are often
neglected but are necessary to provide a comprehensive overview of how far reaching the C64 influence was.
Written in a straightforward and accessible style, readers will relive the
dawn of modern technology and gain a better understanding of the legacy
that was built, bit by bit, in those pioneering days by computers that had
only a tiny fraction of the power modern machines have and, yet, were used
to create the technological world we are now living in.
Feel free to use the cover, publishing date and the above back cover text
for the news section in Commodore Free, if you like (but simply say that
list price has not been finalized yet. I'll let you know when it gets defined).
Cheers!
Roberto
Roberto Dillon
about.me/roberto.dillon www.springer.com/engineering/computational+intelligence+and+complexity/boo k/978-981-287-340-8 www.amazon.co.uk/Ready-A-Commodore-64-Retrospective/dp/9812873406
=====================================
*************************************
CREATING A GEOS FILE ICON
By Terry Raymond
*************************************
To create a file icon, there is an easier way other than using icon
editors. When I was learning this Werner Weicht of Denmark (a GEOS/Wheels programmer) created a simple icon template (which is what I would like to demonstrate here) for Commodore Free readers. I am working with someone on
a website and I might be able to have this icon for download. (Currently I don't have a website or even a domain. However, I will talk you through
the process).
Okay. So to get started, we need to make sure you have the Icon Template copied to your GEOS/or Wheels work disk etc.
Start the process by Boot the GEOS or Wheels operating system:
Then you need to load GeoPaint:
Then you need to Load an existing document: in this case it's called "Icon Template"
Only the black marked area can be used for a file icon:
****Include the black border only****
To copy the icon into a photo scrap mark the entire GREEN marked area and
no more, don't get into the bottom part that is outside the black border because this is reserved for the text info for your application.
On the upper top left-hand side of the screen click on the broken-lines
icon box. This will select the black border; your cursor is on now a cross-hair icon. Select the border now:
Then select CUT. Now the entire template is gone and is saved as a
GeoPaint Scrap image file:
Now you need to Run GeoWrite:
Once in GeoWrite, you now need to open your header file code as an existing file:
Now PUT your icon in the header file code here:
From within GeoWrite, go to the TOP MENU and then select EDIT:
Then select PASTE and PICTURE:
The image is then placed in the header file code:
Now your header file is ready, so you can also test all the header file
code to see if the icon image looks okay. If it doesn't, then you did something wrong and that means you need to keep tinkering with the template border.
Once it all looks right you now need to assemble the header file code.
This is done with GeoAssembler or Concept or Concept+. In GEOS 8-bit code
the assembled code; once assembled is now "Relocatable Object Code". This
is in the GeoProgrammer user manual in Appendix-A.
Once the code is assembled you can then create small link files; in this
case a link file for now (for the header file). Use the file name that is assembled: MYAPP.LNK
I won't go into that in this article (this will be another small article),
but you have an idea. Now run the linker and load the header file object
code file, then press the icon to start the linking process. Hopefully you won't get any errors, but if you do look, it's best to first look for
simple typos, etc., but it should be okay!
Now you should see your icon assembled, so at this point you can see if
you're happy with how you edited your app file icon. This may take a few
tries (it did when I first tried it).
The icon size for the code is:
(this is in the header file code at the beginning)
;icon width 3
;icon height 21
I may write another article for creating a link file. If anybody has any questions please feel free to ask me by email:
traymond20@gmail.com
Thank you and have fun with GEO or Wheels programming.
Terry Raymond
=====================================
*************************************
INTERVIEW WITH ALEX SMITH
Creator of the TherapSID
*************************************
SID UNDER FULL CONTROL
Named after a vicious dinosaur, its sound is no less aggressive. TherapSid
has evolved to create roaring noises that will cut through your mix like razor-sharp claws through a mammoth steak. So why do you need another
synth, since they already take 90% of the space in your room and your girlfriend keeps complaining about it? Well, what sets TherapSid apart
from other SID based synths is its focus on control. Instead of getting confused by LCDs and damaging your eyesight trying to read tiny sub menu
fonts, this instrument features no less than 35 knobs and 31 buttons to
give you full power over your sound.
FEATURES
* Compatible with all SIDS
* 3 Oscillators, 4 waveforms per osc.
* Multi-mode Filter
* 35 Knobs
* 31 Buttons
* SID PCB isolated from main PCB (less noise)
* Switched audio input for running signals through the filter!
* 100 Presets
* 3 Lfos: 4 waveforms, 12 target knobs
* 16 Step Modulator: sequence up to 20 knob positions, per step in a snap!
Also modulate Ring Mod, Sync and Waveform for all voices.
* Pedal Glide: enable/disable glide with the sustain pedal
* Compatible with our free app for iPad (pending app store approval), Mac,
Pc & Linux
* Fully midi automated
* Future proof: Firmware updates via sysex
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Q. Please, would you introduce yourselves to our readers?
Hello Commodore Free readers, I'm Alex Smith. I am UK. born and currently living in the south of France. I spent the last 5 years working as a sound engineer in LA. I have been very passionate about music for as long as I
can remember. I Began as a choir boy at the tender age of 10 and have
loved music of all genres ever since. I currently have a particular
obsession for old video game music/sounds, (nostalgia?!)...
- - - - - - - - - -
Q. Could you give our readers a little history about yourselves and how
the company started, and why?
I got into electronics in the early 2000s when I discovered the midibox platform (www.midibox.org) and became obsessed with hacking random devices
into midi controllers (old toy pianos, speak and spell, etc). I was
introduced to CAD, the CO2 laser cutter and various other cool tools by my fellow hacker friends at the CrashSpace hackerspace during my recent years
in LA and that was a game changer for me, as I found myself able to produce instruments of commercial quality.
- - - - - - - - - -
Q. How many staff do you have, and is this a full time project?
I design and program the machines myself, but my father works with me at
the assembly line. I'm grateful to say it's currently a full time project!
- - - - - - - - - -
Q. Of course you make other items as well as THERAPSID. Can you quickly explain what services you do provide?
I currently also have the AY3 synth available. It is a stereo desktop
synth based on the AY3-8912 chips found in the Intellivision and Vectrex
video game consoles (en.wikip edia.org/wiki/General_Instrument_AY-3 -8910)
I also have a variety of iPhone/iPad synths in the app store.
- - - - - - - - - -
Q. The Commodore Free readers will be really interested in THERAPSID. So,
the main selling point of the device is the knobs and buttons?
Yes, indeed I made TherapSID to provide the hands-on control. There are several good SID-based synths out there, but they all send the user digging through LCD menus/submenus. The idea of the TherapSID was to make these
menus "hands on".
- - - - - - - - - -
Q.
--- MBSE BBS v1.0.01 (GNU/Linux-i386)
* Origin: Dragon's Lair ---:- bbs.vk3heg.net -:--- (39:901/280)