^ma1 80^pl-62 0 0 ^sk1^ceApril 17, 1985 ^sk2^fiDear Brian, ^sk1^paEnclosed is the tape you sent to me. I have added 13 'real' files plus a copy of this letter (called, not surprisingly, BRIAN). There is no VOLUME LABEL and the directory is initialized to 48 entries. Everything on the tape is public domain and may be freely reproduced. For the LEX files I have sent both assembled code and source TEXT files. Please note that in general the source files end with 'T' (for TEXT). All files except the HPIL analyzer are fully commented. For the HPIL analyzer I am sending a hand commented listing file. Please note, the file for this letter, BRIAN, was prepared using the HP71 TEXT EDITOR ROM, and as such has embedded format commands. The format commands were designed for use with the 2225B inkjet printer (I dislike 'buzzwords' such as 'Thinkjet', people think, NOT printers). The formatting commands are for use with cut, not fanfold, paper. ^sk1^paI realise that this letter might be a bit long so I will add a second file to the tape 'DESCRIBE' with descriptions of all of the files on the tape. Two additional files, HANDOUT1 and HANDOUT2 are an overview of Assembly. They are written as two files to allow manipulation on a 16k machine. From BASIC, CALL EDFORM('name',1,'') to get printed listings. ^sk1^paAs of this date, it looks as though job requirements will prevent me from attending the conference. I gather from the information I have received that a lot of 'swapping' tends to occur at the conferences so perhaps a bit of the following will help. I have found assembly language on the 71 to be incredably easy and fun (by contrast I have found learning BASIC to be an experience in 'obtuse'). Everything is in the IDS five volume set that one needs to know. Probably the worst part is just getting started. Volume one, Detailed Design Description, is probably the most informative, and important of all the volumes. Volume three, Operating System Source Listings, tends to be a bit overwhelming at first. Volume two is probably a gentler experience at first. Volumes one and two are all that is really needed to write most assembly language. Of course, they are all helpful. It's funny (ironic), putting together a column for Richard in CHHU has forced me to examine just how it was that I learned the subject myself, it had all come so naturally to me that I just assumed (poor thing to do!!!) that everyone else found it equally easy. ^sk1^paI hope the enclosed material will be helpful. ^sk0Keep in touch. ^sk2^ceJohn R Baker ^sk0 142 Johns Court ^sk0Charles Town, WV 25414