NBN

New Products Editor:Demetrios A. MichalopoulosCalifornia State University, Fullerton

Nine-pound mobile computer fits in a briefcase Menu development system aids

Unix-based Onyx micro usersGavilan Computer Corporation has intro-

duced a self-contained and battery-powered,nine-pound, 16-bit microcomputer system.The portable system integrates both pro-

prietary multifunctional software (on plug-incapsules, called CapsuleWare, or microfloppydiskettes) and industry standard MS/DOSsoftware with lightweight hardware. It canoperate up to eight hours on its rechargeablebatteries or can be connected to ordinarypower outlets in both the US and Europe.The user interacts with the computer via an

integrated touch panel or solid-state mousethat moves a pointer on the screen to the fileor item desired. The novice user can receivehelp from the machine as needed.The main unit contains, in an integrated

fold-up package, an eight-line by 66-characterflat LCD display, full typewriter keyboard

and 10-key pad, flat touch panel for cursorcontrol and item selection, an Intel 8088,CMOS microcircuitry for minimal batterydrain, plug-in auxiliary memory capsules, abuilt-in 300-baud direct connect modem, anda three-inch microfloppy disk drive and I/Obus.The internal memory of 80K bytes (32K

bytes available to user) is expandable to 336Kbytes. The unit can connect to any standardfull-screen video display using standard soft-ware, providing an alternative to the system'ssmaller display.The price for the basic system (main unit,

integral microfloppy disk drive, modem, in-ternal processor memory, recharger, andGavilan operating system) is $4000.

Reader Service Number 31

Connexion, a menu development systemfrom Onyx Systems for the company's line ofUnix-based microcomputers, ties various ap-plication packages together and provides aninterface for the user.When Connexion has been installed, users

require little training or familiarity with Unixto be productive, the company said. The sys-tem leads users step by step through the opera-tion or development of complex, multioptionapplications.

After logging onto an Onyx machine run-ning Connexion, a menu automatically ap-pears showing the selection of applicationprograms available, such as word processing,electronic spreadsheets, database manage-ment, and graphics. An application is chosenwith one command. Common commands andkeystrokes, such as quit or cursor movements,are standardized among the various applica-tions.Connexion has a suggested retail price of

$650.

Reader Service Number 32

Compiler enhanced to 1983standard ANSI syntax

TeleSoft's Ada compiler is available using1983 standard ANSI syntax and predefinedI/O packages. Several defense systems haveused the compiler for actual code generation.The compiler is a partial implementation of

the standard Ada language with no exten-sions.

In addition to the syntax checker andpredefined 1/0 packages in the compiler, thecompany has implemented support for mostfeatures of the language. Supported featuresinclude packages, private types, exceptionhandling, overloading of subprograms andoperators, tasking, and separate compilation.

TeleSoft will upgrade existing customers ofthe TeleSoft-Ada Compiler gradually over thenext few months, charging $75 to userswithout a support contract or service update.

Reader Service Number 33

July 1983

The Gavilan mobile computer is designed for the traveling professional. Applications software,available on plug-in capsules, includes word processing, spreadsheet, portable secretary, com-munications and mail, and forms control.

109

Desktop computer is acommunicating workstation

A stand-alone computer that provides dataand word processing in a single unit and wasdeveloped specifically for communicationnetworking systems has been announced byStearns Computer Systems. The Stearns com-puter is designed to enable users to exchangeinformation without interfering with othercomputer operations at their facilities.The desktop computer is compatible with

the IBM Personal Computer and can processmost of the IBM PC programs.The Stearns computer couples an Intel 8086

16-bit processor with an optional 8087 co-processor, used for mathematical functions.It can be configured with up to four 5.25-in.floppy disk drives and up to two 5.25-in. Win-chester disk drives. Both draft and letter qual-ity printers are available.The Stearns computer is designed for use in

its two proprietary interactive, compatiblecommunication networks: MicroNet and theIntelligent Communications System, or ICS.Up to five individual computer workstationscan be linked with MicroNet. They will sharecommon data storage and other resources. AnICS will handle up to 32 separate workstations

The Stearns computer from Stearns Com-puter Systems is designed to operate as a dataprocessor or word processor without sacrific-ing performance in either function.

interconnected in an information exchangenetwork.The price for a Stearns computer with 128K

RAM and a 320K-byte floppy disk drive is$3300.

Reader Service Number 34

Unit recognizes 100 spoken words or phrases on-line

Plessey Peripheral Systems has introducedthe PVRT-300 voice recognition unit. Thesingle-circuit-board device can be purchasedas an upgrade for installed Plessey PT-IOOB,DEC VTIOO, or C. Itoh CIT-1OI terminals, oras an additional feature when ordering thePlessey PT-IOOB.The PVRT-300 is a hardware/software/

firmware system designed for the addition ofvoice input without software development ormodification requirements. In conjunctionwith the host computer's mass storage, thePVRT-300 can recognize an unlimited vocab-ulary kept off-line and downloaded by aspoken or keyed command. Up to 100 words/phrases with a maximum utterance duration

of 1.25 seconds each can be on-line withgreater than 99-percent recognition accuracy,the company stated.The terminal operator can enter data by

keyboard command or by voice instructionsvia a headset or desk-mounted microphone.Applications include inspection and inventorycontrol, recording medical observations, di-recting robot computers, password security,data entry, computer-aided design, and pro-gramming.The PVRT-300 voice recognition unit is

$1300 alone, or $2700 combined with the PT-IOOB terminal.

Reader Service Number 35

Block-mode terminal iscompatible with HP systems

Direct Inc. has developed an entry-level,block-mode video display terminal that iscompatible with Hewlett-Packard's 3000 and1000 systems.

