Appointments - A.M.Tucker (Sinclair Programs-May 83-Page 34)


A M Tucker of Dorchester, Dorset, has sent a helpful program which will
enable the user to fix the dates of future appointments. If, for
example, you have an appointment on every third Friday, enter the date
of the first Friday, then 21, then the number of dates required.

The program should be suitable for all reasonable requirements, though
the author cautions that leap centuries are not catered for. Immortals,
therefore, should write their own programs. (16K Spectrum)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPE: Utility

COMMENT:


This info file was typed by Lee Tonks

Downloaded from:
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Maintained by:
Michael Bruhn -- frankie@image.dk




Demolition - D.Valentine (Sinclair Programs-May 83-Page 39)


We do not understand how this game can be so addictive. The basic
concept could scarcely be more simple. It is a Breakout-type game in
which you are required to blast away an advancing wall before it crushes
you. There are tactics to be employed, like hitting foundation stones
and bringing down a series of bricks above them, and attacking the next
wall in the series through the gaps in its predecessor; the
multi-coloured bricks are very pretty; the finger work could not be
easier, but why do we become so wrapped up in the thing? Perhaps we are
just claustrophobics.

The game was submitted by D Valentine of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
(16K Spectrum).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPE: Arcade

COMMENT:


This info file was typed by Lee Tonks

Downloaded from:
Desert Island Disks -- http://www.image.dk/~frankie/
Maintained by:
Michael Bruhn -- frankie@image.dk





Understanding Evolution - Eliot Gingold (Sinclair Programs-May 83-Page 36)


Dr Eliot Gingold, lecturer in genetics at Hatfield Polytechnic, has sent
a Spectrum program to simulate the development of mixed populations
under evolutionary pressures. He believes that the use of computers for
the purpose has the great advantage over mathematical equations that
random influences can be included in the model.

The listing sets up a small, local population of black and yellow mice
and follows it for successive generations. The variation in colour in
controlled by two variant forms of a single gene, with the
black-inducing gene dominant over the yellow.

The user is invited to fix the population size and the differing
selection pressures on the two types. An interesting finding is that
small populations suffering no selection pressure eventually will
resolve into entirely black or yellow types. Such results show the
importance of the random element.

"This so-called 'genetic drift' is an important factor in discussions of
evolutionary theory. Many scientists believe that such random events are
the basis for many of the observed differences between species," he
says.

The listing is aimed at A level students but its avoidance of technical
terms should assure it wider usefulness. In the listing, the mice should
be entered as graphic M. (48K Spectrum).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPE: Educational

COMMENT:


This info file was typed by Lee Tonks

Downloaded from:
Desert Island Disks -- http://www.image.dk/~frankie/
Maintained by:
Michael Bruhn -- frankie@image.dk




SPECTRUM FILE
-------------
A very useful routine for the 16K Spectrum has been sent by Wael Sabbagh
of Colchester. Spectrum File provides a method of storing the names and
addresses of up to 30 individuals. Only 20 characters can be handled on
each line of input but that should be no disadvantage, except perhaps on
the Other Information line.

Since some of the information in the file may be confidential, the files
can be accessed only when the secret code has been entered. STOP and
LIST commands would allow the Sinclair user to crack that deadlock
quickly. The code as listed is PMP but can be altered in line 50. The
routine is served by a very useful menu.

As with all filing routines, the user is well-advised to avoid RUN
commands. If the program is broken into, the GO TO 60 will return you
safely to the menu.

On a 48K machine, the routine will handle the details on 150 individuals
provided the number 30 in lines 3, 315, 1590 and 2520 is altered to 160.
If the program is to be saved, option 4 of the menu should be used.


Sinclair Programs, May 1983
===========================

Program typed up by Lee Tonks, completed 21/05/99.
Questions to l.tonks@pindar.com.




Morse Trainer - Tom Garner (Sinclair Programs-May 83-Page 28)


Spectrum Morse, an excellent Morse code training program, must be one of
the most effective educational listings we have published. It is
difficult to think of any other method of home tuition which could work
so well. The author of the routines, T Garner of Manchester, says that
when Morse code is being studied "the individual letters should be sent
from the start at the speed the student wishes to attain. The space
between the letters can be long at first, then reduced gradually,
keeping the letters at the same speed and thus reducing the thinking
time."

