Antic The Atari 8-bit Podcast

Robert Anschuetz, Eric Anschuetz, John Weisgberber, Antic magazine games   Robert Anschuetz, Eric Anschuetz, and John Weisgberber are childhood friends who published three games in Antic magazine: Kooky's Quest was published in the February 1985 issue; Overflow in July 1985; and Robot Dungeon was the "disk bonus" in the November 1985 issue. They also wrote several other games in Atari BASIC — some of which they submitted to Compute! and A.N.A.L.O.G. Computing magazines - that went unpublished.   Fast forward to August 2017, when the three posted on the AtariAge forum: "We are now releasing all of these games to the Public Domain ...  These are not new games, but they are new to the Atari 8-Bit community. Many of these games really pushed the envelope at the time for what could be done in Atari BASIC, including bi-directional smooth scrolling, assembly language subroutines, parallax scrolling, cut scenes, attract modes, display-list tricks, interleaved-displays, etc."   In addition to releasing their games — s

Stan Osborne, Atari Design Research   Stan Osborne was a freelance software engineer in Atari's Design Research department from 1981 through 1984. He also worked on projects for coin-op and home computing departments. He created micro-kernels, proof of concepts, proto-applications and device drivers.   There are two versions of this interview: the podcast version is about an hour shorter. The extended version is at the Internet Archive, and includes a lot more of Stan's education, jobs, and history before he was at Atari.    This interview took place on May 16, 2017, with a short additional segment added on August 4.   "I was being paid to do whatever I wanted to, if I had time. When you're a freelance independant contractor, you set the clock schedule for when you're going to be there and what you're gonna go. I could visit anybody, anywhere on the Atari campuses."    Extended version of this interview

Harry Stewart, Pilot and WSFN   Harry Stewart was a contractor for Atari from August 1978 through October 1983. He contributed to the operating system design and the manuals for the Atari 400 and 800; created the Atari implementation of the WSFN language (which was released in the first Atari Program Exchange catalog, summer 1981). He worked on Atari's PILOT programming language and the unreleased sequel, Super PILOT (also known as Summer Camp PILOT.)   Harry saved an enormous amount of material: source code, memos, notes, and more. He scanned some of it, I scanned some of it, and it's online at the Internet Archive at the AtariAge forums.    This interview took place on June 29, 2017.   "You debugged in your head. It wasn't sitting at the machine single-stepping and doing breakpoints. If you had a problem, you thought it out. Why is this happening? ... Working on the hardware only as necessary."   Misc. scans from Harry   Extended WSFN in the summer 1981 APX catalog   Atari PILOT II, source code, discussion

Carol Shaw, Atari and Activision   Carol Shaw was a software engineer at Atari from August 1978 though 1980. She programmed for the Atari 2600 and Atari 8-bit computers. She programmed on 3-D Tic Tac Toe for the Atari 800 and 2600; and the math application Calculator. She worked on Video Checkers, Othello, and Super Breakout for the 2600. She also co-wrote the Atari BASIC Reference Manual. Carol joined Activision in 1982, where she created the hit game River Raid, which she programmed for the 2600 then ported to the Atari 8-bit computers, and Happy Trails for the Intellivision.   This interview took place on June 29, 2017.   "Originally it was going to be a boat going up a river, but my boat was kind of boring looking ... How about an airplane going up a river? We'll have it kind of a canyon or something like that."   Colleen Calculator   Atari Calculator Cartridge Specification   Colleen Floating Point Routines   Atari BASIC BNF - Backus–Naur Form   Benj Edwards’ 2011 interview with Carol

In this episode of ANTIC The Atari 8-bit Computer Podcast: Kevin hacks the heck out of the Atari 8-bits, we’re back on the interview bandwagon, Josh Renaud tells us about ATASCII animations, and Nir Dary gives us the scoop on the Outline Demo Party. READY! Recurring Links Floppy Days Podcast AtariArchives.org AtariMagazines.com Kevin’s Book “Terrible Nerd” New Atari books scans at archive.org ANTIC feedback at AtariAge Atari interview discussion thread on AtariAge ANTIC Facebook Page AHCS Eaten By a Grue   What we’ve been up to Indy Vintage Computer Club meeting - https://www.facebook.com/events/418655208501577/permalink/451824541851310/ Archived HesWare material from Jay Balakrishnan - https://archive.org/details/@rkindig VCFSE summary (and our Atari exhibit) on Floppy Days #75 - http://floppydays.libsyn.com/floppy-days-75-vcfse-5-post-show-with-thomas-liebert-jon-guidry-amiga-bill-anthony Atari 8-bit on Hackaday! - http://hackaday.com/2017/07/09/firework-shows-the-vintage-atari-way/ Lost Firebox ROM

