Vax 88

Atari/Atari Games VaxMail 1988 Jed Margolin
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::LIEBSTER 4-JAN-1988 14:39:28.82
To: @SYS$MAIL:EVERYBODY
CC:
Subj: PAYMENT OF CONSULTANTS/CONTRACTORS
STARTING THIS YEAR WE WILL BE PAYING CONSULTANTS AND CONTRACTORS THROUGH

PAYROLL INSTEAD OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE. THIS WILL ALLOW US TO AUTOMATICALLY
KEEP TRACK AND GENERATE YEAR-END 1099 INFORMATION.
THIS WILL APPLY TO ALL CONTRACTORS OR COMPANIES THAT ARE NOT INCORPORATED.
A CHECK REQUEST AND W-9 FORM SHOULD BE SENT TO MY ATTENTION FOR PAYMENT
AND WILL BE PAID ON THE REGULAR PAYROLL CYCLE.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, OR ARE IN DOUBT AS TO WHO IS OR ISN'T A
CONSULTANT/CONTRACTOR, PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL. THANKS FOR YOUR COOPERATION.
SHERRY
EX. 3761
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::DENCKER "Andrea Dencker" 6-JAN-1988 11:43:21.06
To: @SYS$MAIL:MANAGEMENT, @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER, HUTTON, SUMNER,DENCKER
CC:
Subj: New person on board in Publications Dept.
Effective next Monday, Jan. 11, we have a new person in the Publications
Department. Rosalind Hutton replaces Pat Cook as a technical writer.
Rosalind will be responsible for writing the text for all of our techni-
cal publications, and she will also be doing some page layout with one of our
new Macintoshes.
Rosalind has a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the University
of Arizona. She came to us from SEI Information Services Co. in San Jose,
where she also was a technical writer. Before that she worked at Space Age
Publishing in Santa Clara. She was a mechanical engineer for 3 1/2 years in
Colorado, Oregon, and Arizona. Among the more interesting things she has done
is teach English at Hunan University in the People's Republic of China.
Please welcome her and feel free to introduce yourself; her extension is
3719, and her username is [HUTTON].
Andrea
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::ROTBERG "Professor of Gonzo" 6-JAN-1988 20:34:27.93
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Stress Diet
Having been under a bit of stress lately, I have found that the diet given
below has a remarkable way of dealing with STRESS.
THE STRESS DIET
--- ------ ----
Breakfast
---------
1/2 Grapefruit
1 Slice of whole wheat toast
8 oz. Skim milk
Lunch
-----
4 oz. Lean broiled chicken
1 Cup steamed zuchinni
1 Oreo cookie
Herb tea
Mid-afternoon Snack
------------- -----
Rest of the package of Oreos
1 Quart Rocky Road ice cream
1 Jar hot fudge
Dinner
------
2 Loaves of garlic bread
Large Pepperoni and mushroom pizza
Large pitcher of beer (light!)
Entire frozen cheesecake eaten directly from the freezer
***********************************************************
***********************************************************
DIET TIPS
---- ----
1. If no one sees you it it, then it has no calories.
2. If you drink a diet soda with a candy bar, they cancel each other out.
3. When eating with someone else, calories don't count if you both eat
the same amount.
4. Food used for medicinal purposes NEVER counts against your diet.
Such as: Hot chocolate, brandy, toast, and Sara Lee cheese cake.
5. If you fatten up everyone else around you, then you look thinner.
6. Movie related foods don't count against your diet because they are
simply a part of the entertainment experience and not a part of
one's personal fuel. Such as: Milk duds, popcorn with butter,
junior mints, and red liccorice.
7. Cookie pieces contain NO calories. The process of breakage causes
caloric leakage.
- Gonzo -
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::TOLONEN 7-JAN-1988 18:32:31.36
To: @SYS$MAIL:EVERYBODY,TOLONEN
CC:
Subj: New Assignment for Kevin Hayes
Effective
ective January 1, 1988, Kevin Hayes , Vice President,
Operations, has been given a new assignment as Executive
Vice President of Atari Operations Inc. and will take charge
of the day-to-day operations of that organization.
Reporting to Kevin are Richard Adams, Vice President AOI for
the U.S. Southern Region , and Satish Bhutani, Vice President AOI for
the U.S. Western Region.
Kevin has moved and will be temporarily located next to the
front lobby in Building 675.
Please welcome Kevin to his new position.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::ALBAUGH "Dr. Bizarro" 8-JAN-1988 09:54:51.76
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: Yet another Greenhills Bug
The following Greenhills C bug (version 1.8.0) caused a really obscure

bug in the stats package on XYBots. I have kluged around it on all the stats
packages I "control", but those of you who are winging it on your own, or just
generally multiplying unsigned shorts occasionally, should watch out!
The following code fragment:
unsigned int coins,time;
...
time = (unsigned short)time * 60;
produced the following assembly:
MOVEQ #0,D0
MOVE.W D3,D0 *fr
MULS #60,D0
note that it "knew" that D0 was unsigned, and that the constant 60 (which is
clearly positive) would fit in a short, but it used a MULS.
Changing the second line to:
time = (unsigned short)time * (unsigned short)60;
fixes the problem (this time).
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::LOGG 11-JAN-1988 13:06:07.80
CC:
Subj: AMS DNL
The new AMS have a newer version of the software. This means the old
DNL EPROMs will not work! But there is a solution. I have created a different
version of the EPROMs which will work with this software. Read DNL.DOC in
CHARM$USERDISK:[LOGG.AMS] for all the details. Everything works the same, just
burn the EPROMs from a different file.
Ed Logg
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::FRYE 13-JAN-1988 08:58:54.58
To: @SYS$MAIL:EVERYBODY,FRYE
CC:
Subj: PARKING
TOMORROW AT 7:30 AM CAL AIR WILL HAVE A
CRANE HERE AT 675 TO LIFT A NEW COMPRES-
SOR ONTO THE ROOF. PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON
THE WEST SIDE OF THE BUILDING IN THE
PARKING AREA JUST OUTSIDE THE ADMIN AREA
(THE PARKING SPACES FACING THE BUILDING)
THANK YOU, BOB
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::CAMERON 13-JAN-1988 09:58:07.51
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: ROOF
YEA!
The crane is coming tomorrow to lift the hot tub onto our
new roof sun-park. The park benches and shade trees aren't arriving
until Friday. Boy Howdy, isn't this exciting!?!
Fun in the Sun

___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::CAMERON 13-JAN-1988 10:17:30.50
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj:
From: KIM::ALBAUGH "Dr. Bizarro" 13-JAN-1988 10:12
To: ERNIE::CAMERON
Subj: RE: ROOF
Actually, the hot tub has, for some months, been located in that
big metal box that Meyette tells everybody is an environmental test chamber.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::SHEPPERD 14-JAN-1988 12:01:56.94
To: @sys$mail:junk,SHEPPERD
CC:
Subj: Texas tea
I usually disdain recommending investment opportunities, however, I think

this gizmo is worth mentioning. First a little background:
As oil is pumped from the ground either on dry land or especially from under the
ocean, water is usually also included in the fluid (sometimes on purpose because
water is injected into the well to help with the oil extraction). The oil/water
sauce is typically run through a simple floatation extractor which removes
some of the free oil by letting it float the surface of a tank then skimming it
off. This method removes none of the dissolved oil (oil molecules bonded to or
trapped between water molecules). This filtered water would then be dumped
overboard in the case of an off-shore well or into some nearby river or lake in
the case of an on-shore well. As you might imagine, the water systems in areas
where there are active oil wells gets pretty contaminated with oil. Fish, birds
and plants die off. The EPA has established some standards for a maximum
oil/water mixture and oil/sand (oily sand is also sucked from off-shore wells)
that can be dumped into the local environment. The standards are set based
upon what the current technology can provide (perhaps also via bribes).
The gizmo:
Glenn Gilley of Gilley and Associates has developed what is known as a Solvent
Extraction Method (SEM) of removing free and dissolved oil from production
water. It looks quite neat in its simplicity; it uses centrifugal force to
remove the free oil, injects a gas (solvent) into the water to attract the
dissolved oil and later extracts the solvent from the cleaned water to be
recycled. It can purify water to far in excess of the current EPA standards
which (I hope) will prompt the EPA to tighten up their standards. The machine
has only 1 moving part (a pump) and takes up roughly 1/10 the space of the
current SEM systems.
Minimum investment is $10,000. I have a prospectus in my office if you care to
look at it. I also have a 10 minute video tape with a demo on it.
And to satisfy the SEC:
THIS MESSAGE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THESE OR ANY SECURITIES.
ds
x1711
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SHEPPERD 20-JAN-1988 17:58:28.78
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER,SHEPPERD
CC:
Subj: You want to change what?
A couple people have asked about a "global search and replace" function.
There wasn't one yesterday, but there is one today. The next time to
login or RESTART, type:
$ GSR file
where "file" can be a wildcarded filename or a single file. It will prompt for a
search string (can't be null), whether the search string is a TPU
regular expression (normally No, the default) and whether you want a case
sensitive search (normally No, the default). It will then open each file,
do a global search and replace through the file and write out a new one in
the same directory as the source if there were any changes.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::HORN "Erich Von Horn" 18-JAN-1988 17:37:08.88
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj:
I WILL HAVE A NEW TEST CART FOR YOU TUESDAY EVENING

- ERICH OF HORN
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::HORN "Erich Von Horn" 18-JAN-1988 17:57:00.86
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: PLEASE IGNORE MY LAST MESSAGE
PLEASE IGNORE MY LAST MESSAGE IT WAS SENT TO THE WRONG PEOPLE!
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::GROSSMAN 21-JAN-1988 10:20:56.35
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Congratulations to Becky and Rob Rowe
Becky and Rob are the proud parents of a

baby BOY, Jonathan Brady
Born 11:13 p.m. yesterday, 7 lbs. 11 1/2 oz.
After a long hard labor, Becky and Jonathan are resting comfortably.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::CHING 21-JAN-1988 10:54:59.31
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: IT'S NEW!!! IT'S EXCITING!!!
ATTENTION ALL CONSUMERS:

Tired of using that old, beat up-looking tupperware, or worse yet, imitation
tupperware? Well, it's about time you bought some new ones. Come on over and
take a look at the latest Tupperware Catalog. They've got some cool colors
now a days. And for all you people with young children, they've got some great
stuff to make traveling with their meals a little easier. They've got some
classic toys, too. So come one, come all, and come to my Tupperware Party if
you like. ( Thurs, Jan 28, 7:30 PM ) RSVP to this address or call x1714.
For you married men, don't forget to ask your wives about this. Or better yet,
put in an order and give it to her for Valentine's Day. Not the most romantic
gift, but it's just as good as the Food Processor you gave her last year.
Catalog is in my office. Come and take a look at the new, exiciting world
of Tupperware!!!! (What a commercial. Shut up, Nat)
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::HOFF 25-JAN-1988 14:16:52.54
CC:
Subj: VPIX users: current and future
If you currently use or expect to use VPIF, a tool that allows one to
view picture files on the GPX terminals, then read on.
This program, running on the GPX's in the LSI CAD lab,
has a nasty problem. It takes almost all of the cpu.
EVEN WHEN THE DISPLAY IS STATIC AND
THERE IS NO APPARENT PROCESSING OCCURING.
The batch queues grind to a sub-crawl.
This stops LSI design unnecessarily.
So please, if you use VPIF get what you need then log off.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::ARVIDSON 29-JAN-1988 11:05:59.34
To: MARGOLIN,ARVIDSON
CC:
Subj: games names.
It was funny when you told a salesman that the new game was "drivin' "
and he thought it was about a drive-in movie. I mentioned the word "drivin' "
to someone and they thought it was a golf game.
erwin
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MCCARTHY 1-FEB-1988 18:37:35.95
To: @sys$mail:hardware,MCCARTHY
CC:
Subj: Obsolete RAM ICs.
Be warned !
Do you use 2Kx8 static RAMs. (6116 variety).
We recently were looking for 100,000 - 500,000 of these ICs at 150nS only to
find that most major companies are obsoleting this part in favor of 8kx8
static RAMs.
Pat.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::FRYE 2-FEB-1988 08:02:54.03
CC:
Subj: BUILDING VISITOR
THIS AFTERNOON I WILL BE ESCORTING OUR

INSURANCE REP. THROUGH BOTH BUILDINGS
FOR OUR SEMI-ANNUAL INSPECTION AND FIRE
SPRINKLER TESTING. PLEASE DISREGARD ANY
BELLS, IT'S ONLY A TEST.
THANKS, BOB
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::PAAUW 2-FEB-1988 15:41:59.73
To: MARGOLIN,MONCRIEF,DOWNEND,VANELDREN,PAAUW
CC:
Subj: TWIG FILES SENT TO MAINFRAME
The TWIG files have been transferred to National's mainframe for pre-
route simulation, which should match the simulation results from the
Mentor workstation. The first attempt failed 2/1/88 and the National
engineer is currently massaging the files. I don't expect any major
problems and still expect mask release about Feb. 15 and protos in
mid-March.
The steps remaining before mask release are
pre-route simulation,
fault grading (one pass, gratis),
place & route,
post-route simulation.
-- Don
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::ALBAUGH "Dr. Bizarro" 3-FEB-1988 10:58:49.38
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Unsolicited Testamonial (Mexican Restaurant divison)
Let's say, for the sake of argument, that you like Mexican food. You like
Casa Azteca, but sometimes would like something a little more well...
"Mexican". La Milpa suits your taste, but you would rather not wait 2 hours
for a one hour meal. Well, have I got a deal for you. Last Saturday I
was in exactly the situation described above and my wife suggested that we
try out a new little place called "Gardenia", in Abel Plaza. I am now glad
La Milpa was so crowded. I will continue to go there sometimes because:
a) There have Chicken in mole sauce everyday (not just Sunday).
b) They are closer to my house.
c) They are a bit dressier (although they aren't the Ritz and
Gardenia is not a dive.)
d) I like the people there.
But Gardenia is a VERY attractive alternative. Yes, they have Mexican
hot chocolate (like La Milpa). Yes, they have the tomato/onion/cilantro salsa,
like La Milpa. (Casa Azteca has neither). PLUS, they have Penafiel sodas,
which I remember fondly from my school days and can get at neither of the
others. I had the Verde, while my wife had an enchilada/chile relleno combo.
Both were excellent. And they have all sorts of neat stuff on the menu which I
intend to try....
So why am I telling you? After all, I was one of La Milpa's first customers
and now all you riff-raff are lining up and keeping me waiting. Well, we were
only the fourth party on Saturday night, while La Milpa was spilling onto the
sidewalk. I am afraid these folks won't last long enough for me to eat my way
through their menu if they don't get some more business soon. So... cruise over
17 (pardon me, 880) on Calaveras and turn right on Abel, then left into the
parking lot. Gardenia is at the far left of the little shopping center.
Try it, you'll like it.
Mike
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::OHARA 5-FEB-1988 08:53:04.10
To: @SYS$MAIL:EVERYBODY,OHARA
CC:
Subj: My Schedule & Phone lists
I have posted a new schedule at each mailstation, on my door,

with Yvette the receptionist, and various individuals thruout our
two Buildings.
Hopefully this will make it for you to find me, it also
describes the process thru which one may get Supplies from me.
Also, I have available Phone lists in three formats:
Phone numbers only:
3 column 8 1/2 x 14 dated 28 jan 88
4 column 8 1/2 x 11 dated 1 feb 88
4 column 11 x 17 on demand
Phone numbers, Mail stops, Vaxmail Nodes or Accounts
Booklet style 8 1/2 x11 dated 28 jan 88
2 page 11 x 17
2 page 11 x 17 on demand
2 page 8 1/2 x 11 (same as above, reduced) on demand
On demand means that I'll make them for you as you ask for them.
If yours are dated more than a year ago they are hopelessly out of date,
there have been a large number of changes since then (If they are undated this
is still true).
thanks
james
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::SYSTEM "Colossus/Guardian" 6-FEB-1988 20:00:25.87
CC:
Subj: Charm
The current Charm is actually one of the new Vaxen. It doesn't have ANY
disks of its own. Instead, it is using GAWD's system disk for system, page
and swap files. CHARM$USERDISK is located on Kim, so Kim does the file
serving for Charm's userdisk. It may crash because DEC says the system
can't be hooked up like this, but I did it anyway. You will know if they
were right.
For some things, you may notice that this system is about 3 times faster
than the old Charm. However, since it does its page and swap access via
Ethernet, it may slow down quite a bit for other things. Also, it won't
run MAC65, the BSO assembler or TECO.
I believe that the 780 Charm's system disk has some kind of problem which
has been the reason for 780's crashes recently. I dual-ported Charm's
disk controller last weekend so that you could get to the userdisk even
if Charm was down. As it happens, the problem in the system disk seemed
to cause both Kim and Charm to crash, so it has been disconnected.
A 780 won't work without a system disk which is why I tried hooking
things up this way. Perhaps by tuesday the disk will have been fixed
and I can put things back to normal.
dms
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::SHEPPERD 8-FEB-1988 16:01:25.36
To: @sys$mail:engineer,SHEPPERD
CC:
Subj: GAWD - Gettin' Alot of Work Done...
The new VAXen are hooked up and appear to work. Kim and Charm's SYS$BATCH
default to running on the compute server (GAWD) and we strongly recommend
that you use BATCH for all your compiles, assemblies, links, PPS utilites
and any other compute bound tasks. You'll find that your jobs will complete
in 1/3 to 1/4 the time it would take on an un-busy 780 (there used to be
such a thing as an unbusy 780, but I think such a thing is extinct these days).
I believe it will be faster to batch even "tiny" compiles than to run them
interactively. Besides, you'll automatically get a log of any errors.
There are two commands (.COM files actually) that make it easy to use the
batch stuff: AT and BATCH. Use AT in place of an "@" on a .COM file that
you would normally run interactively to cause that file to be executed in
batch mode. Use BATCH to execute a DCL command in batch mode. For example:
$ AT A_COM_FILE
$ BATCH MAKE MY_PROGRAM
MAC65 users are out of luck for a little while yet. MAC65, LINKM, TECO and the
BSO 68000 assembler will only run on a 780. You should switch from using TECO
to TPU; from LINKM to LLF; BSO to Intermetrics. If these system problems
give me a break, a new MAC65 written in C should be useable by April.
DEC will be out this coming thursday to "install" the new VAXen, so I'll have
to take them apart and put them back in the box wednesday night. They should
be back online by noon thursday unles DEC breaks them.
dms
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::DEPEW 9-FEB-1988 08:41:43.96
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Empire Strikes Back
One of our licensees in England is in desperate need of an Empire Strikes Back

game in order to do a conversion on to software for the home computer market.
Is there anyone out there who has an Empire Strikes Back game who will
help me out by loaning the necessary elements to convert a Star Wars game
to an Empire Strikes Back?
Please contact me if you have any clues as the location of such an animal.
Thanks: Becky x3704
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::DRIVER 9-FEB-1988 16:11:11.66
To: MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: foo
~INIT = $on control_y then goto endmake\n$on error then goto endmake
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$on warning then goto endmake\n$ oldver = f$verify(1)
~DEINIT = $ endmake:\n$ t = 'f$verify(oldver)\n$ exit
drive : drive.hex
$ BEEP "DONE"
drive.hex : drive.ol drivesubs.ol db.ol racecor.ol driveasm.ol sort.ol coms.ol
clouds.ol strig.ol tables.ol s42code.ol gmain.ol link.ol dash.ol duart.ol
movable.ol main.ol driveloc.opt
$ LLF drive,drivesubs,db,racecor,coms,clouds,movable,strig,dash,-
GMAIN,LINK,DRIVEASM,SORT,TABLES,s42code,duart,main,-
driveloc/OPT/OUT=drive.hex/SYM
drive.ol : drive.h drive.c
$ gcc drive o R
drivesubs.ol : drive.h [.univcad]drivesubs.c
$ copy [.univcad]drivesubs.c tmpdsubs.c;
$ gcc tmpdsubs o R
$ ren tmpdsubs.ol drivesubs.ol
$ del tmpdsubs.c;
db.ol : drive.h db.c
$ gcc db o R
racecor.ol : racecor.trk
$ trktos racecor racecor
$ asm68 racecor
$ pur racecor.s
driveasm.ol : driveasm.asm
$ asm68 driveasm
dash.ol : dash.c ptrtab.h modelboard.h dashimages.h
$ gcc dash R
trk.ol : trk.c
$ gcc trk R
tables.ol : tables.asm pytable.asm sincos.asm col.asm
$ asm68 tables
s42code.ol : s42code.c
$ gcc s42code o R
gmain.ol : gmain.asm
$ asm68 gmain
sort.ol : sort.asm
$ asm68 sort
link.ol : link.asm
$ asm68 link
coms.ol : coms.c drive.h modelboard.h
$ gcc coms R
clouds.ol : clouds.c drive.h
$ gcc clouds R
movable.ol : movable.c drive.h
$ gcc movable R
strig.ol : strig.c trigtab.h
$ gcc strig o R
duart.ol : duart.c
$ gcc duart R
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::ARVIDSON 11-FEB-1988 15:19:57.45
To: @SYS$MAIL:HARDWARE,ARVIDSON
CC:
Subj: MCR SLEEPsync.........
Those of you who were interested in or concerned about the 8Kx8 SRAMs from
Toshiba which had in their specification, 'internally syncronous,externally
asyncronous':
I have tentatively set up a meeting with the sales rep and a Toshiba
engineer who is a specialist in memory devices (EPROMs, RAMs, mask ROMs, etc).
He should be able to answer any questions regarding the 'address activated
circuit technology' that some had voiced concern about. Any other memory
topics would also be welcome.
May I have a raise of hands of those who would like to attend a
meeting that has been tentatively set up for Tuesday, February 23 at 4:00PM.
erwin
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 11-FEB-1988 15:24:54.14
To: ERNIE::ARVIDSON,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: RE: MCR SLEEPsync.........
I do.
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::SHEPPERD 12-FEB-1988 16:05:11.66
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER,SHEPPERD
CC:
Subj: cdefs
There are a couple of changes which you might want to include in your LOGIN.COM
file to eleminate the recurring problems with cdefs.com moving or becoming
obsolete etc. A CDEFS.COM is permanently located in UTL$COM. This file
references a system logical name IM_TOOLS: which will change with future
releases (if any) of the intermetrics tools so without making any changes in
your procedures, you will always be using the latest release of the tools.
There are instances where one must keep using an older release of some tools.
In this case, you can assign the logical IM_OLDTOOLS to IM_TOOLS before calling
CDEFS.COM. At this time, there are no old IM_TOOLS so both names point to the
same directory.
$ assign IM_OLDTOOLS IM_TOOLS !if you don't want new versions
!as they are released.
$ @utl$com:cdefs !gets the Intermetrics tools logicals
The GreenHills C compiler is called up via a foreign command. It appears
everyone has a different word for invoking the C compiler so I can't do
a common command file to set it up. There are however, two logical names
to assist in defining your GreenHills C compiler startup:
GH_EXE and GH_OLDEXE
GH_EXE will always point to the latest release and GH_OLDEXE will point
to the previous release. At this time, GH_EXE and GH_OLDEXE point to the
same directory. Use it thusly:
$ GCC :== $GH_EXE:CCOM68 !for the current release
$ GCC :== $GH_OLDEXE:CCOM68 !for the previous release
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::ALBAUGH "Dr. Bizarro" 19-FEB-1988 18:49:38.85
CC:
Subj: Abject apology, with forelock tugging
Since I've been raving about how those $%#&* hardware guys
keep screwing up the coin switches, I guess it's my turn to eat crow.
The reported problem with mech-multipliers on Blasteroids is in fact
my fault. Those poor coins went through two processors and at least
4 subroutines before I twisted them at the last possible moment.
Anyway, all this is really pretty straightforward on the
standalone audio board. The rightmost switch gets hooked to the rightmost
bit (D0). The rest follow in order (up the byte right to left). These
single bits get translated into two-bit (what else, at least in the U.S.)
fields that get sent to the game board, but again, rightmost is rightmost.
Should we bring up 6502 based boards that connect their coins to the MSB's
MSBs of the inputs? In case you wondered, the rightmost switch connects
to D7 (actually the rule is that rightmost goes to the bit that falls out
first when you shift). Anyway, it's supposed to be the 6502 coin routine's
problem to get things straight before sending them on to the game, and
the S.A. board does it right.
On a separate-mech game (e.g. Xybots), everything stays consistent
again, the rightmost mech is for the rightmost player. But players are
number left to right (0..3), whereas bits are numbered right to left
(fun, huh). This is still not too confusing, until I re-converted the
Gauntlet-style coin routine, as hacked for S.A. Audio, back to System I
style.
The software is clearly wrong, and can be fixed in one of two ways.
I can change which mech I consider "right", leaving right the more valuable
mech. Or I can change the wording of the coin options, acknowledging that
the Left mech gets the higher value. I vote for option one, but will listen
other arguments.
Can get some mercy by pointing out that if I didn't have to
keep changing this stuff I wouldn't keep breaking it?
Didn't think so!
Mike
___________________________________________________________________________
To: MCCARTHY,ALBAUGH,MARGOLIN,SNYDER,ARVIDSON
CC:
Subj: Reminder...
Meeting with Toshiba this afternoon at 4:00.

Place: engineering conference room.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::FRYE 23-FEB-1988 16:10:23.97
CC:
Subj: INTERIOR PAINTING, 675
STARTING MONDAY, 2/29 PAINTERS WILL BE

HERE TO PAINT EXTERIOR OFFICE WALLS,
SOME HALLWAYS, AND THE ENGR. & MAIN
CONFERENCE RMS. SINCE MOST OF THE PAINT-
ING WILL BE IN THE ENGINEERING AREA, A
MAP WILL BE POSTED OUTSIDE THE ENGR.
CONF. RM. INDICATING AREAS TO BE PAINTED
THANKS, BOB
___________________________________________________________________________
To: ALBAUGH,MARGOLIN,ARVIDSON
CC:
Subj: MEETING CANCELLED.
Sorry, but the applications engineer was detained in Palo

Alto and couldn't be here 'til after 5:00. He may have time for us
tomorrow afternoon and will let me know. I'll keep you informed.
erwin
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 23-FEB-1988 18:45:50.79
To: JOE,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: Slapstic
The part number for the Driver Slapstic is 137412-117.

Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::PAAUW 25-FEB-1988 14:59:29.31
To: DOWNEND,MARGOLIN,MONCRIEF,VANELDREN,PAAUW
CC:
Subj: TWIG released to mask
The TWIG chip passed the final post-route simulation and was released to
mask on Tuesday, Feb 23. The protos should be here in about four weeks
( officially 4-6 weeks, most likely 4).
-- Don
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::FRYE 2-MAR-1988 15:00:55.23
CC:
Subj: 675 WAREHOUSE
MANUFACTURING IS MOVING A PRODUCTION

LINE INTO OUR WAREHOUSE AND IS PRESENTLY
INVOLVED IN REMOVING EXCESS MATERIALS &
CLEANING UP THE WAREHOUSE TO SUPPORT
THIS OPERATION. ON TOP OF ALL THIS I'M
MOVING IN FURNITURE FOR TENGEN. WE
REALLY NEED TO TIGHTEN OUR BELTS ON THIS
ONE AS EVERY SQUAR FOOT IS NEEDED.
I HAVE MOVED GAME CABINETS AND OTHER
RELATED ITEMS INTO THE CENTER OF THE
WAREHOUSE TO MAKE ROOM FOR FURNITURE.
ENGINEERING PLEASE CHECK TO SEE THAT WE
DO NOT DUMP ANYTHING OF VALUE, SUCH AS
THE PIN BALL GAME WHICH SHOULD GO INTO
ARCHIVES.
ON 3/10 ALL REMAINING ITEMS WILL BE
DUMPED. WE DO NOT HAVE STORAGE SPACE
FOR ALL THE EMPTY GAME CABINETS, SO
PLEASE BE SELECTIVE.
THIS IS A GOOD TIME TO CLEAN OUT UN-
WANTED ITEMS IN YOUR AREA, BUT PLEASE
DO SO BEFOR 3/10 AND PLACE ITEMS IN THE
DESIGNATED DUMP AREA.
THANKS, BOB
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::SHEPPERD 2-MAR-1988 20:29:13.31
CC:
Subj: DIO model 288
Finally, the DIO model 288 talks to the VAX. This programmer has 8 32 pin
sockets so it can program 1 megabit EPROMS. It has 512k of ram (same as the
IMI). It appears to be somewhat slower than the IMI but it is no doubt
faster than waiting in a line for the IMI.
Unlike the DIO model 29A, this programmer has an automatic family/pin
code selection mechanism that actually works. There's even a way for the
VAX to find out the real F/P code after it automatically figures one out.
So, it is no longer necessary to specify a DEVICE command to the DIO
procedure if you are programming devices larger than 27128's. The VAX
will force an auto f/p select and report the other manufacturers parts
that may be interchanged with the ones you are programming.
Until I get a switch box built up, you can switch between the 29A and the
288 by unplugging and replugging the RJ11 connector (telephone type) from
the light blue (29A) and dark blue (288) DB25 connectors lying behind the
two units.
If you need to upload a set of EPROMS but want the data to appear in the
uploaded file as though it were 16 or 32 bit words, you can do that with the
/WORD=nn option on the UPLOAD command. I think you will also have to specify
the whole range too. For example, if you want to upload 4 27256's into a
file as 16 bit data:
DIO> UPLOAD your_file_name 0-1FFFF/WORD=16
Both the 288 and the 29A (with the GANGPAK) will do this.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::THEURER 4-MAR-1988 15:36:16.06
CC:
Subj: MacPaint to PIF/RAD conversion, and EASY picture digitization
Here are a couple utilities to make life easier for somebody:

1. Convert any MacPaint file to a PIF/RAD file.
Read charm$userdisk:[theurer.mac]mp.doc for details.
2. Digitize a picture and get a PIF/RAD file, almost as easily
as running the Xerox machine.
The digitization is done on Mary Sumner's scanner / Mac II system.
"Publish Pac" program scans your picture and produces a
MacPaint file (bi-level or halftone style 1 bit deep).
(You can specify the size of the resulting picture).
Then execute the MacPaint to PIF/RAD conversion.
This works really well on line drawings.
Coming Real Soon Now:
Conversion of TIFF files (scanned pictures with 256 grey levels) to RAD.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::BELL "Component Engineering - Ext 1750" 4-MAR-1988 16:45:
52.89
To: MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: using .COM files with AVL
You cant get there from here...

