Scorpion ZS 256: What's new? (C) Scorpion This is the question we are asked most often. Unable to respond to everyone, we decided to briefly answer this and other similar questions in this article. We want to share information about new developments in the field of computer peripherals and discuss the current situation on the path of developing our computer.
When talking about our new developments in the field of peripheral technology, we should first focus on the IBM controller - keyboard and mouse. Existing similar developments today have low technical specifications, represent two different devices, and, moreover, cannot simply be connected to the system socket of our computer and other computers with a similar system socket.
Speaking of low technical specifications, we mean the following:
1. Very long WAIT signal duration generated by the controller when polling the keyboard. This leads to unpleasant "howls" of musical accompaniment in programs that combine sound processing and key polling. Such a drawback is present in XT keyboard controllers for Profi and KAY-256 computers.
2. A rigidly defined, unchangeable "layout" of keys sharply narrows the range of programs that can take advantage of the IBM keyboard.
3. All existing developments are designed to work with the outdated and discontinued IBM-XT keyboard and do not support the IBM-AT keyboard, while most modern IBM keyboards no longer have the XT mode.
4. The lack of well-thought-out and diverse service capabilities limits the use of the extremely convenient IBM PC keyboard.
5. The KEMPSTON MOUSE controllers developed to date have two drawbacks: first, they work only with a relatively small (20-25) number of programs that support the KEMPSTON MOUSE interface (in other programs that do not have this support, the mouse will not work). Secondly, only a passive mouse can be used. These drawbacks are present in both Create SoftLab controllers and the controller published in the pages of ZX - Review (N11995).
The universal controller developed by us is free from all the listed drawbacks. For the keyboard, there are five options for the "layout" of keys. In addition, it is possible to introduce any reasonable number of additional options, which will be done after some time needed to identify the most frequently used and desired layout options. It is designed to work with any type of IBM keyboard, both IBM-XT and IBM-AT. The type of keyboard is determined automatically. The controller can service any active mouse from IBM-compatible computers, as well as "passive" mice from computers like ЕС1840, 41, "Korvet", "Poisk", etc. The determination of which mouse is connected also occurs automatically.
Finally, the main advantage of our controller is the ability to work not only in KEMPSTON MOUSE mode but also in emulation mode of any existing joystick types: KEMPSTON, SINCLAIR, CURSOR, INTERFACE II. The joystick type is selected from the IBM keyboard by pressing a combination of keys + + one of the numeric keys. Thus, in programs that support KEMPSTON MOUSE, you work with this interface, and in programs that do not support KEMPSTON MOUSE, you choose the emulation of any of the possible joystick types. In our opinion, this is simple and convenient. For fans of all kinds of "shooters," the "AutoFire" function, easily implemented with a mouse, will be quite useful.
Another important advantage of the controller is that it connects directly to the Scorpion ZS256 system socket without any changes to the board itself. The connection to other Spectrum-compatible computers is also not difficult, but some minor modifications to the computer's schematic will be required according to the instructions.
Another of our developments is the MIDI interface controller, allowing the connection of musical instruments with this interface to the Scorpion ZS 256 and turning the computer into a music center with sequencer, score editor, arrangement capabilities, etc. We hope you will be interested in our controller if you have any relation to music. Possessing all the capabilities inherent in similar devices for "Atari," "Amiga," etc., our controller with software costs several times less, which is especially relevant for beginner musicians. Detailed materials on this topic can be obtained by contacting the company "Scorpion."
The most important direction in the development of the Scorpion ZS 256 computer is the expansion of the built-in service software. In fact, the presence of such software is the main distinguishing feature of the Scorpion ZS 256 from all other machines of this class, allowing for constant development and expansion of the computer's capabilities without serious changes in the hardware part.
