Arcadian, Pre-Issues 4 and 5 combined

OCR'ed and cleaned up
by Richard C. Degler
on April 4-5, 2011
[note: _underscore_]


--------------------------- [arcadian Pre-Issue #4] ---------------------------
Page 1 - [not originally numbered.]

ARCADIANS  #4  Sept 1, 1978

I recently placed an ad in Kilobaud, and this is the first letter to those
responding to that ad.  We have a loosely-knit group of 35 or so (as of now)
starting from an ad in ON_LINE just after the San Jose Computer Faire.  We
consist of owners-in-fact, owners-on-order, and possible owners-to-be.
Personally, I received my unit from JS&A on Feb 28.

As it stands, the Bally "Arcade" or "Home Library Computer" is a powerful TV
game with 4 hand controllers to operate the various game players and moves.
Buried inside is a Z80 chip, that, along with other components, allows the
future expansion of capabilities.  There are two connectors inside, hidden
behind punch-out panels.  A 3-pin connector is a power output, while the 50-pin
connector gives access to the Z80 chip (plus 10 more pins).  A combination of
connectors is needed to operate the various add-ons, as the cassette interface,
needed to run a recorder for the storage and retrieval of data with the Tiny
BASIC cartridge, needs the power connector plus one of the hand controller
connectors for its use.  The light pen is similarly attached.  The Add-On key-
board will plug into the 50pin connector and have its own cassette interface.

Our main problem is in not having hardware.  There was a problem with the first
units because of overheating (after anywhere from 15 min. to 3 hrs. operation)
and the resultant rebuilding has delayed everything else.  I suppose they
considered a second source.  Currently the most optimistic schedule for the
TBASIC is September, while JS&A is saying October (maybe hedging).  The general
Bally scheme is to build up a big inventory and ship to everyone at once.

As a group we won't be able to interact on a meaningful level until the TBASIC
becomes generally available, when I expect the correspondence and discussion
to increase.  I will probably go to some kind of subscription system when the
load gets too big.  Meanwhile, thanks for the support.

In case you hadn't noticed, the TBASIC Manual is available from NCE, Box 8610,
Ann Arbor, MI A8107, free.  They sent me a few & I can supply also.  (This is
an authorized copy.)  They will carry the full line.

The latest Wards catalog lists the Bally and the same cartridges as reported
before.  The unit's price went up to $269.00 with 2 controllers.

I just purchased the #2002 Sea Wolf/Bombadier from Schwenk Enterprises,
6988 Lincoln Creek Circle, Carmichael, CA 95608, with instant delivery.

On a more positive note, local Arcadians and I took part in a market research
project in late August, sponsored by Bally.  We, and others (owners & non-
owners) met at 7 pm and sat around a table, a dozen or so including the Bally
rep., and discussed what we wanted to do with such a machine, its desirable
features and accessories, etc., all on a personal basis.  Of course we had
ample chance to complain about the service (to no immediate good, but who knows
after the tapes get back to Chicago).  At the end of an hour and a half, we
were treated to a review of an operating Add-On module.  In prototype form,
they haven't decided everything to go into it yet, or the final packaging.
They stick to the February delivery date for this.  The programmer of the Tiny
BASIC, Jay Fenton, was there and demonstrated some of the capabilities of the
Module.  Page two has some words on the things we saw and heard.  Pre-kilobaud-
ad-Arcadians who live near large cities may be contacted by a local market
research firm to join one of these discussion groups, as they have your
addresses from me.  Please attend if you can, you will enjoy it, learn from it,
perhaps influence the final product(s), and even profit from it as there is a
$25.00 stipend plus mileage for the attendees.

I now have the code describing the identity of each pin in the 50-pin connector
and the associated data regarding routines available and the 5x7 character
format.  Access to the z-80 can now be made.

Here's looking to some really positive news next time...

                                                        [signature of...]
408-742-6048 days                                       Bob Fabris
408-272-2364 home                                       3626 Merrie Dr.
                                                        San Jose, CA 95127

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 2 -

Report on the Market Research Experience" ... Dick Strauss

The initial discussions were generally centered around non-product directed
questions aimed at assessing the level of understanding (of personal computers)
by the attendees.  The group was fortunate in that the cross-section
represented individuals that knew nothing about computers, to those who had
experience on others systems, or had even built a system from scratch.

