Fletch Posted May 30, 2003 Share Posted May 30, 2003 I'm writing a simple database program in Atari Basic for my work. Ideally I would like to be able to use an Atari Light Pen to navigate the menus I have created to access the data. My problem is finding the commands in basic that allow me access to the light pen information. I assume I need to open a channel for the screen, but after that I'm not sure how to input the information from the Pen. Any input is appreciated. Thanks! Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curt Vendel Posted May 30, 2003 Share Posted May 30, 2003 I believe De Re Atari (over at atariarchives.org) should have some information on Lightpen Horizontal/Vertical locations and you should find some information to do what you want. Curt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Lange Posted May 30, 2003 Share Posted May 30, 2003 Where in god's name do you work where you are able to write database software in Atari BASIC for a 24 year old computer? Space Shuttle Systems at NASA? WRL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Lange Posted May 30, 2003 Share Posted May 30, 2003 A light pen can be quite simply plugged into controller port 0, as if it were a paddle or joystick. It can be read straightforwardly with the statements PEEK(564) and PEEK(565). And that is all there is to it. That is, from an engineering point of view, you understand. Read this article - http://www.atarimagazines.com/creative/v9n...tpost_Atari.php WRL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fletch Posted May 30, 2003 Author Share Posted May 30, 2003 Thanks for the tips fellows. As for why I'm writing this program is pretty simple. I work in a light manufacturing environment that tends to get very greasy and dusty. The company I work for is very small and cost is always an issue. I can buy whole 8-bit systems for less than $100 and they just work. The fanless operation helps in the harsh environment and since the data being retrieved is pretty simple speed is not an issue. On the other hand, I have never been that great at programming. I admin a network of Mac/PCs, but networking and programming don't always mix. I was always fairly decent at simple Atari Basic programming so thats what I use when I can. The owner is happy because he doesn't need to spend big bucks on consultants and hardware and I'm happy because I get paid to screw around with my life long hobby. So, I wish my story was something cool like Nasa, but alas its just pretty boring. Thanks again for the info! Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avram Posted May 30, 2003 Share Posted May 30, 2003 I think that the fact that an Atari is being used in a commerical environment is pretty damn cool. Nice one, Fletch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fletch Posted June 6, 2003 Author Share Posted June 6, 2003 Just wanted to thank you guys for the tips on the light pen. I have finished my database and with the light pen the users can just point and press their way through the appropriate screens to retrieve the data they need. I guess touch screen has replaced the need for the pen, but this is one nifty little device. It seems a shame that Atari never really demonstrated the possible uses of the Light Pen. The software that comes with the Light Pen for drawing is pretty slick as well. For anyone who doesn't own one, I'd recommend picking one up. The Pens are only $20 new in box from B&C. Thanks again! Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Lange Posted June 6, 2003 Share Posted June 6, 2003 Send us screen shots/or pictures of the system at work! WRL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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