I know I *had* a junk MPS-803 printer, but I can't remember if I got
rid of it yet or not.  If I still have it, the part you need is all
yours!  I'll check tonight when I get home from work (around midnight
(PDT)), and I'll let you know...

-Andrew


2008/5/22 James Alexander <james.m.alexander@...>:
> Anyone here have a junked MPS803 printer.  Mine had a fall not long ago and
> I've gotten it mostly repaired.  All I really need at the moment is the
> flexi cable (like a ribbon cable) that goes from the printers logic board to
> the print head as mines got 2 traces torn.

And thusly were the wise words spake by James Alexander
>
> Anyone here have a junked MPS803 printer.  Mine had a fall not long ago and
> I've gotten it mostly repaired.  All I really need at the moment is the
> flexi cable (like a ribbon cable) that goes from the printers logic board to
> the print head as mines got 2 traces torn.
>

Another thing that may work is using a conductive ink pen.  I bought
mine from a Radio Shack store, but this item was being
discontinued so it may be hard to find at a Radio Shack.  I did a
search at Jameco and they have them.

It worked good enough to fix some traces on a normal PCB, but I am
not sure how well it would work on that flexi cable.  Perhaps if the
repaired trace is protected with clear nail polish?

Cheers,

Bryan

Anyone here have a junked MPS803 printer.  Mine had a fall not long ago and
I've gotten it mostly repaired.  All I really need at the moment is the
flexi cable (like a ribbon cable) that goes from the printers logic board to
the print head as mines got 2 traces torn.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I've done a similar thing with some ribbons, albeit without the WD40, though
I have heard it before.

On Wed, May 21, 2008 at 10:57 PM, mikeh42 <mikeh42@...> wrote:

>   If you have dot matrix ribbons that dry out (who doesn't?), don't
> toss 'em out! Run over to Dollar Tree, or whatever similar dollar store
> is in your area. Look for the cheap, black, inkjet refills. Doesn't
> really matter which brand, but cheaper is definitely better, in this
> case. Buy a WD-40 can that has the spray-extension tube attached with a
> hinge. Pry open the top of the ribbon case slightly. Put 2 or 3 drops
> of black inkjet ink into the ribbon case, spread a little apart from
> each other. Spritz 2 or 3 times with WD-40 in aproximately the same
> area. Snap the case closed. Hold the ribbon case over an empty tin can
> and rotate the ribbon advance knob enough to cycle the ribbon entirely
> at least 3 or 4 times. Wipe the oil/ink residue off the ribbon case and
> set aside (in a ziplock baggie) for a week, if you have the time.
>
> If you are in a hurry, the first several pages will be sloppy, but
> usable.
>
> If you are really stuck, you can skip the inkjet ink once, but it
> doesn't look as good.
>
> Don't forget to seal the inkjet refill tighly. It will last a long time.
>
> Mike Hanley
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Jim Brain is still active. He primarily restarted a famous online
service called Quantum Link. Using old code and some dug up data
captures, he wrote a service using Javascript that emulates the
original Q-Link service almost in it's entirety. The primary website,
Quantum Link Reloaded, is down right now, but here's the Wikipedia entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_Link_Reloaded

I'm sure there are steps that can be found (via Google) to connect
yourself to Q-Link Reloaded. From what I remember, their website is
not needed to connect. They basically detailed the reborn service and
steps to connect. I don't know if the actual server to connect to is
running or not at the moment. You can connect using a real C-64 (via
RS-232 interface to a PC) or via emulation (like VICE). I tried it out
over a year ago and it worked as well I remembered it.

--- In classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com, "Bro. Luby D. Jackson"
<ldjackson@...> wrote:
>
> Isn't Jim Brain one of the great programmers for the Commodore line?

Thanks for sharing this with me about your programs.  To the person that
asked if I trashed the SX-64, no I did not.  I sold it and went
Macintosh before I got my first PC notebook.

I think I have answered my own question about color printing,
programming and the Commodore lines of computers.

Other than geoPublish, I wonder why with all of GEOS's and Wheel's
popularity, a GEOS or Wheels version of Print Shop or Print Master
wasn't ever developed?

Isn't Jim Brain one of the great programmers for the Commodore line?

