**** . . ."., Atari Corp.

,.:~: ****' "~

****' :.:.:-..:" 1196 aorregas Avenue
Sunnyval 19 , Ca. 94086
***:*** .:" "
**;**,,** 25 JUl.Y'·I.98~
** **;, "12*
** **" ** ,,'''r,

INTRODUCTION TO GEM PROGRAMMING

----~--------------.--.-~------!!"'"-
(. TAB L E o F CON TEN T S

Introd:uction ......................... . .1.

Who to contact if you have a problem. . .1.1
Documentation in the package. .2.
Compuserve information. .3.
Disks in the package. .4.
Compiler ...
LiIlker .•...
. .. '. .4.1
.4.2
utilities. .4.3
Resource Construction Set .. .4.4
Micro Emacs .........•..... •...•. ·4.5
HardwaJ;'e requirements ........ . .5 .
Compiling a program on the ST ............ . . . . . 6.
Creating a GEM application .. . .. 6.1
Creating a GEM desk accessory. ..6.2
C-run time applications ... .6.3
Batch processing on the ST .. . .7.
BATCH.TTP. . ... 7.1
RM.PRG ••••••••••••• .7.2
WAIT. PRG .•.. . . . . . . . . . . 7.3
RELMOD . PRG •• .7.4
Allocating more stack space. .8.
Global variable names to avoid .. . •• 9.

(--
 INTRODUCTION TO GEM PROGRAMMING

1. INTRODUCTION
Thanks for your interest and support of the ST series of
computers. Enclosed is the documentation and software
package you have ordered. Read this section first to learn
how to organize your documentation and get quickly on the
road to ST product development.
1.1 WHO TO CONTACT IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM:
Hardware problems Randy Hain (408)745-2466
Software questions John Feagans (408)745-4923
Package administration
and equipment orders Cindy Claveran (408)745-2568
2. DOCUMENTATION IN THIS PACKAGE:
The documentation may seem overwhelming at first, but it
is really easy to get started. All pages are pre-punched for
a three ring binder and the sections you will most commonly
access are The Guide (BIOS), GEMDOS, Volume I--VDI, and
Volume 2--AES. To start programming, the first files you
should read are on the MicroEMACS disk on how to use the
editor. This document contains info on compiling and linking
your first program. Later you may refer to other documents
in the package for detail on changing parameters of the
compiler, linker, and other utilities.
(
1. Non-disclosure agreement
Please sign and return to assure
future updates.
2. Question and Answer Newsletters
Commonly asked questions by
new developers.
3. Introduction to GEM programming
4. A Hitchhiker's Guide to the BIOS
5. Atari GEMDOS Reference Manual
6. GEM Programmer's Guide, VOl. l--VDI
7. GEM Programmer's Guide, Vol. 2--AES
8. GEM DOS Programmer's Guide
9. C Language Programming Guide
(i.gnore the references for CP 1M 68K)
The next series of documents are intended for the
advanced developer who wants to exercise the lowest level of
operating system:
10. Line-A Technical Reference Manual
11. Intelligent Keyboard (IKBD) Protocol
These next documents can be used by developers of
add-ons and those persons who just want to know more detail
about the machine:
( 12. Engineering Hardware Specification

-3-
 INTRODUCTION TO GEM PROGRAMMING

13. Application Notes on the ACSI (DMA port) j

14. Chip specifications:

a. 6850 ACIA
b. AY-3-8910 PSG
c. 68901 MFP
d. Programmable Sound Generator Manual
e. WD1770 FDC
f. 128K ROM Cartridge Schematic '" '/
g. 520 ST Schematic
3. COMPUSERVE INFORMATION
:.":' :;
We have included a Compuserve Starter Pak with $15 of , _
free time. We hope that you have, or will purchase, a modem ,'>
to use with your ST so you can join us in our special
Developer's SIG on Compuserve. Follow the directions for'
logging in and type GO ATARIDEV. Type MI for membership and, "
follow the directions. You will have access to restricted
data libraries into which we are constantly uploading
utilities and example programs. You may leave private' J
messages for John Feagans at 70007,1072.l.~
4.DIS1(S IN THIS PACKAGE :...~'

The ST development package consists of five disks. These

disks will enable a developer to compile and link "c"
applications or desk accessories for the Atari ST series.
1. C-Compiler.
2. Linker.
3. Utilities.
4. Resource Construction Set.
5. MicroEMACS.

WARNING: It is recommended that the developer make BACKUP

COPIES of these disks and use the backups as backups ONLY!
The following is a list of files, programs, and other
information that are inCluded on these disks.
4.1 COMPILER

CP68.PRG Three pass "C" compiler.

C068.PRG
C168.PRG
AS68.PRG 68000 asembler.
AS68INIT
AS68SYMB.DAT
BATCH.TTP ST batch processing program.
RM.PRG ST delete file program.
WAIT.PRG ST WAIT to return to desktop.
C.BAT Batch input file.

-4-
 INTRODUCTION TO GEM PROGRAMMING

c These files when included within a "C" program enable

the use of the AES and VDI predefined messages, object types,
GEMDOS definitions etc.
DEFINE.H Miscellaneous definitions. Ex. NIL, TRUE ..•
GEMBIND.H Do-it-yourself GEM binding kit.
GEMDEFS.H Common GEM definitions.
VDIBIND.H VDI external definitions.
TOSDEFS.H TOS file attributes and error definitions.
OBDEFS.H Common GEM OBJECT definitions.
OSBIND.H "c" binding to GEMDOS and BIOS.
STDIO.H "c" standard I/O file.
PORTAB.H DRI recommended.
MACHINE.H DRI recommended.
TADDR.H Tree address offsets.
CTYPE.H "e" typing functions.
ERRNO.H DOS errors.
MATH.H "c" header file.
OSIF.H DOS functions.
OSIFERR.H System errors.
SETJMP.H "c" header file.
STRING.H "c" header file.
LARGE.S For compatibility with PC GEM

-5-
 INTRODUCTION TO GEM PROGRAMMING

4.2 LINKER

LINK68.PRG ST linker with overlay program.

L068.PRG ST simple linker.
RELMOD.PRG ST relocation program.
BATCH.TTP ST batch processing program.
RM.PRG ST delete file program.
WAIT.PRG ST WAIT to return to desktop.
LINKAP.BAT Batch to link GEM application.
LINKACC.BAT Batch to link GEM desk accessory.
CLINK. BAT Batch to link C runtime.
LINKIO.BAT Batch to link DOS applications.
ACCSTART.O GEM accessory start file.
APSTART.O GEM application start file.
GEMSTART.O "C", VOl, AES library start files.
AESBIND AES run time library.
VDIBINO VOl run time library.
GEMLIB "C" run time library.
OSBINO.O GEMOOS trap routine.
LIBF Floating point library.
4.3 UTILITIES

COMMAND.PRG Command line interpreter.

OUMP.PRG Hexadecimal file print utility.
FINO.PRG File string locator utility.
HIGH.PRG ST medium resolution program.
LOW.PRG ST low resolution program
KERMIT.PRG File transfer program.
NM68.PRG Symbol table print utility.
SIO.PRG Symbolic Interactive Debugger
SIZE68.PRG Program segment size utility.
APSTART.S Source to application start.
ACCSTART.S Source to desk accessory start.
GEMSTART.S Source to "C", VOl, AES start.
ACSKEL.C Example GEM desk accessory program.
APSKEL~C Example GEM application program.
AR68.PRG Library creation utility.

-6-
 INTRODUCTION TO GEM PROGRAMMING

(- 4.4 RESOURCE CONSTRUCTION SET

RCS.PRG Resource construction set program.

