Write Lescript Formatted Files With Model
by Marc Luyens
I own both a Model 4 and a Model 102 and, consequently, transfer a lot of files between them. My word processor in Mod 4 and III mode is LESCRIPT, while I use TEXT in the Model 102. Most of my letters are written on the Model 102 and, when convenient, the files are then ported over to the Model 4.
In the past, I had to enter all the control codes and formatting commands while in LESCRIPT. This was extra work, so I figured that there must be a better way.
Writing a LESCRIPT file, saving it in ASCII, and transferring it to the 102, I found that the imbedded control codes show distinct characters. I checked the characters against the Model 102 ASCII table and found the following:
LESCRIPT code displayed code keyboard code
< clear >< enter > <graph><">
< clear > < B > < graph > < x >
These are just a small example. Most, if not all, of the other commands and control codes are also available. You can now write your LESCRIPT formatted text with Model 102.
Editors note: This also works with Model 100.
The World's Smallest Word-Processor made smaller by Howard W. Mueller
Edgar Martin's "World's Smallest Word-Processor" (Hints & Tips - Mar/Apr 1989, page 23) is a "monster" to enter from the keyboard. At a minimum his requires 38 exhausting keystrokes. I have one that is several bytes shorter. It works on the Model III (the only computer I have) but, as it is standard Microsoft Basic, it will work on all TRS-80 machines with just minor changes. I'm putting my word-processor in the Public Domain. Sorry, I cannot provide any support other than the following documentation:
DOCUMENTATION: Name: The World's Smaller Smallest Word-Processor Variables: None Keystrokes: 20 (Models 1 & ill) 19 (Model 4)
Features: Same as "The World's Smallest Word-Processor
Model I & III version: 1LPRINTINKEY$;:G0T01 Model 4 version: 1 LPRINT INKEY$;:RUN
If you save the file under the name: "WORDPROC/BAS" on drive: 1, password protect it with .SMALLWP and run it with the command: RUN"WORDPROC/BAS.SMALLWP:1" it takes fewer keystrokes to type it in each time than to run it. (Of course some idiot will probably want to destroy that advantage with a filename such as "W" and choosing not to password protect this gem at all.) It doesn't really matter. Eventually someone will come along and write a shorter word-processor.
Some very interesting differences between Model lllll Basic and Model 4 Basic are shown in the above listings.
First, Model l/lll does not require spaces (most of the time), so no spaces are included, not even between the — line number and LPRINT. We do, however, have a real problem if we attempt to use RUN instead of G0T01. Model l/lll forgets the semicolon after INKEY$ and issues a carriage return and linefeed after each keystroke.
Model 4, on the other hand, does require spaces between keywords. We can get away with not putting a space between the line number and LPRINT, but the other spaces must be there. Amazingly enough, RUN respects the semicolon after INKEY$, thus suppressing unwanted carriage returns and linefeeds.
Another interesting item is that the ? (shorthand for PRINT) cannot be used with LPRINT; that is, L? will not work. Model l/lll will list the program line correctly as LPRINT but, when the program is RUN, it will produce a "SYNTAX ERROR". Model 4, in its infinite wisdom, simply inserts a space between L and PRINT, also creating a "SYNTAX ERROR" when the program line is RUN.
Not to be outdone, TRSTimes presents the "World's Smallest Assembly Language Word-Processor", using just 8 bytes of pure machine power:
Model l/lll version (EDTASM)
00100 ORG 7000H
00110 START CALL 49H 00120 CALL 3BH
00130 JR START
00140 END START
The Model 4 version can be written, using only 9 bytes.
Model 4 version (EDTASM - patched)
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