Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!wuarchive!gem.mps.ohio-state.edu!pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!ucbvax!PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU!GTHEALL From: GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (George A. Theall) Newsgroups: comp.sys.dec.micro Subject: Rainbow Echomail Digest Message-ID: <8910241153.AA02955@remote.dccs.upenn.edu> Date: 24 Oct 89 12:52:00 GMT Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU Organization: The Internet Lines: 432 Rainbow Echomail Digest OCT 24, 1989 In this issue: OPUS and MS-DOS v3.10 PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE RE: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBO (2 messages) DBASE-III CHEAP RX50 FLOPPIES (2 messages) RE: OPUS UNDER V3.10B RE: MS-DOS 3.1/MSGED (2 messages) RAINBOW VIDEO-FOSSIL RE: A/B OR A/B/C? I GUES GRAPHICS BOARD FOR RAINBO RE: WANTED THANKS FOR INFO BUG EXPOSED! RE:DBASE III RAINBOW SOFTWARE AVAILABL DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS Articles posted to either INFO-DEC-MICRO or comp.sys.dec.micro are currently gatewayed automatically to the Rainbow Echo on Fidonet; thus, you do need not to take any special action to respond to articles in these digests. Please send reports of problems or suggestions for improvement of this digest to GTHEALL@PENNDRLS.UPENN.EDU (ARPA Internet). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: 10-20-89 (10:09) Subject: OPUS and MS-DOS v3.10 From: GEORGE THEALL Jerry Miller of Suitable Solutions writes the following about Gary's problem with OPUS and MS-DOS v3.10: JM> we JM>haven't heard of this problem before so I would be interested to see if JM>anyone else is having it. With all the copies of 3.10 in the field it seem JM>like we should have heard SOMETHING in the last year if there were indeed a JM>problem with OPUS and MS-DOS! He also reports that he does have access to Fido - what he lacks is the time to follow the important discussions. The best way to contact him or Suitable Solutions is still by phone. I would imagine, though, that if enough customers requested it, email support would be provided. George --- ~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ Tagline - what's a tagline??? ------------------------------ Date: 10-20-89 (10:09) Subject: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBOW VE From: GEORGE THEALL The docs for PibTerm v4.1.3 make no mention of either Rainbows or generic MS-DOS machines. There is a lot of stuff about EGA/VGA graphics, TEK 4010 terminal emulation, and the like which would undoubtedly *not* work "as-is" on a Rainbow. Source is in TURBO Pascal v4.0 and consists of: File Bytes ------------ ------ PIBT41S1.ARC 215741 PIBT41S2.ARC 233677 PIBT41S3.ARC 205056 PIBT41S4.ARC 233089 If by chance you're interested, let me know and we'll work out a way to get you the files. George --- ~ EZ-Reader 1.21 ~ This space for rent - call (215) 662-0558 ------------------------------ Date: 10-20-89 (15:55) Subject: RE: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBO From: FRANK MALLORY I'm afraid the version I have won't be any help. It's version 3.0; it shows Burns as being at Northwestern Univ. --- * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (Opus 1:109/1 ------------------------------ Date: 10-21-89 (00:00) Subject: DBASE-III From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <19 Oct 89 20:39:08>, Sarah Jones (1:101/1) writes: SJ>Does anyone know how to avoid Dbase from going crazy when pressing the SJ>escape-key in order to exit a command file? SJ>Not all the time but often enough to be annoying this produce a SJ>tremendous amount of beeping,congesting the keyboard buffer with all SJ>the strangest characters one can think. SJ>I am using version 1:00. Maybe there is an improved version out there. SJ>Or maybe someone out there has found a solution already. SJ>As usual any help will be appreciated here. SJ>Regards. SJ>Sarah Jones 1.00 had a few mites, although that one's a new one to me. Upgrade to 1.1 (or was that 1.01?) David Strickler Sysop of 101/45 Midnight DEC (Boston) --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 10-21-89 (00:02) Subject: CHEAP RX50 FLOPPIES From: DAVID STRICKLER In a message of <18 Oct 89 10:00:00>, GEORGE THEALL (1:273/203) writes: GT>From: van-bc!ubc-cs!alberta!ccu!rflukes@uunet.uu.net (Richard F. GT>Lukes) GT>Organization: University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada GT>Subject: Cheap source of RX50 floppy disks wanted. GT> GT>I am looking to purchase about 100 RX50-format floppy disks. GT>Does anyone have a favourite supplier who has low prices, GT>or does anyone out there want to sell some new or used floppies? GT>The prices locally are about $30 (Canabucks) a box of 10. GT>Any info would be greatly appreciated. I sell floppies pre-formatted to work on Rainbow