Or Single Density
The ASTRA 1620 can be either single or double density, depending on the software selected. One drive can be configured for single density and the other drive for double density, or any combination desired. The ASTRA 1620 is compatible with virtually any software available for ATARI® Disk Drives. The ASTRA 1620 is smooth, quiet and fast. In Single Density mode, the ASTRA 1620 stores 88K bytes of programs or files. In Double Density, the ASTRA 1620 stores 176K bytes, simply twice as much.
TWO DRIVES ... Yes, two superb disk drives in the same size enclosure normally used for one drive. The ASTRA 1620 measures 77/a" wide x 11%" deep x 5Vb" high.
Two drives will open a new dimension of computing for you. The program disk can be in one drive and the data disk can be in the other. This will eliminate time consuming disk changes. Backing up disks and copying files will never be easier. Just follow the instructions on the screen and walk away. The job will be completed within minutes. We have simplified copying from single to double density. With two drives, it's just as easy as copying in one mode. No disk switching!
Two double density drives give you the power that much larger and more expensive computers have without giving up any of the features available on the ATARI® Home Computer.
EASY TO USE ... The ASTRA 1620 comes complete with everything you need. Just plug it in, chain it up, and turn it on.
The ASTRA 1620 comes with OSA+ DOS (The best disk operating system available for the ATARI® computer!). The OSA+ DOS is completely compatible with all existing ATARI DOS files. Because the OSA+ user manual is very complete and technical, we include our own simplified user manual. Between the two furnished manuals, you have the information necessary to perform any task required of your disk drive. The ASTRA 1620 also contains a data cord, power transformer, and operator manual.
k fiSTRA 1 SVSTÉMS
5230 Clark Avenue, Suite 19 Lakewood, California 90712
Phone (213) 804-1475
The Second
ANALOG Guide to
Atari Computer Publications by Lee Pappas
ANALOG continues its Guide To Atari Computer Publications in the effort to keep our readers up to date on new books of interest. This issue lists books released since the previous guide printed in issue 12 (July/August 83). And don't forget the ANALOG Compendium ($14.95), containing over 50 programs covering graphics, disk and programming utilities, and the finest magazine games ever.
HARDY, JACK B. ADVENTURES WITH THE ATARI. 356pp. RESTON84, 14.95
Ever wish you could write your own adventure game? Well this book not only shows you how, but includes several listings for games (some using graphics) such as Escape, The Hunter, Time Crime, and The Creator. Some listings are in Atari BASIC, while others are written in PILOT and Microsoft BASIC to show how some languages are better than others for certain applications. Additional information covers flowcharting, mapping, and game design.
FERNANDEZ, JUDl N., DONNA TABLER, and RUTH ASHLEY. 6502 ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING. 277pp. WILEY83, 12.95
Examples and diagrams assist in understanding the complex structure of machine language. Frequent questions give this book a textbook resemblance with answers provided at the end of each chapter.
LEVENTHAL, LANCE A., ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING, 640pp. OSBORNE, 18.95 One of the finest instructional guides to learning the 6502 language of the Atari computers. An easy to understand guide into the complex and challenging world of assembly coding.
structure. How to set up your own AUTORUN.SYS files, disk catalogs, and scrolling fields are also covered. Program listing, sound effect demos, and a multitude of charts and . tables will get you on your way to advanced programming in BASIC.
SEYER, PHILIP C., ATARI PLAYER-MISSILE GRAPHICS IN BASIC. 173pp. RESTON83, 14.95 Philip Seyer has done an admirable job documenting, in an easy to understand format, how to go about plotting and moving the Atari's player-missile graphics. Tables and program listings illustrate how to accomplish these, along with additional information that will help the average user get more out of their computer.
PHILIPS, GARY, and JERRY WHITE, THE ATARI USER'S ENCYCLOPEDIA, 267pp. BOOK C084, 19.95 If you're a regular reader of ANALOG, then this book should appeal to you. An amazing compilation takes us into the world of Atari-computerland, very complete and up to date. This book makes enjoyable reading, along with being highly informative. Written with the aid of Jerry White, one of the most knowledgeable Atari-ites around.
EVANS, CARL M. ATARI BASIC FASTER AND BETTER. 300pp. IJG83, 19.95
A hefty book dedicated to Atari BASIC, 16 chapters cover extensive use of string manipulation, USR (machine language subroutines) calls, sound usage, screen handling and data
LAMOITIER, JEAN-PIERRE, BASIC EXERCISES FOR THE ATARI, 251 pp. SYBEX83, 12.95 Contains many program listings in BASIC including chapters on games, financial computations and flowcharts. Mathematical programs cover geometry, integers, and statistics.
(submitted by Larry A. Campbell of St. Louis, Mo.)
THE BEST ATARI SOFTWARE. Spiralbound, 192pp. By the Editors of Consumer Guide, 83. . Written by several people involved in the Atari computing world, this book covers what the authors feel is some of the better pieces of Atari-computer compatible software. The catagories include word processing, home, business, education, modem (networking) programs, utility/programing aids, and entertainment. Entertainment is broken down into strategy and arcade games. Again, this is one of those books that must be taken with a grain of salt, as opinions always vary greatly.
