+InsaneMultitasker Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 (edited) Attached is a formatted hard disk image dump that contains some files I was able to copy from disks rescued from a TI user who is no longer with us. Use TI Image Tool or TI99Dir to manipulate the image. Included are what appear to be files associated with the following programs: 4A/Talk Disk Master I Disk Manager 99 Desktop Publisher Mini Writer (partial) Sorgan II Test program TI Planner spreadsheet cart I am sharing for preservation purposes only as I do not intend to retain these files myself. DataBiotics Source Image.zip Edited February 18, 2019 by InsaneMultitasker 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+InsaneMultitasker Posted February 20, 2019 Author Share Posted February 20, 2019 Someone PM'd me with questions about the file content. While there may be a few executable program files in the folders, most are DV80 source code for the above listed programs. Contained within is some good information about the bank switched cartridges and as always, commented source code can be a great way to pick up good (and sometimes bad) programming tricks/methods. I did not try to re-assemble or test any of the programs. I leave that as an exercise for others 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+InsaneMultitasker Posted February 24, 2019 Author Share Posted February 24, 2019 Interesting historical correspondence related to TM Direct module prices. DataBioTics/Model MastersWilliam R. Moseid4817 Claybrook Court.Santa maria, CA 93455..Don WaldronCecure ElectronicsSouth 74 West 17000.Janesville RoadMuskego, ILL 53150-0132Dear Don,Enclosed please fine the product list and the price that TM Direct paid. Allof the title are available. I still have some boards, and the artwork in theevent some more need to be made. After checking the list we can discuss how toproceed...The module prices TM Direct pays is:.. 8K = 14.98 16K = 17.98 32K = 27.98. 64K = 37.98.Paraprint = 41.98Thank you in advance for the Hopper cartridge. As to the WD100 Disk ManagementSoftware and Disk Manager II (also formats 80 trks), as we discussed run someads in your mailings and sell them for $15.00 each. We can split it 50/50..At the moment I'm working on a 64K module for FORTH...On this end I'm going to pursue modifyiny Disk Master II to accomodate theWD100 and the HFDC. At some point I'll have to obtain an HFDC for development.Plus, your suggestion of using an IDE drive with the WD100 is worth a try.Also , enclosed find a $10.00 check for the TI source code package as wediscussed.....Thankyou, and be talking to you...Bill M.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atrax27407 Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 Great Stuff, Tim! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+OLD CS1 Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 I assume @Ksarul has one, but has anyone seen the Sorgon II cartridge in the wild? I was perusing the Triton Fall '89 catalog and was reminded of it. It was on my long list of things to get when I was a wee sprout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Ksarul Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 26 minutes ago, OLD CS1 said: I assume @Ksarul has one, but has anyone seen the Sorgon II cartridge in the wild? I was perusing the Triton Fall '89 catalog and was reminded of it. It was on my long list of things to get when I was a wee sprout. Yes, I do have a copy of Sorgan II and the manual, LOL. The module has shown up for sale on eBay several times over the last five or six years. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pixelpedant Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 I don't think we've got a proper scan of the Sorgan II manual. We've just got a scan of the cover, and then text for the contents: https://pixelpedant.com/items/show/185 Any chance you could scan your copy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Ksarul Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 I'll look to see where I put it and I'll scan it once I find it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flottmann1 Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 23 hours ago, pixelpedant said: I don't think we've got a proper scan of the Sorgan II manual. We've just got a scan of the cover, and then text for the contents: https://pixelpedant.com/items/show/185 Any chance you could scan your copy? see here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+InsaneMultitasker Posted September 9, 2021 Author Share Posted September 9, 2021 I came across what looked like NDAs and contractual agreements for a few DBT work efforts (all in DV80 format) while working through my file library. I recall shying away from copying the files when I preserved the source code, not knowing what if any legal ramifications exist. Opinions on whether or not this type of information is OK to post and preserve? