How many of you actually
use or appreciate the time and date on your disks files? Probably
not many, unless you are a programmer or, as in my case, have a lot
of Word Processing files. Filenames are important and very helpful,
but knowing which is the most current, if you update without
changing the name, is extremely hard without a time stamp. I have
therefore been very interested in a time card that would be onboard
hardware as opposed to software.
Micro Time Clock Card
comes in the standard Microdeal cardboard box, with a small booklet
detailing all the necessary instructions for fitting and set up. A
disk of assorted software, including public domain accessories, is
included. The card is run by two AA rechargeable batteries in a
plastic holder. They are recharged whenever the ST is on, but I gave
the batteries a four hour boost before using. If you decide to try
this, make sure you have a charger set at the proper rate for these
batteries.
The card is very simple
to install, but if you are not sure about your ability to install
the card please ask the shop where you purchased the card to install
it for you. If you do decide to try it yourself remember that
electronic devices are very sensitive to static. Earth yourself by
touching the bare metal (e.g. screws) of a permanently earthed
utility such as a cooker and do not use magnetised tools! The
procedure is as follows. Switch off the ST and remove all leads.
Open up the ST case by removing the small screws located underneath
the case. Set aside the top cover and keyboard to reveal a large
chip. This chip must be carefully (!) removed and inserted into the
DIL socket on the clock card. The card must then be plugged into the
empty socket on the computer. The ST can then be screwed together
again and the system set up. This process will only take five to ten
minutes and is fully documented.
The card is sturdy but
the pins used are stiff and slightly bigger than normal. This meant
taking longer than usual to insert the card pins into the socket,
but it can be done with patience. A second card I tried had very
bad pins, like fine nails, a couple of which had to be crimped to
take out rough edges. There are special DIL packages for this type
of application and it would have been better to use these rather
than what is on the board.
Once the system was set,
I tried out the software. I had some problems with certain programs
and I contacted Microdeal. Mandy, who took over from Jenny Pope, was
very helpful and despatched their updated card software that day. If
you buy this package make sure that your retailer has the new
software (it is time stamped for 19/1/87).
The software includes
programs for colour or mono clocks, a digital clock, calendar, setup
and palette programs. In all, fifteen files are on the disk. The ST
control panel keeps good time as does the digital clock, but the PD
program, GCLOCK.PRG, loses minutes pretty quickly. It sits out of
the way at the top of the GEM window, but on a TOS screen such as
STWRITER it is a real nuisance as it tends to mix with the text. You
cannot complain, it is public domain!
The idea of the card is
good and, apart from the pins, the PCB is well made. The timer seems
to be accurate and stamps the files properly. The cost does seem a
bit high considering there are so few components on the PCB, but it
is far better to have a permanent clock set with the right time and
date rather than search for the right disk and set the time and date
whenever you switch on.
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