Merl Miller, dilithium Press   Merl Miller was co-founder of dilithium Press, a publisher of computer books that was in business from 1977 through 1986. Merl was co-author of Computers for People (with Jerry Willis), a book that heavily features Atari 8-bit computers; and Things to Do With Your Atari Computer (with Jerry Willis and Nancy Morrice) as well as several other books about other types of personal computers. dilithium Press also published An Atari for Kids, An Atari in the Classroom, 32 BASIC Programs For the Atari Computer, Peanut Butter and Jelly Guide to Computers, and is perhaps best known for Computers for Everybody.   This interview took place on June 26, 2017.   Teaser quote: "When I worked for Prentice Hall, when I worked for West Publishing, when I started my own company, I never forgot that: a good book is one that sells."   dilithium Press Press Kit for West Coast Computer Faire (1984)   Computers for People   Things to Do With Your Atari Computer

Claus Buchholz and Lance Ward, ACE-80 Hello.  Welcome to an interview-only episode of ANTIC The Atari 8-bit Computer Podcast.  I am Randy Kindig.  In 1985, Claus Buchholz and Lance Ward released the ACE-80 and ACE-80XL cartridges, which gave 80-column text capability to the Atari 800 and XL computers, respectively.  These were released through their newly-formed company, Amiable Computer Products.  Claus also developed a 256K upgrade for the Atari 800XL and wrote an article on converting Atari computer programs to the 5200. This interview took place on April 8, 2017. Links: A.N.A.L.O.G. #15, January 1984 - TRANSPORTING ATARI COMPUTER PROGRAMS TO THE ATARI 5200 - http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/5200/conv_to_5200.html Byte article on Quarter-Meg Atari 800XL  - http://atariage.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_id=362652 ACE-80 PDF at AtariAge - http://atariage.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_id=99163

Robert Veline, Astro Pyrotechnics   The July/August 1987 issue of ST-Log magazine has an article by Matthew Stern called "Atari Sets Off Fireworks!" It features an interview with Robert Veline of Astro Pryrotechnics, a California-based fireworks company. I'll read some snippets from the article. ...   I found Robert — who is still in the pyrotechnics industry today — to get more of the story. This interview took place on June 2, 2017.   Thanks to Wade at the 1632 Atari ST PodcaST for pointing me to the article in ST-Log magazine.   After our interview, Robert sent me pictures of his Atari-based firing box -- as well as all of the software for running it, the assembly language source code, Old Mother Hubbard's GCHIP Cook Book, his fireworks simulation software, and more.   Teaser quote: "We did have one or two shows where you plugged the box in and turned it on -- and it was a 10-second show."   Atari Sets Off Fireworks! in July/August ST-Log Magazine   Robert's pictures, source code, and discussion   Permanen

Gary Koffler, VP at Datasoft and Datamost   Gary Koffler was VP at two publishers: Datasoft and Datamost. He was VP Software at Datasoft in 1980–1981. Datasoft published many Atari computer games, including Canyon Climber, Clowns and Balloons, Pacific Coast Highway, Sands of Egypt, and Zaxxon. At Datasoft, Gary managed creation of the AtariWriter word processor under contract for Atari.   Next, Gary was VP Software and Talent at Datamost from 1982–1984. Datamost published Atari games including Mr. Robot and His Robot Factory, Tail of Beta Lyrae, Cohen's Towers, and Super Bunny. Datamost also published many books for the Atari computer, including Atari Roots, Kids and the Atari, The Elementary Atari, and Games Ataris Play.   This interview took place on April 4, 2017.   Teaser quote: "I didn't program ... I basically programmed programmers because I realized early on that if I wanted to have anything that was going to appear on these machines that I wanted to have appear on them, I was going to have to work wi

Dan Hale, EasyGrader   Dan Hale published one program for the Atari 8-bit computers: EasyGrader, which first appeared in the fall 1982 APX catalog.    This interview took place on May 30, 2017.   EasyGrader in the fall 1982 APX catalog   EasyGrader at AtariArchives.org

