1997
1998
1999
1997
1998
1999
(Obviously), a new News function has been added.
A new emulator, written by Mike Riley has been placed on the TRS-80 Emulator page, and some bad links have been removed.
I have added two more pieces of software to the Model III page - Toxic Dump and Spook House.
Mike Riley updated his emulator.
Jeff Vavasour has updated his Model I Emulator to v3.02u. He will also be discontinuing the emulator following this release (but not abandoning the scene).
A bunch of new Model I software has been added to the site.
ACIDS.ZIP BACKPACK.ZIP BARGRAPH.ZIP BIORM.ZIP BOWLING.ZIP BUILDNG.ZIP CODER.ZIP DRCHIPS.ZIP ESCAPEAD.ZIP FORMULA.ZIP FUNDISK1.ZIP FUNDISK3.ZIP GRAVITRN.ZIP LOVETEST.ZIP MARQUEE.ZIP ODYSSEY.ZIP PLANET2.ZIP SPACEINT.ZIP STRATOS2.ZIP STRTOS.ZIP TARGET!.ZIP TARGET.ZIP TRON!.ZIP TRON-2.ZIP
Addresses for Scott Adams (WWW Site) and an EMail address for the LDOS founder.
I have implemented a FOR SALE / TRADE area for people who have TRS-80's they wish to sell.
I have implemented a TRANSFERRING page to handle FAQ's on Transferring Files.
If anyone has any HTML or JAVA code on how to block certain e-mail addresses from access the site, I would apprecicate that code.
I have implemented a TRANSFERING page to handle FAQ's on Transferring Files.
If anyone has any HTML or JAVA code on how to block certain e-mail addresses from access the site, I would apprecicate that code.
Matthew Reed has written a Model I/III virtual environment/emulator. This puppy even allows you to put a TRS-80 disk into your PC drive, and read/write to it, and to move files to the IBM!
Matthew Reed has completed his READDISK program. This can be used to read TRS-80 disks in an IBM drive. It would be appreciated if people with TRS-80 disks could covert them to .DSK and e-mail them to me for posting.
I have updated the: E-Mail Page to include a links section; the software pages; the emulator page; and the trade page.
The site has gotten press again! It was 'reviewed' in the 10/97 issue of Web Magazine.
Also, I do not post updates to the TRS-80 for Sale page on the news, so if you are in the market, keep checking the page.
A link page has been created for the TRS-80 Color Computer.
A F.A.Q. Page has been created for the TRS-80 Section. I will not update the news each time this changes.
Matthew Reed has just released version 1.10 of his TRS-80 Model I/3 emulator. The upgrade includes several important new features, including a virtual hard disk, hardware clock support, and a keyboard that can be configured in TRS-80, PC, or German modes.
The emulator is available here, or at Matthew's site. At Matthew's site you can read the emulator's documentation (in HTML format) or download the Model I shareware version. You can also read about or download READDISK, the freeware utility he wrote to convert TRS-80 disks to disk images.
Jon Bokelman has provided me with 2200+ songs and a ORCH/PIANO 90 Emulator. I will sort the songs, and others, and repost the new ZIP's.
Matthew Reed has undertaken a bug fix to version 1.10 of his TRS-80 Model I/3 emulator. If you downloaded this prior to 10/16/97, you may wish to re-download it.
The ORCH 80/85/90 files Are Back Up and MUCH INCREASED (over 2,400)! Thanks To Jon Bokelman! Duplicates have been removed.
The Emulator Page has been updated to include the MAME System.
A bunch of new Model I software has been added to the site.
7gables.zip ach1.zip alladams.zip arc31v20.zip auto33.zip binhex2.zip bulletin.zip busy.zip catdoc3.zip compress.zip d1200.zip dearc30c.zip dearj.zip delzhv2.zip dezip20a.zip dezip30a.zip dezoo.zip dial.zip dialer2.zip dirsys.zip disksend.zip dvpalace.zip enisland.zip ess.zip gmv30.zip hayes.zip host1.zip host80.zip kingdom.zip linefeed.zip linetest.zip lu1v106.zip lzhuf4.zip m3kermit.zip macpak.zip marttomb.zip maxihost.zip nobugv18.zip pharaoh.zip printer.zip private.zip pyramida.zip smartdvr.zip smartmod.zip spacecom.zip sq31.zip suphost.zip thehost.zip ttbbsupd.zip ttbbsv3.zip uart.zip usq31.zip utrec.zip utxmt.zip vt52.zip whitpalm.zip wibasic.zip xchain.zip xf880501.zip xmdm202.zip xmdm211.zip xmodem1s.zip xmodem30.zip xmodemsr.zip
A bunch of new Model III software has been added to the site.
ach3.zip host3.zip kompak3.zip lu3v107.zip nd80term.zip packterm.zip rs232ck.zip rs232ck2.zip tbbsutil.zip teledit.zip term.zip trucking.zip
The Emulator Page has been about doubled in size.