The big moment of the evening was the unveiling of the prototype expanded
Bally system.  The unit was a rack mounted approach with the keyboard on an
extended shelf, the TV above, and a disc unit below.  The attendees were also
asked to evaluate alternatives to the basic Bally Arcade that fits on the unit
and approached in appearance an integrated 'desk top' system.  Some comment was
made about swapping the guts from the Arcade into a new package.  All particip-
ants stressed the location of the keyboard and the type of keyboard used.
It looks like they are headed towards the standard keyboard, a la IBM type.
Our group favored a professional black/grey unit with 'no frills' like phony
walnut grain/gold trim, etc.

Back to the prototype, which Jay did work.  The unit had a video operation
monitor mounted above the 15" Sony color set.  Some discussion was held about
the availability of the instruction monitor and TV outputs - tends to indicate
that the monitor might not be an option.  Jay demonstrated that the instruction
could also be displayed on the TV (as would be expected) at the same time as
the operating display.  The floppy disc system was not operating - something
happened on the trip out.

When asked about memory, I recall something in the area of 44K in the
expansion module, which indicated some memory mapping on top of that already
in the Arcade.  Bally has not ruled out the capability for additional memory
via subsequent add-on.

When asked about the music, Jay demonstrated three voices (not the 6 in the
JS&A ad).  When asked about time base(s) - they were still working on their
scheme.  When asked about the light pen - the interface could be available
thru the RS 232 interface.  This is the same interface the IBM typewriter
and other periferals [sic] use.

A few final words about the program language planned for the expansion unit.
Jay calls it ZGRAS.  It looked to be as simple as BASIC only more powerful.
It seems to include instructions to the user on how the computer 'likes' to
see statements - a great help to the novice programmer.      rs

A note on the last, Jay showed (on the screen) the menu of commands.  If you
wanted to dig deeper into a command, you punch in "HELP GOTO", and the machine
goes into a tutorial as to how to use GOTO with an example, if necessary.

Thinking as I transcribe Dick's note... maybe I'll keep the TBASIC and tape
drive interface after the Add-On comes out, to use all the goodie programs
I'll invent or get from the magazines in the meantime.  Depends on how easy
it will be to transcribe.                                 rf

============================ [end of Pre-Issue #4] ============================
Page 3 -

ARCADIANS #5
                       I T ' S   H E R E   !

     Sorry for the unseemly enthusiasm, but the Tiny BASIC cartridge is
finally appearing in the stores, at the $50 price tag.  It consists of the
cartridge and the manual, with a fancy book-type box.  Inside the front cover
of the manual is the overlay for the keypad.  Also included is an errata sheet.
Plug in the cartridge, push RESET and the screen goes "BALLY BASIC" with
musical notes, and you are ready to go.  Our local store (ERA-1) ran out of
a dozen in just two days.

     You should receive a copy of the Bally "PA-1 SERVICE MANUAL" sometime
this month.  This is being sent to all ARCADIANS without charge as a courtesy
from Bally.

     Because of the expected upswing of correspondence and inputs for this
paper resulting from the release of the Tiny BASIC, I plan on going to a more
regular production.  This will therefore be the last issue of a 'free' paper,
and the next will be on a subscription basis, $5 the year.

A sheet is enclosed, to be used as a subscription order - and it will also
be used to answer the inquiries.  If there is any correction necessary to
the address label used on this issue, please send the label back with the
corrections marked.

     A report from Bally indicates that they have increased the supply of the
three custom chips (address system, I/O, and data) by adding a third vendor
from whom to purchase chips.

     The Add-On unit is to be demonstrated at the January electronics show at
Las Vegas, and production to start after the show.

     The Sept/Oct issue of Creative Computing has a very interesting article
on the base unit and the Tiny BASIC cartridge.  It also includes a few choice
words about availability of the product.

