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NEW PRD

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

Program integrates widely used PC functions

Alpha Software's Electric Desk soft-ware for the IBM PC jr., PC, and PC XTcombines word processing, spreadsheetanalysis, database management, and com-munications into a single program. It is acompletely integrated multitasking pro-gram featuring functions such as win-dows, a macro programming language,and context-sensitive Help screens. AllElectric Desk applications are completelyintegrated, with instant data transferto/from any function without diskswitching.The word processor provides all the

standard features available on most stand-alone word processing packages. The

spreadsheet is 255 rows x 255 columnsand offers performance equal to mostspreadsheet programs available for theIBM PC.The database manager can store and in-

dex up to 65,000 records. The communi-cations option, in addition to standardelectronic mail and commercial databaseaccess capability, enables the user toautomatically dial telephone numbersstored in a database "Rolodex" file.Function keys allow novice users to

switch from one task to another or dividethe display screen into two windows andperform separate functions in each. Theprogram's multitasking ability enables

users to work with several functions atonce so that one can be operated while theothers are interrupted and temporarily puton hold. The macro language enablesusers to program frequently needed func-tions into two-keystroke commands.The Electric Desk for the PC jr. re-

quires 128K bytes of RAM and one diskdrive. Most of the program code is onROM cartridges with the remaining codeon a floppy diskette. The IBM PC and PCXT versions of the program require 256Kbytes of RAM and one disk drive.The Electric Desk retails for $295 (PC

jr.) and $345 (IBM PC and PC XT).

Reader Service Number 31

Voice processing systems are

based on Unix OS

Voicetek Corporation has announcedits VS 700, a family of stand-alone com-

puterized voice mail systems that are bas-ed on AT&T's Unix operating system,feature the "C" language and universaltelephone interface, and can be run on

DEC's Pro 350 professional computer.

The VS 700 permits subscribing users toplace, retrieve and forward voice mes-

sages as well as verify delivery. Messagescan be placed from any telephone for re-

trieval at a future time. They can beretrieved from any telephone or deliveredto one or more (up to 2000) parties eitherimmediately or at a specified time.

VS 700 systems include a voice storagesubsystem, telephone interface and con-

trol subsystem, message managementunit, database disk storage, and voice diskstorage.

Depending on the system selected, thenumber of users can range from 100 to2000. A VS 700 series 1000-user system ispriced under $125,000.

The Alex 500A, an Apple- and CP/M-compatible portable computer by Comp-U-Save,features a dual Z-80 and 6502 microprocessor with 64K RAM. Features include adetachable keyboard with a numeric keypad and uppercase and lowercase capabilities,four expansion slots, twin disk drives, built-in disk and printer interfaces, one RS-232-Cserial port, one parallel port, game port, RF modulator, external monitor port, andspeaker. The Alex 500A weighs 18 pounds and measures 15 x 14 x 5 inches. The pricefor the Alex 500A is $2495.

Reader Service Number 30 Reader Service Number 32

July 1984 107

The IVS thermal image analysis system was developed by Interactive Video Systems toanalyze the output of TV format infrared cameras in a wide range of inspection andresearch applications. It features background subtraction and signal-to-noise enhance-ment with a dynamic range of 256 gray levels. In industrial process temperaturemonitoring, the real-time system measures the absolute temperature of every pixel pointin a thermal image. The IVS system measures constant temperature contours andtemperatures of random-shaped objects. It provides 512 x 512-pixel spatial resolution,and the TV-compatible system includes a video processing module, color and B&Wmonitors, 51/4-inch disk drive software and a 64K-byte microcomputer. The IVS ther-mal image analysis system is priced from $32,500.


CAEICAD workstation has 2M-pixel display

Analog modules aid temperatureapplications for Modicon 884

Gould's Programmable Control Divi-sion, has announced a series of five I/Omodules and a second Modbus communi-cations port for use with the Modicon 884family of medium-size programmablecontrollers.

