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Bally BASIC and "AstroBASIC."
Overview with Review and How to Use the BASIC Cartridge.
For the Bally Arcade/Astrocade.
Video filmed with Canon Powershot SX60 HS camera.
Video created by BallyAlley.
Video published June 21, 2017.

This is an overview of Bally BASIC (aka "AstroBASIC") with tape interface by Astrovision Inc. This 4KB cartridge, released in 1981, is part #6004 of the Functional Series. The review covers how to use Bally BASIC/"AstroBASIC" to load programs through the 2000-baud interface.

The Bally/Astrocade Game Cartridge and Hardware FAQ says this about this BASIC: "This updated version of the Bally BASIC cartridge is notably set apart from the original because it has a built-in 2000 baud interface that connects to a standard cassette recorder; there are also some additional commands added for the programmer. It's visually different from the original release as well. This cartridge was packaged with some Astrocade consoles (these consoles were designated as Arcade Plus). Astrocade, Inc. manufactured the later releases of this. Written by Jay Fenton."

Scans of the manual for "AstroBASIC" are available here: The Bally BASIC and "AstroBASIC" Overview/How-to-Use video can also be watched and/or downloaded from the Internet Archive:
  1. Overview/How-to-Use Bally BASIC/"AstroBASIC, by Adam Trionfo (archive.org)

Machine Language Manager Tutorial, Part 1: Overview and Background.
By Adam Trionfo.
Machine Language Manager cartridge by Bit Fiddlers. 1982.
For the Bally Arcade/Astrocade and Machine Language Manager.
Video created by BallyAlley.
Video published July 20, 2018.

Machine Language Manager (MLM) is a 2KB cartridge written by Andy Guevara in 1981 for the Bally Arcade/Astrocade. It was released by The Bit Fiddlers in late 1981/early 1982.

This video overview summarizes the Machine Language Manager cartridge. This program is a machine language monitor which allows direct access to programming the Z80 CPU. This cartridge does not require extra memory to use it, but it can take advantage of extra RAM if it is available.

The Bally/Astrocade Game Cartridge and Hardware FAQ says this about the MLM:

"This cartridge, which included [a 24-key keypad] overlay, provides an 'easy' way to program the Astrocade in machine language. Though not a Z-80 assembler, MLM does simplify the entry of hex code (which otherwise must be entered using decimal via BASIC. Also, the keypad layout does not require the use of the key-shifts, so typing is faster). Programs can be saved via the Bally BASIC 300-baud interface (later, subroutines were written that allowed the 2000 baud version of Bally BASIC (#6004) to be swapped out for tape saving). Machine Language Manager does NOT have a built-in cassette interface."

This overview is part one of a four part series. The series includes:

1) Machine Language Manager, Part 1: Overview and Background
2) Machine Language Manager, Part 2: How to Use the MLM
3) Machine Language Manager, Part 3: Using MLM Example Programs
4) Machine Language Manager, Part 4: Using MLM with the Astrocade MAME Emulation

This video is split into several parts:

0:00 - MLM Titles
0:30 - Short Introduction to the MLM
3:11 - Overview with Cart, Overlay and Interface
3:32 - Close-Up of MLM and Overlay
4:38 - Closer Close-Up of MLM and Overlay
5:52 - Extreme Close-Up of MLM and Overlay
6:57 - Introduction and History of the MLM
23:25 - MLM Cart, Documentation and Overlay
24:39 - MLM Manual
26:26 - Saving/Loading at 2000-Baud
28:05 - Goldfish Demo Source Code
29:33 - Bound Astrocade Machine Language Book
33:04 - Overview of Three Z80 Programming Books
34:09 - Overview of Programming the Z80, by Rodnay Zaks
36:20 - Overview of Z80 Software Gourmet Guide and Cookbook, by Nat Wadsworth
37:46 - Overview of Software and Hardware for the Bally Arcade - A Technical Description (aka, the "Nutting Manual")
40:25 - Z80 CPU Microprocessor Instant Reference Card
41:33 - Creating a 24-Key Keypad Overlay for the MLM
45:30 - End Credits

This video is aimed at someone who has little or no understanding of Z80 machine language. A Z80 machine language programming novice, or anyone who has a passing interest in using the Machine Language Manager cartridge, will get more out of it if all of the four videos in this series are watched one after the other. Also, even if you have no plans to ever use the Machine Language Manager cartridge, anyone who wanted to know how to program the Astrocade will find plenty of general information provided in this video.