Looking forward to hearing from you all.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

relayer wrote:
>
> I think I figured out what I might do during the Labor Day weekend.
> Pull out a printer and check out the Print Shop type software.
>
> Most of my C= collection, along with the other 8-bits I collect, I've
> gathered through flea markets, yard sales, and estate sales. Along
> with that collection, I have a lot of untested software. I know I have
> Print Shop, PrintMaster, and Newsroom. I'll have to look through my
> many unlabeled disks I've acquired for other banner/sign printing
> programs.
>
> But first, I need to decide which printer I want to set up. That's one
> thing I've also collected, but never tested. All the printers. All the
> ribbons are probably dry by now. I used to know a trick to re-ink them
> using a stamp pad re-inker, but it can get a bit messy.
>
> I do have a Centronics adapter, and an old Laserjet printer. The older
> laser printers had a compatibility mode that might work with the Epson
> compatibility offered by the adapter. I can't get useful banners from
> it, but single sheet printouts should work well.
>
> One other company that made print software for various computers,
> including Commodores, is Hi-Tech. They also had a lot of the cartoon
> themed print software.
>
> --- In classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:classiccommodore%40yahoogroups.com>, "Bro. Luby D. Jackson"
> <ldjackson@...> wrote:
> > There was another program { Print Power } and then {Print Power Pro }
> > that I think printed extremely well on dot matrix printers but this was
> > only for the PC that did this. There WAS a version for the C64 which I
> > had which was wonderful. Did any of you every use it? It put Print
> > Shop and PrintMaster away with it's features and a software company in
> > CA sold it. It doesn't run under windows though.
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

If you have dot matrix ribbons that dry out (who doesn't?), don't
toss 'em out! Run over to Dollar Tree, or whatever similar dollar store
is in your area. Look for the cheap, black, inkjet refills. Doesn't
really matter which brand, but cheaper is definitely better, in this
case. Buy a WD-40 can that has the spray-extension tube attached with a
hinge. Pry open the top of the ribbon case slightly. Put 2 or 3 drops
of black inkjet ink into the ribbon case, spread a little apart from
each other. Spritz 2 or 3 times with WD-40 in aproximately the same
area. Snap the case closed. Hold the ribbon case over an empty tin can
and rotate the ribbon advance knob enough to cycle the ribbon entirely
at least 3 or 4 times. Wipe the oil/ink residue off the ribbon case and
set aside (in a ziplock baggie) for a week, if you have the time.

If you are in a hurry, the first several pages will be sloppy, but
usable.

If you are really stuck, you can skip the inkjet ink once, but it
doesn't look as good.

Don't forget to seal the inkjet refill tighly. It will last a long time.

Mike Hanley

I think I figured out what I might do during the Labor Day weekend.
Pull out a printer and check out the Print Shop type software.

Most of my C= collection, along with the other 8-bits I collect, I've
gathered through flea markets, yard sales, and estate sales. Along
with that collection, I have a lot of untested software. I know I have
Print Shop, PrintMaster, and Newsroom. I'll have to look through my
many unlabeled disks I've acquired for other banner/sign printing
programs.

But first, I need to decide which printer I want to set up. That's one
thing I've also collected, but never tested. All the printers. All the
ribbons are probably dry by now. I used to know a trick to re-ink them
using a stamp pad re-inker, but it can get a bit messy.

I do have a Centronics adapter, and an old Laserjet printer. The older
laser printers had a compatibility mode that might work with the Epson
compatibility offered by the adapter. I can't get useful banners from
it, but single sheet printouts should work well.

One other company that made print software for various computers,
including Commodores, is Hi-Tech. They also had a lot of the cartoon
themed print software.


--- In classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com, "Bro. Luby D. Jackson"
<ldjackson@...> wrote:
> There was another program { Print Power } and then {Print Power Pro }
> that I think printed extremely well on dot matrix printers but this was
> only for the PC that did this.  There WAS a version for the C64 which I
> had which was wonderful.  Did any of you every use it?  It put Print
> Shop and PrintMaster away with it's features and a software company in
> CA sold it.  It doesn't run under windows though.

Well what all of you are telling me, I've pretty much heard the round
about story about the "demise" of the C128D.  I just thought it was more
like the Apple IIe at the time because of the 128K. I pretty much
thought the C128D could run rings around the Apple IIe.

I do understand about the color printers, expenses and all of that.

As for the music on the C64/128, were there any native music file types
for the C128D?  Are the .SID files/music convertible to MIDI type 0 or 1
format?

Now back to the post about expandability, there was the geoRAM 512K and
then GEOS.  To my knowledge, there wasn't a DTP program like Print Shop
or PrintMaster for GEOS 64 or 128 that would show "print preview" was
there?  Also, even though GEOS was wonderful, did it offer color
printing support?