RCS.RSC File for RCS.
RCS.DFN This enables you to see RCS.RSC
as an example.
README Ignore this unless you are
converting alpha to beta RCS.
DEF2DFN.PRG See above comment.
ICON folder containing:
SE.PRG Shape editor.
SE.RSC
SHIC.DOC Shape editor document.
ATBALL.C
ATBALL.S
ATBALL.SHP
SDASM.PRG
SDASM.S
SDC.C
SDC.PRG
SDCST.S
ICONA folder containing:
ICED.PRG Icon editor.
ICED.RSC
RSCREAT folder containing:
DOC Documentation about resource create.
STCREATE.C
STCREATE.INP
RSC.O
RSCRLIB.H

-7-
 INTRODUCTION TO GEM PROGRAMMING

4.5 MICRO EMACS

This disk contains the text editor you will use for
constructing your programs and a number of examples which
illustrate use of the AES and VDI.
CARDS folder containing:
MAKECARD.BAT
CARDS.C example dialog box and field usage.
CARD.H
CARDS.H
CTYPE.H
CTYPE.O
CARDS.RSC
DOCUMENT folder containing:
NEWFORM.DOC form keybd() and form button info.
DISK. TXT how to address 1772 through DMA port.
DOODLE folder containing:
LINKDO.BAT example draw program
DOODLE.C
DOORSC.C
DOODLE.H
DOS.H
TREEADDR.H
DOODLE.INP
DOOSTART.O
DOODLE.PRG
DOODLE.RSC
DOOSTART.S
EMACS folder containing:
ME.TTP the editor.
TUTOR. DOC how to .•.
TEXT1
TEXT2
TEXT3
FORMDO folder containing:
FRMTST.C
FORM.DEF
FORM.H
FRMTST.PRG
FORM.RSC
MENU folder containing:
MLINK.BAT example menu program
MENTST.C
MENTST.DEF
MENTST.H
MENTST.RSC
TEMPLATE folder containing:
TEMPLATE.C put your application in the middle
and have a functional GEM app.

-8-
 INTRODUCTION TO GEM PROGRAMMING

(~'" 5• HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

The minimum system is 5l2k and one floppy disk. A
recommended configuration is a 520 ST and a double sided
drive or a 1040 ST. On a 520 ST a second drive is useful but
on the 1040 ST you may want to use a RAM disk program
available from several third party sources. For professional
developers, the Atari hard disk is a good choice. For a
choice of monitors we recommend that the serious developer
have both monochrome and color monitors available for testing
all possible configurations of user machines.
6. COMPILING A PROGRAM ON THE ST.

The three development disks have been arranged so that

compiling and linking on the ST is a very simple process. The
following is an example on how to compile and run the sample
APSKEL.C program supplied on the compiler disk.
WARNING:
Remove the write protection tab from the compiler and
linker disks before compiling and linking.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following instructions apply to a dual drive system.
Some developers will have a single drive system. There may
not be enough disk space on a single drive system to compile,
assemble, and link. We urge you to get a second drive if
your first drive is single-sided. If you have a double-sided
drive, or a 1040, all necessary files should fit on one
disk.
l)After making backups of the three development disks copy
APSKEL.C and ACSKEL.C to a newly formated disk.
2)Place the compiler disk in drive A: and the disk containing
APSKEL.C and ACSKEL.C in drive B:.
3)Select the BATCH.TTP program and open it.
4)Type tIC B:APSKEL" in the open application dialog box and
select "OK". At this point the screen will turn white and the
batch program will begin compiling the APSKEL.C program. The
compile is finished when the program askes for a carriage
return. Hit carriage return to return to the desktop.
5)Replace the compiler disk with the linker disk and double
click on the BATCH.TTP program. Type "LINKAP b:APSKEL" in the
open application dialog box and select "OK". The screen will
turn white while the batch program links the proper files
together. The link is finished when the wait for carriage
return prompt is displayed. Hit the return key to return to
the desktop.

,
-9-
 INTRODUCTION TO GEM PROGRAMMING
------------------~------------

6)Now just double click on the file APSKEL.PRG on drive B:.

The move, size, close, and full boxes are all active in this
program. Selecting tbe close box returns you to the
desktop.

To compile and link the desk accessory ACSKEL.C program

do the following.
l)FOllow the same procedure to compile and link the ACSKEL.C
desk accessory that you moved to the new disk_ Remember to
use "LINKACC ACSKEL" when linking the desk accessory
together.
2)Next rename the ACSKEL.PRG program to ACSKEL.ACC.
CONTROL.ACC and VT52.ACC are the Control Panel and VT52
Emulator included on your system disk.
3)The final step is to transfer the ACSKEL.ACC accessory you
have just created to your system disk and reboot the
system. (Rebooting the system installs the accessory under
"DESK" on the menu bar of the desktop.
4)To run, move the mouse to DESK on the menu bar and click on
"Sample Accessory". If you resize the window you will see
disk icons and other windows on the desktop. Selecting the
close box will remove the desk accessory.

If you type C.BAT and LINKAP.BAT you will be able to see

the proper order of instructions necessary to compile or link
a program file. For more information on compiling and linking
please consult the ATARI ST developers manuals.
The two remaining link batch files -- LINKIO and CLINK
are used for creating either TOS or TTP type applications
with GEMDOS and the C Run-time libraries respectively. No
examples are provided for this discussion.
INCLUDE / LINK TABLE:
--------------~-----
The following table represents the proper "include"
files necessary to link to different portions of the TOS
operating system.
SYSTEM INCLUDE LINK TO ...
VDI <define.h> VDIBIND library
<vdibind.h>
AES <define.h> AESBIND library
<gemdefs.h>
/)-,

-10-

If)
 INTRODUCTION TO GEM PROGRAMMING

( <obdefs.h>
GEMDOS <define.h> OSBIND.O object
BIOS <osbind.h>
XBIOS
"c" library <stdio.h> GEMLIB library
<math.h> LIBF library
All of the above libraries can be mixed depending on the
needs of the developer.

:(

-11-

11
 INTRODUCTION TO GEM PROGRAMMING

6.1 TO CREATE A GEM APPLICATION:

You must link to APSTART.O as the first file in your

link statement.
link68 [u,s] file.68k = apstart,program,vdibind,aesbind
6.2 TO CREATE A GEM DESK ACCESSORY

You must link to ACCSTART.O as the first file in your

link statement.
link68 [u,s] file.68k = accstart,program,vdibind,aesbind
6.3 "c" RUN TIME LIBRARY

Using GEMSTART.O you MAY link to AESBIND or VDIBIND

libraries and the run time library.
link68[u, s] file. 68k=gemstart, program,
vdibind,aesbind,gemlib,libf

-12-

1:1
 INTRODUCTION TO GEM PROGRAMMING

7. BATCH PROCESSING ON THE ST

7.1 BATCH.TTP

This is a batch program for the ST. To use, you must

create a file with the extention .BAT.
To execute the C.BAT file you must open BATCH.TTP and
enter "c PARM1" in the open application dialog box.
Where C.BAT is defined as:
cp68 %l.c %l.i
c068 %l.i %1.1 %1.2 %1.3 -f
rm %l.i
c168 %1.1 %1.2 ~l.s
rm %1.1
rm %1.2
as68 -1 -u %l.s
rm %l.s
wait
PARM1 is the C file to compile. (B:PARM1 to compile files on
drive B:.) PARM1 is substituted for %1 in C.BAT. No file
extension is needed -- it is included in C.BAT)
There is also a LINKAP.BAT file which is defined as:
link68 [u] %1.68k=apstart,%1,vdibind,aesbind
re1mod %1
rm \1.68K
wait
Again, to execute just open BATCH.TTP and type "LINKAP
APSKEL" •
REMEMBER: The linker disk must contain link68.prg, rm.prg,
batch.prg, link. bat, and relmod.prg.