Features include two pages of display mem-ory, full video enhancements, and on-screenprogram function keys. Users of the HP 3000and 1000 systems can run a variety of HP soft-ware application programs, including V/3000,MM/3000, and VPlus, using these features.The Model 820 is designed to receive, uti-

lize, and resend data in increments, calledblocks. The terminal reduces typical CPU-intensive 1/0 tasks, enhances overall CPUperformance, and improves operator produc-tivity, according to the company. Block-modeterminals are used in data handling applica-tions, where users prefer to prepare, edit, or

check from several lines, characters, or fieldsto multiple pages of text before retransmis-sion to a host. Additional 820 features includea standard line drawing set, an 80-columndisplay, and screen intensity and scroll ratesthat can be modified from the keyboard.The 820 terminal is set up via a one-page

menu. Once the appropriate information hasbeen entered into the system, the terminalconfiguration can be saved in nonvolatileRAM that requires no battery backup.Data communication between an 820 and a

host HP 3000 or 1000 system takes place over

an RS-232 serial interface. Data flow controlis performed with either XON/XOFF or

ENQ/ACK protocols. The 820's block trans-missions are fully compatible with HP's DC I -DC2 handshake protocol.The 820 terminal is $1495 in single quan-

tities to end users, with volume discountsavailable to qualified OEMs.

Reader Service Number 37

Printer uses single-jetprinting head

Manufacturing system aids productivity

Digital Microsystems has developed a localarea network-based system for manufacturingresource planning called the HiNet/MRP. Anintegrated hardware/software system, theHiNet/MRP consists of the firm's CP/M-based HiNet local area network, full-functionMRP software, office automation and busi-ness graphics software, and a training pro-gram.The system provides five workstations (ex-

pandable to 32) and a closed-loop set of MRPmodules for bill-of-material processing, in-ventory control, sales order entry, material re-quirements planning, purchasing, shop floorcontrol, and cost control.The HiNet/MRP hardware consists of two

DMS-5000 user stations with 256K bytes ofRAM; three DMS-1280 user stations with 64Kbytes of RAM; a DMS-3/103 master stationwith 46M bytes of Winchester disk storage;

and one matrix printer to be specified by theuser. The packet-switched network uses amaster/slave polling scheme and provides500K-baud serial data transmission withSDLC protocol via an RS-422 cable. A gate-way option permits communication withmainframes and other HiNet networks.

For users employing the network for morethan MRP, the system offers four applicationprograms from Perfect Software, Inc., and anoptional graphics software package that en-ables users to create black-and-white bargraphs, pie charts, and line graphs. The sys-tem can be enhanced with CP/M applicationprograms. Because HiNet permits multitask-ing, MRP and non-MRP applications can runsimultaneously.The HiNet/MRP is $39,950.

Reader Service Number 36

Docutel/Olivetti Corporation employedink jet technology in the design of its PR2300printer.The unit uses a single-jet printing head to

direct carbon particles onto regular paper in a7 x 7 dot matrix. The paper is sensitized withelectrical impulses in a pattern correspondingto the desired character or graphic pattern andattracts the carbon particles where they arepermanently affixed. A similar process is usedin dry paper copying machines.The PR2300 prints 96 ASCII characters,

with seven foreign language and symbol setsavailable, at up to 50 bidirectional lines perminute on 80 columns. Three printing pitches,pica, elite, and mikron, are available withvariable line spacing. The PR2300 offers nor-mal, compressed, double height, doublewidth, and bold printing with either single- ordouble-line underlining. A standard Cen-tronics or RS-232-C interface is used.The printer sells for $575.

Reader Service Number 38

COMPUTER110

Front-panel control upgradesHytype I and 11 printers

Design Technology has developed the DT165,a front-panel control that simplifies operator

tasks such as form-size selection, reset, settingthe top of the form, form feed, clearing mem-ory, clearing error, and pausing. The controlis used in conjunction with the company's in-terface cards for the Diablo Hytype I and 11and Xerox 530 printers. Its implementation

requires no modifications to the printer, ac-

cording to the company, and while it is in

place it does not interfere with removing theprinter's top cover.

The DT165 also provides diagnostic func-

tions for these formerly outdated printer

models. With the diagnostic switch off, theLED indicators advise the operator of normal

operation, cover open, paper out, and ribbon

out. With the switch on, the LED indicatorssignal printer in check, I/O error (parity er-ror, overrun), and buffer overflow.The DT165 costs $125; quantity discounts

are available for orders of five or more.

The DT165, Design Technology's front-panel control for Diablo HytypeReader Service Number 39 printers, simplifies many operator functions without modifications to

Converter enhances IBM 3278, In-circuit emulators interfaced to DEC mainframes3178 terminals

A microprocessor-based system called theAvatar TC3278 Universal Terminal Convertertransforms IBM 3278 and 3178 and 3278-compatible terminals into multifunction intel-ligent workstations with personal computingcapabilities.The Avatar TC3278 by 3R Computers lets

the 3278 and 3178 terminals retain all normalfunctions and features for dedicated terminaloperations. For local computing, it adds de-velopment and application software, data stor-age devices, and communications and utilitysoftware, including data and file transfer.The Avatar TC3278 consists of a single-

board microprocessor with 64K bytes ofRAM; three asynchronous serial ports forconnection to non-IBM hosts, local printers,and modems; and two coaxial interfaces forthe 3278 and 3274/3276 cluster controller.The system supports single or dual 5 '/4-in.

floppy diskettes for up to 1.6M bytes ofstorage, or a diskette and Winchester diskcombination that offers 5M-, IOM-, or 20M-byte hard disk storage capacities. The TC3278comes packaged with the CP/M operatingsystem, CalcStar and WordStar applicationsoftware, and the CBasic software develop-ment system. Avatar utility packages for datatransfer, file maintenance, and system con-figuration are also included.The TC3278 connects the terminal and the

host's cluster controller on the coaxial line.The user switches between standard terminaloperations (on-line mode) and local comput-ing mode by using the Avatar's front-panelswitch.Pricing for the TC3278 starts at $1995, with

quantity discounts available.

