Atari XL manual Customising the Keyboard, Keyboard Table, KEY n,n

Page 57

The Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual

8.6 CUSTOMISING THE KEYBOARD

LW allows you to customise the keyboard in two ways: by using macros, and by using a custom keyboard layout (in the LW.SYS file). Redefining the keyboard using the macro is the best way to reassign keystrokes, while a keyboard definition file allows you to totally remap the keyboard (to create a DVORAK layout, for example).

8.6.1THE KEYBOARD TABLE

First, let’s look at the KEY statement, which should appear in the LW.SYS file.

The keyboard customisation contains lines of the form:

KEY n,n

The KEY statement takes two numeric arguments. The first number is an index to the hardware scan code table. The scan code table is 256 bytes long, and is divided into four groups of 64 bytes. The first 64 bytes represent normal keys (without Shift or Control), the next 64 bytes are the Shifted characters, and the next 64 bytes are Control characters. The final 64 bytes represent keys pressed while both Shift and Control are held down together (<Shift+Ctrl> keys in this manual). LW’s keyboard table is exactly like the table contained in the Atari’s operating system ROM, except for the Shift and Control block (the Atari OS’s keyboard table is only 192 bytes long).

The table on the following page shows the entire default key mapping of LW. The keys are shown in the left column, and the grey columns represent the code offsets for the normal, shifted, control and Shift+Ctrl characters.

8-57

Page 56 Page 58
Image 57
Page 56 Page 58
Contents Last Word Contents Configuring LW for Your Printer Configuring LWMacros Print Formatting Commands LW Command SummaryDOS Packages and LW Programmers Technical NotesOverview of the Last Word IntroductionAbout the Manual Starting LWLoading LW from Spartados Edit Screen Basic OperationLW LETTER.TXT SHIFT+CTRL+WLast Word 3.0 Reference Manual Saving and Loading Text Text BanksSHIFT+CTRL+? Filename exists Overwrite / ?Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual File Selector Basic ConfigurationCTRL+X Leaving the ProgramEditor Commands Cursor MovementText Entry Modes Delete ord, ine, entence, aragraph? Inserting and Deleting TextMoving and Copying with Text Blocks Hange, ll, To nd, kip? Finding and Replacing TextSearching with Wildcards FindTH SFind Change to Edited Text Indicator Additional Editor FeaturesCounting Words TabulationBookmarks Text and Document ModesCTRL+B User Options Editing Multiple FilesWildcards Y LoadREPORT.DOC/C Handling Large Files2DTHESIS.TXT2 Save AsDREPORT.DOC/ADisk Operations from the Editor Disk OperationsDisk Menu CTRL+JPec IewOpy Ock OrmatVail Subdirectory Features Additional CommandsCTRL+H SHIFT+CTRL+ DownPrinting with LW Editor Print CommandsPreviewing Text Keeping Track of PaginationStage 1 Commands Embedded CommandsL20Return L20r60helloReturnLast Word 3.0 Reference Manual Set the left margin. The default is Left header/footer margin, default 10. This works like Stage 2 Commands Creating Hanging Indents Other Print FeaturesInternational Characters SHIFT+CTRL+SPACEConfiguring the Print Formatter Configuring LW for Your Printer Printer DriversCreating a Printer Driver Print Toggles Control StringsInit Code 1,129 International on 27,82,12 International OFF 27,82,0Style 1,27,45,8 Style 2,27,83,2 Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual Loading Macros MacrosAutorun Macros Running MacrosWriting and Editing Macros Special Macro CommandsField. To actually get input from the user, you Must include Oad Ave OadRint Special Characters Disabling the Screen from MacrosEntering Other Commands from Macros Special Macro FontKeyboard Conventions for Macros Creating and Editing Macros Font Set Example MacrosTranspose Characters Last Word 3.0 Reference Manual Configuration Options in the Editor Configuring LWCFG Configuration Files Drive D1 Default DriveConfiguration Using a Supported DOS LW.SYS FileBanks 1,2,3,4 Extpages Reserve Configuration Using Other DOS PackagesBanked on Reserve ExtpagesSearch Path Banks 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12Path D8D1LW Using Multipe Text Buffers Custom FontsKeyboard Buffer Customising the Keyboard Keyboard TableKEY n,n Invalid Remapping Commands Using Macros KEY 10,97KEY 150,3 3 1200 XL Keys Memory Requirements DOS Packages and LWAtari DOS XE MemloSpartados DISK-BASED SpartadosLW files /Mc /Ppath /Q /X LW TEST.DOC /M% /PD1LWSpartados X Lwpath Environment Variable Spartados X Memory ConfigurationsKEY OFF LW.EXE KEY on SET LWPATH=D8D1\LWLast Word 3.0 Reference Manual LW Command Summary Editor CommandsCommand Function Macro Equivalent SHIFT+CTRL W See SET CommandInverse Ctrl W Ctrl YKEY Function Special KeysCommand Function Macro CommandsINV Ctrl INV CTRL+LCommand Function Default Value Print Formatting CommandsUP Arrow Down ArrowRight Arrow Left ArrowAssembly Language ADD-INS Programmers Technical NotesMemory Usage SEC Program DesignWHY LW Came Into Being Development and Testing12-74 12-75 Development Correspondence

XL specifications

The Atari XL series, launched in 1982, represented a significant evolution in home computing, building upon the foundation laid by the Atari 400 and 800 systems. This line of computers included popular models such as the Atari 600XL and 800XL, both of which combined affordability with robust capabilities, making them attractive options for home users, educators, and enthusiasts alike.

One of the standout features of the Atari XL series was its color display capabilities. The systems supported a resolution of 320x192 pixels with a vibrant palette of 128 colors, which enabled rich graphics for games and applications. This was complemented by the system's powerful Antic graphics chip that allowed for advanced video display modes, making the Atari XL series particularly popular for gaming and multimedia applications.

Another key technology driving the Atari XL series was its use of the 6502 processor, which delivered efficient performance and allowed for smooth multitasking. The systems typically came with 64KB of RAM, expandable to 128KB, providing ample memory for running multiple applications simultaneously, a notable feature in comparison to other microcomputers of the time.

The Atari XL series also introduced a new, user-friendly operating system known as Atari DOS. This improved disk management capabilities, making it easier for users to manage files and applications on floppy disks. The systems were equipped with built-in BASIC programming language, enabling users to dive into programming and coding, fostering a generation of hobbyists and developers.

Each model in the Atari XL series came with a distinctive keyboard design, offering both a chic and functional layout. The keyboards were known for their tactile feel, making them suitable for typing and coding over extended periods.

Additionally, the Atari XL computers were compatible with a wide range of peripherals, such as printers, modems, and disk drives, enhancing their versatility. Users could also take advantage of a rich library of software, including educational programs, productivity tools, and an ever-growing selection of games.

The Atari XL series not only boasted solid technology and capabilities but also garnered a devoted community. The systems contributed to a vibrant culture of gaming and computing in the early 1980s, which remains fondly remembered by enthusiasts today. With their combination of innovative technology, user-centric design, and a diverse software library, the Atari XL series played a crucial role in the evolution of home computing.
Top Page Image Contents