There was another program { Print Power } and then {Print Power Pro }
that I think printed extremely well on dot matrix printers but this was
only for the PC that did this.  There WAS a version for the C64 which I
had which was wonderful.  Did any of you every use it?  It put Print
Shop and PrintMaster away with it's features and a software company in
CA sold it.  It doesn't run under windows though.

Looking forward to hearing from you all about this.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

James Alexander wrote:
>
> Another point on the 128 is that it included a 64 mode that ran nearly all
> of the software for the 64. This gave 128 users a lot of software they
> could run when the machine was first released. That also killed a lot of
> development on the 128. Very few software producers would bother with 128
> specific versions of anything when they could produce a 64 version
> that had
> a huge immediate audience and could still run on a 128. The Apple II
> series
> for the most part had a high degree of compatibility between different
> versions, an apple 2e or 2c with 128k could run a lot of software from the
> II+ or the original II model. The commodore 128, aside from its 64
> mode was
> a very different machine. Going from pet to vic to 64 to 128 one had to
> deal with different memory map, some different peripherals, multiple rom
> variations, different screen resolutions, colours, sound capabilities (or
> for pet the lack of some of these). Made converting software between
> different commodore models more difficult than some others. Though I have
> to admit I still do like commodore machines.
>
> As for printshop not using colour, very few people back in the 80's had
> colour printers. As I remember the atari version of printshop didnt have
> colour either, I know for certain as I have and used both versions.
>
> As for the SX64 I hope you didnt chuck it out. Where I am these machines
> have always been considered to be made of pure gold and still costs as
> much.
>
> On Tue, May 20, 2008 at 12:50 AM, Bro. Luby D. Jackson
> <ldjackson@... <mailto:ldjackson%40eastex.net>>
> wrote:
>
> > Hello to everyone. I am a PC user but when I found the groups for the
> > 8-bit Commodore computers, I thought I'd come in and post a few
> > questions and also share with what little I have about them.
> >
> > I started with an SX-64 and MPS 803 and then with a Star Micronics 1040S
> > 9-pin color printer.
> >
> > My first question is about The Printshop software. I had the main
> > program and then the PS Companion. I didn't have that many graphics
> > disk because of online back then and the special edition diskette that
> > came. I've posed this same question to Broderbund but they haven't
> > written me back yet.
> >
> > I've saw Print Shop up and running on the C64, Macintosh, PC and also an
> > Atari computer. The Atari had only 48K but it had preview features. My
> > "complaint" was why wasn't the print preview implemented in the C64?
> > Why wasn't color printing and option for the C64 or why wasn't a C128
> > version made by Broderbund since the Apple IIe at the time also had
> 128K?
> >
> > So those are my questions.
> >
> > When I upgraded, I have a C128D, 1581, GEOS 2.0, 1084S compatible
> > monitor and Star Micronics NX1000C printer.
> >
> > I will go ahead and be honest and say that all my questions are pretty
> > much in this area since all my other questions have been answered when I
> > was on CompuServe back in the day.
> >
> > Looking forward to meeting with others on the Commodore.
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Another point on the 128 is that it included a 64 mode that ran nearly all
of the software for the 64.  This gave 128 users a lot of software they
could run when the machine was first released.  That also killed a lot of
development on the 128.  Very few software producers would bother with 128
specific versions of anything when they could produce a 64 version that had
a huge immediate audience and could still run on a 128.  The Apple II series
for the most part had a high degree of compatibility between different
versions,  an apple 2e or 2c with 128k could run a lot of software from the
II+ or the original II model.  The commodore 128, aside from its 64 mode was
a very different machine.  Going from pet to vic to 64 to 128 one had to
deal with different memory map, some different peripherals, multiple rom
variations, different screen resolutions, colours, sound capabilities (or
for pet the lack of some of these).  Made converting software between
different commodore models more difficult than some others.  Though I have
to admit I still do like commodore machines.

As for printshop not using colour, very few people back in the 80's had
colour printers.  As I remember the atari version of printshop didnt have
colour either,  I know for certain as I have and used both versions.

As for the SX64  I hope you didnt chuck it out.  Where I am these machines
have always been considered to be made of pure gold and still costs as much.