Reader Service Number 40

Kontron has interfaced its 2302 and KSEseries of universal microprocessor in-circuitemulators to DEC mainframe computers. Adesign engineer can now perform both soft-ware development and software/hardware in-tegration from one terminal without firstdownloading the code into a microcomputerdevelopment system.The Emulator Bridge consists of a bridge

card and software. The bridge card can beplugged into any hex-wide Unibus card slot ona DEC 11/24 or larger mainframe. Each cardcontains two independent emulator interfacecells and supports two simultaneous users.Each cell contains a Z80 CPU, 256K bytes ofRAM, and an emulator interface port.Software support for the Emulator Bridge

is available under VMS, Unix, RSTS, andRSX operating systems. The software also in-cludes CP/M, which executes on the Emula-

I and 11 and Xerox 530the printer itself.

tor Bridge card. The user has several alter-natives for performing software development.

In-circuit emulation can be performed fromany VT- 102 or equivalent terminal attached tothe mainframe. Up to four emulators can becontrolled by each user to perform simultane-ous multiple emulation. Emulators connect tothe bridge card via an RS-232 link at 19.2Kbaud to a distance of 1000 feet.The Emulator Bridge, consisting of a bridge

card supporting two users and software (a ver-sion of The Bridge) tailored to the host oper-ating system, is $11,000. Additional two-userbridge cards are $4000 each. Kontron 2302and KSE series in-circuit emulators cost be-tween $8000 and $12,000, depending onmicroprocessor characteristics and memoryconfiguration.

Reader Service Number 41

Project management system runs on microcomputers

PMS-II by North America MICA is a full-scale critical path project management systemthat will run on microcomputer systemspriced from $5000. Now in its eighth releasewith over 400 users worldwide, PMS-I1 printsactivity reports with extensive sorting anddata selection options, standard Gantt or barcharts, graphic and tabular funding sched-ules, a three-part earned value analysis report,and the activity diagram itself, eliminating theneed for redrafting of the diagram every timechanges occur.PMS-II can schedule a project on the basis

of three to seven work days per week, startingon any day of the week, and it can omit up to100 user-defined holidays or nonwork periodsof any length. It can also maintain budget and

actual costs for material, labor, and over-head, and report the project on an "actualstart/finish," "Percent complete," or "daysremaining" basis.

Although PMS-11 will handle up to 1250 ac-tivities in a single network, the super- andsubnetworking capabilities of the systemmake the maximum project size much larger.According to the company, one user is cur-rently managing a project of over 50,000 ac-tivities on a cluster of four microcomputers.Any microcomputer that supports the CP/Mor CP/M-86 operating systems and CBasic orCBasic-86 can be used.The PMS-11 package is $1295.

Reader Service Number 42

July 1983 ill

Graphics packages run on68000-based micros under Unix

Precision Visuals has announced the con-version of its device-independent DI-3000Level A, Grafmaker, and Metafile graphicstools packages to run on 68000-based microsunder Unix.The products are targeted to OEMs and

systems integrators wishing to utilize or mar-

ket mainframe-caliber graphics developmenttools for scientific/engineering, businessgraphics, and computer-aided design applica-tions on microcomputer systems.

According to the company, the conversionof the Dl-3000 family of graphics softwaretools to the micro level represents the firsttime that users will have access to a completespectrum of mainframe graphics capabilitiesin a stand-alone or networked microcomputerthat can fit on a desktop.

Capabilities of the Dl-3000 include fullgraphics input, full color, 2-D or 3-D viewing,real-time image manipulation, 2-D or 3-Dtext, multiple levels of text quality (includingHershey), a full polygon capability, device in-telligence, and concurrent device output.

Because the micro and mainframe versionsof DI-3000, Grafmaker, and Metafile Systemare fully compatible, DI-3000 applicationsdeveloped on mainframes can run intact on

Precision Visuals' Dl-3000 family of device-independent graphics software tools has been con-verted to the 16-bil micro level to make mainframe graphics capabilities available in a stand-alone or networked microcomputer.

micros and vice versa.The 68000-based Unix versions of DI-3000

Level A, Grafmaker, and Metafile System areavailable for immediate shipment to OEMsand systems integrators. Prices are based onthe number of licenses requested. A typical

license costs $12,000 to end users on a main-frame or a mini, with volume discountsavailable.

Reader Service Number 45

High-speed 1/0 board added to computer line

Data General's Technical ProductsBusiness Unit has increased the l/O speed ofthe company's Eclipse S/20 computer up to 13times by adding a high-speed I/O board. Alsoadded to the S/20 line are three 15M-byte disksubsystems, a 5OM-byte Winchester disk sub-system, and four packaged systems based onthe Winchester disk offering.The l/O board, a microBurst multiplexor

channel board, provides a standard high-speed l/O interface between high-speedcustom devices and Eclipse S/20 computers.The board increases the S/20 I/O throughputto 4M bytes per second.The 50M-byte Winchester disk subsystem

doubles the capacity previously available forthe S/20. Since the disk subsystem is con-nected to the channel board, data transferrates are also increased.

Data General's packaged systems to theEclipse S/20 line feature the 5OM-byte Win-chester disk and either a streaming tape or acartridge tape for backup. Each package in-cludes a CPU with memory and chassis, aDasher D200 display, cabinet, operatingsystem, and software entitlements.The Eclipse S/20 computer, with micro-

Burst multiplexor channel, sells for $1100.

