kdz9jp11 14.&i - computer.org with abs or advanceddegreein engineering, computerscience, mathor...

One-megabyte VME CPUruns without wait states

DY-4 Systems Inc., has designed a

VME processor module with one mega-

byte of dual ported dynamic RAM run-

ning without wait states.The DVME-102 is a 68000/68010-based

CPU card with two serial RS-232C chan-nels, optional 68451 memory manage-

ment unit, two 28-pin byte wide PROMsockets and one software-controlled sta-tus LED. Byte parity generation andchecking is included for on-board DRAM.The module's I/O and memory are ful-

ly dual-ported; the two serial channelssupport either synchronous or asynchro-nous modes, and two independently con-trolled baud rate generators are provided.On-board system controller functions in-clude system clock, bus time out, singlelevel arbiter, power-on, and push-buttonreset. Seven interrupt levels are sup-

ported.Suggested list price for the DVME-102

is $5063.

Reader Service Number 20

Entry-level micro hasexpanded memory

Apricot's Fls, an entry-level businessmicrocomputer, offers 512K RAM ex-

pandable to 768K. The unit incorporatesan 8086 processor, a 720K double-sided3.5-inch disk drive, infrared keyboard,color graphics, and an infrared mouse.The Fls supports 640 by 256 pixel color

graphics using any compatible RGB mon-itor; the 320 by 200 resolution mode per-mits display of up to 16 colors. A nine-inchmonochrome monitor is also available.The firm also offers the Apricot FX, a

matching expansion box that provides Flsusers with a 10MB Winchester disk for in-creased storage and faster access. The FXmay also be used with the Fl model thatpreceded the Fls. The box includes fourexpansion card slots to supplement the Flseries' single slot. Suggested price for theApricot Fls is $1995.


Portable has voice recognition and infrared keyboard

Apricot, Inc., has introduced a por-table business computer offering voicerecognition and a detached infrared key-board. The expandable Apricot Portableis based on the Intel 8086 processor andruns under MS-DOS; 512K of RAM and32K of boot ROM are included in thebasic unit. Its double-sided, 31/2-inchdiskette drive has a storage capacity of720K.The system's voice recognition feature

permits a vocabulary of up to 4096 words,64 of which may be used at any one time.Any ofthe 64 words may be used to call anadditional 64 words to afford access to theentire vocabulary. Two of the 10 softwarepackages supplied with the Apricot aredesigned to make full use of the voicerecognition feature, and users may alsocreate up to 16 voice-driven keys for usewith any applications program.The infrared keyboard is effective at

distances up to two meters, or it may be

linked to the CPU with the fiber opticcable provided to ensure security. Thecomputer's flat-screen LCD may be usedin a 25-line by 80-column text displaymode, or in a 640- by 256-pixel graphicsmode; a separate RGB monitor may beused concurrently if the color logic optionis employed. When using windowing soft-ware, different applications may be dis-played on the two screens, or text shownon the LCD and graphics on the monitor.

Centronics and RS-232C ports are pro-vided for printers, along with an RS-232Cport for modem or other communicationsequipment. System options include an in-frared mouse, expanded memory, colorlogic, a high-resolution color graphicsscreen, and a 10MB Winchester disk. TheApricot Portable is available for $3295.


Voice recognition and an infrared keyboard are included in the new Apricot Portable, a16-bit, MS-DOS-based business micro available from Apricot, Inc. The unit is suppliedwith 512K of expandable RAM and a 720K, double-sided 3½2-inch disk drive, plus a25-line by 80-column LCD screen. Color electronics, an infrared mouse, and a 10MBWinchester disk are also available.

kDz9jp11_14. &I

The PC-8401A from NEC is a battery-powered desktop portable designed for mostbusiness applications. The 4.7-pound unit includes 64K RAM, resident software forword processing, spreadsheets and filing, and a built-in 300-baud modem. Its 16-line by80-column liquid crystal display folds flat to double as a keyboard cover.

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Desktop business computerdesigned for versatility

NEC's new PC-8401A is a portabledesktop computer offering 64K CMOSRAM, built-in business software andmodem, and an expanded 16-line by80-column liquid crystal display. ResidentROM-based programs include WordStar-To-Go, Calc-To-Go, and Personal Filer.Telecommunication and CP/M utilitiesare also included.