The Machine Language Manager Tutorial, Part 1 video can also be watched and/or downloaded from the Internet Archive:
  1. Machine Language Manager Tutorial, Part 1, by Adam Trionfo (archive.org)

Machine Language Manager Tutorial, Part 2: How to Use the MLM.
By Adam Trionfo.
Machine Language Manager cartridge by Bit Fiddlers. 1982.
For the Bally Arcade/Astrocade and Machine Language Manager.
Video created by BallyAlley.
Video published July 29, 2018.

Machine Language Manager (MLM) is a 2KB cartridge written by Andy Guevara in 1981 for the Bally Arcade/Astrocade. It was released by The Bit Fiddlers in late 1981/early 1982.

This video explains how to use the Machine Language Manager cartridge, a machine language monitor that allows direct access to programming the Z80 CPU. This cartridge does not require extra memory to use it, but it can take advantage of extra RAM if it is available.

The Bally/Astrocade Game Cartridge and Hardware FAQ says this about the MLM:

"This cartridge, which included [a 24-key keypad] overlay, provides an 'easy' way to program the Astrocade in machine language. Though not a Z-80 assembler, MLM does simplify the entry of hex code (which otherwise must be entered using decimal via BASIC. Also, the keypad layout does not require the use of the key-shifts, so typing is faster). Programs can be saved via the Bally BASIC 300-baud interface (later, subroutines were written that allowed the 2000 baud version of Bally BASIC (#6004) to be swapped out for tape saving). Machine Language Manager does NOT have a built-in cassette interface."

This overview is part one of a four part series. The series includes:

1) Machine Language Manager, Part 1: Overview and Background
2) Machine Language Manager, Part 2: How to Use the MLM
3) Machine Language Manager, Part 3: Using MLM Example Programs
4) Machine Language Manager, Part 4: Using MLM with the Astrocade MAME Emulation

This video is split into several parts:

0:0:00 - "How to Use the MLM" Titles
0:0:15 - Short Introduction to the MLM Video Series
0:0:44 - Overview of the MLM Manual
0:13:00 - Using the MLM: Section 1

- What is the MLM
- The Start-Up Screen
- Usable RAM vs. Lines Per Screen
- MLM Keypad Overlay
- MLM Commands: ADDR., WRITE, READ and LIST

0:23:27 - Using the MLM: Section 2

- Examining ASCII Text in ROM
- Changing MLM Defaults
- Debugging a "Program"
- MLM Command: REG.

0:43:03 - Using the MLM: Section 3

- Using the MLM Assembly Listing
- Using a SYSTEM Routine
- Using RECTAN
- Typing in Example 5-1
- A Splash of Green

0:49:31 - Using the MLM: Section 4

- The User Program Interface (UPI)
- FILL (Subroutine $1A)

1:00:00 - Using the MLM: Section 5

The User Program Interface (UPI)

- MOVE (Subroutine $5E) (aka Copy)

1:07:12 - Using the MLM: Section 6

- An MLM Single Byte CALL
- STRING (Print String)

1:24:20 - Using the MLM: Section 7

- Saving an ML Program with the 300-Baud Tape Interface
- No Tapes; Using WAV Files
- Saving/Loading a Program
- Checking a Program
- Running a Program

1:35:39 - MLM: Wrap-Up and Preview of Parts 3 and 4
1:36:48 - End Credits

This video is aimed at someone who has little or no understanding of Z80 machine language. A Z80 machine language programming novice, or anyone who has a passing interest in using the Machine Language Manager cartridge, will get more out of it if all of the four videos in this series are watched one after the other. Also, even if you have no plans to ever use the Machine Language Manager cartridge, anyone who wanted to know how to program the Astrocade will find plenty of general information provided in this video.

The Machine Language Manager Tutorial, Part 2 video can also be watched and/or downloaded from the Internet Archive:
  1. Machine Language Manager Tutorial, Part 2, by Adam Trionfo (archive.org)

Machine Language Manager Tutorial, Part 3: Using MLM Example Programs.
By Adam Trionfo.
Machine Language Manager cartridge by Bit Fiddlers. 1982.
For the Bally Arcade/Astrocade and Machine Language Manager.
Video created by BallyAlley.
Video published August 1, 2018.

Machine Language Manager (MLM) is a 2KB cartridge written by Andy Guevara in 1981 for the Bally Arcade/Astrocade. It was released by The Bit Fiddlers in late 1981/early 1982.

