Classic Computer Magazine Archive ANTIC VOL. 7, NO. 10 / FEBRUARY 1989

DISK BONUS

MANDALA MOVIES

Kaleidoscope Construction Set.

By Mike McFarlane

Mandala Movies, this month's Super Disk Bonus, is an addictively creative kaleidoscope construction set. Using simple keyboard and joystick commands, you can effortlessly create an infinite number of fascinating designs that flow hypnotically in ever varying patterns.

The fascinated Antic editorial staff had a great time testing the possibilities of Mandala Movies setting kaliedoscope patterns flowing across the monitors at unoccupied workstations for hours at a time. One Antic art department staffer was enthusiastic about using the vivid colors and striking patterns of Mandala Movies to design quilts or embroidery patterns. You can't save or print designs, but you can freeze the screen image and photograph it.

Mandala Movies is programmed entirely in speedy (but hard-to-type) machine language. Author Mike McFarlane did an excellent job with this highly artistic program. But, for reasons that would take too long to explain here, unfortunately Antic does not have McFarlanes's current address. We believe he lives in the Eugene, Oregon area and we'd love to hear from him, or from anyone who knows where to find him, so we can send Mike's author fee.

USING THE PROGRAM

Use Dos command O to copy the MANDALA.EXE file to another disk that includes the DOS.SYS file. Don't attempt to run Mandala Movies directly from the monthly Antic Disk. Use DOS command E to rename MANDALA.EXE to AUTORUN.SYS. Turn off your computer and remove all cartridges. Place the disk in drive 1. If you're using an XL or XE, hold down the [OPTION] key while you run on your computer. Mandala Movies will load and run automatically.

After a short demonstration run, you can start experimenting with Mandala Movies. Follow the onscreen prompts for instructions. With just a few keystrokes and a nudge of the joystick you can produce striking kaleidoscope patterns that will amaze your friends.

Mandala Movies operates in GTIA mode 10, letting you work with eight colors in your design, plus one color for the background. In Color Selection mode you can adjust the colors to your liking, and even watch your current pattern change while you experiment with new colors. After you have an image you like, you can start it scrolling across the screen in several pattems for an entertaining visual display.

Your February 1989 Antic Disk -- featuring Mandala Movies as well as every type-in program from this issue--will be shipped to you within 24 hours after receiving your order. Just phone Toll-Free to the Antic Disk Desk at (800) 234-7001. The monthly disk is only $5.95 (plus 12 for shipping and handling) on your Visa or MasterCard. Or mail a $5.95 check (plus $2 shipping and handling) to Antic Disk Desk, 544 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 34107.

Programmers: Antic wants to see your most ambitious programs, even those too large or complex for printing as a type-in listing. High-quality programs in any language that has a runtime version are now eligible for consideration as a Super Disk Bonus.

Executable: MANDALA.EXE Download

Listing: MANDALA.DOC Download / View