Because I had to have AVL support ANY terminal types, yet still needed
timeouts, I had to use QIOW's for the inputs. The QIO's are to the
terminal, and a file isnt a terminal. I'd have to write the program using
FAB's (file access blocks) and RAB's (record access blocks) which would more
than quadruple the code... at least thats what the systems folks tell me. I
think I could do it with a call to SMG$READ_COMPOSED_LINE, which allows for
timeouts and doesnt do anything thats terminal specific. I'll try to get
around to it next week or so. I tried using a .COM file with another
program that uses SMG$READ_COMPOSED_LINE and it worked.
___________________________________________________________________________
To: @sys$Mail:engineer,SHEPPERD
CC:
Subj: More on the 288
I forgot to mention how to enable the DIO 288 for VAX access. The message
COMPUTER CONTROL should appear on the top line of the LCD display. If it
doesn't, then press one of the arrow keys repeatedly until the message
RS232 PORT shows up on the top line of the display. (If pressing the arrow
keys doesn't change the top line of the display, then press any of the
number keys until the 288 beeps, then try again with the arrow keys. I.e.
bang any or all the buttons until the DIO cries for you to stop.)
After you get the RS232 PORT message, press ENTER twice. After the first
ENTER, the message COMPUTER CONTROL will appear in the lower window (if not,
press the arrow keys until it does) and after the second ENTER that message
will replace the RS232 PORT message.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::MCCARTHY 7-MAR-1988 10:29:29.88
To: @sys$mail:hardware,Jackson,leon,MCCARTHY
CC:
Subj: Scidesign schedule.
There is a scheduling problem with the Scidesign schematic entry stations:

Not enough stations for current projects.
Here are the Projects that I know of:
SAC Audio board. McCarthy et al. Field testing with Cyberball and
Escape... April/May/June.
Cyberball. Snyder. Field testing April/May.
War. Stempler. For two projects, War and Quarterdeck.
MOB. McCarthy. New Motion Object chip development (schematics only).
Blitter. Snyder. New Motion Object technology
We need to get together briefly to decide on some time allocation scheme to
take care of these projects. If you know that you will not need a station
at any particular period, please reply now so that we can see how big the
conflict really is.
It there are any more projects requiring Schematic entry time this month
please relpy to me also.
Pat.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::WIEBENSON 7-MAR-1988 14:05:31.91
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: breathe deep
Not being a proponent of central air circulation systems, I have a

concern that with all the activity in the back of 675 that we will
be breathing a lot of exhaust fumes for a while throughout the
building. Does anyone know/care? Of course the people in 715 are
exposed to that stuff all the time and they seem healthier than us
in 675 so maybe it's good!?
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::BROWN 9-MAR-1988 12:21:11.11
To: @SYS$MAIL:EVERYBODY,BROWN
CC:
Subj: ACME TRADE SHOW
As many of you may be aware, this coming weekend, March 11 through 13,
our industry will be sponsoring its annual ACME Trade Show in Reno,
Nevada at the Bally Grand Hotel and Casino.
This is the first time that this trade show has been held in the western
United States. Though we have officially limited the number of Atari
employees who will be formally attending the ACME Show on "company
business", I would like to clarify that any and all employees are
welcome to attend this function "on their own time and expense". It is
unlikely that another major Coin-Op industry trade show will be held
this close to the Bay Area any time in the foreseeable future, and as
such, this is an ideal opportunity for those who have never attended to
do so.
Hide Nakajima
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: Some new stuff
Have you been steamed at MAKE, the quemanager, DIO or IMI lately? Well, I just
added somemore junk that may REALLY make you mad. On the other hand, you might
like it.
For the IMI and DIO, the system will broadcast a message to all terminals logged
in with a username that matches the top level directory specified in the FILE
command announcing that "your roms are done" when they are done programming,
verifying or uploading or any other stuff that you might do. (I'll try to fix it
to be more discriminating later). It remains to be seen if this is a good
feature or not. I'm sure you'll let me know one way or the other.
I have found that the message returned at the completion of a batch job leaves a
lot to be desired (i.e. bla_bla completed with status of "%NONAME-E-WHAT,
Undecodable message number %X09898080" or some such nonsense. So, I tried to fix
that. There's a new program to do the announcing and there's some changes to
MAKE.EXE and MAKE.COM. One key point is that the notification of completion of a
job started with a DCL BATCH or AT command is done by an announcing program
rather than the que manager. As a result, your job may not actually be complete
until a couple seconds AFTER you get the message. Sorry, but this appears to be
the only way I can get meaningful messages to your terminal from make.
If you cause your make procedure to exit with a status code between 0 and 4,
then one of the following messages will be broadcast to your terminal:
code 0 = Completed with warning(s)
code 1 = Normal successful completion
code 2 = Completed with error(s)
code 3 = Completed with information message(s)
code 4 = Completed with fatal error(s)
i.e. $ EXIT 2 would signal completion with errors. Any other codes will be
translated to the VMS message that it may represent and sent to your terminal.
For example, if you trapped the error status from some VMS utility and exited
your procedure with that status, then the appropriate VMS error message would be
broadcast to your terminal.
In addition to these changes (and partly to better use the messge facility),
I've added three special macro names to MAKE: *, < and >. These names represent
the current root filename (*=whole root; < is name portion only; > is type
portion only). You may use these macro names anywhere in the makefile except in
a dependency list which wouldn't make any sense anyway. The macro is not
expanded until it is used in a method stream. The following example (an excerpt
of MAKE's makefile) uses this feature along with the new announcing program to
blast reports of compile and link errors AS THEY OCCUR during the make. Using
this feature makes the methods for the files quite small (in the case of the .c
files, a single macro call):
FILES = #H, make.c, macro.c, token.c, parsedir.c, file.c
~INIT = $ cc := cc/deb/lis
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ wo := write sys$output
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ mess_severity == 1
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ mess_map = "0020401234222240323444444"
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ set noon
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ goto skip_stchk
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ status_check: subroutine
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ cs = 'p1' .and. 7
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ if cs .gt. 4 then $ cs = 4
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ if p2 .eqs. "" .or. cs .eq. 1 then $ goto 10$
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ if cs .eq. 0 then $ mc make_system:notify "Warning(s) wh
ile making ''p2'"
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ if cs .eq. 2 then $ mc make_system:notify "Error(s) whil
e making ''p2'"
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ if cs .eq. 3 then $ mc make_system:notify "Information m
essage(s) while making ''p2'"
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ if cs .eq. 4 then $ mc make_system:notify "Fatal error m
aking ''p2'"
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$10$: cs = cs * 5 + 'mess_severity
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ mess_severity == 'f$ext(cs,1,mess_map)
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ exit %x10000001
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ endsubroutine
~INIT = #(~INIT)\n$ skip_stchk:
~DEINIT = $ get_out: exit mess_severity
! Define some macros to blast old .LIS, .OBJ and .MAP files
!
NOLIS = $ if f$search("#<.LIS;") .nes. "" then $ delete #<.LIS;*
NOMAP = $ if f$search("#<.MAP;") .nes. "" then $ delete #<.MAP;*
NOOBJ = $ if f$search("#<.OBJ;") .nes. "" then $ delete #<.OBJ;*
!
! Define a macro to delete the old root file
NOROO = $ if f$search("#*;") .nes. "" then $ delete #*;*
!
! Define a macro to call the status checker/announcer routine
SCHK = $ call status_check '$status' #*
!
! Define the macro for the .c to .obj method
C = #(NOLIS)\n#(NOOBJ)\n$ wo "CC #<"\n$ cc #<\n#(SCHK)
!
! Define the macro for the .mar to .obj method
M = #(NOLIS)\n#(NOOBJ)\n$ wo "MAC #<"\n$ mac/lis/deb #<\n#(SCHK)
!
! Define the macro for the .msg to .obj method
MS = #(NOLIS)\n#(NOOBJ)\n$ wo "MESS #<"\n$ message/lis #<\n#(SCHK)
!
! Define macro to be used before link is called
L = #(NOROO)
L = #L\n$ if .not. mess_severity then $ goto get_out
L = #L\n$ wo "Linking #*"
!
! make's dependencies
make : make.exe
make.exe : make.obj macro.obj token.obj parsedir.obj file.obj
#L
$ LINK/nomap MAKE/OPTIONS
#(SCHK)
make.deb : make.obj macro.obj token.obj parsedir.obj file.obj
#L
$ LINK/nomap/deb/exe=make.deb MAKE/OPTIONS
#(SCHK)
make.obj : make.c #H
#C
macro.obj : macro.c #H
#C
token.obj : token.c #H
#C
parsedir.obj : parsedir.c #H
#C
file.obj : file.c
#C
notify.obj : notify.c
#C
notify_getstuff.obj : notify_getstuff.mar
#M
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::FRANZELLA "Yvette" 14-MAR-1988 14:49:50.04
To: MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: message
Peter Kibben of Tech Sales would like you to phone him regarding TRW.
727-7200. 3/14 1:39
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::PAAUW 14-MAR-1988 18:45:44.61
To: @SYS$MAIL:HARDWARE
CC:
Subj: MEETING: WED, MAR 16, 1:30, EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE.
Gene Cavanaugh is with a Mississippi consortium called the Institute

for Technological Development. This is a cooperative effort between the
government, academia, and industry to try to develop a better base for high
tech industry in Mississippi. The entire group has initial funding of $20 meg
and the advanced microelectronics section has the largest share of this. The
engineering manager for this section is Bill Durham from Texas Instruments.
The group's plan is to generate local industry by encouraging spin-
offs from projects they initiate. According to Gene, the group has about
14 engineers and 14 Sun workstations with a very wide variety of software
packages. They are planning on getting VTI's tools. The group's recent
work has included megacell development for NCR, Thompson, and others.
Gene wants to come by with Bill Durham to see if we have any basis
for joint projects. Some possibilities include them doing designs for us for
little or no NRE in return for manufacturing rights or their licensing some of
our designs to market. (Gene specifically suggested licensing the PIXI or
Calfee's RISC).
I've tentatively scheduled a meeting with Gene Cavanaugh and Bill
Durham in the executive conference room at 1:30 on Wed. March 16. Please
let me know if there is any interest in this meeting.
-- Don
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 15-MAR-1988 15:20:48.43
To: ALBAUGH,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: GSP text routines
/* This program shows how to put up text on the screen using the
GSP text routines. The routines shown, and some others
to do things like draw polygons, lines, and rectangles, are in
the file 68_gsp.c in kim$userdisk:[margolin.gspex]
*/
DisplayTest()
{
int i;
char line[100];
DOWN_340(); /* Load up the 340 code */
while(1){
next_gsp_buffer(); /* Allocate a new GSP command buffer */
clear_gsp_screen(BLACK); /* Clear the scrn */
xy_font("This is the small font", /* string */
100, /* X coordinate */
100, /* Y coordinate */
WHITE, /* Color */
0); /* 8x8 font */
sprintf(line,"DISPLAY CYCLE %d",i++);

xy_font(line, /* string */
30, /* X coordinate */
200, /* Y coordinate */
WHITE, /* Color */
1); /* 16x16 font */
end_gsp_buffer(-1); /* Switch buffers, start display */
}
}
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MCCARTHY 16-MAR-1988 10:15:59.28
CC:
Subj: HARD TIMES FOR RAM ICs
This message from Erwin indicates the severity of the RAM chip shortage in
the industry at present. First, 2Kx8 slow (100-150nS) have been obsoleted
by most manufacturers. Now we can't get 8Kx8 at the right speed. This
problem is going to add $12-$14 to the cost of the board.
Pat.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::ARVIDSON 16-MAR-1988 10:00
To: MCCARTHY,BURNIAS,ARVIDSON
Subj: 8Kx8/80ns SRAMs for Vindicator.
Pat,
Due to the extreme difficulty in locating these parts, I have advised
purchasing (Mary) to go ahead and order 55ns parts from Motorola (MCM6164C-55)
at high cost to us (over 6 dollars). Between Mary and myself, we have contacted
over 20 manufacturers or their representatives with the result that there is no
chance to obtain 80 or 85ns parts in time for Vindicator production. If you
have any objections to using 55ns parts, please let us know immediately.
There seems to be three reasons that 80ns is not available:
1. The manufacturer does not make slower than 55ns,
2. The manufacturer does not make faster than 100ns,
3. The manufacturer will not be producing speeds in the
70 to 85ns range until many weeks or months from now.
erwin
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::FRYE 24-MAR-1988 07:18:14.93
CC:
Subj: BUILDING VISITORS
THIS FRIDAY MORNING, 3/25 AND MONDAY,

3/28 I WILL BE ESCORTING VISITORS
THROUGH BOTH OUR BUILDINGS. BOB
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::WIEBENSON 24-MAR-1988 11:04:23.53
CC:
Subj: what's the trick?
Anybody know of a defined proceedure and designated personel to procure

the supplies and parts we need for development and those endless runs of
field test and sample units? All I get is frustrated when I spend all
day trying to track down this person and that person and run up against
the enevitable shortages. We are a production line in our own right with
all the games we build up here, but we simply don't have the stores or
supply channels to support it. If there aren't enough 512's for us to
do all those field tests then we have to cut back on field tests. If there
are enough 512's then where are they? Are they hard to get on purpose so
we will respect their value? This is one game I don't enjoy. (and it's
not just 512's)
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::WOOD 25-MAR-1988 14:51:09.98
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Acquisition of real property
Atari Games has entered into negotiations to purchase approximately 15.6

acres of land in San Jose at the corner of Tasman and Vista Montana near
North First Street. Final negotiations have not been completed and the
possibility does exist that the deal may not go through. If everything
goes well, we are expecting to finalize the purchase of the property
during the latter part of April or the first part of May.
The purpose in buying the property is to build a series of buildings, the
first one being for Manufacturing. It is anticipated that if all goes
according to schedule, Manufacturing would move into the new facility by
March 31, 1989. Thereafter, a second building will be started with the
expectation that company personnel in building 675 would move into that
building during the first half of 1990.
We will keep you advised on the status of the company's plans as they
develop.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::OHARA 28-MAR-1988 12:30:46.90
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK,OHARA
CC:
Subj: New Postal Rates
As you may have heard Postage Rates are increasing as of 3 April

1988. I just recieved the official notification of this from the Post
Office, and this is what they said:
for 1 oz or less: 25 cents
for each additional oz: 20 cents
Post Cards 15 cents
Canada
(1st oz) 30 cents
International (1/2 oz) 45 cents
Express Mail
Domestic
1/2 pound $8.75
less then 2 lbs $12.00
little has changed besides this but I have left copies of the official
notification on various Bulletin Boards.
Thanks
james
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::ARVIDSON 31-MAR-1988 10:48:40.14
To: @SYS$MAIL:HARDWARE,JACKSON,POPKIN,FRITTS,DIEU,ARVIDSON
CC:
Subj: FYI: New IC socket p/n's & cross reference to old.
IC SOCKET SUMMARY 3-31-88

The following is a summary of the part number conversion from the old IC socket
series, 79-42Cxx, to the new series, 17925x-xxx. Open framed sockets are specif
ied
for those with row-to-row pin widths of 0.600" and 0.900". Open or closed may b
e
specified for 0.300" or 0.400".
OLD P/N NEW P/N DESCRIPTION ROW FRAME of FRAME of

WIDTH NEW P/N OLD P/N
79-42C08 179259-008 Socket,IC,8ckt 0.300 Open or closed Open or clo
sed
sed
sed
sed
sed
none 179259-022 Socket,IC,22ckt 0.300 Open or closed n/a
sed
79-42C24 179257-024 Socket,IC,24ckt 0.600 OPEN * Open or clo
sed
sed
none 179257-032 Socket,IC,32ckt 0.600 OPEN * n/a
sed
sed
sed
* The OPEN frames of the new parts with row-to-row spacings of 0.600" will be
approved such that they will accept an axial leaded component (capacitor)
mounted in-line with the two third pins from one end and with PC mounting holes
spaced 0.300" apart. The socket with 0.900" row-to-row spacing may have the
axial leaded component placed either in-line or across the socket's direction.
EXAMPLE:
_______ location/orientation of axial component for
| sockets with 0.600" row-to-row spacing.
|
V
___________________________________________________
| [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] []--|--------------
| .------------------. .------------------. |
| | XX | | | |
| | XX | | | | 0.600"
| | XX | | | |
| | XX | | | |
| '------------------' '------------------' |
| [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] []--|--------------
'---------------------------------------------------'
|
|
|
|
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOOM "Doctor Doom" 1-APR-1988 11:56:52.54
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: ex
It has come to my attention that a variety of dangerous and

addictive mind-altering drugs are being used and/or distributed here at
work by Atari Games employees. In fact, some of these substances have
reportedly been supplied, free of charge, by the company itself. This
is intolerable and must stop immediately.
First of all, a large number of workers are apparently addicted
to the powerful stimulant caffeine. These so-called "caf-fiends" will go
to any lengths to get their morning fix, even if it involves taking the last
available dose and leaving a quarter cup of coffee in the pot for the next
poor addict. Others abuse the substance known as "Jolt", apparently because
they feel its well-known eye-bulging effects make them more physically
attractive. Coca-Cola may have removed the coca from the formula, but it
still has the cola - a caffeine-rich nut which leaves its victims feeling
"wired" and "awake". Chocolate also contains caffeine, and users will
obtain their "bars" any way they can, even procuring them from innocent
young girls. Caffeine has been shown to cause insomnia, heart arrhythmias,
mild delirium, and broken chromosomes, and is regarded as possibly
hazardous to the fetus during the first three months of pregnancy.
Ethyl alcohol is another psychoactive drug used by certain employees.
This substance has been distributed at various Atari Games functions,
("brainstorms" and "parties"), despite the fact that it is highly addictive
and extremely toxic. Its use may result in disorientation, impaired
insight and judgement, diminished intellectual capability, and throwing up
on your shoe. (Prizes have even been awarded to encourage the latter.)
Many of our employees display the tell-tale bloated look, flabby muscles,
and chronic degeneration of the typical alcohol abuser. Some days you can
hardly walk down the halls without seeing someone who is apparently in the
midst of an acute delirium tremens episode.
Finally, certain employees have been observed toking on nicotine
cigarettes while at the workplace. With no regard for the health threats
posed to themselves or others, these "ash-holes" suck one "butt" after
another to get their foul chemical gratification. As with all stimulant
drugs, the stimulation of the brain is followed by a period of depression,
which reinforces the user's dependence. The user may require larger and
larger doses to achieve the same level of central stimulation. Side effects
include coughing, bronchitis, emphysema, death, and smelly clothes. Use
during pregnancy and breast-feeding is contraindicated, although one
cigarette immediately following conception is probably okay. The second-hand
smoke inhaled by nearby non-smokers has been shown to be hazardous, and is
particularly annoying to those who are allergic or otherwise sensitive to
cigarette smoke, and are just trying to do their job without having to
breathe someone else's personal pollution.
These forms of chemical abuse cannot be ignored any longer by Atari
Games Corporation. Therefore, on Monday we will be conducting tests to weed
out the "druggies" in our company. These tests will be as private and
non-invasive as possible, but you will understand if there is some slight
discomfort or embarassment involved. It will be necessary to take blood,
urine, and fecal samples, as well as a small amount of liver, lung, and brain
tissue for analysis. Please refer any questions to my secretary, April.
Frankly, some of you have been behaving as if your bodies were your
own, and as if whatever you choose to eat, drink, inhale, sniff, or take
by enema were your own business. Let me remind you that Atari Games is in
business to make money, not to support your decadent drug habits. If you
damage your bodily tissues, you hurt our profit margin. This we will not
tolerate. Remember, you work for us.
Atari Games. We own you.
DD/af
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::BROWN 1-APR-1988 15:36:38.40
CC:
Subj: 401(K) CERTIFICATES
WE HAVE FOUND OUT THAT MOST, IF NOT ALL, OF THE CERTIFICATES (ESPECIALLY
THE ROLLOVERS) ARE INCORRECT. HOLD TIGHT, HANG IN THERE, BEAR WITH US;
WE ARE GETTING THE MESS (OOOPS!) SITUATION CLEARED UP AND WILL GET
CORRECTED COPIES.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::RAINS 1-APR-1988 16:08:51.59
CC:
Subj: Sam Comstock
I am pleased to announce that Sam Comstock has been promoted to the

position of Supervisor of Animation. Sam has been with Atari for nearly five
years, and had eight years of animation experience prior to joining us.
Sam came to us from LucasFilm, where he worked in the special effects
animation department on such films as 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' and 'Return of
the Jedi.' He started out at Atari in a consumer software group, working on
game graphics for Sesame Street cartridges for the Atari 2600 VCS.
Sam was transferred into Coin-op when we began work on computer generated
graphics for videodisc games. He was responsible for the beautiful art which
was created for a videodisc version of Road Runner (which, unfortunately, was
never manufactured). Since then, he has worked on a varitey of products, and
most recently completed both Xybots and Blasteroids. Using his vocal talents,
he has also narrated or appeared in some of our sales and promotional video
tapes.
Please join me in congratulating Sam on his promotion, and please cooperate
with him as he assumes his new duties.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 1-APR-1988 18:42:53.16
To: MOORE,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: Marty's mini-emulator
Marty asked me to give you my input on his proposed mini-emulator, probably

because at one time I was considering doing something similar.
If there is only going to be one built it is not a cost-effective use of
Marty's time.
Buying a cheap emulator would undoubtedly require an enormous amount of time
to debug and is, again, not a cost effective use of Marty's time.
If there are to be several made the danger is that various people will not
be happy unless it duplicates or surpasses the functions of the AMS.
Doing a full scale emulator is not a cost effective use of Marty's time.
Making an emulator whose functions are transparent to the target hardware
is not trivial.
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::DAVE 5-APR-1988 06:36:19.66
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: how to save the company money
I'd appreciate it if someone could tell me who is in charge of
maintaining the grounds, and specifically who is in charge of the sprinkler
systems? I have pointed out that the sprinklers are watering the asphalt
several times but I must not have found the right person yet.
It is particularly offensive in the face of a drought to see a sprinkler
head in front of the building discharging water at the rate of AT LEAST
50 gallons a minute directly into the gutter because it has been broken
for months!! in addition, the watering cycle lasts so long the grass becomes
saturated and water just runs off.
THIS IS COSTING THE COMPANY MONEY!!!!
while i'm at it, the faucet on the left in the executive rest room
gets stuck on very easily, which can easily waste a gallon/10 minutes.
thank you in advance for help finding the person responsible.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::DAVE 11-APR-1988 06:09:44.82
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: once more with feeling
shame on whoever is in charge of maintaining our facilities. i still haven't

found anyone that knows whos really responcible, so that's why i keep sending
this to junk.
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!! READ MY LIPS....D R O U G H T
THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM IS STILL SPEWING WATER INTO THE GUTTER AND THE
REST OF THE SPRINKLER HEADS TEND TO WATER ASPHALT TO.
we should be cutting back on the watering schedule to the bare minimum.
please excuse my spelling errors, it's too early and i'm too upset.
p.s. i'd hate to make this a weekly exercise.

___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::SHEPPERD 15-APR-1988 20:32:21.92
To: @sys$mail:engineer,ohara,SHEPPERD
CC:
Subj: NEWS print...
I had nothing to do with obtaining the "new" paper that has found its way into
our line printers. James O'hara is responsible for all aspects of the printer
paper and ribbons for all the company printers. If you have SERIOUS objections
to the current newspaper that we're printing on, then please direct your
courteous comments to OHARA.
Thank you in advance for your patience.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::BROWN 25-APR-1988 13:57:48.22
CC:
Subj: 401(k) CERTIFICATES
ANYONE NOT YET RECEIVING THEIR SECOND, CORRECTED ROLLOVER CERTIFICATE,

PLEASE CALL JUDY.
(SORRY FOR THE LAST NO-MESSAGE)
SANDI
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SUTTLES "Yo speako TECO" 25-APR-1988 16:50:18.52
To: @SYS$MAIL:EVERYBODY,SUTTLES
CC:
Subj: MCI credit card calls (not AT&T)
For the select few of you who have opted to get an MCI credit
card, you can now make credit card calls from our phone system. You'll
note that there is a local number on the back of the card for you to call,
in order to get a dial tone for placing an MCI credit call. This number
is now in the system speedcall directory. So, to make such a call:
Pick up the phone. DO NOT DIAL 9. Instead, dial #624 (four buttons,
pound, six, two, four). This happens to be pound, M, C, I. You must then
wait for the dial tone (different from the ones you get here). Now dial
the number you want to call. Again you'll get a tone. Next, dial your
credit card number. Your call will go through (and be billed to your card)
if you did it all right. Contact me if you have problems with this procedure.
For those of you concerned with AT&T cards: This is possible because
it is a workaround. I'll check into the possibility that AT&T has a similar
service; I doubt that they find it necessary. It is still the best I can
offer to dial #600 (pound six hundred) for an AT&T operator, and place the
call by voice (operator assisted). There is a change in the works to make
it possible in a few months to dial some kind of access code like the MCI guys.
As usual, if you have complaints or suggestions, let me know, and I'll
probably find a way to screw it up.
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SUTTLES "Yo speako TECO" 25-APR-1988 17:26:07.17
CC:
Subj: sprint FONcard calls
I shoudna dunnit. I KNEW I shoudna dunnit.

Sprint FONcard users: Your magic number is #678 (pound six-seven-eight)
INSTEAD of dialing nine for an outside line. Remember to wait for the tone,
or Sprint wont get all the digits. #678 deosn't stand for anything, it's just
easier to remember than some others.
Is there anyone else I forgot?
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOWNEND 25-APR-1988 18:08:31.47
To: ROTBERG,MARGOLIN,DOWNEND
CC:
Subj: MultiDIR/NEW-Sync H/W cost
In reviewing the MultiSync Hardware costing a couple of areas appear low,

and I would expect them to be issues for contnetion at the initiation meeting.
I would recommend revising them.
1) 27512 OTP EPROMS: I checked with Rod Petersen, and we have never bought
27512 OTP's for less than $4.80. We have a supply at that price through
September. After that, the price goes to $5.30. I suggest using $5.30.
I also suggest costing the elctronic hardware WITHOUT EPROMS since
the price and quantity can vary so much. I suggest that the EPROM Cost
should be a separate item on the final assembly cost estimate placed
right under the elctronics cost.
2) SRAMs: As of today, on Vindicators which is in production, 8k x 8 SRAMS
vary in cost from $5 for 100 nS to $8 for 55 nS. Gary has a qoute on
Toobin (production in June) for 1k x 4, 25 nS SRAMs of $7.65. I
have no information to forcast where SRAM cost are going, but
prudence suggests using a cost around $5-6.
3) Raw PCB cost: The lowest price we have for a recent PCB purchase (Blasteroids
)
was $.34 per sq. inch. this was a small PCB (100 sq. in.) and they
made them "2-up" to reduce cost. A recent quote on the larger Toobin
PCB (200 sq. in.) came to $.38 per sq. in. I suggest revising Mult-sync
PCB costs accordingly.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DURFEY 29-APR-1988 11:32:56.95
To: MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: Visitiors at 6675
From: KIM::DROBNY "Buddy Flyback" 28-APR-1988 14:21
To: DURFEY
Subj: FYITB
From: KIM::FRYE 1-DEC-1987 13:46
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
Subj: VISITORS AT 675
TOOMORO MORNIN' I WILL BEE ESCORTIN' AN
AABBRRAAIISSEERR (FOR THE PROPIRTY ONER) THRUOUR BILDIN' FOR A LOOK SEE. BOOB
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::WOOD 29-APR-1988 18:14:28.95
CC:
Subj: Property acquisition
This is to confirm that today we purchased 15.6 acres of land at the

corner of Tasman and Vista Montana near North First Street in San Jose.
We plan on commencing construction within the next several months, subject
to obtaining the necessary approvals from the City of San Jose. We will
keep you advised as the date firms up on construction. As soon as we
have the approved site development plan from the City of San Jose, we
will put the plan on display.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::BRAD 2-MAY-1988 13:48:50.21
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK,BRAD
CC:
Subj: FOR SALE
19" RACK. A very well constructed metal rack. Half size (about 3 feet tall)
Almond color. $70.
DRAFTING TABLE. Nice, good condition. Made in Italy. $95
Coffee Table. Dark hardwood. Very good condition. (Dimensions: ~2.5' x 5')
$70.
ADM terminal. Works fine. In ok condition. $20.
All prices are negotiable.

If interested call x3788 or reply via vaxmail to this station
- brad -
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::THEURER 2-MAY-1988 17:25:34.58
To: @SYS$MAIL:ANIMATORS,@SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER
CC:
Subj: New Improved VPIF
For those who don't know, VPIF is a tool which runs on the GPX workstations
near Chris Downend's office. It will display any PIF or RAD file stored on
the VAX.
As of 5/2/88 there is a New Improved VPIF:
* faster
* fewer bugs
* more user friendly (you don't need to touch the keyboard anymore after the
first session)
* new features:
> supports RAD files
> supports palettes up to 8 bits deep
> supports squashed pictures (stretches them vertically)
> for those files with a lot of cels, it puts out 1 window at a time
now and waits for you to hit the middle button before continuing.
> remembers the last 5 directories you used (from previous sessions)
to make directory selection easier
For complete documentation, print charm$userdisk:[theurer.ws]vpif.doc
For help, call Dave Theurer at x1725.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::THEURER 2-MAY-1988 18:21:13.56
CC:
Subj: conversion of Mac pictures to RAD format
Have you got some Mac pictures you want to use in your game?
Yes:
Have I got a tool for you.
mac_to_rad will convert 3 different kinds of Mac pictures to RAD format:
> color pictures produced by PixelPaint, one of the greatest paint
tools on this planet. It can convert a file with up to 256 colors down
to 16 colors.
> grey scale scanned pictures
> MacPaint (1 bit deep) format black/white pictures.
It's easy to use. Practically all you need to know is the name of the file
you want to convert.
To learn more about mac_to_rad,
print charm$userdisk:[theurer.mac]mac_to_rad.doc
No:
Why would anybody want to use Mac pictures? A few reasons:
> better looking text: there's hundreds of fonts in MacPaint format
> need pictures scanned in & don't want to trace them: the scan conversion
process (on the Dest scanner in Pubs) takes about 10 minutes. It works
PERFECTLY with line drawings. It does 16 level grey scales also.
> a number of superior paint tools are available on the Mac: color PixelPaint
will blow your socks off.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::ARVIDSON 3-MAY-1988 16:06:20.82
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK,ARVIDSON
CC:
Subj: Precious water wasted (or who's in charge?)
Whoever is in charge of the sprinkler system or responsible for

reporting pipe breakage:
There's a broken 'pop-up' sprinkler head adjacent to the
north-east building entrance (a few yards from the doorway, outside
Components Eng).
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: IC sockets, 24ckt/.400.
I spoke with Bill Hedgepeth of Pinnacle Sales about the availability

of JAE sockets (our only source, now). There is none in U.S. stock at this
time. He will FAX Japan this afternoon and request 320 pieces which will take
about three days. Our options of lead plating are tin and gold (gold being
nearly twice as much). I said we would prefer the tin plating but we don't
know what Japan has in stock. Question: Can you afford to wait a few more
days for tin if it turns out that they only have gold in stock? I will call
Bill at 1:45pm to give him the go-ahead to have parts shipped from Japan.
The three days mentioned above is travel time only.
erwin
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::WIEBENSON 6-MAY-1988 12:32:30.07
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: One born every minute
Yes, I was suckered by an ad to go to the new "Good Guys Clearance Center"

despite my conviction that the Good Guys aren't (good). What a waste of
time! They are trying to sell pre-owned, abused, and reposessed stuff at
prices that many other stores sell brand new stuff for. For advertising
purposes they throw in a couple of loss-leaders, but they're obsolete junk
anyway. All they really sell is trouble, and the only thing they give
away is a hard time.
Have I been clear enough?
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 6-MAY-1988 13:22:55.65
To: ARVIDSON,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: IC sockets, 24ckt/.400
Yes, we can wait a few more days for tin if they have only gold in stock.
If the difference is more than a week I would go for the gold if it is
necessary.
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
To: KIM::MARGOLIN,ARVIDSON
CC:
Subj: RE: IC sockets, 24ckt/.400
The sockets will be requested by FAX this afternoon. The Japan factory
is closed today so won't act on the request until Monday. The tin plated leads
are usually the ones that they stock. I was told that this socket is not stocke
d
in the U.S. and orders should be placed early.
erwin
___________________________________________________________________________
To: JACKSON,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: MultiSync
I have the Inputs for the MultiSync Board.