The battery-powered computer's liquidcrystal display provides full cursor ad-dressing, upper- and lower-case letters,and Greek and graphic characters. Thedisplay closes flat to double as a keyboardcover for the 4.7-pound unit. A built-in300-baud modem comes with auto-dialand auto-answer capabilities, and bothparallel and serial ports are provided toaccommodate most printers.

The PC-8401A also includes a systemslot for such options as a 32K RAM car-tridge, a CRT adapter, or a 1200-baudmodem. A lightweight 320K double-den-sity disk drive is also available, as well as anoptional second disk drive and a datarecorder. When used with a CRT adapterand a monitor, the unit will run mostCP/M 2.2 software, provided it is con-figured for the 31/2 -inch floppy disk format.


Floppy drive offersexpanded capacity

Tandon Corporation recently intro-duced the TM65-8, a 51/4 -inch, half-heightdrive featuring a 1.6-megabyte capacity.This drive is intended for use with desktopcomputer systems, word processing hard-ware, intelligent peripherals, and test in-strumentation systems.

In addition to the expanded memory,the TM65-8 provides a 3-ms track-to-track access time, a 360-rpm spindlespeed, and a 500-kilobit transfer rate. Italso offers an on-board microprocessorthat controls the spindle speed, positionsthe head for minimum hysteresis, andprovides a programmable ready signal.

Other features include a linear record-ing density of 9646 flux reversals per inchin double density, a brushless DC directdrive motor for disk rotation, and adouble-sided recording head fabricatedfrom manganese zinc. The TM65-8 costsunder $150 in OEM quantities.


An Equal Opportunity Employer/U.S. Citizenship requiredCOMPUTER

Video encoder permits both viewing and recording

Video output compatible with videotape recorders and monitors is providedby a new video encoder from Vectrix Cor-poration. Designed for use with the firm'sVX/PC board set, the encoder is a singleshort card that occupies one slot on theback plane of the VX/PC graphics pro-cessor.The encorder takes VX/PC RGB out-

put and converts it to a standard com-posite video at 30/60 Hz interlacedframe/field rate. In addition to the com-posite video, the RGB signals are availablein the same 30/60 Hz interlaced format topermit simultaneous viewing and record-ing of the same image. The RGB signalsare available in both VX/PC high resolu-tion graphics mode and IBM color cardemulation mode; however, the encoded

composite video is available only in theVX/PC high resolution graphics mode.

Standard VX/PC video signals aretransmitted through an external jumper tothe encoder across an additonal cable in-stalled inside the computer chassis. Thecomposite video and RGB signals are ex-ternally available from the encoderthrough a standard DB-15 connector. Useof the video encoder requires configura-tion adjustments to the standard VX/PCgraphics processor in the form of factorymodification of both the board set and themonitor. Following modification, theVectrix monitor will be driven at 30 Hzrather than the standard 42 Hz rate.


Color impact printer needs no ribbon

Both color text and graphics are pro-duced by Epson's new ribbonless Model3740 dot-matrix impact printer mech-anism. Prints and drafts are available inseven colors: black, yellow, cyan, magen-ta, red, green, and blue, with a dot resolu-tion of 0.2mm.The print mechanism incorporates a

proprietary design in which the motion ofthe print wire clears ink from the wire pathto reduce clogging; no ink jets are used.The unit requires only six volts for oper-ation, or it can be battery-powered.

The standard character font is nine by13 dots measuring 1.82mm by 2.62mm.Effective print size measures 96mm by192mm. Printing speed is 70mm per sec-ond on an X-Y axis, and 100mm per sec-ond on a 45-degree angle. Both text andgraphics can be produced at speeds up to480 dots per second. The Model 3740 isavailable in OEM quantities for less than$50.

Low-cost terminalis Pick-compatible

The ESP-61 10 video display terminalrecently introduced by Esprit Systems,Inc., is designed for inquiry/response ap-plications in block or conversationalmode.

This full-featured ASCII terminal iscompatible with most terminal applica-tions running under Pick operating sys-tems. It emulates the Esprit I and II ter-minals as well as the ADDS Viewpoint,Regent 25, and the Lear Siegler ADM3A.Emulation modes are set through a dis-play-oriented selection.

Character-oriented programmable vid-eo attributes include blink, blank, reversevideo, underlining and dual intensitydisplay at every character position. Agreen phosphor display is standard; anamber display is also available.

Additional options include a bi-direc-tional auxiliary port interface for connec-tion to a local hard copy or data inputdevice. The interface includes eitherRS422 for data integrity at high baudrates, or current loop interface.The ESP-61 10 operates at baud rates of

50 to 19,200. Cost for the terminal is $495.