There are three analog modules-theB872 analog output module, the B873analog input module, and the B875 analoginput module-which allow the 884system to be used in process applicationswhere temperature, pressure, and flowtransducers are common inputs to thecontrol system. Moreover, there are tworeed-relay output modules-the B840-008reed relay output and the B842-008 reedrelay output-which allow the user toconfigure motor starter circuits requiringisolated contacts.The optional second Modbus commu-

nications port permits simultaneous con-nection of a host device and the P190 pro-grammer. This additional port eliminatesthe need for exchanging cables and portparameters when using two devices in theapplication.

Prices for the five modules range from$1100 to $1250. The optional secondModbus port on the 884 system with 2K or3.5K of memory is priced at $650.


Saber Technology Corporation recentlyannounced the Saberstation, a high-speedCAE/CAD workstation for OEMs andsystem integrators. The Saberstationfeatures a desktop, ultra-high-resolution19-inch video display and an applicationprocessor that utilizes National Semicon-ductor's NS32032 32-bit microprocessor.Operating at a 10-MHz clock rate, it ex-ecutes a very high level instruction set at1.2 MIPS and provides demand-pagedvirtual memory and a hardware floating-point coprocessor. Industry-standardBerkeley Unix is provided.

Software life-cycle managementtool available for the IBM PC

Quantitative Software Management,Inc., today announced the availability ofits software life-cycle management tool,Slim, for the IBM PC. Slim provides colorgraphics and is packaged on two floppydisks.The IBM PC Slim product is being of-

fered for a limited time at an introductorylease of $30,000 per year.


Saberstation software includes C,Pascal, Fortran-77, LAN support, pro-grammers workbench, virtual device in-terface, window manager, and a graphicspackage. The graphics package includesSiggraph Core 2D and 3D, and GKS 2D.All software has been integrated to worktogether through the window manager orunder control of customer-developed ap-plication software. The graphics packageallows access to the 2M-pixel display at thepixel level. The software offering has beendesigned to facilitate portability.

In addition, the image processor doesvector-to-raster conversion and bit align-ment for the 2M-pixel x 24-bit imagememory. The image processor utilizes anultra-high-speed display interface, pro-viding a 180-MHz video display with24-bit color resolution. Image memory is1664 x 1248 pixels, producing a 2M-pixeldisplay. The basic system is available withtwo-to-eight image planes per pixel. Theupgraded system allows expansion of upto 24 image planes and a color palette of afull 16 million colors.

The Saberstation is priced at less than$40,000 (single unit).


Digital Microsystems is offering a PC-compatible workstation for the company'sHi Net local area network. The DMS-816has twin microprocessors (Z80B and 8088)for CP/M, CP/M-86, and MS-DOS com-patibility; a built-in PC-mapped mono-chrome display; a PC-compatible 94-keykeyboard; and an RS-232 serial port,RS422 Hi Net port, and a Centronicsparallel port. The DMS-816 workstationis available for $1695.


COMPUTER108

LSI-11 system chassis and enclosures inpedestal, tabletop and rack-mount con-figurations are available from Dyna FiveCorporation. Each unit includes anLSI-11 backplane (eight-row, quad-wide)mounting for 5¼4-inch peripherals, aheavy-duty switching power supply, anoperator console, and a 360W-power sup-ply that provides 5V dc at 45 A. Peripher-als such as 5¼4-inch fixed media Winches-ter drives, 5¼4-inch and eight-inch SlimLine floppy drives, and CDC Sentinel car-tridge tape can be supported. Prices forthe LSI-11 enclosures start at $1725.


68000-based modems achieve16,800-bps transmission

The 2600 Series modems from Codexuse the Motorola 68000 as a controller anda Codex-developed VLSI signal process-ing chip set.

