![]() MZ-700 Modems
written by Tim Cowell / SUC/UK
Source: SUC-magazine March 1988, Volume 8, Number 2, pp. 48 - 49 |
Modems |
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Software |
Viewdata is a communications protocol used mainly in the U.K for displaying graphics and colour using a 7 bit ASCII code. It has become popular as a standard with such users as PRESTEL, the travel agency networks and other private firms, i.e. KAYS mail order and FORDS dealer network using it. Unfortunately for SHARP users it is not simple to display on Sharp machines because the graphic characters required do not exist on machines like the MZ700 or MZ80K etc. Because of this I have not aimed at providing a package for use with these type of services but have concentrated at the more conventional bulletin board services.. Bulletin boards for those unfamiliar with the term are like
electronic newspapers, except that you can write in them as well as
read them, and then other people can read what you have written. This
allows people to exchange ideas, hold debates and swap files electronically.
Most bulletin boards are easy to use and provide a menu driven front
display with help information available. These too can be colourful
and provide a limited use of graphics using a different protocol known
as ANSI. ANSI is a worldwide standard for sending control information
like colours and screen positioning. The ANSI standard does not use
special characters however so is much more suited to machines like the
MZ700. For this reason I have tailored SHARP TALK' to the ANSI
system. |
SHARP TALK ver 1 |
I will send Roy Houghton a copy of the existing program and the version with the setup menu, anybody wanting a copy can then do so via the usual library means. Alternatively they can send me a blank tape and SAE and 2 first class stamps ( to cover photocopy costs ) and I will send the latest version plus a list of over 50 public bulletin boards. Later enhancements planned are DTR, RTS / CTS
control, sending of BREAKS ( long space ), logging to printer and frame
store' / review. Eventually there will be an XMODEM protocol for file
transfer but you may wait some time for that. |