Chapter Two

HOW TO USE BASICODE-2





BASICODE-2 was developed because different micro-computers not only speak different dialects of BASIC, but also record or save the programs onto cassette in different ways. All micro-computers that use cassettes record their programs as a series of bleeps but different machines use different frequencies and various methods of coding. BASICODE-2 is an audio encoding standard that can be used to store and retrieve software and can be used with a large number of micro-computers. Once a micro-computer has been taught BASICODE-2 it can then run programs written on different makes of micro-computer. The only problem that remains is the differences in BASIC dialect but BASICODE-2 again gives us the solution. Our Computer Esperanto interprets the program instructions so that they will work on all the micro-computers listed in Chapter One. This does mean that if you want to write programs for BASICODE-2 you should write them according to some simple rules. You will find these in the chapter written specifically for your micro.

How to load BASICODE-2

On the first side of the tape you will find a number of different versions of BASICODE-2. They are each preceded by an introduction, so find the one for your micro-computer and load it in the normal way. There will be some special points to bear in mind for your particular computer so refer to the relevant chapter for full details.

Once you have loaded BASICODE-2 you are ready to try out some BASICODE-2 programs. One the second side of the tape you will find some demonstration programs. To load one of these programs you should follow the instructions on the screen and also, for some micros, refer to the instructions in the relevant chapter. When the program starts loading you will see the program being listed on the screen. You will be able to check the program for errors and make corrections before running it.

Now that BASICODE-2 is running on your micro here's how you can use the Chip Shop programs.

Chip Shop Takeaway

The Takeaway service allows you to get software from your radio. The BBC is broadcasting software late at night on Radio 4. Check in the Radio Times for details on transmission times. The software being transmitted is written in BASICODE-2, so, armed with the translation tape, you will be able to run the programs on your micro.

To make sure that the programs run properly you need to make a good recording. Here are some tips:
  1. If possible record off VHF, because it's a higher quality signal and less susceptible to interference. If that's not possible then use long wave or medium wave. For frequencies see the Radio Times.
  2. Use a direct connection between your tape recorder and the radio. If you use a microphone someone's bound to burst into the room at the crucial moment!
  3. Set the recording level before the software is transmitted. Don't over-record as this may distort the signal and the program might not work.
  4. Use a short tape if possible: C15 or C30. These are less likely to stretch and it can be frustrating looking for programs on very long tapes.
Once you have successfully recorded the program on the tape you can load it as you did with the demonstration programs.

One final point. When the Dutch started broadcasting software on medium wave, they received reports of near perfect recording from Germany, Belgium, France, UK and Denmark. We hope that the Takeaway service will be as widely received as possible, inside and outside the UK.

Writing BASICODE-2 programs

Having run some programs in BASICODE-2 you might like to write some programs. These will then run on any micro using the translation program. Because of the different BASIC dialects, you will need to write the programs according to a set of rules. BASICODE-2 ensures that certain operations (like clearing the screen or moving the cursor) will always work, no matter what make of computer you use. Details of how this is achieved can be found in Chapter Four. The programming rules for your particular micro can be found in the relevant chapter. Some micros have smaller memories than others, so you may find that very large programs don't run on all the machines.