Spectral Associates: TRS-80 Color Computer (1982)

The Color Computer was a fairly popular and one of the longest supported computers of the 8-bit era. It was not at all related to the standard TRS-80 (Models I-IV) and used the relatively unique 6809 CPU which was pretty advanced for the time and had some 16-bit features. For some reason the Color Computer line never really gained a huge amount of third party software support as compared to others like Atari, Apple and Commodore but it had decent support from Radio Shack for more than a decade (and there was SOME 3rd party support).

The above ad by Spectral Associates, a retailer for Color Computer upgrades, accessories and software, is from 1982. There were three Color Computer models throughout the year but in 1982 when this ad appeared they were still on the original iteration. As you can see from the ad, 1982 was early enough in the life of home computers that software just being written in machine language (as opposed to BASIC) was considered a selling point.

80 Microcomputing (April 1980)

80 Microcomputing was a magazine that was dedicated to the TRS-80 line of computers. The Model I was released in 1977. The Model II really doesn't belong to this series as it was largely incompatible and more of a professional workstation, the Model III was released in 1980 and the Model 4 was released in 1983. I never owned one but in my freshman year of high school, we used Mode IIIs and Model 4s in a BASIC programming class. The April 1984 issue includes:

80 Microcomputing (April 1980)

Compute! (April 1983)

Compute! (April 1983)

Compute! was one of the most popular multi-format computer magazines of the 1980s. It covered mostly the popular 8-bit home computers of the time including the VIC-20, Commodore 64, TRS-80 Color Computer, Apple II, Atari 400/800, TI-99/4A, etc. Compute! also produced the very popular Commodore specific Compute!'s Gazette and a number of other computer specific publications. At more than 288 pages, the April 1983 issue of Compute! had a LOT in it, including:

Features

• Selecting The Right Word Processor - An overview of what a word processor is and what features you should look for. Some of these features include things like Block Move, Headers/Footers and Page-Numbering among other things. There are no actual product reviews in this article.


• Air Defense - A type in program for a game similar to Missile Command. It is in BASIC and was designed to work with the VIC-20, Atari 400/800, TRS-80 Color Computer, Apple II, TI-99/4A, and PET/CBM.


• VIC Editype: A Text Editing And Storage Program - A type-in program for the VIC-20. VIC Editype is basically a mini word processing program. Word processing seems to be the theme in this month's issue.


• Scriptor: An Atari Word Processor - A somewhat more advanced type-in word processor for the Atari 400/800 written in both BASIC and machine language.

Education and Recreation

• Typing Teacher - A type-in program to (ironically) teach you typing. Basically it measures your character speed and word speed by presenting random characters for you to type. There are versions here for the Atari 400/800, VIC-20, TI-99/4A and Apple II.


• Chutes for Atari - A type in program for the Atari 400/800 that uses 3D graphics or what passed for them then. It reminds me of a very, very primitive Star Fox.


• Cash Flow Manager - This article consists of instructions to create a monthly cash report and forecast spreadsheet that can be printed in VisiCalc.


• TI-99 Match-Em - A type-in program for the TI-99/4A for a matching game. This is one of those games where you have to select a square to see what is under it and then guess (or remember) where its match is. Milton Bradley produced a board game version creatively titled "Memory" that was a popular kids game in the 1980s but there have been endless variations.

Reviews

• VIC-20/C64 World Processor: The Quick Brown Fox - A very simple and easy to use word processor for the VIC-20 and Commodore 64 that came in cartridge format.


• Atari Data Perfect - A database program for the Atari 400/800 described as the most powerful yet for that computer. It was compatible with Letter Perfect (a word processor) making it easy to generate form letters and various record formats.


• VIC Practi-Calc - Essentially a much cheaper version of VisiCalc but for the VIC-20 and with fewer features.


• Paperclip Word Processor For PET/CBM - The PET/CBM were more business oriented but this was a popular word processor that was ported to several other computers.


• ZX-81 Home Computer Package For Sinclair/Timex - A package of four programs for the ZX-81/TS-1000. It includes titles that are mostly self explanatory including Etch-A-Screen, Music Composer, Checkbook Balancer and Billboard (scrolls messages across the screen).