On Tue, May 20, 2008 at 12:50 AM, Bro. Luby D. Jackson <ldjackson@...>
wrote:

>   Hello to everyone. I am a PC user but when I found the groups for the
> 8-bit Commodore computers, I thought I'd come in and post a few
> questions and also share with what little I have about them.
>
> I started with an SX-64 and MPS 803 and then with a Star Micronics 1040S
> 9-pin color printer.
>
> My first question is about The Printshop software. I had the main
> program and then the PS Companion. I didn't have that many graphics
> disk because of online back then and the special edition diskette that
> came. I've posed this same question to Broderbund but they haven't
> written me back yet.
>
> I've saw Print Shop up and running on the C64, Macintosh, PC and also an
> Atari computer. The Atari had only 48K but it had preview features. My
> "complaint" was why wasn't the print preview implemented in the C64?
> Why wasn't color printing and option for the C64 or why wasn't a C128
> version made by Broderbund since the Apple IIe at the time also had 128K?
>
> So those are my questions.
>
> When I upgraded, I have a C128D, 1581, GEOS 2.0, 1084S compatible
> monitor and Star Micronics NX1000C printer.
>
> I will go ahead and be honest and say that all my questions are pretty
> much in this area since all my other questions have been answered when I
> was on CompuServe back in the day.
>
> Looking forward to meeting with others on the Commodore.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Howdy, howdy, Mr. Jackson. Welcome to the Classic Commodore group.

I don't know what category I fall under, but I like to keep my finger on what's
going on, w.r.t. the c64, and this forum is invaluable. Apart from being, byte
for byte, the best computer-slash-gaming system that ever was, it's provided me
a spectacular resource.

With the permissions of many of its former programmers and composers, I use a
lot of its music library to score many of my films (as of tomorrow, in fact,
I'll be devoting 100% of my time to filmmaking, as tomorrow is my last day of
work at a day job I'd wasted seven years at).

c64 music has a spectacular aesthetic, and I like to think my use of it of
mutual benefit. Not only do my films have wonderful musical accompaniment by
some immensely talented artists, but the music is given a second life, and such
music merits attention.

Anyway, I just recently bought the following website, if you want to check my
work out:

http://itstheit.com

It's still under construction, but clicking the main icon'll take you to my
portfolio.

Enjoy,
Gabriel Noel
itstheit productions
gn


To: classiccommodore@...: no_reply@...: Tue, 20
May 2008 19:33:13 +0000Subject: [Classic Commodore] Re: Intro Post About
Commodore Computers




Don't forget about the 3rd category, the lurkers! Personally, I don'thave any
specific questions, but I enjoy listening on the occasionalQ&As that flow
through here. What I'm most interested in (but don'tsee too much discussion
about) are current happenings in the Commodorescene. Audio/visual software
demos, hardware mods, emulation,Commodore-inspired music and artwork, that kinda
stuff. The C64 portof Guitar Hero is one of the coolest things I've seen in a
long time.-----Original Message-----From:
classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com[mailto:classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com]On
Behalf Of relayerSent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:07 PMTo:
classiccommodore@...: [Classic Commodore] Re: Intro Post
About Commodore Computers....As for this group, activity is slow. However, I
think its members fallinto one of two distinct categories: Those who ask
questions, andthose who answer them. Not much in between. .






_________________________________________________________________
Find hidden words, unscramble celebrity names, or try the ultimate crossword
puzzle with Live Search Games. Play now!
http://g.msn.ca/ca55/212

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Don't forget about the 3rd category, the lurkers!  Personally, I don't
have any specific questions, but I enjoy listening on the occasional
Q&As that flow through here.  What I'm most interested in (but don't
see too much discussion about) are current happenings in the Commodore
scene.  Audio/visual software demos, hardware mods, emulation,
Commodore-inspired music and artwork, that kinda stuff.  The C64 port
of Guitar Hero is one of the coolest things I've seen in a long time.

-----Original Message-----
From: classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of relayer
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:07 PM
To: classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Classic Commodore] Re: Intro Post About Commodore Computers
.
.
.
.
As for this group, activity is slow. However, I think its members fall
into one of two distinct categories: Those who ask questions, and
those who answer them. Not much in between.
.

I'll try to answer your questions based on my own experience.

I'll assume when you said you "started" with an SX-64, you meant back
in the day. If that's the case, that was kind of a bold purchase. They
weren't cheap at the time. Very few of them were purchased. I always
considered them a "holy grail" of sorts until about a decade ago. I
was driving through town noticing the "junk" people were putting out
on Spring Cleanup day. Much to the dismay of my wife, I caught a
glimpse of a closed SX-64. Or at least that's what it looked like. We
were close to home and I dropped her off and went back to where I saw
it. Sure enough, it was an SX-64. Now I have one for my collection. It
didn't work at first. The screen worked, but eventually I found the
Kernel ROM to be missing. Replacing it with a conventional C64 Kernel
ROM, it started working, but with the blue on blue screen.