David Thornburg, Koalapad inventor   David Thornburg invented the KoalaPad, a touch tablet that was available for the Atari 8-bit computers, Commodore 64, Apple II, and the IBM PC. A version for the TRS-80 Color Computer was also available, sold as the TRS-80 Touch Pad. He is also the author of The KoalaPad Book, which was published in 1984.   This interview took place on May 22, 2017. In it, we discuss George White, the founder of Koala Technologies, whom I previously interviewed.   Teaser quote: "You know how to take things apart. Good for you. But you've never built anything in your entire life. You have no idea what it's like to invent something that has generated livelihood for hundreds of people, and is making a difference in the lives of thousands of people."   Video version of this interview   George White interview (audio)   George White interview (video)

George White, Founder of Koala Technologies   George White was the founder of Koala Technologies, the company that made the KoalaPad. KoalaPad was a touch tablet, versions were available for the Atari 8-bit computers, Commodore 64, Apple II, and the IBM PC. A version for the TRS-80 Color Computer was also available, sold as the TRS-80 Touch Pad.   This interview took place on May 20, 2017. If you want to see George and my chat, a video version of this interview is available, check the show notes at AtariPodcast.com for that link. I also interviewed KoalaPad inventor David Thornburg, whom we talk about in this interview. David's interview will be published next.   "I regret the fact that I wasn't more forceful in staying true to my original reason for starting the company which was to make mice."   Video version of this interview

William Leslie - OmniTrend Universe William Bill Leslie was one of the authors of Omnitrend's Universe; a science fiction space trading and combat game.  The first version was programmed in valFORTH on an Atari 800, based on a board game created by Bill. It was Omnitrend's first game and was released in 1983. There were versions of Universe for the Atari 8-bit, Apple II and IBM computers. Bill was also involved in the development of the sequels Universe 2 and Universe 3, and of Breach, a turn-based tactical squad combat game. This interview took place on Jan. 7, 2017. Links: Atarimania - http://www.atarimania.com/game-atari-400-800-xl-xe-universe_5617.html Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universe_(1983_video_game) Review of Universe in ANTIC VOL. 3, NO. 5 / SEPTEMBER 1984 / PAGE 76 - http://web.archive.org/web/20080504080033/http://www.atarimagazines.com/v3n5/reviews.html Omnitrend's Universe ad on page 92 of issue 13 of ANALOG Computing magazine, November 1983 - https://archive.org/stream/anal

Jay Balakrishnan, HESWare Welcome to an interview-only episode of ANTIC The Atari 8-bit Computer Podcast.  My name is Randy Kindig.  Jay Balakrishnan bought his first Commodore PET in 1978, which spurred him to found Human Engineered Software (HES or HESWare) in 1980.  HESWare got its start on the Commodore PET but later moved into many other platforms.  They developed or sold software for C64, Vic-20, Atari 8-bit, Apple II, Atari ST, Amiga, ZX Spectrum, Dragon, TI-99, DOS and others.  Many Llamasoft games, through an alliance with Jeff Minter, were published in the US by HESWare.  For the Atari 8-bit, they published games like Pastfinder, River Raid, Decathlon, Space Shuttle, Attack of the Mutant Camels, Gridrunner. By early 1984 InfoWorld estimated that HES was tied with Broderbund as the world's tenth-largest microcomputer-software company and largest entertainment-software company. In early 1984 they made their biggest splash when they acquired the services of Leonard Nimoy as spokesman. This interview to

Art Walsh, Dynacomp and Artworx   Art Walsh was co-founder of Dynacomp, an early software publisher that created software for many platforms, including many educational and game titles for the Atari 8-bit computer. He later founder Artworx, a software publisher that produced titles including Bridge, Cranston Manor Adventure, Gwendolyn, Hazard Run, Hotel Alien, and Strip Poker.   This interview took place on May 26, 2017. In it we discuss Jerry White, whom I previously interviewed.   Teaser quote: "Why is bridge selling when most card players play poker? ... Doug McFarland ... blurted out ...  'I bet if we had strip poker instead of poker, it would sell. ... We all kind of said 'That's it!'"   Artworx web site   Atarimania’s list of Dynccomp software   Atarimania's list of Artworx games   Wikipedia on the Xerox 914 copier   Jerry White interview    Picture of Art Walsh using his Atari 800 outdoors  

