Rakewell Limited



Z88 Software

Rakewell Infinity

Eleven applications all on one ROM with most manuals supplied on a 3.5"disk.

The applications are:-

• Z-Term (v 2.5) is a Hayes compatible Terminal program
• ZBase (v 1.3) is a relational Database
• Z-Tape (v 1.1)
• Thinkz (v 1.2) is a thoughts organiser
• Stopwatch & Events
• Scazble An executive stress reliever
• EP-Fetch
• ZCheck lists' files that have changed since you did a back-up.
• ZMenu starts CLI files from the INDEX instead of from the Filer.
• T-Touch - Teach yourself to touch type

Universe

Get the best Ranger programs and SqueeZ~88 on a single ROM.,

Nine programs on one `Ranger Universe' ROM. They are: -

SpellMaster that has the following programs:

• QuickEdit is a Word-processor with a spell check facility.
• WordFinder looks up any word from SpellMaster's 60,000 word dictionary.

The other programs are:-

• Vision is a VT 100 Terminal Emulator.
• RangerLink 2
• PC Link 2 which is the Cambridge Computer PC link program.
• RangerDisk 2 is only useful if you have a Ranger Disk Drive 2.
• Space allows you to see how much space you really have.
• EPROM is a better version of EP-Fetch .
• SqueeZ~88

Other Compilations

We have a number of different compilations available. These are:-

PC Link +

If you already have a PC or Mac Link ROM and use EPROMs, here is a low cost upgrade There is a lot of spare space on the Link ROM that is supplied with Mac or PC Link. If you send us your ROM we can add two more programs on it giving:-

• PC Link 2 (the program you have already)
• ScaZble
• EP-Fetch

Communication Programs and Computer Links

Z-Term

Z-Term is a Hayes compatible Terminal program.

This can be used with auto-dial modems and to transfer files to computers. The program can store up to five telephone numbers and Log-On strings, allowing easy access to bulletin boards, CompuServe and other off-line services. Xmodem file transfer protocol is also provided so that files can be transferred (with a suitable cable) to other computers that have a terminal program and Xmodem already installed.

Vision/L

Vision/L is a VT 100 terminal emulator and provides an RS-232-C interface with communication speeds up to 38,400 baud.

Display

Data is displayed on the Z88 screen (80 character 8 line) which acts as a 'window' into an internal 24-line VT100 screen. The user can move the 'window' using the cursor keys, and also choose whether the window automatically follows incoming data or remains fixed at a constant point in the internal screen.

The full 24 line screen is constantly visible as a 'pixel map,' a miniature representation of the full 24-line screen complete with a cursor showing the current window position.

Keyboard

The full size VT100 terminal has more keys than are available on the Z88. Vision/L emulates these extra keys by using the Z88 <> and [] keys.

Function keys are obtained by using the [] key. This displays the Z88 keyboard layout with the function name for each key. Pressing any key then emulates the selected function.

The VT100 keypad keys are also available to the user at any time by pressing the <> key in conjunction with the relevant keypad key.

Emulation Features

The DEC VT100 terminal represents a de-facto standard for screen formatting and keyboard interpretation and is available as an interface option on a vast number of mainframe, mini and micro-computer hosts. The standard is also used widely in specialised electronic equipment where external interrogation is required.

The VT100 interface consists of commands, or 'escape code sequences,' that are inserted into the normal data stream in order to instruct the terminal on how and where to display data. these sequences also control other functions in the terminal, like for instance the character codes to be returned when certain keyboard keys are pressed.

Wherever practical, Vision/L behaves in response to these commands exactly as a VT100 terminal would. In cases where a particular command is not supported, Vision/L recognises, but does not respond to, the command. Commands are not supported because they are impractical in the Z88 hardware, like smooth scroll, for instance.

Link 2

RangerLink 2 is a high performance PC to Z88 file transfer package featuring throughput at four times the speed of PC Link II, multiple file transfers and true data transparency.

The Z88 computer is often used as an extension of desk-top PC systems, allowing users to take data into the field and to bring back reports, notes and correspondence written "on the move." When used When used in this way, the Z88 offers by far the best combination of size weight and capability for the needs of typical portable computer users, especially when compared with expensive "laptop" computers.

Data is usually transferred between PC and Z88 by serial connection, using software on each computer to control the transfer. However, existing transfer packages suffer from slow data rates and can only handle one file at a time. RangerLink addresses these issues by providing a wide range of new facilities, including the ability to mark multiple files or the contents of entire directories for transfer in either direction.