When do you want them?
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::HERETIC "To be, or not to be?" 10-MAY-1988 09:55:17.06
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Thought for the day
... and He spake, and He said, "Let there be Tuesday," and it

was so. And He saw what He had done, and it was terrible, and He hid
his head in shame...
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: Your sockets, 24/.400, 179258-024.
Your sockets are available from JAE, Japan, and will take about two
weeks. They wish to stock their southern California facility at this time
for our use later this year. Can you take a guess at our usage for the next
six to eight months? They also want to know when they will receive a
purchase order for the 320 parts. I promised to return their call this
afternoon to respond with the answers to these questions.
erwin
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: 24/.400, 179258-024
Each game uses 32 sockets.

We expect to be in production within the next six months.
I expect we will produce at least 1,000 games.
If you will provide me with ordering information I will find someone to
order them.
Thanks,
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
To: KIM::MARGOLIN,ARVIDSON
CC:
Subj: RE: 24/.400, 179258-024
The manufacturer is JAE with p/n DICF-24C-E2. I was quoted 32 cents

each for 320 pieces. Whoever places the order should talk to Mariane at
Pinnacle Sales, (408) 249-5129.
erwin
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SUTTLES "Talk data to me..." 13-MAY-1988 15:05:07.08
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK,SUTTLES
CC:
Subj: pseudophones
It's officially working. Atari Games people can call

Tengen people office-to-office without using outside lines
(we pay for each and every outside call, even local ones).
It works the other way too.
The good news: You may dial any Tengen extension
(including 0 for operator) following a 6. Because we knew
this was coming, the extensions are all three digits, so a
four digit number starting with a 6 is a Tengen phone.
They can also call over here, by preceding your extension
with a 6 (they already know this).
The bad news: we cannot forward phone calls between
facilities. This may or may not be coming in the near future.
Things you should know:
There is a delay between the connection to the
tie line and the time Tengen hears Atari people (it doesn't seem
to be as bad the other way). This may (or may not) change.
DON'T transfer outside calls over tie lines.
As soon as you drop out, so does the outside call! This also
applies to conference calls.
Once a tie line is involved, you CANNOT FLASH.
So, any features like add-on, consultation calling, hold, are
unavailable to you while talking to Tengen people.
James has already included Tengen people and numbers in
the Atari Games phone list. THESE ARE NOT OUTSIDE NUMBERS. You
can't get to them through Pacific Bell. Tengen has one outside
number, (408)435-2650. This goes to their switchboard, and the
desired party or extension must be asked for. If you wish to give
out a number for Tengen, this is the ONLY number. Methinks the
64xx number group has been issued to Hewlett Packard.
Calls going over the ties are treated as inside calls by
both systems. For those who can tell what extension a call is coming
from, incoming Tengen calls come from extensions starting with 0
(so they can't be dialed). You can't tell what Tengen extension
is calling you; and they can't tell who we are (we have strange
extension numbers over there, too).
When you have problems (notice I didn't say IF), let me
know. To save all of us some time, I already know that there is
a delay between everybody being able to hear. Sometimes the call
doesn't go through, for no known reason (dial again). In this event,
you'll hear their error tone, which is similar to ours, but markedly
different. You'll be able to tell whose switch didn't like what you
did. You won't be able to do anything about it.
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
To: FRYE,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: a Leak
The carpet near my window is wet.

Appears to be a leak.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::SHEPPERD 18-MAY-1988 10:27:31.27
CC:
Subj: New LLF
I just released v2.5 of LLF. There are no functional differences between

this and previous versions. This one is a VAX re-make of the sources after
all the changes were installed during the port to MS-DOS, Atari/ST, etc.
I added a couple of bits in the .OB/.LB file format to accomodate the
new MAC65. If you use the /ERROR option on the command line while you
are LLF'ing an old .OB or .LB file, you will be notified that the object
file format is obsolete and you should remake it. You can choose to
remake the file(s) in question or ignore the message.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: A new MAC65
Attention 6502 programmers! The is a request for volunteers to test the

new native mode MAC65. It's substantially faster than the old one, however,
there are also some substantial differences that you may not care for at
this time. If you are using the HLL65F macros, the new one won't work yet.
You can print or vu CHARM$USERDISK:[SHEPPERD.MACXX]NEWMAC65.TXT for
more details if you are intrested.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::MCCARTHY 18-MAY-1988 11:39:00.74
To: @sys$mail:junk,MCCARTHY
CC:
Subj: Hex calculator response
Thanks for the huge response to my hex calculator request for information.
The results are :
HP 16C, programmable, $70 approx. : four people say its great (if you
don't mind paying the price.)
Casio CS-100, solar powered, $15-20 at Best : six people reported that
it does the job and you can't beat the price.
Lots of people here are using this one.
Casio fx-451 : Favoured by one, its the only one that has all the
scientific functions as well.
TI-36, solar powered : Owned and liked by one person, borrowed by many.
Texas Programmer : Hated by many, liked by no-one, the keys bounce.
Pat.
___________________________________________________________________________
To: GAWD::SHEPPERD,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: RE: A new MAC65
Does the Blue Box work with whatever it is that LLF produces?
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SHEPPERD 18-MAY-1988 14:00:30.26
To: KIM::MARGOLIN,SHEPPERD
CC:
Subj: RE: A new MAC65
Yep.
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: A new downloader
This is specifically to 6502 programmers. I have released a new blue box

downloader (the vax end) that will accept any file type that the DIO/IMI
will accept, including .VLDA. This downloader also allows for a third
parameter that is an address to which to download. For example, the
blue box command for a download might be:
{ filename 10000 10FFF 8000 } vlda load
which would download the data in the file from hex 10000 to 10FFF to
memory addresses 8000 to 8FFF. This effectively does a block move
of the raw data, it doesn't relocate any symbolic addresses. You
may find this useful when downloading different banks for the FC.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::LIEBSTER 31-MAY-1988 13:44:26.66
CC:
Subj: 401k YTD on Bonus Check
401(k) year to date balances are incorrectly showing on your bonus checks
This will be corrected by your next pay date.
payroll
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::MCCARTHY 1-JUN-1988 11:51:43.14
CC:
Subj: Hardware meeting summary notes
The original of this document will reside (for a few months) at

KIM$USERDISK:[MCCARTHY.HARDWARE]hdw52788.mtg
Report on Hardware meeting on 5/27/88

Attendees : Albaugh, Downend, Hoff, Ly, Mc Carthy,
Paauw, Snyder, Stempler, Theurer.
Summary of discussions:
. Planned deactivation of components from the AVL .
Components group are currently reworking the AVL to fully implement an
Active/Inactive catagorization. Pat Mc Carthy will recieve a list of
all 137xxx and 37-xxx parts to make an initial pass at determinimg
what parts will be active. This will then be reviewed by all the
other engineers. The exact mechanism has not been determined.
There were a whole bunch of questions ranging from "What happens
when we reach 137999-xxx", to "How does an inactivated part be made
active (CER?)".
A little (or a lot) of information from components about what is
happenning would be appreciated.
. Industry RAM shortage .
There continues to be a shortage of Static RAMs. 8Kx8, 55nS and 70nS
were recently a problem. If anyone has current price/availability on
any RAM ICs mail it out. Maybe we can log it in a central place and
keep track of RAM trends on an ongoing basis.
. Stamp hardware integration (MOB et al.) forum .
Pat Mc Carthy successfully introduced the MOB asic on 5/23. Vendor
selection will take palace by 6/3. At the same meeting a standard
chip set for stamp hardwares (standard and medium res.) was suggested
and favourably received. The chip set would probably comprise 5 chips
(MOB, VAD, PRI, SAS, LB2). Initial work has been done by Pat and Doug
in determining the functional divisions of the chips. The following
expressed a willingness to be involved on some level. Contribution
levels are : level 1 - Discussion group only, level 2 - Discussion
group and possible IC design, level 3 - Total involvement.
Sam Ly : Level 1
Pat Mc Carthy: Level 3 (MOB chip in process )
Doug Snyder : Level 2 (possibly the PRIority chip )
Don Paauw : Level 1.5 (back end involvement & maybe the SAS chip)
Gary Stempler : Level 2 (Possibly the VAD chip)
Mike Albaugh : Level 1.
If anyone else wishes to contribute some effort please let Pat know.
As soon as we have something to offer, the programmers will get involved.
. Classes, Matrix of hardwares .
The subject of doing classes was once again brought up. After much
discussion (and with direction from Chris Downend) we decided that we
would do one and see what the interest level was. Pat and Rusty will
prepare something for a ROMALOT class.
. Standardization of TTL families .
The list of TTL families is large. We need some consensus on which
families are preferrable for stocking purposes in engineering, and
make full use of the economies of scale on production. The general
agreement was : 7400 and 74L00 series should not be used (except for
7406, 7407) and we do not need to maintain stock of them.
The preferred families to use, in order of preference are :
1. 'LS00 series
2. 'F00 series
3. 'AS00 series
"F" parts were preferred over "S" because of better cost/performance.
'S00, 'ALS00, 'C00, 'HC00 and 'HCT00 series will still be used where
necessary. This is not a Golden rule. It is a voluntary convenience
to help reduce costs and maintain better stock.
. Earl .
Earl Vickers is leaving sometime in June.
. Next meeting .
Interest level in these meetings as expressed by attendees is high. We
will continue to try to do one every month or two, preferrably the
last Wednesday of the Month. Anyone can call a meeting. Just send out
a VAX mailer to sys$mail:HARDWARE with your suggested topic or topics.
If you received this mail then you are on the sys$mail:hardware
distribution list, probably because you asked to be on it at some
time. There is no obligation to come to a meeting just because you
are on the list. We will try to publish summaries. If you have some
contribution to make (or complaint to air) about hardware topics just
come on down. Technicians, programmers, managers etc. are all welcome.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SUTTLES "Talk data to me..." 1-JUN-1988 14:24:22.28
CC:
Subj: phone problems
MCI, our long distance carrier, has had some fiber optic cables cut
between Hayward and San Fransisco. San Fransisco is apparently the nearby
distribution center for regional traffic. A portion of our access to the
world is therefore cut off.
Calls within the 408, 415, and 707 areas are not affected. Any other
call (including international) will find a higher rate of busy rejection.
Since it is external to our system, you can't camp on.
This happened early this morning. At first, it seemed like we wouldn't
be affected much at all, but as the busiest period of the day (now, you guessed
it) approached, our access dropped to nearly nil. While writing this memo,
I've been asked 7 times for a workaround, and also have spoken to MCI about it.
The good news is that the problem will be fixed by this evening (they
estimate 6 PM). And the workaround is to wait if you can, because in order
to make a call, you must dial the Atari operator and ask her for the long
distance operator. Then you must make an operator-assisted call--tell the
long distance operator the number you need and she will connect you. If she
says you can dial direct, tell her our lines are down and you can't. They'll
be hearing that a lot today. A word to the wise: Operator assisted long
distance is one of the most expensive calls you can make.
In summary: If you need to call out of the 408, 415, or 707 areas:
Wait til tomorrow if you can; otherwise dial 0 and tell Robin or Yvette
that you need an AT&T operator. They'll connect you, and tell them what
number you want.
This offer expires at the end of today (they will NOT connect you
to an AT&T operator after the lines are repaired).
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: more phone stuff
The AT&T operators are known to tell people, "If you dial
10-ATT or 10288, you can dial direct." WE CAN'T. Our switch is too
old. It was designed, built, and programmed long before the phone
network breakup. We are getting an upgrade which should make it
possible, but we don't have it yet. If you want to make a long distance
call (non 408, 415, 707), and it has to be today, it has to be done
by voice. If they insist, tell them you want the call to be
operator-assisted (cuz we'll pay for it that way anyways).
Please tell those who need to know but don't read VAXmail regularly.
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: MCI lines
... have been repaired. You may now dial direct.

MCI warns that since the lines were down yesterday, traffic is
expected to be a little heavy today. If you encounter a
busy signal provided by the outside network, simply try again
in a few minutes. To make things a little easier, you may
use the SAVE/REPEAT functions; when you get the outside busy,
FLASH, and dial a pound-4. You'll be reconnected to the busy
signal. Hang up. When you want to try again, simply dial pound-7
(don't dial 9 first). Your saved phone number will be dialed instead.
This should work for any outside call, including international.
By the way, this feature is available and useful all the time, not
just today.
The Atari-operator-getting-the-long-distance-operator
offer has expired. They are no longer supposed to extend calls
to the long distance operator for you, so please don't put them in
the uncomfortable position of explaining it to you--don't ask them to.
Please pass the word.
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::ARVIDSON 3-JUN-1988 10:15:45.69
CC:
Subj: Part numbers pending inactive status
Components Engineering has begun the process of trimming the fat from the QPL
by inactivating Atari part numbers for ICs that are no longer used or are
obsolete. These parts will be removed from the active QPL and placed on a
data base containing inactive parts. From time to time I will send out a
mail messege that will refer you to a parts list in an EDT file in my
directory, [ARVIDSON.AVL.REVIEW]. The file is for your review and will
contain a list of ICs planned for inactive status. If you feel that some
parts should remain active, please send me a listing of those parts. Old
part numbers (37-xxxxx) remaining active will be converted to new part
numbers (137xxx-xxx).
The first list of IC part numbers planned for inactivation can be found in
ERNIE$USERDISK:[ARVIDSON.AVL.REVIEW]9X-1.LIS. They will be inactivated
in two weeks.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 6-JUN-1988 13:12:17.77
CC:
Subj: Inactive Parts
What does it mean for a part to be "Inactive"?

Does it mean it will not appear on the AVL in Datatrieve?
Does it mean that Manufacturing will scrap existing stocks of
said "Inactive" parts?
If I want to use an "Inactive" part will I have to fill out a CER?
Some of the parts I am using on Driver and Stun Runner are being reported
as "Inactive" They weren't "Inactive" when they were first put on the parts
list.
What is the deal?
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: Response to your questions.
What does it mean for a part to be "Inactive"?
Inactive parts are placed on a database for presently unused or unspecif
ied
parts. This means that they are not found on MANMAN or not known to be
used
on any project in development. The new-project parts lists as found in
PC
Design directories are researched to determine parts used in projects un
der
development. If a part was inadvertently removed, it will be replaced.
Does it mean it will not appear on the AVL in Datatrieve?
Inactive parts and obsolete parts are removed from the AVL but not from
Datatrieve. They are merely transferred from the database containing ac
tive
or frequently used parts to a database for unused parts. There are six
databases used and here are their Datatrieve names: reserved parts = DB
3,
active parts = DB4, inactive parts = DB5, obsolete parts = DB6, spare
parts/marketing = DB7, approved vendors/part numbers = DB8. DB8 contai
ns
a status code for all vendors' part numbers: 0 = approved, 1 = restric
ted,
2 = temporary, 3 = disqualifed. When accessing Datatrieve directly, it
is
important to look at the status code. For a complete explanation see
Rick Meyette or Jeff Bell.
Does it mean that Manufacturing will scrap existing stocks of
said "Inactive" parts?
No. Removing seldom-used parts from the active list just clears the clu
tter
from the database. It does not effect the physical inventory.
If I want to use an "Inactive" part will I have to fill out a CER?
I think not. A message or note to Jeff should do it. Ask Jeff or Rick
Meyette for details.
Some of the parts I am using on Driver and Stun Runner are being reported
as "Inactive" They weren't "Inactive" when they were first put on the parts
list.
Send a list to Jeff and it should be taken care of.
What is the deal?
The purpose is to reduce the enormous size of the approved parts list,
remove seldom-used or obsolete parts and speed up searches. Included
in this clean-up process is the conversion of old part numbers
(37-xxxxx, etc.) to new (137xxx-xxx, etc). All of this was started
on 4-6-88 and the job must be complete by 10-6-88.
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: F.Y.I.
Regarding your questions about inactivating numbers and the AVL and Datatrieve,
sometime ago I created a summary chart of the Datatrieve domains that contain
the various status of parts. You may be interested in this one sheet outline
so I'm going to send it to you via your next mail message. I already have a
hard copy if you prefer to copy it.
erwin
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj:
9
3-8-88
NEW AVL / QPL FILES (DOMAINS)
DTR Domain
DB2 Part number & status codes
|
____________|
|
|
DB3 Status = 0, reserved
DB4 Status = 1, active
DB5 Status = 2, inactive
DB6 Status = 3, obsolete
DB7 Status = 4, spare parts/marketing
DB8 QPL (including vendor status codes)
|
_________________|
|
|
0 = approved
1 = restricted (!)
2 = temporary (*)
3 = disqualified
Example: PR PN,GENERIC,DES,MFG,VPN,STATUS OF STUFF

______
|
prints vendor status code ____|
or : PR PN,GENERIC,DES,MFG,VPN,STATUS VIA VSTATUS OF STUFF

__________________
|
prints vendor status ____|
9
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::VICKERS 8-JUN-1988 13:39:34.53
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Buy! Sell!
For sale: 1 used refrigerator, 5' x 2' x 20", 11 cubic ft. (I know, the
numbers don't work out.) Runs great, perfect for home OR OFFICE.
Great secret hiding place for the kids. Gold/yellow. $50 or
I'll trade it for a used 35mm camera.
For sale: 1 Cross Classic Black ball pen/pencil trio. The warranty's
still good long after you're dead. Why wait 5 years when you can
get it now? Best offer.
Various data books - TI, etc. Free, but ask me before you take them - there
are a few I want to keep.
Casio fx-115 scientific calculator, high-power solar cell. Free (well,
actually it's Atari's.) First reply gets it (unless Brad wants it
to stay in the audio group.) You don't get to take possession until
Friday. Also, an assortment of office furniture, filing cabinets,
desks, telephone, cubicle space, all FREE!!! And, if you act now,
you can receive, at no additional charge, one fully equipped JOB!!!
Oh yeah, there's one of those folding artist's lamps too.
Wanted: 1 camera, used, cheap, working, preferably 35mm. This camera should
take great pictures and require little or no knowledge, skill,
talent, or intelligence. It should also be below $50 if at all
possible ($75 max.)
Reply to this VaxMail box or x3781, or (xxx)xxx-xxxx.
Earl
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::HOFF 8-JUN-1988 19:40:22.45
To: RAINS, MOORE, VANELDREN, DOWNEND, PAAUW, MONCRIEF, MARGOLIN, FYI::DAVE,
FYI::LY, FYI::BURNIAS, FYI::WALLIN, REFF::HOFF
CC:
Subj: VADRS chip in prototype fabrication and 256k VDRAM shortfall
VADRS and 256k VDRAM's:

Purchasing's difficulty in getting 256k VDRAMS for the "DRIVER" project
in Q3, Q4 88 has alerted me to the analogous potential problem for Sys3d in '89.
The word from TI's Jon Henricks (Field Sales Engineer) is that fab lines are
being converted from 256k DRAM and VDRAM to 1M DRAM and VDRAM, that the parts
are hard to get now and will be harder to get in the future. This is just one
vendor's plan.
The VADRs chip is currently on the fabrication path. It is useless
without 256k 120ns Video RAMS. It will not work with 1M Video RAMS. Using 1M
parts would require redesign starting at the TTL prototype stage and would take
an estimated 9 monthes to get to engineering samples. The other chips in the
system will work with 256k or 1M or ... video RAMS (Sorter, Gobot, Zippy,
Clippy, Maggie). Dave and I are contacting vendors (Hitachi, TI, Fujitsu, Mits,
NEC, Toshiba) and working with purchasing to get a feel for 256k VDRAM
availability in '89, '90.
Consequently, I asked Robert Pescosolido to investigate
what we could do to suspend the VADRS. He has put the VADRS
fabrication on hold just prior to mask making.
Suspension of the job incurs no additional cost, avoids the mask
charges (10 - 15K) and will not impact the Sys3d video schedule if the hold is
release before GOBOT CIF is released (expected at the end of August).
I expect/hope that once the VDRAM vendor information is in, and the tea
leaves are read, we will feel adequately comfortable in releasing the VADRS for
fab.
Also, Mary Burnias has offered to invite the vendors in individually to
discuss their plans for the 256k VDRAM's. Who wants to attend these sessions?
I'd like to get a head count by the end of Thurs 6/9.
----------
Rick and Jed, I think only TI has come in to discuss long term 256k VDRAM plans
with you and that the suggested vendor sessions would not duplicate your prior e
fforts.
Is that correct?
Morgan
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::SHEPPERD 10-JUN-1988 12:21:34.69
To: @sys$mail:everybody,SHEPPERD
CC:
Subj: Downtime
The good news is some of the new disk space has arrived. The bad news is that
I'll need to take down Kim, Gawd, Ernie and Icy for unspecified intervals at
various times over the next few days. This is going to be a painful and time
consuming process and take a great deal of cabling and re-cabling to get the
whole thing to work. So you'll get a better feel for what I'm up against,
here's what has to be done:
Format and verify the new disks (in process 6-8, hours/drive).
Shutdown Gawd and hookup the new drives to it, reboot.
Dismount (logically) Kim's userdisk from the cluster.
Mount Kim's userdisk and the new disks on Gawd only.
copy all the files from kim to the new disks (should take about
3-4 hours).
Mount the new disks on the cluster as KIM$USERDISK.
Shutdown Kim and disconnect the 2 drives that were KIM$USERDISK.
Adjust all hardware and software parameters indicating that Kim
has only 1 disk and reboot.
Format and verify these disks so they can be plugged into a
different controller (6 hours/drive or so).
Shutdown Ernie and hookup one of the newly formatted disks in
place of ERNIE$DUA1:, reboot Ernie standalone mode.
Copy ERNIE$DUA0 to the new ERNIE$DUA1 (will take about 2 hours),
disconnect ERNIE$DUA0, hookup the old ERNIE$DUA1 and reboot.
Shutdown ICY. Pull all the boards out of Icy and Bib (Bib has been
shutdown since yesterday) and trade cabinets. Hookup the
drive removed from Ernie (needs no reformatting) and the
other drive from Kim to Icy. Hookup the little drive that
was on Icy to Bib. Adjust software letting Icy and Bib know
that they now have disks and reboot them.
As you might well imagine, this is going to take SOME time to complete and
due to vacation conflicts, I'd like to get going on it immediately. I
propose the following schedule, and if unless there are some serious
objections, this it roughly what'll happen:
Beginning tonight (6/10/88) 19:00 - shutdown Gawd and dismount
Kim$userdisk. The copy from Kim to gawd will run overnight.
Tomorrow (6/11/88) 10:00-12:00 Kim will be down to disconnect
drives.
Icy will be shutdown from about noon saturday until monday.
When or if the Zippy DRC batch job currently running on Ernie
completes on sunday, I'll begin the Ernie disk to disk
copy. If not, then I'll do it next week.
In summary:
This eve, Kim and Gawd will be down until about noon tomorrow.
Icy will be down tomorrow through monday.
Bib will be down until monday.
Ernie will probably be down all day sunday.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOWNEND 10-JUN-1988 15:45:36.40
To: MONCRIEF,MARGOLIN,ROTBERG,HALLY
CC:
Subj: Mult-sync and VRAM's
A flag has been raised that 256K VRAMS as used in Multi-sync are in short
supply now, and may become even scarcer as VRAM manufacturers convert 256K Fab
lines to 1MEG VRAM fab lines. Just in case this really happens, I would like
to know what contingencies we have, if any.
1) Can Multi-sync be re-designed to use (1) 1Meg VRAM for (4) 256k VRAMs?
if not...
2) Can Multi-sync be re-designed to use (1) 1Meg VRAM for (1) 256k VRAM?
(and then only use 1/4 of the 1Meg part...ugh)
3) Are there software implications if the VRAM size changes? If so,
what software changes and to what extent?
I am not really going to worry about this in a serious way until about January
'89. StunRunner production is tentatively planned in June '89. We would have
to start a PCB re-design in a January timeframe to have it ready for June
production.
___________________________________________________________________________
To: KIM::DOWNEND,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: RE: Mult-sync and VRAM's
1. No
2. Yes/No
3. No
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::MORRIS 17-JUN-1988 15:17:15.46
To: @sys$mail:engineer
CC:
Subj: Unix make now on VAX
For all those out there who are unix fans, I have just put a unix-like make
in utl$exe:umake.exe.
This is pretty much like UNIX make, with rules etc.
If you know the unix make go ahead and use it.
Otherwise I will post the documentation and send another mail message for
those who don't know UNIX make syntax but would like to learn.
The main advantage of unix make is that the makefiles are a lot shorter as
it knows how to make a .o (or .obj) from a .c so you don't have to specify
them in the makefile.
(Note for unix hackers, use $$ to get a $ in the method line).
Any bug reports, requests to this address.
Jim.
PS Any one have a machine readable form of unix make documenation??
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::MORRIS 17-JUN-1988 18:30:08.49
CC:
Subj: Documentaion for Unix make
Initial documention for the unix make (UMAKE) can be found in:
charm$userdisk:[morris.vaxutils.make]make.doc
This is not exactly the same, (No library or sccs support).
However it is mainly correct, especially for the sort of thing
we are likely to use it for.
I may update the doc file sometime in the future.
A good article on how to use make appears in a couple of issues
of the C users Journal. (I have a copy if you want to copy it).
Jim.
___________________________________________________________________________
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER,SUTTLES
CC:
Subj: Instant reruns
I've had to do some substantial work on the editor command shell.

When I did, I found I never finished the documentation. Some of you weren't
around then; all of you may wish to look at it. It's in DOK:EDIT.TXT.
I have addressed the issues of want/not wanting default extensions, and
want/not wanting memory, as well as "it don't work with /RECOVER right
after the EDT". Of course, bug reports to this address.
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SNYDER 21-JUN-1988 15:10:52.29
CC:
Subj: new hardware
Does anyone out there have a need for growth/shrink motion objects for
up-coming game projects. I have a new growth/shrink motion object hardware
up and running and need to know what new projects may require such a hardware.
The current version is a medium-res hardware capable of filling about 2/3
of the screen with motion objects. These objects are not position (scan-line)
limited and the grafix data is run-length encoded with 16 to 256 colors per
object. Growth objects can vary from 1 to 16 times the data stored in the
grafix ROM. Shrink objects can vary from 1/64 to 63/64 times the data stored
in the grafix ROM. Objects are controlled with the standard parameter RAM
control blocks.
A lo-res version of this hardware would be capable of filling about
1 1/2 screens with motion objects.
Depending on the complexity of the playfield and alphanumerics that
went along with the growth/shrink motion objects, the hardware would cost
about $150-$200 for lo-res and $250-$300 for medium-res. Since the motion
object grafix are run length encoded, the cost of motion object grafix ROMs
may be less than for standard hardwares.
If you have a need, or think you may have a need for this type of
hardware, please respond to this address or x1790.
Thanx,
Doug
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: Making VAX mail a little easier to use
For those of you who want mail to be a little smarter than

the lame horse it is, there are some options. They are spelled out
in DOK:MAIL$PRINT.DOC (type it). You can have messages printed at
a printer nearby, and you can use the editor of your choice for
editing your messages. If you use mail infrequently, it isn't worth
the effort; but for many it just might be. Look into it, and see
if it's for you.
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
To: POPKIN,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: Driver ADSP Board
When you make the Driver ADSP Board REV A:

1. Change the copyright year to 1988.
2. Change 'Born in the USA' to 'Made in USA' .
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: AMI Gate Arrays
Steve Hayes of I-Squared now reps AMI who is a supplier of gate arrays.
They have some unexpected free time in their schedule this afternoon and
would like to present their gate array capabilities if anyone has an interest.
If you would like them to come by (between 2 and 4 pm) let me know.
erwin
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: AMI Gate Arrays
The last time we used an AMI Gate Array was in the Vector Generator for
Star Wars.
Two or three years later when I needed it for TomCat, AMI had scrapped the
tooling.
They were willing to redo it; for about $20K.
I will NEVER use an AMI Gate Array again.
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::BELL "Component Engineering - Ext 1750" 29-JUN-1988 17:35:
12.86
To: MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj:
FOR
VENDOR CURR
VEND VENDOR
CODE ADDRESS 3 VENDOR NAME FLG ADDRESS 4 ADDRESS 1 ZIP PHON
E ADDRESS 2 CONTACT NAME TYPE STATUS
NA0150 NAMCO AMERICA INC. 343 GILBRALTAR SUNNYVA
LE, CA 94089
0
0
NA0151 NAMCO LTD. 2-8-5, TAMAGAWA OTA-KU,
TOKYO
146, JAPAN
0
2468521 0
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 1-JUL-1988 16:33:46.75
To: JOE,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: Driver Sound
On the Driver Sound Board, Connectors J3, J4, and J5 are reversed.
Pin 1 is on the left. Pin 1 should be on the right. Please relabel
the schematic to reflect pin 1 on the Right. Also add a '1' on
the silkscreen to the right of these connectors. I do not want
any traces changed.
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::DENTON 11-JUL-1988 15:25:33.25
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: TENGEN TAPES
STARTING MONDAY, JULY 11, EMPLOYEES WILL BE ABLE TO ORDER TENGEN RBI
CARTRIDGES. WE WILL TAKE ORDERS MONDAY THRU WEDNESDAY. EMPLOYEES MAY
PURCHASE UP TO 3 CARTRIDGES AT $28.89 EACH (INCLUDES TAX).
CARTRIDGES MUST BE PAID FOR WHEN ORDERED. YOU MAY PLACE YOUR ORDER WITH
ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE:
KAREN GRAHAM 675
ANN DENTON 737
MARIE JULIAN 735
ORDERS WILL BE READY FOR PICK-UP ON FRIDAY, JULY 15TH.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::SHEPPERD 11-JUL-1988 19:23:00.94
CC:
Subj: New MAC65
I just distributed a maintenance release of MAC65 (version 7.1) that fixes

a couple of bugs in internal memory managment as well as removed some
extraneous characters and blank lines that sometimes appeared in the list file.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::ARVIDSON 14-JUL-1988 09:46:33.91
CC:
Subj: Part numbers planned for inactivation.
Components Engineering will be inactivating another group of Atari part

numbers of ICs that have no known present usage or are obsolete. This list is
contained in the file, ERNIE$USERDISK:[ARVIDSON.AVL.REVIEW]37-2.LIS and will
be inactivated in two weeks. These parts will be removed from the active QPL
and will be placed in a data base containing inactive parts. If you feel that
some parts should remain active, please let me know.
___________________________________________________________________________
To: CHARM::STUN,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: RE: STUN Runner Status Report
Kindly use 'MultiSync' as the description for the hardware, unless you are
actually planning on using System 3D. Please advise if this is so.
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::MARGOLIN 15-JUL-1988 14:05:53.74
To: POPKIN,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: ADSP Rev A
For the Driver ADSP Rev A Board, I need a Rev A schematic and a Rev A Parts
List.
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::HORN "Erich Von Horn" 19-JUL-1988 15:38:45.32
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: BAD RECEPTION, IS THERE ANY HOPE!
Because of all the radio waves put out by the different machines in this area my
reception is not excellent. In fact I can't even pick up my favorite stations.
Now if we were to install a big intena on the
roof and wire jacks to all the labs and offices we might be able to get those
good stations. I jote yes on on getting better reception. How about you?
sincerly, Mr. Radio
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::PAAUW 19-JUL-1988 18:51:19.51
To: DAVE,DOWNEND,HOFF,MCCARTHY,MARGOLIN,LY,STEMPLER,SNYDER,PAAUW
CC:
Subj: GPX LOCATIONS
We currently have two GPX's for use in IC design in the CAD lab.
One was slated to be moved into the new 3D lab and the other was to go into
one of the PPS rooms. We also have two AED terminals but no CPU's to run
them on. Morgan has asked that both of the GPX's be moved into the 3D lab.
The advantages to this would be keeping all of the IC resources together and
would make both GPX's convenient to the 3D team. The disadvantage would be that
anyone needing a graphics terminal for other designs would need to intrude into
the 3D lab.
I currently see very limited non-3D use for the second terminal:
Pat may need to do some touch-up on his gate array and Doug may need some time
for the ASAP at a later date. Simulations, DRC's, etc could be run on the other
CPU's.
If anyone has any strong feelings on the matter, please let me know.
Otherwise, we'll plan on moving both of the GPX's into the 3D lab along with
the manuals and the Versatec plotter. The actual move won't take place for
at least two weeks.
-- Don
___________________________________________________________________________
To: PAAUW,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: LETA
Are there up-to-date specs available for the LETA?