_{Table of Contents from the April 1983 issue of Compute!}

Columns and Departments

• The Editor's Notes - This month's editorial discusses the rapidly falling prices of computers.


• Readers' Feedback - Questions and comments from readers about using a TV as a monitor, incompatibilities with Atari's "Revision B" of their OS, and translating programs to the TI-99/4A among other things.


• The Beginner's Page - A column for computer beginners, this month starting a series discussing the various categories of software (music and graphics are covered here).


• Computers And Society - The best and worst of the Winter CES. The worst was the introduction of x-rated software including games for the Atari 2600, the best (at least according to this article) were games with unique goals. One example given is Choplifter in which you get points for rescuing people as opposed to blowing things up.


• Questions Beginners Ask - Questions answered about typing in programs and the differences between a TV and a monitor among other topics.


• Micros With The Handicapped: Developing A Communications Program - Yes, "handicapped" was the politically correct term then even if it isn't now. Anyway, this is part 4 of a continuing series with type-in programs included for making communication easier.


• Machine Language: Numeric Input, Part II - The second part of a Jim Butterfield article on inputing decimal numbers with machine language programs.


• The World Inside the Computer: Children, Computers, And Values - An article that contemplates a child becoming friends with a computer.

The Journal

• Dr. Video - A type-in program for adding additional capabilities to the screen editing abilities of the PET/CBM including the ability to clear the screen above or below the cursor and sending the cursor "home" (to the bottom left of the screen).


• Atari Filefixer - A type-in program that serves as a tool for editing data files for machine language programs. At least that's what I think it is for.


• Using the Atari Word Processor With An Epson Printer - This article describes how to add Epson MX-80 compatibility to the Atari World Processor.


• Commodore 64 Video - A Guided Tour, Part III - Part 3 of a Jim Butterfield series on the Commodore 64's video capabilities. This one discusses creating and moving sprites.


• Update On Sinclair/Times Sound - An update and fixes to a previously published sound program for the Timex 1000/Sinclair ZX-81.


• Computer Literacy And The Three R's On The Sinclair/Timex - A series of small type-in programs for the Timex/Sinclair that teach some simple computer literacy and math.


• Center The VIC Screen - Apparently the VIC-20 screen would sometimes not be centered when displayed on a TV. This small program helps you to center the screen and can be added to your own programs.


• Applesoft Printer Control - This is a type-in program for making the selection printer mode (typeface, etc.) simpler.


• Video 80: 80 Columns For The Atari - By default, the Atari 8-bit computers could only display 40 columns of text. This is a type-in program that works as a software solution to increase that to 80. This doesn't actually increase resolution so the quality won't be as good as a hardware solution but it was still quite useful.


• VICword - A type-in program that gives you shortcuts for 52 BASIC commands. For example, it lets you hold down SHIFT and press 'L' to type LOAD instead of having to type the whole command.


• CRAB (Cross Reference For Atari BASIC) - A very short type-in utility that will print a list of all the variable used in a given BASIC program and on which line numbers they appear on.


• Programming Characters On An Expanded VIC-20 - Defining and using a custom character set on the VIC-20. Memory expansion is needed.


• Magic Commodore BASIC - BASIC programming tricks for the PET/CBM, VIC-20 and Commodore 64, including invisible lines, backward line numbers, highlighting REM statements and more.


• Rainbow Atari Graphics - Various techniques for using colors in games on Atari 8-bit computers.


• VIC Automatic BASIC - A type-in program for creating text animation and prompts that can be used in your own programs.
• Tester - A simple program for the TRS-80 that can be used for testing. Essentially, it asks a series of questions and gives multiple choice answers then grades you. It can easily modified with your own questions.


• Estimating TI-99 Memory - Memory was highly constrained in old 8-bit computers and it was easy to run out of it. This article gives you some techniques to estimate the array sizes you can use.