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+OLD CS1 Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 41 minutes ago, InsaneMultitasker said: I came across what looked like NDAs and contractual agreements for a few DBT work efforts (all in DV80 format) while working through my file library. I recall shying away from copying the files when I preserved the source code, not knowing what if any legal ramifications exist. Opinions on whether or not this type of information is OK to post and preserve? IANAL, but I would figure that so long as the two entities entwined are no longer in the picture, and in the absence of a court order to the contrary, it would be fine to post them. At least I would feel confident in doing so, and cry to my real attorney if I broke something. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pixelpedant Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 2 hours ago, Flottmann1 said: see here Nice. I have PDFed the images you posted. Sorgan II - new.pdf And have updated it on my manuals site. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+InsaneMultitasker Posted September 10, 2021 Author Share Posted September 10, 2021 Here is an example: contract for E&B Software to "Modify the source code of the TI-RUNNER program to run in a 16K module for the TI-99/4A computer". ------ WORK FOR HIRE. CONTRACT. 112686. I. INTRODUCTION. . This is a work-for-hire agreement in which John Burt and Scott Emory - E&B Software (Programmer) agrees to provide programming services to DataBioTics Inc. (Company). Company shall pay Programmer according to the payment schedule set forth in Appendix A of this contract, which is incorporated by reference.. . II. DUTIES. . Programmer shall modify a computer source code and complete documentation for Company as per the specification set forth in Appendix B to this contract which is incorporated by reference herein.. . III. OWNERSHIP. . In consideration for payment as set forth in Attachment A of this contract, Programmer hereby assigns all marketing rights in the MODULE VERSION of the Program to the Company, including the right to copyright the MODULE CONTENTS of the program in Company's name. Programmer understands that the MODULE VERSION of the Program is a work made for hire which shall be the exclusive property of the Company.. . Consistant with programmer's recognition of Company's complete ownership rights in the module version of the Program described in Attachment B, Programmer agrees not to use the Program version created under this contract for the benefit of any party other than Company.. IV. COMPLETION DATE. . Programmer aggrees to complete all work as per the schedule set forth in Attachment C of this contract, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.. . V. TRADE SECRETS. . All types of information relating to the program, including this contract and its attachments, are to be considered the trade secrets of the Company. Programer shall keep all trade secrets of Company confidential, and shall sign nondisclosure aggreements when requested by the Company.. . VI. ARBITRATION. . Any dispute relating to the interpretation or performance of this contract shall be resolved at the request of either party through binding arbitration. Arbitration shall be conducted in Los Angeles, California, in according with the then-existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgement upon any award by the arbitrators may be entered by the state or or federal couurt having juristiction. The parties ented that this agggreement to arbitrate be irrevocable.. . VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS. . a. Programmer may neither subcontract nor hire persons to aid in the programming work without the prior written consent of Company.. . b. Any modifications to this contract must be in writing and signed by both parties.. . DataBioTics Inc. ----------------------------- -------------------------------. Signed Signed. . WORK FOR HIRE. CONTRACT. 112686. ATTACHMENT A - PAYMENT SCHEDULE. . Company shall pay Programmer as follows:. . 1. 15% royalty of net sales. Net sales are defined as cost to produce product minus the selling price. . 2. Royalties shall be paid to Programmer within thirtyfive days after each calendar quarter during the term of this agreement.. . ATTACHMENT A1 - MAINTENANCE AND MODIFICATION. . a. During the period of this agreement, if Company notifies Programmer of Program Error(s) or Programmer has reason to believe that error(s) exist(s) in Program, Programmer shall use his best efforts to verify and fix the error(s) within 15 working days after modification. Programmer shall promptly notify Company if an error cannot be corrected within a reasonable time. Such corrections shall be in source code and machine readable such that Company can update Program immediately.. ...................... WORK FOR HIRE. CONTRACT. 112686. ATTACHMENT B - DUTIES. . Programmer shall be responsible for:. . 