Reader Service Number 43

Disk subsystems offered for DEC's VAX-11/750

A family of single-board disk subsystemsthat support multiple, mixed-size drives forDEC'S VAX-11/750 computers has been an-nounced by The Braegen Corporation. TheDSV series includes seven high-speed randomaccess, mass storage subsystems, each incor-porating a Braegen BR750 single-board diskcontroller. The BR750 can support up to eightdrives of different sizes on a single board.The DSV series, compatible with DEC's

RM03 and RM05 subsystems, stores 80M to675M bytes of data. RM03 emulation is pro-vided by using 80M- and 160M-byte drives,and RM05 emulation uses 300M- and 675M-byte drives. Standard, expanded, or multiple

RM03 and RM05 subsystems are mappedonto the one to eight physical/logical drives.The controllers also feature automatic

32-bit high-speed ECC data error correction,and 16-bit CRC header error correction.The DSV models are offered with remov-

able disk packs of 80M to 300Mbytes or non-removable Winchester media of 80M to 675Mbytes. Units are available as rack-mountedmodels or in low-profile cabinets.

Prices for the DSV models begin at $15,810and include a BR750 controller, cables, andone disk drive.

Reader Service Number 44

CAD systems for PC-boarddesign have 3.5M bytes of RAM

The Cadnetix Corporation has announcedtwo CAD systems for PC-board design.The CDX 5000 stand-alone workstation in-

corporates a microcomputer with 32-bit inter-nal architecture, up to 3.5M bytes of RAM, a19-inch ultra-high-resolution color display, a51/4-inch Winchester disk drive with a max-imum 40M-byte capacity, and a I M-byte flop-py disk drive. A detachable, low-profile key-board, nonglare screen and a mouse input de-vice are included in the design.The CDX 5001 includes many features the

5000, but does not include automatic compo-nent placement or automatic trace routing.Expansion capability allows buyers of theCDX 5001 to upgrade to performance of theCDX 5000.

Software packages, included in the systemprice, provide an interactive schematic gener-ator that supports hierarchical design, auto-matic component placement optimization,high-speed automatic trace routing, and in-teractive editing of automatic componentplacement and trace routing for manual con-trol of critical areas. Other packages providecontinuity checking, design-rule checking,automatic generation of PC-board artworkand NC tapes for production, and automaticgeneration of design documentation, includ-ing assembly drawings and bills of materials.

Capabilities include interactive design veri-fication/design-rule checking, an improvedrouter, an object-oriented interface, andEthernet interfaces for networking.

Prices for the Cadnetix systems begin at$59,500.

Reader Service Number 46

112COMPUTER

Software links computerswith cash registers

IRadio Shack's Model 100 portable computer measures 2x 117/8 x 8Y inches and weighs appimately four pounds. It features a full-size typewriter keyboard, an "embedded" ten-key Ifour cursor direction keys, four command keys, and eight function keys that are programmin Basic.

The MilerTronics POLL925 software pack-age allows 32-bit Perkin-Elmer computers tocommunicate with the Singer 900 Series, ICL9500, and similar cash registers. Included inthe package is software for communicationwith the Singer 10 processor, by emulating aSinger 925 cash register. The company alsosupplies a software package that allows NCRcash registers to communicate with the samecomputer at the same time.A scanner can be used to multiplex a num-

ber of registers on one line. The host-to-scanner communication is 1200/120 baudasynchronous ASCII over four wire leasedphone lines. One copy of POLL925 will sup-port up to 12 communication lines with up to28 cash registers per line. The program is writ-ten in Cobol using assembly language subrou-tines.The I/O driver uses the special Singer com-

munication protocol required by the Singer900 Series and ICL registers. A modifiedPerkin-Elmer pasla is required for each com-munication line. Two versions of the pasla areavailable from MilerTronics; one is used tocommunicate with the registers and the otheris used to communicate with the Singer com-

rox- puter. The software package costs $5000.pad,able Reader Service Number 49

Portable computer functions as a micro executive workstation

The TRS-80 Model 100 portable computerfrom Radio Shack has built-in software, abuilt-in modem, and a full-size typewriterkeyboard.

Designed to serve as a micro executive work-station, the Model 100 can function as a deskorganizer with appointment calendar, phonedirectory, address book, and auto dialer opera-tions; as a personal word processor; as a gener-al-purpose ASCII terminal; and as a micro-computer programmable in Basic.The Model 100 features instant power-on

access to five programs contained in 32K ofROM. The user selects a program from the

main menu by positioning the cursor on thedesired program and pressing the Enter key.The system's various modes include Text,

Schedl, Addrss, Telcom, and Basic. Materialfrom all files can be displayed on the screen orprinted on any Radio Shack parallel printer.The TRS-80 Model 100 with 8K RAM is

$799, and a 24K-RAM version is available for$999. Either model can be expanded to a totalof 32K RAM with the addition of optional8K-RAM add-ons, available separately for$119.95 plus installation.

Reader Service Number 47

Software transfers IBM PC schematic data to VAX, PDP-11

A software package that allows transfer ofelectronic schematic data from the IBM Per-sonal Computer to DEC VAX or PDP- I I sys-tems is now available for use with FutureNet'sDesign Aid Schematic Helpmate-I schematicdesigner.The DASH-I converts the IBM PC into a

workstation that automates circuit and sche-,i matic design of systems composed of ICs anddiscrete components. The software package,VTerm, is designed to allow the PC to emulateaVT-100terminal. With the PCemulatingtheVT-100, schematic data captured by theDASH-I can be transferred to the DEC main-

frame tor processing and pass-along to otherCAD/CAM systems or for central datastorage.Two-way data transfers between the

DASH-I and the DEC system are not limitedby VTerm; data can be transferred at speedsup to 9600 baud. Data on the screen or resid-ing in the DEC host can also be loaded onto aPC diskette or printed on the PC printer ifhard copy is required. Cost for the VTermsoftware package is $200.

Reader Service Number 48

Real-time debugging tool aidsembedded system design

Hunter & Ready's real-time debugging toolon a chip, Tracer, performs with the com-pany's VRTX operating system, a real-timemultitasking silicon software component forembedded systems. Embedded system appli-cations include communications, instrumen-tation, process control, and robotics.