Read more: https://www.megalextoria.com/wordpress/index.php/2022/01/04/compute-april-1983/

80-U.S. Journal (May/June 1979 )

80-U.S. Journal (May/June 1979 )
80-US was one of the earlier computer magazines. It covered, as you might guess from the name, the TRS-80 computer. This issue from May/June 1979 includes: Features

• Troubleshooting Hardware
• String Packing Techniques Exposed!
• Which Brain?
• Chinese, Android and other Nims
• Mind Reader
• System/Command
• The Monitor You Already Have
• The Barber & Beauty Shop Cash Accounting & Payroll, Part II
• TRS80 Fortran - an evaluation
• Business Computing

Departments

• Random Access
• Clubs & Publications
• Letters
• Software Review: Starfleet Orion
• A Note on Basic
• Hangups
• Unclassified Ads

Columns

• Editorial Remarks
• View From the Top Of The Stack

...and more!

80-US (January 1979)

80-US (January 1979)



The TRS-80 was one of the first home computers available and therefore had some of the earliest computer publications dedicated to it. 80-US is one of those. The January 1979 issue includes:

• Going First Class - Our experience with a new Selectra-Print
• Text 80 - A text editor without frills, for those who can't remember all the sub-commands
• Bowling Revisited - An authentic Level II version of the Computerized Bowling Alley
• An Audio-Visual Demo - How to connect pictures with sound, using existing equipment
• Notes on BASIC Programming - Keeping track of your Level I variables
• Renew That Program - A sometimes successful way to bring a disk basic program back to life
• Math Drill Ala King - A fun math program, with some Level I tutorial material included
• Erode - For your mid-winter madness, try and break thru the barrier in the time allowed - 4 levels of expertise
• View from the top of the Stack
• Reviews
• Hangups
• Editorial
• Random Access
• Letters

...and more!

Personal Computing Today (February 1983)

Personal Computing Today (February 1983)

Personal Computing Today was a computer magazine published in the U.K. in the early and mid 1980s. North American readers would find some familiar machines like the TRS-80 and VIC-20 but some of the computers covered were U.K. based like the BBC Micro. The February 1983 issue includes:

• Spectrum Software: Spectrum Zap - Do battle once more with the malevolent mutants from Mars in this all killing, all blasting game for the Spectrum.
• News - Brush up on the latest comings and goings in the computer scene.
• Letters - Comments or criticisms? Then this is your page.
• TRS-80 Software: Spelling Test - Let your Tandy test your spelling. With this program you can set up your own custom spelling tests.
• BBC Software: Squash - Learn how to program moving ball graphics and end up playing the computer a game of Squash.
• Next Month - Find out what we'll be up to in March.
• Atari Technique: Quick on the Draw - Find out more about the internal workings of your Atari's graphics.
• Review - Catch up with our review team in their latest escapades from the world of computer software.
• ZX81 Microspot: Instring Routine - Find out how to simulate this useful command on your own micro.
• Program Submissions - Want your name in print? Here's what you have to do.
• BBC Review: BBC Disc System - Thinking about treating your Beeb to some discs? Consult our review first and avoid the pitfalls.
• Letters: Micro Answers - If your Spectrum won't speak to you, or your RAM pack has rebelled, then drop us a line and we will set the experts on them.
• Sord: Review: The Sord's Edge - As the Japanese prepare to do battle for the control of the home computer market, Personal Computing Today agents sneaked a look at one of their secret weapons.
• UK 101 Software: UK Blitz - Bring your plane in for a safe landing by flattening the city below you.
• Survey - Personal Computing Today is your magazine, so complete our survey and help us give you what you want.
• Programming: Gamesboard - This month's Gamesboard will tell you all you need to know about setting up your own personal adventure.
• VIC 20 Software: One Touch Entry - Add a single key entry system to your VIC 20 with this invaluable program.
• BBC Hardware: Using Cassette Recorders - All you need to know about choosing, connecting and caring for your cassette recorder.
• Reference: Factfile - Mystified by the massive choice of micros? The Factfile will help you gain your perspective.
• Reference: Software Checklist - If you want a Toolkit for your Tandy or a Breakout for your BBC then turn to the Checklist to solve your problem.
• Reference: Micro Terms - If you're flummoxed by files of baffled by bytes then Micro Terms will straighten you out.

...and more!

