🚀 go-pugleaf

 SOme people have asked me to post the details of a clock chip I mentioned
a while ago.
 While there are many clock chips available, some in hard drives and some
easier to use, I believe this is the cheapest method anywhere.

 The chip upgrade is detailed in ST X-Press magazine, April 1988. It is 
relatively simple.

 The chip itself is a Dallas Semiconductor DS1216E Smartwatch. It is important
to get the one with the E postfix for it is the only one that will fit the
ST.

 Once you have obtailed this chip (DS address at bottom), you open the case
of your 520 or 1040, remove the rf shield, pull out the chip marked U2, put
in the DS chip, and put in the U2 chip back on top of the DS chip.
That's it for the hardware. However, it's a little tricky on a 1040, since it
is directly below the power supply. You will have to cut a hole on the mounting
bracket, but it is a simple operation. Make sure you put eletrical tape on the
top of the chip so it won't come into contact with the shield or the power
supply.

You need to have software in order to boot up the chip and set the time. It is
public domain (I got it off the disk that came with the magazine). This has to
be in the auto folder on the disk you boot up with. This is no problem if you
have a hard drive, but can be a pain if you're operating on floppies. I just
put the program on the program disks where time/date stamping is important. 

Please remember that opening your computer will void your warranty, and while
this chip installation is very simple, I can't take any responsibility
for any mishaps that anyone might experience.

As for the chip, possible resources might be your local electronics store
or even (heven forbid) Radio Shack. If you're stuck,  call 

 Dallas Semiconductor  (214) 450-0400 (Sorry, no address available).

Prices range wildly from $15 to $40, so look carefully for the cheapest source.

Dallas Semiconductor provides software for the IBM (Use it with PC Ditto).

For the Atari software, contact:

St Xpress
P.O. Box 2383
La Habra, CA 90632
(213) 691-8000

Or reply to this posting and I will see if I can send it to you (I'm sure that
the software can be distributed legally).

 Happy Hacking!

                                                    Derrick

 

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An artsie and an Engineer once sat, 'twix them a gallon can;
Said the artsie, "Match me drink for drink, let's see who's the better man."
They drank three quaffs, the artsie collapsed with a face turning green,
But the Engineer drank on and with a sneer said, "It's only gasoline!"
 
 Derrick Williams                  Rochester Institute of Technology
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