of the Timex/Sinclair User Group of Las Vegas-a non profit, educational organization. Subscription to the “HACKER” is $15.00 per year (12 issues) and includes membership to TSUG of LV. Please remit to:

Ralph Hammer (treasurer) 2105 Oakwood Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89030

Meeting Date

LET'S GET TOGETHER

[xo MEETING: THIS MONTH] L22 page 2 for details

Meetings are held on the 3rd. Sunday of each month. Bring - All are WELCOME. _

a LN IE BOARD of DIRECTORS:

CHRIS FENN------------- 641-4082 RALPH HAMMER-------- 649-4127 STEVE SAWCHUK-------- 451-6676

CONTRIBUTING STAFF: STEVE SAWCHUK----- EDITOR IN CHIEF RALPH HAMMER ----—- CO-EDITOR CHRIS FENN--------- ART DIRECTOR DAWN SAWCHUK—-- CIRCULATION MGR.

a ET TS EE DW TT ITO TG CSS)

Newsletter Dedicated To All Personal Computers “the HACKER” is an official publication

IM CAST VOTES IM, FOR NEW fi LEADERS

By now, most of the user groups have already, or about to, choose a new slate of officers amongst the really enthusiastic members within their memberships (well it sounded good). Two such groups have chossen a member that they feel can handle such duties as leader of their groups.

The C/CATS group in Portland, OR nas elected Mr. Ken Lutes as Chairman . And the CATS group in Fairfax, VA has elected Mrs. Ruth

` Fegiley as President .

As the new decade unfolds,, the two new elected presidents will have their hands full leading their groups to new fields of computing. We of the HACKER staff wish them well in their new positions.

QUOTE_OF THE MONTH

Change starts when someone sees the first

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NO MEETING HELD IN IIIT IIT TITTY Tritt yy) ee

FOR THOSE.OF YOU WHO MAY HAVE MISSED IT! () APRIL. EDITOR NEEDS (ip nes wt esa ERES V **> RMG ENTERPRISES <## BREAK. PE ANNOUNCES With the warm weather finally l MIN spi IR SEMINAR coming around and the editor going “WERE IS YOUR Pies =n SPEAKERS HAD TO bonkers filling the newsletter, it has . SAY ON. VARIOUS SUBJECTS AT been decided to take a break and relax “THE 2ND ANNUAL GREAT. NU TS MINI-FAIR! in the sun for awhile. Several other e e usm eseupeaet | members have expressed their desire 68000 ARCHITECTURE © MICHAEL E, CARVER to do something else and I'm taking a oe MACHINE CODE # SYD. YYNCOOP. ' ARCHIVE EXPLORED 8 M, VINCENT LYON

smali trip up to Reno with my family “TS TELECOMMUNICATIONS a HARVEY TAYLOR to attend the wedding of my niece. The DISK DRIVES ON THE.2068 # JOHN SCEARCE/JIM BALAZIC original date for the meeting was the ZX81/TS1000-THE SKY'S THE LIMIT a WILF RIGTER

üiiday. So.that 80 COLUMN PRINTERS ‘ON THE 2068 # DICK WAGN 15th. But that's Easter Sunday "ALMOST. 6. HOURS..OF. INFORMATION ON 1.VHS VIDEO TAPES was out. The next Sunday is the date OLY $15.95 PP (US) # $17.05 PP TO CANADA that the newsletter goes to press. so Available EXCLUSIVELY FROM: that's also out. And the next Sunday is | RMG ; iene the wedding. So guess what? No place OREGON CITY, OR 97045 to hold the meet, so no meet. I think 503/655-7484 f that it is nice to take a break once in a MASTERCARD (FOR CATALOG, SEND'83.00 VISA (

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anyway. See ya in May... esses

CHRIS FENN-

Well it looks like the PSION Mobile Computer may be delayed again for their introduction into this country. They are now scheduled for release in Jume’90. It appears that the demand has been great enough elsewhere that they need to gear up production before the US release. I'll just have to wait a little longer for my MC400, but I've been saving up many good sounds for it anyway. After getting used to listening to Scotty from Star Trek - telling Sulu to go-to battle stations?

When I turn my Mac on in the morning, to hear the Monty Python's Holy Grail mob arguing about whether he's dead or not, till I shut the Mac down at night, and all the sounds in between (machine gun instead of a beep etc.). I'm really excited about using sounds like these in a laptop. The sounds played on a MC400 won't approach the quality you'll get out of

your Mac, but you won't have to buy an extra gizmo to get them into the machine. And the sound files themselves will compress far smaller on the PSION’s than on a Mac.

