Madi

Great Demo. Thank you I ran the demo (A-E) several times without noticing any discrepancies. It runs great on PAL system. When I run it under NTSC, I get all that weird sound and off graphics stuff. (Under Altirra emulator) madi

It works. Use 800 ROM (A or B) in Altirra, or use "The translator" if you have XL/XE computer. BASIC Must be disabled. From DOS menu use ( M. RUN AT ADDRESS) = 9C00 It is a version 4.0, same as in the link that you posted (But for the older 400/800 computer).. LINK "SynAssembler © SYNAPSE SOFTWARE adapted by Steve Hales from the S-C Assembler II Ver/4.0" madi

While I was maintaining the few disks I had, I noticed that one disk had a memory dump (verbatim sequential type of sectors) from sectors 400 to 525 (not a file link sector type). The sectors contain some Arabic words I did not see before. I used OMNIMON XL to read from that disk, then used DOS K option to write them back to disk as a file I was surprised to see yet another version of NAJM "Arabic BASIC". I never recall having it before (and still do not know how I got it although OMNIMON had part in that obviously ). I translated the Arabic text that appears when the cartridge (ROM) is started. There are few new info. The Cartridge was developed in 1987 by NAJM team at KHOBAR, which is a city in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The cartridge differ than the ABOS version in that it has its own screen colors. The rest look the same although, the code is modified a lot. The memory area from $834D to $83E4 is empty. I think it was used by ABOS version to set initial memory variables such as memory high and low and the cartridge run address. I believe that ABOS version was initially developed as a cartridge-disk type file to allow booting from the disk. Then, it was burned into cartridges withouh removing the memory protection code.. The above image is a summery of major differences between these version and the official initial built-in ROM version found in the Atari 800XE (NAJM). The first NAJM-OS ROM differs from the later ROM in 2 major functions/Options: 1- It lacks the screen flipping mode (READY appears on the right side) when CONTROL-CAPS are pressed 2- Also, pressing SHIFT-HELP doesn't turn screen to full ATARI character set. This version "along with ABOS version" have the following character behavior: 1- The Arabic Character set still in the area $9C00 (POKE 756,156) 2- The standard Character set obtainable by (POKE 756,224) . Only cursor movement is changed when typing the lower and control characters. 3- Also, the International Character set is available via (POKE 756,204). This post will conclude my input regarding the ATARI "ARABIC NAJM OS". I hope that I shed some info regarding the NAJM OS development stages. NAJM 1987 (KHOBAR).ROM

There is a nice tutorial in Altirra's HELP on debugging BASIC programs, Just open help in Alttirra and search for on "BASIC" or "Debugging BASIC programs" This Help section discusses BASIC Table Locations and how to Recover Damaged or protected basic programs. madi

Logic Level Converters such as THIS ONE will do the voltage conversion easily. Also, may use a simple MOSFET circuit for the same purpose .. see HERE madi

Voyage of Sinbad It is an Arabic educational cartridge about geography of some Arabic countries. It provides general information such as: Boundaries – Location – Important Cities – Population – Independence and Industry. I wonder how did they manage to sell such a crab. I can stand a lot of noise, but not this rubbish "music" and sounds that this software is infected with . May be emkay or analmux can alter the imbedded music.. (no way ) Warning: Cover your ears if you choose to run this ??? SINBAD.zip

Hi Philsan As I mentioned earlier, Atari products were sold in Saudi Arabia solely by aDawliah CO. in there shops at major cities. I was thinking to visit aDawliah in Jeddah (400 km away from my city) to ask for any left Atari products, but it looks that they are now selling music related instruments. Anyhow, I will visit them within one month, and I hope someone can provide me with the needed info (or refer me to someone who will). madi

I used to have "The Book With Software" from Gardner Computing. I searched the net for it without success. Appreciate it if any one can post the image disk here. madi

What a great news. Can't wait..

Hey Caterpiggle ; I don't see any special thins needed to run the OS or the BAS program. Just be sure that BASIC is UNCHECKED in the SYSTEM --> Firmware Don,t run any start with any OS other than the 600XL/800XL. To make it easier, I put the NAJM.OS and ARBWRITE.BAS in an .ATR image disk (attached) Boot from the disk image to dos (no basic). and load the NAJM,OS with "L" option The loaded file will enable BASIC type RUN "D:ARBWRITE.BAS" and you are on Note: Don't load the BASIC file. Just RUN it because it is protected. madi NAJM.atr

Thank you Kr0tki for your valuable input. I am sure the printer font "drivers" subroutines were dumped from the ARABIC OS cartridge, because I had no access to any other sources at that time. Please see the above post I made earlier. The only explanation to your valid input is that, the ARABIC OS cartridge was not an ordinary 16K one. It might had utilized some sort of data banking. This may explain the fact that the Basic word editor was salvaged form the same cartridge. I can think of that I may have used OMNIMON XL (I used to have) to copy the all ram area when that cartridge was inserted and then rearrange it. But not sure. madi

Tank you Philsan for your kind participation Yes I am an Arabic speaking fellow who lives in Saudi Arabia, Unfortunately, Information on Atari in the Arabic word is a scarce. When I finished my studies in Wisconsin, Madison and went back to Saudi Arabia in 1984, aDawliyah Co. was the only Atari dealer in S.A. I visited the store in 1985 in Jeddah city, and only 800XL computer along with the unmodified computer line were there. Later, at the end of 1986 (end of), I purchased the Atari Arabic cartridge to convert my 800XL into Arabic. This cartridge was the only Atari product I purchased form aDawliah. Some time in 19899 I visited the aDawliah again and I copied some cartridges using CARTCLONE (I will post them here later). I never had the OS ROM descried by savetz. which has the the CONTROL-CAPS function (puts READY on the right of the screen instead of the normal left) or the SHIFT-HELP (to sheft Character set). Anyhow, ATARI was ill received in the Arabic world, because the home computer business was dominated by "SAKHR" and its clones which were found every where especially in schools (same story as Apple in USA). For more information on Sakhr in the Arabic countries, please press HERE and HERE. As a summery, you are really luck to acquire such really rare product (Arabic 65XE computer) No one really know of how many Atari computers were sold in Saudi Arabia. I can assure you you that it had a short live before it went to demise. madi