This 44:04 minute video shows five example programs for use with the Machine Language Manager cartridge, a machine language monitor that allows direct access to programming the Z80 CPU. This cartridge does not require extra memory to use it, but it can take advantage of extra RAM if it is available.

The five machine language programs are:
  1. Critter, by Brett Bilbrey - Display and move a Space Invader-like creature. Knob #1 controls its speed.
  2. Standard Color Generator, by Andy Guevara - Generates eight standard color used in TV work.
  3. 256 Color Program, by Jerry Burianyk - Displays 256 colors on-screen at one time. Knob #1 controls how many colors are displayed onscreen at once.
  4. ASCII Character Set, by Andy Guevara - Prints the entire MM 3x5-pixel character set.
  5. Goldfish Demo, by Andy Guevara - Displays seven fish in an aquarium with a cat in the background. A clock displays the time in H:M:S format. The cat meows once a minute.
The first four programs were included as machine language listing with comments in the MLM user manual. The last program, Goldfish Demo, was available on tape and as a separate Z80 ML listing. There is background and source material about each program. The programs are loaded using the 300-baud tape interface.

The five machine language program examples included in this video make up part three of a four part series. The series includes:

1) Machine Language Manager, Part 1: Overview and Background
2) Machine Language Manager, Part 2: How to Use the MLM
3) Machine Language Manager, Part 3: Using MLM Example Programs
4) Machine Language Manager, Part 4: Using MLM with the Astrocade MAME Emulation

This video is split into several parts:

0:00 - "Using MLM Example Programs" Titles
0:02 - Overview of Video
1:43 - Program 1: Critter
7:23 - Program 2: Standard Color Generator
10:49 - Program 3: 256 Color Program
18:07 - Program 4: ASCII Character Set
23:25 - Program 5: Goldfish Demo
41:08 - MLM: Wrap-Up and Preview of Part 4
43:48 - End Credits

This video series is aimed at someone who has little or no understanding of Z80 machine language. This video, in particular, can be enjoyed by anyone, whether or not they have any interest in machine language at all. A Z80 machine language programming novice, or anyone who has a passing interest in using the Machine Language Manager cartridge, will get more out of it if all of the four videos in this series are watched one after the other.

The Machine Language Manager Tutorial, Part 3 video can also be watched and/or downloaded from the Internet Archive:
  1. Machine Language Manager Tutorial, Part 3, by Adam Trionfo (archive.org)

Machine Language Manager Tutorial, Part 4: Using the MLM with Astrocade MAME Emulation.
By Adam Trionfo.
Machine Language Manager cartridge by Bit Fiddlers. 1982.
For the Bally Arcade/Astrocade and Machine Language Manager.
Video created by BallyAlley.
Video published August 7, 2018.

Machine Language Manager (MLM) is a 2KB cartridge written by Andy Guevara in 1981 for the Bally Arcade/Astrocade. It was released by The Bit Fiddlers in late 1981/early 1982.

In this this 30 minute video, I show you how to use the MLM cartridge with the Astrocade emulator included with MAME. I guide you through the general steps of getting and installing MAME for use with the Astrocade. Since the MLM makes heavy use of the 24-key keypad, I show you how to create your own 24-key keypad using a standard full-stroke keyboard by applying stickers to the keys. Finally, I wrap up this video with an over of the four-part series.

The four machine language program examples included in this video make up part four of a four part series. The series includes:

1) Machine Language Manager, Part 1: Overview and Background
2) Machine Language Manager, Part 2: How to Use the MLM
3) Machine Language Manager, Part 3: Using MLM Example Programs
4) Machine Language Manager, Part 4: Using MLM with the Astrocade MAME Emulation

This video is split into several parts:

0:00 - Overview of using MLM with the Astrocade MAME Emulation
3:11 - Segment 1: Overview and General Setup of Astrocade Emulation with MAME
15:47 - Segment 2: MLM Example in MAME - Listing the first 96 Bytes of the MLM Cartridge
16:07 - Segment 3: MLM Example in MAME - Typing in and Using the ASCII Character Set Program
17:40 - Segment 4: Creating a "24-Key" Keypad for use with MAME and a Full-Size Keyboard
26:56 - Segment 5: Wrap-Up and What Now?
29:49 - End Credits

This video series is aimed at someone who would like to use the Machine Language Manager for the Astrocade under emulation with MAME.

The Machine Language Manager Tutorial, Part 4 video can also be watched and/or downloaded from the Internet Archive:
  1. Machine Language Manager Tutorial, Part 4, by Adam Trionfo (archive.org)
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