MSDOS (and garenteed to work) for $2.00/each including sleeves. David Strickler 617-739-0708 --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Midnight DEC (1:101/45) ------------------------------ Date: 10-19-89 (21:37) Subject: RE: OPUS UNDER V3.10B From: GARY STEBBINS MB>I have been running V3.1 for, well at least a good 9 months and MB>more like a year without ANY problems. I recomend it highly. I also have been running under V3.1 for over a year. But the rumors of problems are centered around the latest release - V3.10b - from Suitable Solutions. I believe that release is only a couple months old. -gary- --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-19-89 Subject: RE: MS-DOS 3.1/MSGED From: GEOFF REED FM> > --- msged 1.96L MSC FM> > * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) FM> FM> If you are having trouble with your MSGED, suggest you try the latest FM> version (1.99L). I am usilg 1.99l, and it has bugs of it's own, it's just that Vfos_dec V. 0.25 apparently doesn't want to work right with ANY version of msged... I went back to 0.24 and it seems to be working ok.... with V. 1.99 I could see the first 18 characters I typed, and then I couldn't see them after that.. --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-19-89 Subject: RAINBOW VIDEO-FOSSIL From: GEOFF REED MB> I use MSGED with the version of Vfos_dec befreo 0.25 without any MB> problems at all. I know of other people who do the same. I cannot MB> wonder if something is not set up correctly. MB> MB> - mark I switched back to V 0.24, 0.25 was causing msged to crash, altho I really would like the 132 column support, but oh, well... it's all set up right, it works fine with 0.24... there are some SERIOUS bugs with 0.25... --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) ------------------------------ Date: 10-20-89 (10:36) Subject: RE: A/B OR A/B/C? I GUES From: AMER NELSON Don't know -- I have to pass the word. A friend of mine mentioned his need for an A/B box. About your inability to backspace, again I don't know. I can by using the rubout key -- right above the return, but I believe there are two levels (if that's the right word) regarding message entry with Opus. I use the one for novices. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-20-89 (10:49) Subject: GRAPHICS BOARD FOR RAINBO From: AMER NELSON Just received the latest RAINBOW NEWS. There was an ad from Eustace Enterprises -- 10170 Calumet Lane -- Lake Worth, Floria 33467 -- 407-433-0846. They are offering the board (used, I assume) for $59. Have not dealt with them myself, but have not heard any negative reports from those who have. ++ Amer ++ --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-20-89 (22:40) Subject: RE: WANTED From: ERIC SPEARS THANKS FOR THE REPLY. SORRY I MISSED YOU AT THE MEETING YESTERDAY EVENING. HOW ABOUT $20 FOR A/B $25 FOR A/B/C? --- TMail v1.12a * Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103) ------------------------------ Date: 10-20-89 (23:01) Subject: THANKS FOR INFO From: ERIC SPEARS THANKS FOR THE INFO. I BELIEVE THAT I OBTAINED A COPY OF AN OLDER RAINBOW ORIENTED PUBLICATION FROM ANNETTE MISKIMENS, HERE IN TACOMA. SHE WAS THE FIRST RAINBOW USER THAT I MET AFTER MY PURCHASE. I'VE ALREADY CALLED SUITABLE SOLUTIONS AND THEY'VE MAILED ME A CATALOG. QUESTION: IS THE PRINTER PORT PIN OUT ASSIGNMENT ON THE RAINBOW THE SAME AS AN IBM SERIAL PORT. I TOOK APART THE RS-232 INTERFACE MODULE FOR MY QUME SPRINT II AND FOUND THAT IT HAD BEEN MODIFIED TO HANDLE THE OUTPUT FROM MY OLD (BUT STILL TRUSTY VICTOR 9000). LOOKS LIKE THE VICTOR SWAPPED PIN 5 FOR 6. --- TMail v1.12a * Origin: Total Access Board 138/103 Tacoma, Wa (206)472-9884 (1:138/103) ------------------------------ Date: 10-21-89 (13:15) Subject: RE: CHEAP RX50 FLOPPIES From: GARY STEBBINS GT>From: van-bc!ubc-cs!alberta!ccu!rflukes@uunet.uu.net (Richard GT>F. Lukes) GT>Organization: University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada GT>Subject: Cheap source of RX50 floppy disks wanted. I buy cheap bulk diskettes from non-DEC suppliers. The current price in the catalog in front of me says $0.25 in lots of 100. I have ignored the hub-ring wars of past history, and have never had a problem formatting or using any of the cheap diskettes. The company I've purchased from is MEI/Micro Center. I've seen ads from other companies with comparable prices, and am likely to try a different source next time I purchase diskettes. I have a complaint about MEI/Micro. They include paper sleeves with the diskettes. They will sell you paper sleeves for $3.00/100 or tyvek sleeves for $5.00/100. But they won't substitu tyvek sleeves for the $2.00/100 difference in price. They will only sell you the paper sleeves with the diskettes, and then you can buy the tyvek sleeves in addition and throw away the paper sleeves when you receive the order. There