Long story, short. When it rains it pours, I guess. Since then, I
managed to acquire three more.

As for Printshop (and the competing Printmaster, which I think had
preview), comparing it to the Atari version, I can only guess that
even though the Commodore was a 64K machine, only slightly more than
half of that amount was usable RAM without special memory modes being
activated. The Atari, with 48K, had nearly 48K of usable memory. That
may have been more than enough to implement a preview feature. Same
goes for a 48K Apple.

Color printing required a lot of memory, too. Instead of B&W bitmapped
data which is able to be stored eight bits to a byte (only guessing as
to how they stored it), maintaining color information required even
more memory. But face it, color printers were still priced out of most
consumer's reach.

As for this group, activity is slow. However, I think its members fall
into one of two distinct categories: Those who ask questions, and
those who answer them. Not much in between. There's simply not a lot
of idle "chatter" that goes on here. Not that I would mind. There are
no rules for posting, but I would prefer to at least have them
somewhat in the vicinity of the primary topic. If an all Atari 800
thread busted out, no problem. I just rather not see idle chatter
about last night's American Idol. but usually when questions are
asked, someone pops up and answers them.

--- In classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com, "Bro. Luby D. Jackson"
<ldjackson@...> wrote:
>
> Hello to everyone.  I am a PC user but when I found the groups for the
> 8-bit Commodore computers, I thought I'd come in and post a few
> questions and also share with what little I have about them.

Hello to everyone.  I am a PC user but when I found the groups for the
8-bit Commodore computers, I thought I'd come in and post a few
questions and also share with what little I have about them.

I started with an SX-64 and MPS 803 and then with a Star Micronics 1040S
9-pin color printer.

My first question is about The Printshop software.  I had the main
program and then the PS Companion.  I didn't have that many graphics
disk because of online back then and the special edition diskette that
came.  I've posed this same question to Broderbund but they haven't
written me back yet.

I've saw Print Shop up and running on the C64, Macintosh, PC and also an
Atari computer.  The Atari had only 48K but it had preview features.  My
"complaint" was why wasn't the print preview implemented in the C64?
Why wasn't color printing and option for the C64 or why wasn't a C128
version made by Broderbund since the Apple IIe at the time also had 128K?

So those are my questions.

When I upgraded, I have a C128D, 1581, GEOS 2.0, 1084S compatible
monitor and Star Micronics NX1000C printer.

I will go ahead and be honest and say that all my questions are pretty
much in this area since all my other questions have been answered when I
was on CompuServe back in the day.

Looking forward to meeting with others on the Commodore.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

All: Gabriel Noel, the c64 filmmaker, here.

After over 300 hours of work spanning nine months, my latest video is done, and
utilizes not only Martin Galway's title track from 'Mikie', but incorporates the
music and audio effects from the Stickybear Educational Software series, which
made its debut on the c64. Given the nature of what it complements (i.e. a
demonstration of the 1983 equivalent of 'Guitar Hero'), I imagine it will
generate a tremendous amount of interest. Anyway, here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-cF-MN7tQ4 Enjoy,Gabriel Noelitstheit
productionsgn
_________________________________________________________________
Enter today for your chance to win $1000 a day—today until May 12th. Learn more
at SignInAndWIN.ca
http://g.msn.ca/ca55/215

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Tom,

You didn't mention which one you tried.  But, I would imagine that
almost all of the ones you try will have similar results.  You
mentioned large file, that is part of the problem with a 64K machine,
you need a small enough file to load, yet have the data you want.  If
you have a graphics program on your pc, you can resize it for the
Commodore's screen resolution and color capabilities.

Secondly, make sure it is a .gif and not a .jpg  For jpg, you need a
different program all together...

--- In classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com, tom metzger
<metzgertrains@...> wrote:
>
> does anyone know of a GOOD .gif Viewer for the Commodore 64?
>
>   I got the two off of the commdore ftp website in the USA and they
are no good; I try to load a large MS-DOS formatted .gif file and no
luck.
>
>   regards,
>
>   Tom P. Metzger
>
>

does anyone know of a GOOD .gif Viewer for the Commodore 64?

   I got the two off of the commdore ftp website in the USA and they are no good;
I try to load a large MS-DOS formatted .gif file and no luck.

   I was under the impression that a Commodore .GIF reader could read an MS-DOS
.gif file, or am I mistaken?

   How do I get pictures from my MS-DOS computer to view on a Commodore 64? 
Should I just get a web browser type program instead?

   any help appreciated!

