Serious Programming for the Commodore 64 by Henry Simpson

• Practical techniques for overcoming machine limitations and increasing the programmer's control of the computer!
• Details on how to design, test, and evaluate programs for clarity, accuracy, and ease of use! Here's your guide to systematic program design that shows how to avoid usual trial and error methods.

Packed with tested techniques and expert advice, it gives practical ways to overcome limitations imposed by the C-64's documentation, 2.0 BASIC, DOS system, and printer commands. Using the author's module system, you can successfully tackle a far wider range of applications programs than initially appear possible on the Commodore 64. Simpson provides hands-on guidance in developing system documentation so programs will be easier to interpret, debug, or modify. Topics covered include : selection of hardware and software configuration, how to design display screens, how to develop crash-proof routines for collecting data inputs, and how to master program control techniques like menus, simple choices, and typed-in commands. Using sample modules, the author shows how to link programs together using a chaining technique, plus he gives foolproof methods for handling C-64 disk files and building subroutines to simplify and enhance printer use. Designed for advanced programmers, this guide is an essential tool for transform-ing the C-64 into a serious and productive business machine. The author, Henry Simpson, is a senior scientist at Anacapa Sciences, Inc., Santa Barbara, California, and previous West Coast Editor of Digital Design magazine. He has developed programs for a variety of microcomputers and his articles have appeared in many computer magazines.

Submitted by mhoney Serious Programming for the Commodore 64

Blazing Paddles is an effort to create a color MacPaint-like drawing program for the Apple II and Commodore 64. For the most part, the program lives up to its name--easy-to-use and very fast. A "main menu" of icons surrounds the screen, leaving a central windown into your drawing. When you choose one icon, all disappear and you drawing fills the screen. The function triggered by the icon remains in effect until you go back to the main menu and choose another. The program reproduces many of the MacPaint functions, including outline and filled boxes and ovals, automatic straight lines, contiguous lines, different brush sizes, spraypaint, dots, "fat bits" zoom, undo, paste, and a variety of sizes and fonts for text. The difference is in the color. You can choose up to 200 "textured hues" and work them into your drawing. All functions perofrm admirably. Input devices include a mouse, joystick, graphics tablet, and light pen. The big disappointment is the alleged "cut and paste" function. You cannot "cut" a portion of the drawing. You can replicate a portion all over the screen, but to cut it, you must go back to the main menu and paste the background color over the unwanted portion. Baudville rpogrammer David Walker notes that when this last feature was added to the program, no room was left for full-cut capabilities. The result is that putting things on screen is a lot easier than taking them off. The zoom function, which lets you draw with individual pixels, becomes ornery when you try to place certain color combinations together. This quirk of the 6502 hardware can make life miserable for pixel perfectionists. Drawings are saved to disk and may be recalled at any time and patched into different pictures. Over a dozen printers are supported, including some color printers. Overall, Blazing Paddles does a commendable job of bringing MacPaint to the Apple II and C64. It is fast, easy-to-use, and a lot of fun.

Submitted by mhoney Blazzing Paddles

Twin Cities 128 Issue #7 - August 1986 Submitted by mhoney Twin Cities 128 #7

Commodore 128® Reference Guide for Programmers .. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced programmer, if you're serious about the Commodore 128, this book is for you. The first chapters review elementary topics and later chapters concentrate on special programming applications. Commodore 128 Reference Guide for Programmers offers these special benefits: 

 

• Maximizes the Commodore 128's built-in capabilities, including graphics and sound 

• Moves from simple to complex programming 

• Describes all operating systems 

• Includes hardware and software specifics 

• Details all input and output features 

• Presents complete RAM and ROM maps, with tips for managing all 128K of memory.

 

 You don't have to know the quirks of the Commodore 64 or other Commodore machines to make full use of the information in these pages. With a Commodore 128 and this book, you are ready to explore all the possibilities. Commodore 128 Reference Guide for Programmers is a must for your computer bookshelf. 