7.2 RM.PRG

This is a delete file program necessary for the

BATCH.TTP program so that files can be deleted from drive
B: .
7.3 WAIT.PRG

This program waits for a carriage return before

-13-
 INTRODUCTION TO GEM PROGRAMMING

continuing. /'

7.4 RELMOD.PRG

Converts the output file from L068 or LINK68 into a form

that is executable by GEMDOS.
The full form of the commandline is:
RELMOD [-]inputfil[.68K] [outputfile[.PRG]]
(stuff between brackets is optional)
If the input file has no extension, ".68K" is
automatically appended. If there is no output filename
specified, the name of the input file (with a ".PRG"
appended) is assumed. If an output file IS specified, it has
the default extension of ".PRG".
If the input filename begins with a dash ('-'), the dash
is ignored, except for the fact that it indicates an input
filename. (If that's confusing, don't worry -- read on).

EXAMPLES

RELMOD FOO
Will look for a file called "FOO.68K", and produce a
file called "FOO.PRG".
RELMOD BAR -BAZ.ZIP
Will look for a file called "BAR.68K", and produce a
file called "BAR.PRG". Similarly, it will look for "BAZ.ZIP"
and produce "BAZ.PRG".

8. ALLOCATING MORE STACK SPACE

Stack space for applications and desk accessories has

been preallocated to lK. We realize that for some
application this may not be enough stack room. For this
reason we have included the source files APSTART.S and
ACCSTART.S on the Utilities disk. You now can make
appropriate changes to these files to create the necessary
environment for your application or desk accessory. For
C-runtime library applications., check the source for
gemstart.s and the comments for increasing stack space.

""".

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 INTRODUCTION TO GEM PROGRAMMING

(~ 9. GLOBAL VARIABLE NAMES TO AVOID

Certain global variable names are present in the binding

files which you will link to. The linker takes the most
recent definition of anything as being the real definition.
An example of this would be if your program has an array
names max[] and you link to the VDIBIND library. The linker
will confuse your max[] array with the function max() in the
VDIBIND. With that in mind, also avoid the following names
associated with the named modules.
apstart.o aesbind
accstart.o
c
crystal control
ctrl cnts global
int in
int-out
gemstart.o addr in
addr-out
main gl apid
exit ad-c
-start
cpmrv
base vdibind
sw
( sovf
'brk
i ptr
i-ptr2
BDOS m-lptr2
blkfill mul div
index MUL-DIV
strchr smul div
pname SMUL-DIV
-tname umul div
-lname UMUL-DIV
-xeof gsx1
gsx2
iioff
osbind.o iooff
pioff
gemdos pooff
bios vdi
xbios vec len
max

-15-

IS
 **** Atari Corp.
**** 1196 Borregas Avenue
**** Sunnyvale, Ca. 94086
******
** ** ** 1 July 1986
** ** **
** ** **
Errata

GEM PROGRAMMER'S GUIDE VOLUME 1: VDI

3-16 vst load fonts
is: WORD additional;
change: delete this reference.
5-17 Set character height
Note: This is a table of magic numbers
which select the internal system fonts:
4 6x6
6 8x8
13 8x16
5-36 Set user-defined fill pattern
is: Note that the writing mode must
be set to replace (mode 1), when
using a multiplane fill pattern.
add: ,and the foreground color must be
set to 1.
6-14 v get pixel
is: - (handle,x,y,pel,index)
change: (handle,x,y,&pel,&index)
7-15 Input string, request mode
additional comment: This will not work if you are
using the AES! In all request modes,
it will just return with no input.
-
7-17 Input string, request mode
(see comment for 7-15)
8-5 Inquire color representation
useful ST info for RGB color conversion:
from hardware to VDI: VDI=(HDW*125)+62
from VDI to hardware: HDW=VDI/142
9-19 Escape 16
is: This escape returns ••• tablet, mouse,
joystick, or similar device.
delete: mouse, joystick, or similar device.
Appendix D Standard keyboard

-1-

"
 ERRATA JULY 1986

Please refer to IKBD document for this information.

Appendix F Character sets
Please refer to appendices of BASIC and LOGO
manuals packed with your ST.

GEM PROGRAMMER'S GUIDE VOLUME 2: AES

4-8 AC OPEN
should be: wordO = 40
word4 = me rmenuid
4-8 AC CLOSE
should be: word4 = me raccmenid
6-5 Object library data structures
additional info: For type G IMAGE, the
ob_spec is a pointer to graphic data.
6-8 Iconblk structure
additional info: The word containing ib char
has the foreground+background color -
encoded in the high byte. Here is how to
decode it--
fg = (ch»12) & OxOOOf
bg = (ch»8) & OxOOOf
( ch &= OxOOff
6-20 OBJC DRAW
additonal info: This call automatically turns
off the mouse while drawing and restores its
state when finished.
6-27 OBJC EDIT
The sample call shows this function as having 6
parameters--delete &ob ednewidx to generate the
proper call with 5 parameters.
7-13 FORM DO
is: -1 if the form ...
should be: ..• 0 if the form .••
7-15 FORM DIAL
Needs to have nine parameters:
fo dif1ag
fo-dix
fo-diy
fo-diw
fo-dih
fo-clipx
fo-c1ipy
fo-clipw
fO=Cliph

-2-
 ERRATA JULY 1986

8-14 GRAF HANDLE

Note: gr hwbox and gr hhbox are the width
and height of the boxes containing mover,
sizer, closer, etc. icons in a window.
10-5 FSEL INPUT
Note: The value of fs iexbutton will be
-1 if there is a file selection error.
11-22 WIND SET
Note: The string used for the name is
not stored in the AES. A pointer to the name is
all that is stored. If you wish the name to be
saved then keep a copy in your data space.

-3-
(~ ------------------------------------------------------------
AAA TTTTT AAA RRRR III **** SSS TTTTT
A A T A A R R I **** S T
S
Ao A T A A R R I **** S T
AAAAA T AAAAA RRRR I ****** SSS T
A A T A A R R I ** ** ** S T
A A T A A R R I ** ** ** S S T
A A T A A R R III ** ** ** SSS T
DDDD EEEEE V V EEEEE L 000 PPPP EEEEE RRRR SSS
D D E V V E L 0 0 P P E R R S S
D D E V V E L 0 0 P P E R R S
D D EEEE V V EEEE L 0 0 PPPP EEEE RRRR SSS
D D E V V E L 0 0 P E R R S
D D E VV E L 0 0 P E R R S S
DODD EEEEE V EEEEE LLLL 000 P EEEEE R R SSS

Question and Answer Bulletin February 1986

Copyright (C) 1986 by Atari Corp. "all rights reserved"
1196 Borregas Ave., Sunnyvale, Ca. 94086

Here are the latest questions from the Atari developers

mailbag as answered by John Feagans, Director of Software
Technology. Leave questions on Compuserve for PIN 70007,1072
or GO PCS57 for Atari developer SIG information.
Q: How can I have a different background color for text.
There does not seem to be anything I can set to make this
happen.
A: A way we recommend to make this happen is to do a
rectangle fill of the area behind the text then use v_gtext
with a transparent writing mode.
Q: I have a GEM application that I am porting from the IBM
PC. Everything compiles O.K. but I get a number of undefined
symbols in the link step. Some of these symbols are
dos_free, dos_gdrive, dos_lseek, and dos_open.
A: The problem here is some differences in name between what
you are using, what is described in the GEMDOS spec, and what
is actually in the bindings. Here is a table which may
explain what is happenin9:

