Good features, but it's too dear

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.

Norman Kirkby