Features of the 2600 Series include im-plementation of trellis-coded modulationwith a performance above 9600 bps, datatransmission up to 16,800 bps, automaticspeed adjustment to changing line condi-tions, downline program loading of newoptions or customized features, built-innetwork control, remote control of mo-dem and multiplexer configurations, andmixed inbound rate capability in a multi-point configuration.The 2600 Series consists of three mod-

els: the Codex 2660 for 9600- to 16,800-bps transmission, which retails for$13,000; the Codex 2640 for 9600-bpstransmission, which retails for $7200; andthe Codex 2620 for 4800-bps transmis-sion, which retails for $4175. Quantitydiscounts and one- to five-year leases areavailable.


July 1984

DDP interface products are IBM PC compatible

Harris Corporation recently announcedtwo interface products that enable IBMPCs, including the PC/XT, to operate asmultifunctional distributed data process-ing and interactive systems terminals withfull office networking capabilities. Calledthe Harris Connection and the PC In-tegrator, the products allow IBM PCs toconnect to Harris DDP or interactivesystems, giving them access to remote hostdatabases, local databases, and other IBMPCs.The Harris Connection is a softcard

that can be installed in an IBM PC by theuser. It enables the PC to emulate a Harristerminal attached to a DDP or MindSeries system. With this connection, thePC can perform formatted data entry, on-

line text editing, and program develop-ment using the Harris Regal language.When connected to a Mind Series system,the PC can also emulate 3270 functions.The PC keyboard supports all data entryand 3270 applications using Harrisoverlays that simplify switching betweenfunctions.When using the Harris Connection with

a Harris interactive system, the PC cancommunicate in both BSC and SNA pro-tocols in local and remote environments.PC users can also move from the interac-tive to the personal computing modewithout closing the host session.The PC Integrator is a software ap-

plication that further expands IBM PCcapabilities by networking PCs and

peripheral devices-such as Winchesterdisks, high-speed printers, magnetic tapedrives and communications lines. Used asan integrated support program with theHarris Connection, the PC Integratorenables the IBM PCs to communicatewith each other through the host HarrisDDP or system. In this configuration, theIBM PCs can access local or remote filesfrom a mainframe database, access thedistributed storage of the DDP system,exchange files with other PCs on thesystem, or share peripherals.The Harris Connection board is priced

at $1500, and the PC Integrator is pricedat $80 (single unit).


Multifunction card for IBM PCs and XTs

Seattle Computer recently announced a"maximum performance" multifunctioncard, called the RAM + 6, for the IBM PCand IBM XT. The card gives users a time-of-day clock/calendar with battery back-up, a parallel printer port, an RS-232serial port, a game port, and options foras much as 384K of additional RAM.With 256K of RAM on a system board,the addition of the RAM + 6 can bring thesystem memory to 640K, the maximumaddressable user memory. In addition,

Seattle Computer's Flash Disk and FlashPrint software are included.For users who want additional mem-

ory, the 64K, 128K, 192K, 256K, 320K, or384K of additional RAM are available.For the versions with less than 384K,sockets are provided that enable users toadd more memory with 64K expansionskits.The Flash Disk software enables users

to designate a portion of the memory to beused as though it were a disk drive. Two

versions of the Flash Disk software areprovided: one for PC DOS 1.1, the otherfor PC DOS 2.0.

Flash Print is a user-definable printerbuffer that is designed to operate withboth the serial and parallel ports. WithFlash Print, users can designate as muchas 64K of memory, in IK increments, as aprinter buffer.

Prices for the RAM+ 6 begin at $395with 64K of memory installed.


Star Micronics, Inc.'s, Radix 10 and 15 professional dot matrix printers offer three dif-ferent print speeds: 240 cps, 200 cps, and 50 cps. The printers also feature a 16K buffer,cartridge ribbon, and friction and tractor paper feed, in addition to an automatic sheetfeeder and short form tear-off included as standard. The Radix printers, which printfine graphics and accept all types of paper, retail for $849 (Radix 10) and $995 (Radix15).