I only need 2 quadrature inputs. Can LETA be packaged in a
20 pin skinny DIP?
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
To: MARGOLIN,PAAUW
CC:
Subj: RE: LETA
There is an updated copy of the LETA-II spec in the components file or I

have an extra copy that you may have.
The LETA-II should fit into a 20 pin DIP but this would reqiuire a new t
e
test fixture and a new test program for VTI's Sentry test. This would cost
a few thousand dollars. The piece price wouldn't change much, if at all,
so it would be hard to justify a new package.
-- Don
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::OHARA 26-JUL-1988 11:42:40.49
CC:
Subj: shredding of "confidential" papers
An accident happened today when the shredding was put out for Mobile
Shredding to shred, it was thrown in the dumpster!
This was an unfortunate misunderstanding but the question been asked
if it is necessary to search thru the muck to retrieve it, so it can be
shredded before throwing it away. I don't know so I'm asking for your
opinion; send replies to OHARA, or a note in the mail will do and I will
forward them on and keep record for future reference.
While I'm on my soapbox a couple of other points:
A. I see no reason why end sheets need to be shredded, yet 1/3 to 1/2
of the shredding I pick up is just the sheets that come at the end of listings
and such. This cost the company $25 to 35 worth of corporate money each month
or so ($400 a year or more).
B. The shredding is not trash despite the fact that it eventually ends
up there, I do not appreciate the candy wrappers and such that seem to find thei
r
way into the shredding.
enuff said and apologies to those who don't need to hear this
james
___________________________________________________________________________
To: OHARA,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: Shredding
Item 1:
Let me see if I have this right.
You want to use expensive Programmers' time to separate the end sheets
of program listings so you can save $25 per month?
Also, I disagree that the end sheets are unimportant. The end sheets
would allow an individual to know what programs people are working
on. People generally choose program titles representative of
their content. The end sheets would tell an industrial spy what programs
to target for acquisition.
I expect you are already saving more than $25 per month from the
execrable printer paper you bought.
Item 2:
As I understand it, the reason for shredding things is to prevent them
from falling into the hands of our competitors.
I use the shred pile to get rid of old schematics (although,
fortunately, not this month).
I would not like the result of my last two years' work wasted because
you did not think it was all that important to have things properly
shredded.
___________________________________________________________________________
To: KIM::MARGOLIN,OHARA
CC:
Subj: RE: Shredding
I do not intend to make the programmers rip sheets off some people do
as a matter of course. I agree with your point about the names it didn't
occur to me until now. I, however, break my back weekly cleaning up the
mess in the printer room and sometimes this gets to me. Further, is my
time more valuable picking up what may not be confidential (not everything
is) proctecting it from some hypothetical 'spy' or is it more valuable
for me to make sure everyone is properly supplied?
As far as the 'execrable' paper is concerned everyone told me that
it was no big deal what the quality of the paper was so I did the obvious
thing and have been paying for it ever since. Note if you need better
quality paper for some project all you need to do is ask, you HAVEN'T
so far.
I'm sorry you got bent out of shape
james
___________________________________________________________________________
To: MARGOLIN,MONCRIEF,VANELDREN,WALLIN,PAAUW
CC:
Subj: TWIG lead time
In the process of getting a quote from National, I found that their

production lead time is out to 14 weeks for ASIC's. I am not aware of the
schedule for Hard Drivin' but this lead time should be kept in mind for the
TWIG chip production orders. For reference, the National quote was for
$2.50 in 10k quantities.
-- Don
___________________________________________________________________________
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER,@SYS$MAIL:TEAMTACO,OHARA
CC:
Subj: shredding
Thank you all for your responses, it is clear to me that alot could be read
into a name. I will make sure that things are taken care of more responsibly
in the future.
However, wouldn't it be more confidential to shred things right away, for
example; have a shredder in the printer room (they are made to feed like trash
cans and are somewhat sealed so the dust is minimal and don't sound any louder
then a line printer these days) and shred the stuff daily and have the janitors
throw it away every night. This would heighten the security of our operation
somewhat, since it now stacks up in the warehouse until there are enough boxes
to make it worthwhile to call Mobile Shredding, the boxes are unattended, and
not locked up (no room for this).
just a suggestion, thanks
james
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::ARVIDSON 27-JUL-1988 11:57:28.63
To: MONCRIEF,DURFEY,BEHENSKY,MARGOLIN,ARVIDSON
CC:
Subj: Custom potentiometer, 3.5 turn.
I just received a quote for prototyping four samples of the three-turn (

3)
potentiometer: $250 approx. 5 weeks ARO. Normally the charge is $1000. They
recommend prototyping the 3-turn because it's easier and faster to do than the
3.5-turn.
If the resolution is satisfactory on the 3-turn samples, then it will
also be satisfactory on the 3.5-turn. The choice of 3 or 3.5 will then be based
on the steering wheel stops.
As soon as a purchase requisition is written, I will order the samples.
erwin
___________________________________________________________________________
To: OHARA,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: Shredding
We had our own shredder and did our own shredding. When it broke the company
decided not to fix it because sending it out was supposedly cheaper.
By the way, the printer room is scheduled to disappear. The printers will go
in the computer room. (Bad place for a shredder.)
Nonetheless, it would be nice to have our own shredder again.
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
To: KIM::MARGOLIN,OHARA
CC:
Subj: RE: Shredding
I agree, new shredders have been sealed somewhat to cut down on the dust
whether this is enough or not I don't know. Also a shredder up to the volume
we seem to generate costs about $3 or 4 grand.
Also, please except my apologies for snapping back at you yesterday.
thanks
james
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOWNEND 27-JUL-1988 15:27:20.51
CC:
Subj: Current 1 MEG EPROM Prices
Mary Burnias gave me this information today:

1) 1 MEG EPROM, 200 NS, 32-pin, 128kx8:
TOSHIBA: TC571000D-20/TC571001D-20, 10K QTY. $23.35 each
HITACHI: HM27C301-20, 10K QTY. $19.50 each
2) By comparison:
(2) 27512-200 EPROMs cost about $13.00 (6.50 each)
(2) 27512-200 OTPs cost about $10.70 (5.35 each)
(1) 231000-200 ROM costs about $ 4.15 (plus $3500 mask chrg, 2500 min qty)
3) CONCLUSION: 1 MEG EPROMs are still not cost-effective compared to an
equivalent number of bits in 27512's.
4) Mary is getting more quotes.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::FUJIHARA 4-AUG-1988 19:32:22.73
CC:
Subj: NEW EMPLOYEE
As of Monday, August 8, marketing/sales will have a new secretary,

Georgia Mongelluzzo. Her office will be located where Jackie Sherman
was previously. Jackie will now resume full-time rsponsibilities as
a marketing/sales administrator and will no longer be doing "double
duty" as the department secretary. Jackie will be moving to the office
adjacent to her old one, and can be reached at her same extension.
If you'll be interfacing with Georgia, please introduce yourself when
you get a chance.
M. Fujihara
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::DECK 8-AUG-1988 13:53:21.16
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Remember Lisa Ellision?
If you do, Lisa is STARRING in a comedy-musical called
CHICAGO at the Sunnyvale Performing Arts Center near Fair Oaks and
El Camino. 550 E. Remington. The show dates are Aug 11-14(this
Thurs,Fri,Sat,Sun), and Aug 18-20(next Thurs,Fri,Sat). Showtimes are
8:00 P.M. except for the Sunday show which is at 7:00 P.M. Tickets
are $8. Lisa is playing the lead "Roxy" and would love it if any
Atarians who knew her went. For more information you may call
the box office at (408) 733-6611 or VAXMAL to [DECK] or [FLANAGAN].
Make sure you say hi if you go!!
Bob
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::THEURER 8-AUG-1988 14:29:20.28
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: ST System for sale
From: Owen Rubin [70715,542]

Subj: St for Sale
1040ST w/ 2 meg memory and updated TOS in EPROM
Built in DSDD drive (720K/3.5" floppy) and reconditioned mouse included.
Both color and monochrome monitors
"Monitor Master" monitor select switch
80 Mb Fujitsu Hard disk with Adaptec Controller and
Berkeley Microsystems Interface card. (this disk
is 100% compatible with Atari's hard disk and uses
the Atari drivers.)
Epson FX-85 printer (less tnan a year old) and LONG cable.
Hayes 1200 modem (the "real thing, not a compatible)
Much software including a legit copy of Mark Williams C
compiler, just recently updated and includes the C Source
code debugger.
Additional SSDD external floppy drive (360K/3.5" floppy).
Magic Sac cartridge:
runs 75% of all Macintosh programs at full speed; uses hard disk.
Many games in original boxes.
Solid Oak monitor and disk drive stand (computer sits
under and in front of this unit)
Total market value of this package is around $3800.
Owen will take $2000 or make him an offer.
If you want just 1 or 2 pieces, call and make him an offer.
Call him at home(xxx-xxx-xxxx) or car(xxx-xxx-xxxx) or work(xxx-xxx-xxxx).
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 8-AUG-1988 15:07:37.18
To: BURNIAS,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: Micron VRAMs
I tested the Micron VRAMs over the weekend and they work.
I have submitted a CER for Micron MT42C4064-120 and -150.
They also make a MT42C4065 <-- (last number is different)
which would probably work but were not the ones we tested.
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::MARTIN 10-AUG-1988 10:30:44.94
To: MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: JAE #DICF-24C-E2
JED,
I NEED TO SPEAK TO YOU ASAP REGARDING THIS JAE SOCKET. JAE HAS QUOTED
12 WEEKS, WHICH I KNOW IS UNACCEPTABLE. THEY HAVE 8000 STOCK OF
JAE #DICF-24C. THE QUESTION IS, CAN WE USE THEM???????????????????
ALSO WHAT IS THE CORRECT ATARI PART NUMBER?????????????????????????
PLEASE CALL ME OR HAVE ME PAGED, I AHVE TRIED TO GET AHOLD OF YOU
FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. I REALLY NEED YOUR INPUT.
HELP..............................................................
THANKS
MELANIE
3930
___________________________________________________________________________
To: MARTIN,MONCRIEF,ARVIDSON,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: VRAM Sockets
1. According to Erwin, JAE #DICF-24C without the E2 suffix is 0.6"

wide instead of 0.4" wide. There are therefore not useable.
2. Rick and I have decided that we will build the first 100 games with
sockets for the VRAMs (32 per) and solder the parts in thereafter
(unless there are problems with the VRAMs or if manufacturing objects).
2. There are other parts with 12 (or more) week lead times. 12 week
lead times on the sockets would be ok.
3. JAE has lied about the availability of sockets before. When I needed
320 for prototypes in May they promised two week delivery. I actually
received them last week. I would just as soon not buy anything from them.
4. Erwin says he gave you information on sockets with machine tooled pins.
Please look for it and find out cost and delivery for 3200 pieces.
5. While I am generally not available in the morning, I am here every
afternoon and most evenings. I read my VAX mail every day and I always
respond to messages sent to my attention.
6. The following is the AVL entry for the VRAM socket, 179258-014:
PART STATUS IS: ACTIVE

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
179258-024 Socket,IC,24ckt/.400,Stamped,Phos_br,Tin
MANUFACTURER VENDOR PART NUMBER STATUS TRANS DATE
ROBINSON-NUGENT ICN-244-S4-T DISQUALIFIED 10-MAY-1988
ROBINSON-NUGENT ICN-244-S4-G DISQUALIFIED 10-MAY-1988
JAPAN_AVIATION_ELECTRONICS DICF-24C-E2 APPROVED 11-MAR-1988
JAPAN_AVIATION_ELECTRONICS DICF-24A-E2 APPROVED 11-MAR-1988
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
To: MARTIN,MONCRIEF,ARVIDSON,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: VRAM Sockets
In the previous message, for the VRAM part number, change

from 179258-014 to 179258-024
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::OHARA 12-AUG-1988 14:30:34.10
CC:
Subj: traffic
If you haven't heard I was just there: I couldn't see the

smoke but the cops were rerouting everyone. 880 is closed from
montague to First st (both ways) and 101 is closed from 13th st
to De La Cruz Blvd. I'm sure this will stop traffic until well
into the evening, so expect to take the long way around.
As far as I can tell both Brokaw and Montague are clear to
go accross 880, but gridlock is already evident on Montague!
Take it slow going home and take care.
james
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::MILTY 12-AUG-1988 15:02:14.89
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: RE:TRAPHIK
NEWS SEZ THIS IS A TOXIC CHEMICAL EXPLOSION.!!!...

THE WINDS ARE BLOWING WEST TO EAST......IF YOU HAVE A CHOICE.......MAYBE
TAKE SAN TOMAS INSTEAD OF 680
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::FRYE 15-AUG-1988 09:59:48.62
CC:
Subj: CHANGING OF THE GUARD
EFFECTIVE THIS DATE, PLEASE WELCOME BACK
BRENDA AND LEROY COLLIER AS OUR JANITOR-
AL CREW. SORRY ABOUT THE SHORT NOTICE
ALL THE WAY AROUND. BOB
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::DENTON 15-AUG-1988 10:53:04.18
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: GAUNTLET CARTRIDGE
GAUNTLET CARTRIDGES MAY BE PURCHASED FOR $28.89 (THIS INCLUDES TAX).

PLEASE SEE: KAREN GRAHAM X3738 OR ANN DENTON X 3941.
THANKS,
ANN DENTON
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::DENTON 15-AUG-1988 14:23:40.73
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: GAUNTLET CARTRIDGES AND 720 TSHIRTS
GAUNTLET CARTRIDGES CAN BE PICKED UP 8-16-88. THREE IS THE LIMIT.

ALSO, WE HAVE 720 TSHIRTS BOTH ADULT AND CHILDREN SIZES.
THANKS,
ANN DENTON
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOWNEND 15-AUG-1988 16:06:40.84
CC:
Subj: 1 meg EPROM's
Mary Burnias has procured (10) 1 meg EPROM samples for internal use. See me
if you need some. They are Mitsubishi M5M27C100K-150:
- 128K x 8
- 150 nS
- 32-pin package
- A16 is on pin 24 which makes them more compatible with a
28-pin 1 meg ROM.
- CMOS, 50mA active, selected
Mary gave me a data sheet too.
Since 1 meg EPROMS cost around $20.00, there are not viable in production
products, but they can be used in prototypes and in ROM verification and/or
hardware verification situations. The equivalent memory in (2) 27512's
costs $12.00 total. This is for 200nS parts in both cases.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::SHEPPERD 18-AUG-1988 19:35:47.43
CC:
Subj: MAC65 7.3
Just released, MAC65 7.3. This version has two bugs fixed. One was were
it was incorrectly reporting errors on numbers greater than the current
radix and the other was were it was incorrectly handling null operands
in .BYTE, .WORD and .LONG directives (it should have stuck in 0's).
I've changed the feature where statements with undefined opcodes, macros,
or psuedo-ops were assumed to be .WORD's. Instead an error message will be
printed. If you relied on that feature, you can turn it back on with
.ENABL .WORD ;re-enable the .WORD feature
Commas between arguments on .BYTE, .WORD and .LONG are optional now. The
macro case such as:
.MACRO SOME A B C D E F
.word B D F
.ENDM
will not generate errors or extra 0's if, for example, the arguments D and F
are blank. (It will generate a single word of 0 if B is also blank).
The up-arrow character (^) means different things at different places in
the source. In a MACRO argument, it means the following non-space character
is the delimiter to the macro argument. For example:
macro_call ^\argument with spaces and commas in it\
means to pass all the text between the two '\'s as argument 1 to the macro.
This has been a problem where you want to pass an ^ as an argument to a
macro (such as ^H0F0). I added a funtion whereby you can change the escape
character to something else to avoid these collisions. For example:
.MESCAPE expression ;expression must resolve to a value
;between 0x21 to 0x7E
.MESCAPE '~ ;changes it to tilda
The previous escape character is saved (one level of nesting). You can
restore the previous escape character by using the .MESCAPE op without an
argument. For example:
.MESCAPE '~ ;change escape char to tilda
.INCLUDE FILE ;input file that has ^'s in macro args
.MESCAPE ;restore the escape char
One other change, which I made under protest and would be happy to put back, is
in the checking of overflow. Values placed into a byte must now be between the
values -128 <= n <= 255 and values placed into a word must be between the values
-32768 <= n <= 65535. It used to allow bytes of -256 <= n <= 255 and words
-65536 <= n <= 65535. You may be irritated with error messages if you use the
^C (1's compliment) operator in any of your expressions that have bits 7 or
15 set.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::RICE 19-AUG-1988 13:00:40.99
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: New test pieces from Sega
Two new test pieces are testing at this very moment down at Emerald
Hills Golfland. Both are from Sega.
1) Dynamite Dux- looks like a potential kit. Joystick and two buttons.
One button jump and the other is punch. Gameplay is
a Woody Woodpecker character that roams the streets
picking up treasures, bombs, guns, and other items
using these for fire power against oncoming so-called
enemies. These enemies are believe it or not, moose
heads and dog heads. At the end of the first wave, there
is a big Mr. Fire Blaze that he character must put out
with the water guns he picks up.
The game is a two player on 25 cents per play. Not
one person played the game while I was there.
2) Power Drift- Another expensive looking driving game from Sega.

This one is an Outrun perspective dune buggy type
driving game. Has the same graphics as Galaxy Force.
These graphics make the game very difficult to play
because they are so washed out and it is hard to
get a good feel for the track.
The player chooses from 5 categories of tracks and
starts on one of five tracks within that category.
Player must place in what appeared to be a predetermined
finish before he can continue.
The game has steering wheel, shifter, gas and brake pedals.
Coinage is set on 50 cents per play.
If you all have a chance to go out and see these games please do so. Capcom
is also testing Rough Ranger at Emerald Hills. This is the Rolling Thunder
rip-off.
Oh ya, one more thing. SNK just had a distrib. meeting introducing P.O.W.
It is another low priced game for us to compete against. Price will be
$1995ish.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::MCCARTHY 22-AUG-1988 11:35:33.08
CC:
Subj: Scicards - Scidesign - plots
If you are a SCICARDS scidesign user and you want to be able to plot schematics
then you will want to put the following in your login. Remove your old
definitions of SDBATCHPLOT and SDPLOTIT if you have any.
$ ASSIGN ERNIE$SYSDEVICE:[LIBRARIAN.COM] SCICOM
$ SDBATCHPLOT :== 'at' SCICOM:SDBATCHPLOT
$ SDPLOTIT :== @SCICOM:SDPLOTIT
$ SCIDPLOT :== @SCICOM:SCIDPLOT
Mostly you will only use the SCIDPLOT command (SCIDesign PLOT). This executes
SDBATCHPLOT which in turn executes SDPLOTIT unless you switch it off.
Type SCIDPLOT on its own for a brief help message.
Pat.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::BRAD 25-AUG-1988 10:42:52.82
To: SALWITZ,STERN,MARGOLIN,CHING,MOTT,BRAD
CC:
Subj: CDGAME
Please comment on the description of the CDGAME that I handed out

and return to me.
thanks
- brad -
JED: please pass the game description to Steph when you are finished. Thanks
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::THEURER 29-AUG-1988 11:22:10.53
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER,@SYS$MAIL:ANIMATORS
CC:
Subj: COLOR PRINTER
Subject: DIY COLOR printing

From: Dave Theurer [theurer.cop.tek]tek.doc
Date: 8/25/88
We now own a Tektronix 4693D color printer (300 dots/inch thermal wax transfer).
We have the capability to print RAD and PIF files from the VAX via an IBM PC.
Within 3 weeks the IBM PC will be removed from the path and we will have a
direct connection from the VAX to the Tektronix printer.
Each page costs 35 cents.
Please give me your suggestions for making the following procedure better.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Preliminary procedure:
1> Take your RAD or PIF file and create a TEK print file:
a> On the VAX, "run [theurer.cop.tek]tek". Answer the "20 questions".
See discussion at end for more info on this program.
2> Turn on the PC:
a> Turn it on. Wait for the C:\> prompt. Hit CR if it asks any questions.
b> Type at the C:\> : cd \tek
2> Send the TEK print file from the VAX to the PC: (~~ 90 seconds)
a> Type NFT and wait for the NFT> prompt.
b> Type at the NFT> : copy charm::[directory-of-your-TEK-file]your-TEK-filena
me.TEK
Enter your password if it asks.
This takes about a minute. Wait for the NFT>.
c> Type at the NFT>: exit
3> Send the TEK print file from the PC to the Tektronix: (~~ 90 seconds)
On the PC:
a> Type at the C:\TEK> totek your-TEK-filename.TEK
This takes about a minute. The Tektronix should say IMAGING at this time.
When it's done sending, it'll say C>\TEK again.
b> Type at the C:\TEK> del your-TEK-filename.TEK
If you don't do this we'll quickly run out of disk space on the PC.
4> Turn off the PC:
a> Type at the C:\TEK> park
b> Turn it off.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"20 questions" program:
> NOTE: most of the questions have a default which will work. Just hit CR.
> Takes cells from RAD or PIF files and lays them out on a big bitmap(whose
size you specify), adds some information, then converts the bitmap into a
TEK print file.
> Range of cells to print:
> You can print any range or combination of ranges of cells.
> It lays your cells out from left to right, top to bottom on the bitmap.
You specify size of gaps:
> between cells
> around the edge (borders)
> Bitmap size:
> You specify the size of your bitmap in pixels. The program makes a guess
for you, but it doesn't guess very well if you have a lot of cells of
different sizes, or a lot of really big cells. <to be improved>
> The printer expands your bitmap to fill the page, maintaining the original
aspect ration. If you give it a small bitmap, it will get magnified more
than if you give it a big one.
> A page can contain 2440 x 3198 dots, so if your bitmap is
> 1000x1000 it gets magnified 2.44 X.
> 500x500 it gets magnified 4.88 X.
> To get a picture in portrait orientation that looks about the same scale as
> lo res game screen use size 175,228 (lo res game screen is 21 dots/inch)
> RAD screen use size 520,680 (RAD screen is 64 dots/inch)
> NOTE: if you are going to print several pages and you want them all to be
the same size, you MUST SPECIFY THE SAME SIZE BITMAP for each page.
> NOTE: if there isn't enough room on the bitmap you specified for all the
cells you want, it gives you a warning but doesn't generate the second page.
You have to rerun the program for subsequent pages. <to be improved>
> You specify picture orientation on page:
> portrait print area is 8.13" x 10.66" (for skinny pictures)
> landscape print area is 10.66" x 8.13" (sideways printing) (fat pictures)
> You specify aspect ratio (for those pictures with rectangular pixels).
> It inserts cell info(cell # and size) at the bottom left corner of each cell
if you request a vertical cell-to-cell gap of at least 10 pixels.
> It inserts an "info zone" containing palette & file info at the bottom of
the bitmap:
> You get to specify the height of this "info zone" in pixels. If the
program needs more room for the cells you specify, it will rob from this
info zone. If there is extra room, the program will expand the height of
the palettes.
> It inserts a palette for each set of 16 colors used. The height of each
palette depends on how high you specify the "info zone" to be.
> It inserts file information below the palette.
> Grids:
> Tic marks around the edge of each cell may be requested if you don't want
to mar your picture.
> Grid lines through the picture may be requested.
> You specify the grid spacing, grid color, and grid origin.
> NOTE: if you want tics, you must specify at least 1,1 cell-to-cell
separation, and a top/bottom border of at least 1.
> NOTE: there are a few color matching problems (for purplish bluy especially)
which can be fixed if somebody will volunteer to do a color translation
algorithm.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::MEYETTE 29-AUG-1988 11:59:13.83
CC:
Subj: NEW FORM DESIGN
I have a spec sheet and application notes on a digital passive infrared sensor
module for anybody that might be interested in it. This module will sense both
changes in temperature and changes in reflection of a target area with a logic
signal output.
ram
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::KLEIN 29-AUG-1988 12:23:15.46
CC:
Subj: DON DAVIS/ROBERT SHEFFIELD
DON DAVIS HAS A NEW POSITION WITHIN ATARI AS THE MANAGER OF TAXES
AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS. HE WILL CONTINUE TO REPORT TO ME. HIS OFFICE
IS LOCATED TWO DOORS FROM THE EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE ROOM, BETWEEN
H.R. AND SALES. WITH THIS MOVE FOR DON, WE HAVE HIRED A NEW COMPANY
CONTROLLER. ROBERT SHEFFIELD COMES TO US FROM TELEVIDEO SYSTEMS INC.
HIS OFFICE IS LOCATED NEXT TO MINE. AS ALWAYS, PLEASE EXTEND DON AND
ROBERT YOUR FULLEST COOPERATION.
JOHN KLEIN
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::ALBAUGH "Dr. Bizarro" 29-AUG-1988 20:21:58.01
CC:
Subj: bugs in gen_eer.asm
Apparently Cyberball was the first project to use more than

two High score tables with the "official" code. There were bugs in 5
of the 8 (10?) places where I had conditional assembly. It's going to
take a while to re-merge their fixed version with the "mainstream" code,
so PLEASE let me know if you are "privately" maintaining your own copy.
I will then let YOU know what needs to change to maintain compatability.
I was hoping to put this off until I had MAC68K (my kingdom for ifdf!)
but obviously it can't wait...
Sorry, (AGAIN!)
Mike
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::LOGG 31-AUG-1988 10:56:51.55
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: TRIAD
Does anybody know anything about TRIAD and what it is like to

work for them? Any info you have would be appreciated. Please send it
to this address or call x1732.
Thanks
Ed Logg
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::RUBIN 1-SEP-1988 12:11:30.51
To: @sys$mail:junk
CC:
Subj: Party Time
Well, its party time again:

"Tropical Iniberation II, this time its personal!" will be held at the home
of Owen Rubin on Spet. 24th starting at 2:30 P.M. The rules are simple:
1). Bring swim suit and towel to use the pool.
2). Bring something to burn, uh, cook, on the BBQ for dinner.
(Hambuger and hot dog buns will be provided as well as all necessary
add on's)
3). Bring something to throw into a blender which "could" be used to make a
tropical drink (strawberrys, peaches, coconuts, bananas, pinapple, etc.)
4). You may pass on 2 & 3 above and bring a blender instead (it will be returned
but it may be a bit sticky!!). I will provide hambugers and hot dogs.
(I need about 5 blenders and this offer is good to the first 5 to 6 people
who RSVP as such.)
5). Bring along a side dish to share (if your so inclined) as this will ease my
work load. I will be providing the following: LOTS of ice, rum, vodka,
sodas and waters (some beer will be available), chips, nuts, vegetables,
and other assorted munchies as I happen to find at the Price Club.
6). Children are always welcome.
7). Maps will be available or you may call for directions. I have not made a
map at this time as CalTrans is not yet done rearranging the streets in
my area and they are currently subject to change at any time (They have
changed 3 times this week!)
As a special incentitive to attend, the first 40 or so adults that arrive at the
party will receive an official Tropical Iniberation II T-shirt. They are only
available in Large and in blue. If there is enough demand for additional
shirts, they will be available for $10.00 each after the first 40 are gone.
Please RSVP by Sept 17th so I may get a final count.
Days: (xxx)xxx-xxxx. Other times and messages: (xxx)xxx-xxxx.
-Owen-
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::MORRIS 1-SEP-1988 17:07:32.43
CC:
Subj: Compressing Archiver ZOO now on VAX
A new utility called ZOO is now in utl$exe.

It creates a very tightly compressed archive of files.
e.g.
$ zoo a t.zoo *.* - this will save all the files in the current directory
in the archive called t.zoo.
It remembers the directories the fils were in and can be used to save
directory trees.
It produces more tightly compressed data than ARC.
It is also available in source form, and executables for amiga, IBMPC, XENIX.
(See me for source).
The full documentation is in DOK:ZOO.DOC
To use it do
$ ZOO:== $utl$exe:ZOO.EXE
in your login.com file.
$ zoo h
prints out a help message.
Save disk space, archive all your seldom used files into a
zoo archive!!
Jim.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::SALWITZ 7-SEP-1988 11:14:42.59
To: @BS.DIS
CC:
Subj: Further adventures in Mind Mapping
DRIVING AND SHOOTING GROUP

------- --- -------- -----
SORRY.. I have been very busy with Cyberball and have not done my
home work on time.
The two top games in our group (in order) were:

FLIGHT SIMULATOR (Stephanie Mott)
POWER CRUSHER (or whatever) (Nick Stern)
We will have our 2nd meeting (further discussion) on Tuesday, Sep 13

at 2:00 pm. If this is not good for you.. please let me know.
I have sent this to ALL members of the group, including those not
attending the first meeting. Its not to late to participate.
JFS
PS. Once again, my apologies, blame it on Dave Ralston.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::SALWITZ 7-SEP-1988 11:14:42.59
To: @BS.DIS
CC:
Subj: Further adventures in Mind Mapping
DRIVING AND SHOOTING GROUP

------- --- -------- -----
SORRY.. I have been very busy with Cyberball and have not done my
home work on time.
The two top games in our group (in order) were:

FLIGHT SIMULATOR (Stephanie Mott)
POWER CRUSHER (or whatever) (Nick Stern)
We will have our 2nd meeting (further discussion) on Tuesday, Sep 13

at 2:00 pm. If this is not good for you.. please let me know.
I have sent this to ALL members of the group, including those not
attending the first meeting. Its not to late to participate.
JFS
PS. Once again, my apologies, blame it on Dave Ralston.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::ATLIST 8-SEP-1988 15:41:31.48
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: SMOKING IN THE BUILDING
HAS ANYBODY SEEN THE SO CALLED ATARI "NO SMOKING IN THE BUILDING" POLICY?
OR IS IT SOME CRAZY RUMOR?
.....CURIOUS.....
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::CAMERON 8-SEP-1988 15:46:18.80
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj:
I've smoked a few power supplies in my day. Does that count?

