Returning to the printed or NEW-WITH-SOUL
(C) Maxim Romanov 1995
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The author warns that the article presents his personal opinion, which may not coincide, and in most cases does not coincide. With anything.
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Hello everyone! It's me - Romanov Maxim. Well, I have finally finished the long-awaited game and even released it for sale, which has given me a little free time, and I decided to write an article regarding S. Zонов's article in the "What's New?" section (ZX-Format #1), which resembles advertising the most and reminded me of an interview with Mr. Зонов on the pages of ZX-REVUE. But the main point is not this - Zонов, advertising his product, slanders others and leads users into a dead end, presenting them with fantastic capabilities of his product and not indicating how much money one needs to spend to obtain these capabilities! And are they really needed as much as Mr. Зонов seems to think? For the most part, this is excessive burden, leading to excessive expenses for the user.
To avoid being unsubstantiated, I will give an example. KEMPSTON MOUSE INTERFACE + IBM PC KEYBOARD + ... The mouse interface itself is good, Mr. Зонов seems to have done everything properly - the interface understands cheap passive mice and expensive active ones, which, for the most part, cannot provide the dynamic characteristics that passive ones do. Someone might claim: "Passive mice are nonsense, there are no others except for search mice, and active ones are the real deal!" Here one can say: yes, in our country, active mice have gained the most widespread use (mainly on IBM), because connecting them does not require additional cards, as for BUS-MOUSE (passive mouse interpretation of IBM), since most computers already have one or several COM ports on the multi-card, and adding extra hardware introduces certain conflicts. I had an acquaintance who bought a SOUND-BLASTER, and this blaster conflicted with his mouse (serial), so if a game required a mouse, the person would turn off the blaster, and if he wanted to play with music, he had to turn off the mouse... Absurd? But on the Spectrum, hardly anyone will experience such a thing. In general, based on my observations, I (this is my, and only my opinion) was not satisfied with the performance of the Serial Mouse (active), it works normally at a low polling frequency, but when the frequency increases, its dynamic characteristics somewhat deteriorate. This is mainly due to the fact that the active mouse uses the RS-232 type interface for data exchange with the computer, with a data transfer speed of 1200 baud (depending on the type of mouse, 3 or 5 bytes of data are transmitted, which is quite sufficient for PC). At this transfer speed, in the best case, 150 bytes are transmitted to the interface per second, which is quite enough for a polling frequency of 50 Hz (and less), but when the frequency increases (for fast drawing), you will get the same result as at 50 Hz. To better understand what is happening, let’s delve a little into the principle of operation of the serial mouse: after moving the mouse, counting pulses are sent to the microprocessor in the mouse. The processor calculates the offset from the previous coordinate in internal registers and sends the corresponding code to the line: 3 bytes for Microsoft mouse (2 buttons), and 5 bytes for 3x PC-AT mouse (3 buttons). It should be noted that coordinates and buttons are transmitted only when the state (physical) of the mouse changes, whether it is a button press or a shift, say, to the right. From all this, it is clear that at a speed of 1200 baud and a polling frequency of 50 Hz, the controller manages to provide the processor with actual coordinates, while at an increased polling frequency, the processor will receive previous coordinates, as the old movement is stored in registers, and the new has not yet been transmitted due to limited speed. This is how such peculiar broken lines appear instead of smooth ones, even with an increased polling frequency. Such a mouse can be compared to a long rope: if one person takes one end, and the author takes the other end of the rope, and the second one starts to yank it back and forth quickly, not all yanks of the rope will reach the first. But if the rope were short, all oscillations would be perceived by the first. Well, and a passive mouse with the corresponding controller allows for the most precise coordinate changes, regardless of the polling frequency and speed of mouse movement (the maximum speed of mouse movement is about 1.5 meters per second), since it does not need to convert coordinates twice. The active mouse is the most popular and quite expensive ($8-15), while the passive one is much less widespread and much cheaper (remember that the active one has a juicy CHIP microprocessor, while the passive one has cheap logic (1-2 packages)). I happened to see a super mouse for $15! Moreover, the serial mouse usually has two buttons, which is unacceptable for some programs, although passive mice can also have two buttons (except for Soviet ones - I've never seen less than 3 buttons on them). Now a few words about the PC-KEYBOARD... The keyboard itself is not bad, I have nothing against it. But I have my own opinion about the feasibility of this investment (the investment is not that small, however $15-20). Undoubtedly, 101/2 keys are better than 40, and better than 58. Where to squeeze! One inconvenience - there is nothing on the keys except for the standard alphanumeric set! AND IT CAN'T BE! Because on the PC you don't need anything else. BUT! This is not that place! On the Spectrum, a slightly different ideology of the keyboard is adopted than on other machines. I'm not talking about the fact that the Spectrum keyboard is a different color or shape, but about the fact that on the keys, in addition to the main symbolic set, there are also operator strings (PRINT, RANDOMIZE, COS, STEP, etc.), which cannot be found on a PC keyboard. Of course, one can get used to everything, but why create inconvenience and then adapt to it with pride? Undoubtedly, many who installed a PC keyboard did so after deep consideration (or being brainwashed by advertising and the word "IBM"), for work, let's say, in IS-DOS (text editors, etc.). For them (of course, if they are not doing anything else), it was not difficult to memorize the location of the "R", "J", or "L" keys with enter... But others who bought without thinking had to face problems like: searching for necessary operators and mathematical functions in standard BASIC for a long time (I wonder, what else can be used for calculations?); regularly confusing the CTRL, SHIFT, ALT keys; there are also minor inconveniences associated with the considerable size of the keyboard (it's uncomfortable to hold it on your lap, and even more uncomfortable on the table). For Mr. Зонов, to enhance competitiveness or increase sales, it would be nice to make stickers on the keys with Sinclair markings, otherwise it turns out that you bought a super-calculator, but apart from numeric keys, nothing is labeled, so guess where that very necessary function is, for which this entire calculator was purchased. Well, it seems we've figured out the keyboards and approached my favorite topic: the breakdown of the interface itself as a whole! Let's start small. Mr. Зонов puts a huge, downright fat plus next to the fact that the interface can emulate any joystick with the mouse, and a smaller plus next to the juicy AUTO-FIRE function. In my opinion, joystick emulation is yesterday's news (I wonder, has Zонов himself tried to play anything with joystick emulation?). The time has passed when lone craftsmen bought a mouse from the EU somewhere and inserted a couple of microcircuits into it, connecting it instead of a joystick, with a wild pride on their faces. Ah-ah! Not only could they now draw straight lines and diagonals in ART-STUDIO! But that time has passed, and more "normal" mice have arrived. A typical example: "KEMPSTON MOUSE" also connected to the KEMPSTON port, but worked on a principle similar to today's mice, the elementary part was simplified to a minimum, mainly its role was performed by software. Its disadvantage was the small number of programs. More precisely, there was one program "MOUSE STUDIO" (C) DEVID, and the main drawback was the polling principle. The processor had to spend almost all its time processing signals from the mouse, so there could be no adaptations for games under it. But time passed, and the most successful of all previously seen interfaces appeared: KEMPSTON MOUSE INTERFACE (compatible, by the way, with the branded interface, and therefore with programs). Due to the fact that the aforementioned interface had a low cost and simple installation, a considerable number of programs were adapted for it, both gaming and system. Practically no programs remained for which the user would sigh: I wish I could plug in a mouse here! Good programmers have long since remade everything, even overdid it a bit, and adapted what looks like a complete absurdity with a mouse (I won't name who and what). And now Mr. Зонов, a year later, claims that his mouse is great because it emulates joysticks! (YUCK!). Undoubtedly, it must be admitted that in Zонов's interface there is such a useful function as AUTOFIRE. BUT! For this, as well as for joystick emulation, you MUST buy a keyboard! Otherwise, you won't be able to switch modes! It's like this: you go to the store to buy a bicycle with the clear intention of riding it. Arriving at the store and paying the money (not little, after all, it's a bicycle), you are given, for some reason, a scooter, and moreover, without wheels... To the reasonable question "how, excuse me, to ride this?", you are sensibly told that, they say, you can buy wheels and pedals with a seat for an additional fee, and you'll have a bicycle... The same goes for Zонов. You buy a mouse interface ($15), the mouse itself ($10), and if it’s really urgent, a keyboard ($18) to emulate joysticks and have the promised AUTOFIRE. In general, with a simple calculation, the conveniences that Mr. Зонов offers ($15+10+18=$43!) amount to $43 (yes, forty-three dollars). If you convert this to rubles, your hair will fall out! It costs almost as much as the Scorpio board. Our mouse costs a total of $10, including the interface, mouse, disk, and warranty! Try comparing $43 and $10... Moreover, the blatant lie, aimed at smearing others in the article, stated that our mouse supposedly cannot be connected to Scorpio! It can! Connecting is easy and simple! And after connecting through the system connector, your system connector remains FREE for further peripheral connections. It’s easy to connect to other computers, just follow a small instruction, and if it doesn’t help - contact the place of purchase of the interface! In general, I was a bit annoyed that this entire interface was called a new development. The mouse interface has not been new for over a year, the keyboard - neither. Such a mix reminds me of what is happening today in the software sector. "NEW" games come in, mainly from 1989-1992, rarely from 1993. With them come quite old games, but in new packaging (in loading), and with inserted music... The same with Зонов: old thing + old thing = cool new!!! It is reasonable to assume that after some time, Mr. Зонов will come up with something new (or as always steal someone else's idea, immediately forgetting from whom), or find some old thing like a light gun, and, inflating it to the impossible, cross it, say, with his mouse manipulator, and write another article where he will tell how great it is to lie on the couch with a Dendy gun, and, shooting at the screen, write programs in BASIC. Or not in BASIC, whatever you like... Using his super-new interface... With that, allow me to conclude this review of "new-with-soul".