   ( I really want a database program of some kind , or to be able to make one,
that would have data and a .GIF image of the product)

   my direct email: metzgertrains@...

   regards,

   Tom P. Metzger



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Looking for two 1541C (beige) drives :

ONE with the ALPS, push-down door mechanism, and

ONE with the NEWTRONICS, flip-down door mechanism.

See photos below :

www.trainweb.org/seaboard/ODDSTUFF/1541Ca.jpg

www.trainweb.org/seaboard/ODDSTUFF/1541Cb.jpg

Here's the catch... I would like to have these WITH their original boxes.  I can
find these drives with the Newtronics door mech' all day long on ebay, but not
with the original box.  I'm as much of a collector as I am a user, so the boxes
are mandatory.

Anyone got one of these to spare or know where I can find them?  Please contact
me at the e-mail address below.

Thanks in advance.


John Degnan
Scaler164@...
Does "Out of sight, out of mind" mean "Blind and crazy"???



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks for the list, and maintaining it!!

It's kind of a shame that there are only 12 dedicated C= BBS's in
operation considering how may C= computers there were. I do understand
it takes dedication to maintain a BBS in the Internet age. At least
the technology is there to experience things the way they used to be
without the long distance telephone bills.  :)

--- In classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com, "Andrew Wiskow" <wiskow@...>
wrote:

> http://hometown.aol.com/cottonwoodbbs/cbm-bbs-list.txt
>
> Current stats on C64/128 BBS's:  As of today, 12 are up and running.  2

The October 2007 edition of the Commodore 64/128 Bulletin Board List is
now ready for viewing. You can access the list at the following address:

http://hometown.aol.com/cottonwoodbbs/cbm-bbs-list.txt

Current stats on C64/128 BBS's:  As of today, 12 are up and running.  2
were up last month, but are not working right now, so will remain on
the list to see if they return.  1 is down, but I've received
confirmation from the SysOp that it will be returning.  4 were removed
from the list due to being down for over 2 months and no communication
from the SysOp.

There you have it!  :-)

-Andrew

I started a job once at an Electronics Boutique that was just opening
in a new mall. This was on the tail end of in store computer sales for
this chain. On display, we had an A500 and an Amstrad PC clone w/ CGA
and two floppies (no HD). I was a big Amiga fan at the time. What I
found with most people who came in and questioned the systems was that
they "didn't need all those graphics". But these were the same people
years later that would say "Hey, look what we got on our PCs" when
SVGA and multimedia (and multitasking) became standardized.

This simply proved that the Amiga was well ahead of it's time. People
thought the Nintendo NES was the de facto gaming system. I remember
one person who came in the store who was absolutely convinced that the
Amiga demo we were playing was just coming from a VCR hidden under the
shelf. He just wouldn't believe it was the computer doing all that.

--- In classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com, "Andrew Wiskow" <wiskow@...>
wrote:

> To this, I would have responded by saying that IBM's are WAY too
> expensive, and my C64 has better programs, better sound, and better
> graphics!

I always thought GEOS had custom file formats that weren't easily
transferred to other applications. This is probably one of the reasons
why GEOS wasn't widely accepted for C= users. I, for one, preferred
Fleet System 4 for word processing.

There is a program called Convert for GEOS that can transfer GEOS only
files to other formats. I don't know how it works, but you can find
out more here:

http://cbmfiles.com/geos/geos-5.html

I like the Cloanto software also. I was able to connect my Amiga to
the PC via a serial connection and use Amiga Explorer to transfer the
entire contents of my Amiga hard drive to the emulator. Now my trusty
Amiga system runs under emulation just the way I remembered it. This
time, without the monitor flicker I got from my Amiga being set to
interlaced. This also gave me a method to backup my Amiga in case of
hardware failure.

--- In classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com, tom metzger
<metzgertrains@...> wrote:

>   I am using my commodores again.  I hope people still remember my
last message about getting 64HDD to work with GEOS 2.0 on the c64, if
any one has any news, please email me if you want.

Tom Metzger, others:

Commodores are still manufactured (I've dealt with the two people who hold the
current license for them).

You might not like what you see, but they exist. Behold:

http://www.commodoregaming.com
btw, the current model will probably run about $4000, US, and since they're
manufactured in Holland, you might need a voltage converter.

Gabriel Noel
itstheit productions
gn



To: classiccommodore@...: metzgertrains@...: Wed, 17
Oct 2007 22:56:34 -0700Subject: [Classic Commodore] i miss commodore machines!