Tracer and VRTX components support allcustom and standard boards, and can be usedwith virtually any high-level language or

development system.

With the tool, designers obtain currentsystem state information and determine thestatus of application tasks in real-time. In ad-dition, Tracer allows designers to display I/Obuffer contents, and examine or modify thecontents of memory and registers at criticalmoments.

The tool is transparent to the user until it isneeded. While it allows normal system opera-tion, the programmer can use Tracer to sus-

pend the system and enter a series of com-

mands without altering existing information.Tracer is now available with the company's

VRTX R&D package. The package includesVRTX, a license to make five copies of thechip set for R&D use, and documentation.

Tracer is available for $650.

Reader Service Number 50

July 1983 113

Business applications package designed for IBM PC users

The PC Express, an integrated communica-tions package from Intelligent TechnologiesInternational, permits the IBM PC to handle abroad range of PC-to-PC and PC-to-main-frame asynchronous and synchronous com-munications protocols-including SNA (327Xemulation) and DEC VT-100/52 terminalemulation.

Alpha Software Corporation has intro-duced The Executive Package, a collection ofBasic and VisiCalc spreadsheet programs andtables for the IBM PC.

Based on the best-selling book ExecutiveComputing by John M. Nevison, The Execu-tive Package includes one disk with the 41Basic programs used in the book and a seconddisk containing 17 VisiCalc tables. The Visi-Calc disk is compatible with the VisiCalcspreadsheet program; 1-2-3, an integratedspreadsheet, database, and graphics package;and Multiplan, a spreadsheet program. Alsoincluded are documentation written in Har-vard Business School case-study style and anaudio cassette tape with verbal instructions.

Seventeen of the 41 Basic programs are alsoprovided in VisiCalc table form. The pro-grams and tables can be used to solve variouscommon business problems. Inflate, for ex-ample, projects profit rhargin in productswith inflationary costs, while X-Ray allocatesfixed costs among products and computes

each product's contribution to profits. Cash-plan projects income statements and cashflow and reconciles debt with available cash,while Timely estimates how long projectscomposed of several small jobs will take.

Percent prints a table of numbers and thepercentages of the total, while Max finds themaximum in a list of numbers. Depa, Depb,and Depc calculate different rates of deprecia-tion, while Amort prints a mortgage repay-ment schedule.Some of the other Basic programs included

are Sales, which plots past and current years'monthly sales; Risky, which provides a frame-work for building Monte-Carlo models toassess risk in business situations; Inventory,which models materials in inventory; andDiet, which solves resource-allocation prob-lems by brute force.The Executive Package is priced at $145.

Reader Service Number 52

Communications packageoffered for IBM PC Super-high-speed controller capable of 8000 I/O points

Intelligent Technologies International hasunveiled two versions of an integrated tele-communications package for the IBM Per-sonal Computer. Called the PC Express, thepackage transforms the IBM PC into a com-munications workstation providing PC-to-PCcommunications, electronic mail, direct ac-cess to mainframes, and a variety of auto-mated telephone management capabilities.The PC Express is a communications pack-

age consisting of software and tutorials ondiskettes, and a printed circuit board thatplugs directly into a PC or PC-compatiblecomputer. As an integrated system, the pack-age offers a number of protocols, includingsynchronous and asynchronous.The PC Express 1, designed for users who

do not need 327X emulation, allows com-munications with standard asynchronousmainframes and with other microcomputers.The PC Express 11 utilizes SNA to provide327X emulation and provides asynchronousprotocols supporting DEC VT-100/52 ter-minal emulation.Both versions of the package include an in-

tegrated telephone management system forautomatic answering; automatic dialing ofnumbers drawn from a database telephone di-rectory; detection of busy, ringing, voice an-swer, and other capabilities; and a full texteditor for creating messages to be automati-cally routed to business associates, clients,and prospects. The package also incorporatesa 300-baud modem chip and an RS-232 con-nector that can be used with an externalmodem with settings up to 19.2K baud.The PC Express 1, including printed circuit

board, software and manuals for telephonemanagement, and asynchronous communica-tions, is $895. The PC Express 11, which aug-ments the capabilities of PC Express I withSNA/327X emulation, is $1295.

Reader Service Number 51

The Modicon 584L super-high-speed pro-grammable controller, designed and devel-oped by Gould's Modicon ProgrammableControl Division, is tailored for mid-size tolarge control applications that require a com-bination of super high speed, distributed in-telligent I/O, large data/recipe storage, andexpandability.The controller has a capability for up to

8000 I/O points, 10,000 registers, up to 32distributed ASCII ports, and memory sizes ofup to 32K words. Features include built-in ex-pandability and hardware and software en-hancement options. Also incorporated in thecontroller is Superscan, an advanced CPUdesign that reduces scan times, according tothe company.I/O can be configured to be all remote, or

local and remote, in a multidrop network, or

in a combination star and multidrop network.Using Gould's industrial Modbus protocol,the controller can be a network master on aModbus network that uses Micro 84 and 884controllers as intelligent I/O clusters.

Software functions of the controller includefloating-point math, double-precision math,square root, and logarithmic functions. Plug-in expandability is available for the redundan-cy option.The controller is housed in a single indus-

trial chassis with four slots for PC boards, andan industrial power supply for the controllerand up to 512 control points. Prices for the584L controller begin at $20,000, includingbasic l/O.