There is a TRS-80 BBS on the Internet!!! Telnet over to frank.searchlight.com to log in (limit 1 user at a time).
It is VERY VERY likely that this site will be moving at the VERY beginning of 1998 ... where, I do not quite know yet. I will post the new address as soon as I know what it might be.
If anyone has a routine which allows people to enter their e-mail addresses to be notified of site changes, please let me know how to do it..
My email address is now ira@trs-80.com. I do have a mirror for the site, but I need to figure out its address ... stay tuned. I also got a bunch of new trs-80 software, but it is taking time to sort through it all.
I have posted 144 new Model I/III pieces of software (although some duplicate currently available files). Those new files are:
acrnpinb.zip agfirbrd.zip airfight.zip airraid.zip aliendef.zip alientax.zip alpha.zip ape-2.zip arachnid.zip arena.zip aruboat.zip assault3.zip atlantod.zip attforce.zip atttrs80.zip babble.zip balloon.zip baricad.zip basket.zip bedlam-1.zip beetles.zip bomber.zip bombs.zip bounce.zip bstation.zip catp.zip ccaves.zip centiped.zip colony.zip compac.zip convoy-1.zip cosmftr3.zip cresta.zip crush.zip decath.zip devil.zip deviltow.zip digout2.zip dmn-seed.zip doctorl.zip dogstara.zip donkykg2.zip elimator.zip elisa.zip everest.zip falling.zip fighter.zip fort2.zip fortrs-1.zip frogger2.zip fstoids.zip galaxplu.zip gallery.zip gauntlt2.zip germ1942.zip hamburgr.zip haunted.zip head-on.zip hoppy2.zip indy.zip insect.zip intrdr.zip invasion.zip jewels.zip journey.zip jovian.zip jungle.zip kidnaped.zip killer.zip kungfua.zip leaper.zip liber.zip lunlandr.zip madman.zip madmine.zip medival.zip metmisn2.zip micadvlg.zip microadv.zip mislatck.zip mod1xfer.zip moon.zip newyork.zip nucmeltd.zip oregon.zip orient.zip outhous2.zip paddle.zip panik.zip patrol.zip pball.zip penguin2.zip pong.zip pyramidb.zip quest1.zip quest2.zip qustfire.zip raakatu.zip rally-1.zip rear.zip robtatck.zip rock.zip ruintime.zip sabotage.zip saigonad.zip sapafitv.zip saucer.zip scarf.zip scarfpl.zip silvflsh.zip skits.zip skyscr.zip skysweep.zip skywarr2.zip sleuth.zip snkthf.zip spaceatk.zip spacewr3.zip spchunta.zip spores.zip starfrtr.zip stars.zip startrek.zip startrp2.zip stelesc2.zip strike.zip suprnova.zip swmpwars.zip swords.zip taipan10.zip tenpins.zip thresh.zip transtar.zip tunnlman.zip ventr12.zip vexus-1.zip weerd-1.zip west-ho.zip willo.zip wizard.zip wldwest.zip worlds.zip worms.zip zaxxon.zip
A new version of READDISK (v2.0) has been released!! (written by Matthew Reed)
READDISK is a freeware utility I wrote to convert real TRS-80 disks to virtual disk images that can be used with Matthew Reed's emulator. If your PC has the right size disk drives, and if your PC's disk controller is capable enough, then READDISK can read and convert almost any kind of TRS-80 disk.
This new version of READDISK now works on Tandy 1000 computers!
A Model 4 Emulator has been released!! (written by Matthew Reed)
The unregistered shareware version emulates a 64K Model 4 with four double-sided, 80-track floppy drives and a parallel printer port. All Model 4 sound can be routed through either the PC speaker or a Sound Blaster compatible sound card, and several international keyboard layouts are available.
The registered version adds support mode, the 128K memory upgrade, a virtual hard drive, a hardware clock, RS-232 communications, high resolution graphics (Radio Shack and Micro-Labs), snapshots, a Model 4 mouse driver, and file transfer utilities.
69 new Model I/III pieces of software (although some duplicate currently available files). Those new files are:
I have personally used the registered version of Matthew Reed's Model 4 emulator. I put a real Model 4 disk in IBM Drive A: and set that as my emulator boot drive (:0). This emulator booted off of the physical Model 4 disk and performed flawlessly. To create a .DSK file image of that floppy all I had to do was mount my Model 4 disk as :0 (in A:), and a virtual disk as :1, and run BACKUP. That's IT!!