"The letters and numbers in the program are sent at approximately 15
words per minute. Selecting a low speed gives longer thinking time.
Proficiency at speed 10 should ensure that the student will have no
difficulty with the receiving part of the Morse section in the radio
amateurs' examinations."

A full list of instructions is given at the start of the program and the
morse from the Spectrum speaker sounds extraordinarily life-like. (16K
Spectrum).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPE: Utility

COMMENT:


This info file was typed by Lee Tonks

Downloaded from:
Desert Island Disks -- http://www.image.dk/~frankie/
Maintained by:
Michael Bruhn -- frankie@image.dk





PILOT
-----
Pilot is the simplest possible version of a popular arcade routine. In
the arcade version you are required to steer through a scrolled-down
tunnel, nailing assorted aliens along the way. There are no aliens to
zap in this listing and your ship is signified only by its vapour trail
but the game can still hook the average arcade addict.

You have four levels of difficulty from which to choose; manoeuvre up
with 7 and down with 6. The game was submitted by M Simper of Histon,
Cambridgeshire. (16K Spectrum).



Sinclair Programs, May 1983
===========================

Program typed up by Lee Tonks, completed 21/05/99.
Questions to l.tonks@pindar.com.





Pipeline - P.R.Luckett (Sinclair Programs-May 83-Page 30)


This issue features the start of a new feature in Sinclair Programs. To
celebrate our new monthly appearance we have decided to inaugurate a
Program of the Month.

The first worthy winner of the coveted award is P R Luckett of
Hammersmith, London, with his enthralling, original and altogether
outstanding brain game, Pipeline, for the 48K Spectrum.

Luckett works at the European Patent Office in Munich, examining
applications on digital signalling techniques; his mathematical bias is
apparent in the five strategies he has managed to build into the
computer play.

He has owned a Spectrum only since Christmas, afer eight computerless
years, and feels this listing could doubtless be made more elegant,
particularly in the resolution of the data lines into their mathematical
bases.

The ability to follow winning mathematical strategies, Luckett feels,
gives the computer an unassailable advantage in this type of game.

Pipeline casts you as an unprincipled pipe-laying engineer. You are
shown the playing area and the choice of three types of tiles which you
can use to continue the pipe. Each tile is traversed by two white lines
and a sharp eye must be kept to trace the twisting path of the pipe as
it coils and flexes across the board.

The winner is the one who plays into the top right-hand corner of the
screen, or who forces an opponent to play into the side of the board.
Play against another Sinclair Programmer or against the Grand Master
Spectrum, which we have not yet beaten at advanced level.

An astounding listing. Congratulations to our cunning author and good
luck to our fortunate readers - you will love this one. (48K Spectrum).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPE: Arcade

COMMENT:


This info file was typed by Lee Tonks

Downloaded from:
Desert Island Disks -- http://www.image.dk/~frankie/
Maintained by:
Michael Bruhn -- frankie@image.dk





PLING!
------
Pling is an old routine. Its author, Ken Rylett of Manchester, reports
it as very similar to the first video game he played and we believe him.
It is worth taping, since nobody criticises the Mona Lisa for being an
old picture.

The game is for two players, each with a goal and a bat with which to
defend it. A ball is bouncing around the court and the rest is as you
would expect. Full instructions are supplied and a running score is
kept.

A conventional routine well worth having. After all, nobody criticises
football for not being new. (48K Spectrum)


Sinclair Programs, May 1983
===========================

Program typed up by Lee Tonks, completed 21/05/99.
Questions to l.tonks@pindar.com.





Reversi - K.MacDonald (Sinclair Programs-May 83-Page 48)


K MacDonald of Sheffield has sent a listing which displays the game of
Reversi. It is a game for two players, black and white playing
alternately by occupying an empty space next to one of the opposing
pieces. Every move must result in the capture of one or more of the
opposing pieces. Captures are made by trapping the oppositioin between
your own pieces. They can be trapped horizontally, vertically or
diagonally, or in any or all those directions at once. When captured,
pieces are converted to the opposition colour.

The game ends when neither player can move, or when one player has lost
all his pieces; the winner is the player with the most pieces at the end
of the game.