Your code GEM DOS manual osbind.h

dos free d free Dfree
dos-gdrive d-getdrv Dgetdrv
dos-1seek f-seek Fseek
dos=open d=open Fopen
(--
ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -1- February 1986

/9
Question and Answer Bulletin

Q: From the VDI there doesn't seem to be a call to set

pixels. How do I do it and be compatible with all
resolutions?
A: You can do it by drawing a 1 pixel wide line with a
length of 1 pixel. There is also a line-A call for setting
pixels. The latter method is much faster, however, it does
not clip.
Q: I just installed my ROMs and the system doesn't come up.
It is just a white screen. It is like this every time I
reset. Oh .•. there it is •.• what happened?
A: If you have just installed your ROMs and do not have a
disk drive attached, the TOS is going to spend considerable
time attempting to read some files from disk. It is looking
for desk accessories, an auto folder which may contain
drivers to load, and a desktop.inf file created if you saved
a desktop. If you want to shorten the power-up process, then
have a disk attached with a valid floppy disk in the drive.
Q: I just ported my IBM PC version and have the symbol
UMULDIV undefined.
A: VDIBIND defines MUL DIV, mul div, and umul div, but the
symbol UMUL DIV is missing. If you are programming in C
perhaps you could #define it in a header file. In assembler,
you could equate UMUL_DIV to umUl_div.
Q: Can I boot another operating system if I have TOS in
ROM?
A: Yes. The system has been designed so that a disk with a
boot sector can have another operating system which can be
loaded in. Another way to load another system would be to
put a driver in the auto folder on the system disk. A third
interesting method would be to make a desk accessory which
loads the new system. It is also possible for a program to
perform an extended bios call PUNTAES which frees up the
memory used by the AES and desktop while preserving the
bios, dos, and VDI.
Q: How can I load in code from BASIC? Where is it put? How
do I allocate space for it?
A: To use the BLOAD function you must first allocate a
string array big enough to hold your code. Next use the
varptr function to get the address of the storage area. Use
BLOAD with this address and the CALL function to execute your
code. One final pOint--make sure the code is relocatable and
completely relative as BLOAD does no fix-ups.
Q: How are the icon outlines dragged on the desktop and what
is the shape?

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -2- February 1986

:lo
 Question and Answer Bulletin

A: Icons are dragged on the desktop by moving a polyline XOR

box. The vertices are a fixed set that resemble the edges of
the mask data for the icon.
Q: How do I stop BASIC from drawing windows on my output
screen?
A: Windows are redrawn when BASIC calls a routine in the
event library. Some examples of these routines are
evnt multi, evnt keyboard, and evnt button. It is possible
to stop the evnt-multi calls because-there is a BASIC system
table called SYSTAB. Check the documentation for
particulars. At an offset of +24 there is a variable called
GEMFLAG. A POKE of 1 in this location turns the event calls
off and a POKE 0 turns the event calls on.
Q: When I double click on AS68 from the desktop, the screen
turns white and immediately returns to the desktop. How do I
type in the name of the file to assemble?
A: It is posible to run AS68 from the desktop. The
procedure is to install it as a TTP type, (TOS takes
parameters) and save desktop, or show-info and rename it as a
.TTP. Next time you double click on AS68, a dialog box for
parameters will come up. You can then type "_U -1 myfile.s"
and click on OK to run the program. Object files fill be
generated and control returns to the desktop upon completion
of the assembly.
Q: I have a program where I am drawing my own dialog boxes
and menu by constructing the object tree and calling
OBJC DRAW. The problem is that when I draw the dialog box,
the menu pops down. I have tried everything to prevent this.
What is happening?
A: We suspect what is happening here is that you may be
passing the address of the menu rather than the dialog box.
If you have the level set to MAXDEPTH, everything including
the dialog box over a popped down menu may be drawn. Double
check what you are passing to the objc_draw.
Q: I have a dialog box with an editable field. When I try
to put string to initialize the data, everything is messed
up. It seems like the pe text pointer is pointing to the
wrong place! -
A: The OBSPEC field of the editable object pOints to a
TEDINFO structure. In this structure there are three
pointers: in order they are 1) to a string containing the
actual text, 2) to the template, and 3) to a character
validation field. Beyond getting the proper pointer, another
problem you may encounter is that the string is a fixed
length. You may be moving data into it which is longer than
(- was created at the time you defined the text in the resource

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -3- February 1986

Question and Answer Bulletin

construction set.
Q: I am running the batch program and get a bus error after
cO.prg has been running a little while compiling my program.
Could this be a bug in the compiler.
A: A bug is always possible but here are a few other things
to suspect when a problem like this occurs. The batch
program will abend if it cannot find a specified program to
load. You may also have an include file with something
illegal. That might explain why things proceed through the
pre-processor in abort in the first compile step. Another
thing to check is if you are running out of space on the disk
from which the compiler is running. Each step of the compile
creates some intermediate files which require space. It is
possible to specify to the compiler which drive to which it
writes the intermediate files.
Q: I am transferring files from my IBM PC to the ST using
ke~mit. ASCII files come over o.k. but binary files are
messed up.
A: When you transfer binary files you must tell the server
to SET FILE TYPE BIN. You must also tell kermit on the ST to
gi (get image) or si (send image).
Q: I am using ICED.PRG to design my icons for use in my
resource file. How do I load these icons into the RCS?
A: As an example, let us consider that you are in the RCS
and have created a dialog box. Drag the icon type from the
parts box into your work area. Select the work area and
select the icon you have just moved down. Bring down the
menu under the file heading and select the open. At this
point the open item will not load a new resource but will
load in and link the data for the icon file you select in the
file selector.
Q: What documentation errors do you know about in the
Hitchhiker's Guide to the BIOS?
A: The current Hitchhiker's Guide shows the initial PC being
set from $FCOOOO and the initial SP from $FC0004. These
values are reversed.
Hitchhiker's Guide is wrong in two places about the GEMDOS
call $20 to set supervisor mode. The flag to merely test the
current mode is $1 and not the $FFFFFFFF specified. The
latter will crash the system. Second, the returned value
from this function is $0 for user mode and $FF for supervisor
mode, not $0 and $1 as documented.
Q: To get started writing my program I need some more
example programs. Where can I find some?

