Deja Vu #05: Expanded Memory Machine Support and Testing

SoundTrack: (C)SECTOR/SERIOUS S.G./DEJA VU
__________________________________________

Hello! We are pleased to present to you the next issue of the Kemerovo electronic publication.

Summer... Heat... But work on improving the design and interface continues.

It was decided to support machines with memory over 128k. But, as they say, the deeper into the forest, the more firewood. As a result, it was not possible to write a universal shell; everything that was planned did not fit into 128k memory (even after ze optimization).

We had to keep two shells on disk for 128k and 256k. Of course, we could have limited ourselves to the 256k shell, but that would have resembled the policy of mICROSOFT... Although the incentive for the user to UPGRADE remains!

I inform you that the new shell was tested only on Scorpion and Profi, although it should also work on Pentagon 512, ATM, KAY, Turbo 2+... Oh yes, it was also tested on Shalaev's emulator v3.04 in Profi 256/512/1024 mode - it works like a beast! We are waiting for a new version of the Pentagon emulator with 512k memory from Lion 17.

We hope you will like the result of our three-month work!

In the next issue, in the 128k shell, we may attempt, at least partially, to implement the features present in the 256k shell. Most likely, there will be many disk accesses.

The content of this issue is, as always, at a decent level - you will figure it out yourself!

The appendix is not too large, as the amount of information is quite substantial again! The question of releasing the magazine on two disks was raised, but most of the BDA team expressed protest and the issue was dropped. The source code for programming, examples, and necessary data had to be packed, so you will not find them in "ready" form on the disk! To use the source code, select the "UNPACKING SOURCES" option from the appendix, insert the formatted disk when prompted, and confirm your actions. Approximately 400 sectors of data will be unarchived to the disk. Attention!!! The old directory on the disk will be completely destroyed! Be careful and do not accidentally insert the disk with Deja VU #05!

A few words about the "arrow" procedure; I will try to clarify. In the first and second issues of the magazine, a procedure was used that was provided by the esteemed S0N; it turned out later that the author of the procedure is Sergey Kolotov (Serzh SOFT). In the third and fourth issues, the same procedure was slightly modernized by me (dAn!!L); in this issue, little remains of the old procedure (except for the mouse driver (c) Andrey Rachkin). Still, the polling algorithm (kempston format) belongs to Sergey Kolotov (Serzh SOFT).

The following people worked hard on this issue:
──────────────────────────────────────────
Editor-in-chief -      Bazhenov Alexander
                       (zE PaGaN/PGC/BDA);
──────────────────────────────────────────
Technical editor -      Bayanov Daniil
                         (dAn!!L/PGC/BDA);
──────────────────────────────────────────
Deputy technical editor -       Latyshev Denis
                       (Cardinal/PGC/BDA);
──────────────────────────────────────────
Coders -                    Bayanov Daniil
                         (dAn!!L/PGC/BDA);
                             Latyshev Denis
                       (Card!nal/PGC/BDA);
──────────────────────────────────────────
Sound Track -        Sector/Serious S.G.;
                  DJ.Darkman/Serious S.G.;
                  RLA/Computer Rats Group;
                DX-69/Computer Rats Group;
──────────────────────────────────────────
Graphics - Demiurge Ash/Eternity Industry;
                                 ColorBok;
                              Gas 13 Inc.;
                 M.M.A./Speed Co./Extreme;
                       CAV Inc./Auryn/CPU;
                           dAn!!L/PGC/BDA;
                         zE PaGaN/PGC/BDA;
──────────────────────────────────────────
Graphics work -         Bayanov Daniil
                         (dAn!!L/PGC/BDA);
                         Bazhenov Alexander
                       (zE PaGaN/PGC/BDA);
──────────────────────────────────────────
Design -                  Prosvirin Artem
                           (AR7!0/PGC/BD);
                             Bayanov Daniil
                          (dAn!!L/PGC/BD);
──────────────────────────────────────────
Introduction -  Max/Cyberax Software/BDA;
──────────────────────────────────────────