Epson's Model 3740 digital ink-dot color printer mechanism uses ribbonless technologyto print both text and graphics in seven colors. The 40-column impact printer's standardcharacter font is nine by 13 dots measuring 1.82mm by 2.62mm; it can provide text or

graphics at speeds up to 480 dots per second. Only six volts are required to operate theunit, or it may be battery-powered.

January 1985

SDNet LAN combinesARCNET and DRNet

SDNet, a new local area network intro-duced by Syntech Data Systems, operatesat 2.4 megabaud at distances up to fourmiles, and permits use of up to 255 de-vices; these may be either servers or re-quested units.The network combines the Datapoint

ARCNET hardware interface-a mod-ified token passing network-withDRNet, a Digital Research interface be-tween the operating system and the net-work, running under concurrent CP/M3.1. SDNet provides automatic networkinitialization; fault detection and re-covery; and allows nodes to enter andleave automatically.The software permits application pro-

grams to access remote disk drives, listdevices, and queues. Standard CP/M 3.1system calls are used, requiring no rewriteof application software.


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Assembler/disassembler provides LAN support

The new Micro800/X.25i Concentratorpacket assembler/disassembler developedby Micom Systems, Inc., allows InstanetLANs to access X.25 packet switched datanetworks. The integral PAD permitsMicro600 users to utilize X.25 networks tolink their Micro600s to terminals, com-puters, and other Micro600s.The Micro600 is a protocol-transparent

data PABX designed to switch asynchro-nous terminals between computer ports;the new plug-in X.25i interface synthe-sizes data from up to 16 terminals or com-puter ports, performing the necessarypacket assembly/disassembly and proto-col processing to access an X.25 network.The Micro800/X.25i can also communi-cate with local host computers supportingX.25 software, providing up to 16 full-du-plex logical data channels over a singlehardwired connection to one X.25-sup-ported computer port.The interface supports both permament

and switched virtual circuits as well as fastselect, abbreviated calling, closed usergroups, throughput class negotiations,channel priority assignment, and pass-word protection. It is compatible withCCITT recommendations X.3, X.25,X.28, and X.29. A built-in command fa-cility, accessible through either a com-

mand port or the X.25 network, supportsmanagerial functions such as setting orchanging terminal configuration data,performing network diagnostics, and col-lecting network operating statistics.

The eight-channel Micro800/X.25i sellsfor $2500; the 16-channel version is pricedat $4200.


Software allows quantitative, qualitative evaluation

Lightyear, a microcomputer softwareprogram, provides a way to model deci-sions so that business executives can man-age and explain both the qualitative andquantitative aspects of their decisions.The product guides a person through thedecision-making process simplifying orga-nization, analysis, evaluation and com-munication of factors important to a deci-sion. It lets users define decisions in termsof alternatives, criteria, and rules. Multi-ple versions of a model can be made-either by the same person or by differentpeople-and then compared.

For example, in a corporate environ-ment, Lightyear could be used by manag-ers to evaluate markets for new products,analyze special production-run tech-niques, select new sites for manufacturing

plants, screen candidates for hiring, re-commend hardware and software pur-chases, and evaluate and understand alter-nate technology options. But rather thanmake decisions for executives, Lightyearlets the user interact with the personalcomputer in manipulating complex fac-tors. It allows the user to incorporatemany more decision options than wouldbe possible without such a package.

Lightyear is priced at $495 and operateson IBM PCs, Compaqs, and other 100-percent-compatible personal computersthat have at least 192K bytes of RAM, atleast one double-sided disk drive, and amonochrome or graphics monitor.


Workstations access host databases

Local processing and access to host $2995.

databases are provided by the Dynamite disk driModel 6541 and Model 6546 workstationsdeveloped by Tandem Computers Incor-porated. Both workstations are based onthe 8086 processor and run under MS-DOS; a 653X terminal emulator is in-cluded, and the unit is capable of IBM3270 emulation.Each station includes 256K of dynamic

RAM (expandable to 640K), with massstorage options including two 360Kdiskette drives or one 360K diskette driveand one 10MB Winchester fixed disk.Two communications ports provide forlocal or remote connection to a host pro-cessor and connection to a local printer oradditional I/O device. The main com-munications port provides half- or full-duplex asynchronous transmission atspeeds up to 19.2 kilobits per second, witha user-selectable RS-232-C, RS-422, or

current loop interface.