Bubble memdry cards areMultibus compatible

Fujitsu's four new bubble memorycards-all compatible with IEEE 796(Multibus)-offer capacities of 128K,256K, 384K, and 512K bytes; with expan-sion ports, capacity can be raised to 4Mbytes. Other features include a + 5Vsingle-power source; an eight-bit or 16-bitdata bus; a built-in DMA controller; errorcorrection; and cassette connectability.

In addition, all Fujitsu bubblememories offer users maintenance-freeoperation and a nonvolatile memory thatgenerates without a seed bubble.

Prices for the 128K card (FBC501M4M)range from $944 for one unit to $620each for 100 units; the 256K card(FBC502M4M) is priced at $1340 for oneunit ($905 each for 100 units); the 384Kcard (FBC503M4M) is priced at $1640 forone unit ($1120 each for 100 units); andthe 512K card (FBC504M4M) is priced at$2060 for one unit ($1410 each for 100units).


110 COMPUTER

Two-user Lisp system offers two processors, Nu Bus architecture

Lisp Machine, Inc., recently in-troduced the Lambda 2x2, a two-userfull-function Lisp machine that supportsLMI's Zetalisp-Plus environment and iscompatible with all single-user rackmountLMI Lambdas.The Lambda 2 x 2 features two fully in-

dependent, concurrently executing Lispprocessors-the same 32-bit virtual mi-crocode processor offered in the com-pany's single-user systems. The two pro-cessors operate in the framework of theLMI Lambda series' high-speed (37.5Mbytes per second) multiprocessor Nu Busarchitecture, with a 128M-byte virtual ad-dress space per user. Each user on the

Lambda 2 x 2 has access to the Zetalisp-Plus environment with individual Alkeyboard and mouse, high-resolutiondisplay, and display controller. Themachine's standard 2M-byte physicalmemory, expandable in 2M-byte incre-ments, is segmented between the pro-cessors, while other system resources areshared, including the 470M-byte Winches-ter disk drive, the integral Multibus, andthe optional Ethernet-II interface andtape drive.The Lambda 2 x 2 is priced at $55,000

(per user); quantity discounts are avail-able.


Printer offers 4096 colors

Verticom, Inc., recently introduced theDiablo Series C ink-jet printer for use withVerticom's PLPI00 and PLP200 colorgraphics terminals.The Diablo printer works in two

modes: one for printing ASCII charactersand the other for printing bit-mappedgraphics. The 4096 colors available on theVerticom terminals are reproduced on the

Diablo in graphics printing mode with aVerticom proprietary 8 x 8 dither matrix.Text characters are printed in charactermode with a 12x 16 dot matrix; theprinter prints on transparencies as well aspaper.The unit price of the printer is $2200.

Monochrome and color monitorsare IBM PCIXT compatible

Princeton Graphic Systems, manufac-turer of the Princeton HX-12 RGBmonitor, has announced two monitors,the Max-12 and the SR-12, for use withthe IBM PC/XT and the IBM-compatiblepersonal computers (such as Compaq,Corona, and Eagle). The Max-12 is a

monochrome monitor that utilizes an

amber phosphor and delivers 900x350resolution, while the SR-12 is an RGB col-or monitor that features a .31-mm dotpitch tube supporting 690 horizontalresolution. By increasing the SR-12's scan

rate frequency to 31.5 KHz, 480 verticalresolution has been achieved without in-terlace technology. The result is a veryhigh quality, flickerless image, equallysuitable for word processing and for colorgraphics.The Max-12 offers a nonglare screen,

compatibility with the standard IBMmonochrome card, and the ability to sup-port graphics when used with an ap-propriate card. The list price is $249.The suggested retail price of the SR-12

is $799.