1. Modify the source code of the TI-RUNNER program to run in a 16K module for the TI-99/4A computer.. . 2. Document the program listing, per Company direction.. . 3. Write the preliminary User's Manual, per Company direction.. . 4. Provide the fully commented source code, object code and any other pertinant code to Company.. . 7. Ensure the product shall be configured to operate from a 16K module.. . . 8. Provide Company product status at least once every week.. . 9. Enhance the product beyond the capabilities of the module.. . . Company shall provide technical direction to Programmer.. ...................... WORK FOR HIRE. CONTRACT. 112686. ATTACHMENT C - WORK SCHDULE. . . . Contract start date shall be effective on receipt of signed contract and non-disclosure agreement.. . First working version delivered by 15th day of January 1987. . . Final working version and all deliverables within 30 days after delivery of first working version.. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+FarmerPotato Posted September 10, 2021 Share Posted September 10, 2021 ROTFL. The contract defines Net Sales as net loss. This was really interesting to see. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+9640News Posted September 10, 2021 Share Posted September 10, 2021 16 minutes ago, FarmerPotato said: ROTFL. The contract defines Net Sales as net loss. This was really interesting to see. And doesn't define how net cost to produce is derived. I could pay myself $50/hr, billable in 1 hr increments, minimum 4 hrs, leaving no actual profit on the actual sale. Not saying that was how it was done as it may have very well been a profitable situation, just a lack of details can lead to opportunities for abuse. Beery 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+InsaneMultitasker Posted September 10, 2021 Author Share Posted September 10, 2021 2 hours ago, 9640News said: And doesn't define how net cost to produce is derived. I could pay myself $50/hr, billable in 1 hr increments, minimum 4 hrs, leaving no actual profit on the actual sale. when I signed my "contracts" with Cecure to sell some of the software I had written, it was for a specific dollar amount versus some nebulous percentage. I don't think there was anybody making a living writing TI software after the late 80s. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+InsaneMultitasker Posted September 11, 2021 Author Share Posted September 11, 2021 This one is related to an editor and SuperSpace II. WORK FOR HIRE. CONTRACT. 120586. I. INTRODUCTION. . This is a work-for-hire agreement in which Ken Schmitt (Programmer) agrees to provide programming services to DataBioTics Inc. (Company). Companyy shall pay Programmer according to the payment schedule set forth in Appendix A of this contract, which is incorporated by reference.. . II. DUTIES. . Programmer shall create a computer source code and complete documentation for Company as per the specification set forth in Appendix B to this contract which is incorporated by reference herein.. . WORK FOR HIRE. CONTRACT. 120586. ATTACHMENT B - DUTIES. . Programmer shall be responsible for:. . 1. Design and construct a Editor/Assembler/Utility Program for the TI-99/4A computer.. . 2. Document the program listing, per Company direction.. . 3. Write the preliminary User's Manual, per Company direction.. . 4. Provide the fully commented source code, object code and any other pertinant code to Company.. . 5. Utilize the MINIWRITER I source code model provided by Company as a basis for Editor design. Utilize the MINI MEMORY and 32K Memory Assemblers as a basis for assembler design. . . 6. Ensure the product shall be configured to operate from the Super Space II module. Provide a Loader which will load the software from Cassette or diskette. Provide a Menu driven approach to the User Interface.. . 7. Provide Company product status at least once every week.. . 8. Enhance the product beyond the capabilities of the models as possible.. . . Company shall provide the spreadsheet model and technical direction.. to Programmer.. . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+InsaneMultitasker Posted September 11, 2021 Author Share Posted September 11, 2021 Last of the three I could salvage. Notice the royalty and the work required. I wonder what percentage of authors were students at the time. -------=========================================================== WORK FOR HIRE. CONTRACT. 