Contents of the publication: ZX Format #02
- IS-DOS
Announcement of a school-ready hardware-software complex by Iskra Soft and Peters, featuring a networked computer class setup on ZX Spectrum with IS-DOS.
- IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
Explanation of command line monitor and text editor restart in IS-DOS using mon.com utility as an example.
- IS-DOS
Introduction to IS-DOS system utilities, covering functions like help, user menu, file viewing, editing, and file operations.
- IS-DOS
Detailed description of the eliminat.com program for freeing memory from resident tasks and drivers, featuring interactive mode and command-line keys. Specific channel numbers allocated for task and driver types. Includes usage options and color customization.
- IS-DOS Window System - Владимир Елисеев
Exploration of IS-DOS window system restarts for printing text in windows and absolute screen coordinates. Examples of restart implementations such as lwt, adrwt, lenwt, prstr, str, and lnstr. Continuation to cover auxiliary restarts in next issue.
- Assembler
Introduction to assembly language basics, focusing on flags, arithmetic operations, and register manipulation. Discusses addition, subtraction, and complex operations like multiplication and division through examples. Highlights specific assembly commands and their functions for ZX Spectrum.
- Hardware
Discussion of hardware modifications for Scorpion ZS-256-Turbo, including the implementation of a Turbo/Normal switch. Pros and cons of software-based switching methods. Advice on soldering and circuit adjustments.
- Hardware
Discussion of a new music add-on for ZX Spectrum by X-TRADE and HACKER STINGER, called 'ZX GENERAL SOUND', offering high-quality audio and minimal processor usage.
- Hardware
Discussion on hardware innovations and marketing strategies, focusing on mouse and keyboard interfaces for ZX Spectrum. Critique of competitor's misleading advertising and analysis of serial versus passive mouse technology. Author questions necessity and cost of advanced features.
- Hardware
Discussion of hardware acceleration methods for ZX Spectrum, focusing on turbo-modes and their effects on performance and compatibility.
- Toys
Fantasy tale about magical creatures battling human intrusion. Main character recruits allies for a quest to restore the land's former glory. Challenges include finding tools, overcoming obstacles, and reviving companions.
- Toys
Review of 'Carrier Command' game, focusing on its strategic and simulation aspects. Includes detailed gameplay mechanics, controls, and objectives. Highlights strategies for success and unique features like managing resources and autonomous systems.
- Interview
Interview with Sergey Zonov and Andrey Larchenko discussing their experience with microprocessors and ZX Spectrum development, including the creation of the Scorpion ZS 256 computer.
- Information
Contact information and staff list of ZX-Format No. 2 (1995) including editor, coders, and designers.
- Information
Editor's address to readers of ZX Format, discussing the positive feedback, past errors, and the quest for a cartoonist, with future plans for the magazine.
- Information
Discussion on the new interpretation of the 'PULLDOWN' window menu system for ZX Spectrum, focusing on interface updates and user interaction enhancements.
- Information
Discussion about companies illegally distributing ZX Format, emphasizing the benefits of purchasing official copies.
- Competition
The article discusses the lack of participation in ZX Format's competition, detailing the rules and prizes, and encourages readers to engage with new ideas.
- Let's Relax
A humorous account of a software vendor's challenges dealing with clueless customers, illustrating the nerve-wracking nature of his job.
- Mailbox
Overview of hardware components and prices for ZX Spectrum enthusiasts with ordering details.
- Mailbox
Reader letters section in ZX Format #02 discusses reader feedback, addresses issues with ZX Format features, and offers future improvements.
- Premiere
Guide to Digital Studio v1.12, a music editor for ZX Spectrum, including features, menu navigation, and the use of Digital Studio Compiler.
- For Programmers
Exploration of tools that extend the standard Basic 48, including Renumber for Basic 128, Trace & Speed, Blast Toolkit, and ZXeditor, highlighting their functionalities and utilities.
- Various
History of Amiga computer models and their evolution from A1000 to A4000/60T with specifications and unique features. Explanation of technical terms and differences between chip and fast memory. Mention of new developments like AGA chipset and models for different needs.
- Miscellaneous
The article presents upcoming ZX Spectrum software releases and reviews game innovations like 'Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' and 'UFO 2: Devils of the Abyss'. It highlights features, creators, and technical requirements. It also includes announcements from SOFTLAND and Cracked Masters Group.
- Systems
Discussion of creating music with Instrument 3.01, focusing on digitized sound. Analysis of program's capabilities and conversion from ASC Sound Master. Instructions for composition and conversion.
- What's New
Review of new ZX Spectrum games entering the St. Petersburg market in late 1995. Detailed game descriptions, memory requirements, controls, and music/graphics evaluations. Highlights include Night Hunter, Extreme, Grell & Falla, and more.
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