Matra Hachette Alice Computers FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Maintained by Romuald Last update: May 27, 2003 Additions/suggestions/comments/corrections are needed! Please send to: mailto:romualdl@hotmail.com Please refer to the latest version of this FAQ list whenever possible! You can find it here: http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/alice_faq.txt Or you can always ask me for a copy at mailto:romualdl@hotmail.com UPDATES SINCE PREVIOUS POSTING 2003-05-27 : added some info about "Incrustation Video" 2003-05-27 : modified the Alice frequence info 2002-01-18 : modified the Alice frequence info 2002-11-13 : added some alice 90 scart information 2002-10-18 : added some MTE and alice 8000 information 2002-10-12 : added some figures ------------------------------ Subject: 0.1) Table of contents 0.1] Table of contents The Computers 1.1] What is the Alice 4k? 1.2] What is the Alice 32? 1.3] What is the Alice 90? 1.4] What is the Alice 8000? 1.5] What is the 6803 chip? 1.6] What is the EF9345 chip? 1.7] What are the Graphic Modes of the Alice computers? 1.8] How to make the difference between an Alice 4k and an Alice 32? 1.9] What is this Genlocking issue around the Alice 90? Information 2.1] Is there a mailing list for discussion of all things around the Alice computers? 2.2] Is there any place to talk about Alice computers in real time? 2.3] What magazines exist/have existed for the Alice computers? 2.4] What books can I get for the Alice? 2.5] Where can I find manuals for Alice hardware? 2.6] Were there any Alice TV adverts? 2.7] How many Alices were made? 2.8] Where can I get real Alice computers? 2.9] Who drew the Alice boxes? 2.10] Where can I find an Alice red case? Video Display 3.1] What video display devices can I use with my Alice? Mass Storage 4.1] What are the tape based Program Recorders? 4.2] How do I run a program from cassette? 4.3] Are there Disk Drives for the Alice computers? 4.4] Can I use a Hard Drive with my Alice computer? Printers 5.1] Are there printers for the Alice computers? 5.2] What other printers can I use with my Alice? 5.3] Can I use my printer and my cassette recorder at the same time? Modems 6.1] What modem can I use with my Alice? More hardware 7.1] What accessories did Matra-Hachette produce for their Alice computers? 7.2] What "vaporware" computers/peripherals were never released? Core software: OS, BASIC 8.1] What versions of the Alice Operating System (OS) are there? 8.2] What versions of Microsoft BASIC are there? 8.3] Are there Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) for the Alice? Software 9.1] What programming languages are available for the Alice? 9.2] Are there any software lists? 9.3] Where can I find Alice softwares? 9.4] Are MC10 games compatible with the Alice? 9.5] How do I get hold of program instructions? 9.6] What are the best games for the Alice computers? 9.7] What software was promised but never released? 9.8] Are there cartridge-based softwares for the Alice? 9.9] What games take advantage of joystick interfaces? 9.10] Are any new programs available? 9.11] I'm interested in programming the Alice, what programmers resources are available? Emulators 10.1] Are there any emulators for the Alice? File Transfer Solutions 11.1] How do I transfer my programs to PC? 11.2] How can I convert my cassette image file back to a tape? Technical Issues 12.1] Where can I get my Alice fixed? 12.2] I've got an Alice up and running, but the picture is poor, help! 12.3] The computer won't boot properly. 13.4] I've lost my alice 90 scart cable, can I use an ordinary scart one? 12.5] What are the pinouts for the various ports on the Alice? 12.6] What are the power requirements for my Alice components? 12.7] Where can I find Alice computers schematics? ----------------------------------------------- Acknowledgements of thanks. Most of the Alice computers descriptions are from: http://www.old-computers.com A lot of pictures are from Fabrice: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/index.htm ----------------------------------------------- Subject 1.1] What is the Alice 4k? Alice 4k: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/alicep.jpg Alice 4k motherboard: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/alicecarte.jpg Alice 4k in Moebius box : http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/a_box_variation.jpg Some more pics: http://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos.asp?t=1&c=60&st=1 Question about the Alice frequence: http://system.cfg.free.fr/pages/matra_alice.html In 1981, Matra, a french company, signed a deal with Tandy/RadioShack to produce Tandy machines in France. Matra bought the Jaz company located in Witzenheim (near from Colmar): http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/witzenheim.png This company was specialized in clockmaking and plastic making (plastic for military use for example). Matra introduced the computer production as a third sector in this subsidy. In fact this computer department was made of MBC producing the Alcyane, a professional computer which would be used in the company, and MTE producing Tandy computers. In 1981, 1000 Alcyane a year would be produced through MBC while the MTE branch would produce 1000 computers a month. MTE would employ 60 persons, some of those technicians and electronicians were coming from Mulhouse and Longwy. At the same time a computer user club was created in Witzenheim for those 60 employees. In 1982, out of the 500 employees in Witzenheim, 150 are working in the computer production. That same year, through MTE Matra and Tandy would produce 60000 Tandy TRS80 model 3. In 1983 Matra and Tandy agreed on the development of a