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Re: Apple lle display
Bettablue wrote:
Thanks for the info Michael. That does make some sense. However the
rnd "mode" you describe doesn't seem to fit. When I randomize the
string from 0 to 1 and then multiply it to get the integer value on MS
BASIC, the line command works fine. However, I found that when I input
the same line in the Apple, the command fails. When I change the rnd
value to a -1, and follow with the same multiplication for the integer
value, the Apple accepts the line and the program continues with the
exact same results. I know it's no real big difference, but there are
numerous little differences between MS BASIC and Apple BASIC. It's
these little differences I actually like about working on the two systems.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "randomize the string" and
"line command"...
But the RND function operates exactly as I have described.
You might want to try typing in "?rnd(1)" followed by ENTER (and
without the quotes. This will display successive random numbers.
If you substitute rnd(0), you will see that it returns the previously
generated random number repeatedly.
If you substitute rnd(-x) (where x is anything), you will start a
new sequence of random numbers which can be reset to its start by
calling rnd(-x) (same value of x) again. This is mostly useful
for forcing a particular sequence of random numbers to make a
computation repeatable. If the value of x is derived from something
non-repeatable, like the two-byte keyboard wait counter on page zero,
then it ensures that a game dependent on random numbers will not be
the same each time it is played.
You will find it very useful to get a copy (physical or electronic)
of the Applesoft BASIC Programming Reference Manual. It is a quite
detailed, yet very readable reference to the language.
As for what's wrong with the monitor, at this point, I think it's
something in the main power supply. The fuse I replaced is in the power
supply circuit. As soon as the power switch is turned on, the fuse
blows. I don't really know much about electronics. As far as
equipment, I have a volt ohm meter to check circuits with. It's good
for tracing an electrical path of the lack thereof. That is pretty much
the extent of my electronics repair knowledge.
As far as the monitor goes, I wouldn't mind upgrading to a color
display. I know that Apple lle has built in support for color, but Apple
decided to offer a monochrome display. Probably to save on cost.
Exactly. Color monitors were in the $400 range, while monochrome
monitors were just a little over $100. A monochrome monitor also
has much higher video bandwidth than a color monitor, so text displays--
particularly 80-column text displays--are much crisper and therefore
preferred by most people who often display text.
I haven't used the computer much simply because of the monitor issue. I
guess I could put the Apple on a rolling desk and connect it to the TV
in my living room, but being wheelchair bound and only having one arm to
do anything with makes even that a chore. Still, I really want to use
the computer.
Yes, I can see where that would be very inconvenient...
Any way, thanks again. I'll keep looking around and wait for my friend
to come to Vegas so maybe he can see what's really going on with the
display.
You are fortunate to have a "hard" failure in the power supply of the
monitor. It should not be difficult to find and fix.
"Michael J. Mahon" wrote in message
jdSdnZoa0q72XAfQnZ2dnUVZ5vadnZ2d@giganews.com">news:jdSdnZoa0q72XAfQnZ2dnUVZ5vadnZ2d@giganews.com...
Bettablue wrote:
First, I want to thank all of you who have answered some of my
questions. The results are proving to be working well; especially with
the conversion of IBM BASIC to Apple BASIC. There are some minor
differences, like when randomizing from 1. With MS basic the command
has you randomize from 0, but with Apple BASIC, you actually have to
randomize from -1. I haven't had any problems running most of the MS
programs on the Apple though.
The +1 argument is only a "mode" argument, telling RND to deliver
the next pseudorandom number in the sequence. Any positive number
has the same effect. The number returned is always in the range
of 0 to 0.999999999 and this range is not changeable.
A zero argument returns the previous RND return, while a negative
argument re-seeds RND to start the sequence from a new point.
Now on to my next little problem. There appears to be more wrong with
the Apple monitor that came with the lle. I have been looking on
E-Bay, Amazon.com and even the Vintage Computer Forums web site for a
replacement display. There just doesn't seem to be one out there. I
have been running the Apple using the composite jack into a small
television, but I really want to have an original display for my lle.
Does anyone here have one I could purchase, or know where I might be
able to find one? I don't care if it is a monochrome or color
display, I just want something original to the system. There is no
big hurry here, so if you have one or can point me in the right
direction, that would be a great help.
Just out of curiosity, what appears to be wrong with the Apple monitor?
BTW, I know this is off topic, but yesterday I completed the deal for
a complete 1981 IBM PC 5150 computer system for only $200.00. It is
absolutely perfect. It has the 2 internal 5 1/4 floppies, color
graphics controller upgrade, original XT model F keyboard and
monitor. It came in the original boxes, packaging, and even has the
original manuals and documentation for the upgrades.
I am definitely in Xanadu here guys and gals!
Great!
-michael
NadaNet 3.1 for Apple II parallel computing!
Home page: http://home.comcast.net/~mjmahon/
"The wastebasket is our most important design
tool--and it's seriously underused."