Matthew includes a utility which will allow you to import and export from a Model III/4 .DSK file to DOS which supports wildcards.
I strongly recommend that you register the Model 4 (and the Model I/3) emulators written by Matthew (and NO, I do not get a kickback or any other compensation ... it is just a DAMN good piece of software).
Site Updates:
I have posted 43 new Model I/III pieces of software (although some duplicate currently available files). Those new files are:
ld531upd.zip rshard.zip rshrdw97.zip mrasw97.zip prdogfit.zip promcw97.zip filt5w97.zip su32cmd.zip forthw97.zip ddiskw97.zip dsmblw97.zip golf-2.zip memopad.zip edas43.zip edas4w97.zip dis-2.zip apd-1.zip b1bomber.zip basmon-1.zip bcw97.zip beecon.zip beemaze.zip centrjkl.zip deathsta.zip digitalk.zip diskindx.zip diskio.zip dpoint.zip dskcat.zip eduspeak.zip elizaa.zip flightsm.zip framer.zip grasp.zip label4.zip loan.zip lottos.zip lunacy.zip mad1.zip magsfile.zip sterm16.zip cast-adv.zip att-trs.zip
I can now convert Model I, 3, and 4 TRS-80 Disks to .DSK files. If you have any, please please e-mail me.
I have posted 46 new Model III pieces of software (although some duplicate currently available files). Those new files are:
I have posted 2 new Model I and a bunch new Model III pieces of software (although some duplicate currently available files). Those new files are:
I expect to have my Model 4 software online shortly.
I have posted 1 new Model I and a bunch new Model III pieces of software (although some duplicate currently available files). Those new files are:
Site Updates:
New Model 4 Software:
The server which holds most of the files is temporarily down - it is hoped it will be up later tonight.
9 new Model I, 1 new Model III, and 5 new Model 4 pieces of software. Those new files are:
I have posted a new Model I/III/IV Emulator (WINTRS80) for Windows '95 & NT (written by Wade)
You may also need the Windows Fonts for this to work.
Distribution Site: http://www.asub.arknet.edu/wade/wintrs80.htm.
I have posted 6 new Model I pieces of software. Those new files are:
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Here's the drill ... thanks to the efforts of Cord Coslor, and two individuals who wish no credit, I have been absolutely inundated with new TRS-80 software. It will take quite some time to go through. The problem is indentifying what is "NEW" - it is an added step which will slow things even more. SO, please take note of what you have, as these may be posted without warning.
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
I have reprinted the NewDos/80 v2.0 command reference guide on the site (with permission).
I have to sort through 209 disk images now ... plus other random stuff being sent to me ... it will show up over time ...
Also, I have no control over whether the site is up or down. I once I gather the money together, I will try to move the site to a DNS location, like simplenet. If this happens, it will probably be at www.trs-80.com
I have implemented a Tips and Tricks section. The content comes from the usenet.
THE SITE IS MOVING - The Hard Drive on the W3 server is dying, and my site is being moved. It is possible that the new address will be "www.infonorth.com/ira" and I recommend you check that in case the site goes down.
I am thinking about putting up the site at an additional (temporary) location "www.computer-gurus.com/ira" but that will NOT be a long term thing.
New files:
Model I
Model 4
The site has moved to http://www.infonorth.com/ira
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model III
You can now get xtrs version 1.10, a TRS-80 Model I/III/4 emulator for Unix and the X Window System, from Tim Mann's Web page:
The most significant change since version 1.9 are:
It is 212K so be ready for a big download
I still have over 120 Disk Images to sort through, so expect the site to keep growing
New Page: TRS-80 Repair sources
93 More Disks To Go ...
New files:
Model I
Model III
New files (71 Disks Left To Sort):
Model I
Model III
While I am spending the time sorting the 120+ disks, there will be MANY copies of otherwise identical software posted. if anyone figures out that file X and file Y are exactly the same (including being DISK or CASETTE versions, having the introduction, not being hacked or otherwise messed up), please let me know which two FILENAMES are exactly the same. I will check them out and then delete one. Your help is appreciated
New files (51 Disks Left To Sort):
Model I
Model III
New files (26 Disks Left To Sort):
Model I
The Owl Tree (/BAS) - 80-US Publishing (1979) (7k)
Model III
New files (11 Disks Left to Sort):
Model I
Model III
New files (Still More To Go):
Model I
Model III
Disk Label Printer (/BAS) - Gordon Monier (1k)
Model 4
New files (Still More To Go ...):
Model I
Model III
More New files (The end is in sight):
Model I
Model III
New files:
Model I
Model III
I have added a TRS-80 Stories page which captured the ListServe discussion of people and how they became involved with the TRS-80.