 

Submitted by mhoney Commodore 128 Reference Guide for Programmers

 

The commodore 128 can be used in three separate modes, the 128K mode is particularly attractive to the serious computer user. This book is intended for the owner who already knows the elements of program­ ming in BASIC, and who wants to make the Commodore 128 work for its living. Because the BASIC of the 128 is so much superior to that of the older C'64 model, much more can be accomplished without knowledge of machine-code, and this book fully stretches the abilities of the new BASIC. You will learn, for example, how to save and load BASIC as if it were machine-code, and how to save mixtures of BASIC and machine-code. Much space is devoted to getting the best from a disk drive, because if you're serious about computing this is the peripheral which you must certainly have. The focal point of each chapter is the application ofBASICsubroutines to data processing, and to that end manyvery useful and original subroutines are included. You will learn, for example, how to work with pointers in BASIC, and how to speed up a string sort by the use of pointers to array members. Don't think, though, that this is a book for the dedicated expert Each topic is clearly explained, and all you need to know before you start is the elements of BASIC,which you might have gained from the use of a C'64, or from the starter book for the Commodore 128 by Sean Gray. Throughout the book, the emphasis is on easy design of BASIC programs byway of subroutine modules and "top-down" methods, so that the longer listings in the book will be models that you can use to construct your own programs for your own needs. Whether your interest is for business or pleasure, hobby or profit, this is a book that will reward your reading and bring new perspective to your use of the Commodore 128. 

 

Submitted by mhoney Commodore 128 Book2 Advanced Programming

This sourcebook is probably the most important "add-on" you'll ever buy for your C-128' Packed with maintenance tips. troubleshooting proce- dures. and do-it-yourself repair techniques, it can save you time. money. and untold frustration over the lifetime of your Commodore-‘I28 The simple chip-changing instructions alone will enable you to cure over 500/o of the problems that cause breakdowns. Plus. Margolis gives you all the technical detail and advanced computer repair guidance that you'll need‘ Both advanced hardware enthusiasts and professonal service technicians will appreciate the in-depth examination of every C-128 circuit-incIuding timing diagrams. and the use of PEEK and POKE commands to signal-trace circuits. If youre a programmer interested in getting maximum performance from your machine. then you. too, need look no further than this book. The information provided here will help you gain mastery of your computer. In addition to complete memory maps and thorough descriptions of the C-128's operating characteristics. you'll find 0 Tried and true service procedures for pinpointing trouble spots. 0 A Chip Location Guide-a layout diagram of all 83 chips. 0 Electronic and mechanical techniques for chip replacement. 0 Test Point Charts showing exact pinouts. the name of each pin. arrows indicating direction of signal flow, and readings you should receive using a logic probe or vorn. O A master schematic of the Commodore 128. complete with all part numbers-an essential tool for more difficult repairs. A better understanding of how your C-128 works will help make you a better. more informed programmer. Also. with the high cost of profes- sional computer repairs. lust being able to replace one chip will more than pay for this valuable guide! Art Margolis is a computer professional who has written several best- selling books including Computer Technicians Handbook-2nd Edition, Troubleshooting and Repairing Personal Computers. and Troubleshooting and Repairing Your Commodore 64

Submitted by ecbm Troubleshooting and Repairing Your Commodore 128

Through the years, I have learned that the best way to fix a circuit is to first figure out what makes it tick," explains John Heilborn, author of more than forty computer-related books. He should know - before entering the publishing field, he was a research and development engineer during the pioneering days of Silicon Volley. In his most recent book, Commodore 128 Troubleshooting & Repair, Mr. Heilborn provides both experienced and novice users with a nuts-and-bolts look at the Commodore 128 - how it works, what can go wrong, why, and how to make repairs. The first book to address C-128 troubleshooting and repair, it discusses:
• The Commodore 128's design and electrical components
• Systems and subsystems
• Troubleshooting and step-by-step diagnostic techniques
• How to make repairs
• Preventive maintenance tips

Submitted by mhoney Commodore 128 Troubleshooting and Repair

It's been a while since I've done any updates to the site.  The main reason for this was because I thought the backend CMS was not capable of handling the amount of data I want to add to the site.  With that belief in mind I had let things go dormant here while I searched for another solution.  After LOTS of searching I came to the realization that I was either going to have to custom code something or tweak things here.  I've gone for the latter and am pleased with the results.  Long story short; you should see a lot more updating in the future.

If you don't own a Network Flyer Network Modem for your Commodore computer, you should!  You can get your hands on one of these units at http://www.retroswitch.com/products/flyer/ , don't miss out.

I worked up a cheat sheet of handy commands for use with the Network Flyer Network Modem,  hope this comes in handy.

Submitted by mhoney Network Flyer Modem Cheat Sheet

COMPUTE's 128 Programmer's Guide is a book you'll want at your side whenever you're programming or using the Commodore 128. It's not intended to replace the 128 System Guide. In stead, it's a source of additional ideas, programming advice, and technical information. It covers the 128 in all of its several modes, and every explanation is written in the clear, easy to- read style that's the hallmark of COMPUTE! publications.

Submitted by mhoney Compute's 128 Programmer's Guide