The last issue of BYTE had Jerry Pournelle mentioning that he still carries his 288 and remains fond of it. He also reviewed a book on the Z88. 288 MAGIC by Vic Gerhardi; Jerry calls the book “An excellent tour through the Cambridge 288 computer”. The Z88 may be getting the 1 MEG RAM cartridge that was- promised long ago. Many people have: been anxiously awaiting this item: I've found the 1/2 MEG cartridge to bet: Plenty for my trusty 288. Hardly ever do I have less than at least half of my _ available RAM free. I keep most of my programs and utilities on my main EPROM which I leave in slot 3. I've created many CLI files that will select the proper sub-directory, load the program from the EPROM, go to BASIC and bring the program up and running, and then go back to the FILER and erase the program from RAM.

Here's one such example:

er eu: -5 gO to BASIC

TST eUTe ROB ee /TADDER. BAS*E™E FETCH FADDER. BAS from the EPROM : i change sub-director to UT, t A *CLI CH. "//FADDER. BAS" ~E~E CHAIN IN FADDER. BAS ES #F (/ER//FADDER. BAS~EN~E go back to FILER and ERASE FADDER. BAS #5 +: return to BASIC

as a

os . s ‘ae as as

have access to all my programs use up excessive

Anyway this lets me easily without having to

Last month I gave you a list of some of the better out of state BBS'es to try if you were tired of the local ones. If you did access any of them, I hope that they were to your liking. Since writing my last article, I came across another out of state board that had a toll free number. The board is supposed to be some kind of market research type BBS. Access is free and usage is free. If anyone is interested in trying it out, here is the details. The name of itis CAT-TALK CONFERENCE BBS. The phone number is 1-800-446-4698...

1200/2400...8-N-1 .I had to log-on at 1200 as I was getting too much line noise. When you get a connect and read what is on the screen, type “heip” in lower case letters. This will identify you as a new user. They will ask you if you want to register. Answer the questions asked. They will then tell you that they will personally check your phone number and that you will be notified by mail within ten days with their assigned password. Thats all for that session. | logged on, but as yet, I haven't heard from them, so I can't tell you anything more.

Being that I featured out of State BBS‘es last month, I thought it is only

fair that I give our locals some exposure, so I decided to feature six (I think) that operate BBS's. This is mainly for the benefit of any new members that are not familiar with them. Maybe some of you older members might not know who they are, but I know who they are. I contacted each one of the SYSOPS for their respected board info, and this is what I got.

FIRTH OF FIFTH.. -102-642-2278...SYSOP ALLEN WOOLLEY...300/ 1200/2400 baud modem on line 24 hours a day. He runs WILDCAT v2.0N which supports multi- node service. Also runs the- ProPak series of utilities which supports Doors and external protocols. The board is run on a AMAX 10Mhz XT mother- board, two 3.5" 32 meg RLL hard drives. A 60ms Fuji drive is used for the downloads and a Kalok 45ms drive runs the board. The system runs under DOS 3.3. The system will support MS DOS machines (IBM & Compatables), Mac & Amiga computers with files for each type. As of this writing, there are 174 registered users, a large message base and 498 files available for down- load. Allen said that he has no download/upload ratio, but if you exceed a 10/1 ratio, you will geta really long “nag” message from him. He has just opened several DOORS on the system, one of which is my favorite, RENO KENO. You can also bank your unused time up to 60 minutes in case you might need the extra time to download a long program. Please upload ZIP files and GIF or TXT files only if possible. You

must use PKZIP 101, as all IBM files have been converted to that version. If you upload adult GIF files, please state as such in the description. FOF. is also supporting the Las Vegas Astronomical Society with both bulletins and files. Allen states that the BBS requires no fancy registration by mail-or any fees. Callers have 100% access on their first call. Another fine board. Try it. #88881 [SA*****702-452-6156... SYSOP ALYSSA BAIRD...

300/ 1200/2400 baud ZCOM24/AT modem on line 24 hours a day. Her com: programis the:PCBOARD.