When human get aged, there BrainDisk tend to be “gradually” full of bad sector, fuzzy sectors and double sectors along with many other types of Brain data transfer errors. Maybe, my brain is currently suffering from double sectors symptoms. After a second thinking, I remembered that “NAJM OS” cartridge was hiding something. The presence of all those printer “Drivers” must means some thing. So, I went back and had a deep look at the few disk that were saved from the apocalypse of my Atari collection. I found a “Protected” basic file, I got a garbled screen when I ran it. Wait , garbled screen and protected basic file meant only one thing to me.. It must be an Arabic basic file. I started Altirra with the ARABIAN.ROM enabled and ran the program. It was clear to me that file was an Arabic “Word Editor” but with abnormal letter arrangement .I immediately loaded the NAJM.OS file and reran the file…. Waaaw… the second pass on that double sector was essential Now, I remembered that the NAJM.OS cartridge dumps a basic program in mummery upon initiation and this word editor program was just part of that cartridge. Thus the printer font data issue is now solved. The following are some translated picture of the BASIC “Word Editor”. Also, the basic program is attached in its original form “protected”. madi ARBICBAS.zip

Thank you JAC! for the clarification and kind input. I believe you are right about the font data that is coded for the dot matrix printers. As a matter of fact I had a look today at a cartridge dump file called "NAJM Word Processor" (never had the original software though). I found the same font data for some different dot matrix printers. This proves that the developers tried to localize some of the dot matrix printers to enable Arabic printing. The first picture is the start up screen for the word processor. I tried to translate the wordings for any one who might get curios. The second picture is the main screen. The name of the software (NAJM=STAR) and with the publisher name (aDawliah) were listed on top along with year (1989). If I am not mistaken, this word processor is the same software cartridge as in the following photo. Also, The NAJM word processor is attached madi NAJMWORD.zip

Your best pick is OMNIMON XL Have a look at a nice discussion on Stand alone monitors .. LINK madi

I wish her a fast recovery and to get better soon. Just have faith. You don't need to be religious to have that strong good feeling inside your heart. Things will go right. madi

I am sure that the cartridge was not available till late 1986. I remember, in 1985, aDawliah was selling XL/XE without the Arabic modification to the OS. I also remember this article "COMPUTE! ISSUE 67 / DECEMBER 1985 / PAGE 10 ,Arabian Atari?" where I was also looking for a way to make Arabic viewing possible. I looked at the data in the $9000 area, it looks as if it is a code to dump a logo or "Picture" on screen. The cartridge is not made as one program. May be it is merely an "assembly" of several subroutines. From the size of the cartridge point of view (more than 8K other than the 8K for basic), it does not do that much of functions. I made a basic program which writes from right to left and adjusts the letter ending (auto completion) in less than 1K. So no need for that much code. Unfortunately, my knowledge in assembly is ranked at Novice level, but I think the extra code could be related to a picture or to a mini world processor. Need someone to hack the code to clarify it. madi

Until now, it is thought that there are only 2 versions of ARABIC ROM (NAJM) that were available. Actually, there is one more operating NAJM Arabic system (sort of) available as a Cartridge. It was produced for the XL/XE computers that have the XL/XE ROM as an Arabic prototype ROM way before the Arabic 65XE was moded. I am sure it was the first commercial product that supports Arabic language for Atari. The cartridge resides in $8000 – $BFFF (16K area). Upon initiation, it steals some ram in the area $7B52 to $7FFA for misc routines. The program is loaded from DOS (BASIC disabled), but it will activate its built-in basic after loading. The Arabic characters are located in $9C00. They are mapped in unconventional matter. Some characters that are short such as sheen (SH) ( ( شـ ) and Seen (S) ( سـ ) had some thing like (ـ) as an extender (see picture). I used to have the cartridge, but unfortunately it had gone with wind like most of my ATARI treasure. madi CART2.zip

The code is part of "Space Station Multiplication" educational game as an extra Disk bonus from ANTIC VOL. 9, NO. 2 / JUNE 1990. Also, it is in a disk image can be downloaded from Atari-Mania from HERE madi

You are absolutely correct. There are so many nice people here in Atari-age that devote a huge chunk of their own time just to keep the Atari world alive and no question about that. Sure Mclaneinc , I can not forget your restless efforts to keep this project healthy and straight, as you make a perfect team with starwindz . Sorry for my English. madi

Honestly speaking, you are one of the most effectively active members. We are enjoying your product. Keep it up madi

Words of wisdom.

In my opinion, different shapes of USB is just a matter of taste. But, since the normal USB jack covers the whole plug cable hole, it will have a slight advantage. Let me ask some questions to clear it up for me: Design is important but specifications are crucial for people like me (noobs). Is is it based on FT232R or F3231SX or another micro-controller? New design ? What about transfer speed ? What about the type of drivers. Is there an accompanied software ? Is is it a dual function (10502PC/ISO2PC) or just SIO2PC plug-in device ? What makes it different/unique to other SIO2PC devices that are currently available (not to forget the low coast FT232R based break boards). madi

No idea of what you had written. I couldn't find a meaningful meaning of "DeLorean ". madi