The job file in turn calls each lettered la-
bel file in and runs the label printer automatical-
ly. The way computers are supposed to operate
right?
Here's a listing of the job file I use to
print mailing labels:
:LIS PRTLBL
0005 LOD A:RUN %LABEL:LOD B:JMP.E000:LOD C:JMP.E000:
0010 LOD D:JMP.E000:LOD E:JMP.E000:LOD F:JMP.E000:
0015 LOD G:JMP.E000:LOD H:JMP.E000:LOD I:JMP,E000:
0020 LOD J:JMP.E000:LOD K:JMP.E000:LOD L:JMP.E000:
0025 LOD M:JMP.E000:LOD MC:JMP.E000:L0D N:JMP.E000:
0030 LOD 0:JHP.E000:LOD P:JMP.E000:LOD R:JMP.E000:
0035 LOD S:JMP.E000:LOD T:JMP.E000:LOD V:JMP.E000:
0040 LOD W:JMP.E000:L0D XYZ:JMP.E000:
0045 LOD EXCH:JMP.E000:LOD C0MP:JMP.E000:
Remember the MOS/ARESCO assembler I reviewed
several issues ago? Well HDE went and fixed up all
the problem areas that I mentioned in the review
and then took it several steps further. The HDE
assembler is an honest to goodness two-pass as-
sembler which can assemble anywhere in memory us-
ing multiple source files from the disc. The as-
sembler is an optional part of the system.
If you're the kind of person (as I am) who
enjoys having the ability to customize, modify,
and expand everything you own-you'll enjoy the sys-
tem expansion abilities FODS has to offer, Adding
a new command is as simple as writing the program,
giving it a unique three letter name and saving it
to disc. Whenever you type those three letters
the system will first go through its own command
table, see that its not there and then go out and
read the disc directory to see if it can find it,
If it's on the disc it will read it in and execute
it. Simple, right? I've added several commands
to my system and REALLY appreciate having this a-
bility. Some of the things I've added include a
disassembler, an expanded version of XIM (the ex-
tended machine language monitor from Pyramid Data),
Hypertape, and a number of system utilities which
make life easier. By the way, to get back to the
system, all you need to do is execute a BRK in-
struction.
HDE also provides a piece of software that
lets you interface Microsoft 9 digit BASIC to their
disc system. The software allows you to load the
BASIC interpreter itself from disc as well as sav-
ing and loading BASIC programs to and from the disc.
This particular version of the software doesn't
allow for saving BASIC data but HDE mentioned that
this ability may be possible with a future ver-
sion.
The first thing I do with a new piece of soft-
ware after I get used to using it is try to blow
it up. I did manage to find a weak spot or two in
the very first version of FODS (a pre-release ver-
sion) but the later, release version has been very
tight.
The standard software that is included with
the system consists of the disc driver software,
the system text editor and the BASIC software inter-
face. Several command extensions may also be inclu-
ded. All the necessary stuff like a power supply,
the KIM-4 interface card, and all cables and con-
nectors ar included. It took me about 45 minutes
to get things up and running the first time I put
the system together.
Admittedly, a dual full size disc system from
HDE is probably beyond the means of most hobbyists
but if you or your company is looking for a dynamite
6502 development system, I would recommend this one.
I've used the Rockwell System 65 while I was at
MOS and feel that dollar for dollar, feature for
feature, the HDE system comes out on top. The only
place the HDE system falls short when stacked up
next to the System 65 is in the area of packaging.
At this point, there is no cabinet for the disc
drives available from HDE.
page 28
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So far, I've got nothing but good things to
say about HDE and their products. Everything I've
received from them has been industrial quality.
That includes their documentation and product sup-
port.I'm very impressed with what I've seen from
this company so far and quite enthusiastic over
what my KIM has become since acquiring the disc
system and its associated software.
ERIC
PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT
STUDIO II CONVERSION KIT
ARESCO has announced the availability of informati-
on and compbnents to convert the RCA Studio II
video game into a simple microcomputer. The infor-
mation package describes how to construct a new
cartridge for the Studio II, includes schematics,
ROM monitor listing, and is available for $5.00.
ARESCO also offers a printed circuit board and pre-
programmed PROM containing the conversion program,
as well as a fully assembled and tested cartridge
No modifications to the Studio II are required.
With the new cartridge, the user can enter machine
language programs through the Studio II keypads,
and the programs can be controlled from the keypads
and generate TV displays on a standard TV attached
to the Studio II. The converted Studio II is a
simple, powerful microcomputer containing 512 bytes
of RAM, 256 bytes of ROM, an RCA COSMAC 1802 micro-
processor, a video graphics interface, an FCC-appr-
oved RF modulator, two ten key keypads, and a
processor controlled "beeper".
Orders for the information package, which contains
pricing for the components as well as for the assem-
bled cartridge, should be sent to ARESCO, P.O.
Box 43, Audobon PA 19407. MC/VISA/BAC orders acc-
epted, but no COD or billing available. For more
info or rush orders, contact Rick Simpson at
(215) 631-9052 or (215) 631-9257.
BOOK REVIEW
TITLE: How to build a computer controlled robot
AUTHOR: Tod Loofbourrow
PUBLISHER: Hayden Book Co. #5681-8 $7.95
If youre looking for a book which presents a nuts
and bolts approach to robot construction--you'll
want to look at this book! The author starts vir-
tually at ground zero and presents a very detailed
plan (including parts sources) to enable just about
anyone who's handy with tools to construct "Mike",
a three-wheeled robot. "Mike" was featured in
INTERFACE AGE magazine (April 1977) and is cont-
rolled by (you guessed it!) a KIM-1!!!
The book contains plenty of drawings, program
flowcharts, and software listings to enable one
to duplicate Loofbourrow's efforts or to venture
off to their own horizons. (The flowcharts will
be a great help to our non 6502 friends)
"Mikes" construction is broken down into three
stages. The first stage gets your new "friend" to
the point where he can be controlled by a joystick
and has no control over itself, Stage two enables
your friend start thinking for itself and exploring
its new world on its own by means of its new ultra-
sonic sensors. In the third stage, your creation
gains the ability for limited voice recognition.
There are so many ways to expand on "Mike" that
all of them just can't be covered in one book.
But after your robot is up to stage three, I'm
sure you'll have plenty of ideas of your own. This
book presents a really practical approach to entry
into the field of robotics.
ERIC
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