Cover

California Adam Users' Group (CAUG)
1643 Beach Street
San Francisco; California 94123

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THE COLECO ADAM
USERS' GROUP
PRESENTS
ADAM tm
UNDERGROUND

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A NOTE FROM JUNO

Welcome one and all to the premiere issue of ADAM UNDERGROUND,  a 
monthly  publication  of  CAUG,  the  Coleco  ADAM  Users'  Group 
(former-ly  the California ADAM Users' Group).  I'm sure you will 
find  this issue was well worth the wait!  A few late  additions. 
First;  the ADAM Info Exchange (AIX) has changed SYSTEM OPERATORS 
(SysOps).  The new SysOp is Scott Earley; and until he can obtain 
another  disk  drive,,  he will be unable to add a  CAUG  program 
library;  but the message base for CAUG members will do just fine 
for  now!  Coming  in future issues we will  be  reviewing  Uncle 
Ernie's Toolkit,  Writer's Assistant,  Backup+, A Multi Cartridge 
Copier,  PrintShop,  ASCOM, Wordstar, MailMerge, StarIndex, Turbo 
Pascal;   MBASIC,  the  Eve  SP1  RS-232C  Interface;  80  Column 
Card/Converter,  Speech Synthesizer with Clock Calendar, External 
Power Supply,  Tractor Feed for the SmartWriter printer, and much 
more!

Well,  I  guess you are wondering how to subscribe,  right?  It's 
quite simple! For one year (12 issues) send
your name;  address;  and $12.00 UIS.  or $18.00 if your  mailing 
address is elsewhere in U.S. FUNDS ONLY!!!!!

You can send your payment plus any correspondence to:
CAUG
1643 Beach Street
San Francisco, Ca 94123
If you want a reply by U.S. Mail please enclose a SASE!

COPYRIGHT (C) 1985 COLECO ADAM USERS' GROUP (CAUG)

CAUG,  the  Coleco Adam Users' Group will not be responsible  for 
any   losses  arising  from  the  use  of  any  material  in  the 
publication!  CAUG is not affiliated with Coleco Industries Inc.; 
and  no  information in this newsletter is  supported  by  Coleco 
Industries Inc. unless otherwise stated!

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BAUD NEWS

Welcome one and all to baud news! This is the article where every 
month   you   will  find  the  latest  happenings  in  the   ADAM 
Telecommunications scene.

This month there are many things that will be mentioned now  that 
telecommunicating  has  become a major part of the lives of  many 
ADAMites.

First; if you haven't already done so' I suggest you purchase the 
Adamlink  II  modem software package which can be  obtained  from 
Coleco   (800-842-1225)  for  $9.00.   This  software  adds   the 
up/download  feature the first program (ADAMLink I) didn't  have. 
If  you don't know what up/downloading is,  it is a feature I  am 
sure  you  would  like.  You can send or  receive  files  (text.' 
programs;  etc.)  from your Data Pack or Disk to online  services 
(ie. Compuserve, The Source ..etc.) or to another ADAM user.

I am sure many of you have heard of The People's Choice  Bulletin 
Board. Well, unfortunately they had to shut down their system for 
an indefinite amount of time. I'm not sure when they will be back 
up,  but  you can't keep a superior service like theirs down  for 
long!

Although Peoples' Choice shut down,  a new service,  The American 
People/Link   has  opened,   introducing  a  service  similar  to 
Compuserve.  Services include:  electronic mail.' a cb  simulator 
called  'Partyline',  and various clubs (SIGS) (including an ADAM 
club!).  It is worth checking out!  If you would like a brochure; 
use  the  reader service card.  I suggest you DO  NOT  call  them 
because,  if  YOU  sign up through us you will receive  a  $10.00 
credit on your account!

If  you  are a member of CompuServe and you haven't already  done 
so,  check out the Family Computing Forum by typing Go FAM-200 at 
any  CompuServe prompt (!).  Right now we are using data  library 
six  which can be reached by typing DL6 within the  forum.  There 
you will find many worthwhile programs and files. ADAM owners are 
also  meeting in the Creative Computing Forum (Go  PCS-22)  which 
also has a data library (DL8y.  ADAM owners; however; are tending 
to stay on Family Computing.