MC-10 clone to be released during the year : the Alice. Matra then signed a deal with Hachette, a french publisher, to produce the documentation and to organize the distribution. The well known and excellent french illustrator Moebius drew a beautiful illustration for the docs and the box of the Alice. In 1983, Matra and Hachette also set up Ediciel to create and sell some programs. The first ones were made for the Apple 2 computers. Later they also sold Alice programs. No physical differences between the Tandy MC10 and the Alice 4k except its dress is whole red. But the ROM is different (to what extent?). The computer really looks like a toy and was in fact intended to be an initiation machine. Look here to see a comparison of both MC10 and Alice 4k computers: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/tandy/pmc10.htm The first version (1983) had only 4kb of RAM, leaving only 3 kb for programming and was sold 1200FF (around 183 euros). It was a little expensive compared to it's capacities. The keyboard is a calculator type one but the touch sensation is ok. There are 47 keys (only one SHIFT) and the basic statements were written above each key. At the rear you find an extension bus, a serial DIN plug, a tape-recorder DIN plug, a TV DIN plug (DIN to Scart cable) and a useful RESET button. You can only obtain capitals on the screen, but you could print small letters with a printer from the Basic. Use the SHIFT key to access the semi-graphic symbols. Hopefully, the Alice was a bit saved by its excellent documentation made by Hachette, which was, for once in the computers world, very well done even if some technical information was needed. First months of 84, Matra presents two new versions of the Alice in replacement of the old version. The first is the 12 kb Alice. The second is the Alice 32. The Alice 12k has 4kb RAM with 3kb left for programming and 8kb ROM with Microsoft Basic. So if you compare with the Alice 4k, you can note this new version is in fact nearly identical to the original one. It was a marketing coup and the only difference is that the whole electronic is much more integrated, some chips have changed and the mother board takes much less room in the case. Some information on the Alice: CPU Motorola 6803 SPEED 0.89 MHz RAM 4 kb, 3 kb left for user ROM 8 kb GRAPHIC CHIP Motorola 6847 TEXT MODES 32 x 16 GRAPHIC MODES 64 x 32 (which is in fact a semi-graphic mode] COLORS 8 colors SOUND 1 channel SIZE / WEIGHT 51 x 216 x 178 mm / 850g YEAR 1983 PRICE 1200 FF / 183 euros (Nov. 83) 1200 FF / 183 euros (Dec. 84) (but also found for 990ff) 780 FF / 119 euros (Summer 85) ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 1.2] What is the Alice 32? Alice 32: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/alice32face.jpg Alice 32 motherboard: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/alice32carte.JPG Alice 32 in Moebius box: http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/a_box_variation.jpg Alice 32 in red case: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/alice32malette.jpg Some more pics: http://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos.asp?t=1&c=60&st=1 First months of 84, Matra presented two new versions of the Alice in replacement of the old version. The second was the 32 kb Alice. It was shipped in a special box with a tape recorder, 2 docs and 4 softwares. When looking at it you could see no diference with the Alice 4k (except the green sticker replacing the silver one). But the difference was inside. It had 16kb RAM with 8kb left for programming, 16kb ROM with the Microsoft Basic and an improved editor plus an assembly editor. Why Alice 32, because 16k RAM + 16k ROM... It also had new display possibilities: 3 text modes (32x16, 40x25, 80x25) and 3 graphic modes (64x32, 160x125, 320x250) the last one being only reached with machine code ! In the same way, to enjoy 13 colours instead of the 9 of the Basic, you had to learn machine code. CPU Motorola 6803 SPEED 1 Mhz RAM 16 kb, 7 kb left for user ROM 16 kb (8k for assembly editor) GRAPHIC CHIP EF9345P TEXT MODES 32 x 16, 40 x 25, 80 x 25 GRAPHIC MODES 64 x 32, 9 colors 160 x 125, 4 colors 320 x 250, ? colors COLORS 8+1 with Basic, 32 with machine code SOUND 1 channel SIZE / WEIGHT 51 x 216 x 178 mm / 850g YEAR 1983 sold in 1984 END OF PRODUCTION end of 1985 PRICE 2390 FF / 380 euros (Dec. 1984) ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 1.3] What is the Alice 90? Alice 90: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/alice90face.jpg Alice 32 motherboard: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/alice90carte.JPG Alice 90 in Moebius box: http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/a_90box.jpg Alice 90 in case: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/alice90boite.jpg Some more pics: http://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos.asp?t=1&c=61&st=1 The Matra Alice 90 was the successor of the unsuccessful Alice 32 and was 100% compatible with this computer. This computer was designed, like its predecessor, to be used as a "first contact" computer. The target was the french IPT program (Informatique Pour Tous) intending to put computers in every french school. In April 1985, the french government announced that concerning initiation machines, Thomson would supply 90% of the computers and Exelvision 10%. The Alice computers were not in the list. For professional computers Matra represented 8% of the machines through its Matra Datasysteme subsidiary (which had produced the Alcyane A6E for example). Following the poor results of the Alice computers in the government program, Mr Lagardère, Matra CEO, announced that the Alice range of computers was finished. At