                >>> * > * 

Contents of the publication: Deja Vu #05

• Аперативчик - Max
  Detailed instructions on managing the DEJA VU interface, highlighting different input methods and navigation commands. Explanation of the new and old interfaces for enhanced user experience. Discussion on additional features like frame scrolling and music management.
• Аперативчик - Max
  Discussion on supporting machines with more than 128k memory, leading to separate shells for 128k and 256k systems. Testing was mainly done on Scorpion and Profi, with functionality on other models anticipated. Article includes guidance on unpacking source files and insights on using improved algorithms.
• Тема - M.M.A
  This article explores the theory behind digitizing sound on ZX Spectrum, focusing on sampling and quantization processes. It provides practical insights into converting sound files using specific hardware and software. Additionally, it offers methods to enhance sound quality while working within the hardware limitations.
• Theme
  The article discusses the Save Our Scene initiative aimed at uniting Spectrum users and developers to promote software distribution and enhance the scene's development.
• Charter of the Amazing Soft Making Association
  Discussion of the founding charter of the Amazing Soft Making association, detailing its goals, membership criteria, and operational principles.
• Theory of Magazine Creation
  The article provides a detailed guide for aspiring magazine creators, focusing on technical aspects such as interface design, memory management, text formatting, and music integration for ZX Spectrum publications.
• Solder Drop
  The article provides a personal account of purchasing and using the General Sound device for ZX Spectrum, detailing installation and sound performance. It discusses the initial issues encountered and praises the enhanced audio experience in compatible games. The author encourages further software adaptation for the device and reflects on multimedia capabilities with simultaneous hardware use.
• Solder Drop
  The article discusses the capabilities of Sound Forge 4.0c for professional audio processing on PCs, highlighting its extensive features such as sound editing, effects, and restoration tools.
• SOFTWARE
  The article reviews the latest software developments for the ZX Spectrum from Samara, including updates to MAXSOFT SCREEN PACKER, File Commander, and new applications like S-Terminal.
• SOFTWARE - Card!nal
  Review and walkthrough of the logical graphic adventure game 'Operation R.R.' with detailed level instructions. Discussion on game elements like music choice and graphic design. Mentions new coder MAX/CYBERAX/BINARY DIMENSION's involvement.
• SOFTWARE
  Discussion on the current state and evolution of the demoscene, highlighting the rise of 4K intros and upcoming competitions like FUNTOP'98.
• CODING
  Article discusses assembly language coding techniques for optimizing screen scrolling on ZX Spectrum, featuring example code and performance analysis.
• CODING - RLA
  The article explores stack manipulation techniques during second type interrupts for graphical effects on ZX Spectrum. It discusses solutions for preserving data integrity when interrupts disrupt graphical operations. Practical examples are provided to handle stack issues efficiently.
• CODING
  The article describes the MS-PACK packer and its DEPACKER, detailing usage scenarios and providing BASIC and assembly code examples for handling packed files. It emphasizes optimizing performance by allowing unpacking with interrupts enabled and separating the DEPACKER from packed files. Additionally, it includes insights on programming techniques for loading and executing BASIC files on ZX Spectrum.
• CODING
  The article discusses various coding techniques for ZX Spectrum, focusing on sprite rendering, rotation algorithms, and optimization methods to enhance performance.
• ANOTHER WORLD
  Discussion on the evolution of multimedia technologies and their impact on various fields, including education and entertainment. It covers advances in computer hardware and software that have facilitated the integration of audio, video, and text. The article reflects on past developments and speculates on the future of multimedia systems.
• ANOTHER WORLD
  Comparison of PC and Amiga systems highlighting performance, software costs, and user experience with multimedia capabilities.
• Honor Roll
  Interview with PROGRESS discusses their creative journey on ZX Spectrum and AMIGA, addressing challenges in demomaking and the current state of the scene.
• Honor Roll
  The article details the activities and future projects of the Eternity Industry team, based in Kovrov, including successful releases and collaborations with other groups.
• Honor Roll
  Discussion of the Artcomp'98 festival, focusing on its mail-in format and guidelines for various competitions, including demo, graphics, and music categories.
• Honor Roll
  The article provides a glossary of terms used in the demo scene, explaining roles such as musician, coder, and graphician, as well as different types of demos and effects. It serves as a useful resource for understanding the terminology and dynamics of the community. This is a descriptive piece aimed at educating readers about the jargon of the demo scene.
• Honor Roll
  The article discusses the issues with mouse support in various ZX Spectrum magazines and the frustrations of users when encountering compatibility problems. It critiques developers for not adhering to standards, leading to poor user experiences. The author expresses the importance of consistent improvements in software for the ZX Spectrum community.
• Honor Board
  The article discusses the process of creating tricolor images for ZX Spectrum using Photoshop and a simplified approach. It outlines how to divide an image into RGB channels and convert them for use on the Spectrum. Additionally, it provides tips on how to manage the files for optimal results.
• Honor Roll
  The article discusses the comparison and perspectives on various computer systems, particularly emphasizing the strengths of AMIGA over PC and advocating for appreciation of all machines.
• Seven and a Half
  Article discusses the humorous absurdities and peculiarities of military training and academia, blending satire with real anecdotes and witty observations.
• Seven and a Half
  The article provides a satirical manual on programming methodologies, mocking the rigidity of formal programming practices and advocating for a more creative approach to coding.
• Seven and a Half
  Instructions on safe sex practices, including guidelines on eligibility, preparation, and actions during and after the sexual session, along with handling emergency situations.
• Seven and a Half
  The article discusses a call for a talented artist in Krasnodar for a ZX Spectrum group, raises concerns about the unethical practices of Scorpion regarding software rights, and critiques a video review of E'97.
• Seven and a Half
  The article 'Семь и 1/2' narrates a humorous picnic adventure involving the editorial team of Deja Vu, highlighting their camaraderie and mishaps while preparing a barbecue.
• Trial of the Pen
  The article is a humorous take on the fictional adventures of Winnie the Pooh as he interacts with computers and friends, discussing the absurdities of technology and daily life.
• First Pen
  The article discusses the new section in Deja Vu dedicated to fantasy and science fiction literature, featuring book reviews and reader participation in content creation.
• Advertisement
  The article is an advertisement section from Deja Vu #05, promoting collaborations with designers and musicians for future issues, and offering various software and hardware for ZX Spectrum.
• News
  The article announces the launch of a new magazine, AMIGA RULES, focused on the AMIGA computer, addressing the lack of quality Russian-language publications. It aims to provide information on programming, hardware, software, and gaming, while fostering a community among AMIGA enthusiasts. The magazine will include contributions from readers and regular updates on the AMIGA scene.