121786. I. INTRODUCTION. . This is a work-for-hire agreement in which Todd Kaplan (Programmer) agrees to provide programming services to DataBioTics Inc. (Company). Company shall pay Programmer according to the payment schedule set forth in Appendix A of this contract, which is incorporated by reference.. . II. DUTIES. . Programmer shall create a computer source code and complete documentation for Company as per the specification set forth in Appendix B to this contract which is incorporated by reference herein.. . III. OWNERSHIP. . In consideration for payment as set forth in Attachment A of this contract, Programmer hereby assigns the module rights in the Program to the Company, Including the right to to copyright the module version of the program in Company's name. Programmer understands that the module version of the Program is a work made for hire which shall be the exclusive property of the Company.. . Consistant with programmer's recognition of Company's complete ownership rights in the module version of the Program described in Attachment B, Programmer agrees not to use the module version of the Program created under this contract for the benefit of any party other than Company.. IV. COMPLETION DATE. . Programmer aggrees to complete all work as per the schedule set forth in Attachment C of this contract, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.. . V. TRADE SECRETS. . All types of information relating to the program, including this contract annd its attachments, are to be considered the trade secrets of the Company. Programer shall keep all trade secrets of Company confidential, and shall sign nondisclosure aggreements when requested by the Company.. . VI. ARBITRATION. . Any dispute relating to the interpretation or performance of this contract shall be resolved at the request of either party through binding arbitration. Arbitration shall be conducted in Los Angeles, California, in accordance with the then-existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgement upon any award by the arbitrators may be entered by the state or or federal court having juristiction. The parties ented that this agggreement to arbitrate be irrevocable.. . VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS. . a. This agreement shall have an effective date of July 15th, 1986.. b. Programmer may neither subcontract nor hire persons to aid in the programming work without the prior written consent of Company.. . c. Any modifications to this contract muust be in writing and signed by both parties.. . Signed: Date: Signed: Date:. . ----------------------------- -------------------------------. ...................... WORK FOR HIRE. CONTRACT. 121786. ATTACHMENT A - PAYMENT SCHEDULE. . Company shall pay Programmer as follows:. . 1. A royalty of $1.00 per unit sold.. 2. Royalties shall be paid to Programmer within thirtyfive days after each calendar quarter during the term of this agreement.. . ATTACHMENT A1 - MAINTENANCE AND MODIFICATION. . a. During the period of this agreement, if Company notifies Programmer of Program Error(s) or Programmer has reason to believe that error(s) exist(s) in Program, Programmer shall use his best efforts to verify and fix the error(s) within 15 working days after modification. Programmer shall promptly notify Company if an error cannot be corrected within a reasonable time. Such corrections shall be in source code and machine readable such that Company can update Program immediately.. WORK FOR HIRE. CONTRACT. 121786. ATTACHMENT B - DUTIES. . Programmer shall be responsible for:. . 1. Design and construct a word processor which shall operate within a module for the TI-99/4A computer. This module version of a word processor shall be titled MINIWRITER II + and III +.. . 2. Document the program listing, per Company direction.. . 3. Base the MINIWRITER functions on that of TI-WRITER and the MINIWRITER,. per Company direction.. . 4. Provide the fully commented source code, object code and any other pertinant code to Company.. . 5. Ensure the product shall be configured to operate from the module address space and utilize the parallel printer interface design of the MINIWRITER III +. And, that one EPROM version will operate with the MINIWRITER II + and III+ module design, including the appropriate bank switching. Also, ensure the program shall be capable of using the console memory or extended memory as a text buffer and cassette or disk as storage medium and printer as hard copy output.. 7. Provide Company product status at least once every week.. . 8. Enhance the product beyond the capabilities stated as possible.. . . Company shall provide the technical direction to programmer. . . WORK FOR HIRE. CONTRACT. 121776. ATTACHMENT C - WORK SCHEDULE. . . . Contract start date shall be effective as of July 15th, 1986.. . Preliminary module version delivered by December 31,1986.. Final working version delivered by 5th day of January 1987. . . ...................... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+InsaneMultitasker Posted September 11, 2021 Author Share Posted September 11, 2021 Here is what appears to be a comprehensive list of DBT cartridges by name, cartridge size, number of players, and description. CARTLIST Sample from the attached tifiles-formatted list: # of Module Name Size Players Description ----------- ---- ------- -~--------- SORGAN II 16K 1 Turns your 4A into a true organ with bit/map graphics TI-RUNNER 16K 1 50 screens of action while you escape from the below the Battle Cruiser decks 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+InsaneMultitasker Posted September 11, 2021 Author Share Posted September 11, 2021 Some interesting historical (1986) messages from Compuserve terminal spool/saves related to software piracy and an 'incident' involving one or more DBT programs uploaded to a BBS. These are all DV80 files in TIFILES format. COMP3 COMP4 COMPREPLIE COMPSTUFF CS-5¯4¯86 DBTREPLY COMP1 COMP2 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Frerichs Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Seeing the DataBioTics name certainly brought back memories. Mike Holmes and I (Tom Frerichs) wrote 4A/Talk back in the day. I was the one that screwed up the file name field in the specification. When we first published the spec, I said RIGHT JUSTIFIED, space filled for the file name in the fixed length field instead of LEFT JUSTIFIED. So, I caused problems for everyone that followed that spec, including myself. I ended up having to rewrite my code to match. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+acadiel Posted January 21, 2022 Share Posted January 21, 2022 # of Module Name Size Players Description ----------- ---- ------- -~--------- 4AFLYER 8K 1 Flight Simulator BARRAGE 16K 1/2 Aliens attack earth, you defend with twin laser cannon by the authors of PARSEC! BLACKHOLE 8K 1 Can you escape the dreaded Black Hole in space? BURGER 16K 1 Build the burgers but avoid the nasties (Pickles, etc) BEYOND 8K 1/2 Dodge asteroids, evade the other cruiser, etc PARSEC Beyond 32K 1 Next version of Word Writer + Formatter, Disk or Cass WordWriter BOXER 8K 1/2 Ouch!! how many rounds can you last? BREAKTHRU! 16K 1 2 games, Breakthru! & Breakaway, bit map graphics COMPUTER 16K 1 The GAME of the future WAR CONSOLE CALC 8K 1 Same as TI PLANNER, disk or cass D-STATION 1 8K 1 Protect your outpost against the attacking hordes D-STATION 2 8K 1 More dynamic action in a new venue Desk Top 32K 1 Publish your stuff! 1, 2 or 3 columns, + a Graphics Publisher Editor can import TI Artist Instances, Disk or Cass ESCAPE 8K 1 Two games in one, but you have to be FAST!!!! FACECHASE 16K 1 Chase the bouncing face & score those points Great 16K 1 With the bouncing ball, collect the letters in the Word Race right order and get a big score! JUMPY 16K 1 Similar to QBERT, by the authors of PARSEC! JUNKMAN JR. 16K 1 A great game by the author of the CorComp Disk Controller & Disk Manager. MAGIC 64K 1 Memory Manager, Disk Manager, Editor, Assembler, MEMORY Program Loader/Saver (PGM & D/F 80) , Program Debugger & Cross Reference MIDNITE 16K 1 Build those walls in the old Refectory, but watch out MASON for thhose Ghosts! .. # of Module Name Size Players Description ----------- ---- ------- -~--------- PRO-TYPER 8K 1 Typing tutor + the game Ladderman SORGAN II 16K 1 Turns your 4A into a true organ with bit/map graphics SPOTSHOT 16K 1 As a giant Dragonfly your laser tongue defends against beetles, crawlies, and you name it COLORFUL GRAPHICS by the authors of PARSEC! SPY'S DEMISE 8K 1 Penetrate the Bulgravian embassy & get the secret code STARTRAP 8K 1 Shoot & defend against Darth Vader like fighters TI-PLANNER 8K 1 Spreadsheet with 3 different sizes, disk or cass TI-RUNNER 16K 1 50 screens of action while you escape from the below the Battle Cruiser decks MUNCHMAN II 16K 1 After Munchman, Munch on....... Miniwriter 8K 1 This word processor gives extra value, disk or cass MICRAO 16K 1 Amazing bit map graphics provides a true pinball game PINBALL II PARAPRINT 4K 1 Parallel printer interface plugs in the side of the 4A, allows some formatting. RED BARON 32K 1 Fly the skies of Europe in this WW I Filght Simulator SPACE PATROL 8K 1 Aye, Aye Captain! to quadrant 7 of the Galaxy STARGAZER 32K 1 Teaches ALL the constellations and stars, colorful bit I, II, III map graphics STRIKE 3! 16K 1 A great baseball game TENNIS 16K 1/2 Tennis, anyone? a great tennis game in bit map graphics TI WORKSHOP 64K 1 Same as Magic Memory TI TOAD 8K 1 Cross the highway and river of logs, but watchout for that Croc!!! WORDWRITER 16K 1 Better than TI Writer! disk or cass WORDWRITER 16K 1 Better than TI Writer! allows underscore and bold print XTRA disk or cass QMAZE 16K 1 Same as Jumpy Out of the text file 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+acadiel Posted January 21, 2022 Share Posted January 21, 2022 I had a couple conversations with Bill Moseid around 1991 and again in 1999 or so (Model Masters is still his company.) Interesting fellow. The conversations I had didn't follow a normal back-forth conversation. If I had to describe it, it was very abrupt, canned, "go away" type of conversation. Maybe that was just his personality, but he didn't seem amenable to discussing anything. Just very brash. I can see that in his reply too as well as assume based on the replies how he wrote his original message. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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