A new shipment of Disks have arrived by Mail and e-mail ... I hope to have them online soon. I also am aware of certain files which are not being found ... I will deal with that too.
I have added XTRS v2.0 and WINTRS80 v2.0 (both are new 2.0 versions)
I have added a TRS2IBM3 utility which converts TRS-80 Basic to IBM Basic (IBM Program)
I am starting to deal with the missing file issue
I am looking for information on BBS's in the early 80's which may have had on-line games. If you have any direct knowledge, please let me know the year, the BBS software, whether the games were single player or multi player, and any additional information you may wish to share. THANKS!
The 87 New Files Posted Are:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New File Posted: MegaVenture 1: Lair of the Dragon v1.04 LDOS - Misosys (1987).
I am 95% done converting about 60(?) or so Model 4 games ...
New files:
Model 4
I just received 58 more TRS-80 Disks which I hope to convert over the weekend.
New files:
Model 4
I have transferred the 58 disks to .DSK format ... now I gotta sort them ...
I have updated the EMULATOR (general) page to include the MAC and some BIOS repository sites.
New files:
Model I
Model III
I have added a new TRS-80 link: Mike's TRS-80 Model I Page.
I have added a new email address: Rick Maurice (Author of Starbird, Grand Prix 80 and Martian Patrol).
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
I still have 37 disk images which I need to sort ... I hope to have some more stuff posted before the end of the holiday weekend.
New files:
Model I
Model III
Added a Telnetable TRS-80 to the Other Sites Page.
Added an Amazon.Com searchable box on the main page (please support this page)
Added an E-Mail notification on the main page
Added a TRS-80 Time Line on the main page
Began work on a Model I00 page
Converted some more software
Added Meta-Tags (why do I not show up on Alta Vista?)
New files:
Model I
Model III
Color Computers Emulators and pointers to ROM's on the TRS-80 Emulator page.
New files:
Model I
Model III
I have implemented a Scott Adams Adventure Page.
I have added a walk through for Scott Adams Adventure # 1: Adventureland.
I have added a walk through for Scott Adams Adventure # 2: Pirate Adventure.
I have added a walk through for Scott Adams Adventure # 3: Mission Impossible Adventure.
I have added a walk through for Scott Adams Adventure # 4: Voodoo Castle Adventure.
I have added a walk through for Scott Adams Adventure # 5: The Count Adventure.
I have added a walk through for Scott Adams Adventure # 6: Strange Odyssey Adventure.
I have added a walk through for Scott Adams Adventure # 7: Mystery Fun House Adventure.
I have added a walk through for Scott Adams Adventure # 8: Pyramid of Doom Adventure.
I have added a walk through for Scott Adams Adventure # 9: Ghost Town Adventure.
I have added a walk through for Scott Adams Adventure # 12: Golden Voyage Adventure.
I have added a Model II Page (Just Links).
I have added a walk through for Scott Adams Adventure # 10: Savage Island: Part I Adventure.
I have added a Message Board.
I have added a Model I00 Emulator for DOS written by Kurt Dekker.
Added a link to the Amiga Software Archive site on the General Emulator Page.
Added XTRS v2.2 to the TRS-80 Emulator Page.
Added BASLIST - TRS-80 Binary Basic to ASCII Basic converter for MSDOS to the TRS-80 Emulator Page.
Added MicroWorld for the Model I.
Added the discussion of the Tokens for TRS-80 BASIC into the Tips and Tricks page.
Things are a bit slow going, although I am expecting some new software to come in from two different individuals, so stay tuned.
Updated the TRS-80 stories
Updated a few e-mail addresses
Updated XTRS to v2.6
Added Three New Emulators to the TRS-80 Emulator page.
Added Hypercross v3.0a and PC CrossZap to the TRS-80 Emulator page.
Some new software has finally shown up ... it will take a bit of time to get it up.
Tim Mann has updated his XTRS to v2.8
I have fixed my broken link to BASLIST.ZIP
Steve McCoy of Simology.com has graciously donated some space to the site. I do not anticipate the files being down at any point, and hope to have everything moved over during the day on Monday.
I would also like to thank Geoff Raye for his rising to the occasion as well.
I am touched by the support and e-mails I got with regard to this (newest) crisis.
I still have a bunch of files I need to sort through ... it will be a little while longer though.
Added TRSCROSS to the Transfer section of the Emulator Page.
Realigned the Main Menu buttons
Colossal Cave for the Model I has been added to the Model I page.
The site files have been safely transported over to the new host. Thank you again Steve McCoy of Simology.com.
Tim Mann has updated his XTRS Emulator to v2.9
I have finished moving over the files and hope to start going through some of the new receipts.
I have broken the old news into multiple parts to ease the download time.
Added a TRS-80 to IBM-PC Conversion Program v3.0 to the Transfer Page.