Options for the Dynamite workstationsinclude bit-mapped graphics with resolu-tions of 320 by 200, 640 by 200, or 800 by IBM 32-300 pixels. An interface for a mouse is in- Dynaniicluded with the graphics boards. The Dy- Inc. Boinamite Model 6541 with two floppy disk dard feadrives and 256K of RAM is priced at include

The Model 6546 offers one floppy and 256K of RAM, and is priced at $3995.ive, a 10-megabyte Winchester disk Reader Service Number 31

70 emulation, local processing, and access to host databases are provided by theite Model 6541 and Model 6546 workstations developed by Tandem Computers,th workstations are based on the 8086 processor and run under MS-DOS. Stan-itures include 256K of dynamic RAM and two communications ports; optionsthe IBM emulator, bit-mapped graphics, and additional memory.

108 COMPUTER

I;

The LSW-359 sweep marker/generator from Leader Instruments Corporation coversthe range of 1MHz to 1.5 MHz in three bands and provides a real-time response. Sweeprates are from 10 mS to 100 S, with single-sweep and pen control for use with X-Yrecords. Four operating modes are available for analysis of communications, radar,satellite i-f, and telemetry equipment.

Sweep generator provides real-time response

Hand-held terminalhas 256K user memory

A hand-held, battery-powered terminalfrom G.R. Electronics provides up to256K of CMOS memory to facilitate datacollection and field computing functions.The programmable 42C terminal operatesonly in integers but permits users to write,edit, list, and run programs entirely on-board; programs may also be written assource on an external computer anddownloaded.Key functions are configurable by the

user; the layout is stored in a battery-backed RAM. A new layout can be setfrom the keyboard, loaded from the serialinterface, or loaded from the high-level in-terpreter. The LCD provides two lines of20 characters, and the user may programthe character generator for special char-acters or symbols. The 42C can transmit,receive, and display a complete 128-char-acter ASCII set, including control codes.When interfaced with an optional HewlettPackard bar code reader, it can also readCode 39 bar codes.


A new sweep generator designed forlaboratory analysis of frequency/ampli-tude characteristics for communications,radar, satellite i-f, and telemetry equip-ment is available from Leader Instru-ments Corporation. The LSW-359 coversthe range of I MHz to 1.5 MHz in threebands, producing a real-time responsethat facilitates production and servicealignment adjustments.

Full-band sweep, start-stop sweep,delta sweep, and CW operating modes areincluded along with a marker system com-prising bypass pulse and birdy markers.The birdy markers are available at fre-

quencies of 1, 10, 50, and 100 MHz; thevariable-frequency pulse-type marker isavailable in the full-band sweep modeonly. Sweep rates are from 10 mS to 100 S,with single-sweep and pen-lift control foruse with X-Y records.

Options include up to three spot-fre-quency markers and internal I-kHz sine-wave amplitude modulation. Remote con-trol of primary functions is possible, andmodulation options enable the unit todouble as a wide-range signal generator.


PLATO model helps simulation software design

Control Data's Situation SimulationModel, a lesson model for the PLATOcomputer-based training author system,enables users to design interactive trainingsoftware that simulates real-life businesssituations.One of several PLATO author lesson

models available for the IBM PC andselected PC-compatible systems, SSMallows users without any computerprogramming experience to producemeaningful computer-based training sim-ulations. They can create menu-drivenillustrative simulations of everyday situa-tions or scenarios without having to dupli-cate them in the workplace. Trainees canrefine their decision-making skills by try-ing out their own solutions to problems.

"On-the-job training is often too costlyand in some instances not feasible," saidMort Goldstein, director ofPLATO prod-uct line management. "SSM providessubject-matter experts with the means tocreate pertinent real-life scenarios withoutthe risk of failure."

SSM offers trainees immediate feed-back. Lessons constructed on SSM canscore the trainees' responses to the simu-lated work situation and provide a meansto assess learning progress. The SituationSimulation Model is priced at $3000 for aone-time license fee and $25 for eachreusable student disc.