Reader Service Number 45 Reader Service Number 46


300-baud modem has auto diallauto answer

SIEMENS

ResearchScientistsKnowledge-Based SystemsSiemens Research and TechnologyLaboratories in Princeton, N.J., is ex-panding its research activity in Ar-tificial Intelligence and is seekingseveral exceptionally qualified in-dividuals to work on knowledge-based design aids. Candidatesshould have experience in some ofthe following areas:

* Development of Knowledge-Based Systems

* Computer Systems Design* Computer Aided Design* VLSI Circuit Design

Requirements include knowledge oflanguage representation and ac-quisition techniques. AIprogramm-ing environment and expertise inhigh level AIlanguages (LISP PRO-LOG). Familiarity with LOOPS,OPS5, and UNIX' would also behelpful.

Educational level: PhD or Mastersdegree in Computer Science or EE.

We offer competitive salaries and aliberal benefits package that also in-cludes dental insurance, savingsplan, and relocation assistance. Forprompt consideration, please sendconfidential curriculum vitae to: Per-sonnel Dept. RS/TMHF.

Siemens CorporateResearch &Support, Inc.Research & TechnologyLaboratoriesPrinceton Forrestal Center105 College Road EastPrinceton, N.J. 08540An equal opportunity employer, mif/h/v* UNIX is a trademark of AT&T BellLaboratories.

Anchor Automation's Mark X is asmart, 300-baud auto dial/auto answermodem that works with both tone andpulse dialing and operates on mostpopular software communication pack-ages. It can work manually through akeyboard without computer coding orautomatically to answer and originatecalls at 300 bps for Bell 103 compatibility.The Mark X detects dial tone and busy

signals, automatically displaying dialingstatus on the CRT.The Mark X uses a standard RS-232

serial interface with built-in cable, comesequipped with two telephone jacks (onefor an attendant phone), cord, and 12-voltpower supply, and directly connects to thewall telephone outlet. It retails for $169.


Syntax-directed editor for Honeywell computers

A productivity tool from Honeywell,the Syntax-directed Editor, provides aninteractive programming environment forwriting, editing, and executing Cobol 74source programs in the General Com-prehensive Operating Supervisor 8 en-vironment for Honeywell large-scale com-puter systems. Its shorthand methodreportedly reduces the amount of code

that a programmer must enter and im-mediately checks for format and syntaxerrors, which improves the developmentcycle for new application programs.SDE will be available for Honeywell

large-scale computers operating on GCOS8 for a monthly license fee of $225.


Tape streamer operates without formatter intervention

Wangtek has announced a ¼/4-inch car-tridge tape streamer that uses either 3MDC300XL or DC600A tape to record 20to 60M bytes of data.The Series 5000E functions as a stand-

alone unit without any formatter inter-vention and can determine whether aDC300XL cartridge with 450 feet of tapeor DC600A cartridge with 600 feet of tapeis inserted. The drive automatically makes

internal adjustments to write and readdata.Other features of the Series 5000E in-

clude gain and write current select, tapehole sense circuitry, and track referenceburst seek.The price of the 5000E cartridge tape

streamer is $801 in OEM quantities.


The Series 5000E cartridge tape streamer from Wangtek uses either 3M DC300XL orDC600A tape and automatically positions the head to the center of the QIC 24 trackreference burst, recorded on track 0, when a cartridge is inserted. The drive searches andpositions the head to compensate for alignment differences up to 11 mils.

COMPUTER114

Sord Computer of America has introduced an IS-11 briefcase computer caled Consul-tant. Designed for use in the field and at home, the Consultant features a multiwindow-ing capability and integrated software that includes data handling, calculation, wordprocessing, communications, and help. Key features are an 8 x 40, bit-mapped LCDdisplay with angle adjustment, a 32K-byte RAM, a 64K-byte ROM, mass data storagesupported by a TOS, and NiCad battery operation. The Consultant weighs 4 lbs. 6 oz.and measures approximately 12 x 9 x 2 inches. It retails for $995.