___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DROBNY "Buddy Flyback" 8-SEP-1988 16:03:16.79
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj:
Charcoal filter Caps?

___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::BORNN "SUZY-Q" 8-SEP-1988 16:06:53.87
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj:
ARE WE TALKING CIGS OR ATTITUDES?

___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::ATLIST 8-SEP-1988 16:34:57.11
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Re: Smoking
From what has been seen around here some employees have been
forced to go outside to have a cigarette. I guess they haven't even
been told that there was a designated smoking area.
What's goin on? Can we or can we not smoke cigarettes at our
own working area ie. office or cubicle? I understand there must
be a formal written company wide policy. I do not recall ever
seeing one.
....Real Curious....
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SUTTLES "Talk data to me..." 8-SEP-1988 20:07:27.73
CC:
Subj: smokers' rights
It's hard to take seriously a complaint about lack of

information from someone who complains anonymously...
There are some well known areas designated smoking and
non-smoking. The most well known non-smoking area is the cafeteria.
The most well known smoking areas are the "facilities" offices.
Arbitrary question:
Why do we need a formal policy established? Can't you guys work
it out? Since you seem to feel the need to repeat the question, here's a
suggestion to help you find a middle ground:
Suggestion for smokers:
In deciding whether or not to smoke within your work area,
use a little common sense. If you are the only smoker in your cube
group, please realize that all of your air is shared; step outside.
If you have roomies (cubies?) that smoke, they can't reasonably complain
if you do. Take the temperature now and then, and see if anyone cares.
Suggestion for nonsmokers:
If the smokers are in your cube area, let them know it bothers you,
and ask them to do it elsewhere. If you/they are in different hardwall
offices, it shouldn't be potent enough to annoy you. If you are particularly
sensitive to smells, ask them to close their door, and consider closing yours.
Either/both of you should put a post-it note or some other indication that
you are open for business, lest people are reluctant to interrupt a
closed-door meeting. If your objection to smokers is that it "looks ugly",
then don't look. Ugly is in the eye of the beholder, and you wouldn't
want everyone who didn't approve of your looks to gripe at you, would you?
Incidentally, don't bother trying to convince smokers to stop; they have been
beaten over the head with "it's bad for your health", "it will kill you",
"it's offensive", and any other reason for quitting that you can think of.
If they haven't quit by this time, it isn't because they don't know; it's
because they don't want to quit anyways, or they can't. As a former smoker,
I can guarantee they don't do it to annoy you, and it is very difficult to stop.
If they had a physical deformity or some other handicap, you would look past it.
Consider the addiction to tobacco in the same light. By this time, they have
been told by everyone, including the voters at large.
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::DAVE 9-SEP-1988 07:05:51.69
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: SMOKING
I THOUGHT I WOULD POINT OUT THAT THE SURGEON GENERAL HAS DETERMINED THAT
SECOND HAND SMOKE IS BAD FOR THE HEALTH OF NON-SMOKERS. I CAN PERSONALLY
VOUCH FOR THE FACT THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING CIRCULATES SMOKE INTO CLOSED
HARD OFFICES. THE NUMBER OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE "NO SMOKING IN THE BUILDING"
POLICIES IS FAST BECOMING A MAJORITY IN THE VALLEY. EMPLOYEES THAT DON'T
SMOKE ARE SICK LESS OFTEN, MORE PRODUCTIVE. FINALLY, I WONDER WHAT THE LEGAL
POSITION OF A COMPANY WILL BECOME IF A NON-SMOKING EMPLOYEE GETS LUNG
DISEASE, AND A COMPANY HAS NOT AT LEAST ADOPTED CURRENT COMMUNITY STANDARDS
TO PROTECT THE HEALTH OF ITS EMPLOYEES.
JUST A THOUGHT .......
SINCERELY, DAVE "WHERE'S MY CABERNET?" SHERMAN

___________________________________________________________________________
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: killer drugs
Yesterday Congress passed a bill to allow the death penalty as punishment

for drug related murders. The exception to this, of course, is if you are
a soldier killing in the line of duty while taking drugs that are
government issue. Let's hear it for Zero Tolerance!
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DROBNY "Buddy Flyback" 9-SEP-1988 09:43:14.95
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: smoking
And you may very well say to yourself "This is not my pack of cigarettes!"
And you may very well say to yourself "That is not my beautiful cubicle!"
And you may very well say to yourself "That is not my beautiful box of cigars!"
SAME AS IT EVER WAS!
___________________________________________________________________________
To: @sys$mail:junk
CC:
Subj: Smoking
Here's my 10 cents worth.

One person smoking can affect a number of people not smoking.
Isn't this a democracy????
Seriously I think the company should have a No Smoking Policy then
there would be less chance of employee conflicts, pass the buck to
the executive commitee.
Jim "I'll kill anyone smoking in my space" Morris.

___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::HORN "Erich Von Horn" 9-SEP-1988 13:28:36.72
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Smoking
Sorry if all you fanatical non-smokers are insulted! I for one do like to
smoke when I do my heavy coding. I find it helps my concentration. I
think that anyone who is so upset about smoke, that they would deprive
others of that pleasure, even when it does not effect them directly is
on really stupid trip. I feel that if I smoke in my lab and the smoke
does not reach others then I am doing my part. I can't hear the line
about "the smoke goes into the ventalation system and then poisons
everyone", that is a bunch of B.S.. If you feel so strong about it, why
no just wage a war on smokers. Start those campaigns, get your guns...
If I sound strong winded, then maybe you should reread the mail messages
that you "Non-smokers for a better universe" have send out!
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::PIERCE 9-SEP-1988 13:34:30.74
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj:
In response to Jim "I'll kill anyone smoking in my space" Morris, I reply:

I'll smoke anybody killing in my space!
MSP
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::PETERSEN "Rod" 9-SEP-1988 13:52:48.42
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: SMOKING
Manufacturing has been told that effective August 22, 1988 that this is official
ly a
"NO SMOKING" company. It doesn't sound like the message has gotten around. Wha
t's
the deal here?
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::MELCHOR 9-SEP-1988 14:10:19.22
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: PUFF POWER
WELL I JUST TOOK UP SMOKING CIGARETTES ABOUT 17 MINUTES AGO TO

SEE WHAT ALL THE COMOTION IS ABOUT AND YOU KNOW, I LIKE IT !!!
BUT ALREADY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TREATING ME FUNNY. WIHT ALL THIS
INFO ON HOW BAD IT IS FOR YOUR HEALTH (HARRUMPH, COUGH, COUGH)
EXCUSE ME,...OH YEAH, AND HOW THE OZONE LAYER IS THINNING AND
ALL I FOUND THAT IF I JUST SPRAY THE SMOKE I EXHALE WITH THIS
CAN OF LYSOL THE AIR AROUND ME SMELLS GREAT AND I CAN STILL
ENJOY THE COMPANY OF MY NON SMOKING CO-WORKERS. NOW THAT I'VE
TAKEN UP THIS GREAT ADDICTION (MY OWN CHOICE) CAN SOMEONE WITH
EXECUTIVE POWER TELL ME IF THERE IS A POLICY.
JESS "GOT A SMOKE?" MELCHOR
___________________________________________________________________________
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: smokin'
I can't seriously believe that anyone here wants any kind of rules or
"policy". I thought we were all big kids now. I'm sure we can effectively
police ourselves. If we can't, what's a few fist fights now and then.
Let's just do what we know best around here. Skip the effort of
making "policy" and let's make a new game, BLOOD WAR ON SMOKERS.
Think of the possibilities! Screen one: You are on BART, someone
in your car lights up a cigarette, You push the trigger on your uzzi and
jelly blast the place. Violence sells!Let's get a team together and make
megabucks and forget this nitpicking.
Carole (I'd pay a quarter to blast a smoker) Cameron
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 9-SEP-1988 15:51:41.93
To: MARTIN,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: 101 PGA Sockets
The Driver ADSP Board uses a 101 pin PGA socket (179236-001).
According to ManMan we have ordered (and received) 32 sockets.
There are no purchase orders for more.
Every ADSP Board needs one.
Would you look into it, please?
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::WEST 9-SEP-1988 15:54:31.87
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: where there's smoke...
Ahem...
Ladies and Germs, may I suggest that:
1)nobody smoke---it's bad for you
2)Atari hand out Rules of Grammar to all engineers and programmers, along
with a dictionary
3)some programmers take a remedial "English as a second language" course
MLW
p.s. If I sound like I'm on a high horse, just follow with a scooper.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::PAAUW 12-SEP-1988 11:39:41.52
To: @STAT
CC:
Subj: VTI USER'S GROUP MEETING -- OCT 20-21
1) The 1.6 micron cell compiler library is now installed in our tools.
2) The VTI user's group meeting will be on October 20 & 21. VTI has sent
me a form requesting the names of the persons planning to attend. If
you want your name on the list, let me know by September 21.
-- Don
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::CHING 12-SEP-1988 11:57:33.55
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: New Tupperware Catalog...
Yes, the Fall 1988 Catalog is out. If you would like to see it, stop by
the Treasure Hunt Lab. We have moved a little. We're in the Omega Lab,
the one nearest the "center" Engineering door. (The door near the Central
Conference Room.) The Treasure Hunt Lab is now the 2nd door on the left
across from the old Toobin' Lab.
Natalie
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::OHARA 12-SEP-1988 13:07:23.35
CC:
Subj: new mail station
There is a new mail station in the hallway outside Components,

towards the back of 675, it's designated 675-3 (the one by the
Xerox 1055 is 675-2, the one in the open area in Engineering is
675-1). All mail for the five groups located back there;
System 3D, Applied Research, Components, Prototype Assembly,
Video Edit Lab, is delivered there. Interoffice and US Postal
Mail is also pick up there twice daily between 10-11am and 2-3pm.
While I'm here I thought I might speak to some other subjects
concerning mail of interest to you all:
I pick up US Postal Mail 4 times daily in 675; not before
9, and 10 in the morning (9am mail goes with me to the post office)
not before 2 and 3:50 in the afternoon, 9am and 3:50pm I pick at the
lobby. 735, 737 and Tengen, Inc. get mail Pick up twice daily after
10am and 2pm. If you can get it to my office by 4:20 pm it will go
that day.
First Class Mail should get to its destination in not more
then Three Days, International Air Mail takes 5 days altho this
varies from Country to Country.
Postal Express will get there within 24 hours (Sat, Sun
and Holidays included!).
I have a scale in my office which automatically gives the
rates.
Finally, a suggestion: If you want your mail to be
delivered in the morning or want to avoid the forwarding delay
of 7 days when we move (I know that this is a long way off but
address changes tend to be slow so...) then your address
should be as follows:
(your name)
Atari Games Corporation
optional: ### Sycamore Drive ###= 675, 735, 737
PO Box 361110
Milpitas, CA. 95035-1110
I mention this because after our physical move I will
have to forward all street mail but will continue to pick up
Box mail. Also Box mail tends to come quicker, as it gets
presorted in San Francisco (thats what 95035-1110 does for
us)
Thank you (sorry to be so long winded)
gems
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::TOLONEN 12-SEP-1988 16:48:14.10
To: @SYS$MAIL:EVERYBODY,TOLONEN
CC:
Subj: SMOKING REGULATIONS
DATE ISSUED: AUGUST 22, 1988

(EVEN THOUGH THE POLICY WAS OFFICIALLY APPROVED TODAY, THE
ORIGINAL ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE ON AUGUST 22, 1988, THUS THE
ISSUE DATE.)
PURPOSE: TO PROTECT THE NON-SMOKING EMPLOYEE AND TO COMPLY WITH
MILPITAS CITY LAWS.
POLICY: EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, SEVERAL WORK AREAS ARE HEREBY
DESIGNATED AS NON-SMOKING AREAS. THIS APPLIES TO ADMINIS-
TRATION, MARKETING, FINANCE, MANUFACTURING AND PURCHASING.
IN ALL OTHER AREAS NOT ADDRESSED ABOVE, AN EMPLOYEE HAS THE
RIGHT TO DESIGNATE HIS/HER IMMEDIATE WORK AREA AS A NON-
SMOKING AREA AND TO POST THE SAME WITH APPROPRIATE SIGNS, TO
BE PROVIDED BY ATARI GAMES.
SMOKING IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED IN CONFERENCE AND MEETING
ROOMS, RESTROOMS AND HALLWAYS.
IN ANY DISPUTE ARISING UNDER THE SMOKING POLICY, THE RIGHTS
OF THE NON-SMOKER WILL BE GIVEN PRECEDENCE.
SMOKING IS PERMITTED IN THE DESIGNATED SMOKING AREA OF THE
EMPLOYEE CAFETERIA AND OUTSIDE.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::VANELDREN 13-SEP-1988 10:25:35.69
To: @SYS$MAIL:VANGANG, @SYS$MAIL:RAINSGANG
CC:
Subj: SMOKING POLICY ???????
Before the ____ hits the fan and editorial opinion begins hitting the
screens on terminals throughout the company, I'd like to make a couple
comments regarding the recently announced smoking policy.
First of all, neither Lyle or myself had any input whatsoever regarding
that policy. I personally have objections to singling out certain
departments as "non-smoking areas" while neglecting to mention others.
Does that mean that entire departments go on or off the "non-smoking list"
as department heads change from smokers to non-smokers, or vica versa??
I also am quite puzzled as to why we had to issue a previously unknown
policy retroactively. What does that say about those of us who have been
violating this policy for the last 3 weeks??
And now for some personal editorializing of my own:
1. Personally, I agree with the announced policy, other than the
departmentalizing of non-smoking areas and the retroactive effectivity.
2. I believe that each employee does have the right to work in an
environment where smoke does not endanger his health or significantly
affect his comfort or productivity.
3. I believe that smokers should have the right to smoke in areas where
they are not endangering anyone's health other than their own, nor
significantly affecting anyone else's comfort or productivity.
4. I wonder why I wasn't consulted regarding the Smoking policy??
Dan Van
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SUTTLES "Talk data to me..." 13-SEP-1988 12:34:17.39
CC:
Subj: policy-making policies
This is it. This is where the smoke (what else?) hits the fan.
There are two things I want to say: There are some additional oddities that
Dan was too couthful to point out, and I would like to make public my
extreme disappointment in the necessity of any policy at all.
First, the peculiarities that strike me:
Since part of the policy's justification was to comply with Milpitas
law, which I have been told states that there is no smoking even in individual
offices, does that mean that Engineering (the largest "non-designated" area)
does not have to comply with the law?
What are the penalties for non-compliance? And are the violators of
the last three weeks excused from them? If so, why not the next three weeks?
If not, what is the point of a post-dated rule, and when does it become
effective?
What about the rights of non-smokers outside? We're all on the same
planet, you know. If I can tell if the guy on the other end of the building
is smoking because of the ventilation system, don't you think when we are
both outside, in the same room, so to speak, I can tell if he lights up?
Nevermind that each one of us comes to work in a motor vehicle that emits more
airborne poison by itself than all the smokers in the company combined, I
demand the right (as a non-smoker, thus given priority by the policy) to go
outside and breathe untainted, pure smog. While I can't do anything about
the thousands of smokers we share the air with, the 20 or so that are
unfortunate enough to work at Atari MUST go through withdrawal or leave the
Santa Clara valley. Again, since I am a non-smoker, I have precedence, and
therefore, this is automatically the new policy.
Exactly where is the designated smoking area in the cafeteria?
Since over half of the company's work space is now designated no
smoking, those smokers that are concientious and actually making an effort
to be considerate, will put off their need til lunch, and take advantage of
said designated smoking area in the cafeteria, moving smoke that would have
been distributed throughout two buildings into one concentrated space (where
people are trying to eat). The smoke can't be forced to stay in the designated
area. From the point of view of non-smokers who also eat (that includes most,
I believe), is this better?
Lastly,
I do not dispute the necessity for a formal policy regarding smoking.
It has become quite apparent over the last several days. I am, however,
thoroughly disappointed that we cannot be adults and come to mutually
acceptable agreements without having our corporate mommies settle the
fighting. "He was trying to kill me" and "That's cuz he was smoking in
my space" are both inappropriate positions to hold, let alone defend.
Wherever there are children, though, there will be Peacemakers.
Actually, these are two sides of the same coin. It is difficult
to formalize a reasonable settlement between two parties in dispute, and
set them down into rules that are equitable regardless of point-of-view
and personal values. Ask anyone who's gone through divorce, or even
considered it! Everyone loses. It becomes necessary to legislate rights
when, and only when, rights are not respected without the laws and policies
that are otherwise put in force. The first time some atrocity is committed,
there are no applicable laws; they are enacted to avoid/punish subsequent
offenses. However, if we would respect the rights of others, there wouldn't
be a need for these things. Or the other side of that coin: if THEY would
respect OUR rights, WE wouldn't have to legislate against THEM. Doesn't anyone
see the WE are THEY and vice versa?
As always, complaints to this address. I, at least, will make peace
with those who have a different opinion than myself.
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::MILTY 13-SEP-1988 16:09:10.97
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: THE "P" WORD
......AND ANOTHER GOOD IDEA,

THE POLICY REGARDING THE MAKING OF POLICY.......
FROM THE "LET'S POLICY 'TILL IT HURTS" CAMPAIGN

___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::LICHAC 14-SEP-1988 09:03:24.60
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: COMPANY POLICIES
EFFECTIVE TODAY, THE SANTA CRUZ DRESS CODE POLICY WILL BE ENFORCED IN THE
MECHANICAL DESIGN AREAS UNTIL THE ATARI POLICY IS APPROVED RETROACTIVELY.......
NO SHIRTS
NO SHOES
NO SERVICE
THE MANAGEMENT
___________________________________________________________________________
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Coffee Regulations
Date Issued: May 26, 1978

Even though the policy is being announced today, the
verbal policy has been in effect for over ten years.
Purpose: To keep coffee-stimulant available at all times of need.
Policy: Any person who drinks coffee, will be required to make a
new pot of coffee if that person takes the last cup.
Enforcement: Any employee found not complying with this policy will
be sentenced to clean hardened sludge from coffee pots
for a period not to exceed one month and will also
be subjected to working in Mechanical under the direction
of "Captain Windex" until the employee achieves a whole
new attitude.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::ROTBERG "Professor of Gonzo" 15-SEP-1988 14:27:58.44
To: GROSSMAN,STUN,HALLY,BURGESS,COMSTOCK,RAY,ROTBERG,MONCRIEF,BEHENSKY,MARGO
LIN,MOTT
CC:
Subj: Status report
STUN RUNNER
STUN RUNNER
GAME DEVELOPMENT STATUS STUN RUNNER
DATE: 8 SEP 88
PL: MIKE HALLY DATE STARTED: 28 APR 88
9 JUN 88 PROJECT LEADER: HALLY START DATE: 2 MAY 88
LAB: STUN RUNNER EXT: 1727 OR 1720 NUMBER: 571
TEAM NU MULTISYNC
| | SCHEDULE or | MISSED DATES |
| | <OCCURANCE> | |
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROJECT START: < 2 MAY 88>
1ST REVIEW: < 6 JUL 88> 8 JUL 88
MULTISYNC PCB DEBUGGED < 1 AUG 88>
2ND REVIEW: < 2 SEP 88> 24 AUG 88 15 AUG 88
3RD REVIEW: 14 OCT 88
FOCUS GROUP 16 NOV 88
4TH REVIEW: 13 JAN 89
FIELD TEST: 10 FEB 89
PROD RELEASE: 19 APR 89
FGA 4 JUN 89
SOFTWARE:
Andy to be working on traffic smarts.
Ed has been working on converting the project over to the Arium
development system, and that process is now completed. The shot
collision algorithm has now been fully debugged. Ed is moving on
to implementing the tunnel splits, and then on to implementing
driving in the large open areas to be added to the game.
HARDWARE:
Still waiting for the GSP code for the new MultiSync board before
being able to convert over to it.
GRAPHICS:
Will to be working on additional traffic(Carrier Van,Authority
car, Transport Truck) and sparks !!!!!!!!!!
Sam to be working on new tunnel sections( pieces under
construction, some backgrounds to fit outside tunnel).
Kris to be working on additional sub-station pieces and the
intro lab room.
MOST IMPORTANT:
Have not yet recieved a priority list from R&D !!!!!
From: MIKE::BORNN "SUZY-Q" 15-SEP-1988 16:08:57.58

To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: WANTED
*****WANTED*****
I AM MOVING OUT OF STATE AND PLANNING ON TAKING MY FULL GROWN CAT.
FIRST OF ALL, I NEED A VERI KENNEL [TRAVEL BOX]. IF ANYONE OUT THERE
IN VAXLAND HAS ONE THEY WANT TO GIVE UP OR SELL REASONABLY, HERE'S
YOUR BUYER. ALSO IF ANYONE HAS EXPERIENCED TRAVELING WITH A PET,
I'M INTERESTED IN ANY FEEDBACK YOU MIGHT HAVE.
THANKS IN ADVANCE,
SUE
___________________________________________________________________________
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: DON'T END UP LIKE ME
SINCE WE'RE ON THE SUBJECT (OF LUNGS, THAT IS) I WISH TO WARN EVERYONE:
THE PEOPLE THAT PLAN WHEN MOVES OCCUR DON'T GIVE A S___ ABOUT YOUR
HEALTH. WHEN IT COMES TIME FOR YOU TO MOVE (YOU KNOW IT'LL HAPPEN TO
YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY) PUT UP A STINK (SORRY) WAY AHEAD OF TIME NOT TO
BE MOVED IN FOR AT LEAST 3 WEEKS AFTER THE NEW AREA IS COMPLETE.
OTHERWISE, YOU TOO CAN ENJOY CONGESTED LUNGS, RAW THROATS, AND THAT
WONDERFUL TASTE OF CARPET ADHESIVE AND PAINT FUMES IN YOUR MOUTH.
INSIST ON YOUR RIGHT TO HAVE THE CHEMICALS BAKED OUT OF THE AREA
BEFORE YOU MOVE IN.
WHAT REALLY MISTIFIES ME, IS WHAT THE RUSH WAS TO MOVE US?
I SUSPECT IT WAS STRICTLY THE CONVENIENCE OF WHOEVER WAS MAKING THE SCHEDULE.
(YES I MEANT MISTIFY, SINCE THATS WHAT I'M CURRENTLY BREATHING.)
SINCERELY, AND I HOPE THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES ARE PAYING ATTENTION,
DAVE "WHAT'S OSHA'S NUMBER?" SHERMAN
___________________________________________________________________________
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: DON'T END UP LIKE ME
SINCE WE'RE ON THE SUBJECT (OF LUNGS, THAT IS) I WISH TO WARN EVERYONE:
THE PEOPLE THAT PLAN WHEN MOVES OCCUR DON'T GIVE A S___ ABOUT YOUR
HEALTH. WHEN IT COMES TIME FOR YOU TO MOVE (YOU KNOW IT'LL HAPPEN TO
YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY) PUT UP A STINK (SORRY) WAY AHEAD OF TIME NOT TO
BE MOVED IN FOR AT LEAST 3 WEEKS AFTER THE NEW AREA IS COMPLETE.
OTHERWISE, YOU TOO CAN ENJOY CONGESTED LUNGS, RAW THROATS, AND THAT
WONDERFUL TASTE OF CARPET ADHESIVE AND PAINT FUMES IN YOUR MOUTH.
INSIST ON YOUR RIGHT TO HAVE THE CHEMICALS BAKED OUT OF THE AREA
BEFORE YOU MOVE IN.
WHAT REALLY MISTIFIES ME, IS WHAT THE RUSH WAS TO MOVE US?
I SUSPECT IT WAS STRICTLY THE CONVENIENCE OF WHOEVER WAS MAKING THE SCHEDULE.
(YES I MEANT MISTIFY, SINCE THATS WHAT I'M CURRENTLY BREATHING.)
SINCERELY, AND I HOPE THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES ARE PAYING ATTENTION,
DAVE "WHAT'S OSHA'S NUMBER?" SHERMAN
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: YANA - Yet Another New Assembler
Yet another new assembler.

I have received the latest and greatest (their words!)
assembler from Intermetrics.
They say there are no bugs in this version!!
If you would like to use it you must do the following in your login.com:
$ @gawd$sysdevice:[c68r5v0]cdefs.com ! setup new interc stuff
Then to use the old assembler use:

$ asm68
To use the new assembler use:
$ asm68000
or
$ asm68010
or
$ asm68020
Which ever one better fits the processor you are using.
If you try out this new assembler please report any bugs to me, thanks.
Following is the online docs for the assembler:
1 ASM68
Assemble a 68000 (68010, 68020, 68881) program with the
InterTools Cross Assembler.
ASM6800 prog.68k [options]
Output is a file of object text (prog.ol) and optional listing files.
2 Listing_options
Fifteen switches control the listings generated by the
assembler.
3 /A
Generate source listing and show included source.
3 /G
Generate global symbol table listing.
3 /L[=lfn]
Specify the name of the listing file.
The /L[=lfn] switch causes the listing to be written to file `lfn`.
If lfn is omitted, write to source_file.lis.
3 /NOI
Suppress listing of conditional assembly directives.
3 /NOMC
Suppress listing of macro invocations.
3 /NOMD
Suppress listing of macro definitions.
3 /MA
Show all macro expansions.
3 /MG
Show expansion of macro lines that generate object code.
3 /PG[=lines]
Set lines-per-page to lines. If lines is omitted, suppress pagination.
3 /PS
Show code generated for structured syntax.
3 /SO
Generate source listing.
3 /SYM
Generate symbol table listing.
3 /TR
Trim comments from listing.
3 /UNL
Show unassembled source.
3 /X
Generate cross-reference listing on source_file.lis.
2 Include_Options
Use these options to specify the directories in which
the assembler will look for include files.
3 /I=(dir1[,dir2,...])
Define user include directory(ies). Up to 32 permitted.
3 /MI=mfn
Pre-include file mfn into source stream.
3 /SY=(dir1[,dir2,...])
Define system include directory(ies). Up to 32 permitted.
2 Code_Generation_Options
These switches are used to force PC-relative addressing or
to specify the offset size of branches. These options
mimic the assembler OPT directives.
3 /ABS
Force absolute addressing.
3 /BRS
Use 8-bit addressing for forward (undefined) branches.
3 /BRW
Use 16-bit addressing for forward (undefined) branches.
3 /FRS
Use short addressing for forward (undefined) references.
3 /PCO
Force PC-relative addressing in absolute section.
3 /PCS
Force PC-relative addressing in relocatable section.
2 Misc_Options
3 /DE
Generate symbolic debugging information. The default is no symbolic
debugging information. Symbol information can be displayed with
the SYMLIST symbol list utility, and can be be read by the XDB
symbolic debugger.
3 /E[=efn]
Write all error messages to efn. If efn is omitted,
suppress all messages.
3 /FO
Fold all identifiers to upper case.
3 /O=ofn
Write object module to file ofn.
3 /W[=n]
Suppress warning messages of severity less than or
equal to 'n' (default 10).
3 /V
The /V switch causes the compiler to display a verification message
at each phase of the compiler.
@(#)m/r/c68kv/asm68.hlp 1.3
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::SHEPPERD 16-SEP-1988 13:58:24.07
CC:
Subj: Intermetrics tools
In response to Jim's previous mail message(s), I think you should be using

one of the following logical names instead of GAWD$SYSDEVICE:[bla_bla]:
$ @IM_OLDTOOLS:[COM]CDEFS !to use the previous version of
! the InterMetrics tools
$ @IM_TOOLS:[COM]CDEFS !to use the current version
$ @IM_NEWTOOLS:[COM]CDEFS !to use the newest version
What will happen is IM_NEWTOOLS will always be set to point to the newest
release of the Intermetrics tools. After sufficient testing of the tools,
IM_TOOLS will be set to point to that version and IM_OLDTOOLS will be set to
point to the previous version. You will be notified of any or all of these
changes, and they are unlikely to occur more often than the lifetime of a game
project. As an example, the current assignments are:
IM_OLDTOOLS points to version 3.1
IM_TOOLS points to version 3.1
IM_NEWTOOLS points to version 5.0
If version 5 is accepted, the names will be changed to:
IM_OLDTOOLS will point to version 3.1
IM_TOOLS will point to version 5.0
IM_NEWTOOLS will point to version 5.0
I recommend you NOT use physical device names (such as gawd$sysdevice) since
they are subject to change.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DURFEY 16-SEP-1988 14:27:20.23
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Sailing
How would you like to sail on a 100 foot antique sailing vessle
for one half a day on the bay?? Cost is $30.00 including BBQ chicken lunch
(bring your own drinks). Time is Sun, Sept. 25 from noon to 6:00 pm.
Moored in China Basin, SFO. Coast Guard Zero Tolerance enforced (no drugs).
For further info contact Cyndy Petroka at 433-5240. Need to reserve your
place by Sept. 23.
(Cyndy used to work at Atari a few years ago)

___________________________________________________________________________
To: @sys$mail:everybody,SHEPPERD
CC:
Subj: U say U cain't spel? Me either...
This is for EDT and TPU users; WMC users will not find this utility of
any value.
During the printer room shuffle I found a program that I believe was left
behind by the consumer group. It's a spelling checker/corrector from DEC.
I installed it on all the systems today. It seems to be kind of neat. It's
a lot better than Webster and the Unix spelling checkers. The only pain
might be the editor. It only allows you to edit one line of text. To use
it type:
$ SPELL/KEY=EDT filename
I think you'll want the /KEY=EDT otherwise it defaults to a WPS keypad
for editing and it's anybody's guess what that is. The first time it
runs, it'll ask if you want a personal dictionary created (defaults to
yes). I recommend it. It then displays your file in a window with the
questioned words highlighted. The word highlighted the brightest is the
one it is currently asking about. In the lower window it displays a list
of words that it thinks you meant (if any). Use the left/right arrow
keys to select the correct word and type return to select it. All the
words in the file matching the questioned word will be corrected (if
the global replace option is in effect). You may also use the up/down
arrow to switch to the other options line and either type the first
letter of the command and return or use the arrow keys and return to
select the option.
Your personal dictionary is an ASCII file located in your home directory
(SYS$LOGIN:PERSONAL.LGP) and you can edit it and add words of your
choosing. You may also have multiple dictionaries or none. The command
line options:
/NOPERSONAL !selects no personal dictionary
/PERSONAL=file !selects file other that PERSONAL.LGP
/DICT=(file[,...]) !selects multiple dictionaries
/OUTPUT=file !gives a new name to output file
! the default is the same name as the input
/NOOUTPUT !if you don't want an output file.
! you can still add words to your
! personal dictionary though
The only syntax requirement for dictionary files is that there be spaces
or new-lines separating the words in the file. Words may appear in any order.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::OHARA "gems - faster then a speeding pullet" 19-SEP-1988 08
:48:11.01
CC:
Subj: Phone List
New phone lists are now available from my office, they are
dated 15-SEP-1988. There have been a lot of changes and additions
in the past month so I suggest you make the effort to get one.
Also the format has changed slightly, it is now two sided
with Atari Games phone list on one side and Tengen, AOI, and
Offsite numbers on the back. This was forced by our recent
expansion but has the added benefit of allowing me to include
miscellaneous numbers such as the credit union, etc.
As always fone or find functions still work.
Finally, let me take the opportunity to thank Jeff Bell
without whom the list would not exist in the formats available
now. However, he does not maintain the list, so give all
changes, additions, and deletions to me via OHARA, x3746 or
leave a message with Steph.
thank you,
gems
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOWNEND 23-SEP-1988 17:09:31.47
CC:
Subj: SAC Audio PC Board Cost
Based on Data in the cost accounting system (MANMAN), Here is some Cost data
on the SAC Audio PCB:
Cost w/o EPROM'S: $118.56
(5) 27512's: 30.00
-------
Total: 148.56
This is based on the initial Cyberball release quantiyi
(oops) quantity of 350 PC boards.
It includes some very good prices though:
- 4-layer PCB @ $24.00 or $.288 per sq. inch (10.75x7.75 inches)
- 68000, plastic, 8 MHZ @ $3.40
- 8k x 8 100nS SRAMs @ 3.55
- (14) esoteric caps in the filter @ $10.00 total (Thanks, Erwin)
- Yamaha chip set (YM3012 & YM2151) @ $33.86 total
I have detailed printouts for anyone that is interested.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::MCCARTHY 23-SEP-1988 19:11:30.15
CC:
Subj: Another meeting
It is time to have another meeting of hardware people.