the same time, Matra refused Tandy's proposal to make its new Tandy 1000 through MTE in Colmar since the agreement would force Matra to sell some Tandy 1000 under its own name. So Matra decided to reduce its shares in MTE which would then only make Tandy products. Matra's plan was to focus on Matra DataSysteme. The Alice 90 is nevertheless an interesting machine. The first difference is that it had an original shape. It also had a scart video output (no DIN video port) and a real keyboard. Concerning the memory it's the same: 32k, and 8k are allocated to the video chip. And in 1985, facing Amstrad CPC and atari ST computers it was a bit short. So like the other Alice computers, the Alice 90 was not a real success which makes that it is rather rare. CPU Motorola 6803 SPEED 1 MHz GRAPHIC CHIP EF 9345 Video Generator RAM 32 kb Video RAM 8k ROM 16 kb (8k for the assembly editor) TEXT MODES 32 x 16 / 40 x 25 / 80 x 25 GRAPHIC MODES 64 x 32, 8 colors 80 x 50, 8 colors 160 x 125, 3 colors 320 x 250 SOUND 1 channel 3 octaves SIZE / WEIGHT 365 x 205 x 70 mm / 1.1Kg YEAR 1984 sold in 1985 PRICE 2495 FF / 380 euros (November 1984) PRICE 1495 FF / 228 euros ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 1.4] What is the Alice 8000? Alice 8000: http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/a_8000.jpg (thanks to Gilles for the picture). In fact the Alice 8000 is a prototype. The microprocessor is 6850 and a 8088 is added. The aim was to have a professional machine which would be able to rank with Macintosh computers and other professional computers. That's why two processors were used to be able to run professional applications designed for PC-clones. That is also the reason behind the possiblity to put 2 floppy disk units in the monitor. According to a former Matra employee, the Alice 8000 was made to be used in french schools. In fact he was always referred to as being the "Nano", standing for Nanoreseau which was the architecture of the network that was to be used in french schools through the IPT plan. Of course the Alice 8000 or "Nano" was intended to be the server. This project was dropped since the Alice 8000 was too expensive compared to Thomson's proposal. Furthermore, after having lost the initiation machines battle, Matra then focused on professional machines through its Matra Datasysteme subsidiary. Like the other Alice computers the motherboard was made by MTE (MTE 040 is written on it). It was produced in 1984-1985. On the upper left part of the keyboard there are two cartridge ports. We can also find a reset button, SCART video output, serial port, printer port, 2 joystick ports, tape port and extension port. On the back of the machine, the serial number is: 00018, but 2 or 3 other prototypes are known to exist. The power requirements are 5V CC 3A and 12V CC 1A. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 1.5] What is the 6803 chip? The MC6803 made by Motorala is an 8bit microprocessor. It's compatible with the 6800 and can access 64k. The 6803 has two 8bit accumulators (A and B) which can be turned into one 16bit double accumulator (D). ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 1.6] What is the EF9345 chip? The EF9345 which can be found on Alice 32 and 90 is compatible with the 6847. It can work in 40 and 80 columns modes. This chip can also have up to 16k of memory. Alice allocates only 8k (since its own resources are limited). But this allocated memory is interesting because it allows to flip screens. Furthermore this EF9345 has an interesting insert mode. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 1.7] What are the Graphic Modes of the Alice computers? Graphic Type Resolution Number of Misc Alice Alice 4k Alice Mode colours 4k 4k + 16k 32/90 S1 Text 32*16 8 Basic x x x S2 Text 64*32 8 Basic x x x SG6.1 Half-graphic 64*48 4 Basic x x x GC1.1 Color graphic 64*64 4 Assembler x x GC2.1 Color graphic 128*64 4 Assembler x x GC3.1 Color Graphic 128*96 4 Assembler x x GC4.1 Color Graphic 160*125 4 Assembler x GM1.1 Mono Graphic 128*64 2 Assembler x x GM2.1 Mono Graphic 128*96 2 Assembler x x GM3.1 Mono Graphic 128*192 2 Assembler x x GM4.1 Mono Graphic 320*250 2 Assembler x For every Gxx.1 mode you have a Gxx.2 mode which is identical but in reverse mode so you are able to access different colors. When you boot the Alice you are in S1 mode. GC4 and GM4 are not possible on the alice 4k + memory extension because of the difference in the graphic chip. If you want more information about the Alice graphic modes just have a look here: http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/graphics.html ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 1.8] How to make the difference between an Alice 4k and an Alice 32? One easy way is to look at the boxes. http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/a_box_variation.jpg http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/a_comp1.jpg http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/a_comp2.jpg If you don't have any boxes just look at the matra sticker. If it's silver then you have an Alice 4k. If it's green then you have an Alice 32. But to be really sure, just unplug any memory expansion and switch on your alice. Then type ?MEM and press ENTER and then you'll be able to check which Alice you have. If your Alice is not working anymore then you just have to open it up and compare it to those pictures: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/alicecarte.jpg http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/alice32carte.JPG ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 1.9] What is this Genlocking issue around the Alice 90? In fact the Alice 90 video processor, the EF9345, has one