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -4- February 1986

-~ -~ ~-- ~~---- -~ ~ - ~ ~ ---

 Question and Answer Bulletin

A: We recommend that you get onto Compuserve and take a look

at the Atari l6-bit SIG and also the Atari developer's SIG.
For the latter, type GO PCS57, and read the membership
information. We are constantly uploading example programs
into the data libraries as well as other developers. These
programs are available for download to your system.
Q: I am trying to redirect standard output by using the
Fforce function. Gemdos is checking the handle for a number
less than 6 and reporting an error. How do I redirect the
console?
A: The new handle which you pass this function must be
greater than 6 or .less than O. Values of -1, -2, -3
correspond to CON, AUX and PRN.
Q: How can I make a listing of my assembler program?
A: There is a way to make AS68 write a listing file to disk.
To do this you must add the parameter -P and specify the
output file name following the input file name with
>filename. Here is an example which may work for you.
AS68 -P -L -U file.s >list.txt
You can do this either from a batch file or you may install
AS68 as a TTP and do this from the desktop.
Q: I am trying to compile the simple example C program that
just uses printf to output "hello world". I keep getting
undefined symbols during the compile and the object will not
link. What is wrong?
A: The most likely cause of the compile errors is that you
are missing the header file STDIO.H. Be sure that at the
beginning of your source file that you put the following
statement in:
#include "stdio.h"
Problems with the link may be caused by not specifying all
the files that are required, or placing the files in the
correct order. Here is the bare minimum you should have for
a C program that is not a GEM application:
gemstart.o,(your object),gemlib,libf
Q: Why is the return key not returned by the get char
function?
A: When Digital Research wrote the 68k run time libraries
for the Alcyon C compiler they used the Unix new line
definition for terminating input. In a generic system the
return key would generate the sequence CR LF. The run time
libraries throwaway the CR and count on the LF coming
(
ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -5- February 1986
Question and Answer Bulletin

through. The only way to get around this problem is to use

the unfiltered bios or dos input from console. The scanf
function is similarly afflicted. Instead of forcing the user
to terminate input with control-J,build a buffer of
characters terminated by a null character using the bios and
bdos. Pass this string to sscanf which acts only on the
string and does no keyboard input.

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -6- February 1986

(
AAA TTTTT AAA RRRR III **** SSS TTTTT
A AT A A R R I **** S T
S
A AT A A R R I **** S T
AAAAA T AAAAA RRRR I ****** SSS T
A A T A A R R I ** ** ** S T
A A T A A R R I ** ** ** S S T
A A T A A R R III ** ** ** SSS T
DDDD EEEEE V V EEEEE L 000 PPPP EEEEE RRRR SSS
D D E V V E L 0 0 P P E R R S S
D D E V V E L 0 0 P P E R R S
D D EEEE V V EEEE L 0 0 PPPP EEEE RRRR SSS
D D E V V E L 0 0 P E R R S
D D E V V E L 0 0 P E R R S S
DDDD EEEEE V EEEEE LLLLL 000 P EEEEE R R SSS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Question and Answer Bulletin March 1986
Copyright (C) 1986 by Atari Corp. "all rights reserved"
1196 Borregas Ave. , Sunnyvale, Ca. 94086
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Here are the latest questions from the Atari developers mailbag
as answered by John Feagans, Director of Software Technology.
Leave questions on Compuserve for PIN 70007,1072 or GO PCS57 for
Atari developer SIG information.
(
Q: How can I print the special characters in these
characters in the Atari positions.
character set between codes 0
and 31? *
Q: When I dump a file to my
A: You can use either the bios printer, the first line
or the VOl. Device 5 on prints across and then
Bconout is a raw character printing hangs up at the
output device that does not do right margin. What is going
an interpretation of character on?
codes. You can alternate
between output to console and A: Check if your printer has
this device to do cursor a switch select position for
positioning and new lines. The generating a line feed after
VDI call to use is v gtext. a carriage return is
This routine accepts character received. Some software will
indices between 0 and 255. You generate only a return and
should - be careful in using count on the Bios to generate
these character codes because the line-feed--TOS does not
they are only defined in the do this. If your printer
three system fonts: 6 x 6, 8 x does not have this facility,
8, and 8 x 16. The VDI some programs such as
specification does not require STWriter and 1st Word have
loadable fonts to have configuration files which

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -1- March 1986

Question and Answer Bulletin

define the end of line sequence A: There is no symbol

which you can set for proper getscanf. Perhaps you mean
operation with your printer. getchar and scanf? To
resolve the other undefined
* symbols you must be sure to
Q: Why don't the numeric pad #include stdio.h and also be
and the cursor keys work in the sure the start file you link
VT 52 emulator? with is gemstart.o
A: The layout of the ST *
keyboard is patterned after the Q: How can I write boot
DEC VT 220. The VT 52 is an sector information? Is there
older but still popular an entry in the DOS or BIOS
terminal. The Enter key is for doing this?
half size and the cursor keys
are in the positions of *, -, + A: Use the protobt() extended
and half of the Enter key on BIOS call to create a boot
the numeric pad. Look for an sector. The disktype
update of the desk accessory in parameter should be 2 or 3
the future--meanwhile here is a for 1 or 2 sided media
brief summary of cursor respectively. The serialno
escapes. The full list is parameter should be a random
contained in the Hitchhiker's number. The execflag should
Guide. be zero unless the
prototyping buffer contains
ESC A Cursor up code (such as a copy of the
ESC B Cursor down loader) that you want
ESC C Cursor forward executed when the disk is
ESC D Cursor backward booted. Write the boot
sector protyped in the buffer
* to track 0, side 0, sector 1
Q: I am writing a terminal of the new disk. Use the
emulator program. How can I extended bios function
smooth scroll the screen? flopwr().
A: Refer to section 6 of the *
VDI manual on raster Q: I am using funtion 7 of
operations. You can use the line-A. I am trying to use a
copy raster functions, pattern but I don't know what
vro cpyfm and vrt cpyfm, to to put in the variable
move blocks of data on the pattern mask.
screen. You may also want to pattern-address seems to be
double buffer the screen. set up- correctly because my
Furthermore you can move the pattern seems to almost come
pointer to the start of display through.
memory.
A: The pattern mask variable
* is actually the-length of the
Q: My C program compiles fine pattern. That should be what
but I get the following will make your pattern work.
undefined symbols in the link68
step getscanf, printf, *
fpmult, and iob. I am linking Q: How can I put an icon on
with GEMLIB and LIBF. the desktop?

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -2- March 1986

 Question and Answer Bulletin

A: There is no way to place an string and a pointer to a

icon other than those built command tail. What are these
into the system onto the strings and how do I
desktop. The desktop is an construct them?
application program and it was
not designed to interface the A: The command tail is an
other way from GEM AES. If you array of strings terminated
write your own application and by a zero. If you do not use
create a new desktop, there is it then point to two
nothing to prevent you from consecutive zeros. The
using your own icons. A good command tail is used by the
example of this is the Resource run application dialog box
Construction Set. If you want for a TTP application. What
to represent a desk accessory you type in is inserted in
by an icon you could open a the command tail. The
nearly invisible window and environment string is
print the icon on it. The something that is inherited
limitation on this method would by a process. It is just a
be that you could not drag simple string.
other icons to it and be able
to tell what was moved. If you *
want to be able to drag things Q: How can I display two
to your program you must use dialog boxes at the same
the system icons. The time?
procedure is to build a
loadable driver and change the A: The form library routines
desktop.inf to contain the are designed for handling
proper label information. only one dialog box at a
( time. If you want
simultaneously display two of
to
*
Q: In the resource construction them then you will have to
set, what is the difference write your own form handler.
between a free-tree and a They can be displayed using
dialog box? the object draw commands.
You may also want to try
A: A dialog box is a fixed form button and form keyboard
format object list whose net which do not grab control of
result when you draw it is the screen. Look for
obviously--a dialog box. Its documentation on these
format is designed to work with functions in this space
the form library. The. free soon.
tree is used to define other
object lists. Of course you *
could define a structure for a Q: My menus seem to have so
dialog box with it--but you many entries that they are of
could also define a dialog box a certain size which prevents
that had a different border and the AES from restoring what
worked with your own form was under them when they pop
handler. back. What are the maximum
size menus that I can have?
*
Q: P exec has two parameters A: The total width times
which- the documentation does height in pixels cannot
make clear. They are the exceed 8k bytes for hi-res,
pointer to an environment 4k bytes for medioum res, and