Rich Moore, John Ray and Chris Downend have agreed of come and discuss
some long term issues.
How about this Wednesday (9-28) at 2.00 pm.

Agenda is more or less the same as the last time. The topics are still current.
Agenda : planned deactivation of components from the avl
Industry RAM shortage.
Stamp hardware integration (MOB et al.) forum.
Any other business.
Classes.
Matrix of hardwares.
Pat.
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: The new color plotter
I finally got the damn device driver and print symbiont working for the
color printer. I can't recommend writing VMS device drivers and symbionts
as a recreational activity.
Anyhow, it's quite simple to use. You might want to define a word to
short cut it even further:
$ PRINT/QUE=TEK filename.type
The system will assume a .LIS filetype (sorry, can't make it not do that) and
Dave Theurer's TEK writer program(s) create files with null filetypes so you
will typically have to suffix a period (.) to your filename.
The only qualifiers on the print command that do anything are the
/QUE and /NOTIFY. All the others (such as /HEAD/FLAG/BURST etc)
are accepted but ignored.
If you use /NOTIFY, the system will beep your terminal when it has finished
sending the file to the printer but before the printer has imaged and
printed your picture (it'll probably be done doing those by the
time you get to the printer room). If there's an error either in the file
or with the transfer of the file to the printer or with the printer itself
you will be notified ONLY if you use the /NOTIFY switch on the PRINT
command. If you don't use /NOTIFY and there is an error, the system will
not tell you and it will simply toss your picture into the bit bucket.
I recommend you always use /NOTIFY.
There are 3 errors that may be reported:
1) %SYSTEM-F-DEVOFFLINE, Device not available...
which means the printer is not plugged in and/or turned on.
2) %RMS-F-ILLREC, Illegal record type
which means the file preamble is incorrect. See Dave Theurer if you get
this error. The Tektronix printer requires a specially formatted file
with several thousand bytes of information about how to format the picture,
how the colors are defined etc. You can only print files that have been
correctly formatted. If there is an error in the format, the system
will return this error.
3) %SYSTEM-F-DEVCMDERR, Device command error
which means the printer generated a fault condition. This may be due to
bad data in the file, various timeouts or the printer ran out of paper
or ribbon.
There may be a bunch of other errors generated by the job controller,
symbiont routines, run time library and others that just haven't popped
up yet. If you get any of these, let me know.
Now a word about the printer. The Tektronix printer appeared to be the
best of all the color printers that were available within a $10k
budget. It still appears that way, however, it does require some TLC.
I believe you may need to clean the heads after printing around a dozen
pages or so. The cleaning procedure is very easy, not the least bit
messy, takes only about 30 seconds and can make all the difference in
the world on the clarity of your print. If your picture appears a little
fuzzy or has blotches in it, then the heads need cleaning. Come see me
if you want to learn how to clean it. We haven't measured it yet, but
have been told that it costs about 35 cents to print a picture. So please
be reasonable about how many pictures you print.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: The new color plotter
I finally got the damn device driver and print symbiont working for the
color printer. I can't recommend writing VMS device drivers and symbionts
as a recreational activity.
Anyhow, it's quite simple to use. You might want to define a word to
short cut it even further:
$ PRINT/QUE=TEK filename.type
The system will assume a .LIS filetype (sorry, can't make it not do that) and
Dave Theurer's TEK writer program(s) create files with null filetypes so you
will typically have to suffix a period (.) to your filename.
The only qualifiers on the print command that do anything are the
/QUE and /NOTIFY. All the others (such as /HEAD/FLAG/BURST etc)
are accepted but ignored.
If you use /NOTIFY, the system will beep your terminal when it has finished
sending the file to the printer but before the printer has imaged and
printed your picture (it'll probably be done doing those by the
time you get to the printer room). If there's an error either in the file
or with the transfer of the file to the printer or with the printer itself
you will be notified ONLY if you use the /NOTIFY switch on the PRINT
command. If you don't use /NOTIFY and there is an error, the system will
not tell you and it will simply toss your picture into the bit bucket.
I recommend you always use /NOTIFY.
There are 3 errors that may be reported:
1) %SYSTEM-F-DEVOFFLINE, Device not available...
which means the printer is not plugged in and/or turned on.
2) %RMS-F-ILLREC, Illegal record type
which means the file preamble is incorrect. See Dave Theurer if you get
this error. The Tektronix printer requires a specially formatted file
with several thousand bytes of information about how to format the picture,
how the colors are defined etc. You can only print files that have been
correctly formatted. If there is an error in the format, the system
will return this error.
3) %SYSTEM-F-DEVCMDERR, Device command error
which means the printer generated a fault condition. This may be due to
bad data in the file, various timeouts or the printer ran out of paper
or ribbon.
There may be a bunch of other errors generated by the job controller,
symbiont routines, run time library and others that just haven't popped
up yet. If you get any of these, let me know.
Now a word about the printer. The Tektronix printer appeared to be the
best of all the color printers that were available within a $10k
budget. It still appears that way, however, it does require some TLC.
I believe you may need to clean the heads after printing around a dozen
pages or so. The cleaning procedure is very easy, not the least bit
messy, takes only about 30 seconds and can make all the difference in
the world on the clarity of your print. If your picture appears a little
fuzzy or has blotches in it, then the heads need cleaning. Come see me
if you want to learn how to clean it. We haven't measured it yet, but
have been told that it costs about 35 cents to print a picture. So please
be reasonable about how many pictures you print.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::BENZLER 27-SEP-1988 12:32:59.13
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK,BENZLER
CC:
Subj: Name That Game!!!
Why "Hard Drivin'?"

We are looking for alternative names for Hard Drivin' and would like your
input. So this is your chance to be creative or at least cast a vote for
your favorite name.
(Now, Ms. Mott, we know that as a former computer systems specialist
you may have ways to stuff the ballot box in favor of your name choice,
but we'll trust you to try and remain impartial.)
The following is a list of names that have been suggested for the Moncrief
group's driving simulator game. Take a few moments of creative energy
and try to add new alternatives to this list or just vote for your favorite.
Send your reply to this address. Thanks a lot! --Linda
Hard Drivin' Slipstream Heavy Pedal Crash N' Burn
Motor Mania Pocket Rocket Bondurant Sears Point
Saleen Cobra Lean Mean Driving Machine 'Stang
Mustang Sally Radical Rider Racing Madness Replay
Simu-drive Ferrari Contash 'Vette
Cobra Spin Out Free Wheelin' Lead Foot
Flat Out!! Haulin' Eh? NO 55 (circle/slash) Can't Drive 55
Clutch Poppin' Gear Grindin' Drivin' Stunt Racer
Real Drivin' Hot Racer Off Road Suicide
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: Name That Game!!!
Wow!
Great response so far. Keep those votes coming in!!!
Here's a few more new ideas for your consideration:
Wipe Out Floor it!
Wheels of Death Over Drive
Cool Rider Double Clutchin'
Stunt Car Cross Country
Stunt Man Autobahn
Stunt Driver Own the Road
Stunt Trainer Cherry
Stuntulator R.P.M.
Simu-Stunt Road Test
Super Challenge Driving Road Hog
Head On Test Driver
And more!
--Linda
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: Symbols? We don't need no stinking symbols...
I just released v2.6 of LLF. There are a few minor modifications to the
source code to correct compile time problems for C68k and Xenix. These
changes were mostly confined inside conditionals, but some were not.
The one other change was the addition of an feature to exclude symbols
from the output file. To use this feature, you'll need an option file.
Stick the word NOSYMBOL (can be abbreviated) between the FILE or
LIBRARY command and the open paren. For example:
FILE NOSYM ( fred )
will exclude symbols defined in fred from the output file. If you use
this on a LIBRARY command, then all symbols defined by all the files
extracted from the library will be excluded from the output file. If, on
the command line, you don't specify a /SYM or do specify a /REL, then
the NOSYMBOL option is ignored.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOWNEND 28-SEP-1988 10:08:47.35
CC:
Subj: SCOM IC Class
As you may know most of our games use the SCOM serial communications chip
as the interface between the main game PCB and the SA or SAC audio PCB's.
We are going to have a class on SCOM. The goal is to give you what you need to:
1) comfortably design SCOM into your design.
2) write your own SCOM driver and talk to a SA or SAC audio PCB.
3) use the existing utility software package and its SA/SAC audio PCB handler.
Gary Stempler will describe SCOM internal operation, interfacing, and operating
characteristics. Rusty Dawe will describe how the RPM sound driver program on
the SA/SAC PCB uses the SCOM chip including error handling and do's and do'nts
for the programmer. Mike Albuagh will describe how the Utility Software code
handles sound-related calls and how it interfaces with RPM on the sound PCB.
MEETING: SCOM CLASS
WHEN: FRIDAY, 9/30/88 @ 11:00 AM
WHERE: Central Conference Room
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::THEURER 28-SEP-1988 14:18:17.73
To: @SYS$MAIL:ANIMATORS,@SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER,THEURER
CC:
Subj: Easier Color Printing
Thanks to a LOT of extra work by Dave Shepperd you can now print
directly to the Tektronix color printer from the VAX.
The printing program has been updated to automatically print your
file after it is generated.
The updated documentation for printing a RAD or PIF file is located
in [theurer.cop.tek]tek.doc
Dave T......
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: Name That Game
Wow! There are too many of you to thank individually, so...

Thanks to all of you who responded and especially to those who added
to the list of alternative names for Hard Drivin'.
I will be compiling a complete list of all suggestions and will review
them all with the engineering team and the marketing/sales group this
week. Just FYI, there were many votes to keep Hard Drivin' and, as for
new suggestions, Crash N' Burn and Stunt Racer seem to be the most
popular.
Thanks again!
--Linda
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::BRAD 30-SEP-1988 16:37:04.30
CC:
Subj:
R E M I N D E R
If, for some reason, you haven't seen the posters around the building
we are starting a BIBLE STUDY every thursday from 12pm to 1pm in the Central
Conference Room starting October 6. We are starting off with a self study
series designed to give a broad survey of Christianity using easy to follow
booklets. Booklets may be obtained from Chris Downend (x1719).
* MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDAR *

Hope to see you then!
- brad -
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 3-OCT-1988 14:02:38.85
To: BERT::BENZLER,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: RE: Name That Game
You forgot "Street Legal" .
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SNYDER 5-OCT-1988 10:57:21.82
CC:
Subj: growth motion objects
GROWTH MOTION OBJECT HARDWARE REQUESTS

Engineering Conference Room
Thursday, October 6, 1988 at 2 PM
Many people have expressed their interest in using the new growth motion
object hardware. At this time, Quest is the only implementation of that
hardware.
The Quest hardware has a horizontally scrolling playfield of 64x30 stamps
that is visible in a 32x30 window on the left hand edge of the screen. On the
right hand edge of the screen is a 10x30 strip of alphanumerics. Each scan
line of the scrolling playfield has its own HSCROLL value. Both playfield and
alpha pictures have one word specifiers.
Overlayed above the playfield, are the growth motion objects. The interface
to the programmer is very similar to that used in other hardwares except that 2
new parameters (MOSIZE and MOPRI) have been added to specify the size and video
priority of each object. These motion objects are built up in two 8-bit deep
frame buffer that can be swapped every 1, 2, or 3 frames. Each frame, about
1 1/2 screens of motion objects can be drawn in the frame buffers.
Quest will soon start PCB layout, so if anyone has requests or ideas about
additions or features to add to the current board, please attend the meeting
at the time and place given above. Since technician and engineering time is
at a premium now, if your suggestions or ideas are not heard from at this time,
it may significantly delay when these new features were available on a working
hardware.
Thank You,
Doug Snyder
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::BOHANNON "Steph" 5-OCT-1988 11:18:23.38
To: MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: message
Hi Jed!
Could you stop by my cubicle sometime after 1 this afternoon. I'd like you to
choose your ten year service award so I can place the order.
Thank You
Yvette (x5850)
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::MCCARTHY 5-OCT-1988 11:59:22.91
CC:
Subj: Hardware meeting notes.
Notes from Hardware meeting on 9/28/88
Attendees : Albaugh, Arvidson, Downend, Hoff, Ly, Mc Carthy, Mc Namara,
Meyette, Moncrief, Moore, Ray, Snyder, Stempler.
The original of this document will reside (for a few months) at
KIM$USERDISK:[MCCARTHY.HARDWARE]hdw92888.mtg
Summary of discussions:
. Glenn Mc Namara was welcomed as a new Tech. Assoc. for Johns team.
Mike Huy Nguyen is a new engineer working on system 3-D with Morgan et al.
A new engineer (Ted ???) will be starting in a couple of weeks in Johns
team. We still have two open requisitions for techs or tech associates,
one each for Chris's and Rich's team.
. Components:
Rick Meyette and Erwin Arvidson gave an account of what is happening with
the deactivation of some of the older components. Thanks, guys, for coming
by. If you need to re-activate a component call components, or give them a
CER.
RAM IC availability is still a problem. Current pricing for static RAMs is
about $3.60 - $6.00 for 8Kx8 (depending on how soon you want them and what
speed you need) and around $12 for 32Kx8. Erwin was asked to source 32Kx8
parts as they will be used on ESCAPE...
VRAMs and DRAMs are major problems for those using them.
If anyone can summarize either the current V/DRAM or Static RAM situation
with pricing information, please VAXMAIL it to me or sys$mail:hardware.
Rich Moncrief expressed concern at the lack of central information about
components and component costs using either AVL or DATATRIEVE. Rick
Meyette suggested that the TR card program that they are working on may
help that situation.
. Planning.
The rest of the meeting was devoted to long term planning and discussion
of hardware issues.
Most people expressed a general lack of strategic planning, coordination,
direction, communication, and/or goals. Rich, Chris and John indicated
that in finding a solution to these problems they had no desire to
dictate, but would rather let the Engineers define the direction to go.
They suggested four main areas that could be defined as long term goals.
These were :
Common hardware chip set
Standardization
Cost reduction
New design innovation
Analysis of Competitor products was added by Rick Moncrief as a
valuable exercise.
John Ray suggested a coordinated monthly meeting as a valuable
communications exercise. Rick Moncrief suggests that as a group we have the
talent to do the best, lowest cost hardware of any of our competitors, then
asks what will we have a year from now.
A strategic planning session was set up for 10.00am on Thursday, with Rich
Moore, John Ray, Chris Downend, Pat Mc Carthy, Gary Stempler, Doug Snyder
and Rick Moncrief attending. Lyle Rains joined in the discussion towards
the end. Some notes from this meeting :
It was stated that the current target is for 8-10 new game start-ups in the
coming year. The existing hardwares were stated as : Driver, 3-D,
Romalot, Qdeck/War, Cyberball, Tetris, Growth-Motion, though Romalot,
Qdeck/War, Cyberball and Tetris were closely related to each other.
. Chip-set / cost-reduction / standardization.
A Common hardware chip set leads to both Standardization and Cost
reduction. The STAMP chip set was stated as the basis of a high quality
$100 stamp type hardware. The VAD chip is expected to save $10, the Shifter
chip $5-$8 depending on what extra hardware features were required. Doug
expressed interest in a doing a Priority Chip with many applications.
Continued use of stamp type hardware for a significant portion of our
products is expected. This makes a cost effective stamp chip set a very
desirable asset.
. Innovation.
New design innovation was required to provide growth opportunity. Current
or new innovative hardware ideas are:
Driver (Moncrief et al).
System 3-D (Hoff et al).
Growth Motion (Snyder).
Growth and rotate (new suggestion). Ala Assault.
Bit Map (new suggestion). Possible a TMS34010 and a TWIG, or some
other low cost bit map system.
Some new innovative hardwares should be developed in advance before a game
project and programmer is assigned. Doug demonstrated the value of this
with his Growth Motion Object hardware.
. Analysis of Competitor products:

Doug, Gary and Rick agreed to cost out some of our competitors hardwares.
The general feeling was that our competitors have no significant
electronics cost advantage over us for equally capable hardwares. The main
difference between competitor games and our games was the quantity of
memory, (program and graphics). We appear to use twice as much memory.
. Support:
The main requirements for support at the moment are in AUDIO hardware and
an ASAP development system.
The S.A. Audio board did the job it was required to do i.e. separate Audio
technical advances from Project schedules and provide a common standard
audio configuration. The SAC audio board on the other hand is far to
expensive for what it does. Until someone can come up with a more effective
way to do what we want in terms of generating audio there will probably be
little on no hardware effort put into audio. We can try to cost reduce both
the S.A. board and the SAC board but that is not the most effective use of
a Hardware engineers time at the moment. Rick suggested that the ELSIE chip
may be a solution. That is an Analog devices 2100 DSP packaged with RAM,
ROM, TIMER and Serial port all in one chip, available sometime nest year.
Doug suggested that the ASAP chip may also provide a solution.
Lyle suggested that an ASAP development system was a high priority as no
development on the ASAP chip (expected early next year) could be done
until one was available. Doug, Pat and Gary agreed to get together soon to
work out some of the fundamental issues.
Current plans expressed by the engineers are :-
Pat : Incorporate MOB into Romalot, (MOBALOT)
Design the VAD chip,
Work on ASAP development system.
Doug : Continue development on Growth Motion object
Convert Growth MO hardware to use ASAP when available
Gary : Continue War/Qdeck
Possibly look at a new Growth/Rotation method.
Thank you for reading this far.

Comments and discussion on all of the above are welcomed.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::BRAD 5-OCT-1988 17:53:08.33
CC:
Subj: Don't Forget!
Bible Study starts tomorrow in the Central Conference

room from 12:00 to 1:00. If you don't already have
your booklet you can pick one up tomorrow at the first
meeting.
See ya then!
- brad -
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOWNEND 7-OCT-1988 12:29:39.92
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER, GROSSMAN, BJORKQUIST
CC:
Subj: Buying prototype material in excess of $50.00
As in the past, we can put through a check request to get a check cut
to buy items in the $50-$500 range. Here is the new part:
Checks will be issued Wednesday mornings for check requests received by
Cyndy up to the previous Monday. This means you have to plan ahead (horrors)
up to one week.
Worst case:
If you turn in a check request Tuesday afternoon, you will
get your check 8 days later.
Best case:
If you turn in your check request Monday afternoon, you will
get your check 2 days later.
If you are asking Karen to get something for you, be sure to give her time
to find out what it costs too.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 7-OCT-1988 17:46:23.84
To: @DISTR.LIS,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: Sega Space Harrier PC Board Costs
At Rick's request I have done an estimate of the PC Board costs for Sega's
Space Harrier.
Where possible, prices are taken from Downend memo, 4 Oct 88, P.O.W analysis.
Not having a board set to examine, I have made a lot of guesses.
Assumes maximum amount of memory.
CPU Board ICS $121

PC Board @$0.35/sq. in. 8x10??? $ 28
----
$149
ROM Board: ICs $102

PC Board @$0.35/sq. in. 4x10??? $ 14
----
$116
Sound Board ICs $ 90

PC Board @$0.35/sq. in. 8x10??? $ 28
----
$118
Control Board ICs $132

PC Board @$0.35/sq. in. 8x10??? $ 28
----
$160
Grand Total for CPU Board, ROM Board, Sound Board, and Control Board: $543
CPU Board
---------
68000-6 2 $3.50 $7.00
27256 19 $3.00 $57.00
8Kx8 SRAM, 150 ns 4 $3.50 $14.00
2Kx8 SRAM, 120 ns 2 $2.00 $4.00
Custom (PALs?):
315-5025 (CPU, Sheet 4, 9S) 1 $1.25 $1.25
Misc:
8255-2 PIA 2 $4.00 $4.00
25 MHz Osc Module 1 $2.50 $2.50
Reset IC at 5B? 1 $2.00 $2.00
ADC0804 8 bit A/D 1 $1.00 $1.00
4051 Analog Mux 1 $ .50 $ .50
TLP521 Quad Opto-Coupler 4 $0.50 $2.00
VLN2003 Quad Trans. array 5 $0.50 $2.50
8 Position DIP Switch 2 $0.40 $0.80
ToTaL TTL: 52 $0.30 $15.60
Connectors:
Yamaichi Type Conn., 50 pin 3 $1 $3
Yamaichi Type Conn., 34 pin 1 $1 $1
AMP Type Conn, 10 pin 1 $1 $1
AMP Conn., 50 pin 1 $1 $1
AMP Conn., 26 pin 1 $1 $1
------
Total $121
================================================================================
ROM Board:
---------
27256/27128/2764/64k SRAM 32 $3.00 $96.00
82S153, PROM? 1 $2.00 $2.00
ToTal TTL: 6 $0.30 $1.80
Yamaichi conn, 40 pin 2 $1 $2.00
AMP conn, 10 pin 1 $1 $1.00
------
$102.80
Sound Board
-----------
Z80A 1 $3.00 $3.00
27128 4 $3.00 $12.00
2KX8 SRAM 3 $2.00 $6.00
82S153, 256x8 PROM 1 $2.00 $2.00
16 MHz Oscillator Module 1 $2.50 $2.50
Audio:
TL497A 1 $2.00 $2.00
AD561, (DAC1022) 10 Bit D/A 1 $5.00 $5.00
4066, Analog Switch 1 $0.30 $0.30
MF6, Switched Capacitor Filters 2 $2.00 $4.00
YM2203, YM3014 Yamaha Chip Set 1 $34.00 $34.00
TL084 1 $0.50 $0.50
Connectors:
Molex Conn, 6 pin 1 $1 $1
Connector, 34 Pin 1 $1 $1
Connector, 10 pin 1 $1 $1
ToTaL TTL: 52 $0.30 15.60
-------
Total $89.90
Control Board
-------------
Custom or unknown:
315-5049 custom, 64 pins 2 $12.00 $24.00
315-5119 (Sheet 1, 6S) 1 $2.00 $2.00
315-5025 (Sheet 3, 4N) 6 $2.00 $12.00
315-5012 (Sheet 4, 910E) 1 $2.00 $2.00
315-5120 (Sheet 4, 9F) 1 $2.00 $2.00
315-5118 (Sheet 6, 3R) 1 $2.00 $2.00
Z80 1 $3.00 $3.00
27128 6 $3.00 $18.00
2764 1 $2.00 $2.00
8Kx8 SRAM, 150 ns 2 $3.50 $7.00
2Kx8 SRAM, 120 ns 6 $2.00 $12.00
1Kx4 SRAM, 55ns 3 $2.50 $7.50
PAL16R4 1 $1.25 $1.25
PAL16R6 3 $1.25 $3.75
ToTaL TTL: 98 $0.30 28.40

Connectors:
Yamaichi conn, 40 Pin 2 $1 $2
Yamiaich conn, 50 pin 3 $1 $3
------
$131.90
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::THEURER 10-OCT-1988 17:10:27.50
CC:
Subj: RAD file manipulations
[theurer.pps]radmod.doc : Description of radmod program. (10/10/88)
There's a new program that does those things to rad files that you've always
wanted to do.
RAD file operations:
> double or halve each cell in H or V direction
> flip each cell around H or V axis
> rotate each cell 90,180,270 or n degrees
> scale each cell specified percentage in H and V directions
RAD file analysis:
> display pixel values in hex on the screen
> tabulate palette usage for each cell & put results in a list file.
> tabulate pixel usage for each cell & put results in a list file.
To execute program:
$ run [theurer.pps]radmod
and answer all the questions
Notes:
> No picture information is lost when cells are rotated or scaled. The cell
is automatically made bigger to hold the picture if necessary. If the
cells are changed in size, then they will probably be rearranged on the
rad page.
> This is a new program and may have a bug or two. So if you use it and it
does something weird, please save the file & write down what you did.
> It does the operation specified to ALL the cells in the file.
> It creates a new file with only the cell and palette information from the
original file. It doesn't copy any funny stuff you might have on your
pages that's not in a cell. And it doesn't copy over animation parameters.
> It's fast.
> If you want it to do more, lemme know.
From: GAWD::SHEPPERD 11-OCT-1988 17:20:50.89

To: @sys$mail:engineer,@sys$mail:animators,SHEPPERD
CC:
Subj: Color printer probs.
There appears to be a bug in the color printer device driver for the VAX.
It will crash the system (BERT) sometimes for some reason, especially if
more than 1 file is qued up. I suspect it is due to the driver spending
too much time in kernel mode at an elevated priority which may be causing
some ethernet traffic data overruns.
So until I can figure out how to fix it, I've put a band-aid on it by
forcing a time delay of 4 minutes between prints. It seems to take nearly
that long to make a print anyway, so you may not notice a difference
except your terminal won't be beeped until the timeout has lapsed.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::ROTBERG "Professor of Gonzo" 12-OCT-1988 10:26:49.91
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Observations on life...
"The great tragedy of my life is that in my search for the Holy Grail everyone
calls True Love, I see myself as Zorro, a romantic and mysterious highwayman --
and the women I desire see me as Porky Pig."
Harlan Ellison (from "Grail", 1981)
ah-d'bee, ah-d'bee, ah-d'bee That's All Folks....
- The Gonz -
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::BOHANNON "Steph" 14-OCT-1988 16:28:16.38
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: "RULES & REGS"
TO ALL EMPLOYEES: BECAUSE WE ARE HAVING DIFFICULTIES KEEPING UP WITH OUR

SCHLADGE CARDS, SPECIFICALLY THOSE ADSSIGNED TO CONTRACTORS, EFFECTIVE MONDAY
OCT. 17TH EVERYONE WILL BE REQUIRED TO CARRY THERE SCHLADGE CARDS WITH THEM AT
ALL TIMES. IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE, YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO GET THROUGH THE DOOR.
IF YOU FORGOT YOURS YOU WILL HAVE TO GET A DUMMY CARD FROM YOUR DEPARTMENTS
SECRETARY, IF YOU'VE LOST YOURS PLEASE REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY TO SANDY BROWN
WITHOUT DELAY. ABSOLUTLY NO CONTRACTOR BADGES WILL BE GIVEN TO ANYONE ACCEPT
CONTRACTORS, SO PLEASE DON'T ASK FOR ONE. IF YOU ARE A TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE TALK
WITH SANDY BROWN ABOUT GETTING A TEMP SCHLADGE. THIS IS NECESSARY TO KEEP OUR
SECURITY SYSTEM EFFECTIVE.
THANK YOU,
HUMAN RESOURCES
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::HOFF 14-OCT-1988 16:49:00.41
CC:
Subj: IKOS simulation accelerator
The IKOS simulatom accelerator arrived Oct 3. has been installed and, to the
best of my knowledge, is working. The unit is a general purpose digital
simulation accelerator which, if one has or makes the conversion libraries, can
work with gate array and standard cell libraries from VTI, LSI Logic, Fujitsu,
Gould/AMI, National Semiconductor, Mitsubishi, NCR, NEC, OKI, Toshiba, Texas
Instruments, Thomson-Mostek, Intel ... It expects a Futurenet net list.
We have software from IKOS to convert VTI .fns and .hns to this format and we
have the IKOS software to use these VTI libraries: VSC100, VGT100.
Use with other libraries requires that one buy or build the files
required to describe the timing and interconnect of the target library.
Dave, Sam and I took a 2 day introductory course at IKOS on Oct. 10,11
and now know how to get started.
The unit is in the CAD lab just off the System 3D lab area.
Expected first use will be Sam determining the vector coverage of the GOBOT
test. Second use is expected to be by Dave on the Clippy chip or on the
diagnosis of the Zippy.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SUTTLES "Talk data to me..." 14-OCT-1988 17:15:40.92
To: @sys$mail:junk,SUTTLES
CC:
Subj: "Rules & Regs" continued
There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that we will be

putting Schlage controllers on the restrooms by Monday. We don't have
enough sensors on hand to do this, nor do I have the time to install
them.
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::BRAD 17-OCT-1988 13:01:38.95
To: @SYS$MAIL:ENGINEER,BRAD
CC:
Subj: CUSTOMIZED TO DO lists available
Custom designed 'TO DO' lists are available for photo-copying.