Reader Service Number 53

Modules increase VAX-i 11/780 main memory

Digital Equipment Corporation memorymodules, containing high-density 64K-bitchips, increase the maximum main memory ofDEC's VAX-11/780 computer up to 32Mbytes. In addition, the 64K memory sub-system has standard interleaving.The 64K memory subsystem consists of a

memory controller and memory array boardswith four times the capacity of the older 16Kmemory modules. The memory controller andarray modules plug into a memory backplanethat attaches to the VAX- 1/780 SBI in thesame manner as the older 16K backplane. Thecontroller supports up to 16M bytes of mem-ory; the CPU cabinet accommodates onememory subsystem, avoiding the need for anSBI expansion cabinet for systems containingup to 16M bytes of memory.The new 64K memory controller and the

older 16K controller accept only their respec-

tive 64K and 16K memory arrays. Users of ex-

isting VAX-11/780 systems can increasememory configurations by purchasing a newmemory controller and 64K array modules toreplace 16K memory in the CPU cabinet, or toaugment the 16K memory configuration withthe SBI expansion cabinet.The new memory will be sold in 2M-byte in-

crements. With controller, prices are $36,000for 4M bytes and $28,900 for 2M bytes. Add-on memory modules are priced at $9000 for2M bytes, $17,000 for 4M bytes, $24,000 for6M bytes, and $34,000 for IOM bytes. VAX-11/780 systems are available with 64K mem-

ory; add-on 64K controllers with modules arealso available for installed VAX-11/780systems.

Reader Service Number 54

114COMPUTER

HP 3000 series features integrated tape backup

The Hewlett-Packard 3000 Series 39 gen-eral-purpose business computers are equal inpower to HP's Series 40SX models, whichthey supersede.The three Series 39 products are based on

the Series 39 processor. The packaged systemsconsist of a processor, 256K-byte main mem-ory, and disk drive with integrated tape back-up. Each has a different Winchester disk formass memory, and every disk has, within thesame package, a cartridge tape drive forbackup.

Like all HP 3000 computers, the Series 39comes with HP's multiprogramming execu-tive operating system, and is fully compatiblewith other HP 3000 computers, as well as withHP's office products and data-communica-tion and applications software.

Series 39 systems have a maximum configu-ration of 2M-bytes of main memory, eightdisk drives, 56 point-to-point and multipointterminals, one cartridge tape drive, fourmagentic tape drives, two line printers, twoHP laser pritners, and three synchronouscommunication lines. All have integrated car-tridge tape backup.The HP 3000 Series 39 Model 11 uses the

HP 7911, a 28M-byte Winchester drive. Themodel is priced at $33,900.The Model 12 in the series uses the HP

7912, a 65M-byte Winchester disk drive.Model 12 sells for $39,500.Model 14 uses the HP 7914, a 132M-byte

Winchester disk drive, and costs $45,000.

Reader Service Number 55

Matrix printer offers letter quality at high speeds

Japan Digital Laboratory has developedthe JDL-P700 dot matrix impact printer. TheJDL-P700 performs at speeds above 70 cpsfor letter-quality printing, at 145 cps for high-speed data processing printing, and at 400 cpsfor skipping blank spaces. The model has a24-dot-matrix print head.The 24-dot technology combines dot matrix

speeds with daisywheel quality, enablingcurved lines, angular lines, bar graphs, flowcharts, block charts, and timing charts. Theprinter offers multiple character sets, in-

cluding 96 ASCII; a ruled-line generator; theavailability of three character sizes; and anRS-232 and Centronics interface. In additionto friction feed, the JDL-P700 accepts up to250 single sheets for automatic feed.

According to the company, the JDL-P700has a failure rate of less than 0.5 percent peryear.The price of the JDL-P700 is $2099, and

quantity discounts are available.

Reader Service Number 56

Floating point acceleratoravailable for MC 68000 systems

The Sky Computers SKYFFP-E, a VMEbus-compatible plug-in floating point ac-

celerator for MC68000-based systems, is a

single VME card capable of a 3-ms floatingpoint multiply. The processor operates on

data in 32-bit single precision and 64-bit dou-ble precision IEEE standard floating pointformats.

In addition to basic arithmetic functions,the SKYFFP-E performs format conversions,square root, logarithmic, and trigonometricfunctions. The SKYFFP-E also includes awritable control store. Users may downloadtheir own microprogrammed special func-tions onto the SKYFFP-E and execute thesefunctions with a single call.The SKYFFP-E is completely user trans-

parent, requiring no modification to existingFortran, Pascal, or C programs. Sky suppliesa set of runtime modules, which replace ex-isting software emulation subroutines. Withcurrently available software subroutines,basic floating point operations can take up to300 ms. The SKYFFP-E is from five to 30times faster than these software calculations,according to the company.To increase speed further, the SKYFFP-E

compiler can be modified to generate inlinecode, which will directly invoke the Skyboard.The SKYFFP-E is priced at $1000 in OEM

quantities.Reader Service Number 57

'jqpri.r--

i11R, 91r JOIN THEW~ERSONALCOMPUTER T.C.!

A W f//Technical Committee on Personal Computers

4/> IEEE Computer Society

MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONNAIRE

EXECUTIVE BOARD:Paul L. Hazan, ChairmanJohns Hopkins Univ./APLDennis AllisonStantord UniversityYaohan ChuUniversity of MarylandJames CunninghamSystemsociatesRobert FrankstonSoftware Arts. IncWilliam H. GatesMicrosoft CorpCarl HelmarsNo American Technology, IncDavid JacobsohnArgonne National Laboratory

Ed JugoRadio ShackRichard KuzmackOff of Management & BudgetRobert McDowellJohns Hopkins Univ/APLThomas PykeNational Bureau of StandardsDavid RineWestern Illinois UniversityNicolas VogelSinger, Link Simulation DivisionRay YbabenTRW. IncKarl ZinnUniversity of Michigan

1. Your area of expertise:l Hardware Design

Ol NetworkingOl Other (specify) -

Ol SoftwareOl Standards

2. am interested in participating in the following TC area(s)of activity:Ol Education El Business/ManagementO Technical/Scientific O ArchitectureO Standards O Communications Between