indirect access register named PAT which can be used to define the type of video insertion. It means that the video signal coming from the Alice can be forced on screen or not. In 40 columns mode, this register is used to have 16 colors on screen instead of 8. In 80 columns mode since we are limited to 3 colors you can't expect much colors. Some people said this feature would be useful to have some teacher on the TV while having some exercises to do on the computer just using the 4 or 5 lines at the bottom of the screen. In fact this genlock system was planned to be used while watching BASIC language initiation TV-programs on a french TV-channel (TF1). While watching the TV you could use the video insertion mode to test the programs explained on the TV... The problem was that no program was ever released for the "genlock". It was not a question of technical problem but of standard to be defined with the channel supposed to broadcast TV-programs (TF1). It was also said that this program would be put on a cartridge to plug in the expansion port of the alice 90. At the February 1985 Micro Expo, Matra announced that this "Video" software would be sold 350FF (54 euros) but did not specify whether it would be on a tape or a cartridge. Nevertheless, to be able to use this feature you just have to reverse the SCART cable of the Alice 90, then plug the red ring scart to your TV, then you should have some program to use it. One program was sold but I wasn't able to test it to see the insert capabilities of the alice 90: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/eric-camille.voirin/Alice90/IncrustationVideo.jpg Some programs were also published in a book to test this video insertion mode I will try to put one or two online soon). ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 2.1] Is there a mailing list for discussion of all things around the Alice computers? Sorry not yet since there are not that much people interested in the alice computers... ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 2.2] Is there any place to talk about Alice computers in real time? Sorry not yet since I would be there alone talking to myself... ;) ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 2.3] What magazines exist/have existed for the Alice computers? Strange enough, Hachette which was a big publishing company in France at that time never published a magazine dedicated to the Alice. Maybe the sales of Alice computers were not big and thus it was not really interesting to lose money in a magazine. Some newsletter might have existed but up to now I've heard nothing about it... ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 2.4] What books can I get for the Alice? In fact all those books are in french. Maybe some translations were made but I'm doubtful... You can also find this list here along with some scans: http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/books.html Une merveille de simplicité : Alice, Découvrez l'univers d'Alice (Matra et Hachette) Decouvrez le basic (Matra et Hachette) this was the computer manual. Guide d'instructions de l'éditeur assembleur (Matra et Hachette) this one was sold with Alice 32 and Alice 90 (built in assembler editor manual) Allez plus loin avec Alice (Ediciel Matra et Hachette) this smal booklet was given with the memory expansion Lecteur Enregistreur de Programmes (Matra et Hachette) this one was sold with the cassette recorder Imprimante Thermique (Matra et Hachette) this one was sold with the printer 20 programmes astucieux pour Alice. A. Stemmer, I. Creasy (Hachette Informatique) 102 programmes pour Alice. Deconchat (P.S.I.) Alice, guide de l'utilisateur. Pierre Monsaut (Sybex) Alice, 56 programmes. Stanley R. Trost (Sybex) Les astuces d'alice 32 et 90, JF. Gallet, Alain Pierrot (Matra Hachette) Alice, programmation en assembleur, Fagot-Barrally (Sybex) Alice et Alice 90, guide de l'utilisateur, Norbert Rimoux (Sybex) Alice et Alice 90, premiers programmes. Rodnay Zaks (Sybex) Alice - Alice 90 votre micro ordinateur (Cedic Nathan) L'Assembleur d'Alice et Alice 90 (PSI) La conduite des alice 32 et alice 90, Francois Bernard (Eyrolles) La Decouverte d'Alice. Maurice Charbit (PSI) Dessiner, Peindre et Jouer avec Alice. Louis Gros (Eyrolles) Exercices en Basic pour alice et alice 90. Maurice Charbit (PSI) Les ecrans: Alice 90. Denis Pellerin (Hachette Informatique /2 vol.) Jeux en basic pour Alice. Pierre Monsaut (Sybex) Les Mysteres d'Alice. Alain Bonneaud (Soracom) Pratique de l'Alice. Henri Lilen (ed. radio) ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 2.5] Were there any Alice TV adverts? I don't know, if you remember one or if you have one on a videotape I would be interested. But you can have a look at some Alice adverts in computer magazines: http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/pubs.html ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 2.6] Where can I find manuals for Alice hardware? have a look here: http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/books.html ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 2.7] How many Alice computers were made? Alice 4k : 20 000 units (according to Matra but maybe more for the second run) Alice 32 : I have a #22113 Alice 32 (please mail me if your machine has a higher serial number). Alice 90 : I have a #11157 Alice 90 (please mail me if your machine has a higher serial number). ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 2.8] Where can I get real Alice computers? Try french auctions websites. Alice 4k and Alice 32 can be more or less easily found in France and thus should not be very expensive. Alice 90 are rarer. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 2.9] Who drew the Alice boxes? Moebius a famous french illustrator did the graphics on the box. Thus those boxes are also sought after by comics collectors because Moebius drew them... ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 2.10] Where can I find an Alice red case? Well, they might be easier to find than those Moebius boxes but in fact a lot of people used those cases to put some tools in (like a driller or other equipments)... http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/alice32malette2.JPG ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 3.1] What video display devices can I use with my Alice? 1 - All Alice computers can be used on SCART TVs. 2 - I have never tried to (but I will) use the Alice on those SCART monitors (Philips and others). 3 - Matra sold some RF adaptor to be used on TV without scart. The problem is that your picture is then black and white. I Will post the schematics once I get hold of mine. 4 - You can also use a composite monitor (1V/75 ohms) but you have to add a small circuit: Alice coaxial 75 ohm cable Composite Monitor 4 o----------+------------------------------------o Video In Din | 7 pins > male > 470 ohms > | 7 o---------+ 2 o----------------------------------------------o GND ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 4.1] What are the tape based Program Recorders? http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/magneto.jpg There was one model made by Matra-Hachette matching the colors of the Alice computers. It was sold separately (495FF or 75 euros) or with the Alice computers in Moebius boxes or red cases. You may notice it looks like the Exelvision cassette recorder model but in red. But any cassette recorder with mini-jack EAR and PHONE plugs can be used. The Alice don't use the Remote control. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 4.2] How do I run a program from cassette? Verify that your tape recorder is linked to your Alice computer and switch off your printer. To load a BASIC program from cassette: 1. Place the cassette in the recorder. 2. Press REWIND of FORWARD, if necessary, to bring the tape to the position where the program is located. 3. Switch the computer on, then you will see OK. 4. Enter CLOAD "name_of_the_program" or CLOAD"" if you don't remember the name of your program. 5. "S" will be printed in the upper left corner of the screen (searching). 6. Press PLAY on the recorder 7. When the programme will be found, an "F" will be printed in the upper left corner of the screen (found) followed by the name of the program. 8. Once the program is loaded "OK" will be printed on the screen. 9. Press STOP on the recorder. 10. If you want to run the program enter RUN If it doesn't work, set the volume at a higher level. To load a Machine Language program from cassette: 1. Place the cassette in the recorder. 2. Press REWIND of FORWARD, if necessary, to bring the tape to the position where the program is located. 3. Switch the computer on, then you will see OK. 4. Enter CLOADM "name_of_the_program" or CLOADM"" if you don't remember the name of your program. 5. "S" will be printed in the upper left corner of the screen (searching). 6. Press PLAY on the recorder 7. When the programme will be found, an "F" will be printed in the upper left corner of the screen (found) followed by the name of the program. 8. Once the program is loaded "OK" will be printed on the screen. 9. Press STOP on the recorder. 10. If you want to execute the program enter EXEC You can also relocate your machine language programs when loading them. At step 4 use the following command: CLOADM"name_of_the_program",n then the new address of the program will be: old_address + n If it doesn't work, set the volume at a higher level. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 4.3] Are there Disk Drives for the Alice computers? See vaporware subject. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 4.4] Can I use a Hard Drive with my Alice computer? It depends on the way you want to use it. You can for example link the Alice tape port to your PC sound card and then just play a .wav file of an Alice program on your PC. Appart from that use of a hard drive with the Alice it's not yet possible. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 5.1] Are there printers for the Alice computers? http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/prntherm.jpg http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/a_therm_box.jpg One printer was sold by Matra Hachette in a "Moebius box". This thermal printer was sold 895FF (around 136 euros). Alice Thermal Printer: -interface: serial / 600 bauds -3 character sets: normal 5x7 elongated 12x7 graphics 7x12 -characters per line: normal 32, elongated 16 -speed: normal 30 characters per second, elongated 15 cps You should be able to use the MC10 CGP-115 printer but I've never tried since I don't have one. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 5.2] What other printers can I use with my Alice? And in fact most serial printers can work. You then just have to figure out the way the wire the cable. They just have to bare a minimum of: 600 bauds 1 bit START 7 bits DATA 2 bits STOP No Parity 132 columns wide printing Carrier Return at End of Line You can use for example the Oki Microline 82A or the Seikosha GP100 Alice Serial Port 4 pins DIN DB25 1 CD - Carrier Detect ....................... Not used 2 RD - Receive Data ......................... 11 3 GND - Ground .............................. 7 4 TD - Transmit Data ........................ 