Initially, the computer had a 64 Kb ROM chip (27512), and just over 16 Kb was allocated for the shadow service monitor. As the built-in software developed, this space was fully occupied, incorporating only a small part of our ideas and concepts. The creation of a ProfROM became particularly relevant in connection with the development of a hard disk controller that worked in both TR-DOS and IS-DOS and CP/M systems. It was decided to increase the volume of built-in software by adding a professional ROM extension. Initially, it was planned to create a professional extension in the form of a program loaded into expanded memory. After the first versions of the professional extension in this form started working, we had to abandon this idea because the program worked quite slowly, occupied a decent amount of expanded RAM, which is already insufficient today, required loading from a diskette, etc. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be possible to increase the ROM volume without any modifications. A beautiful and original solution was found - instead of a regular ROM chip, a miniature adapter board with ROM types 27010 or 27020 is inserted into the same panel. In this case, the maximum volume of built-in service software increases to 80 Kb (for 27010) or up to 208 Kb (for 27020). The 27020 ROM will be installed instead of the 27010 by simply replacing the chip. To date, the ProfROM includes:
- a program analyzer based on the Resident Fort system, providing new flexible opportunities for debugging your own and studying others' programs;
- a tape program converter that allows converting programs from tape to disk practically without any modifications. The converter works on the same principle as the "MAGIC" button in TR-DOS but is free from most drawbacks and errors of the standard procedure for saving the computer's memory image to disk. In addition, the converter allows saving all working memory of the Scorpion ZS 256, and the converted program file is stored on the disk in a compressed format;
- support in the shadow monitor menu for KEMPSTON MOUSE and KEMPSTON joystick, making work convenient and pleasant;
- a program supporting the non-volatile memory chip and clock (CMOS). Besides the clock with calendar, the CMOS allows saving some hardware characteristics and operating modes during the computer's shutdown, which are automatically restored upon subsequent powering on. The CMOS chip will be structurally located on the hard disk controller board, but for saving operating modes, the following option can be used: saving the current operating modes of the computer to a diskette, with subsequent automatic restoration of these modes if the diskette is inserted into the drive when the computer is turned on.
In the very near future, the ProfROM should include: support for the hard disk controller (HDD), the "DISK DOCTOR" program. Understanding that it is impossible to embrace the incommensurable, we introduced support for a ROM disk in the ProfROM, on which frequently loaded user programs are stored. This includes "Money Commander" (an analogue of "Norton Commander") and the software shell "MaGos," turning the Scorpion into a pseudo-multitasking machine. The capabilities of the "MaGos" program are simply amazing. We advise you to familiarize yourself with the corresponding advertising information. Your computer will be transformed if "MaGos" is part of the built-in resident software. We note that you can order personalized ProfROMs from us with your favorite programs.
The significant delay in the "release" of the HDD controller is primarily due to the colossal volume of software required to maintain the convenient operation of the HDD in both TR-DOS and CP/M and IS-DOS. The concept of simultaneous HDD operation in different OSs is as follows: the HDD (with a maximum volume of up to 800 Mb) is divided by the user into several global partitions (one for each type of operating system): TR-DOS partition, IS-DOS partition, CP/M partition. In the last two partitions, subdirectories can be created; this is simple and clear. The TR-DOS partition, due to some "deficiencies" of this system, is divided into sub-partitions with a volume equal to that of a diskette (800 Kb). The user, using the built-in service software, has the option to work simultaneously with two such pseudo-disks, which represent logical disks C and D for the TR DOS system. Selection and connection of sub-partitions can be done either from the shadow service monitor menu or through special calls to subprograms of the service monitor from user programs. Working with files on pseudo-disks is done using standard TR-DOS tools.
In conclusion, we want to make an important remark regarding the ProfROM. Its operation is only possible on the TURBO version of the Scorpion ZS 256 computer. Accordingly, all additional devices supported by the ProfROM will only work on computers with TURBO mode. This is done, firstly, due to the insufficient performance of regular computers, where the operation of happy programs occurs so slowly that all the advantages of built-in software are lost. And, secondly, to protect our copyright on all these developments, as it is practically impossible to replicate our specific TURBO computer version, while on various "pirated" versions of the regular Scorpion ZS 256 board, which are already circulating in Russia and often creating a bad reputation for our company, the ProfROM and all devices supported by the ProfROM will not work. We offer all users who have a Scorpion ZS 256 (not Turbo) of branded manufacturing the services of upgrading their computers to TURBO mode and installing the ProfROM.
We want you to draw the following conclusion from all the information provided above - the capabilities of our computer are constantly being improved and developed, and we have only informed you about those developments that are either already being mass-produced or will start being produced very soon. Appetite comes with eating - as we implement our ideas, we find and develop new concepts, but we are not providing information on them yet. We hope that in our next correspondence with you, these ideas will already be realized. For any questions that arise after reading this article, as well as with any suggestions and wishes related to the Scorpion ZS 256 computer, please contact us at:
(812)-524-1653
(812)-172-6994
(812)-130-1995
or at the address: 199048 Saint Petersburg, P.O. Box 083, Sergey Zonov.
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.
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