V 14.1/D. The-board:is run by a Michada 286 computer. When new users register for the first time, there is immediate call back verification. Users are deleted from the board if there is no activity for 60 days. As of this writing there are 483 registered users. There are presently 479 files available for downloading. There is no U/P to D/L ratio, but you are given additional on-line time for your uploads. The board uses all protocols plus Bimodem. She accepts all of the compression utilities and has text and file viewing. There are 3 conferences: SYSOPS only, ABC's (beginners material and tech talk), and SWAPMEET (buy sell or trade ads). There are 36 on line games going plus 4 tournaments. The tournaments are password protected. The bulletins include text bulletins for help to newcomers to Las Vegas to funny stories to read on line. I am not able to recommend this board at this time as I have not logged on to it as yet. I will though in the near

future. Give her a try.

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARC... Node” 1 702-438-6051.. Node*2 438-0076...SYSOP DOUG CROWE.:. Raiders is run with WILDCAT V2.00P 24 hours a day and supports 2 nodes. Node 1 is run by a Hayes VSeries 9600 modem at 300-9600 baud. The computer doing all the work is an A&S PC/AT with 2 10mb of storage. Node 2 is run by a US Robotics Courier modem at 300/ 1200/2400 baud. The computer used for this one isa TANDY 1000.- - networked into the AT computer with Lantastic: Both are workings: je: _ rather weil: considering his larger+==:= amount of users. The BBS was started. on June 17, 1985 and has been going strong ever since. Doug says that he also has a 60 meg Everex Tape Backup system. There are several registration schemes for the board with a mail in form for validation. He will tell you when you log on for the first time. As of this writing there are 695 active users, 5,225 files available for downloading, 4,131 active messages and has had 49,937 calls to the board. There is always plenty of discussions going on all the time. If you want to keep abreast of things locally and nationally, this is the place. Also there are about 70 doors to go into with plenty of games, etc to fulfill your time. The board supports all of the protocols and will accept any of the file compression utilities, text, gif and most anything else.

There is file and text viewing before you download a program. This board will keep you plenty busy. A must

for all who like to BBS. See ya there!

Served

NIGHTHAWE BBS... 702-644-1537...SYSOP JERE WESSELL.. The board is run with a Practical Peripherals modem at 300/ 1200/2400 baud 24 hours a day. The board com program is SPITFIRE BBS V2.7. The computer doing the work is an ACER 910 AT running at 12mhz with a 40 meg hard drive. It supports ZMODEM, XMODEM, JMODEM, KERMIT and SUPERK6 transfers. This is an ADULT orientated BBS and you must be 18 years old to register. JERE says that he uses voice verification to insure that the user is 18. There are currently 59 registered users and 469 files available for download. There is a 3 D/L to 1 U/L ratio. The board is restricted to graphics, animation and adult games. Please use only the ZIP utilities for uploading files and GIF for graphics. This is a fairly new board and Jere welcomes all to try it out. If you have a VGA monitor, there are some super GIF files available. Give it a try.

THE COMIC CONNECTION... 702-644-1157...SYSOP LONNIE ODOM...300/ 1200/2400 baud operating 24 hours per day. Lonnie didn't say what modem he was using or what computer was running the system but, he has 2 megs of RAM and 40 meg hard drive running at 10mhz. Validation after registration usually occurs within 24 hours. Out of town callers are given temperory validation and full use on the first call. There are various message sections covering most common bbs topics. There are 9 transfer protocols

including Zmodem, Jmodem, Kermit, Super&k, Bimodem and more. There - are usually between 350-400 files available for download. He didn't state any ratio system. Please use only the ZIP utilities for upload and no GIF files. The purpose of the- board is strictly for enjoyment for the users and the SYSOP. Lonnie states that as soon as everything is aquired and assembled, he will be setting up the LVPCUG BBS of which he will be the SYSOP. The new board will be for registered club members- and also for validated members of other user groups. Maybe we =) <> able to upload sonie of our. best: library disks so that the librarian won't have to do so much copying at the Sat. meetings. You never Know. Give the COMIC CONNECTION a try. Lonnie will be looking for you. WEEKEND HUDDLE... -702-387-1102...SYSOP THERESA HEISSERMAN...300/ 1200/2400 baud on a PROMODEM modem. The board is run on a IBM XT CLONE with a 30 meg hard drive using the TBBS terminal software. It is on line 24 hours a day supporting approximately 50 active users. There are currently about 150 files available for downloading after the big board crash last November. The board supports both ZIP and ARC files, but probably will convert to all ZIP. Has a good message base and also “Yellow Pages” for all your for sale items. You can also get the latest info on upcoming Computer Swap meets on the opening screen. There is also a special section for LOTUS 1 2 3

that members can get help on, as | am also the LOTUS SIG person. I am not a real busy board, so you should have no trouble logging on. Access time for users is usually 30 minutes. Give me a try. Will be glad to hear from youall, | Well fellow users, I better end

this column. It is getting quite long and I have to get on Raiders and Fifth of Firth to play my Reno Keno, so till the next issue, keep the lines busy and get some of those new hot Shareware programs. PKZ101 is out and most boards are converting their programs to it so. you must have it to unzip the files: Happy computing!!