3 4 and 5 tied together 6,8, 20 tied together The speed is set to 600 bauds by default, but you can change it: Speed Alice 4k Alice 32 and 90 set 16932 to set 12835 and 12836 to 300 bauds 240 1 15 600 bauds 118 0 129 1200 bauds 60 0 65 2400 bauds 25 0 30 4800 bauds 10 0 12 ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 5.3] Can I use my printer and my cassette recorder at the same time? No. The serial communication interruption on the 6803 is caused by the Serial Communication Interface (SCI) used by both the printer and the tape recorder. So they can't be used at the same time and you must stop the printer when you want to record a program. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 6.1] What modem can I use with my Alice? Here is the schematics to use a Digitelec modem with your Alice: Alice Serial Port 4 pins DIN DB25 1 CD - Carrier Detect ......................... 8 2 RD - Receive Data ........................... 11 3 GND - Ground ................................ 7 4 TD - Transmit Data .......................... 3 ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 7.1] What accessories did Matra-Hachette produce for their Alice computers? -RF Adapter: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/adaptantenne.jpg The Alice TV cable is DIN to SCART, but if you wanted to plug the Alice to a RF- only TV there were a special adapter produced by Matra, resulting in a black & white display. It was sold 690FF and later 300FF. -Memory extension: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/extmeme.jpg A memory extension pushed the RAM up to 16kb. It also brought new graphic possibilities only accessible through machine code. A little booklet sold with the memory upgrade called "Allez plus loin avec Alice" wasn't very clear on this subject. It was sold 590FF and later 495FF. -Joystick Interface: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/extjoy.jpg A joystick interface was sold by Matra Hachette to use up to 2 Atari compatible joysticks. Of course there is no passthrough so you had to choose between the joystick interface OR the memory extension... Along with the interface was a little card with the joystick pinouts and a demo program. -Robotarm This device was available for a wide range of 8bit in the eighties... More information are needed. It was sold 3995 FF. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 7.2] What "vaporware" computers/peripherals were never released? -Alice 8000 See subject 1.4. -3.5" disk-drive http://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware.asp?t=1&c=61&st=1 One prototype was shown in at the Micro Expo exhibition in February 1985. It seems it was not working and only for presentation purposes. It was planned to be sold for 2950FF (449 euros). In October Matra was still saying it would be on the market for 1986 but later stopped the Alice range of computers. -Modem A modem was also presented at the Micro-Expo exhibition in Paris in february 1985. In October Matra said it would be available in 1986. No news after that. This modem was supposed to be Minitel-compatible and was planned to be sold 1495FF (227 euros). ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 8.1] What versions of the Alice Operating System (OS) are there? No information at the moment... ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 8.2] What versions of Microsoft BASIC are there? http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/alice/photo/ecran.jpg All the Alice computers were shipped with MICROSOFT 1.0 dated 1982. This Basic was already shipped with the old TRS-80 Model 1, apart from colours related statements. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 8.3] Are there Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) for the Alice? Yes of course, Windows XP is not yet available for the Alice 90 but soon... ;) ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 9.1] What programming languages are available for the Alice? Basic: Microsoft Basic 1.0. With a built in editor. Assembler: built in editor for the Alice 32 and Alice 90. Logo: a Logo clone was available through the tape: Dialogue avec une sauterelle (dans l'esprit de LOGO) (VIFI - Nathan) A Logo cartridge was planned (900FF) but never released. Forth: a Forth cartridge was planned (900FF) but never released. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 9.2] Are there any software lists? Mostly french titles, you can find some more information on those games here: http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/progs.html Une affaire en or Al* Berthe (Matra Datasysteme) (Alice 32+16k / alice 90) Alphabet (VIFI - Nathan) Annexion (=Othello) (Ediciel) Bouzy Budget familial (Matra DataSysteme) (Alice 32k / Alice 90) Calc (Matra DataSysteme) (Alice 32k / Alice 90) Le cartable d'Alice (4 k7 pour la rentrée en 6ème) (Infogrammes) Casse Tête dans le métro (Ediciel) La Chenille Infernale (Loriciels) (Alice 8k) La Clé des Sons (Matra DataSysteme) (Alice 32 / Alice 90) Coloric - La Marelle (Matra Datasysteme) (Alice 32+16k / alice 90) La Course aux lettres Crazy Taxi Crocky (Loriciels) (Alice 32+16k / Alice 90) (1984) Dessine moi (Matra Datasysteme) (Alice 32+16k / alice 90) Dialogue avec une sauterelle (dans l'esprit de LOGO) (VIFI - Nathan) (1984) Ecologie, cycle de vie (Infogrammes) L'Energie nucléaire (Infogrammes) Exercices de calcul (Ediciel) Galaxian (Sprites) (alice 90) Galaxion (Loriciels) (alice 32 / alice 90) Géographie Francaise (Infogrammes) (Alice 32) La géographie mondiale (Infogrammes) Gestion de Fichiers (Matra Datasysteme) (Alice 32+16k / alice 90) La Grenouille a M'Alice Incrustation Video (Matra Datasysteme) (Alice 90) (1985) Jeu des 6 Lys (Infogrammes) (Alice 32+16k / alice 90) (1984) Jeux de Dames (Ediciel) Kangourou (Matra Datasysteme) (Alice 32+16k / alice 90) Lettres en désordre (VIFI - Nathan) Lire Vite et Bien (VIFI - Nathan) Monopolic (Matra Datasystem) Le Moteur à Explosion, Pays des merveilles ... (Infogrammes) Multiplication - Casse Tête (VIFI - Nathan) (Alice 32) Plan de vol (Matra Datasystem) (Alice 90) Point Bac - Maths 1 (Ediciel) Point Bac - Maths 2 (Ediciel) Solfege (Ediciel) Solitaire (VIFI - Nathan) Le Sphynx d'Or (Ediciel) (Alice 32 et 90) T'Extra (Matra Datasystem) (version A: Alice 32 / Version B: Alice 32+16k / Alice 90) World War 3 - Tank Some type-ins from magazines or books were also found: Amortissement Linéaire (Découvrez le Basic, p.190) L'Attrape (tilt hs12) Bataille (Découvrez le Basic, p.192) Biorythmes (Découvrez le Basic, p.187) Dessin (Découvrez le Basic, p.179) Effecran Geomonde Incrustation (Les Astuces d'Alice 32 et 90, p. 166) La Guerre des Etoile (Découvrez le Basic, p.185) Graphique Histogramme (Découvrez le Basic, p.191) Horloge (Les Astuces d'Alice 32 et 90, p. 60) Jackpot (tilt hs12) Loto Loto nat. Mastermind Magicubes (Découvrez le Basic, p.180) Merge (Les Astuces d'Alice 32 et 90, p. 42) Moniteur (Les Astuces d'Alice 32 et 90, p. 151) Morlocks (OI 77HS, p. 51) Mini-base de Données (Découvrez le Basic, p.189) Music-Alice (Découvrez le Basic, p.178) Orgue (Découvrez le Basic, p.195) Pendu (Découvrez le Basic, p.181) La piscine (tilt 25) Poke Puissance 4 (tilt hs12) Reflexes (tilt hs12) Renum (Les Astuces d'Alice 32 et 90, p. 25) Représentation Graphique de Fonctions (Découvrez le Basic, p.188) Sorcellerie (OI 77HS, p. 25) Sous-Marin (Découvrez le Basic, p.185) Tic Tac Toc (tilt hs12) Titans (Découvrez le Basic, p.183) Tronix (Découvrez le Basic, p.182) ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 9.3] Where can I find Alice softwares? I'm dumping some Alice programs, they will be soon available here: http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/progs.html ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 9.4] Are MC10 games compatible with the Alice? In fact the alice 4k being a Tandy MC10 clone, MC10 games should be playable on the Alice 4k. Furthermore, since the Alice 32 and 90 are able to run the Alice 4k games there should be no problem. Those Tandy MC10 games have been succesfully tested on the Alice 32: Checkers Eggs Horse Lander Minicalc Spirals For some basic and machine language programs there will be some problems since both computers don't use the same memory map so you will have some problems to load them and there might be some conflicts if those programs call some ROM routines. You can try to relocate them through the use of CLOADM but you'll need the load and start address which might be found through the use of a tool that will soon be available. So more info on this topic soon. If you have some I/O errors try to apply a 10db boost on the MC10 .wav file with your favorite .wav file editor. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 9.5] How do I get hold of program instructions? When I have more time I will try to scan the manuals I have here. So for the moment you'll have to wait. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 9.6] What are the best games for the Alice computers? Some people might say none. Will tell you when I test a little more. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 9.7] What software was promised but never released? No information for the moment... Sorry. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 9.8] Are there cartridge-based softwares for the Alice? I have never seen one. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 9.9] What games take advantage of joystick interfaces? Err, don't know yet... ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 9.10] Are any new programs available? Not for the moment. The quick and easy way would be to have the MC10 games tested on the Alice, but since the MC10 is limited do not wait for some blockbusters. Another source of games can also be found among the VZ (vz200/Laser) community. While the Alice and VZ computers don't have the same processor (6803 vs Z80A), the Alice 4k and VZ computers share the same graphic chip, the 6847, and Alice 32 and 90 are 6847 compliant... This should not be a straight compatibility since other ressources are not the same. Maybe only basic games could be easily portable. I have to check for the memory map to see if it could be easily done. The interesting thing is that the VZ community may be small but is very active. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 9.11] I'm interested in programming the Alice, what programmers resources are available? For the moment not that much. You may find some informations and tools from the MC10 pages on the internet. http://www.geocities.com/simonsouth/mc10/index.html I have some information about Alice programming, both basic and machine language and I will try to make them it available as soon as possible. For the moment I'm trying to have some transfer tools, then I will focus a little more on programming stuff... http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/programming.html ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 10.1] Are there any emulators for the Alice? Not yet. maybe never, who knows. You can have a look at the MC10 emulator since the Alice 4k is a clone of the Tandy MC10. But since the memory map is different there might be some problems with some softwares. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 11.1] How do I transfer my programs to PC? There are several ways: 1 - Null modem (you'll have to make it yourself) between the Alice and your PC. Since the alice serial port is RS232, using a terminal program on both side will enable you to transfer data. There is no Alice terminal program available on the internet yet. I will put one as soon as possible. 