If  you've been having a problem downloading from  CompuServe,  a 
help  file  explaining how to do so!  can be found in the  Family 
Computing  data library by typing in 'R UPLOAD.HPL'.   I  suggest 
that you print out a copy of this file. To do so, before pressing 
return,  hold  down the shift key and press the PRINT key at  the 
same time.  This Will turn on your printer. Now, press return and 
the file will be printed as it is displayed on your screen.  When 
you've  finished reading/printing the file,  use the same  method 
(shift+PRINT) to turn it off.

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We would like to hear from you, but please do not attempt a modem 
to  modem call unless you have it set it up prior to  making  the 
call.  To make an ADAM/ADAM call;  you should have all the normal 
settings except for two things; the duplex should be set at half; 
and  if you are using ADAMlink II,  the auto line feed should  be 
on.

ASK YOUR QUESTION

This  is  the  section where you can ask your  question.  Big  or 
small,  technical or not,  just ask.  No question is dumb!  Since 
this  is  our first issue there are no  questions,  so  there  is 
nothing  to  say  except  send  in  those  questions!!  Send  all 
questions to the attention of Q.& A.

WHAT'S IN STORE

This column will feature a look at new products for the ADAM.  In 
addition, it will give a sneak preview at what's up and coming in 
future newsletters.

First;  an  RS232C interface has been released by Eve  Electronic 
Systems (617-653-3003) for $139.  They also plan to produce an 80 
column card.  Joe Zingale of ADAM Tech ( P.O. Box 41434, Phoenix, 
Az  85030)  has produced an external power supply which  will  be 
essential  if you hook up another printer to your ADAM using  the 
RS232C.  By  popular demand our users!  group will be producing a 
cable  for  ADAM  Expansion  module #3 owners  so  the  ADAM  and 
ColecoVision  can be connected by cable allowing you to  separate 
the  two units.  And another long awaited item;  a  tractor  feed 
called  Data  Feed will be available soon from Data Backup  (208-
523-2505).   A  tractor  feed attachment for use  with  the  ADAM 
SmartWriter  printer allows use of continuous feed paper  without 
worrying about slipping; bunching; or double printing. It will be 
fully  adjustable  from 9 1/2" to 2" Installation will be no  big 
hassle,  even if your not the Mr.  Screwdriver of the house. This 
attachment should be available for between $70-80.

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Next month in the newsletter will be a complete ADAM software/
hardware  catalog;  plenty of game and  book  reviews;  programs, 
feature  articles and much more!  If you have any non copyrighted 
software, please send it on disk or Data Pack only (which we will 
return to you with another program of your choice).  If we  don't 
have a program that you like now,  we can issue a certificate and 
you can wait until something you like is available.

If  you  have any tips on products coming soon;  be sure to  pass 
them on since all ADAMites look forward to new  products.  Please 
try  and  keep  them  as accurate as possible  and  if  you  have 
manufacturer information (name,,  address;  phone #;  etc) please 
send that also. We appreciate your tips!

BOOK REVIEW

Title: The Easy Guide To Your Coleco Adam
Author: Thomas Blackdar
Publisher: Sybex Computer Books
Copyrighted: 1984
Price: $9.95
Pages: 1173
Rating: 10
Reviewed by: Jono Smith

The Easy Guide to Your Coleco Adam is a must for those of you who 
would  like  a  shorter introduction to SmartBasic and  the  ADAM 
overall; if you know the basics! don't waste your money. It takes 
you  from meeting the ADAM;  through word  processing;  graphics; 
variables;  writing a program; plus a complete reference guide to 
BASIC.  It  is  a  very well written book  that  makes  for  easy 
reading.  The  book was money well spent,  but as I  said,   it's 
really a beginners book.  Of course there is always something new 
to  learn.   Sybex has also published "Word Processing With  Your 
Coleco Adam". For more info call Sybex-at 800-227-2346 or at 415-
843-8233.

For  a  complete list of books for your ADAM;  14  in  all,  call 
Coleco at (800-842-1225).

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SOFTWARE REVIEWS

Title: Donkey Kong
Manufacturer: Coleco
Media: Data Pack
Rating: 9
Review by: Steve Chamberlain

Donkey  Kong  is the familiar game in which you control Mario  in 
his quest to free Pauline from the giant ape.  You must climb  to 
the  top  of one of four structures while avoiding fireballs  and 
barrels thrown at you by the ape.