CANE, MIKE, THE COMPUTER PHONE BOOK.
451pp. NEW AMERICAN83, 9.95
Besides many pages devoted to the explanation of what online systems are and how to use them, over one hundred pages list phone numbers, locations, system baud rates, and background information on the systems. Though not written specifically for the Atari systems, this book may be a help to those who are actively involved in telecommunications.
ORWIG, GARY W., and WILLIAM S. HODGES, THE COMPUTER TUTOR: ATARI HOME COMPUTER EDITION. LITTLE BROWN83, 15.50 Applicable to the entire Atari computer series, this book contains listings of an educational nature.
HOGAN, THOM, DISCOVER FORTH. 146pp. OSBORNE83, 16.95
For the beginner or experienced programmer, this book acts as both a learning guide and reference tool into the learning and programming of FORTH.
consist of games, utilities and practical programs such as Jet Jockey, Heat Loss Survey, Ghost Town Vampire Girls, and Calorie Counter. Documentation accompanies each program, along with a string and variable table to assist you in modifying any of the listings. A cassette is available from the author for an additional $9.95.
D/TLEA, STEVE, HOME COMPUTER SOFTWARE GUIDE. 196pp. OSBORNE84, 11.95
Covers all the popular computers along with the Atari. Eight chapters "review" and discuss software catagories such as entertainment, education, communications, finance, word processing and investment. Occasional screen display examples and charts assist in software selection, though the book is not all inclusive for the Atari computers.
SWANSON, PAUL S., INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHICS ON YOUR ATARI COMPUTER. 250pp. OSBORNE83, 16.95
Covering the entire Atari computer line, this book shows you how to create simple to complex graphics on the Atari. Chapters cover redefined character sets, animation, plotting, drawing, mapping modes, multiple screens, machine language, music and sound.
MAYER, NANCY KOZAK, Ed.D., RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES FOR THE ATARI. 156pp. RESTON84, 12.95 Written for 3-9 year olds, this plastic-spiralbound contains Atari BASIC written games for youngsters including those on numbers, words, names, and music. In addition, this book is laid out in a workbook format designed to be used along with the programs listed within.
HELLER, DAVID L., JOHN JOHNSON, and ROBERT KURCINA, DR. C. WACKO'S MIRACLE GUIDE TO DESIGNING AND PROGRAMMING YOUR OWN ATARI COMPUTER ARCADE GAMES. 235pp. ADDISON-WESLEY83, 24.95
This book has a fresh look as though it were written in an insane asylum. The book reeks with twisted graphics and humor, and certainly gets its intended point across: teaching you how to program your own arcade-style games. Chapters cover animation, player-missile graphics, zounds (sounds), character graphics and movement. The $24.95 price tag includes an Atari-compatible disk containing many of the useful demos in the book (listings are also provided in the text).
HELLER, DAVID and DOROTHY, FREE SOFTWARE FOR YOUR ATARI. 208pp. ENRICH/OHAUS83, 8.95 As the title suggests, this book shows where and how to get software through educational sources, magazines, users groups, and BBSs (Bulletin Board Systems). The chapter on BBSs, for instance, explains how they work, lists many sources to call, and how to set up your own system. Also included is a discussion with a couple of Atari executives. This guide to free software will set you back $8.95 though.
BANSE, TIMOTHY P., HOME APPLICATIONS AND GAMES FOR THE ATARI. 134pp. LITTLE BROWN83, 14.50
A collection of somewhat brief programs, all compatible with the 400/800 and entire XL series. These 24 programs
WILLIS, JERRY, MERL MILLER and NANCY MORRICE. THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR ATARI COMPUTER.
230pp. NEW AMERICAN83, 3.95
Chapters cover Arts and Crafts, Fun and Games, Business and Professional Uses, Telecommunications and other topics. Many photos show screen displays and hardware, including a section on popular games from many different companies. A nice resource for those just purchasing an Atari home computer.
THE USER'S GUIDE TO ATARI (400/800/1200XL COMPUTERS, SOFTWARE & PERIPHERALS).
240pp. By the Editors of Consumer Guide, POCKET83, 3.95
For those who know little to nothing about their Atari computers, this paperback defines things like the OPTION, SELECT, START and BREAK keys, how to do simple math without programming, and what the cursor is. It also explains computer setup, disk and cassette storage, and a rather outdated section on Atari and compatible peripherals.
WEBER, JEFFREY R. and STEPHEN J. SZCZECINSKI, USER'S HANDBOOK TO THE ATARI 400/800 COMPUTERS. Many examples, 319pp. WEBER83,13.95 A concise guide to all of the Atari computers, this book includes many charts and examples covering: Atari BASIC, graphics, DOS, and sound. The book also has chapters on the 810 disk drive, 850 interface module, and the older Atari printers.
- HAPPY WINS THE RACE WITH WARP DRIVE SPEED!
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