Added Multi Emulator Super System v2b4 to the Transfer Page.
I have implemented a new Model I transfer 'protocol' ... courtesy of Niels Horn.
I have added another story to the TRS-80 stories page.
I received a box of TRS-80 stuff from John Barron of Fort Worth, Texas --- I have ALOT of sorting to do.
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
Happy Thanksgiving ... Sorry there have been no updates - between Monday and today my car transmission died and my new Dell system arrived. Needless to say, my hands are full. I really do hope to be able to get some more of the files online soon.
The message boards appear to have both been deleted. There are only three reasons why a message board is deleted, and at least one board was not disused for 45 days, nor did I kill it - that leaves content. I guess someone posted content which violates the Message Board policies. I have created a new board this time.
Thanks to David Browder, I have added a compilation of Christmas orchs.
Just got some bad news ... the new Dell system I bought only supports one floppy drive. As a result, I will not be able to install a 5.25" drive into it --- thus ending my days of being able to READDISK. Of course, I didn't find THIS out until I put the drive in and went to hook up the cable. Oooops. Only one plug on the floppy cable.
This will not significantly hurt the site ... it has been a LONG time since people sent over disks.
Added Ball Turret Gunner for the Model I.
I got clarification from Dell on the floppy drive issue: It's not just the availability of a slot or the connector on a cable that is the issue. There is no identity for the 5 1/4" drive in any PC97-compliant BIOS. The system simply will not recognize such a drive. The computer industry as a whole has made the commitment to move rapidly away from old standards. By next year, for example, there will be no ISA slots in new computers. If you have software that will run only with 5 1/4" media or depends on ISA standards, look to having it ported or updated if you cannot keep older systems for it to run on.
So hang onto your old systems, if you intend to READDISK.
Added Model I Emulator for the AMIGA.
AmiTRS80 currently supports:
I have done SOME consolidation, but not much. I have done none of the new files ... it is such a pain ... but I hope to do a little.
I have created a Yahoo Club for people to chat and whatever. The URL is http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/trs80club
Howard Lee, a wonderful Australian, has contributed hundreds and hundreds of trs-80 files ... we are in the process of transferring them now ....
I am making progress (albeit slowly) on the thousands of new files ... the tough part is keeping track of what has changed. What will likely happen, is I will be able to show what files are new, but not what files have been modified (i.e., a new version added to the old zip file).
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
New files:
Model I
Model III
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
XTRS v3.4 is now online
New files:
Model I
There is a chance that a new TRS-80 emulator by Serge Lachance will be posted soon.
I have very little information but it is for Windows '95 and NT, has a TRS-80 screen which is re-sizable, and has a debugger
See a Screen Dump of this emulator with the Debugger open (hit the "BACK" to return to the news).
I have nore information on that new TRS-80 emulator by Serge Lachance written by the (French Language Speaking) author.
TRS-80 FEATURES:
DEBUGGER FEATURES:
Now, everything's not perfect...
What I'm planning in the near future... to
Screen Saver version (679K) of the new TRS-80 emulator by Serge Lachance.
To load /CMD programs you bring the debugger (The "Z-80" button, upper right corner) and press the "load" button (third button to the right). You choose the CMD file you want to load and after that you press the play button.
When in Screen Saver Mode you can go to play mode by hitting the left ALT key. You'll be able to play the current game. It'll go back to SCR mode if you hit ALT again or if you don't do anything for 2 minutes.
You can force the next game by hitting the left SHIFT key.
To Install: Copy the .SCR file to your Windows Directory.
I have finally diverted some time to solving the problem of the size of the Model I and Model III page loads. Each has now been broken into #-M and N-Z pages.
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
A new Model III / IV Emulator (v3.0) has made the scene written by Better Software Co.
David Keil's Emulator has been updated to fix the Dell (and maybe other) keyboard bug. The next version is expected soon. The next version has will hard drive, hi-res graphics and mouse support plus a configuration screen and lots of other new features.
Tim Mann's XTRS has been updated to version 3.5.
David Keils' TRS-80 Emulator has been updated to v4.01.
We have an author among us ... the following is a message which the author hopes to disseminate ...