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -3- March 1986

Question and Answer Bulletin

2k bytes for low res. Assuming

and 8 x 8 font or 8 bytes per A: Send a control-G to
character, a maximum for low console output:
res might be 256 characters--16 Bconout(2,7).
entries of 16 characters each.
*
How do I access the data
Q: What is *
the
mechanism by
Q:
in an editable field from a
which ST Writer reads the dialog box that was created
directory and prints the file by the Resource Construction
names'? Set'?
A: STWriter uses the F sfirst A: When you create the dialog
and F snext to read the box, use the Name function to
directory entries. give both the tree and the
Furthermore, it uses some object a name which you can
special data at the beginning use later. Have the RCS
of each file to indicate that create a .h file for your
it is an STWriter file. resource and #include it in
your program. Define a
* pOinter of type OBJECT and
Q: How do I get the command use rsc gaddr with this
tail from my C program'? pointer and the label for
your tree to get the address
A: TOS passes your program a of the start of the object
count of parameters and a list for the dialog. Later,
pointer to the array. Here is you can index [label of
an example of how to declare object].ob spec to get the
them in your program: pOinter -to the tedinfo
structure. Do one more
main(argc,argv) indirection to get the
int argc; pointer to the actual
char *argv[]; string.
{
/* your program */
}

Q: Are there * any variables

around so I can get the
position of the cursor'?
A: Since the orignal line-a
variables offsets were frozen,
we decided to expand the list.
At a negative offset from the
line a address there are two
variables. v cur cx is at -14
- -
words and v_cur_cy is at -13
words.

Q: How can I ring a

* bell
without going through the
trouble of do sound'?
/

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -4- March 1986

(~ ..

AAA TTTTT AAA RRRR III **** SSS TTTTT

A A T A A R R I **** S S T
A A T A A R R I **** S T
AAAAA T AAAAA RRRR I ****** SSS T
A A T A A R R I ** ** ** S T
A A T A A R R I ** ** ** S S T
A A T A A R R III ** ** ** SSS T

DDDO EEEEE v V EEEEE L 000 PPPP EEEEE RRRR SSS

D D E v V E L o 0 P P E R R S S
D D E v V E L o 0 P P E R R S
D D EEEE v V EEEE L o 0 PPPP EEEE RRRR SSS
D D E v V E L o 0 P E R R S
D D E v v E L o 0 P E R R S S
DDDD EEEEE v EEEEE LLLLL 000 P EEEEE R R SSS

Question and Answer Bulletin April 1986

Copyright (C) 1986 by Atari Corp. "all rights reserved"
1196 Borregas Ave., Sunnyvale, Ca. 94086

Here are the latest questions from the Atari developers mailbag
as answered by John Feagans, Director of Software Technology.
Leave questions on Compuserve for PIN 70007,1072 or GO PCS57 for
Atari developer SIG information.
(
This months contents numeric pad that it has and
the VT-220 style that the ST
1 Corrections .•.•........... l has is that the cursor keys
2 BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 are located in the positions
3 DOS ••..•••.•.•••..••.••••. 2 of the *, -, +, and Enter key
4 VDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 on the numeric pad. The enter
5 AES ••..••..•..•...•...••.• 2 key itself is split into two
6 Desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 smaller keys.
7 Accessories ...•........•.. 3
8 BASIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
9 LOGO •• e· • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3
10 Development tools ......... 4
11 New On Compuserve ......•.. 4 2. BIOS

*
Q: How do I make the buffer
1. Corrections larger for communication over
the MIDI port?
In the March 1986 issue I
mis-stated a description of A: Use the xbios call
the real VT-52 keyboard. This Iorec(MIDI) to get the address
device actually does have a of a structure which contains
numeric pad and cursor keys. a pointer to the existing
The difference between the buffer. Change it to point to

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -1- April 1986

Question and Answer Bulletin

your new and bigger buffer. j

Be sure to restore things when A: You need to construct a
you exit your program for the mono-plane mask with zeros
benefit of the application where the image in memory will
that fOllows yours. be transparent and ones where
the image in memory will
occupy space. Use the copy
raster transparent (vrt cpyfm)
with transparent mode to cut a
3. DOS hole into the screen. Second
use vro cpyfm with "or" mode 7
* to move-the color image to the
Q: How do I get the address of screen. See section 6 of the
the DTA buffer for use with VDI manual for further
the Fsfirst() command? details.
A: There are two ways that you
can do this: 1) Allocatoe a
buffer yourself and use the
Fsetdta(ptr) to tell the 5. AES
system about it, or 2)
ptr=Fgetdta to use the one *
already defined. Q: How do I hide and show the
mouse?
*
Q: I am running out of stack A: Use the graf mouse call. A
space when I link with useful thing to include in a
apstart.o. Where do I edit to header file are the following
increase the size? definitions:
#define HIDE MOUSE
A: Look for the label ustk in graf-mouse(256,OxOL)
apstart.s. Directly preceding
it you will find a statement #define SHOW MOUSE
".ds.l 256". This statement graf=mouse(257,OxOL)
allocates 256 * 4 words, or
about 1k of stack. To
increase the stack to 8k, make *
it ".ds.l 2048". Remember Q: In the mentst.c example
that declaring local arrays in program, why are so many
C will eat more stack space-- parameters in the evnt multi
allocate accordingly. To make call zeroed out?
the apstart.o you must
assemble your new source by A: The reason for this is that
as68 -1 -u apstart.s. in this example program we are
only interested in returning
if there was mouse event. We
are not interested in
keyboard, timer, or button
4. VDI events, hence we have a dummy
pointer as place holders in
* those parameter positions of
Q: How do I transfer a color the evnt multi.
image from memory to the
screen without copying the ------------------------------
background around the image?

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -2- April 1986

3D
 Question and Answer Bulletin

(' 7. Accessories
6. Desktop

Q: How does
* the AUTO folder
work? 8. BASIC
A: If you create a folder *
named AUTO, the system looks Q: The accountants in my 50
for i t on power-up boot and million dollar company do not
will execute any programs i t like my basic programs as
finds inside. If there is large numbers will end up with
more than one program, the a few pennies added to the
programs will be executed in end. What can I do?
the order that they were
created in the folder. These A: You are seeing the effect
programs are named *.prg but of a single precision
it is not possible to have an scientific math package. The
auto-starting GEM application. maximum number of significant
However, the programs may use digits that can be stored is 6
the VDI, DOS, and BIOS. A to 7. Decimal fractions
good example to try is to cannot be accurately
place STWriter inside an AUTO represented by a binary
folder and i t will start floating point structure. To
running on power-up. When you overcome the latter
exit STWriter, initialization limitation, you can store all
resumes and execution brings numbers as pennies, only
( up the desktop. AUTO folders
are generally used for drivers
inserting the decimal point
when inputting or outputting
such as those for the them. To gain extra
hard-disk and printers. significant digits you can
save each number as an integer
Q: How can you get the name of whole and fractional part. To
the data file that initiated a really gain significant digits
program with an installed you might consider writing
document type? some math routines which
operate and store numbers in
A: For programs that have strings.
undergone the . install
application option at the
desktop, it is easy to get the
name of the document. The
desktop program places the 9. LOGO
file name string in the
command tail. The command *
tail starts 80 hex into the Q: I keep getting an edit
base page. You can get this buffer full error. I have
information by accessing the tried turning off buffered
base page directly, or by graphics and not loading desk
main(argv,argc) from a C accessories to get more space.
program that uses gemstart.o. Will getting ROMs help me?
A: The edit buffer is a fixed
size. You need to break up
your program into smaller