FEATURES consist of:
* CUSTOM Monday thru Friday (2 days per page) on 8.5 x 11 paper
(suitable for 3-hole punch)
* Hours calibrated on the half hour from 8am to 8pm.
* PRIORITY A task area (things that are urgent) and
PRIORITY B task area (things that are not so urgent) with task duration.
* PHONE/SEE/E-MAIL area
* NOTES area.
* Seperate PROJECTS area for that week.
Stop by my office to see a working example.
- brad -
x3788
___________________________________________________________________________
CC:
Subj: A new DOWND
I came to my attention a couple days ago that the /SYMBOL and /NOSYMBOL
options in DOWND didn't work quite right, so I think I've fixed it (again).
The options can now be used in a .DLC file and/or on the command line,
however, the command line overrides any used in a .DLC file.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::BELL "Component Engineering - Ext 1750" 20-OCT-1988 17:29:
36.99
CC:
Subj: Checking Assembly Parts Lists
Assembly Parts Lists created on node BERT with Wordmark-Composer may now be
validated against the Approved Vendors List as well as the Document Control
Cardfile. The user will receive a report via VAXMAIL containing a summary of
all un-resolved entries found.
To invoke this utility:
1) Log in to node BERT using your own account.
2) At the VAX system prompt ($) type: @ATARI$AVL:CHECKLIST
3) Follow the prompts to enter the Parts-List Filename (no extension is
required (example, 'A0123456-01' not A0123456-01.WM')). If the Parts-List
is not found in the directory [GRAHAM.TERRI.PARTSLIST], CHECKLIST will
prompt you to enter another directory-name where the file may be found.
4) When you receive a 'New Mail' prompt, enter your mail and examine the
report. You may print or file the report as you would any normal VAXMAIL
message.
Short cuts - You can define a word in your LOGIN.COM file to invoke CHECKLIST
(i.e. $CHECK :==@ATARI$AVL:CHECKLIST )
You can enter the file specification on the same line as the CHECKLIST command
(i.e. @ATARI$AVL:CHECKLIST A0123456-01)
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::WOOD 21-OCT-1988 11:22:58.57
CC:
Subj: Atari Games launches new subsidiary--Tengen Japan
Atari Games Corporation has formed a new subsidiary company called

Tengen Japan which will design and develop consumer entertainment
software for home game and computer systems as well as coin-operated
video games. The company is an extension of the U. S. based software
company, Tengen Inc., which was established in December of 1987 and
currently is developing and marketing video games for the Nintendo
Entertainment System.
Tengen Japan will be based in Tokyo and headed by Kazuo Matsunaga,
President, who has a broad base of experience in research and
development for entertainment products, as he most recently was
responsible for the engineering R&D efforts at Namco Limited. Tengen
Japan is located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
Tengen Inc. and Tengen Japan are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Atari
Games Corporation, a California-based company that prioneered the
video game industry. Since its inception in 1972, Atari Games has
produced over 150 video games and currently has the largest R&D staff
in the United States.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::RAY 24-OCT-1988 17:02:08.64
To: @SYS$MAIL:HARDWARE,RAY
CC:
Subj: Hardware Meeting 10/17/88 Notes
Hardware Meeting 10/17/88
J.Ray 10/24/88
Attendees: Chris Downend, Tim Hubberstey, Pat McCarthy,
Rick Moncrief, Rich Moore, John Ray, Doug Snyder, Gary
Stempler.
Sorry for the late posting of these notes.
Tim Hubberstey was introduced as a new hardware engineer for
NU Team.
It was reported that Doug, Pat, and Gary had done some
initial planning for the ASAP development system. It is
planned to be based upon a PC clone with one or two
additional custom boards external to the PC.
Gary is working on a new audio board called SAD.
Doug determined that the priority chip will not save him any
money in his growth motion object hardware, so he will pass
on designing it.
Three tasks were given to Tim:
1. Priority chip (for MOB and other hardware systems).
Tim will start by getting up to speed on the MOB chip
set and the VTI tools.
2. Help with ASAP development system.
Doug will farm out portions of the system to Tim in
2-4 weeks. Tim will start by getting up to speed on
the ASAP chip.
3. Rotate hardware investigation.
Gary and Tim will both look at competitor's rotation
hardware and propose concepts for an Atari rotation
hardware.
Please let me know of any additions or corrections.
Thanks!!
John
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::HOFF 25-OCT-1988 12:26:32.98
CC:
Subj: IKOS Accelerator
For the DOS ignorant (like myself):

Along with the IKOS manuals there is a now DOS reference guide to
help people using the AT based IKOS system. The book is in the
CAD lab: "DOS QueCards" from QUE.
Morgan
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::WOOD 26-OCT-1988 10:33:21.33
CC:
Subj: Satish Bhutani resigns from Atari
For everybody's information, the following is the press release that

was issued yesterday regarding the resignation of Satish Bhutani:
Satish Bhutani, Vice President of Sales, resigned from Atari Games
Corporation today for personal reasons. Satish will remain with the
company through the end of October. Shane Breaks, Vice President of
International Sales, will substitute for Satish and will fill the
vacant position for the time being.
"We are sorry to see Satish resign his post. We will miss him."
commented Hide Nakajima, President of Atari Games.
To date, a permanent replacement for the position of Vice President
of Sales for Atari has not been announced. Shane Breaks, Vice
President of International Sales, Jim Newlander, Regional Sales
Manager, and Elaine Shirley, Customer Service Manager, are available
to handle all sales inquiries for Atari Games.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::JACKIE 26-OCT-1988 16:51:29.77
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: FAREWELL TO GREG RICE
AS YOU ALL KNOW, GREG RICE IS LEAVING ATARI AND HIS LAST DAY IS FRIDAY.
WE WILL BE SENDING HIM OFF AT EL TORITO'S ON THURSDAY EVENING AFTER WORK
PLEASE COME BY TO SAY GOODBYE AND WISH HIM LUCK, CUZ HE'LL NEED IT!
JACKIE
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::SHEPPERD 26-OCT-1988 20:20:51.70
CC:
Subj: YAPP - yet another pre-processor
I did a Macro PreProcessor for Mike to use as a front end to AS68K until
MAC68K is up and running. It is essentially MAC65 with 40% of its guts
cut out. It occurs to me that it might be useful for other things. The
first thing I thought of was to have it generate the initialiser code for
a large array of structures in one of my C modules. For example, the
C source currently looks something like this:
struct whatever name[] = {
{ init,init,init,etc...},
{ init,init,init,etc...},
etc...
};
where struct whatever is a rather large structure with (in my case) 13
items. I found it rather a pain to code it up and especially a pain to
change the struct. The C macros are no help since one cannot apply
defaults, skip arguments or make any decisions about any argument.
The source code before sending it through MACPP would look like:
.macro init opt=0,def=1,value=0,name="some_string",comma=1
.if ne,comma
{ opt,def,value,name },
.iif
{ opt,def,value,name }
.endc
struct whatever name[] = {
init value=100,name="this string"
init opt=2,def=8
init
init name="some other string"
init value=99,comma=0
};
The default values (strings actually) for each item are placed on the
macro definition after an equal sign behind its cooresponding keyword.
The macro is called with arguments specified by keyword for only those
arguments that are relevant. This makes it a whole lot easier to read
and maintain.
Since MACPP was really meant for an assembly language source code,
there'll be cases where it'll screw up on C code (such as with semicolons
in macro arguments). But you might find it useful for some things.
There's a brief documentation file in DOK:MACPP.DOC that you can
look at for more details. It'll help if you already know MAC65
statement syntax.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::STARK 27-OCT-1988 15:36:26.81
CC:
Subj: Cost Estimates
If anyone is doing cost estimates for new/proposed games, I've gone through
the trouble of entering the pertinent data on the VAX spreadsheet (Graphic
Outlook). This allows you to change one number and AUTOMATICALLY recalculate
the rest of the cost estimate. It prints out quite nicely also. It's also
yours for the taking...see me.
Gary Stark
___________________________________________________________________________
To: @sys$mail:back40,SHEPPERD
CC:
Subj: A new printer
Finally, there's a printer hooked up in the back. It's in the hallway just
outside the new 3D cad area (currently hiding behind a Cyberball game). You
might want to make the following assignment in your login.com file so all
printouts default to that printer:
$ assign/nolog TTQ4 SYS$PRINT
Otherwise, you can direct prints to that printer with the /QUE=CAD$PRINT
or /QUE=TTQ4 wherever a /QUE option is allowed.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::MCCARTHY 27-OCT-1988 18:40:56.39
CC:
Subj: Updated parts cost information
The parts cost data files that I have been keeping have been updated to
include a PARTS RECEIPT HISTORY from Manman. This shows if a part has been
purchased recently, a vendor code, a P.O. number, the price, how many were
ordered, and how namy have been received. Its sheds new light on what
parts we have been using in production.
As always, you can get your own copy by printing
ee$userdisk:[mccarthy.costs]*.lis
This includes a file called AREADME with a little more information.
If you find this information useful, or have other comments or
suggestions, send me a REPLY.
Pat.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOWNEND 31-OCT-1988 16:40:43.63
CC:
Subj: Another 3-D image projector - this one is at a local bar
Optional Field trip (costs to be borne by the employee):

WHAT: A 3-D projection in space gizmo - "you will want to reach out
and touch them but they are not there".
WHERE: Oasis Nightclub/Bar/Disco
400 N. First, San Jose (cross street: Julian)
...popular with S.J. State people or so I hear...
WHEN: This week only (?), opens about 3 PM every day, evening is best due to
better lighting or lack thereof.
WHY: Can we make a coin-op product out of this thing? With or without video?
DETAILS:
Somebody called Momoda, and Momoda gave him my name and then he called me
so this is out of the blue...
1) Company is Grand Mirage, 1322 White Oak Rd., Campbell, CA
2) President is Steve Welck - (408) 377-5334
3) They have a demo unit installed at the Oasis for a limited time
which makes viewing rather convenient. If we are interested Steve
said they could set up a unit here at Atari Games for a week or so.
4) The product is called a "Real Image Projector". Through a
set of optics and a focusing mechanism, they scan a real 3-D
object (must be physically present) and re-project in a specified
space. The current display at the Oasis is called "Asteroid Storm"
and is made of a ping-pong balls.
5) Steve described an Oasis customer who came in with a real chain saw
as part of a halloween costume (no chain) and started it up!
Steve got him to take it into the "box" and start up the chain saw.
The other customers then could test their nerve by waving their
hand through the projected chain saw.
6) Steve says one unit is permanantly installed at the Magic
Castle Night Club in Hollywood in the Houdini room. If you toss a
quarter in a fish bowl, a skull is projected into the room and it
blows a party favor at you. He says it is a big hit.
7) One product is called the model 50. It is 30" high, 30" deep, and
50" wide. The opening or viewing port is about 14" x 18". "An
object can come out about 36 inches," according to Steve. A model
50 with injection molded optics costs under $1000. They have made
smaller units with 30 inch optics and a viewing port about
9" x 15" for under $500.
8) He is sending me some literature.
At this point it seems more like a curiosity, but you never know.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::MCCARTHY 2-NOV-1988 12:39:37.19
CC:
Subj: Programming PALs on the DATA I/O
Programming a PAL with correct data ?

The data I/O interface program for the PAL programmer has been modified.
When you type TYDIO filename without any extension, the program checks that
the JEDEC file is dated later that the .PDS file. If you modify the .PDS file
but forget to compile it, TYDIO will tell you that the .JDC or .JED file is not
current, and then asks you to confirm that you want it downloaded.
The rules are :
TYDIO first looks for a .JDC file (includes simulation vectors), a
.JED file (no simulation vectors) and a .PDS file (source)
The .JDC file is downloaded if :
it exists and
it is dated later than the .PDS and .JED files (if they exist)
else the .JED file is downloaded if :
it exists and
it is dated later than the .PDS and .JDC files (if they exist)
else you are notified if the .PDS file is dated after both .JED and .JDC files
if they exist and you are asked to confirm that you want to continue.
You can bypass all this if you need to (say you want to download an earlier
version) by including the filename extension and optional version number after
the TYDIO command.
Report bugs to me if you please.
Also, MAKE can be used to compile PALs, and it doesn't mess with sys$print, or
purge your directory like PAL2 does. If you are interested in the format, call
or reply.
Pat.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::SHEPPERD 2-NOV-1988 19:07:45.06
To: @sys$mail:junk,SHEPPERD
CC:
Subj: Aye Capt'n..she's takin' on water...
Oh, hep me...hep me....My house is falling.

I believe my house may be sinking into the bowels of the earth, or at least
one corner of it.
Does anyone know of a contractor that can fix this or a contractor who says they
can but really can't (I'll avoid these clowns).
Please respond via vaxmail.
ds
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::SUTTLES "Talk data to me..." 3-NOV-1988 10:43:17.36
To: MARGOLIN,SUTTLES
CC:
Subj: Schlage cards
You were right. There are exactly four resonant frequencies per
card, and which freq vary depending on the card number. They are in the range
of 3 to 27 megahertz, according to the book.
There are twelve bits used to specify the facility number! And there
are fifteen in the card number itself. With four frequencies to choose
from, that's 7 decimal digits of precision!
Thot you'd like to know.
sas
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::THEURER 3-NOV-1988 14:25:54.97
CC:
Subj: RADMOD update
11/3/88
Several new features have been added to RADMOD, a RAD file cell
manipulation program:
> translates colors of pixels and/or palettes
> scales to specified size as well as to specified percentage of original size.
> replicates a cell (copies it to a range of cells)
> moves a cell to another cell number
> copies a cell with no changes
> summarizes palette and pixel usage for specified range of cells
> displays RGB values for all palettes
> displays cell on your terminal screen (low 4 bits of each pixel in hex)
More documentation for the program is in [theurer.pps]radmod.doc
Any problems, call me x1739.
Dave
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::DAVE 7-NOV-1988 06:36:00.36
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: warning/danger..contains 100% politics
The decline and fall rarely happens over night. Slowly, imperceptibly, people
stop caring, stop believing in the system. First it's born cynics that see the
cracks in the structure. It takes years of being reminded by those "in the
know" that only a fool does anything but think of his/her own self interest
before it starts becoming "obvious" to everyone.
in our own case, the co-opting of the news media is almost complete.
the talking heads ramble on about who's surging in the polls, or who had the
best "sound bite" today. facts? that would only confuse the "issues". we see
an endless parade of experts mast******* each other and moaning about how awful
the election process has become.
you bored by the time it comes time to vote??? thats because you're
supposed to be! I bet one more generation of bored, ignorant voters ought to be
enough for the puppet masters behind the likes of ronnie and george to go
public.
"But that mike guy is so cold and distant and bush is such a decent
family man sort of guy". you know the bush campaign has the best ad-men
that money can by, you really got to hand it to them if they can sell you
georgie.
where is all this going, you ask? Well .....surprise! I'm not going to
endorse a vote for mikey, although if i had to chose between tweedle bee
and tweedle dee, I pick dee.
What I really want to remind you of is that there are other choices,
like the libertarian candidate, peace and freedom (remember those nuts?), etc.
I am always amazed that the same people that complain about the nonentities
dished up by the repudemic party don't want to "waste their vote" by voting
other than "2" party. If these two don't make you think third party, what will?
Ron Paul is the libertarian candidate. (I think that's his name, but
gosh it sure is hard to remember having only heard it once in the electronic
media.) libertarians have more good ideas in two planks of their platform
than the whole demoblican party's. (mommy.....what's a platform?) (any guy
with two first names has gotta be a flake......)
the only slam against the libertarians is that they may want to go to
far in trimming the government. but I figure by the time they reach national
prominence they will tone down a bit.
oh, and don't forget to vote all incumbents out.
LET'S GET A LITTLE POLITICAL CHATTER GOING OUT THERE IN LEFT FIELD
OK?
ps: i posted some articles detailing the wonderful record of the bush/reagan
years on the environment on the bulletin board outside dan's office. as you
read think about bush's latest "we can't afford to take that risk" ads.
pps: do you really want the former head of the gestapo in charge of our
banana republic in the making?
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::DAVE 7-NOV-1988 06:52:21.54
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: misspelling
I apologize for mispelling mast********. I just forgot the G.

___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::ALBAUGH "Dr. Bizarro" 10-NOV-1988 11:39:07.28
CC:
Subj: New version of make
I have just unleashed a new version of make (landon's make).

The difference is that it is no longer confused about filenames ending
in commas, and filenames are case-insensitive, so you can be a little
more cavalier about "spelling" and in particular you can delimit
filenames in macros with ", " and use the same macro for dependancies
and lists of args to DCL commands. Flames to me if it breaks,
Ciao,
Mike
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::HOFF 10-NOV-1988 18:07:16.05
CC:
Subj: gate array lIbrary for the IKOS
Being that we have an IKOS library for VGT100 (2.0 micron gate array) and no one
is using it or plans to use it,
Being that Pat Mccarthy has a keen current interest in using on the IKOS
simulator the VGT200 library (1.6micron gate array) and other persons are
likely to prefer the VGT200 to the VGT100,
I propose to swap the IKOS VGT100 that we have for the IKOS VGT200 that we
do not have but want. (The swap will avoid a $1000 to $5000 library charge
from IKOS that we would incur on acquiring an additional library.)
Unless there is some significant input to the contrary, the swap will occur
Tues morning Nov. 15.
IMPACT:
After that time we will no longer be able to simulate VGT100 on the IKOS.
After that time we will be able to simulate VGT200 on the IKOS.
There is no impact on our ability to simulate either of these libraries
using VSIM.
Please respond to this vaxaddress by Monday if you disaggree with this proposal.
Morgan
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT:: 11-NOV-1988 09:40:49.97
CC:
Subj: 675 REPAIRS
TOMORROW WORKMEN WILL BE INSTALLING

FLOOR TITLE AND REPAIRING CARPETS. I
STRONGLY ADVISE STAYING AWAY FROM OUR
BUILDING SATURDAY DUE TO THE HALLWAY
BEING GRIDLOCKED AND ODOR WHICH MAY BE
PRESENT DUE TO THE CEMENT BASE.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::RAY 11-NOV-1988 15:56:50.43
To: @SYS$MAIL:VANGANG,@SYS$MAIL:RAINSGANG,@SYS$MAIL:TEAMTACO,FUJIHARA,BENZLE
R,MOMODA,RAY
CC:
Subj: Wasted Time
It seems to me that a great deal of time is being wasted

waiting for meetings to get started. It is getting worse
because people start showing up late because they know it is
not going to start on time anyway.
I suggest we break this vicious cycle by starting meetings no
more than 5 minutes late starting Monday, 11/14.
Hand-in-hand with this is better scheduling of length of
meetings as well. I propose that we plan on 2 hours for game
reviews, initiations, and other "major" meetings. I further
propose that these meetings be held at 10:00 a.m. or 2:00
p.m. That way, they start when people should be at work, they
finish about lunch time, they start when people should be
back from lunch, and they end before most people should need
to leave work.
One last request: If you are expected at a meeting but are
unable to make it or will be late, please have the courtesy
to contact the person in charge of the meeting to let him/her
know they should not wait for you.
Following these suggestions should help reduce stress and
reduce wasted time.
I would appreciate your comments on different or better ways
to accomplish these goals.
I would also appreciate your comments if you see flaws in my
suggestions.
Thanks for listening!!
John
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::HARPER 14-NOV-1988 10:28:33.55
CC:
Subj: Quest Software Design
ATTENTION: All Software Designers interested in the QUEST (Growth Motion)

Hardware....(if not delete me now).
There will be a meeting on TUESDAY, NOV. 15 at 2:00pm in the ENGINEERING
CONFERENCE ROOM to discuss common software to be used on the QUEST hardware.
This is mainly for programmers who plan to use QUEST, to specify a software
"kernel" for the system. Among other topics will be, Motion Object Driver,
Playfield Driver, OS routines, Collision and Utilities. Please be familiar
with Rusty's animation sequence/command format, as the current Motion Object
Driver is based on this. Please read/print [HUNT.DOC]ANIMDRIV.MEM before
attending this meeting.
Thanks!
Dennis
PS: This is a required meeting for all programmers starting new projects on
the QUEST hardware -- you know who you are!
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::OHARA "gems - faster then a speeding pullet" 15-NOV-1988 08
:44:12.33
CC:
Subj: Phone Lists, Tengen's change
Tengen has changed their phones due to the installation of their DID's
so those of you who call them from time to time may want a new phone list.
Also we have had several newhires and terminations so I have published a new
one.
It is dated 15 Nov 1988 so throw those old ones away!
gems
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::RAY 15-NOV-1988 17:50:11.53
To: @SYS$MAIL:VANGANG,@SYS$MAIL:RAINSGANG,FUJIHARA,BENZLER,MOMODA,RAY
CC:
Subj: Brainstorming Follow-Up
Brainstorming Follow-Up
J. Ray 11/15/88
Many ideas were brought up at the Brainstorming Session at
the end of September. We all agree that we do not want these
ideas to "slip through the cracks". After the session, I made
a list of all of the items that I feel we needed to follow up
on. This list is now posted outside of my office. Feel free
to look this list over and write down any comments or
additions you feel appropriate (or tell me).
We have begun work on some of the items:
Initiation Process
Review Process
"Carefrontation"
"Pitch Session"
"Walkabout Friday"tm
Some of the initial thoughts associated with these topics are
also posted outside of my office.
If you feel that one of the items is not getting the priority
it deserves, please let me know. If you have a desire to work
on one of the topics, please let me know that as well!
Thanks!
John
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::MARGOLIN 16-NOV-1988 13:41:00.57
To: ROBBINS,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: VRAM Sockets with machined pins
PART STATUS IS: ACTIVE

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
179272-024 Socket,IC,24ckt/.400,Machined
MANUFACTURER VENDOR PART NUMBER STATUS TRANS DATE
AUGAT 1824-AG141D APPROVED 12-AUG-1988
AUGAT 824-AG66D-ESL APPROVED 12-AUG-1988
AUGAT 824-AG66D-ES APPROVED 12-AUG-1988
ROBINSON-NUGENT ICE-244-S-TG APPROVED 12-AUG-1988
ROBINSON-NUGENT ICE-244-S-TG30 APPROVED 12-AUG-1988
MARK_EYELET_INC M1024-412D APPROVED 12-AUG-1988
ELECTRONIC_MOLDING_CORP 17424-01-461 APPROVED 12-AUG-1988
AMP_INC 916086-6 APPROVED 12-AUG-1988
TEXAS_INSTRUMENTS C72244-99 APPROVED 12-AUG-1988
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 16-NOV-1988 14:33:58.89
To: ROBBINS,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: Sockets for VRAMs
Only the first 100 Driver Main Boards will use sockets for the VRAMs.
(179272-024, 32 per board).
The VRAMs are MOS devices and therefore are static sensitive and require
proper handling.
By using sockets for the first 100 boards we will be able to more easily
take care of any initial VRAM handling problems.
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::PPS 16-NOV-1988 18:40:46.69
CC:
Subj: Celprocess Revision 1.50
A new version of Celprocess has been released.

Changes Implemented:
1) Corrected printed output on Mixed Palette Stamps
2) Added .BYTE stamp codes for NES processing
Review your output .MAC or .ASM files in particular for any
unforeseen effects (read BUGS) introduced.
Any problems should be respond to this VAX name.
NOTE: In cases of emergency, the previous version is also
kept in the usual place (UTL$PPS).
Rich
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MOORE 17-NOV-1988 11:05:18.80
CC:
Subj: Hardware Engineer COOP applicant
I received a resume from a design engineer interested in a

coop position at Atari next Spring (from Mid-March to Mid-September).
He espressed a strong interest in Video games, citing previous favorites
of I,Robot, Karate Champ, & Asteroids.
He is attending Drexel University in Philadelphia which has
a well integrated coop program: coop experience is required to receive
a degree. He has already worked at RCA back east for his first coop
assignment. He will have what Drexel calls a "Pre-Junior" standing,
which means he has completed classes in Digital Design, Electrical
Instrumentation, Microprocessors and mini-computers, as well as others.
I need to respond back to him on November 28 if we will have
an "opening" for him next year. Please respond to me if YOU anticipate
having hardware designs in progress next spring thru summer which could
benefit with an additional engineer. Since this applicant will not
have completed his degree, there will naturally be more "training"
reponsibilities than usual when working with a coop engineer.
Thanks,
Rich
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::RAY 17-NOV-1988 18:11:08.61
To: MARGOLIN,RAY
CC:
Subj: Apology
Jed--
I do not have any desire to encroach on your responsibilities
as Hardware Engineer for S.T.U.N. Runner (STUN). In fact, I
realize that you are essential to the success of STUN. I know
that you have invested a great deal of time in the hardware
and have an interest in seeing it through to production.
I apologize for not ensuring that you were involved in the
recent decision to change the audio board on the prototype
from the Hard Drivin' audio board to the SAC board. Lyle
expressed a desire to have music in the game before the Focus
group next Tuesday, and the Audio group felt that this would
be the easiest way to go. I made the mistake of asking Tim to
look into exactly how we should do this -- I should have
asked you or at least asked Tim to ask you. I assumed that
since this is just a temporary change and that we needed it
done right away, you and Rick would prefer that we handle it.
I will try to keep you involved as much as possible. I hope
you will be somewhat tolerant though, if we don't do a
perfect job of keeping you involved. But feel free to remind
me that you are being left out if you notice we are
neglecting you!
We are currently trying to get a second system going so the
programmers can continue working on one system while we put
the other system in ROM in the cabinet. It appears as though
it is a technician job, but we will let you know if we need
your assistance. Feel free to come by and check with Glenn on
the progress.
The Focus Group starts Tuesday afternoon at 4:00. I hope you
can attend!
Thanks!!
John
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::THEURER 18-NOV-1988 18:17:05.60
CC:
Subj: Color printer
The color printer program, TEK, has been modified slightly.

The last question still asks if you want to print the picture now, but it
also informs you that it will delete the file after printing (to avoid
directory clutter and wasted disk space), AND it gives you an opportunity
to request 1,2, or 3 copies to be printed. Remember, each copy costs
$ .40, so think cheap.
Dave Theurer
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::PPS 22-NOV-1988 17:15:25.35
CC:
Subj: Celprocess 1.51 Released
New version of Celprocess released. Fix was to output text for

NES format. No other changes should have occurred.
Rich
___________________________________________________________________________
From: SANDY::HOFF 22-NOV-1988 19:44:51.87
CC:
Subj: Ikos release notes for version 4.08
We now have IKOS Simulation System version 4.08 and

the corresponding release notes. The software is installed and
the release notes are in the CAD LAB binder
"IKOS simulation System: Library Tools User's Guide"
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::RAY 23-NOV-1988 00:06:26.36
To: BEHENSKY,MOTT,MARGOLIN,DURFEY,MONCRIEF,MELCHOR,CAMERON,COMSTOCK,NOBLE,MO
SER,BRAD,DIEKNEITE,MCNAMARA,HALLY,ROTBERG,BURGESS,RAY
CC:
Subj: Thanks!
Thank you all for your outstanding contributions to bringing

STUN Runner to Focus Group! The game has progressed very
rapidly to this point due to all of your efforts. I feel that
the game was very well received by the focus participants. We
still have a long way to go, but this is certainly a major
milestone. Keep up the good work!
Thanks!
John
___________________________________________________________________________
From: ERNIE::SHEPPERD 23-NOV-1988 19:02:10.99
CC:
Subj: New features
I just released new versions of MIXIT, DOWND, DOWNC, IMI and DIO. These versions
dasupport the extended Motorola S record format files (no symbols though). Since
they all use common I/O routines, the only change made to all but MIXIT was a
relink. MIXIT had another file qualifier option added (/MOTOROLA). If this
version of MIXIT breaks your program(s), you can get the old one back by
defining the following before running it:
$ MIX*IT :== $UTL$ARCHIVE:MIXIT
This new feature may be significant only the the Arium users. The Arium command
you will need to use to make ROMable data files is:
srec -e input_file output_file.mot
[then ftp output_file.mot to the Vax]
To summarize, the file types currently accepted by MIXIT, DOWND, DOWNC, IMI and
DIO:
The first two formats can be MIXIT output or DIO or IMI upload type only. You
certainly won't get what you might expect if you feed a .ASM or .MAC file to one
of those utilities. The MIXIT commands are used as examples here, but the
file types are what are used to specify the format for all the other utilities:
$ MIXIT
>OUT filename.ASM !or filename.bla_bla/ASM 68k assem format
>OUT filename.MAC !or filename.bla_bla/MAC MACxx assem format
The remaining formats can be either input or output:
>IN/OUT filename.DLD !or filename.bla_bla/DLD MOStech load format
>IN/OUT filename.HEX !or filename.bla_bla/TEK Extended TEKHEX format
>IN/OUT filename.ROM !or filename.bla_bla/ROM Atari .ROM format
>IN/OUT filename.LDA !or filename.bla_bla/LDA DEC LDA format
>IN/OUT filename.VLDA !or filename.bla_bla/VLDA Atari VLDA format
>IN/OUT filename.INTEL !or filename.blabla/INTEL Intel hex format
>IN/OUT filename.MOT !or filename.bla_bla/MOT Motorola S record
>IN/OUT filename.anything_else !or filename/IMAGE binary image format
the default filetype in all cases remains .VLDA.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::AUDIO 30-NOV-1988 16:04:40.09
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: What I did on my summer vacation
There will be a multi-media event this Friday at 12:30 in the

Central Conference room, with a slide show, environmental audio recordings,
custom 3-D Viewmaster slides, and commentary. Topics include:
Global Destruction of the Rainforests
Radio For Peace International
Compare and Contrast San Jose CA and San Jose CR
The Search for Signs of CIA involvement in Costa Rica
Sloth--Animal or State of Mind?
Many of the slides are by 3 of my neighbors who are world-class professional
nature photographers/biologists. These slides are just amazing--weird and
disgusting insects, and birds and bats and toads and cats and lots of other
jungly critters. I got permission to show them on the condition that I use the
slide show to raise money for the Monteverde Conservation League, an
organization which is working on reforestation, education, and expanding the
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to protect endangered species from having their
habitat converted to Burger King pasture land. So, I'm requesting a $2 donation
per person. ($25 will buy an acre of rain forest, so a little bit goes a long
way. And I'll have them send Atari a nice "ownership" certificate.)
If anyone has a Viewmaster viewer sitting in their toy box at home (or their toy
box here, for that matter), please bring it--it'll help speed up the 3-D portion
of the show.
See these critters now, before they (and we) go extinct.
Earl
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::CAMERON 30-NOV-1988 22:20:56.48
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Burger King pasture land conversion
WE MISS YOU, EARL!!!

___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::OWENS 1-DEC-1988 11:44:58.89
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: Splatter House
The Game you've all been waiting for is up and running in the Eng
Common Area.
Happy Slicing,
RLO
___________________________________________________________________________
From: MIKE::DENTON 7-DEC-1988 13:14:09.55
To: @SYS$MAIL:JUNK
CC:
Subj: CARTRIDGES FOR SALE
PACMAN CARTRIDGES ARE $26.21 EACH (INCLUDES TAX)

GAUNTLET AND RBI CARTRIDGES ARE $28.89 EACH (INCLUDES TAX)
CONTACT ANN DENTON OR ELAINE SHIRLEY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.

