive descriptions.
  • IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
    Discussion on the UniColor standard for color settings in IS-DOS programs, its implementation, and advantages for user customization.
  • IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
    Discussion of IS-DOS window interface features. Implementation of window system in IS-DOS and its advantages. Example programs for creating windows and frames.
  • IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
    Description of the internal workings of the gmen.com program for IS-DOS, focusing on device management and menu handling with detailed source code and comments.
  • Hardware - Vladimir Larkov
    Discussion on modifying Scorpion ZS-256 hardware for compatibility with specific software. Describes blocking port #1FFD to run incompatible programs. Provides technical details for implementation.
  • Железо - Nemo
    Discussing hardware braking devices for ZX Spectrum. Focus on creation and impact of brakes on overclocked processors. Warning about potential side effects.
  • Железо
    Discussion of the impracticality of repairing old computers and the economic sense in replacing them with modern hardware. The article highlights challenges in DIY repairs and suggests alternative solutions. Emphasizes the benefits of upgrading to newer, more reliable components.
  • Железо
    Discussion of new peripheral developments for Scorpion ZS 256, including an innovative universal controller and MIDI interface. Highlights enhancements in keyboard and mouse controllers and expansion of built-in software capabilities. Offers details on professional ROM extension and turbo mode for improved performance.
  • Игрушки - Ruster
    A detailed walkthrough of the game Crystal Kingdom Dizzy, including solutions to puzzles and tips for progressing through the story.
  • Игрушки - Павел Рындин
    Description of the logic game 'Bulls and Cows', its mechanics and gameplay. Explains levels of difficulty and the goal to guess a number with minimal attempts.
  • Игрушки - Вячеслав Медноногов
    Discussion on the nuances of 'UFO: Enemy Unknown' game, focusing on alien species, their tactics, and gameplay strategies. Details on game mechanics and future sequel 'UFO-2: Devils of the Abyss'. Includes programming insights and development history.
  • Игрушки - SParker
    Overview of games and software on the Saint Petersburg market in 1995.
  • Интервью
    Vyacheslav Mednonogov shares his journey as a programmer, from assembling his first Spectrum-48 to developing notable games like 'UFO. Enemy Unknown'. He describes challenges and insights in game development and the rise of Russian game localization. His experiences highlight the evolution of programming and software distribution in the 1990s.
  • Информация
    Introduction to ZX-Format, a new electronic magazine for ZX Spectrum enthusiasts, focusing on games, programming, hardware, and community interaction.
  • Конкурс
    Discussion on organizing a new competition for the magazine. Readers are invited to submit their theme ideas. Selected themes will be featured in future issues.
  • Конкурс
    ZX Format announces a competition for the best mission created using the mission editor for the game Laser Squad. Submissions are accepted by mail or in person. Winner receives a box of 3M disks and the next issue for free.
  • Отдохнём - Килат Амор
    A programmer's day filled with dreams, gaming, and casual conversations. Vasetchkin balances ambition with relaxation, embodying the programmer's spirit. Reflects on the demands and enjoyment of a programmer's life.
  • Mailbox - Максим Романов
    Discussion on hardware and software offers in St. Petersburg by LOGROS and Create Soft, including detailed insights on Kempston Mouse interface.
  • Mailbox - SParker
    Compilation of cheat codes for ZX Spectrum games by Sergey Pavlov. Techniques for extra lives and immortality. Not recommended for fans of fair play.
  • Mailbox
    Description of submission guidelines for letters and articles to the magazine, including formatting and submission preferences.
  • Премьера - Алексей Щекин
    Gameplay of Lines game on ZX Spectrum, similar to Color Lines. Move balls to form lines of the same color. Scoring and controls are described.
  • Программистам - Дмитрий Рудовский
    Introduction to advanced BASIC programming techniques for ZX Spectrum 48, highlighting its advantages over 128 BASIC. Plans for future articles include service programs and language extensions. The article serves as a guide for experienced programmers.
  • Программистам - Михаил Спицын
    Introduction to assembly language on ZX Spectrum. Explanation of Z80 processor structure, registers, and basic commands. Includes example programs for learning.
  • Программистам - Андрей Седов
    Mission editor for Laser Squad by Andrey Sedov allows fans to create new missions. Includes user-friendly interface with minimal controls. Offers features like object editing, price adjustments, and sprite assignment.
  • Various
    History of Amiga computer development, its creators, and key features. Evolution from arcade games to a leading home computer. Amiga's market success and technological advancements.
  • Разное
    Review of upcoming ZX Spectrum software products with demos. Highlights include adventure games, RPG trials, and strategic tactics. Several well-known developers contribute to these releases.