     Bally is producing three models of the base unit, the only visible
difference being the label on the clear plastic cover.  These models are:
     BA-1000-2   Montgomery Ward             \
     PBA-1100    available at retail outlets / "ARCADE" tm
     PBA-1200    JS&A unit       "HOME LIBRARY COMPUTER" tm

     Over 10,000 of the -1100 have been manufactured.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ [fold on the dotted line] _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

ARCADIANS                                         [Place US postage stamp here]
3626 Morrie Dr.
San Jose, CA 95127

          ===========
          First Class             To: [Address label goes here]
          ===========

----------------------------- [more Pre-Issue #5] -----------------------------
Page 4 -

            Some discussion about the Tiny BASIC and the cassette interface:

Included below is the erratta sheet that came with the TB manual.  I don't
understand the reference for pages 107-110, as mine worked ok.

There are more commands in the TBASIC than the manual tells you about.
For example, the period  .  is equivalent to REMark; that is, the entry
will list, but will not affect the running of a program.  There is also
supposed to be an /ABS/ command, to give you the absolute value of a number...
Anything discovered by subscribers is solicited.

The symbol G0+10 on pg. 122 is not too clear.  In writing a program with line
numbers 10 digits apart (10, 20, 30, etc.), enter a line by using WORDS GO
and the machine will automatically give you the next line number, saving you
the step of entering it.

Use subroutines and GOTO to save memory space.  The length of a string is
apparently dependent upon program size.  It appears that changing instructions
after loading a string will destroy all parts of the string.

NT (note time) can be used to control the speed of the computer at any time -
not just for music.  Setting NT = 0 will speed up the operation the most,
and will shut off the tones.  A negative NT will slow the whole operation
drastically, and give you really sustained notes, in seconds of time.

The cassette interface may be somewhat touchy.  By the way, with a few
connector changes you can use a reel mechanism just as well.  None of the
instructions tell you that it is the recorder's volume control that must be
adjusted to get the signals back and forth.  There is an LED in the interface,
and the control should just make the LED light uniformly, just above its
blinking state.  If you have material on tape and want to get it into the
computer, give it the loading command and adjust the recorder's volume control
until the data showing up on the screen is legible (all the WHAT? BALLY BASIC
terms are gone), then rewind the tape at start again, "for real".  You may
have a problem where someone else has recorded the tape, on another machine.
Tape head azimuth must be matched.  I would recommend sending a listing along
with a tape when we get to swapping programs that way, so the recipient can
enter by hand any commands that get garbled.


   BALLY BASIC PROGRAMMED INSTRUCTION COURSE ADDENDUM

Please make these changes and additions to your Bally BASIC
programmed instruction course.

PAGE NO.
11        Do not spell out computer words (B-0-X or S-T-E-P)
          Use the WORDS shift key.
45        Change this line  143 NT=3
52        Change these lines 20 FOR A=1 TO N
                             60 For B=1 TO @(A)
                             70 PRINT #1,"$",
60        Change this line   60 IF K-31 A=A-1; GOTO 100
63        Key 31 is the erase key (paragraph 5)
99        Add this line     190 GOTO 10
102       Add these lines   280 H=H+1
                            290 GOTO 30
                            301 PRINT "ROCK";RETURN
                            302 PRINT "SHEARS";RETURN
                            303 PRINT "PAPER";RETURN
106       Use program on page 60
107-110   Do not use music

Addendum to First Edition, April 1978
Bally Manufacturing Corp. 1978 All rights reserved

FORM NO. 0620-00304-0100


[My "Differences between Bally BASIC Manual versions 1 and 2" update:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ballyalley/message/9210 (10/4/2010)