2 - The easiest way is to have your program loaded on the Alice and then to link your PC sound card MIC IN to the Alice tape port (pin 1 of alice tape DIN port to mini-jack tip and pin 2-GND to mini-jack ring). Then you just have to launch a recording program on your PC and enter CSAVE"name" for a basic program on the Alice. For a machine language program there is no CSAVEM"" command in the basic, but you can use a small CSAVEM utility which I will soon put online. Once you have a .wav recording of your alice program, you can then cut the blanks before (just try to keep a little there) and after the signal with your favorite .wav file editor if it's in excess. A tool to convert this .wav file to a tape image or program image will soon be available. But try to record those WAVs as 22050Hz/16 bit WAV PCM files to be able to use the upcoming transfer tool. No txt2bas or bas2txt tools yet. You will soon be able to access some information concerning such tools here: http://membres.lycos.fr/romualdl/alice/programming.html ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 11.2] How can I convert my cassette image file back to a tape? Two ways to do it for the moment: 1 - Record your alice program .wav image back to an audio tape with your PC. Then use your tape in your Alice tape recorder. You can also burn an audio CD with the .wav recordings of your alice programs. Then you can load them by plugging your CD audio reader to your Alice tape port. 2 - The easiest way is to plug you PC sound card LINE OUT to your Alice tape port (pin 3 of alice tape DIN port to mini-jack tip and pin 2-GND to mini-jack ring), enter CLOAD"" and play the .wav file on your PC. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 12.1] Where can I get my Alice fixed? I don't know. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 12.2] I've got an Alice up and running, but the picture is poor, help! No, never mind that's the Alice computer so if it looks awful it's normal. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 12.3] The computer won't boot properly. That is often the case with old computers. I have often met problems with Alice 4k. After so many years it seems the RAM chips are not able to stand it anymore. So switch off and open your Alice, remove the shielding (which can be a pain to do since it's soldered) and unsolder (or cut) those old RAMs then solder some sockets and put back some new RAM chips. Those old RAM chips might be difficult to find... Alice 4k: NEC D4016C-16 Alice 32: TMS 4408-15 Alice 90: NEC 41416-15 ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 13.4] I've lost my alice 90 scart cable, can I use an ordinary scart one? No. The alice 90 won't work wih ordinary scart cable since the pinout is not the same. See the next subject for an alice 90 scart cable schematics. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 12.4) What are the pinouts for the various ports on the Alice? Beware the pinouts vary according to the model. Alice 4k-32-90 Serial (4 pins DIN plug) v 4 1 3 2 1. Carrier Detect (CD) 2. Receive Data (RD) 3. Ground (GND) 4. Transmit Data (TD) Alice 4k Tape-recorder (4 pins DIN plug): v 3 1 5 4 2 1. Not used 2. Ground 3. Not used 4. Data IN 5. Data OUT Alice 32-90 Tape-recorder (4 pins DIN plug): v 3 1 5 4 2 1. Data OUT 2. Ground 3. Data IN 4. Not used 5. Not used Alice 4k-32 Video (7 pins DIN plug): v 7 6 3 1 5 4 2 1. Blanking2. Ground 3. Red 4. Video output 5. Green 6. Sound output 7. Blue Alice 90 Video (scart at the back of the Alice 90 computer) _______________________________ | 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 | \ 19 17 15 13 11 9 7 5 3 1 | |_____________________________| 6. Sound Output 7. Blue 8. Slow blanking 11. Green 15. Red 16. Fast blanking 17. Ground 19. Video Input (insert mode) 20. Video Output Alice 90 Scart Cable (here only talking about the cable) (note: you can't use an ordinary scart cable, you'll have to hack it) Alice end TV end 6 --------------------- 6 7 --------------------- 7 8 --------------------- 8 11 -------------------- 11 15 -------------------- 15 16 -------------------- 16 17 -------------------- 17 19 -------------------- 19 20 -------------------- 20 Alice Extension Port (34) When facing the back of the alice: 33 31 29 27 25 23 21 19 17 15 13 11 9 7 5 3 1 Reset 34 32 30 28 26 24 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 Button 1. GND (ground) 2. GND 3. D0 (data buses) 4. D1 5. D2 6. D3 7. D4 8. D5 9. D6 10. D7 11. R/W (Read/Write signal) 12. A0 (address buses) 13. A1 14. A2 15. A3 16. A4 17. A5 18. A6 19. A7 20. A8 21. A9 22. A10 23. A11 24. A12 25. A13 26. A14 27. A15 28. E (CPU clock) 29. SEL (peripherals invalidation entry) 30. RESET (hard reset) 31. NMI (non-maskable CPU interrupts) 32. +5v (300mA) 33. GND 34. GND Joystick (db9 on the Alice Joystick extension): 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1. Up 2. Down 3. Left 4. Right 5. Not used 6. Fire 7. Not used 8. Ground 9. Not used ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 12.5) What are the power requirements for my Alice components? The Alice 4k, 32 and 90 need: 10v - 1,3A power supplies. ----------------------------------------------------- Subject 12.6] Where can I find Alice computers schematics? I will soon put them online. ----------------------------------------------------- Acknowledgements of thanks: Olivier and Thierry : http://www.old-computers.com Fabrice: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/mpc.fab/index.htm Silicium: http://www.silicium.org Simon South: http://www.geocities.com/simonsouth/mc10/index.html Fabien: http://system.cfg.free.fr Eric Voirin: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/eric-camille.voirin/Alice90/