I'm a writer and former TRS-80 software seller and I've long wanted to write a book about those days. I am just finishing writing a book that will be published in January 2000 and the urge to jump right into another writing project -- this project -- is becoming irresistible. I don t have a publisher for it, but I have good credentials and skills as a writer and I really think this story should be told, and it hasn t been told. I m hoping it s a case of "write it and they will come." I have the beginnings of a book proposal, an outline, and a Preface. I'm thinking of calling it "Talkin Trash: The Legacy of the TRS-80 and its Times"
For anyone reading this who was around in the late 70s and early 80s who used to read 80 Micro, you will remember the product my husband, David, and I had: Lazy Writer, the finest of the trash-80 word processors. What I want to write about is not the technical specs (although those will be there; they re part of the story), but about the wonderful talented people who produced great software and what it was like, each of us having our little companies and trying to make a contribution and stay alive. In the end, the IBM PC and the giant corporations ate all of us, but I d so love to know what happened to everyone. I ve found some people on the web -- Lance Miklus and Kim Watt have sites. I d love to hear from our old friend and brilliant Z80 coder, Vernon Hester, with whom we spent many happy hours. Vernon, get in touch with us. I plan a whole chapter about you and Multidos.
I'd like to share the following section from the Preface I ve written for this book:
******FROM THE PREFACE
Bill Gates has written about "The Road Ahead." This book is about The Road Behind, a road only a few of us were privileged to trod. We heard about small computers, saw pictures of them in hobbyist magazines, and we eagerly awaited the arrival of Radio Shack s gift to the world, which they announced with much fanfare in the late 1970s. They were not first, or last, or the best, or anything that has earned the TRS-80 a starring role in the history of computers. Sometimes it is hardly mentioned, drowned out by tales of Charles Babbage and the Difference Engine, Jay Forrester and core memory, Thomas Watson and IBM, and Nolan Bushnell, Steve Jobs, Dan Bricklin, and Adam Osborne. There were many giants, and many words have been written about them. But I ve always been struck by the little that has been written about what was a distinct era, and people who had real accomplishments. How the words that are written tend to glorify those who succeeded financially and ignore those who quietly went back to their lives when that era ended. No one has recorded the triumphs and the pain of these people, as they gave birth to brilliant operating systems, ingenious utilities, and word processing with features that would later be "invented" by companies with more money but not more talent.
During the 1980s, David and I had a small office located over a vintage clothing store on busy Michigan Avenue, in Dearborn, Michigan. We had variously, two to four rooms, depending on our prosperity at the time, where we worked and employed part-time college kids to help. Out of this simple headquarters, we sold software for the TRS-80 Model I, Model III, and Model 4 computers. The software we owned was all the work of David and only David and it was mostly written in the basement of the house we owned in Southwest Detroit. We acquired the office only after we had a product to sell that brought in enough money to afford the rent. He spent most of his time in the basement at home, programming, and I spent my time at the office, writing ads, manuals, and a newsletter, besides making sure orders were filled and customers satisfied. We knew nothing about venture capital or IPOs or other high-finance concepts. We had no MBA degrees and were not driven by a desire for profits as much as simply wanting to make a living doing something we enjoyed. Being a part of something new and exciting and being in touch with others who were doing the same thing was the good part. The down side was knowing that the technology would not stand still and that we were up against companies with a lot more resources than we had and wondering how long we could keep on doing what we were doing. As it turned out, by the late 80s, I had to seek other work to make ends meet.
Our story was many times mirrored in other basements, garages, and small offices across the country by other people who created software for TRS-80s. A first wave of users bought what we sold. These were not big corporate buyers -- that came later, on a new breed of computers based on the IBM PC -- but were mainly small business people, people like ourselves. Sellers and buyers formed "the bleeding edge" that morphed into the personal computer revolution. This, in turn, made possible the Internet and the age of digital commerce now changing the landscape of business.
Anyone with stories, old pictures, ads, and other TRS-80 stuff should contact me -- Theresa Welsh-- or my husband (that great z80 Assembly Language programmer!), David Welsh. This book needs pictures. If you have pictures of you and your TRS-80 at work, I d love to see those for use in this book. If you produced ads and can get me copies of them, that would be great.
If you used to sell TRS-80 software, I d love to hear from you. Please tell me what you sold, what your company was called, and what happened to it. Did your experiences selling TRS-80 software help you in your later career? What did it mean to you? How do you regard it now? What do you think that era contributed to the computing environment we have today?
OUR EMAIL
Theresa@explainamation.com
David@explainamation.com
Our web site: www.explainamation.com
I have added a documentation page.
New files (the first 66 disks of Kim Watt's collection):
Model I
Model III
David Keils' TRS-80 Emulator has been updated to v4.20.
I have added a section of Model I DOS's below the Model I emulators on the emulator page, thanks to Tim Mann's conversion ability. If you get a file not found, it is because the DOS isn't up yet. Please don't email me about it.
New files (the first 108 disks of Kim Watt's collection):
Model I
Model III
Added a bunch of more manuals to the Documentation page.
New files (the first 108 disks of Kim Watt's collection):
Model I
Updated XTRS to v3.6 on the emulator page.
This new version supports Dave Keil's disk format, which can emulate copy protected and other odd diskettes.