> On page 2 they removed "All Rights Reserved" in the newer version
> from the copyright 1978 blurb - don't all publications need that?
>
> Pg. 3 Index - added sub-chapter page numbers and more appendices.
>
> Pg. 8 Overlay LETTERS - The 'slash' was correctly colored in red.
>
> Pg. 9 - as Paul noted, they added an additional sentence = "Don't
> hold down the shift key when you press a letter or character key"
>
> Pg. 11 add "Never spell out computer words like B-O-X or S-T-E-P,
>      use the gold WORDS shift key to enter these computer command
>      words into your program." followed by a table of...
>           RUN    STEP   RND
>           LIST   NEXT   GOTO
>           FOR    GOSB   INPUT
>           TO     RETN   PRINT  (they left out a few) and...
>    "A complete description of these Computer Command words is on
>    page 122." followed by a box that said "Note: If your computer
>    says WHAT? you have made an incorrect entry.  The computer
>    will point out the mistake with a question mark (?).
>    Correct that line only."
>
> Pg. 12 - add after "HELLO!" - "The quotation marks are important
>   because only the letters you put between them will be printed."
>
> Pg. 13 (after "...number it 20.") "Notice that GOTO is one word."
> Instead of "Check your program and see if it matches the example"
> uses "Notice how line 20 tells the computer to go to line 10 and
> print HELLO! again."  Both variations continue "If your TV screen
> doesn't match this picture," - but "RESET your computer and enter
> line number 10 and line number 20 again." is replaced by simply:
> "fix the entire line that has the mistake by reentering the line
> number and the correct line."
>
> Pg. 16 changed (press the WORDS key before you press) GO to GO+10"
> Be careful to use the letter X not the multiplication sign (x)."
>
> Pg. 17 changed another (after "Or press WORDS and") GO into GO+10
>
> PROGRAMMING COURSE pages have TABs with LESSON number 1-8 on them
>
> Pg. 52 - replaced wrong code "S" with "$" as seen in screenshot.
>
> Pg. 60 - changed IF K=30 to IF K=31 for ERASE key's return code.
>
> Pg. 63 - inserted (computer) "draws the cursor box and" (waits),
>     and also changed another Key 30 to 31 for "is the erase key."
>
> Pg. 64 Screen size was only 159 by 87 instead of 160 by 88 dots!
>
>
> PROGRAMS | COMPUTER GAMES | PHASER PHUN program listing on...
> Pg. 99 - added missing line "190 GOTO 10" to make it loop right!!
>
> Pg. 102 ROCK/SHEAR/PAPER listing was missing even more lines...
>  280 H=H+1
>  290 GOTO 30
>  301 PRINT "ROCK";RETURN
>  302 PRINT "SHEARS";RETURN
>  303 PRINT "PAPER";RETURN
>
> Pgs. 107-110  corrected some music scores for the PLAYER PIANO:
>   including Melody / March / Marine's Hymn / Stars and Stripes -
>   and also added vertical lines between columns of musical notes.
>
>
> APPENDIX Terms and Symbols | Computer Words section...
> Pg. 122 - changed "ERASE: means forget the last key you pushed."
>      into "ERASE: means remove the last item you entered."
>
> Pg. 128 - took out "Control Words" (for 300 baud tape) section
>      and moved the old "Arithmetic" section up from page 129
>
> Pg. 129 - new "Keypad Inputs" and "Music Synthesizer" sections
>
> Pg. 130 - expands old "Control Words" into "Audio Tape Control"
>      section - adding a picture  and "With the Bally BASIC audio
>      cassette interface accessory you can store programs on audio
>      tape, play Bally software cassettes and exchange pro- grams
>      over the phone."  (Did anybody manage to make a MODEM work?)
>
>
> Stuck on the bottom of that last page was "For more information
>      about the latest Bally BASIC software and accessories, see
>      your Bally dealer or write:
>           Bally BASIC
>           Bally Consumer Products Division
>           10750 West Grand Ave., Franklin Park, Ill 60131"
>
> The BACK COVER had the BALLY(R) logo with "PROFESSIONAL ARCADE",
>      "FUN & BRAINS tm", the address again, and an ISBN number:
>      "0620 00304-A0000 1078", plus "Printed in U.S.A." as well.
>
>
> That's about it, unless I overlooked something! - Richard C. Degler]


Another outlet for the base unit and probably the TBASIC is J. TAYLOR,
611 North 2 St., CABOT, AR 72023, who mails items postpaid.  Contact him
for prices and details.

The latest Newman Computer Exchange (NCE) [became ReCellular] catalog, received
10/10, has an extremely interesting description and explanation on the TBASIC.
A copy is included herein [see Issue 1], through the courtesy of Johnny Johnson
of NCE.  Their address is Box 8610, Ann Arbor, MI 48107.  This is the type of
material I want to include in this newsletter for use by our subscribers.