is no reason for them to do this other than greed. The disks and sleeves are bulk-packed, so there is no logistical reason for their policy I'd like to get about 10,000 people to place 50 calls each asking them to change the way they handle this to see if they could be persuaded... Any volunteers? :-) BTW, they used to allow substitution - I know as the first order I placed with them several years ago came with tyvek sleeves instead of paper sleeves at my request, and I only paid the difference. The current sales people swear this has never been allowed and say I'm a liar... (Like I said, I'm looking for a company that wants to do business, not screw the customer.) -gary- (how did I get up on this soapbox?) --- * Origin: Glacier Peak Rainbow, Bellevue, WA - 206/644-8431 (Opus 1:343/3) ------------------------------ Date: 10-21-89 (17:43) Subject: RE: PIBTERM 3.2.5 (RAINBO From: DOUG MURRAY Thanks George, I will way a few days and if no response come'round, I will probably act on your offer for the sources. As for the version that you have, it is most probabaly PC based. The one that I am currently running has a banner line that has 1986 on it. Thanks again, Doug! --- * Origin: R&D BBS 'The VAX Heaven' {819/778-3856} 9600 =HST= (Opus 1:163/226) ------------------------------ Date: 10-22-89 Subject: RE: MS-DOS 3.1/MSGED From: FRANK MALLORY GR> FM> > --- msged 1.96L MSC GR> FM> > * Origin: StarShip_Inconnu, Cruisin' the Stars (1:343/3.1) GR> FM> GR> FM> If you are having trouble with your MSGED, suggest you try the GR> latest GR> FM> version (1.99L). GR> GR> I am usilg 1.99l, and it has bugs of it's own, it's just that GR> Vfos_dec V. 0.25 apparently doesn't want to work right with ANY GR> version of msged... I went back to 0.24 and it seems to be working GR> ok.... with V. 1.99 I could see the first 18 characters I typed, and GR> then I couldn't see them after that.. I didn't update to Vfos 0.25, because I have no use for the 132-col. capabilit which I understood was the main new feature. MSGED works fine for me. Just have to be careful not to hit cursor keys too fast (or any at all while it is scanning). --- msged 1.99L MSC * Origin: Silver Bullet - Silver Spring, Maryland - 301-622-2247 (1:109/123) ------------------------------ Date: 10-20-89 Subject: BUG EXPOSED! From: ED RIDPATH The msged/vfossil bug of invisible characters occurs when there is more than the expected amount of memory available for ms-dos. The fix right now is to either run msged as a shell, use an EATMEM type of program, or rip out your 896K to an *BM limit of 640K. I'll continue to see if it can be fixed from within the vfossil. I should have a new version shortly, mostly bug fixes of this kind. If you notice any other problems with the DEC vfossil, feel free to give a shout. Ed --- msged 1.99S ZTC * Origin: Keep It Simple: Ed's Point (1:360/8.101) ------------------------------ Date: 10-22-89 Subject: RE:DBASE III From: ART MCCLINTON You have found a know bug in DBASE III version 1.00. Anythime you filled the typeahead buffer (about 10 characters) it would lock up. It has been fixed in DBASE III version 1.10 dated 2/10/86. I do not know how you can get the update at this time? I paid a $50. update fee. I was not very happy about paying $50. to only fix a few bugs. But it is certainly easier on the nerves. No longer do I have to recover damaged files. The update also included update pages to the documentation. I would suggest you try DEC and Ashton-Tate. --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 10-22-89 Subject: RAINBOW SOFTWARE AVAILABL From: ART MCCLINTON I have the following software available for sale: LOTUS 123 Release 1A - Unopened - list 495. paid 145 sell 50 ORACLE Ver 4.2 used 1000. 500 150 DR LOGO used 295 195 100 Turtle Geometry Book MIT 35 27 20 ChangLabs Graph Plan (cpm) 180 25 Home Accountant Plus (ms-dos) 99 25 PFS-File copy-protected 185 25 All of the above have original disks and full documentation Call me at (703)883-6356(o) or (703)280-4657(h) Art McClinton --- ConfMail V3.31 * Origin: The Pot of Gold - (703-359-6549) (1:109/103) ------------------------------ Date: 10-22-89 (20:01) Subject: DEC RAINBOW 100 DISK FORS From: DON MARQUART >> Maynard, it is unnessacary to use the /8 parameter when formatting a >>single-sided disk on an IBM for data transfer to a rainbow... I >>regularly transfer data from my IBM-clone to the rainbow, and vice versa, >>using 9-sector disks, without a problem.... >> > > Hmmm. Do you mean that it defaults to 8 sectors/track when you tell it > to format a single sided diskette? That would make sense. Thank you. > I'll have to try it! The IBM defaults to 9 sector for DOS 2 and above. Don't have my RB manuals handy but think that the RB can read the 9 sector format. --- ConfMail V4.00 * Origin: Club Micro * CompuMatch (303)973-8578 (1:104/888) ------------------------------