Does anyone realize that Commodore computers could still be here today , people
would still be buying millions of them...if only commodore could of held on just
a bit longer, or the internet became public/cheaper a little bit earlier?And I
don't mean fast internet like with DSL.. In 1995 I hooked up the first version
of Netscape (an amazing wonder) with a ....YES FOLKS...2400 baud modem from my
house ! It worked great...and was a cheap way to get on the internet because it
was through a college server. The college at the time had a feature on their BBS
that you could call the BBS and then initiate the WINSOCK DLL stuff and boot up
the web browser---COMPLETELY FREE (local call, no online charges).The 2400 baud
modem yes was slow but remember back then most web pages were NOT graphic
intensive. Also, I liked most sites better that way---people went to them for
content not flash. And there was plenty of reason to surf the web even with a
measily 2400 even!Of course, I only used a 2400 because it was already in the
computer--I quickly got a 14.4k modem and wow! what speed!WHY AM I TELLING YOU
THIS? You may ask...well, if you are an old-timer commie fan like me, you will
remember long ago why people snubbed commodore for IBM and IBM clones! The
reason was this: "I have a IBM at work, and if I want to bring work home with
me, I will not be able to insert the IBM disk into the Commodore drive....."Of
course you would also have to worry about software formats...but the main reason
people didn't buy commodores later on was because of the pesky DISK DRIVE
formats.NOW IN WALKS THE INTERNET....where you completely ABOLISH the need for a
"material" media like floppy disks, floppy disk drives.You simply upload the
file at work to your email , then come home and download the file to your
computer there. Just think , the Amiga machines (and I do mean proprietary
machines, not PC clones with Amiga software!) could still be here because the
disk format issues would be nill.The software format issue was solved with a
program called Big Blue Reader...at least it proved that a talented software
writer could conjur up a program if there was a reason to.And NOW...for the
software side of the issue---look at the accepted "Adobe .PDF format " that the
ENTIRE web community uses to read documents made with all sorts of programs from
different machines. You could put pressure on Adobe (or Commodore could make an
agreement with them) to get Commodore software converted to such formats! Wala!
No one would even know (if they didn't want to and weren't very clever) that you
owned a Commie! But I bet the Amigas would be sooooo kewl that everyone would
want one so you wouldn't care about converting the docs to .PDFdown with
microslop!Regards,Tom M.[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






_________________________________________________________________
Send a smile, make someone laugh, have some fun! Start now!
http://www.freemessengeremoticons.ca/?icid=EMENCA122

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com, tom metzger
<metzgertrains@...> wrote:
>
>   The reason was this:  "I have a IBM at work, and if I want to bring
work home with me, I will not be able to insert the IBM disk into the
Commodore drive....."
>


To this, I would have responded by saying that IBM's are WAY too
expensive, and my C64 has better programs, better sound, and better
graphics!

Of course, this argument doesn't hold true today...  But it certainly
did back then.  :-)

-Andrew

Does anyone realize that Commodore computers could still be here today , people
would still be buying millions of them...if only commodore could of held on just
a bit longer, or the internet became public/cheaper a little bit earlier?

   And I don't mean fast internet like with DSL.. In 1995 I hooked up the first
version of Netscape (an amazing wonder) with a ....YES FOLKS...2400 baud modem
from my house !  It worked great...and was a cheap way to get on the  internet
because it was through a college server.  The college at the time had a feature
on their BBS that you could call the BBS and then initiate the WINSOCK DLL stuff
and boot up the web browser---COMPLETELY FREE (local call, no online charges).

   The 2400 baud modem yes was slow but remember back then most web pages were
NOT graphic intensive.  Also, I liked most sites better that way---people went
to them for content not flash.  And there was plenty of reason to surf the web
even with a measily 2400 even!
   Of course, I only used a 2400 because it was already in the computer--I
quickly got a 14.4k modem and wow! what speed!

   WHY AM I TELLING YOU THIS? You may ask...well, if you are  an old-timer commie
fan like me, you will remember long ago why people snubbed commodore for IBM and
IBM clones!
   The reason was this:  "I have a IBM at work, and if I want to bring work home
with me, I will not be able to insert the IBM disk into the Commodore
drive....."

   Of course you would also have to worry about software formats...but the main
reason people didn't buy commodores later on was because of the pesky DISK DRIVE
formats.

   NOW IN WALKS THE INTERNET....where you completely ABOLISH the need for a
"material" media like floppy disks, floppy disk drives.