Facsimile machine features a mass memory option

The Panafax Corporation has intro-duced the PX-200, a compact, high-speed, digital facsimile machine with amass memory option. The PX-200 cantransmit a page of written, printed, orgraphic material in 20 seconds. It providesclear, high-contrast copies with settingsfor "standard" (100 x 100 lines per inch)or "fine" (200 x 200 lines per inch) copyquality and has a built-in document feederthat can handle up to 30 sheets of papercontinuously.The PX-200 offers several features, in-

cluding ID indication, which displaysreceiver's ID before transmissions starts; averfication stamp printed on either thefront or back of all transmitted docu-ments; transmission details that includeoriginal transmitter identification, identi-fication code, page number, date, andtime printed on the head of each receivedcopy; journal print that is generatedautomatically every 32 transmissions oron demand; an RS-232-C interface optionfor communication with externalmodems, multiplexers and scramblers;and autodialing as a standard feature andan auto timer.The mass memory unit, MM-200, is an

option that memorizes documents orphotos and broadcasts them sequentiallyto 90 remote locations with the use of easypad programming. The unit is attached to

the PX-200 machine and can sit alongsideit on a table or desktop.The PX-200 retails for $6000. With the

MM-200 option, the machine sells for$9000.


IBM PCIXT prototype boardmounts on 0.5-inch slot spacing

The Model PC100 IBM PC/PC-XTprototype board from Intercon, Inc., hastwo-level wire wrap pins on the compo-nent side. The configuration uses thespace of a printed circuit board and per-mits mounting on 0.5-inch slot spacing.The PC100 will accept ICs with 0.3-,

0.6-, and 0.9-pin centers. Extensive Vccand ground planes with uncommitted wirewrap pins provide adjacent access to allICs and other components.

Sixty I/O holes for right-angle D-sub-miniature connectors are provided. Plug-in piggyback boards are available in fourdifferent lengths. A full-size layout sheetis included to simplify component place-ment. The PC100 board is priced in single-unit quantities at $59.


NewPCs for profit. Book includes interviews ofpeople making money with their PCs and pro-vides 14 start-up steps for establishing elec-tronic self-employment. How To Make Moneywith Your Personal Computer, Alfred Publish-ing 15335 Morrison St., PO Box 5964, Sher-man Oaks, CA 91413; (818) 995-8811; 64 pp.,$2.95.A hands-on book that helps readers set up

money-making databases for a variety ofbusiness applications, offers practical andproven techniques for putting together a per-sonalized, profitable self-employment plan. In-cludes ready-to-run programs. Programs forProfit:How to Really Make Money with a Per-sonal Computer, McGraw-Hill Paperbacks,1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York10020; (212) 512-2486; 365 pp., $9.95.

Rating PC data management programs. An in-depth comparison of 20 IBM PC database andfile management programs evaluates ease ofstart-up, ease of learning, ease of use, errorhandling, performance, versatility, overallworth, and value for money. The RatingsBook:IBMPCDatabase andFile ManagementPrograms, Software Digest, One WynnewoodRd., Wynnewood, PA 19096; (215) 649-7000;$14.95.

Integrating design automation. A tutorial onhow CAE hardware and software should bepractically integrated into a system of manyworkstations and larger computers, the bookalso explains how systems can best be fitted intoexisting engineering organizations. Handbookof Design Automation, CAE Systems, 1333Bordeaux Dr., Sunnyvale, CA 94089; (408)745-1440; 148 pp., $39.95.

Telecommunications systems and services. Sec-ond part of a three-part directory containscomplete descriptions and contacts for nearly600 national and international data, voice, text,and image transmission services and systems,as well as related consultants, associations,publishers and other information services.Telecommunications Systems and ServicesDirectory, Gale Research Co., Book Tower,Detroit, MI 48226; (313) 961-2242; 1000 pp. (all3 parts), $170.

Unix for Zilog 8000. A summary of all OS com-mands and formats for the Zilog System 8000users, the guide features user and administratorcommands, the C Shell, library routines,systems calls, and text processing tools. QuickReference Guide to Zilog's Enhanced UnixSystem, Zilog, Inc., Corporate Publications,1315 Dell Ave., Campbell, CA 95009; (408)370-8000; 103 pp., free.

July 1984 115

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