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -3- April 1986

31
Question and Answer Bulletin

segments and load them in. option specifies the drive on

Getting the ROMs would only which temporary files are
give you more program storage created. The variable d: is
and would not increase the the drive designation. For
size of the edit buffer. LINK68 TEM[d:].
------------------------------
10. Development Tools 11. New On Compuserve

* In data library 7 (for

Q: How do I get the C-Compiler registered Atari Developers
to make a listing of my only) in the Atari Developers
program with line numbers SIG on Compuserve, the
following files are new this
A: The Alcyon C currently month:
supplied in the developers kit
does not have an option for WRITE.O C RTL fix
generating a listing. Errors LSTOUT.O " "
that are reported can be found CC.BAT " "
by using the editor to step to
that line in your source. I GEMDOS.DOC New improved.
hope that someone out there
will write a print/header and BCD.DOC Math package.
line number generating program GETDOB.C " "
to share with us in the data MATH.OBJ " "
libraries in the developers PRINTD.C " "
SIG.
RELMOD.C New improved.
*
Q: I am including stdio.h and SLDSET.PRG Image service.
linking with gemlib and libf, SLIDE. DOC " "
but I still have undefined SNPSHT.TOS " "
symbOls etoa and ftoa in the SNPSVE.PRG " "
link step when I use printf.
TEMPLA.C GEM skeleton.
A: The order of the library
files in the link are FED.PRG font editor.
important. Make sure that FEDFIX.TTP " "
libf is listed after gemlib. FEDFIX.C " "
If you have any doubts you can FED.DOC " "
also list it as libf gemlib FRDME.DOC " "
libf. FONTUSE.DOC " "
FONTUSE.S " "
Q: I have a RAM * disk program. STHDW.DOC New document.
I would like to speed up my
links by putting all the LARGE.S Porting aids.
linker created temporary files
on the RAM disk. How do I QA2.DOC Previous Q/A.
command the linker to do
this?
A: For L068, -F d: The-F

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -4- April 1986

---- ---------_.-.- ~--~ .. ---~--------------.---- ---------

 AAA TTTTT AAA RRRR III **** SSS TTTTT
A A T A A R R I **** S T
S
A A T A A R R I **** S T
AAAAA T AAAAA RRRR I ****** SSS T
A A T A A R R I ** ** ** S T
A A T A A R R I ** ** ** S S T
A A T A A R R III ** ** ** SSS T
DDDD EEEEE V V EEEEE L 000 PPPP EEEEE RRRR SSS
D D E V V E L 0 0 P P E R R S S
D D E V V E L 0 0 P P E R R S
D D EEEE V V EEEE L 0 0 PPPP EEEE RRRR SSS
D D E V V E L 0 0 P E R R S
D D E V V E L 0 0 P E R R S S
DDDD EEEEE V EEEEE LLLLL 000 P EEEEE R R SSS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Question and Answer Bulletin May 1986
Copyright (C) 1986 by Atari Corp. "all rights reserved"
1196 Borregas Ave. , Sunnyvale, Ca. 94086
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Here are the latest questions from the Atari developers mailbag
as answered by John Feagans, Director of Software Technology.
Leave questions on Compuserve for PIN 70007,1072 or GO PCS57 for
Atari developer SIG information.

This months contents

1 Corrections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2 BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3 DOS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••..•...• 2
4 VOl . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
5 AES ••..•••.••••••.•.••.•.•.•..•.•.•.•..•••..••.•...••.•..... 3
6 LOGO •••••••••••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.••.•......... 3
7 Development tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
8 New On Compuserve ..•.....•.......•....••..•.••.•............ 4

1. Corrections
In this issue we return to the single column format. In trying to
make better use of space available by going to double-column
format, many readers could not follow the columns when reading
this newsletter on-line. Remember, your suggestions are always
welcome as are your questions.

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -1- May 1986

Question and Answer Bulletin

2. BIOS

Q: Are
*
nulls deleted by TOS when communicating over the RS-232
port?
A: When you write a communications package it is important to
use the raw-unprocessed BIOS conin instead of a higher level
which may intercept control characters including control-C.
There is no reason for nulls to be deleted.

Q:
*
How do Europeans access the special characters in the Atari
charcter set?
A: The Atari character set is standard in all models of the ST
around the world. There are special versions of TOS for each
country which contain resources translated to the local language
and keyboard translation tables which decode the scan codes to
the character codes. The scan codes are always the same for the
same key positions because the IKBD controller is the same in all
models. The legends on the keys in those positions may vary by
country. Some countries have a dead-key function driver which is
in the auto folder at boot time. This driver installs in Trap 13
and monitors Bconin for the pressing of an accent mark. When the
next vowel is pressed, the correct character code is generated
for the application software.

3. DOS

Q: How
*
can I prevent alert boxes from printing when I get a DOS
error?
A: See the BIOS function setexc(vecnum,vec). Vecnum is the
number of the vector to get or set. Vec is the address to setup
in the vector slot else a get is performed if the value is -lL.
Vecnum $101 is the critical error handler. Insert your own
routine there and the alert boxes will cease printing. Be sure
to restore the old vector when you are finished.

4. VDI

Q:
*
What is the 6 x 6 font used for?
A: The smallest font is used for labeling icons in medium and
high resolution.

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -2- May 1986

Question and Answer Bulletin

5. AES

Q:
*
How can I access the menu from a desk accessory?
A: There is no way that this can be done. Menu messages are
given to the desktop program (or currently running application
that generated the menu. You could generate your own pseudo menu
in your window but you would have to do everything yourself.

Q:
*
Do you need more than one resource file in your program so
that multiple resolutions are handled correctly?
A: It is only necessary to design one resource. The RCS stores
all the object positions and width and height in terms of byte
alligned character coordinates. When the file is loaded by the
rsrc load function, the x and width parameters are multiplied by
the current global character width and the y and the heigh by the
current global character height. Thus all the numbers are
adjusted to the current resolution you are working in.

6. LOGO

Q:
*
Are SETWRITE and SETREAD working?
A: These functions are currently un-implemented in ST Logo.

Q:
*
How can a user define his own fill pattern?
A: The example in the Logo manual has a typo. You must define
16 and not 15 values as shown to make the fill pattern work. The
last value reads "1280" and should be "128 0".

7. Development Tools

Q:
*
How do I increase the stack size in gemstart?
A: In the file gemstart.s you will find a comment about
allocating lk of stack space next to a add.l #500,dO. $100 is
alocated for the base page and $400 (lk bytes) is allocated for
the stack. To increase the stack to 2k, make the number $900.
Assemble this module and link the resulting object. There is an
interesting point to be made about the C run time library
function malloc here. malloc allocates space off this stack. A
new and improved gemstart will be available soon to allow you to
malloc more than lk. Keep in mind that this malloc is not Malloc

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -3- May 1986

3S
Question and Answer Bulletin

the DOS function. The latter Malloc works fine if you have
previously done an Mshrink to return unused memory to the
operating system.

Q:
*
My program to spawn processes get the message "Not enough
free store." What is happening?
A: Sounds like you did not do an Mshrink to give memory back to
the DOS when your first program started running. (This was
verified later in the thread.)

Q:
*
How do you get wild cards to work in Kermit?
A: You must enclose the file name in quotes.

Q: How do you make the

*
menu box below the title in the RCS
larger?
A: Point the mouse at the lower right hand corner and drag the
box to the desired size.