I O Architecture Users and ProducersI El Other(specify)

Please mail your completed questionnaire to:

3. am interested in contributing/participating in:O Organizing Workshops O Attending WorkshopsO Giving a Tutorial OI Attending TutorialsOI The TC Newsletter O Standards ActivityO Other (specify)

Name

Company Affiliation

Business Address

City/State/Zip

Phone IEEE CS Member? [ Yes r] No

Paul L. Hazan, Chairman, Personal Computer T.C. (1W-128)Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics LaboratoryJohns Hopkins Road, Laurel, Maryland 20707

Terminal has 12 user-programmable function keys

Visual Technology has developed the Visual55 terminal, which extends the performanceof the Visual 50. Upgrades in the Visual 55include 12 user-programmable nonvolatilefunction keys that can be dynamically allo-cated, extended editing with an insert/ deletecharacter, selectable scrolling regions, andVisual 210 and Hazeltine 1510 emulationcapability.The Visual 55 is housed in lightweight plas-

tic and can be swiveled and tilted. It has a de-tached keyboard, jump or smooth scroll, 7 x 9dot matrix characters, and a nonglare screen.

Both the Visual 50 and the Visual 55 arecode-for-code compatible with the HazeltineEspirit, Viewpoint, Lear Siegler ADM-3A,and DEC VT-52.

Other features of the Visual 55 include five-attribute selection, line drawing character set,block mode, editing, bidirectional auxiliaryport, 128 characters (upper- and lowercase),80 x 24 screen format, columnar tabbing, andindependent RCV/TX rates.The price for the Visual 55 is $895 with

quantity discounts available.

Reader Service Number 58

Cobol compiler available for IBM mainframes

The Ryan-McFarland Corporation's RM/Cobol compiler will develop applications onIBM mainframes that can be downloaded tomicros. Because the source code remains onthe mainframe when downloading to a micro-computer, there is no loss of security.RM/Cobol is an industry-standard Cobol

compiler, designed to develop and executebusiness applications on mainframe, mini-,and microcomputer systems. The RM/Cobolfor IBM mainframes runs under the VM/CMS operating system.

RM/Cobol allows for Ansi Level 2 sequen-tial, relative, and indexed file access methods,including alternate keys with duplicates. TheRM/Cobol also comes with an interactiveCobol debugger, which allows a programmerto interact with the computer while a programis running.RM/Cobol for IBM mainframes is avail-

able under a leasing arrangement costing$5000 per year.

Reader Service Number 59

Controller links VAX and PDP-11 computers to Ethernet

Digital Equipment Corporation's Ethernet-to-Unibus communications controller, Deuna,links VAX super-minicomputers and PDP- IIminicomputers to Ethernet networks. Thecontroller, which attaches to the Unibus com-puter bus, connects to the Ethernet cable viaDEC's H4000 transceiver and transceivercable. The Deuna enables network designersto implement full VAX- and PDP-I1-basedEthernet local area networks using DEC hard-ware.DEC has also implemented Phase IV digital

network architecture, DECnet-VAX Version3.1, to provide networking software supportand enable VAX computers to operate in anEthernet network.The microprocessor-based Duena complies

with Ethernet specifications. The controllerimplements channel access functions and datalink management functions and providesdiagnostic capabilities. A 32K-byte bufferspace is also provided.The Deuna consists of two standard-height

hex-width circuit boards that fit into Unibus

The Visual 55 terminal from Visual Technology has 12 user-programmable nonvolatile functionkeys and five-attribute selection. It retails for $895.

Tax software allows immediatedata entry during interview

CPAids' Master Tax accounting softwareoffers an integrated data management system,self-guided data entry designed for nonskilledpersonnel, and a variety of print-out options.An accountant can enter data as the client isinterviewed and see the resulting interaction.Also included is a word processing capabilityfor writing notes and client letters.Master Tax is available in RM/Cobol, mak-

ing it one of the first programs for the TRS-80Model 16. Originally developed in MicrosoftBasic, the adaptation to Cobol makes the pro-gram more transportable.

Special features of Master Tax includeautomatic carry-overs of changes among as-sociated forms as Form 1040 is completed,partnership/1120S K-I input distribution toappropriate schedules, medical limitationscomputed automatically on Schedule A fromdata entered on Form 1040, automatic checkfor FICA over withholding, computed earnedincome credit, capital gains information onForms 2119, 4797 and 6252 carried forward toSchedule D when appropriate, and selectionof tax calculation method resulting in mini-mum tax.

Available on 8-in. or 51/4 -in. disks, the Mas-ter Tax program requires a CRT with an 80 by24 screen and a printer with an 80-columnwidth. It runs on CP/M 80, CP/M 86, andMS-DOS operating systems. Compatible withmost 64K, 8-bit and 128K, 16-bit micro-computers, the program can be run on TRS,North Star, Vector Graphic, Altos, Zenith,Dynabyte, Digital Micro Systems, Xerox 820,Victor 9000, DEC Rainbow, Apple, and IBMPC units.Cost of the Master Tax program is $1695.

Reader Service Number 61

slots. It is designed for VAX-11/780, -11/750,and -11/730 superminicomputers andPDP-11/70, -11/44, -11/34,and-11/24mini-computers. Software support for the Deunaon VAX computers is now available; supportfor PDP-1 I computers is scheduled for early1984.Version 3.1 of DECnet-VAX enables users

to configure networks of up to 1023 nodes, anincrease of more than three times the nodesupport from Phase III DECnet implementa-tions. The software package connects to localarea network coaxial cable complying withEthernet baseband standards. This capabilityis in addition to communications using point-to-point, multipoint, or X.25 links.The Deuna is priced at $3500. DECnet-

VAX Version 3.1 is available in two packages.A full-function package sells for $3950 and anend-node-only package, costing $1450 offersfull DECnet support with the exception ofrouting.