New files (more of Kim Watt's collection):
Model I
Model III
New files (more of Kim Watt's collection):
Model I
Model III
Since I had a user request, I have posted the absolutely unsorted Model 600 files. It was either that or leave them offline for, probably, forever.
In the spirit of the Model 600 files, I have posted the totally unsorted Model 200 files. If anyone wants to sort them, please let me know.
New files:
Model I
Model III
New files:
Model I
Model III
DoubleDOS v4.2 added to the Model I DOS list.
Miscellaneous UNSORTED ORCH Files from Kim Watt have been added to the Orch-90 page.
New files:
Model I
Model III
George Phillips was kind enough to send me a screen dump of my site hitting 100,000 users. I know that other emulation sites get that a day, but thank you all very much for your kind support. And thank you, George, for saving that little bit of posterity for me.
XTRS TRS-80 Model I/III/4 Emulator udpated to v3.7.
Whew! Finally found a CGI script that would work with Netcom - this should solve the problems of excessive bandwidth as WebZip, etc. will no longer work. The site is out of danger..
New files:
Model I
Model III
Tim Mann has finished his support of Dave Keil's virtual disk format and Dave Keil has finished his update also. Dave Keil will be releasing a v5.00 update shortly.
The good news is that both of those emulators can now support protected disks. The best news is that Dave Keil have already imported six protected programs to virtual disk format. Forbidden Planet, Forbidden City, Robot Attack (dual boot), Floppy Doctor, Spook House (dual boot), Toxic Dump Site (dual boot) and best of all Super Utility+ 3.0 (dual boot). None of these programs have been patched in any way, all the protection is still there. Both Tim Mann's and Dave Keil's emulator can emulate the FDC 100% now so protected disks can be translated into virtual disk format.
Because the PC's FDC is limited compared to the WD1793 FDC the special protected track must be examined on a real TRS-80 and built by hand on the PC (tracks 2-5 of SU3 for example). The rest of the data can be copied without to much trouble. Tim or Dave Keil plan to write utilities to copy most of the data leaving only the bazar tracks to do by hand. Once the file is created though, unlike real disks, making copies is a simple PCDOS copy of the virtual file. CopyCat 4 however will also make copies at the TRS-80 emulator level, not necessary but cool that it can.
Dave Keil's Model III/4 Emulator has been updated to v5.0.
New files:
Model III
Note, these files will only work in Tim Mann's Emulator v3.7 or later or in David Keil's emulator v5.0 or later.
New files:
Model I
Model III
Added XTRS TRS-80 Model I/III/IV Emulator v3.8.
Added some pictures of the Model II and COCO.
New files:
Model I
Model III
New files:
Model I
New files:
Model I
Model III
New files:
Model I
Model III
Converted 36 more files ... can't generate the HTML until I get home, though. I have been through over 400 of the Kim Watt disks ... yay!
New files:
Model I
Model III
New files:
Model I
Model III
New files:
Model I
Model III
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
I have finally finished the Kim Watt stuff ... 600+ disk images and 5 hard drives. Yay! Next will be the two archives sent in by users; then resuming on the Australia stuff. Will post the last 25 files (mostly dupes, although two are first time working like ZChess).
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
Added FORTRAN-80 for the Model 4 thanks to Hector L. Rodriguez Toro.
For all the thousands of people buying books, videos, toys, music, etc. online, I can pretty much say they ain't doing it through this site. I have put banners on many of the pages now. Unique clicks (as opposed to orders) will help the site. Please click the banners.
Anyone out there who knows NT Server and IP connectivity, who is willing to burn a few brain cycles to help out with our problem, please send me an email.
Added a bit of Mike Yetsko disclosed TRS-80 history to the the Model I page.
New files:
Model I
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
Dave Keil has improved his emulator again, and expects a release soon.
He has done some work to the SoundBlaster sound support. Most of the changes are improvements to the Orchestra 85/90 music output.
The first change is that buffering Orchestra 85/90 music to a file now writes a .WAV file. The wave file is compatible with Windows MediaPlayer so you can play music to a file and then save or play the music in Windows.Buffering is 8bit and selectable mono or stereo. The emulator can also play most 8bit mono or stereo .WAV files.
Playing Orchestra music to a file will be possible without enabling SoundBlaster sound (incase the user doesn't have a compatible sound card).
Direct play of Orchestra 85/90 music will be improved. The SoundBlaster quality is equal to that of buffered play. The PC Speaker output has also been improved (better quality but lower volume).
The emulator will support SoundBlaster DSP v2.0 and above cards (like SBPro). This enables many compatible ISA & PCI cards to work with my emulator (my SB128 PCI now works in legacy mode). Only mono sound is supported with a compatible card but only Orchestra 85/90 sound is stereo and they can still be played in mono.