8. New On Compuserve
In data library 7 (for registered Atari Developers only) in the
Atari Developers SIG on Compuserve, the following files are new
this month:
lo68.prg the other linker program
ahdi.prg rev 5 hard disk driver.
hdx.prg hard disk partitioner.
hdx.rsc
wincap
ship.prg hard disk head parking.
invite. let UK show announcement.
newfrm.doc form button documentation.
ctype.o character typing module.
f2s.doc ROM making software.
f2s.prg
glue. doc
glue.prg
send.prg
end
math.h C header file support
string.h
qa3.doc previous Q/A bulletin.

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -4- May 1986

 AAA TTTTT AAA RRRR III **** SSS TTTTT
A A T A A R R I **** S T
S
A A T A A R R I **** S T
AAAAA T AAAAA RRRR I ****** SSS T
A A T A A R R I ** ** ** S T
A A T A A R R I ** ** ** S S T
A A T A A R R III ** ** ** SSS T
DDDD EEEEE V V EEEEE L 000 PPPP EEEEE RRRR SSS
D D E V V E L 0 0 P P E R R S S
D D E V V E L 0 0 P P E R R S
D D EEEE V V EEEE L 0 0 PPPP EEEE RRRR SSS
D D E V V E L 0 0 P E R R S
D D E V V E L 0 0 P E R R S S
DDDD EEEEE V EEEEE LLLLL 000 P EEEEE R R SSS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Question and Answer Bulletin June 1986
Copyright (C) 1986 by Atari Corp. "all rights reserved"
1196 Borregas Ave., Sunnyvale, Ca. 94086
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Here are the latest questions from the Atari developers mailbag
as answered by John Feagans, Director of Software Technology.
Leave questions on Compuserve for PIN 70007,1072 or GO PCS57 for
Atari developer SIG information.

1. Discussion
We would like to clear up a bit of the confusion on the use of
the Alcyon version 4.14 C compiler. The programs which are
actually new in the system are cp, cO, and c1, the as68, and
ar68. The Motorola FFP (libf) and the double precision math pack
(libm) are upgraded and a new addition respectively. All the
other tools and programs on the disks are the standard issue in
the regular developer's kit. GEMLIB was modified slightly by
Alcyon to include procedures needed by the new math libraries.
In the future, everyone will be updated with a new linker.
The files on the disks have been organized in a two disk system
for C- development. There is some redundancy on the linker and
compiler disks with regard to batch.ttp, wait, and rm. The
header files for the AES and VDI are not included since you
already have them on the standard kit. You may configure the
.bat files any way you wish, but be especially vigilant to cf.bat
and linkf.bat which are intended to work as a pair. cf.bat has
the -f option which is telling the new c-compiler to use the
Motorola fast floating point. If you mix cf.bat with link. bat,
the first symptom you will see is "printf.o multiply defined." I
have done this accidently with my keyboard. that has a sticking
"k" key. If you want to be safe, just make a batch file that
compiles and links your file in one operation. Remember also

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -1- June 1986

Question and Answer Bulletin

./
that you must add stdio.h and ctype.h as before if you use those
functions.

2. BIOS
Q: How can you initiate a screen dump from the keyboard?
A: Hold down the <Alternate) key and press <Help>. Be sure you
have done the correct printer installation if you are using a
non-Atari printer capable of doing raster dumps. Repeat the key
sequence to halt the print at any time. The best part of this
feature is that you can activate it from any program even if it
does not use GEM.
Q: How do you turn off the cursor in a TOS application?
A: Send the VT-S2 escape to turn off the cursor. Look in the
Hitchhiker's Guide to the BIOS for a complete description of all
the escape codes.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
3. DOS
Q: How do I install partitions I have created with the hard disk
format program?
A: Select one of the drive icons on the desktop. Move the mouse
to the Options menu and select Install drive. Change the drive
identifier to your choice and select OK. Be sure to do a Save
desktop so that the installed drive will appear each time you
boot.
Q: How can I recover some files I accidently trashed?
A: There is hope -- but not much. If you have not created a new
file since your accident, you may be able to use a disk utility
to view sectors and piece it back together. However, those
sectors may be scattered allover your disk. The best medicine
is prevention. Leave the confirm deletes option connected.

4. VDI
Q: Looking into the VDIBIND library, I saw that there were many
functions which couldn't be found in VDIBIND.H. e.g. vro cpyfm,
vs clip. What is the rason for not including these in VDIBIND.
Can we include them or don't they work well?
A: VDIBIND.H is not necessary because all functions return an
integer value--if ever. All these functions are in the VDIBIND /

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -2- June 1986

 Question and Answer Bulletin

( object library.
Q: I was using vg text to output a string. When I switched to
line-a to output the characters of the string one character at a
time it was slower -- why?
A: When you pass a string to the VDI you are performing only one
Trap or software interrupt. If you use line-a, you do a software
interrupt--and all of the overhead--on each character you output.
In the end, the same code outputs the pixels to the video RAM.
In some cases, like this, VDI can exceed line-a.
Q: What is the standard address of screen memory?
A: Unlike older systems, the ST can have video display memory
located anywhere as long as it is on lk boundaries. Various
device drivers may be loaded in at boot time so it is impossible
to say that video memory has a fixed address. The only thing
that can be said for sure about the location is that it is
usually the high end of RAM.

5. AES
Q: Is it possible to track the mouse through the process of menu
( item selection? I need to change the appearance of items on the
fly.
A: No, this is not an option of the AES. The usual scenario is
to stay in the evnt multi until a menu event message is
returned.
Q: How many parameters does the objc_edit command have?
A: The correct number is five. The AES manual incorrectly states
six.

6. Desktop
Q: I would like to know if information from the desktop.inf is
available to normal applications. I have noticed that the
control panel and VT 52 emulator accessories have access to this
information.
A: It is the responsibility of every application in the system
to save and restore changes to system variables. We do not
recommend an application going in to directly change the
desktop.inf. There is a constant danger of user modifications
causing damage to the system that cannot be supported. The best
way to change colors is through the vdi. Modifying the hardware

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -3- June 1986

Question and Answer Bulletin

registers directly is also discouraged since you are locking your /

application to one version of ST hardware. There are also xbios
entr~es for changing and inquiring printer and rs-232 data.

7. BASIC
Q: How can I access the,RS-232 from BASIC?
A: Where X is a character: For output use OUT 1,X and for input
use X = INP(l).

8. Development Tools
Q: The function itoa is not in the C-runtime libraries. What
can I use for this function?
A: If you have a special case where you need a small number of
digits in a hurry, you can write a quick C function to convert an
integer to ASCII characters. Another way is if you have included
stdio, you can use sprintf to output an integer to a string.
Q: We are having serious troubles with C. The functions getchar
and stream reading does not work properly. In fact a German
version has modified "stdio.h" definitions, (sic) though it works
better has still problems.
A: There is another version of stdio.h floating around Europe
which uses a #define of get char to be a BIOS Bconin(CON). This
does not help the scanf function however. There is also a danger
in using this version because when you mix Gem DOS calls (which
the C run-time uses), and direct BIOS calls to get characters
from the keyboard. A symptom of this has been noted as "10
characters disappearing" as the DOS bufferes them up whenever a
printf is called. 'The safest replacements for getchar and scanf
are using Cconin and Cconrs+sscanf respectively.

9. New On Compuserve
In data library 7 (for registered Atari Developers only) in the
Atari Developers SIG on Compuserve, the following files are new
this month:
gemlib Works with both Alcyon versions.
test.c Example using stdio to 1st: and con:.
qa4.doc May Q/A newsletter.

ATARI ST DEVELOPERS -4- June 1986

 Atari Corp.
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that this agreement shall impose no obligation upon either party
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The parties shall be relieved of all obligations under this

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