Any interest in a local meeting?  What are bad evenings?  [Penciled in by ??]

------------------------------- [signup sheet] -------------------------------
Page 5 -

           _ARCADIANS_

A USER GROUP FOR OWNERS OF THE BALLY HOME COMPUTER

The potential for Bally's computer system seems large, and a user group was
started in early 1978.  As it turned out, we were somewhat premature because
the deliveries of the Bally base unit were minimal to non-existent during most
of the year.  The Tiny BASIC portion did not start to appear until October.

The organization of the group was informal as there was little point in
formality when there was very little to talk about.  However, now with the Tiny
BASIC in distribution, people will be experimenting and learning new things,
things not covered by the Bally documentation, and it seems apropos to have
some sort of newsletter or journal to identify and disseminate the information
that is developed by owners.

I am therefore soliciting subscriptions to the ARCADIANS on a yearly basis,
November to October, at a $5.00 rate.  Payment at any time will result in
receipt of all issues for the full year, as hopefully the material included
will have continuing worth.

At first, issues will be produced on an "as-needed" basis with a bi-monthly
minimum, expanding to monthly as required, possibly at the same time the
keyboard option becomes available.  A large majority of the material will be
subscriber-developed, I'm not a computer expert and am learning as much or
more than you are.  The first issue will start up with a number of subscriber
questions that have been received the last year.  If there are any that you
have, please send them along and they will eventually be answered.  Inputs of
all kinds are requested  We need programs, methods of interfacing to other
gear, methods of getting around the limitations of the Tiny BASIC language,
all the kinds of things that Shack and PET user groups and commercial outfits
are developing.  If you have a program to share, please send a copy-able
version so we can just duplicate it.


NAME ________________________________________ TEL (optional) _______________

ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________

        ____________________________________________ ZIP __________

CURRENT BASE UNIT PURCHASED FROM _____________________________________

SERIAL NUMBER __________________  MODEL NUMBER ___________________________


    408 - 742-6048 days                        Robert Fabris
    408 - 272-2364 after 6                     3626 Merrie Dr.
                                               San Jose, CA 95127

============================ [end of Pre-Issue #5] ============================
======================== [reworked subscription flyer] ========================
Page 6 -

                  _ARCADIANS_

     The undersigned is publishing a newsletter devoted to the dissemination
of items of interest to owners of Bally Computer System products.

     The Tiny BASIC cartridge currently available contains a large number
of features that are not defined, discussed, or even mentioned in the Bally-
supplied manual.  Subscribers are in the process of investigating these
features, and through this journal identify and share the info[r]mation with
others.  In this way, subscribers are able to develop programs with special
enhancements, eventually approaching the quality of factory products.  We are,
for example, able to call up various sound effects, or produce more colors on
the screen than the manual discusses.

     For those more technically oriented, we have located the PEEK, POKE, and
CALL commands to allow more direct access to the internals.

     Others of our subscribers are working on the interface requirements to
allow the use of peripherals with the Bally.  We are using the cassette
interface to trade programs and are considering a sale arrangement for unique
and exceptionally interesting programs.

     We enjoy a positive relationship with the manufacturer, and have frequent
contact.  Because of this relationship, our readers are aware of new/proposed/
available options, etc., far in advance of the public.

     Issues are produced on an as-required basis with a bi-monthly minimum,
expanding to monthly as the volume of inputs indicates.  The majority of
material is subscriber-developed.  The Staff is not a computer expert and is
learning as much or more than the subscribers.  Material needed includes
programs, ideas, narratives of how any function works, applications, methods
of getting around the limitations of Tiny BASIC, all the kinds of things that
Rshack and PET user groups and commercial outfits are developing.

     If you have material or a program to share, the Typist would appreciate
a copy-able version so that the Publisher can just duplicate it.

     Because material in the journal is of long-term value, a subscription
is for a full year only, November to October, and payment at any time during
the year results in receipt of all issues for that year, via First Class.

     Rate is $10.00 [marked out $5] the year, to :   Robert Fabris
                                                     3626 Merrie Dr.
                                                     San Jose, CA 95127
work: 408-742-6048
home: 408-272-2364                     [penciled in] _2 years_

============================= [end of Pre-Issues] =============================