An update with these changes is expected soon.
Keep up the great work Dave.
New files:
Model I
Model III
New files:
Model I
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
For those who are interested, the UNSORTED library (could be DSK's, ZIP's, anything) is currently 65,116,446 big.
Took down the banners (AdClix is right up there with that casino banner that everyone had ...) and the reel.com (reel had shown 0 purchases since inception ... questionable). I have left up the Amazon link on the main page.
Site Updates:
Site Updates:
For those who are interested, the UNSORTED library (could be DSK's, ZIP's, anything) is currently 65,116,446 big.
Aaah ... the emails have started rolling in. Rather than craft a bunch of responses, I will refer people to the news page for the following explanation.
People who frequent this site know that the popularity of cable, ADSL and DSL have begun to cause this site enormous problems of bandwidth usage. After consulting with a number of people, and trying everything, we have now been forced to block entire sub-nets from the site. It is a very draconian response, but it is the only one possible under the current circumstances.
What this means is that the server is now monitoring for extraordinary usage from individual sub-nets [groups of allocated IP addresses, usually reserved in a block to a specific ISP], and blocking all future downloads from those sub-nets. This will most likely impact people with cable, DSL, and ADSL connections. It is not possible to isolate individuals and no one is really going to spend the time isolating the individuals.
I apologize to anyone who is inconvenienced by this, but our failure to block the abuses would have brought the site down for everyone, so the end result would have been the same to those who find themselves currently blocked.
As far as we can tell, the only solutions are:
Again, I apologize that the few bad apples are starting to cause lots of people to lose access.
It's getting worse ... Got this from my ftp admin.
It HIT an all time record yesterday. Here is this persons info .... we should show him as an example of what is crippling the site and could be spelling its DOOM! StarNet Inc. (NETBLK-STARNETINC13-196-23) <-- his ISP 579 First Bank Drive, Suite 100 Palatine, IL 60067 US 192.216.196.60 <-- offenders IP address today 2,979 files <-- files he downloaded today 9,299,392 MB <-- total downloaded data sent over 9 meg! 1 user 10/20/99 8:12:19am <-- start time 10/20/99 3:29:06pm <-- end time over 7 hours This must STOP soon! Sorry, but this is really getting out of hand. People are doing complete downloads of every file in the archive .... going right down the alphabet.
Dave Keil updated his Model I and Model III/4 Emulators to v5.33 to fix a bug on exit. You can get them at his site.
Model I, 3, and 4 (and only those, for now) archives are now offline until any of the following items presents itself
This is just too much of a headache for Steve and myself.
I will keep updating the site, and converting software, but those libraries will remain offline until a proper solution has presented itself.
I would like to thank all my loyal visitors and apologize for what some [explitive deleted]'s have forced upon the site.
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
Site Updates:
Site Updates:
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
The unsorted files are now 53MB
New files:
Model I
Model 4
Site Updates:
Site Updates:
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
Site Updates:
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
Site Updates:
Site Updates:
Site Updates:
There is a special new edition on the Sale page - by an ex-warranty authorized repair dealer. Move quick people.
Sorry for the lack of updates, I have been distracted with another project ... I still have about 6-7MB of unsorted Model 4 (maybe it has some 1 and 3 in it) stuff to sort and post. I am also modifying (again) my HTML generation program to point to Dave Keil's site for any posted software for which he has a manual (his manuals will not be mirrored here by his request), probably with a "(Manual)" hotlink. Once these are done, I will move on to the manuals which I have, and then proceed to sort through the millions (well, not millions) of patches which I have accumulated, and try to make some sense of those. After this, I will probably expand the Orch pages, and as a last last last resort, try to make some semblence of the Model I00, 200, 600 files. Thanks for sticking with.
Site Updates:
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
MESS has been updated to v36b9.1 - Get it from the Emulator Page.
Site Updates:
New files:
Model I
Model III
Model 4
Site Updates:
Site Updates:
Site Updates:
Added 6 more hardware sections to the Patches page.
Site Updates:
Continuing to add stuff to the Patches pages - will not really update news regarding changes to these sections as these sections are still in major flux (with a bunch more articles to transcribe).
Continuing to add stuff to the Patches pages - at least 8 more articles today and continuing ....
Added a ton more stuff to the Patches section - have only 3 articles left. One on swapping motherboards in a Model 4, one on increasing the maximum ram in a Model 4, and one complex document on ROM calls. Not much to do for the site once I finish those - no new software has come in recently.
Added the final article to the Patches page (swapping motherboards). I have elected not to post the Memory Modification article because it seems to be missing some crucial words (usually immediately following the words "with a knife cut"). That concludes the updates to these pages.
Site Updates:
New files:
Model I