This  version f or ADAM has everything that was missing from  the 
ColecoVision cartridge. It has all the extras 
that  are  found  at the arcade and the convenience  of  a  pause 
button.  All  the cartoons and extra graphic elements  make  this 
game a real treat to watch and play.  All your high scores can be 
saved  and printed if you wish.  This makes it even more like the 
arcade.  The conveyor belt screen has also been included. This is 
a fine tape and a great way to start your Data Pack collection.

Title: Bounty Hunter
Manufacturer: Victory Software Corp.
Media: Data Pack or Disk
Rating: 8
Review by: Steve Chamberlain

Bounty Hunter is a text adventure set in the old west.  You  take 
the  role of a cowboy who must capture the notorious Oil Gang and 
return the stolen gold.

On the screen you are given the following information:  Where you 
are; what you see; where you can go, and the results of your last 
command.  Your commands consist of a verb and a noun (i.e.  close 
door).

After  playing for a while you will discover that every item  you 
find only has one purpose (some are not used at all) and there is 
not much room for straying off track.  There are no dead ends and 
the game can be solved.  There is a bonus game included that  you 
can play after you solve the adventure.

This  is  a  good game for people who enjoy  thinking  a  little, 
instead  of only shooting up space monsters.  It is a nice change 
of pace to have a game like this available.

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Title: SmartBasic Bonanza
Manufacturer: Martin Consulting
Media: Data Pack or two Disk set
Rating: 10 Review by: Jono Smith

As  it has been said over and over;  if you only buy one  program 
this year or ever, this is the one. Well I back up that statement 
100%.  The SmartBasic Bonanza is awesome compared to other  basic 
programs.

The  fifteen titles are:  The  Mansion,  Magic,  Othello,  Typer, 
Assembler,  Dissembler,  Filer, Labels, Finance, Fugue,  Sounder, 
Tennis, Breakout, and Try Me.

Mansion  is  an adventure game where you must find treasures  and 
solve problems while you try to stay alive.

Magic  consists of two different programs.  Mental is  a  program 
where  you ask ADAM questions and Analysis is a program that does 
a profile of a person after asking questions like  age,  favorite 
color, etc.

Othello  is  the original strategy game we have all come to  know 
and love!?

Try  Me is another program that consists of two  other  programs. 
The  first  is an animal guessing game and the second  is  called 
Racer.

In  Racer,  you  drive  around  a track  by  correctly  answering 
mathematical problems.

Fugue is a Bach fugue in C minor played by ADAM. This program can 
be  used as a means of typing in your own music by  altering  the 
data statements.

For  those times when you just can't be bothered to sit and  read 
directions  Two familiar games! Ping Pong and Breakout, have been 
included in the bonanza.

Need to get organized?   Filer;  which is a database program that 
allows  you to set up files and tinker with them,  will help  you 
out.  If these files you set up happen to be names and addresses, 
you can use the LABELS program to print them on labels.

Finance  is  a  very useful program which allows  you  to  figure 
values of investments; annual interest; monthly budgeting; amount 
borrowed,  find  interest;  use  the metric conversion table  for 
commonly used measures, and more!

Design  allows  you to create high resolution shapes  in  various 
colors on a 16x16 grid.

With Sounder you can create different tunes by placing the actual 
notes  on the staff.  This can be useful in later programming  or 
just played for your own enjoyment.

Typer gives you a chance to better your typing skills.

For advanced users! there is the mini assembler and dissembler.

As for the Surprise program.   Well surprises aren't surprises if 
someone gives them away!

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All the programs are well documented and fairly easy to use.  The 
SmartBasic  Bonanza package is really a must whether you want  to 
add to or complete your software collection.

Title: Address Book With Auto
Dialer Manufacturer: Coleco
Media: Data Pack
Rating: 8
Review by: Randy Page

I  recently  obtained and have been using the address  book  with 
autodialer.

This  program offers four basic functions.  The data entry  phase 
gives  you  a formatted screen which prompts the  user  to  enter 
name,  address,  phone  and  note data on each  entry.  The  data 
retrieval  phase  allows you four searchable fields  (last  name, 
first  name,  city  and note one) to enable you to  retrieve  the 
people you desire.  The search function also allows you to search 
for  names  you are unsure of by using,  a.  partial entry  (i.e. 
Johnson  could be entered John.  This feature also works  in  the 
note  one  field and if you encode information in that field  you 
can  effectively  increase your number of  separately  searchable 
features to over 20!

