I/O BOARD

HOLD ON TO THE DREAM

Ever since I purchased my first Atari computer, I've been fascinated with the idea of a computer that could interact with my lifestyle, (humble though it may be). In this way, Atari computers have provided a tremendous amount of enjoyment and satisfaction. So has Antic, by supplying a generous helping of pride of ownership that the old Atari company failed to generate, especially during 1984.

I know you have endured some tough times. I know, if it were not for Antic's perseverance, my hopes and dreams for my Atari computers would have faltered. With the emergence of the 52OST, I can sense a new aura of excitement that I'm sure you share. But still, I feel that the true potential market for a home computer has been overlooked.

For example, imagine a computer with a CD ROM that interfaced with a real-time clock/calendar and reminded people when and how to fertilize their fruit trees or change the oil in their cars, communicated with a database showing what's on TV tonight and monitored the home entrances while people were asleep or at work. Now in addition to the pleasure of owning an Atari 52OST, I can look forward to the next generation of Atari computers that will (hopefully) someday fulfill my wish.

Arthur Cofresi
Vacaville. CA

PARALLEL REFERENCE

The technical reference notes for the Atari 800, unfortunately, do not reference the parallel l/O port on the back of the 8OOXL. Where and at what price may I obtain the electrical and memory characteristics of this port?

Jon Stevens
Alameda, CA

Where? In the four-part series Parallel Bus Revealed in the January through April 1985 issues of Antic. The price? Free, if you already own these issues, $5 an issue from the Antic Catalog if you don't.-ANTIC ED

PERCOM REPAIRS

Percom Data Corp. has turned over their nationwide repair contract to STS Computers, 1073 W. Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046. (703) 237-0558. STS advises you to call first before sending your drive.

ATARI WRITERS

I have had Atari computers for a couple of years, but I just played around. Now I'm trying to set up a complete word processing system. I saw your printer reviews in the February issue and, as a result, selected the printer I'm going to buy. Now that I've got AtariWriter-what do I do about a spelling checker?

Alan Parsons
Del City, OK

Spell Magic by Blue Collar Software (Antic Catalog AP144, $19.95) is compatible with Atari Writer files. The hard-to-find DataSoft Spell Wizard spell checker, is also compatible DataSoft Inc., which recently changed its name to HP Software, informs us that the product is now only available on the flip side of their Text Wizard word processor-ANTIC ED

THE LIGHTS CAME ON!

Like most Atari owners who started with DOS 3 and later changed to DOS 2.5, I had a pile of utility programs that could not be converted. I sat there, bewildered, with all my issues of Antic open and ready to retype every single line. Then, in the corner of the desk, I spotted it-our long-ago retired 1010 recorder! Suddenly the lights came on. I booted the DOS 3 utilities and saved them to the recorder, then booted a DOS 2.5 disk, CLOADED the programs from the 1010 and saved them to the disk. The 1010 is no speed demon, but it sure was faster than all the typing I faced.

Donna Deuser
Carmel, Indiana

COVERED

Mmmmmmmarvelous February cover! Finally a computer mag that looks like a computer mag. Thanks for growing up, Antic!

Anonymous
CompuServe
PPN# 74226,2404

OPEN THE AIRWAVES

Recently I sent a petition to the Federal Communication Commission requesting that they create a new radio communication service for owners of personal computers. It's my contention that owners of PC's should have access to the radio spectrum without having to learn morse code or pass a ham radio license examination.

Presently, computer-to-computer communication is confined to the telephone network. Millions of computer owners find that it is increasingly expensive to utilize this network to satisfy their communication needs.

I am advocating the establishment of a Public Digital Radio Service, permitting computer owners to communicate by radio. An infinite number of local area radio networks would be interconnected into a national packet radio network. This would allow computer owners to exchange messages, bulletins and other information by radio at no cost.

The FCC feels the petition might have merit, but if they do not receive a significant response from computer owners, they will conclude that the public isn't interested in this service. If you feel that computer owners should have a communications alternative, please show your support by writing to the Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C. 20554.

Don Stoner, W6TNS
6014 E. Mercer Way
Mercer Island, WA 98040

For more information on computer/radio communications, see the November, 1985 issue of Antic-ANTIC ED