Hamsoft for Vic20 Manual *PICS*
Moderator: Moderators
Thanks for posting this
I had read of the Kantronics interface in the book - The Commodore Ham's Companion.
However I have never seen one.
I bought a Microlog Air-1 cartridge a few weeks ago.

I had read of the Kantronics interface in the book - The Commodore Ham's Companion.
However I have never seen one.
I bought a Microlog Air-1 cartridge a few weeks ago.

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- Vic 20 Drifter
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Sun May 23, 2004 10:23 pm
- Website: http://www.jagmod.com
- Location: Texas
I have the complete instruction binder for the VIC-20 version of Hamtext, if that is what you are looking for. Kantronics is still in business, and so, I don't know if it would be appropriate to post a PDF of their manual. (I'd have to call them up to ask permission.)JagMod wrote:I have this hamsoft cart and would like to know how to use it.
Otherwise, I can write out some basic instructions from the binder when I get home. Then I'll post those instructions here.
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
July 24-25 CommVEx v6 2010 - http://www.commodore.ca/forum
and click on ComVEX
p. 3, VIC-20 Hamtext Operator's Manual, Kantronics, Inc., c. 1983 --
GROUNDING
The VIC20 and your transceiver were not designed to be connected together. The Kantronics Interface will do the job, but unless grounding precautions are taken, the results can be damaging to the computer, the program board, or television.
Simply grounding each of the components may not insure against damage. ALL PARTS OF THE SYSTEM MUST BE CONNECTED TO A COMMON GROUND.
(snip)
p. 4 --
INSTALLATION
Installation of the Hamtext program is a simple three step process.
First, remove the cable that is included with the Hamtext package, and connect it to the computer and Kantronics Interface. Insert the cable into the Interface with the exposed wire side face up. See diagram.
Then connect the cable to the game port of the VIC-20. See diagram.
Second, with the VIC-20 power OFF, insert the program board into the expansion port of the computer.
(snip)
INITIAL OPERATION
First, turn on the power of the VIC-20. Your screen should look like this:
p. 6 --
Since the program is accessible from BASIC you will need to type in the following command to initialize the program.
SYS 40960
(snip)
The menu gives you five choices. Each of the first three choices will give you a Transmit/Receive mode, either Morse code, Radioteletype, or ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange).
The fourth choice, PROGRAM OPTIONS, gives a menu of options that affect operation of the program. The fifth choice, TRANSMIT/RECEIVE OPTIONS, gives a menu of options that affect the transmission and reception of signals.
(snip)
GROUNDING
The VIC20 and your transceiver were not designed to be connected together. The Kantronics Interface will do the job, but unless grounding precautions are taken, the results can be damaging to the computer, the program board, or television.
Simply grounding each of the components may not insure against damage. ALL PARTS OF THE SYSTEM MUST BE CONNECTED TO A COMMON GROUND.
(snip)
p. 4 --
INSTALLATION
Installation of the Hamtext program is a simple three step process.
First, remove the cable that is included with the Hamtext package, and connect it to the computer and Kantronics Interface. Insert the cable into the Interface with the exposed wire side face up. See diagram.
Then connect the cable to the game port of the VIC-20. See diagram.
Second, with the VIC-20 power OFF, insert the program board into the expansion port of the computer.
(snip)
INITIAL OPERATION
First, turn on the power of the VIC-20. Your screen should look like this:
p. 6 --
Since the program is accessible from BASIC you will need to type in the following command to initialize the program.
SYS 40960
(snip)
The menu gives you five choices. Each of the first three choices will give you a Transmit/Receive mode, either Morse code, Radioteletype, or ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange).
The fourth choice, PROGRAM OPTIONS, gives a menu of options that affect operation of the program. The fifth choice, TRANSMIT/RECEIVE OPTIONS, gives a menu of options that affect the transmission and reception of signals.
(snip)
-
- Vic 20 Drifter
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Sun May 23, 2004 10:23 pm
- Website: http://www.jagmod.com
- Location: Texas
-
- Vic 20 Amateur
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Tue Sep 14, 2021 10:58 pm
- Location: Melbourne, Flor
- Occupation: Computer Technician
Re: Hamsoft for Vic20 Manual *PICS*
Kantronics VIC-20 Manuals Needed...
***Looking for the HamSoft Manual for the VIC-20. I have the cartridge, but with no manual.
Also looking for the HamTEXT and "The Interface" Manual also if at all possible. Other computer variants of the same manual are completely different, so you need the specific VIC-20 Manuals..
Any Help is Appreciated. None of these Kantronics VIC-20 Manuals are on the web/internet anywhere to be found. When found, they should be uploaded to archive dot org... There are no copyright issues because they are over 40 years old, and other Kantronics manuals are posted all over the web. Also, Kantronics themselves no longer have the manuals (lost over time), so they have no problems with them being posted to the web/internet or uploaded to archive dot org as I have actually spoken with Kantronics recently over the subject of these old manuals.
Mr. Bernardo???....lol...
Much Thanks, Tony K.
Commodore Collector/Restorer
Melbourne, FL.
***Looking for the HamSoft Manual for the VIC-20. I have the cartridge, but with no manual.

Also looking for the HamTEXT and "The Interface" Manual also if at all possible. Other computer variants of the same manual are completely different, so you need the specific VIC-20 Manuals..
Any Help is Appreciated. None of these Kantronics VIC-20 Manuals are on the web/internet anywhere to be found. When found, they should be uploaded to archive dot org... There are no copyright issues because they are over 40 years old, and other Kantronics manuals are posted all over the web. Also, Kantronics themselves no longer have the manuals (lost over time), so they have no problems with them being posted to the web/internet or uploaded to archive dot org as I have actually spoken with Kantronics recently over the subject of these old manuals.
Mr. Bernardo???....lol...

Much Thanks, Tony K.
Commodore Collector/Restorer
Melbourne, FL.
Re: Hamsoft for Vic20 Manual *PICS*
Thanks for the reminder! I can look for those in a few days.
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group - http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network - http://www.portcommodore.com/sccan
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group - http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network - http://www.portcommodore.com/sccan
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- Vic 20 Amateur
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Tue Sep 14, 2021 10:58 pm
- Location: Melbourne, Flor
- Occupation: Computer Technician
Re: Hamsoft for Vic20 Manual *PICS*
Thanks Robert, You are a Superstar. We "East Coasters" never forget our West Coast Counterparts when they need help!
We pay it forward in life..
Again, Much Thanks, Tony K.
Commodore Collector/Restorer
Melbourne, FL.
We pay it forward in life..

Again, Much Thanks, Tony K.
Commodore Collector/Restorer
Melbourne, FL.