UTILITY UNIT FROM CAMEL

The new ROM SP from Camel Products is a utility device which allows Spectrum users to retrieve programs stored in EPROMs. Up to 16K of EPROM can be used and there is the option of either having the program load on power up or by pressing a pushbutton.

The ROM SP can be used on both Spectrums but the Camel companion EPROM programmer, the PROMER-SP, would be difficult to use on the 16K machine because of lack of memory.

The unit is housed in a custom-designed ABS case and has a flexible connector to the Spectrum user port; on the rear is an extender card for other add-ons. On the top of the case there is a LED, which lights when a program is being transferred and a push switch.

The unit worked well, the only difficulty being when used on an issue 1 Spectrum.

For the dedicated EPROM user the unit is essential. Details of the Camel PROMER-SP were not available at the time of writing but a program is apparently provided to allow only essential data to be stored - Basic and/or machine code - to optimise space on the EPROM.

The ROM SP costs £29.95, as does the PROMERSP, both plus VAT. EPROM erasers are also available from £18.95 plus VAT, all inclusive of p&p. Camel Products is at 1 Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1UY. Tel: 0223-314814.

HARDWARE WORLD

With ever-increasing amounts of peripherals available for Sinclair computers, users are finding it more and more difficult to know what to buy. We present a buyer's guide to joysticks, keyboard and printers and review the best of the rest from the 1984 add-on market.

The last year has brought about a vast change in the sort of add-ons available for the Sinclair machines. Many are technically brilliant while some would have made Heath Robinson blush. There are few add-ons still being produced for the ZX81, with even fewer new ones, but there has been an avalanche of Spectrum designs, and the start of what promises to be an interesting range for the QL.

The most popular areas of interest - printers, joysticks and keyboards - are dealt with in separate sections but there have been some very innovative designs produced in other areas.

SOFTWARE PROTECTION

Two notable utility devices have appeared this year. The first of those, the ROM SP from Camel Products allows you to retrieve programs stored in your own EPROMs. Up to 16K of EPROM can be used and there is the option of either having the program load on power up or by pressing a push button. Camel also produces the PROMER-SP which allows you to SAVE programs and data into an EPROM.

The second device is the Software Protection Unit from Microbyte, designed to stop the computer crashing in the event of either mains noise or a power failure.

The Spectrum power supply is plugged into the unit and a lead is then plugged into the power socket of the Spectrum. Inside the unit are six 'AA' type rechargeable batteries and, if there is a power failure, the batteries take over to keep the Spectrum working. In normal use the batteries are kept topped up and should last for up to 15 minutes in the event of a power failure. That will give you time to save the program if you have a battery powered cassette player to hand. The unit also contains a small circuit to cut mains interference. ZX-81 versions are available.

Software Protection Unit, £13.95 inc. from Microbyte, 19 Worcester Close. Lichfield, Staffordshire.

ROM SP, PROMER-SP, both priced £29.95 exclusive of VAT, from Carmel Products, 1 Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1UY. Tel: (0223) 314814. EPROM erases also available from £18.95 plus VAT.