The  Autodialer  allows you to search all  entries  as  described 
above and to have ADAM dial the number of the person you desired. 
The program also allows you to mark numbers that have no answers, 
etc.

The  Formatted Printing is the portion of the program that I find 
most  useful.  I have used it to print  mailing  labels,  mailing 
lists and personalized letters. You can establish your own format 
within  the program for one time use or you can write a format in 
SmartWriter and load it as part of the print formatting stage.

My overall impression with the program is positive except for two 
drawbacks that should be mentioned.  First; there is no provision 
made  for fanfold paper usage.  Second,  once you have  stored  a 
large number of entries on the data pack;  ADAM is much slower at 
retrieving them from memory.

Title: Pack copy
Manufacturer: Unreal Software
Media: Data Pack
Rating: 6
Review by: Jono Smith

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Packcopy  basically  does what it's supposed to.  It copies  data 
packs  to disks;  disks to data packs;  data packs to data  packs 
(requires  two  drives),  and disks to disks (also  requires  two 
drives).  It is very easy to use and the documentation is  almost 
perfect. It fails to mention that the disk or data pack should be 
formatted;  but otherwise it's ok. Many people haven't been happy 
with Packcopy because it is limited. Some of it's limitations are

A)	The inability to copy single files.

B) 	Not  being able to change the default drive so that  the 
copy can be run from disk.

C)	Not being able to view; modify, or copy single blocks.

D) 	Has  no provision for correcting the  blocks  free  when 
copying from data pack to disk or vice versa.

In  general;  it just doesn't do enough of what I want in a copy. 
I'll  be  looking at and reviewing more copy programs  in  future 
additions of this newsletter until I'm satisfied.

Title: Diablo
Manufacturer: Image Microcorp
Media: Data Pack or Disk
Rating: 10
Review by: Steve Chamberlain

Diablo  is the newest release from Image Microcorp and  it's  the 
best by far.  This game is written completely in machine language 
and  unlike  others  by Image it is all graphics.  Once  you  hit 
computer reset;  an ADAM title screen appears,  just like on  all 
Coleco software.  After the title screen,  you can choose to play 
using  either  the  keyboard or joystick and then  give  keyboard 
input to begin.

The object of the game is to keep a moving ball safely rolling on 
a section of a slidable track.  There are 232 tracks and  movable 
panels. You have to move the panels in such a way that you form a 
safe path for the ball.  After the ball crosses over a section of 
track.'  that part of the track disappears,  which makes the game 
grow progressively more challenging.  If the ball runs out of the 
track or into a wall you lose.  If;  however the ball runs into a 
wall after you have removed 60 sections of track;  then the  ball 
wraps around to the other side of the screen.

This  is an incredible game and I have nothing but good things to 
say  about  it.  This  is the first 3rd party  arcade  type  game 
available.  It is SUPER! The graphics and sound are top notch and 
would not have looked out of place with Coleco's own. This is the 
first "must-have" game I've run into for ADAM and the ONLY game I 
ever would be willing to pay more for.  At the price;  you  can't 
lose. Be sure not to pass this game up!

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Title: Black Gold
Manufacturer: Image Microcorp
Media: Data Pack or Disk
Rating: 10
Review by: Steve Chamberlain

If you've been waiting for a program for your ADAM, I mean a REAL 
program,  your  wait is over!  Image Microcorp has just  released 
three  programs for the ADAM that I would never think of  parting 
with.   The  programs  are  written  in  machine  language;   not 
SmartBasic.  Although  there are some Basic routines,  you  don't 
have  to load Basic first.  You simply load the tape or disk  and 
hit reset. Once it is in memory, type 'run'; and you can begin.

This  is  a  board style game for 1-to 4 players  where  you  can 
pretend to be J.T.R.  drilling for oil. On the screen is a map of 
the  land you can drill on;  information about the land (cost  to 
drill;  taxes'  etc.);  players  net worth and an oil  well.  You 
decide:  whether or not to drill,  how deep to drill;1and when to 
stop.  Once  you have decided whether or not to drill a piece  of 
land, it is coded with a color which reveals it's probable profit 
range  (how close it is to the center of the oil field).  If  you 
are lucky enough,  to hit oil, you are rewarded by getting to see 
the well spray a fountain of that most precious natural  resource 
which you seem to have dedicated your life to finding.  Of course 
you  also get the money the well earns each week (one  turn).  As 
the  well begins to run dry and you are paying more in taxes than 


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