Low-cost modem offersfull compatibility

A low-cost 300/1200 baud data modemdeveloped by Anchor Automation, Inc.offers full industry hardware/softwarecompatibility and incorporates suchfeatures as an audio line monitor speaker,permanent telephone storage and redial,and analog loopback self-test.The Signalman Express includes con-

figuration switches for general telephoneswitched networks and dedicated line op-eration, as well as enhanced commandprogramming and indicator set. Unat-tended or manual asynchronous opera-

tion is selectable at rates from 0 to 300baud, and at 1200 baud. Eight mode con-figuration switches permit the modem tooperate in either dedicated-line state orGTSN.The Express line interface is two-wire

direct connect, with either full or half-duplex select. Data interface is a standardRS-232. The transmit carrier level is a fix-ed -10 dBm, with the carrier detect On at-43 dBm and Off at -47 dBm. Linemonitoring is through audio speakerand/or screen prompt. The transmit fre-quency mark for originate is 1270 Hz, andanswer 2225 Hz; space frequencies are

1070 Hz and 2025 Hz, respectively. Trans-mit frequency accuracy is specified at +

0.01 percent. The Signalman Express ispriced at $439.


January 1985

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109

Voice/data network links 120 office stations

The David Information Manager,which provides integrated local-area net-work capabilities, attaches to an existingPBX or Centrex system. It carries voice,low-speed terminal data, and high-speedworkstation data over single twisted-pairtelephone wiring.

The basic hardware unit, called aDavid-manager, sits between the host tele-phone system and up to 120 David-settelephones. David-managers can be addedmodularly to form a distributed network.

The full system also includes the David-link, a 2M-bps transmission protocol; theDavid-gate-ways, one of which connectsthe manager to a Dimension PBX or Cen-trex system; and a family of five adapters,which include adapters for LANs, ter-minals, and personal computers.

Personal computers with RS-232-C-compatible interfaces can be used as ter-minals, and dumb terminals with RS-232-C ports can act as intelligent IBM ter-minals through IBM protocol converters.The Information Manager is also an in-

tegrated LAN, performing without thecables traditionally required for LANs. Atevery David-set, the network makes ac-cessible IM bps of packet-switched data.The system supports the standard

Ethernet interface, which in turn can net-work personal computers from a varietyof vendors. Print servers, file servers andother shared resources can be connectedto the network either as RS-232-C orEthernet devices.

Each David-manager can hold up to 20printed-circuit boards, and each boardcan accommodate up to 24 lines.

The transmission protocol permits si-multaneous voice, circuit-switched data,packet-switched data and signalling. Sys-tem software resides on 51/4-inch floppydisks. The suggested end-user price for aninstalled and maintained InformationManager starts at $1200 per voice/dataline.


Memory module supportsVMEbus and VMXbus

The Tutor developed by Cybot, Inc., is a modular teaching robot with applications inthe robotics and factory automation programs of colleges, universities, and technicalschools. Components include an industrial-grade robotics gripper with a zero to two-inch grip range and a high squeeze force-to-weight ratio. The modular design is also in-corporated in the Tutor control electronics: the three circuit boards used for control aredesigned to the IEEE-696 standard, with an S-100 expansion slot provided for user-developed electronics such as voice control and vision systems.


The new DSSEDPRX developed byData-Sud Systems is a rapid access, dual-ported, RAM memory module that can beaccessed in its entirety from both theextended VMEbus and the VMXbus.The module is supplied with 128K of8K by 8 static CMOS RAM, and theDSSEDPRX-P daughterboard which ex-tends the total capacity to 256K. Theboard is also available unpopulated as theDSSEDPRX-0; this version is suppliedwith 16 JEDEC sockets and can support8K by 8 JEDEC EPROMs.

Jumper-selectable VMEbus memoryaccess times can be set between 150 and300 nanoseconds, while VMXbus accesstimes can be set between 180 and 330nanoseconds. High-speed logic provides a35-nanosecond memory access arbitrationtime between the VMEbus and the VMX-bus.The module's VMEbus default base

memory address is selected by jumper onsystem reset. Its base memory address isthereafter modifiable by software (using acommand register), making it possible todynamically allocate physical memory re-sources. The VMXbus base memory ad-dress is also jumper selectable. In addition,sequential memory is available on theVMXbus, enabling use ofthe DSSEDPRXin conjunction with a simplified DMAmodule.

An optional broadcast mode on themodule enables the user to simultaneouslywrite identical data to several DSSED-PRX modules from an appropriatelydesigned DMA module. This mode is par-ticularly useful in parallel processing con-figurations. Prices range from $1295 to$3995 in unit quantities.