Micro Computer Devices – Selectra-Print

Apparently, 1979 was literally pre-history as far as home printers were concerned. Here we have an ad for a "Selectra-Print" system by a company called Micro Computer Devices (mcd). The Selectra-Print was not a printer exactly, it was a Selectric II typewriter modified to interface with a computer and automatically type your documents. This ad appeared in the January 1979 issue of US-80 which was a TRS-80 publication. The TRS-80 (Model I as it would later be known) had been released in 1979 and its successor, the Model III, was not yet available.

This "printer" was not specific to the TRS-80 but it was one of the computers it was available for. It only cost a mere $1925 which adjusted for inflation would be about $6900 today. The TRS-80 version was a little more expensive than the $1850 standard price, I suspect because of the interface. Though an RS-232 interface was an extra $195 so I'm not sure what you could hook it to with no extras. However, it is advertised as being compatible with a bunch of computers including the Apple II, Commodore PET, Heath H8, IMSAI (Matthew Broderick's computer from Wargames), Cromenco, Alpha Microsystems, Space Byte, North Star Horizon, SWTP, Vector Graphic, Sol, Plymorphic, Digital Group, Ohio Scientific, Altair, Sorcerer, Xitran, Rex, KIM, EXORcisor, etc.

I guess one benefit of such a setup is that getting "letter quality" printouts wouldn't be a problem.

Enter (September 1984)

Enter is a computer magazine that was targeted towards kids and published by Children's Television Workshop (later Sesame Workshop). What computer loving kid could resist a cover with the Enterprise on it? While it did have some gaming content its emphasis was on education, including programming and general computer use. It covered all of the popular computers of the day that you might find in a home including the Commodore 64, VIC-20, TI-99/4A, TRS-80, Apple II, the Atari 8-bit line, PCs (DOS), Coleco Adam, Timex and possibly others. The September 1984 issue includes:

Features

• The Empire's Computer Secrets - This article is pretty nifty bit of history. Part of it is an interview with Ed Catmull, at the time responsible for many of the computer effects in early Star Trek and Star Wars movies among others. He would later become co-founder of Pixar. In the image below (from this issue of Enter), Ed can be seen showing of some of the computer equipment being used for movie making circa 1984. This article also covers the game coming out of Lucasfilm including Ballblazer and Rescue On Fractalus, both initially developed on Atari 8-bit computers.

• Rock on the Road - An article about how computers are used to control light shows for various concerts including those of Genesis, Duran Duran, The Police, The Jacksons, ZZ Top, Culture Club, and Van Halen among others. Some specific equipment is covered including Var-Lites which were first used by Genesis.

• The Write Stuff - An overview of the word processing software available for different computers along with their capabilities. Software covered includes Apple Writer IIe (Apple IIe), Atariwriter (Atari 8-bit computers), Bank Street Writer (Apple, Atari, Commodore 64, DOS), Cut & Paste (Apple IIe, IIc, Atari, Commodore 64, DOS), Easy Script 64 (Commodore 64), Electric Pencil (TRS-80 Models III and IV), Homeword (Apple, Atari, Commodore 64), Leading Edge (DOS), Letter Wizard (Atari), Oniwriter (Commodore 64), Quick Brown Fox (Apple, Atari, Commodore 64, VIC-20, DOS), Smartwriter (Coleco Adam), The Write Stuff (Apple II, DOS), and Wordvision (DOS).

• Portable Power - An overview of a few of the newer portable computers available at the time. These include the Epson HX-20, NEC 820, Radio Shack Model 100 (I had one of these for a while), and the Olivetti M-10. These weren't like today's notebooks. They were typically all in one units with a built-in 4 to 8 line black and white LCD screen above the keyboard.

• The Making of an Arcade Game - Behind the scenes at Bally Midway factory in Franklin Park, Illinois. This shows the process of assembling a Spy Hunter arcade machine.

• Contest #4 - A contest involving renaming computer parts in which you could win an Apple IIc.

Departments

• Feedback - Readers respond to a previous article about software piracy, a very hot topic at the time.