Kathleen Pitta, De Re Atari   Kathleen Marinell worked at Atari in 1981 or so -- she was Kathleen Pitta at that time. She is one of the contributors to De Re Atari, A Guide to Effective Programming, which was serialized by Byte Magazine in 1981 through 1982, and published by Atari Program Exchange in 1982. Kathleen is credited with Appendix E, which is about the GTIA chip.   This interview took place on May 25, 2017.   "I'm very logical, so the logic of computer languages -- I was fascinated by that. But the technology .. it changed to fast."   Appendix E of De Re Atari   Byte magazine version, published May 1982

Matthew Householder, Atari and EPYX   Matthew Householder worked at Atari from 1983 through 1985. There he ported Moon Patrol to the ColecoVision for AtariSoft. Later he worked on the Atari 520ST, where he wrote the line-draw/polygon graphics primitives for the ST port of the GEM operating system. Next he worked at EPYX, from 1985 through 1988, where he produced/created/designed many games including: Winter Games, World Games, Championship Wrestling, California Games, and Sub Battle Simulator.    This interview took place on April 25, 2017.   "And she said, 'Hey! You guys should do a game with skateboarding in it.' And it was like a light, an epiphany. Oh yeah, skateboarding. Of course."   Let’s play ColecoVision Moon Patrol by Atarisoft

Amy Chen: Touch Typing, Amoeba Debugger, De Re Atari   Amy Liu was an progammer at Atari. Her name was Amy Chen at the time. She wrote Touch Typing, which was released by Atari on cassette in 1980; an unreleased game called Aligator; and Amoeba, a debugger utility that was used internally at Atari to create assembly language games.   This interview took place on May 2, 2017. It in, we talk about Paul Laughton and Lane Winner, and Chris Crawford, whom I previously interviewed.    Teaser quote: "Well actually now I come to think of it, assembly language is easier than C++. ... C++ is a total different concept.”   Touch Typing at AtariMania   De Re Atari Appendix C on The Atari Cassette   Amoeba debugger discussion   Paul Laughton interview   Lane Winner interview   Chris Crawford interview

In this episode of ANTIC The Atari 8-bit Computer Podcast, Randy and Kevin spar over where the ANTIC corporate headquarters should be, Kevin steps out on the Atari 8 bit and makes us proud in the 10-liner BASIC contest, and Nir Dary brings us the scoop on Wopniak 2017.  Plus all the Atari news we could find this month. READY! Recurring Links Floppy Days Podcast AtariArchives.org AtariMagazines.com Kevin’s Book “Terrible Nerd” New Atari books scans at archive.org ANTIC feedback at AtariAge Atari interview discussion thread on AtariAge ANTIC Facebook Page AHCS Eaten By a Grue   What we’ve been up to TI Fest West, F-18A Video Upgrade (FPGA Based TMS9918A) http://codehackcreate.com/archives/30 E.R.I.C. cart -  http://atariage.com/forums/topic/265316-eric-cart-electronic-retail-information-center/ CLASSware Eductional Cart - http://atariage.com/forums/topic/252162-need-some-info-on-odd-atari-8-bit-cart-classware-eductional-cart/page-2?hl=%2Bclassware#entry3758134 2017 Atari 10-liner BASIC Contest entry video -

David Ahl and Betsy Ahl, Creative Computing Magazine   Dave Ahl was the founder and editor-in-chief of Creating Computing Magazine, which was the first personal computer magazine.  Four editors served in the first six years: Dave Ahl, Steve Gray, John Craig, and Ted Nelson. Betsy Staples (now Betsy Ahl) then took over for the rest of its run. Creative Computing was published starting in November 1974, was acquired by Ziff Davis in 1983, and ceased publication in December 1985.    In addition to Creative Computing, Dave and Betsy published a variety of other magazines including Sync (dedicated to the Timex Sinclair computers), Microsystems, Small Business Computers, and Creative Computing Video & Arcade Games Magazine. They also released a record album -- First Philadelphia Computer Music Festival (1979), a board game called Computer Rage, and software for a variety of platforms under the Creative Computing Software label. Dave was author of BASIC Computer Games, the first million-selling computer book; pl