RangerLink consists of an application ROM for the Z88, together with a PC program disk and a connecting cable. The application is driven from the Z88, which displays "windows" showing the current PC and Z88 directories, together with a command menu. Commands can be selected from either

the menu,
from the command menu
or by using the short form <> keystrokes.

This program allows selection of device and directory on both the PC and Z88, and files to be copied, renamed or erased.

The communication protocol used to communicate between the computers continuously checks for the connection, so that it is not necessary to start the programs in any order. If the RangerLink program is interrupted, for instance in order to use the a different application on either the Z88 or PC, communication is automatically re-established when RangerLink is re-invoked. When file transfer is in progress the Z88 screen shows a display of the file name currently being transferred, the file size, the waiting in the queue. Filenames appear in the destination device window as they are transferred.

A useful feature of RangerLink is "Type," which allows a quick look at the contents of any file on the Z88 screen.

It is still quite useful if you are using an old PC in DOS (up to a 486) with a small amount of memory. (If you are using Windows 3.x or 95, use EazyLink.)

PC Link 2

PC Link 2 is the Cambridge Computer PC link program. It allows you to transfer files from a Z88 to any true IBM PC based computer as ASCII, or translate them into Wordsar or Lotus 1-2-3.

Alternatively, you can download files from your fixed system to the Z88, and translate them into PipeDream.

Supplied on both 3½" and 5¼" disks, a 9-to-25 way cable and a 25-to-9 way adapter lead.

Mac Link

Apple Mac being used with Z88 to transfer files easily

Mac Link allows you to transfer files from a Z88 to a Macintosh Plus, Macintosh SE or Macintosh II (as well as the later models) as ASCII, or translate them into MacWrite files which are accepted by Microsoft Word, Word Perfect, WriteNow, Fullwrite Professional and Lotus 1-2-3, and can be imported into Pagemaker, Quark Xpress and Ready Set Go!

Supplied with a 3½" disk, a 9-to-8 pin min DIN cable and manual.

Z-Tape

Z-Tape saves and loads files from the Z88 using a cassette tape recorder.

Instead of using an EPROM use a cassette tape instead.

• Extend Z88 storage inexpensively.
• PC Independent.
• Flexible.
• Simplify archiving.

Z-Tape is modelled on the Z88 Filer pop down. Saving to tape is as easy as saving to EPROM.

Restoring from tape is easier than from EPROM using the Filer. All files may be restored, or a single file may be specified.

A Verify routine is included to check file integrity once it is saved.

For best results the recorder should be simple, without any tone controls and run on at least four 1.5v batteries. The connecting lead from the Z88 to the cassette recorder (which has two 3.5mm plugs on it - for the microphone and earphone sockets) is extra.

zBASE

ZBase is a relational Database manager and programming language

which makes the Z88 a perfect portable system for information management.

• Instant updating of sales, orders or estimates.
• Selectively displaying records which match desired criterion.
• Full set of commands for on-screen formatting.
• Print commands for output to printer.

Modelled on the established database management programs, zBASE offers a high degree of flexibility.

• For those new to databases, zBASE has an easy-to-use menu system for fast data entry and retrieval.
• For programmers, a comprehensive array of commands and functions has been squeezed onto a 32K ROM.

Information stored in a single file may be entered and accessed using the Front End menu programs. .

There are three demonstration programs which run with zBASE and can be downloaded from this site. Please unzip and read the readme file for further information.

• Boxchars - help to make new characters.
• Frontend - to build a database.
• Stock - a sample stock control program.

Also available is CardBase, a great card index system for zBASE.

zBASE is for all Z88 users who use large databases and runs on an expanded Z88 i.e. with at least 128K RAM in slot 1.

Games

Scazble

Scazble is a graphical game and executive stress reliever that involves shooting down missiles with an aeroplane.

GOLF

Perhaps the best graphics game ever written for the Z88

GOLF must be seen to be believed. This game allows you to play golf on several greens, using different clubs and shots without leaving your house and getting wet.

Withered Toad

Novice text adventure game.

Find the treasure by picking up clues and using your compass.

Utilities

EP-Fetch

This program fetches files from your EPROM without you having to type the filename..

It also allows you to work with previous versions of a file that you have saved to EPROM.

ZCheck

ZCheck lists' files that have changed since you last did a back-up.

ZMenu

ZMenu starts CLI files from the INDEX instead of from the Filer.

Space

This allows you to see how much space you really have on your RAM packs and EPROM instead of using the `free-space' option in PipeDream.

EPROM

This is a better version of EP-Fetch .

SqueeZ~88

Store even more on Z88 memory by using SqueeZ~88.