• Bits - The news section, this month featuring: the Pac-Van, a mobile arcade that holds 25-30 games that could be rented for birthday parties and such; two students hack the electronic scoreboard at the Rose Bowl; Plaqueman, a new game from Home Computer Software; a sheep shearing robot...and more.

• Ask Enter - Readers ask about compatibility, how disks work, if games are bad for your TV, and more.

• Random Access - A high school student complains that while her school does a good job teaching computer programming, that doesn't mean that you know how to actually use a computer.

• User Views - Game Reviews
  • The Seven Cities of Gold (Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari) - A graphical adventure game by Electronic Arts that features the exploration of North and South America through 400 years of history.
  • Pitfall II: Lost Caverns (Atari 2600, ColecoVision/Adam, Atari 5200, Atari computers, Commodore 64, DOS) - A sequel to Pitfall. This was an excellent game for the time that I had for my Commodore 64.
  • James Bond: 007 (Atari computers, ColecoVision, Commodore 64, Atari 2600) - An action game by Parker Brothers based on scenes from four different Bond films.
  • Gumball (Apple, Atari) - An action/puzzle game in which you must catch different colored gumballs in the correct cart.
  • Bump 'N' Jump (Intellivision) - A port of the arcade classic that is part race part destruction derby.
  • Bruce Lee (Commodore 64, Apple II, Atari) - Work your way through the fortress with your martial arts prowess.
  • Zaxxon (Commodore 64) - An excellent conversion of the classic arcade shooter.
  • Boulder Dash (Atari, Commodore 64, DOS) - Somewhat like Dig Dug but with its own unique twists.

• Software Scanner - Various software reviews.
  • Run for the Money (DOS) - A game in which you have to fix your spaceship but its more about business planning than anything.
  • Peripheral Vision (Commodore 64, Atari, DOS) - Drawing software that works with a light pen.
  • Flight Simulator II (Commodore 64, Apple, Atari) - The original Flight Simulator was written for DOS based machines. The sequel is really an enhanced version of the original for various other 8-bit computers.
  • M-SS-NG L-NKS (Commodore 64, Atari) - An educational fill in the blanks puzzle game featuring classic literature.
  • Coco-Notes (Atari, Commodore 64) - Compose songs by catching notes.

• Newsbeat - The latest in computer news, featuring the new Commodore 16 and Plus 4; the new Okimate 10 dot-matrix printer; various robots and robot software; new software including Breakdance, Archon II, and more; the Atari 780 Prosystem; the MindLink system; and voice controlled laser discs.

• Showbeat - Including a preview of a new movie featuring Atari computers, Cloak & Dagger. This movie starred Henry Thomas (Elliot from E.T.). While some will no doubt argue that this was no E.T., it was a movie I loved as a kid and probably had a bigger impact on me.

• Pacesetters - An article about One on One featuring Larry Bird and Dr. J as well as the 17-year old programmer that wrote it.

• Connections - Info on a Commodore 64 music contest, BBSes, new Timex hardware and software, and where you might find out of print books.

• Pencil Crunchers - A maze created with the help of a computer (Apple II) and a computer related crossword puzzle.

• Next - What's coming up next month ('Life On-Line', 'Computers Go To College', and more).

Programming

• BASIC Training - Featuring Micro Mind Reader, a type in program that can read your mind for Apple, Adam, Atari, IBM, TRS-80 Color Computer, and Timex Sinclair.

• BASIC Recommends - A recommendation for a BASIC programming book: 'More BASIC: A Guide to Intermediate-Level BASIC Programming'

...and more!

K-Power, April 1984

K-Power, Issue Number 3, April 1984

K-Power, Issue Number 4, May 1984

via pinterest.com

The May 1984 issue of K-Power

K-Power Issue Number 2, March 1984

via pinterest.com

The March 1984 issue of K-Power

Enter Issue number 13, December 1984

via pinterest.com

The December 1984 issue of Enter: http://e791c67a.tinylinks.co

K-Power Issue 1, February 1984

via pinterest.com

February 1984 issue of K-Power. This computer magazine covered systems such as the Coleco Adam, Apple II, Atari 400/800, Commodore 64, VIC-20, IBM PC Jr, TI 99/4a, and the TRS-80. - http://01beb894.tinylinks.co