THE HONEST, & TRUTH pet [N

In looking over the newsletters that we have recieved in the past few months, I began to notice one thing more over another. Writers and editors are injecting some much-needed humor. There for awhile, you wouldn't dare pick one up, for fear of reading of doom -sayers, prophecies and falling skies.

I really enjoy looking at the SWYM n/1, especially the secretary's report. Please take no offense of this, Malcolm, but your style of writing has just a slight warped factor to it, and I love it. ZX-APPEAL's scribe, Harvey Taylor, also has a writing

flavor that leaves a pleasant aftertaste.

SNUG is now off and running, with a straight-forward n/1 to tempt even the hardcore “Other-Brands” users. We can only hope and pray that they continue on with all the best of luck. We here on the Hacker Staff will do our best to give some support, and. not only the vocal type.

Larry Kenny is still hard at work on his DTP and spelling checker. We all know that spring is just around — the corner, so planting can't be far behind. I can only say that I'll be. _ Keeping. the faith, so to speak, as only, his track record speaks for itself... +-

I've noticed that most of the User: . Groups have now taken to build up their own Libraries, both with . printed materials, and software of the PD encounter. But now is the time to ask the next question, will we be seeing a hardware domain also? Rod Gowen has already announced that he will be the last Dealer to quit. Let's get busy out there, folks. Buy something, anything from your favorite dealer.

You all be sure to get your reservations in early for the TS FEST in June, which is being hosted by the Milwaukee Group. I gota - sneaking suspicion that these will become a One-Per-Year thing too. You've got to admit one thing though, it makes for great vacation planning.

Well, it's time to get off the stick, and back in the land of the living, as my wife puts it. I'll try to include a couple of programs in our May issue. See you all soon.

from th

EDITORS DESK

Well, one can really tell that we are experiencing a very early spring. The weather has been so nice, that no-one wants to come to the meetings. But that’s OK, because | don't either. The last meeting that was held on the 16th. of March had a grand total of 2. Ralph and I spent the time completing the flier that Rod Gowen is going to mail to his customers for us. Ralph also worked on his article and that was the bulk of the monthly meeting.

I recieved a phone call from John Sumpolec the other day, with the thought of chang:ng the meeting dates to an evening that was not conflicting to a weekend or other commitment. I then passed this on to the other FAITHFUL THREE, and they felt that this was a great idea for the summer months.

It was then agreed that the meeting are to be held on the third Thursday of each month, beginning in May at 6:30 or 7:00 PM, at the same location.

This will give everyone a chance to get out and soak up the fine weather we've had. The meeting that was to be heid in April, has been cancelled. If you havn't read it on page 2, take a look. I'm taking a long needed rest. With everything going on in April, I will not have the time to host the meet. The 22nd

will be the day the newsletter goes to press and the next weekend I'm outta here.

Recieved a letter from Jack. Boatwright in Ontario, OR requesting info about the "HACKER". He states in his note “ that he has recently become avidly re-interested in his ZX-81 and found that most of the support has disappeared”. I've sent him a copy of last months N/L along with some info about RMG Enterprises. Glad to see a Sinclairer. back.

I've received several reports that: - a new magazine has picked up wherei:: the Computer: Shopper: left off. Thess: name of the new publication is “Vulcan's Computer Buyer's Guide™ This publication can be gotten at “Waldens bookstores”. The copy that Frank Davis picked up has a article about Richard Matajovic of Columbus, Ohio, using a TS1000 with a Aerco Disk Drive System to read MSDOS disks. If it can be done with a TS1000, why not a 2068 doing the same thing.

Glad to see Tony Willing back in the saddie with his newsletter, after playing doctor and delivering his wife's baby. Congrates to the Willing family on the birth of their baby girl. Now, Tony, teach her computing, so she can carry on the newsletter.

The stress that has followed, putting this newsletter together, has forced me to resign as editor of this publication, therefor it has come to the point that I am turning over the job to CHRIS FENN.

Just Kidding, Chris...... April Fools.....