This `easygoing' program allows you to make files smaller on your Z88. After squeezing, files can either be left in Ram or copied to EPROM, Tape or Disk saving space there as well.

Before working on the file again you will need to unsqueeze it. Unsqueezing is FAST. It returns the file to its original length and adds the date and time.

There are several additional features:-

• Optional PASSWORD protection on squeezed files.
• A superb file COPY facility that copies files from one directory to another directory, anywhere in the Z88.
• LOOK at what is in any files, without loading them first into an application.
• PC Compatibility - Using Squeeze for the PC you can squeeze or un-squeeze files on the PC or Z88.

Notes

SqueeZ~88 needs at least 128K Ram to run.

Up to 50% space savings can be gained - the amount saved depends solely on individual files.

See the review in March's 1991 issue of EPROM.

Stopwatch & Events

These are two programs for timing lap times of competitors in running events or for use in motoring and rally events. The results are logged so that a printout can be obtained after the event. Manuals for these programs are not supplied.

Event Control System

This Application was originally written as a 'Commentary Control System' for commentating on motor rally events and to give the commentator 'up to the minute' information on positions of the drivers in their various groups and classes.

The Event Control System can be utilised for many types of events indoors and outdoors and can easily accommodate up to 130 entrants.

Its uses are varied:-

• Note pad and timing devices for coaches in all kind of sporting activities.
• Motor sports events.
• Horse Trials and Show jumping events.
• Cycle racing both circuit and road events.
• Canoe racing events (and so on ...).

In addition to sports uses the program can be used for Method Study, Time indeed anything that requires a notebook and stopwatch.

The commands are as follows:-

<>VR	View ratings	<>PR	Print out rankings
<>FL	Load competitors	<>CT	Change event title
<>FS	Save competitors	<>CD	Change Distance
<>GO	Start current clock	<>NEW	Restart application
<>ST	Stop current clock	^	Previous competitor
<>ET	Enter start/finish time	v	Next competitor
ESC	Toggle modes (View/Enter)	Sh ^	First competitor
TAB	Blank record entry	Sh v	Last competitor
<>RG	Restrict by group	<>FC	Find competitor
<>RC	Restrict by class	<>DC	Delete competitor
<>NR	No restrictions	<>RAT	Reset all times
<>PC	Print out competitor	<>DIE	Abandon application

Text Management

SpellMaster

has the following programs:

QuickEdit

Quickedit is an integrated text editor and spelling checker. It is a word processor like PipeDream; enabling text to be entered and edited with the minimum of fuss. There are no printer commands like BOLD, UNDERLINE which makes it ideal for simple fast text editing. It can check spelling of a complete document (including an existing PipeDream one) or 'as you type' in QuickEdit. Any regularly used words which are not in the main dictionary, can be added to a user dictionary. Additional information like Word Count and Number of lines are shown in the Information window.

The commands are as follows:-

<>Z	Insert marker	<>FL	Load Text
<>BC	Copy marked block	<>FS	Save Text
<>BM	Move marked block	<>FMS	Save Marked Block
<>BD	Delete marked block	<>FML	Merge Text at Cursaor
<>BSE	Search for string	<>FUL	Load user dictionary
<>BSR	Search & replace	<>FUS	Save user dictionary
<>BNM	Next match	<>FC	Change name
<>Q	Remove markers	<>FXS	Save for export
TAB	True TAB	<>CR	Check all text
<>V	Insert / Overtype	<>CC	Check from cursor
All normal cursor commands		<>CW	Check this word
Break lines with the RETURN key		<>CM	Check marked block
<>PO	Print out to printer	<>CT	Check as you type

The information window gives additional information.

Currently editing : Untitled
Number of lines : 350
Memory free : 25K
Word Count : 3600
User dictionary : None

WordFinder

Wordfinder is a 'pop-down' program which can be used when running another application without leaving it. Browse through the 60,000 word dictionary, solve a crossword clue, check an anagram or guess the correct spelling of a word - the choice is yours.

Thinkz

Thinkz is a thoughts organiser

• Ideas organiser.
• Planner.
• Document drafting.
• Project Design.
• Speech planner.
• Day planner.
• Waffle generator.

Z88 THINKz is a portable project organiser for structuring thoughts and notes.

This allows you to structure the headings and subheadings of your next article or book. After the plan is finished you can then import the file into PipeDream and get down to details!

T-Touch

T-Touch - Teach yourself to touch type on the Z88. Manual not supplied.

All manuals that are not supplied are available from other suppliers (if required) at extra cost. Full details are with the ROM.

 





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© Rakewell Limited 1999