Re: Laser 3000

[Lonnie McClure <lmcclure@delphi.com>]

In a message dated 2-1-95, Douglas Spence said:
 
     "The most important question is:  How to I connect a disk
      drive to this thing?"
 
I suspect no disk controller is built-into the Laser 3000. If so,
you may be up the creek without a paddle (the paddle being the
controller + drive combo for the L3000).
 
 
     "What is the syntax for the unusual commands that come
      up when I hit the function keys?  (SOUND DEF, SOUND TEMPO,
      SOUND, DRAW CIRCLE, etc.)"
 
As I recall from an ad for the L3000, the BASIC was a standard
Microsoft varient, rather than Applesoft compatible. Except for the
sound commands, I suspect a manual on GW-BASIC for a PC would get
you on your way.
 
    "Are the ports the same as those on a IIc?  Does the IIc have
     this (what seems to be) 3-voice sound chip with noise generator?"
 
Having never seen a Laser 3000 in the flesh (only in ads), I cannot
say. The serial port on the IIc was either a DB-9 or a mini-din 8.
The drive port was a DB-19.
 
None of the Apple II series had the same sound chip as in the Laser
3000. The same chip was found in a number of other 8-bit machines,
however, and I believe on one or more sound cards for the II+ and IIe.
 
 
     "The Laser 3000 seems to be very well built, with an
      excellent keyboard, and I'm itching to make it useful."
 
I wish I could run across a Laser 3000 in good condition at a decent
price. I wouldn't mind adding it to my collection of "Never heard
of it" machines. <grin>
 
Good luck on your quest to make it useful. I'm sorry I could not be of
more help.