___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::DOWNEND 7-DEC-1988 15:11:55.95
CC:
Subj: It's all done with mirrors
There is a gzmo in the focus group viewing room that you should check out.
It projects an image of a real object in space - in this case, pingpong
balls. Does it have application in a coin-op game? Let me know if you
think it has potential...
a) Could be used to "float" video from one CRT on top of another...
b) Could be used to project a fascinating image - people might
drop a quarter in just to see:
- a chain saw; wave your hand thru it.
- Rambling Ray appears and tells a joke.
- a skull appears, calls you names and "spits" at you.
- ????
c) people might pay to get inside and project their head or body part
d) ???
d) ???
___________________________________________________________________________
From: BERT::WOOD 12-DEC-1988 11:28:45.24
CC:
Subj: New Tengen manufactured NES cartridges
The attached news release announces a very important event to all of us.
Over the next few weeks it will attract the attention of this industry,
the media and consumer public.
The information and image we, as employeees, give to the outside world
will have a great impact on how we are perceived. For this reason,
Rogers & Associates of Los Angeles has been retained to answer ALL
inquiries of our new venture. In this way the information released can be
accurate, consistent and professional.
Specifically, refer any calls to Ron Rogers or David Ellis at (213) 552-6922.
Your strict cooperation is appreciated.
TENGEN TO MARKET FIRST INDEPENDENTLY PRODUCED
NINTENDO-COMPATIBLE GAME CARTRIDGES;
EXPECTS SALES TO MORE THAN DOUBLE NEXT YEAR
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, December 12, 1988 -- Tengen Inc. a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Atari Games Corporation, has introduced the first independently
produced and manufactured Nintendo-compatible video game cartridges.
The company will launch its new line of vide game cartridges with three
current hit titles, including Pac-Man, Gauntlet and RBI Baseball. The games
will be available at Tengen's national network of authorized retail outlets
immediately.
The new cartridges provide complete compatibility with the Nintendo Enter-
tainment System (NES). The Tengen cartridges are manufactured in the
United States and built to the highest quality standards.
Nintendo is the world's largest manufacturer of video game software and
hardware. Introduced in 1986, Nintendo has gained 100 percent of the
manufacturing market for Nintendo-compatible games, more than 80 percent
of the home video game machines market, and projects 1988 U. S. sales to
exceed $1.7 billion.
The new cartridges were developed in respnse to widespread consumer demand
for Tengen titles, according to Randy Broweleit, Senior Vice President of
Operations. "In the past, Nintendo was the only manufacturer of NES game
cartridges. The only way to market games for the NES format was to have
Nintendo produce them. As a result, Nintendo had total control over the
supply.
"As the popularity of video games increased," Broweleit continued, "both
retailers and consumers became frustrated by the unavailability of some
of our most popular titles, like RBI Baseball and Gauntlet. Having
control over the manufacturing of our own products became a necessity.
"This development puts us in control of our own destiny," Broweleit said.
"Until now, we were only able to satisfy a fraction of the demand for our
products. Controlling the manufacturing of our own cartridges will help
bring product supply more in line with actual consumer demand."
Pac-Man, Gauntlet and RBI Baseball will be complemented by four all-new
titles which will be introduced at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show
in Las Vegas on January 7th. These include NES-compatible versions of
Atari Games arcade hits, Super Sprint, Rolling Thunder and Vindicators.
Tetris, a unique skill game developed in the Soviet Union, will also be
introduced at WCES. The new products will be available early next year.\
Tengen will also enter the home computer game market this winter with the
introduction of four new gams: RBI Baseball, Blasteroids, Road Blasteers
and Rolling Thunder. The games will be produced in all popular home
computer formats including IBM, Apple and Commodore.
Headed by President, Hide Nakajima, Atari Games was formed in 1985 as a
result of the break-up of the old Warner Communications-owned Atari Inc.
Atari Games is a manufacturer of quality arcade games, and has extensive
research and development resources. Over the past 17 years it has
created arcade hits such as Pong, Asteroids, Centipede, Gauntlet and
Super Sprint.
Tengen Inc. was created by Atari Games in 1987 in response to the growing
demand for home entertainment software. Adapted directly from the most
popular Atari Games arcade games, Tengen home products have the same
graphic excitement and high-quality sound as the arcade versions.
During its first year, Tengen's initial produce line will general $35
million in revenues. With the new manufacturing capabilities, Tengen
projects 1989 sales to more than double.
Tengen Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atari Games Corporation, and
is headquartered at 1901 McCarthy Boulevard, P. O. Box 360782, Milpitas,
California 95035. Atari Games is a privately held company and is not
affiliated with Atari Corporation.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::HALLY 15-DEC-1988 14:33:35.41
To: @[HALLY]STUN
CC:
Subj: STATUS
STUN RUNNER
STUN RUNNER
GAME DEVELOPMENT STATUS STUN RUNNER
DATE: DEC 16, 88
PL: MIKE HALLY DATE STARTED: 28 APR 88
9 JUN 88 PROJECT LEADER: HALLY START DATE: 2 MAY 88
LAB: STUN RUNNER (MULTISYNC)
EXT: 1727 OR 1720 NUMBER : 571
TEAM NU
| | <OCCURANCE> | |
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3RD REVIEW: < 10 NOV 88> 4 NOV 88 14 OCT 88
FOCUS GROUP: < 22 NOV 88> 16 NOV 88
4TH REVIEW: ****** 13 JAN 89 ********************
FGA: 4 JUN 89
ACTION ITEMS:
1. CONVERSION OVER TO THE MULTISYNC HARDWARE COMPLETE. JED IS NOW
REMOVING/ADDING OUR SPECIFICS TO THE MAIN BOARD.
2. WE ADDED A HOVERING TYPE VEHICLE THAT SCANS FOR THE PLAYER
AND ALERTS THE AUTHORITIES.
3. WE ARE REDESIGNING THE PROBOT TYPE FLYING VEHICLE THAT SHOOTS
AT THE PLAYER.
4. WE WILL BE ADDING THE ANIMATED BIRD THAT FLIES IN THE TUNNEL
WHICH WILL BE WORTH BIG BONUS POINTS.(SAM C. DOING GRAPHICS)
5. WE INSTALLED SELF-CENTERING.
6. WE ADDED A SCORE DISPLAY AT POINT OF VEHICLE IMPACT.
7. THE TUNNEL IS BEING SET UP THIS WAY:
LEFT TUNNEL-SLOWER BUT EASIER
RIGHT TUNNEL-FASTER BUT HARDER
8. WE WILL BE DESIGNING A NON-PLAY BEZEL AREA FOR SCORE,MPH,AND
BOTH OF THE TIMERS.
9. NEW AUDIO IS BEING WORKED ON FOR THE NEXT MILESTONE.
10. WE WILL NEED TO START AN UPRIGHT CABINET DESIGN AFTER THE
HOLIDAY SEASON FOR OUR FIELD TEST IN FEB.
11. WE ADDED BACKGROUND MANAGEMENT AND LOW RES BACKGROUNDS.
12. WE ADDED EXPLOSION MANAGER.
13. WE ADDED COAST.
14. WE ADDED NEW CAR AT DEPOT.
15. WE ARE ADDING A WEDGE WHICH IS A SOLID OBJECT TO AVOID.
16. WE TRIED POT JOYSTICK.
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 15-DEC-1988 18:15:18.54
To: ROTBERG,HALLY,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: 34020
34020
-----
I have obtained the following information from Jeff Twombly of TI about the
34020:
Samples will probably be available in April if the first silicon works.
Production quantities will probably be available in August/September
if the first silicon works.
My prediction is that early '90 is more realistic.
Jeff's prediction for prices in early '90 is:
34020 32 MHz $150-$160
40 MHz $210-$225
1MB VRAM $30-$45 ($66 now)
1MB DRAM $15-$18
The 34020 has a 32 bit external memory bus and would therefore require
eight VRAMs. Eight 1MB VRAMs would thus be 1M Byte VRAM which is what
the Driver Turbo has now.
The 34020-40 has instruction cycle time of 100 ns verses 160 ns for the
34010-50 that we are currently using.
Taking into account the 32 bit data bus and the ability of 1 MB VRAMs
to write four pixels at a time, the maximum fill rate of the 34020-40
would be 80 MegaPixels/sec. The other instructions would execute 66%
faster than on the 34010-50.
A 34020-40 and eight 1MB VRAMs would cost $450-$585 in early '90.
Even if the costs were acceptable it would not be prudent to plan on the
34020 being available in time for June '89 production of Stun Runner.
Jed
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::MARGOLIN 16-DEC-1988 17:20:15.60
To: STUN,MARGOLIN
CC:
Subj: GSP Memory Map
Driver GSP Memory Map

-------------------------
TFR 0000 0000 to 000F FFFF (64K Words) Shift Register Transfers
POLY 0200 0000 to 020F FFFF (64K Words) Fast Polygon Fills
CWR0 F400 0000 Write to Pixel Register (Used by Fast Polygon Fills)
CWR1 F480 0000 Control Bits latch on Address Writes (No Data)
F480 0000 /TFR_SE = 1
F480 0010 SCROLL = 0
F480 0020 PS0 = 0
F480 0030 PS1 = 0
F480 0040
F480 0050
F480 0060
F480 0070 LED = on
---------
F480 0080 /TFR_SE = 0
F480 0090 SCROLL = 1
F480 00A0 PS0 = 1
F480 00B0 PS1 = 1
F480 00C0
F480 00D0
F480 00E0
F480 00F0 LED = off
CWR2, CRD2 F500 0000 R/W Color Table: Red (D8-D15) and Green (D0-D7)
CWR3, CRD3 F580 0000 R/W Color Table: Blue (DD0-D7)
PMEM FF80 0000 to FFFF FFFF (512K Words) Normal Memory Accesses
Note: TFR, POLY, and PMEM are the SAME physical Memory. They just see it
organized from different perspectives.
======================================================================
Graphics Addresses
--------------------------
PMEM $FF80 0000 + $1000 * Line# [Full Turbo]
MultiSync is probably double mapped, starting at $0FF80 0000 .
___________________________________________________________________________
From: CHARM::THEURER 19-DEC-1988 19:03:52.74
CC:
Subj: color printer & RADMOD changes
12/19/88
BIG change to
> TEK, the color printer program and
> RADMOD, the RAD file creator/modifier
They now accept several different file formats:
RAD
PIF (Prehistoric Image Format)
IFF (or ILBM) from the Amiga
PICT, MacPaint, and TIFF from the Macintosh
Please use these conventional extensions:
.RAD
.PIF
.IFF
.PICT
.MPNT
.TIFF
Since RADMOD can now be used to convert foreign graphics files to RAD format,
I will no longer be supporting ILBM_TO_RAD and MAC_TO_RAD, the original format
conversion programs.
--------------------------------------------------------------
More changes for RADMOD users:
> Changed REMA (remap) function so user can specify the color at which to start
remapping (for example, if the 1st 4 colors are just the way you want
them and not to be remapped, then specify 4).
> Added ability to open multiple files of any type for merging into one
final rad file. You can use this to combine RAD files or Amiga files
or whatever combination you like. Unfortunately, the problem of
different palettes has not been addressed, so files you combine
better all use the same palette.
> Added check feature when creating a cell to automatically clip a picture
that is too big to fit on a RAD page and warn the user of this. This
was necessary because of the new ability to import graphics from
formats with larger cells than RAD supports.
> Added check feature when creating cells to avoid writing over existing
cells. If you're about to overwrite an existing cell it will now warn
you and ask for guidance.
> Removed DUBH,HALH,DUBV,HALV from menu (but if requested they still
work) because you can get the same results by using SCAL.
Note: [theurer.pps]radmod.doc contains documentation on all changes to RADMOD
as well as a perfunctory operational description.
___________________________________________________________________________
To: CURRENT PROJECT TEAMS
From: MARKETING, ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT
Subject: PROPOSED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CHANGES
Date: December 19, 1988
As you may already know, we would like to implement several changes to improve
our current project initiation and development process. The purpose of this
memo is to document the proposed changes/additions so that we can move forward
with improved communication, efficiency, and most of all, even better
products.
Please review and comment on any additional improvements you can offer.
As a starting reference, we summarized some of the flaws in our present
system, many of which were brought up in our recent brainstorm sessions:
Lack of overall company direction/strategy.
Low awareness of the market conditions, product requirements.
(Communication not there).
Projects inititated prematurely in some cases.
Inconsistent presentation of game proposals at initiation.
Need for more player feedback throughout the development.
Poor definition of the development process with some teams taking
on their own approach. (e.g., how they interface with support groups).
Teams working in isolation too much.
Difficult to provide input that will be heard unless that individual
qualifies to have an opinion by playing the game frequently and being
involved early in development.
Ineffective product reviews (vague objectives, too premature, and too much
of a dreaded event for the team).
Difficult to evaluate product potential when field tests plagued with bugs,
tuning needs. Need time for more testing, distributor sampling.
Need more accurate forecasting methods for sales volumes.
We believe many of these problems can be resolved by adapting the current
development process. Other issues can be addressed by incorporating some
of the ideas that we mentioned throughout the brainstorming process.
John Ray is documenting many ideas on how we can improve our overall
effectiveness.
Attendees: Marketing, sales, engineering management, project teams.
Purpose: This meeting will be held approximately every quarter to help
engineering select a game concept or modify their current projects.
Marketing will provide information on competition, players, game design
trends, etc. Ideally, marketing and engineering will provide a list of
the type of games they feel are appropriate to initiate, based on the
market and the current projects already in development.
A summary of the meeting and a video tape will be made available.
We all feel it would be much more productive if we break up the initiation
process to include meetings prior to a formal initiation packet. These
additional meetings will serve as "checkpoints" to insure that the proposed
project is in line with current company needs and objectives.
PRODUCT STRATEGY MEETING:
In addition to the marketing input meetings, each team that is up for
a new project should have an informal discussion with marketing and
engineering management to review current product direction. Any rough
concepts that are being considered could be discussed briefly to get
initial reactions from those present.
PITCH SESSIONS:
Attendees: Marketing, engineering management, project teams, and any
employee who wants to pitch their concept.
Purpose: Individuals or groups will have an opportunity to describe their
game idea to all teams who are interested. Marketing will screen all game
concepts before they are further developed for a pitch session. A "product
champion" from the marketing group will be assigned to provide direction
and support. Pitch sessions should be videotaped for those unable to
attend.
Details of the format/incentive for pitch sessions need to be worked out.
Tom Steiner has provided a handout on a proposed format and is working
on a videotape on "How to Pitch", which will be available for reference.
CONCEPT APPROVAL MEETING:

Attendees: Marketing, engineering management, project team.
Purpose: Once the team has selected a project idea, it should be
"concept" approved by engineering management and marketing before going to
a full initiation. In the concept approval process, it is the core game
play that will be critically evaluated. Feedback is given at this early
stage to avoid wasted efforts in preparing for a full-blown initiation.
The marketability issues will also be evaluated (price point, product need,
sales potential). Once the idea is approved, a marketing product manager
will be assigned to the team and a project number will also be given.
If the concept is not approved, the team selects another concept and holds
another concept approval meeting.
Preparation Details: The project team should work on the concept for no
more than two weeks before holding the concept approval meeting. The
following items should be covered:
Theme/game play. The basic, lowest level, moment-to-moment action.
What does the player actually do? How do the controls affect the
action? How do opponents/playfield elements respond to what the
player is doing?
Simple sketches illustrating the look of the game?
Controller types and actions.
Type of hardware used. Unique research or engineering tasks that would
have to be performed (new hardware, new playfield software, marketing
studies, etc.)
INITIATION MEETING:
Attendees:... Marketing, engineering management, project team
Purpose: The next stage would be the initiation meeting which should
be a work session where specific game design issues are evaluated and
input is given for final direction of the project.
Specific items that need to be defined in the initiation packet:
1. Theme/storyline
2. Game objectives/goals
3. Controllers and function
4. Wave progression
5. Action flow (example of moment-to-moment action in one wave/level).
6. Audio requirements (use of speech, style of music)
7. Animation/graphic treatment, playfield description
9. Player Adversaries
10. Cabinet direction
11. Hardware considerations
12. Cost estimates (set limits on cost, EPROM count, etc.)
13. Development schedule (include goals for first review)
14. Marketing issues/considerations
15. Storyboards of various phases
16. Picture of sample screen if video is novel (RAD tool as an example)
17. Team personnel. We would also like a section to include "marketing
issues" which would cover the product logic (targeted
locations/players), critical elements of the game to maximize its
success, possibility for multiple product configurations, price
points, timing in the marketplace, etc. The assigned product manager
can provide this section of the packet after discussing with the
project leader. Storyboards are a critical tool for the initiation
meeting. Rather than concentrate on a few, highly detailed, color
boards, it would be more effective to have numerous quick sketches
which depict the type of player interaction that can be expected.
If the attendees agree that the game is well-defined and on the right
track, then the game is initiated. (If there are problems that still
need to be addressed, then the team can make appropriate
changes/additions and schedule another initiation meeting)
When and why we review games needs to be more flexible, although ideally,
the current number is about right (4 before field test).
If there are specific concerns raised by the team or marketing/management,
then this should be addressed at an informal review. If there are changes
in the market conditions which would impact the project then a review could
be scheduled as well. In any case, reviews should be mutually determined by
the project leader and the product manager, with an agreement on the goals
for that review. The product manager will be informally evaluating assigned
projects more frequently throughout the development process. By doing this
we hope to eliminate any surprises at reviews (e.g., major problems with the
game concept or playability heard for the first time.)
PRIOR TO REVIEWS:
In order to get more thorough and constructive feedback during the review
process, the project team should have the game playable for the 24 hours
preceding the review. This should allow everyone time to formulate comments
and feedback. The P/L should send out notices of the review date/time.
A day before the review, all attendees should receive a list which documents
the agenda items for discussion and the goals of the review. A brief
description of the current state of the game as well as changes since the last
review should be included so attendees understand what they should be
evaluating.
DURING REVIEWS:
Consistent review of all agenda items should be done in a structured way to
make sure it is fully discussed. The team should critique their game first,
discussing known strengths and weaknesses. If the team discusses what they
plan to do to address known weaknesses, then they can avoid hearing redundant
negative comments. Another thought is to have the P/L and product manager
review game play. Especifics much like we do in a focus group.
We should objectively revisit the goals of the project as set forth at
initiation what are the strengths of this game and how can we capitalize
on it.
Directional input and action items should be verbally summarized at the end
of the review so that all attendees have a clear understanding of the outcome.
POST REVIEWS:
The project leader should document the results of the review and include a
list of all action items and subsequent changes in scheduling if impacted.
Revision of project goals should also be specified if necessary.
What we should avoid is amibiguity in the direction we are taking (e.g.,
concern raised about the lack of a goal in the game (we will "look into it.")
As a rough guideline, we should continue to schedule reviews at certain
stages of development, much like in the past:
First review objectives typically include evaluation of the first-pass
look and feel of the game (rough graphics and player control) and hardware
demonstration, if new or unique application.
Second review objectives are to demonstrate a near-complete wave or level,
with concentration on the moment-to-moment action. Player comprehension
is generally an issue at this stage. The focus group schedule can be
discussed, depending on the confidence level of the project.
By the third review, a feel for the game progression should be evident
as multiple waves are done. Adversary interaction, level of
decision-making, player goals, and measurement of performance are some of
the more critical elements that should be in the game
The fourth review is usually after focus group and before a field test.
If a focus group has been conducted, then we revisit any directional
changes at this review. Game elements that need to be included for field
test are also discussed at this review.
Post field test reviews vary in number and frequency, depending on what
we learn from player reaction, game statistics, etc.
We have relied on focus groups (30 players) and field surveys (20-40
players) for our external evaluation of product. Where needed, we can
consider doing earlier focus testing, and perhaps more in-depth
interviewing of players who are recruited from field surveys.
When necessary we can call in playtesters (either internal or external) to
provide additional in put in the development process.
FOCUS GROUPS:
The purpose is to determine perceived strengths and weaknesses of a
product, comprehension issues, and a sense of who the product may appeal to
most. When we have specific concerns about a product we will consider earlier
focus groups. As an example, if controls are a major directional issue, then
we can conduct a controller test. Other examples include theme or unique game
format.
In some cases, it may be appropriate to skip a focus group altogether
depending on the confidence level of the game.
FIELD TESTING:
The purpose of the field test varies in stages. As with the entire
development process, the time required for testing depends on what we learn at
each critical stage. The product manager publishes a field test schedule
which indicates the number of units required and timing for prototypes and
pre-production units. Specific objectives for each field test should be
defined once discussed with the team. The objective of the first field test is
to measure initial earnings potential in a typical arcade.
Player feedback is gathered from the field to again look at strengths and
weaknesses of the game, and to profile the player base.
The second field test is started once the issues from the first test are
addressed to some extent. This test is also intended to be a longevity test
where earnings and the learning curve are evaluated for a period of 6-8 weeks.
Next test units are used to measure street location potential and also to
test various coinage options or difficulty variables.
The fourth round of testing is to evaluate earnings/appeal out of the area.
Whenever possible, we will push to have samples available at least four weeks
prior to finished goods for distributor testing. These are typically
pre-production units which ship with a tuned program, and may need to be
updated to a production version at a later date.
Throughout the testing process, game tuning is an ongoing objective, as it
is a dynamic process up through production.
Near the conclusion of the testing process the product manager will provide
a "sales volume forecast" which will be based on the collective field test
results to date, the current market conditions, the product price, and the
production timing.
We have also reinstituted the tradition of having RIP meetings for every
project with the intent of increasing our experience base. Final product
evaluation will be discussed, as well as how we could have improved any
part of the development process. This meeting should be scheduled by the
product manager and project leader, and would be most effective if it occurs
after we have objective field feedback from production shipments.
DISTRIBUTION: R. DAWE
B. FLANAGAN
M. HALLY
D. HARPER
P. KWINN
E. LOGG
G. LICHAC
R. OWENS
M. PIERCE
D. RALSTON
J. SALWITZ
G. STARK
K. TURNER
S. SOITA
COPIES: L. BENZLER
S. COMSTOCK
C. DOWNEND
B. FULLER
M. FUJIHARA
J. MOMODA
R. MOORE
R. MONCRIEF
H. NAKAJIMA
L. RAINS
J. RAY
P. TAKAICHI
D. VANELDEREN
___________________________________________________________________________
From: KIM::BURGESS 22-DEC-1988 11:22:52.10
To: @STUN.DIS
CC:
Subj: status report
STUN RUNNER
GAME DEVELOPMENT STATUS
DATE: DEC 22, 88 DATE STARTED: 28 APR 88
9 JUN 88
LAB: STUN RUNNER (MULTISYNC)
EXT: 1727 OR 1768 NUMBER : 571
TEAM NU
-------
SUPERVISOR: JOHN RAY
PROJECT LEADER: MIKE HALLY
SENIOR PROGRAMMER: ED ROTBERG
JUNIOR PROGRAMMER: ANDREW BURGESS
ANIMATORS: SAM COMSTOCK
WILL NOBLE
KRIS MOSER
TECH: GLENN MCNAMARA
| | <OCCURANCE> | |
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3RD REVIEW: < 10 NOV 88> 4 NOV 88 14 OCT 88
FOCUS GROUP: < 22 NOV 88> 16 NOV 88
4TH REVIEW: ****** 13 JAN 89 ********************
FGA: 4 JUN 89
ACTION ITEMS:
1. JERRY MOMODA HAS DISTRIBUTED THE FOCUS REPORT, AND THE METTING
TO DISCUSS THE ISSUES PRESENTED IN THE REPORT WILL BE SCHEDULED
FOR SOMETIME DURING THE FIRST WEEK BACK FROM THE HOLIDAYS.
2. ED ROTBERG WILL BE ON VACATION THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS.
3. MIKE HALLY AND ANDY BURGESS WILL BE WORKING ON GAME DESIGN AND
GAME GOALS DURING THE CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR WEEK.
4. THE FOLLOWING GRAPHICS ARE BEING ASSIGNED AND DESIGNED BY THE
ANIMATION TEAM:
DEPENDENT ON FINAL SCREEN RESOLUTION ISSUES
-------------------------------------------
MAPS OF PLAYER PROGRESS
MORE OUTSIDE BACKGROUNDS, INCLUDING THOSE WITH SPECIFIC
POINTS OF REFERENCE TO FURTHER CLARIFY POSITION TO
THE PLAYER
PLAYER CONTROL PANEL
NEW CHARACTERS FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES
ATTRACT SCREENS
GENERAL GRAPHICS
----------------
REDESIGN OF EXISTING OBJECTS ( PROBOT, WEDGES, MINES )
GOLDEN GATE TYPE BRIDGE FOR THE PLAYER TO CROSS ADDING TO
THE CONCEPT OF TRAVELLING OUTSIDE
JUMP RAMPS
NEW HYPERSPEED SHADOWS ( ALA STAR TREK )
ORNATHOPTER ( FLYING MECHANICAL BIRD )
NEW 200' DIAMETER TUNNEL PIECES
5. THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF RECENTLY COMPLETED ADDITIONS TO THE
STUN RUNNER GAME:
MULTI-SYNC BACKGROUND MANAGER
EXPLOSION MANAGER ( ALA BATTLEZONE )
TAP THROUGHS
PLAYER COAST
NO DEATH IN BOOST
MULTI-SYNC LO-RES BACKGROUNDS
NEW PLAYER VEHICLE PARTS AT DEPOTS
WEDGES ( DEFLECTION OBJECTS )
MINES ( HAZARDS )
6. THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF PROPOSED ACTION ITEMS TO BE DESIGNED
AND IMPLEMENTED:
MAP DISPLAY ( PLAYER PROGRESSION ) AT DEPOT
CONTROL PANEL DISPLAY FOR SCORE, MPH, AND TIMERS
VEHICLE JUMPS
MORE TUNNEL ( PLAYFIELD ) LAYOUT
THEME/GOAL DESIGN
PROBOT ACCURACY ( SHOOTS AT THE PLAYER )
IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW DRONES ( ORNATHOPTER, ETC )
ATTRACT MODE
JOYSTICK VS. STARWARS CONTROLLER
REVISIT GAS PEDAL
DRONE TO DRONE COLLISIONS AND AVOIDANCE
MORE SOUNDS
7. WE WILL NEED TO START AN UPRIGHT CABINET DESIGN AFTER THE
HOLIDAY SEASON FOR OUR FIELD TEST IN FEB.
8. UPON RETURN FROM THE HOLIDAYS, THE STUN TEAM WILL BE DESIGNING
A PLAN OF ATTACT IN PREPARATION FOR FIELD TEST
___________________________________________________________________________
From: GAWD::ALBAUGH "Dr. Bizarro" 22-DEC-1988 13:52:33.16
CC:
Subj: More software rot
If you do not now, nor will you ever, use a single 6502 for your
game _and_ coin processor, just delete this now and save some time...
Now, for you PotShot and Tetris programmers (and any others who
are into "cheap" in a big way). Norm Avellar found yet another coin bug.
It seems that if MECHS=2, the "middle-mech-multiplier" is _not_ applied
to the left mech. I can only assume this was on purpose, because the code
goes to some effort to do it. I also could swear I changed it a long time
ago. But then again, I would have guessed that the copy of nucn65 in
sys$sysdevice:[utilities] was no more than two versions out of date too...
Anyway, the latest (today) version of nucn65.mac is in
ee$userdisk:[albaugh.6502.coin], and will be in wherever the standard place
should be if someone will let me know where that is (I can never unravel
AUDIO's logicals). The version in sys$sysdevice:[utilities] is unbelievably
old and crufty, so it is almost certainly _not_ being used by anybody. Maybe
I ought to delete it and see who screams :-)
Any suggestions?
Mike
___________________________________________________________________________

Vax 88

Încărcat de

Informații document

Titlu original

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Vax 88

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Atari/Atari Games VaxMail 1988 Jed Margolin

STARTING THIS YEAR WE WILL BE PAYING CONSULTANTS AND CONTRACTORS THROUGH

The following Greenhills C bug (version 1.8.0) caused a really obscure

Fun in the Sun

I usually disdain recommending investment opportunities, however, I think

I WILL HAVE A NEW TEST CART FOR YOU TUESDAY EVENING

Becky and Rob are the proud parents of a

ATTENTION ALL CONSUMERS:

THIS AFTERNOON I WILL BE ESCORTING OUR

I have posted a new schedule at each mailstation, on my door,

One of our licensees in England is in desperate need of an Empire Strikes Back

Meeting with Toshiba this afternoon at 4:00.

STARTING MONDAY, 2/29 PAINTERS WILL BE

Sorry, but the applications engineer was detained in Palo

The part number for the Driver Slapstic is 137412-117.

MANUFACTURING IS MOVING A PRODUCTION

Here are a couple utilities to make life easier for somebody:

You cant get there from here...

There is a scheduling problem with the Scidesign schematic entry stations:

Not being a proponent of central air circulation systems, I have a

Gene Cavanaugh is with a Mississippi consortium called the Institute

sprintf(line,"DISPLAY CYCLE %d",i++);

THIS FRIDAY MORNING, 3/25 AND MONDAY,

Anybody know of a defined proceedure and designated personel to procure

Atari Games has entered into negotiations to purchase approximately 15.6

As you may have heard Postage Rates are increasing as of 3 April

IC SOCKET SUMMARY 3-31-88

OLD P/N NEW P/N DESCRIPTION ROW FRAME of FRAME of

It has come to my attention that a variety of dangerous and

I am pleased to announce that Sam Comstock has been promoted to the

Marty asked me to give you my input on his proposed mini-emulator, probably

shame on whoever is in charge of maintaining our facilities. i still haven't

p.s. i'd hate to make this a weekly exercise.

ANYONE NOT YET RECEIVING THEIR SECOND, CORRECTED ROLLOVER CERTIFICATE,

I shoudna dunnit. I KNEW I shoudna dunnit.

In reviewing the MultiSync Hardware costing a couple of areas appear low,

This is to confirm that today we purchased 15.6 acres of land at the

All prices are negotiable.

Whoever is in charge of the sprinkler system or responsible for

I spoke with Bill Hedgepeth of Pinnacle Sales about the availability

Yes, I was suckered by an ad to go to the new "Good Guys Clearance Center"

I have the Inputs for the MultiSync Board.

... and He spake, and He said, "Let there be Tuesday," and it

Each game uses 32 sockets.

The manufacturer is JAE with p/n DICF-24C-E2. I was quoted 32 cents

It's officially working. Atari Games people can call

The carpet near my window is wet.

I just released v2.5 of LLF. There are no functional differences between

Attention 6502 programmers! The is a request for volunteers to test the

This is specifically to 6502 programmers. I have released a new blue box

The original of this document will reside (for a few months) at

Report on Hardware meeting on 5/27/88

... have been repaired. You may now dial direct.

What does it mean for a part to be "Inactive"?

Example: PR PN,GENERIC,DES,MFG,VPN,STATUS OF STUFF

or : PR PN,GENERIC,DES,MFG,VPN,STATUS VIA VSTATUS OF STUFF

VADRS and 256k VDRAM's:

I've had to do some substantial work on the editor command shell.

For those of you who want mail to be a little smarter than

When you make the Driver ADSP Board REV A:

I just distributed a maintenance release of MAC65 (version 7.1) that fixes

Components Engineering will be inactivating another group of Atari part

Are there up-to-date specs available for the LETA?