   You simply upload the file at work to your email , then come home and download
the file to your computer there.  Just think , the Amiga machines (and I do mean
proprietary machines, not PC clones with Amiga software!) could still be here
because the disk format issues would be nill.

   The software format issue was solved with a program called Big Blue
Reader...at least it proved that a talented  software writer could conjur up a
program if there was a reason to.

   And NOW...for the software side of the issue---look at the accepted "Adobe
.PDF format "  that the ENTIRE web community uses to read documents made with
all sorts of programs from different machines.

   You could put pressure on Adobe (or Commodore could make an agreement with
them) to get Commodore software converted to such formats!  Wala!  No one would
even know (if they didn't want to and weren't very clever) that you owned a
Commie!  But I bet the Amigas would be sooooo kewl that everyone would want one
so you wouldn't care about converting the docs to .PDF

   down with microslop!

   Regards,

   Tom M.














[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Howdy!

   I am using my commodores again.  I hope people still remember my last message
about getting 64HDD to work with GEOS 2.0 on the c64, if any one has any news,
please email me if you want.

   Also, I just got my Amiga Cloanto "Launcher" software up and running again. 
The Launcher includes WOrkbench version 3.1 and that is what I use right now.

   There is a program in WB 3.1 called "Amiga Turbo Text  (.TTX file type) "  its
a TEXT EDITOR.  Is this (or any other software on the Amiga side) compatible
with Commodore GEOS 2.0 where you can exchange (thru the internet)  text files?

   Is there a software exchange set of programs that anyone has used on c64
=>amiga and back?

   Love to hear about them if there is !!


   Regards,

Tom P. Metzger
   metzgertrains@...




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Ah yes, it was. But in 1985/86, with a Macintosh being so expensive,
GEOS had some cool eye candy to show off what a $500 computer system
could do.

It still sucked when you only had one disk drive.

--- In classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com, Harvey Muzina <voidspam@...>
wrote:
> The thing I do remember is that even with mouse, GEOS was still
quite useless -- way to slow.

--- In classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com, Harvey Muzina <voidspam@...>
wrote:
>
> I had 1350 long time ago but still distinctly remember that while
1350 can be put in a joystick mode by holding one of the buttons
(right one?) on power up, it does not work in joystick mode by
default.  I bought it to use with GEOS on C64 and remember doing that
once or twice.  Not sure 100% but I think I didn't have to switch it
into joystick mode -- actually, I think GEOS was the only thing that
supported mouse mode.  1350 did come with a disk but don't remember
what was on it.
> The thing I do remember is that even with mouse, GEOS was still
quite useless -- way to slow.


I beg your pardon, but you're confusing the 1350 with the 1351
mouse.  The 1350 is basically just a redesigned joystick.  The 1351,
however, is a true mouse.  With a 1351, you can, as you said, hold
down one of the buttons when you turn the computer on to switch it
into 1350/joystick mode.  The 1350, however, is stuck as it is.
Basically, when it was new, the 1350 was a big flop.  The 1351 was
released to "fix the problem", so to speak.  :-)

-Andrew

> That's exactly the driver you're supposed to use for a 1350 mouse in
GEOS
> (the Joystick driver). That's because the 1350 mouse IS basically
just
> a funny-shaped joystick. :-)

I had 1350 long time ago but still distinctly remember that while 1350 can be
put in a joystick mode by holding one of the buttons (right one?) on power up,
it does not work in joystick mode by default.  I bought it to use with GEOS on
C64 and remember doing that once or twice.  Not sure 100% but I think I didn't
have to switch it into joystick mode -- actually, I think GEOS was the only
thing that supported mouse mode.  1350 did come with a disk but don't remember
what was on it.
The thing I do remember is that even with mouse, GEOS was still quite useless --
way to slow.

Harvey



Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I forgot that was how the 1350 worked, as a joystick in disguise.

I was trying to use one on my Amiga thinking it's basically the same
as an Amiga mouse, but it didn't work right. I got movement in only
one axis but not the other. I used two or three 1350 mice until I
thought the Amiga motherboard was bad. I was glad to have finally
found my Amiga mouse before I committed to tearing the Amiga apart to
"fix" it. I suppose if I had found a joystick driver for the Amiga
Workbench, I could have stuck with the 1350.

--- In classiccommodore@yahoogroups.com, Andrew Wiskow <wiskow@...> wrote:

> That's exactly the driver you're supposed to use for a 1350 mouse in
GEOS (the Joystick driver).  That's because the 1350 mouse IS
basically just a funny-shaped joystick.  :-)