Reader Service Number 60

COMPUTER116

16-bit personal computer isIBM PC compatible

Eagle Computer has introduced a 16-bitpersonal computer that is compatible withIBM PC hardware and software. It comeswith a 105-key retractable keyboard that canbe stored beneath the disk drives in the pro-cessor cabinet.The Eagle PC comes standard with high-

resolution monochrome 720x352 graphicsand uses the 8088 (4.77-MHz) microproces-sor. Main memory capacity begins with 64Kbytes expandable to 512K bytes on the CPUboard.The Eagle PC also has two asynchronous

serial ports and one parallel port provided onthe main CPU board. With 512K bytes ofmain memory, two serial ports, one parallelport, two disk drives, and a high-resolutiontext and graphics controller, the Eagle PC hasone of its three expansion slots available forfuture options.

Pricing begins at $1995, and two complete,fully configured systems with additional datastorage and software are also available at$2995 with a single 320K-byte drive or at$3495 with two 320K-byte drives. Both have128K bytes of memory. In the MS-DOS andCP/M-86 preconfigured product versions,

Howard W. Sams & Co., a subsidiary ofITT, is offering Instant Recall, a package forApple II and Apple II + disk systems. This fil-ing system offers free-form entry of informa-tion plus rapid recall with free-form searchcriteria.

According to the company, Instant Recallcan be used in place of, or in combinationwith, pocket notebooks, pocket appointmentcalendars, address books, quick referenceguides, reporters' notebooks, student notes,and checklists. It can also be used as an indexto other, more complex, filing systems.On two-drive systems, Instant Recall per-

mits simultaneous access to as many as eightfiles. Printer support allows preparation ofhard-copy notes and files.Minimum system requirements for Instant

Recall are an Apple 11 or Apple II disk systemwith 48K. The package sells for $59.95.

Reader Service Number 62

The Eagle PC from Eagle Computer is avail-able with MS-DOS and CP/M-86 operatingsystems and Microsoft's GW Basic, allowingthe end user to select from the applicationssoftware written for the IBM PC.

EagleWriter word processing and EagleCalcfinancial planning are included at no addi-tional charge.

Reader Service Number 63

Motion control microboard has flexibility to integrate

The MP-500 machine motion controllerfrom Possis Corporation is available as aseparate microcomputer board for use inother machine control hardware.

Capabilities of the MP-500SB includecomplete integration of single- or multiaxismotion and/or control. Flexibility is madepossible by program variation storage, 2KEEPROM. The separate integrated and popu-lated board includes a CRT video driver forreadout of production data, records, troublechecks, correction advisories, and manualfunctions.

The CPU controller board features an en-coder input rate of up to 500,000 counts persecond, an 8- or 12-bit count register for posi-tion, an 8-bit register for zero position, up to72 I/Os, two servo reference output channels,and the capability for more than the standardtwo-axis control.The MP-500SB sells for $3000 as a single

board. Configurations that include a CRT,cabinet, and other accessories are from $5000to $15,000.

Reader Service Number 64

Micro Data Base Systems has announcedthe integration of its all-in-one informationmanagement system, KnowledgeMan, with itspostrelational database management system,MDBS 111. Both systems are available on avariety of microcomputers, including the IBMPC.The integration is designed to facilitate the

building of flexible decision support systems.A single command enables KnowledgeMan toaccess data selectively extracted from a large-scale MDBS database.KnowledgeMan includes relational data

management, ad hoc inquiry (based on IBM'sSQL/DS), statistical analysis, third genera-tion spreadsheet analysis, printed forms man-agement, screen I/O forms handling with spe-cial effects, and customized modeling with abuilt-in structured programming language.The price for KnowledgeMan is $500. It is

available for PCDOS, MSDOS, and CP/M-86.

Reader Service Number 65

New

CAD/CAM directory. Reference for prospec-tive CAD/CAM users and industry analystscontains detailed information on 60 vendorsand 125 systems. CAD/CAM ComputerGraphics: 1983 Survey and Buyers' Guide-Part 3, U.S. Directory of Vendors sells for$168 and is available from Daratech, Inc., POBox 410, Cambridge, MA 02238; (617)354-2339.

Coding standard for Basic. This 42-pagecoding guide for programming in Basic is in-tended to aid software managers wishing tostandardize their department coding prac-tices. The guide costs $22 from AssociatedTechnology, R2, Box 448, Estill Springs, TN37330.

Microcomputer software distributors. Direc-tory contains profiles of over 150 companiesactively seeking programs for resale. Includedare hardware manufacturers, software houses,book publishers, hardware and software dis-tributors, mail-order houses, and retailers.Micro Software Distributors: A Sourcebookfor Publishers Seeking New Markets is pricedat $95 and can be ordered from Software Re-search Co., Drawer 1, PO Box 9524, Wash-ington, DC 20016; (202)364-8700.

Computer security. The fifth volume in astate-of-the-art study by the US Departmentof Justice describes 82 computer security pro-cedures used in several government, indus-trial, and academic organizations. ComputerCrime: Computer Security Techniques sellsfor $13.50; the five-volume set is $61.50.Order from the National Technical Informa-tion Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Spring-field, VA 22161; (703)487-4650.

Assembly language programming. In additionto a subject overview, Z80 Assembly Lan-guage Subroutines includes more than 40subroutines that can be used in actual applica-tions or as guidelines for complex programs.Available at $15.95 from Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 2600 Tenth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710;(415)548-2805.

Pascal as a first computer language. Employ-ing the book and a special floppy disk concur-rently places the reader in an interactivePascal environment with the computer. Ac-cess to an Apple 11, Apple lIe, or Apple Plusequipped with Apple Pascal software is neces-sary. Pascal for the Apple is $33 fromPrentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632.

July 1983

Filing system software allows Decision support systems arefree-form entry and search available on microcomputers

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