110 COMPUTER

Programmable controlleruses menu-driven format

A menu-driven format and use of ISAstandard symbols are among the functionsoffered by the APC/5 advanced program-mable controller from Modular Comput-er Systems, Inc. The menu-driven formatpermits use of enhanced ladder logic pro-gramming or functional block program-

ming. It also allows the user to test thevalidity of programs before they are run

on actual equipment.The APC/5 is designed for applications

with 250 to 1024 process l/O points, andprovides for systems as large as 2048 pro-

cess I/O data points. It can display seven

inputs and one output on each line of a

ladder diagram on a color terminal. Up to16 lines may be included in one network,with the possibility of up to 999 networkseach operating in specified time segmentsof 50 milliseconds, seconds, or minutes.Either the active control algorithm can bedisplayed or the system can run one pro-

cess while another is created or edited bythe user. Multiple independent ladderlogic control programs may also be run atthe same or different scan rates.The APC/5 runs on the single-board

Classic computer; options include variousdata types, additional instructions, and512K of memory. A typical system com-

prises the APC/5, a color graphics pro-gramming device, and 256 process I/Opoints, at a price of $50,000.


Multi-user micro designedfor Unix environment

The multi-user MAI 2000 ManagementSystem recently introduced by MAI/BasicFour Information Systems is designed toaccommodate both the company's fullrange of business software and programs

developed under the Unix operating sys-

tem. Each desktop unit permits access byas many as 14 users in a multi-tasking en-

vironment; a separate networking capa-

bility allows inclusion of up to 63 MAI2000 systems in a local area network witha distributed database.The 16-bit system uses the Motorola

68010 chip and includes 768K of memory.It can accommodate up to six memory

boards having 256K each, as well as a

maximum of five controller boards. Theoperating system is Boss/IX, a business-oriented system developed by MAI tocombine the flexibility and programmingpower of Unix with the business orienta-tion of Business Basic.

The basic MAI 2000 package includes a

single 22MB Winchester disk, a 120-cpsprinter, single VDT, and the Boss/TX op-erating system. Cost ranges from $14,250for the basic system to $62,195 for a pack-age incorporating dual built-in Winches-ter drives totaling 240MB, a 40MBstreamer tape for backup, dual-mode80/200 Ipm printer, eight VDTs and theoperating system.


Texas Instruments' Pro-Lite PC is a 16-bit business portable with 256K RAM expand-able to 768K. Its 12-inch liquid crystal screen displays 80 columns by 25 ines and folds toact as a keyboard cover. The unit is compatible with aDl other TI professional com-puters, and comes with a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive; diskettes hold 720K. Options in-clude an internal modem, an 8087-type coprocessor, second disk drive, and external col-or monitor.


January 1985

061AA I141173*Legal guidance. Legal issues relevant tocomputer professionals are described innon-technical terms by an attorney ex-perienced in the field. Computer LawforComputer Professionals is available for$13.95 paperback, or $19.95 hardbound,from Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ07632.

IBM software. More than 3000 softwarepackages that run on, or are compatiblewith, the IBM PC are organized by cate-gory in the IBM Software Directory. The934-page reference also includes lists of,and contact information for, user groups,vendors, and software producers. It isavailable for $24.95 (plus shipping andhandling) from R.R. Bowker Co., Custo-mer Service, P.O. Box 1807, Ann Arbor,MI 48106; (800) 521-8110.

Computers for the disabled. The benefitscomputers can bring to the 36 million dis-abled persons in the United States aredetailed. Personal Computers and theDisabled includes evaluations of thevarious machines, as well as a brand namebuying guide, and is available for $9.95from Quantum Press/Doubleday, 245Park Ave., New York, NY 10167; (212)953-4489.

Microprocessor control and robotics. Thistraining manual is specific to PZ-80Micom modules, and addresses the prac-tical application of microprocessor tech-nology in control and robotic applica-tions. The 280-page PZ-80 Micom Mod-ules Manual is available for $19.95 fromCompusa Corporation, 1101 BristolRoad, Mountainside, NJ 07092; (201)654-7220.

Federally-funded education. This300-page catalog provides summaries for275 federally-funded computer educationprojects developed for every educationallevel. A list of government contacts is in-cluded. ComputerEducation, stock num-ber 065-000-00202-7, is available for $9.00prepaid (includes shipping) from Dept.36-JE, Superintendent of Documents,U.S. Government Printing Office,Washington, DC 20402.

Information retrieval. The variety ofonline databases available for businessuse, and the reasons such services can becost effective, are detailed. Executive'sGuide to Online Information Services isavailable for $32.95 hardbound or $24.95in softcover from Knowledge IndustryPublications, Inc., 701 Westchester Ave.,White Plains, NY 10604; (914) 328-9157.

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