In this listing, moves are input by keying the co-ordinates of the
vacant square, in the form "d6". Likewise, the co-ordinates of the
pieces to be turned must then be keyed. At the end of the move, hit the
0 key. ENTER is not required for those operations. It should be possible
to devise a subroutine to turn the captured pieces automatically. Can
our readers supply one? (16K Spectrum).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPE: Boardgame

COMMENT:


This info file was typed by Lee Tonks

Downloaded from:
Desert Island Disks -- http://www.image.dk/~frankie/
Maintained by:
Michael Bruhn -- frankie@image.dk



SPINVADERS
----------
We hereby inaugurate a new quest for the Sinclair Programmer. Our
Spacman project is, we think, approaching its triumphant conclusion - we
can feel you all closing in on that elusive muncher - so it is just the
time to implant a new ambition in your heads.

Send us an arcade-quality Invaders game. Fast moving, colourful, with
all appropriate effects.

R Luckett of Stratford-on-Avon has provided all you need to begin the
project. His program gives you the laser base, the rows of descending
aliens and the disintegrating bunkers to lurk behind. It is a little
slow, however, and the power beams from the aliens are invisible. Race
right with 8, lurch left with the 5, and 7 shoots your blaster beam.
(48K Spectrum)


Sinclair Programs, May 1983
===========================

Program typed up by Lee Tonks, completed 21/05/99.
Questions to l.tonks@pindar.com.





STAR
----
You know the intervals in the cinema when they sell ice-cream? You know
when you walk into a lamp-post? You know those moments for which Channel
4 cannot find advertisements? This program for the 16K Spectrum makes
patterns like that.

As a demonstration of the Spectrum high-resolution graphics, Star is
very impressive, producing multi-faceted polygons to order by means of
the mathematics in lines 70 to 190. The program proceeds by dividing a
circle into n parts to obtain the angle at the centre, finding the
co-ordinates of those n points - where s is the radius and cx,cy the
centre of the circle - and then drawing a line from every point to every
other point. The listing was submitted by L.J. Wilkinson of
Stockton-on-Tees.


Sinclair Programs, May 1983
===========================

Program typed up by Lee Tonks, completed 21/05/99.
Questions to l.tonks@pindar.com.





Submarine - A.D.Russell (Sinclair Programs-May 83-Page 50)


The sea is cold and as clammy as a witch's kiss. Under its green and
creeping skin you slide about your deadly business. You are a U-boat
commander. Under the icy waters of the North Atlantic, you shadow
assorted shipping and are persued by torpedo boats and their murderous
cargo.

The format is conventional; the graphics are excellent - see our
listing. Power your craft left with 5, right with 8, and launch your
torpedoes with the space bar.

Submarine was submitted by A D Russell of Eccleshill, Bradford. (16K
Spectrum)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPE: Arcade

COMMENT:


This info file was typed by Lee Tonks

Downloaded from:
Desert Island Disks -- http://www.image.dk/~frankie/
Maintained by:
Michael Bruhn -- frankie@image.dk





ZX Defender - Stephen King (Sinclair Programs-May 83-Page 41)


This excellent game for the 16K Spectrum sends you flying low over enemy
territory armed with rockets and bombs, with orders to destroy as many
enemy fuel dumps and aircraft as possible before your fuel - or your
luck - runs out.

Under the control of keys 5 to 8 you can climb, descend and fly left or
right. You release bombs with 9 and fire rockets with 0. The program
occupies only about 5K and there is therefore plenty of room for
additions to the user-defined graphics.

ZX Defender is the kind of vivid, entertaining game you want to amend,
adapt, expand and generally play around with. The only serious problem
is that it is a little slow but there are so many hazrards and targets
on offer that any armchair pilot will find himself fully-occupied.

It is a first class listing which all Sinclair programmers will enjoy.
It was written by Stephen King of Kennington, Oxford, who has included a
number of useful REM statements to help with the graphics.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPE: Arcade (Scramble)

COMMENT:


This info file was typed by Lee Tonks

Downloaded from:
Desert Island Disks -- http://www.image.dk/~frankie/
Maintained by:
Michael Bruhn -- frankie@image.dk
