Key Definer and Character
Generator from GSOFT allows
you to load from tape or disc a
set of function key definitions,
and makes it easy to define the
user defined characters.
Taking the second first, a 3.2k
Basic program presents an 8 by
8 grid of red asterisks. You move
around the grid by using the
normal cursor movement keys.
Whenever you make a move
the asterisk in the new position
turns white, showing that the
pixel concerned is now "on".
If you want to turn it off you
must also press the spacebar.
I would have much preferred
the opposite, more conventional
method where the current pixel
is not turned on unless a separate
key is pressed, because in
practice you will want more
pixels off than on.
If at any time you press the
Return key the shape you have
designed so far appears on the
screen and the eight numbers for
the corresponding VDU 23
statement are given.
This allows you to easily
design the character, and saves
tedious calculation. (See pages
171 and 384 of the User Guide.)
A good feature is that the
definition can be saved to tape or
disc and reloaded into the BBC
Micro's memory, although if
you want to include it in a Basic
program you must naturally
reproduce the VDU 23 statement
manually.
All the instructions are on the
screen and they are very clear.
The program is very easy to use
and achieves its objective.
To use the function key
definer. simply type *LOAD
KEYS. This can be done
without affecting any program
already in memory.
Pressing key f0 will
then allow you to use a printer a
bit like a typewriter (mistakes on
the screen deleted by the Delete
key will be printed). f5 and f6 will
give the current value of PAGE
and TOP respectively and f9 will
give the Ascii value of any key
pressed.
The rest of the keys will do
simple things such as CHAIN or
SAVE a program. There is not
much value in this part of the
package, and it is rather a
stocking filler.
Both programs transfer to
disc easily and the brief
documentation is adequate.
However there are other
character definers available
which are comparable and much
cheaper than £9.95.
1st September 1984
